Longleat Safari Park Day Trip 2005

Each year, during spring, we try to organise a day trip for both packs to somewhere of interest.  This year we went to Longleat Safari Park and opened up our trip to Cubs from our neighbouring pack, 11th Winchester.

The trip was so popular that we needed to take a minibus as well as the 53 seater coach. We took fifty-nine Cubs and eleven adults on Saturday 23rd April 2005, leaving at 8.30.

The journey took about an hour which was quicker than expected. The Coach driver knew a more direct route! This made us a bit early so there was a small wait but it also meant that we were one of the first to enter the safari park.

It was raining when we met at Winchester and it was still raining when we arrived at Longleat. Once we were in the Safari Park, we all alighted the coach for a "toilet break" and the Cubs were sorted into their groups of six. A Quiz sheet was also handed out to each group and, in light of the weather, the cubs were pointed in the right direction to find the answers for the first couple of questions. Later there was a prize for each cub in the group who answered the most questions correctly. 

Then we all got back on the coach (or minibus) to go round the Safari Park. There was a lot of excitement and clicking of cameras as we stopped to view the animals which weren't shy about getting wet. (Note to organiser: Next time we must show Cubs what happens if a flash is used straight into a window!).

By the time the Safari Park tour was complete it was 12:00 and most groups elected to eat there packed lunches before exploring the many other attractions at Longleat. The rain had eased off and we managed to keep reasonably dry for the rest of the afternoon; some Cubs were even seen eating ice cream. There is loads to at Longleat and none of the groups managed to do everything.

To occupy the Cubs during the journey there was a word game.  There were two prizes on each coach; one for the Cub over the age of 9½ and one for the Cub under 9½. 

We met outside one of the gift shops at 16:00 and, after "toilet breaks" and group photographs, we were a little late leaving and therefore a little late (8 minutes) arriving home in Winchester. Despite the weather being less than perfect, the Cubs arrived home tired but happy.

There was still the announcement of the winners of the quiz and the word game to do. The Cubs escorted by Hathi won the prize for the quiz getting 19½ out of 20. Well done guys! Two other groups did very well getting 18 points each. The answers to the quiz are listed below for anybody who can't understand why they didn't win. Cubs from the Vikings and the Celts won the word game on the coach and Cubs from the Celts and the 11th Winchester won the word game on the minibus. The most words were 138 on the coach.

Once again the coach company, Clegg and Brooking, gave a very polite and efficient service.

Once again, the behaviour of the Cubs was very good and the boys were a credit to the Winchester District. Thanks to the leaders and parents from from all the packs for giving their valuable time to ensure a successful trip.

Answers To The Quiz