Following a quiet summer in 2003 (no expedition – we spent time carrying out hut maintenance instead!) the unit became very active in District circles.

Early in September we re-instated, organised and hosted the infamous "Golden Welly Challenge" – lots of silly games à la Jeux sans Frontiers; then eleven of us plus Mr Gallagher’s dog Ralph enjoyed a 21-mile stroll around the Stroud valleys helping to raise funds for the National Meningitis Trust – glorious weather and views; we then teamed up with the girls from Beaufort ESU to crew the District Dragon Boat in the annual races at South Cerney – coming a creditable third place.

Several unit ‘old-boys’ looked in on us during the year. Matt Key gave an interesting talk with superb slides of his part in a geography field research project in Iceland – something to do with glaciers, super-cooled water and Bjørk. Dan ‘Mad-Dog’ Wright’s return from climbing in the Yosemite was celebrated by lighting fires backwoods style and making burnt offerings (sausages on sticks!). Adam Griffiths returned from Manurewa New Zealand with greetings from a kindred VSU. Geoff Coombs brought back tales of his Amazing Amazonian Adventure but refused to tell all about his mosquito bites. Even Rich Holland put in an appearance clutching a jar of Italian marmalade – empty of course!

On the Duke of Edinburgh front, we have four lower sixth members who started their Gold Awards – no mean feat and worthy of many congratulations.

We staged our third School Quiz Night on Friday 21^st November with proceeds from the Quiz Entry going to the BBC’s ‘Children In Need Appeal’. Over £300 was sent off. Chris Gallant's taking on the organisation of the Quiz and Mr Peffer's humorous approach to Quiz Master must be mentioned.

The hut still stands but we shall have to plan for roof/ceiling reparations in the coming year. And then there's that water tap still to install …….

The unit funds are looking far more healthier - we ended the year with a balance of £1203.22 in the kitty. Charities also benefited from our fundraising to the tune of £933.60. A splendid result!

Our efforts in the Cotswold Marathon were well rewarded with several trophies gained - much to the chagrin I feel of the organisers and other units!

The unit made its now customary visit to the wilds of Dartmoor over the February half term break. We met up with Lee Rounce and Adam Griffiths who both provided the instruction qualifications for our climbing and wilderness camping. For the most part the weather was sunny but cold - a pleasant combination to enjoy the wild beauty of Dartmoor. The hospitality at The Plume of Feathers was still warm and cordial - and we gratefully noted the improved washroom and shower facilities! On our wanderings we discovered a few altered paths that deviated from those marked on the map(!) and some very new fences - always check for the latest maps being the moral of that tale!

In July Dan Wright took a small group of prospective members at the Motiva Ropes Centre - interesting challenges involving milk crates and of course ropes.

The school has now become "Camp Oakleaze" with extensive security fencing around the main buildings. After much debate and a certain amount of relocation of sections of the fencing, the hut is now within this 'safe' boundary. With extra keys for the adjacent access gates, tennis courts and front gates, members of the Exec feel like gaolers! One benefit will be that we now have a secluded and fenced off area surrounding the hut that we can call our own. Exactly what will develop here is still being considered.

Our summer expedition was to the far north - Orkney. An excellent and memorable trip that really increased the spirit of friendship and camaraderie within the unit - see the Venture 44 reports and photos for the full saga.