MORE than 100 cub scouts from eight packs across Montgomeryshire gathered for a special celebration in a unique setting.

Celebrating 100 years of Cub Scouting, the children and their leaders travelled on the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway’s steam train before heading for Powis Castle, where they were the first group to be permitted to camp overnight on the castle’s Great Lawn.

Pictures by Phil Blagg / NWN Media

More than 100 children from eight of the old county’s 11 cub packs, from Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Montgomery, Llanfair Caereinion, Guilsfield, Four Crosses and Abermule, rode from Welshpool to Llanfair and back again aboard the narrow gauge steam train.

They were accompanied by representatives of the Severn Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency for talks on fish management and making Japanese fish flags for World Fish Migration Day.

Back in Welshpool they hiked up to Powis Castle for their overnight camp where Explorer Scouts and adult service team members brought the total camping to about 145.

The service team had already delivered the kit and put up as many tents as possible ready for a hog roast, cakes and numerous activities including badge making, frisbee golf, catapult making, 16-a-side football and exploring the castle grounds.

“This was all between dodging the showers. The weather could have been better but it could also have been much worse and seeing things like the full moon lighting up the castle at 3am and sunrise over the castle on Sunday morning made it all worthwhile,” said assistant area commissioner Julie Gilliard.

Gathering near the castle entrance the cubs made their renewal of promise, various awards were made, the birthday cake was cut and served and cubs each received a goodie bag which included a commemorative 100 years of cub scouting badge.

“We would like to express our thanks to the Powis Castle and National Trust staff and to the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway and everyone involved in creating an opportunity and experience that was as much a once in a lifetime event for the adults involved as it was for the children,” said Julie.

“One of the adults said seeing the still of the gardens with the full moon shining on the castle was unforgettable.

“If you would like to contribute to another exciting 100 years of cub scouting, then we always welcome more volunteers to keep our cub packs running even if you can only offer part time help once a month as that means somebody can have a night off who is otherwise there week in and week out,” said Julie.