The 3rd All-Ireland International Scout Jamboree Ballyfin '93 - The Spirit lives on

1. Introduction from Kiernan Gildea (Camp Chief).
2. The Jamboree Spirit.
3. "The Spirit Lives On".
4. Ballyfin History
5. A map of the site.
6. A bit about the Sub-Camps.
7. Camp activities.
8. Strangford events diary.
9. Troops in subcamp "Strangford".
10. British Scouts/Guides at Ballyfin.
11. List of attendees from Reading Central.
12. What did we get up to?

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Ballyfin '93.....

For over three years now work has been going on behind the scenes. Many staff have planned and laboured to bring this camp alive and create a ten day miracle that is BALLYFIN '93.

It is now up to you!

How can you ensure BALLYFIN '93's success? Go out of your way to be friendly, try for the special Jamboree Award Woggle, try something new, have a laugh!

Jamborees are a real test for Scouting. By coming together, from various traditions, creeds and cultures and by living together in peace and harmony we are a leading light to the rest of society around us.

So, do your best, enjoy yourself and make the Spirit Live On!

KIERNAN GILDEA
Camp Chief

A flame first lit at OLYMPIA in 1920, a flame of friendship and camaradarie amongst Scouts the world over from different nations, cultures and walks of life........

PORTUMNA '85, GOSFORD '89 and now BALLYFIN '93....
A series of Irish Jambourees which bring together Scouts from all over Ireland and the World!

All Scouts Together......
The Spirit Lives On"

The Spirit lives on and we're stronger than ever before,
We're bigger today and tomorrow we're going to be more,
We can't keep it in, got to shout, sing it out in a song,
We're growing all over the World.....
The Spirit Lives On

The Spirit lives on like a big yellow sun watch it shine,
Touching the World and touching the thoughts in our minds,
Shining forever where ever the Spirit is strong,
The third Jamboree, Ballyfin....
The Spirit Lives On

We're proud of the past and it feels like we've only begun,
It only gets better the longer and stronger we run,
With faith at the start and God in our hearts and our song,
Everyone knows when it shows.....
The Spirit Lives On

The first, the second and we're at the third Jamboree,
Bursting with pride as we sing to the mountains and trees,
Together we stand, sharing this land and our song,
The third Jamboree, Ballyfin.....
The Spirit Lives On

Ballyfin House as we see it today was completed between 1891 and 1896 in the Classical style by Sir Charles Coote.

Ballyfin had originally been part of the ancestral lands of the O'Moores before being granted to a Patrick Crosbie, c.1600, by Queen Elizabeth. He built a castle on the estate which was replaced with a mansion by the Pole family who came into possesion of the lands in 1663.

The Patrician Brothers acquired the estate in the late Twenties and founded a college which currently caters for over 500 students. Great credit must go to the Order for the manner in which the House has been restored and maintained as it had been unoccupied and neglected for some years.

Above you can see a map of the site. We were camped in Sub-camp "Strangford". The eight Sub-camps were named as follows:

Cara Conn Corrib Derg

Eske Ouler Strangford Lein (Staff)

A bit about the Sub-Camps.

Cara Subcamp Chief: DOMINIC BYRNE CARA Subcamp has taken its name from Lough Caragh, a lake in Kerry, the southwestern-most County in Ireland. Lough Caragh is situated in the wooded foothills of the 'Magillycuddy Reeks', a mountain range which includes Ireland's highest peak 'Carrauntuohil'. CARA Subcamp is BALLYFIN '93's LONE PATROL Subcamp and appropriately CARA means 'Friend' in the Irish language. Although the Subcamp will consist of 'Lone patrols', they will all join together to make CARA the Friendly Subcamp......a warm welcome awaits all who visit!

Conn Subcamp Chief: BRIAN MEYER Conn takes its name from the largest lake of Northern Mayo in the West of Ireland. The lake is named after Conn of the TUATHA DE DANANN (a mythical ancient Irish people). His father Lir had four children who were turned into swans by a magic spell and were exiled to live on the Atlantic islands off the Mayo coast. The story of the Children of Lir is one of the best known of Irish legends. The 'Craic' (fun) at CONN Subcamp is set to be legendary too!

Corrib Subcamp Chief: FRANK CASSIDY Corrib lake is almost 30 miles long, running from Cong, County Mayo to Galway city in the West of Ireland . It has a mere 145 islands within it, some of which are inhabited. The lake is home to an abundance of mayfly making it a popular destination for trout fishermen. CORRIB Subcamp will be a popular destination for visitors too no doubt, so why not call in during your stay at BALLYFIN '93 (that's if you're not lucky enough to be a 'resident'....!)

Derg Subcamp Chief: DECLAN McCANN Lough Derg is the largest of the lakes on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. The lake stretches from the town of Killaloe all the way northwards to Portumna, which was the site of the '85 Jamboree. DERG is going to be a Subcamp with a capital G (for great!) so see you there!

Eske Subcamp Chief: BARBARA SCOTT Lough Eske is five miles North East of Donegal town in a beautiful setting at the foot of the Bluestack's mountains. At the South West end of the lake is the wooded demesne of lough Eske castle, while on an island on the lake stands the ruin of a O'Donnell castle which figured in the 16th century wars. ESKE Subcamp will have the welcome mat out for everyone, be seeing ya!

Ouler Subcamp Chief: GERRY GLYNN Lough Ouler is a small naturally formed, heart shaped lake on the North East slope of Tonelagee Mountain in the beautiful County of Wicklow on Ireland's East coast. It takes a serious hillwalker to traverse the rugged steep terraine of the surrounding mountains to appreciate this tranquil, remote and unspoiled lake. Unlike its namesake Subcamp OULER is easily accessible to the visitor with a warm welcome to all who call.....

Strangford Subcamp Chief: DERMOTT McCURDY Strangford lough is actually the largest sea inlet in Ireland with no less than 120 islands and some 150 miles of 'coastline'. The narrow sea channel opens out to stretches of calm, sheltered water studded with small islands and surrounded by a soft hilly landscape of 'drumlins', a reminder of Ireland's glacial past Wonder how calm STRANGFORD Subcamp's going to be?!

Lein Subcamp Chief: MYLES O'BRIEN LEIN Subcamp is named after lough Lein, the largest of the Killarney lakes in County Kerry. You may well wonder where all the Activity & Admin. staff disappear to when they've finished running all the activities on and off site, well wonder no more as LEIN is the STAFF Subcamp at BALLYFIN '93! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CAMPING AREA IN LEIN SUBCAMP IS OUT-OF-BOUNDS FOR ALL SCOUTS.

This involved:

Completing the Challange Valley obstacle course.

Participating fully in "UNICEF Day".

Collecting all the Sumbcamps STAMPS in the Subcamp pages of the Jamboree Handbook

Collecting the NAMES & ADDRESSES of at least 10 Scouts from other groups camping at Ballyfin '93 with at least one Scout from abroad, again using the spaces in the booklet.

Completing 8 out of the 14 other ACTIVITES listed and have the Handbook stamped accordingly.

This was in addition to the plethora of other activites being run. The decriptions below are straight out of the Handbook:

Astronomy Space, the final frontier! An activity based in the tower with all three levels of the tower being used for a basic introduction to the universe.

Celtworld A journey back into Celtic history with activities which include Archery, traditional Irish Sports and the creation of BALLYFIN '93's equivalent of the Book of Kells.

Challenge Valley A Challenging Assault course which will test your fitness and endurance. Let's see how muddy you can get!

Mind Maze Slightly more cerebal (if you know what that means you'll do fine in this one!) challenge along the lines of the "Crystal Maze" T.V. show.

Crafts A series of Hand Craft activities with opportunities to try everything from model aircraft construction to tie dying of T-Shirts

Hiking A selection of walks over various trails in scenic Slieve Bloom Mountain range.

No Limits Mad, Wet 'n' Wild Challenges in the style of "It's a Knockout".

Tours A selection of coach tours to places of interest.

Talent Show The Grand Finale of all the Subcamp talent shows.

Oddysey A whole range of thought provoking games, challenges adn craft-activities.

Pioneering Scout engineering skills put to the test in what's got to be the biggest pioneering project ever seen on a Jamboree.

Orienteering A variety of orienteering courses to test your mapping and navigation skills around the Jamboree site (a handy way of getting to know it!)..

Options Various activities including photography, woodwork, baseball, climbing and abseiling.

Powerbase A range of activities which include: 50cc Quad racing, Splatoon, Parascending, Mountain biking and grass Skiing.

Water Activities Activities included are: Canoeing, Rafting, Punting and Swimming. All activities except swimming are on the lake.

Widegame A very, very wide Scouting style widegame, anything can happen!

UNICEF Day An activity similar to that of "Children In Need Day": an opportunity for all campers to raise funds by novel means for UNICEF. The Rights Of The Child UNICEF day will focus on the Declaration adopted by the United Nations in 1959 and summarised as follows..... All children..... Have rights regardless of background. Shall be given the opportunity for physical, mental, moral, spiritual and social development in freedom and dignity. Are entitled to a name and nationality from birth. Have the right to health care, nutrition and housing. Have the right to special treatment and education if disabled in any way. Need love and understanding in a caring and secure home. Are entitled to education and recreation. Shall be among the first to recieve protection and relief. Shall be protected against neglect, cruelty and exploitation. Shall be protected from practices which may foster racial, religious and any other form of discrimination...and shall be brought up in a spirit of peace, understanding, tolerance and friendship among peoples.

Tuesday 27th July	Opening Ceremony
Wednesday 28th July	Celtworld/Water Activities
Thursday 29th July	Orienteering/Widegame
Friday 30th July	Mindmaze/Pioneering
Saturday 31st July	Challenge Valley/Odyssey Religious Services
Sunday 1st August	Sunday Worship/Scouts Own Open Day/UNICEF Day/Concerts Concerts
Monday 2nd August	Hikes/Tours Astronomy
Tuesday 3rd August	Crafts/Options Flame On The Water
Wednesday 4th August	No Limits/Powerbase Talent Show Finals
Thursday 5th August	Closing Ceremony

Troops in subcamp "Strangford".

British Scouts/Guides at Ballyfin.

Cara	Dumfrieshire The Fifers 1st Hayes Guides 259th Sheffield 16th Lewisham
Conn	N.E. England Girl Guides 11th Wallington
Corrib	2nd Quorn
Derg	3rd Tonbridge, Kent
Eske	1st Leith
Strangford	Reading Central 1st Tullibody Wallasey W. Guides Worthing District

List of attendees from Reading Central.

Leaders

District
Dennis Godding

22nd Reading
Ken Tallet, Pauline Croshaw

1st YMCA
Conrad Boyer

72nd Reading
Bob Spokes, Oliver Hunter, Tony Farmer, Doug Prince, Dave Weaver

Patrols

Mighty Mouses
P.L. - Peter Burcham, A.P.L. - Tim Field (Mr. Bean), Stephen Povey (Doom and Gloom), Mark Andrews, Jamie Waters

Gooney Birds
P.L. - Timothy Hancock, A.P.L. - Owen Espley, Nathaniel Fisher (Kevin), Ashley Goddard, James Leeson

They Gave Up
P.L. - Robin Gasiorowski, A.P.L. - Colin Adams (Smiler), Ian Booth (Grandson), Prashant Mistry (Trashcan), Thomas Povey

Sad People
P.L. - Chris "Soya" Foy, A.P.L. - Ben Clarkson (Benji), Michael Dawes (Squinter), Daniel Pawlett, Andrew Stout

Whatever
P.L. - Robert Parsons, A.P.L. - Chris O'Neill (Weatherman), Sarah Povey, Katrina Leeson, David Parsons, Anthony Westwood

The following is the Scouts' own account of the jamboree taken from the Patrol Leader's logs:

Saturday 24th July

Whatever (Robert)

Left 4.30 (Well a bit later). First coach to London (Victoria) - second to Holyhead. Loaded stuff onto ferry, a bit of a mix up with coaches meant that we were delayed. Left at 8.30am. Arrived at Ballyfin at 10.30am on Sunday.

Sunday 25th July

Gooney Birds

We put up the tent and dining shelter, built the Altar Fire, chopped up firewood and roped off the site. We also started building a very big tower.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

After a big cock up with the coaches, we finally got to the camp-site at 10.00am. We set up the tents and built a huge bent tower. We then ate a wonderful stew and went to bed.

Sad People (Soya)

Arrived at 10.00am after loading and unloading the coach 5 times. Set up tent in high winds and sudden showers, started making tower after lunch. Built an Altar Fire 3 feet high.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Arrived at the camp-site. Put up the tent and dining shelter (eventually - as there were a few guy-ropes missing). Then we built our Altar Fire and finally got to bed.

Whatever (Robert)

Pitched tents at different areas - dining shelter, small hike tent for girls. Built chopping area and Altar Fire. By the end of the day we were completely tired through travelling and work. Sleep around 10.30pm or 12.10pm for P.L.s. Ooops! - Started to build tower. First level and lashing.

Monday 26th July

Gooney Birds

We got up and eventually started our fire. Cut up more fire wood and continued with the tower. We cooked our dinner and later the Scouts went to bed apart from the P.L.'s and leaders who played cards till 12.30am.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up and built a giant roaring fire. This was used as a bonfire. We carried on with the "tower". We cooked pork chops and Veggies and then we mucked around. The P.L.'s didn't sleep until 1.00am. Ken cheated at cards all evening.

Sad People (Soya)

Started fire, carried on with tower, made gadgets, slept well.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Started building the camp gadgets and began to look around the site. By now the tower is beginning to take shape. Cut the leader's flagpole in half - not very popular.

Whatever (Robert)

Breakfast then clearing up area then collecting and chopping wood for evening meal. Carried on with tower i.e. putting in crossbeams and ladders. Tidied area, evening meal cooked. Water ran out because of low pressure in the pipes. Washing-up was half done so we had to wait for about 45 mins for tap that was working. Cleared up tents and folded groundsheet back. Bed at 10.30 (12.30 P.L.s).

Tuesday 27the July

Gooney Birds

We got up at 7.30am and eventually got the fire going and managed to cook breakfast on it. We cleared up the campsite and collected and cut up wood before lunch which the leaders prepared. Meanwhile a helicopter landed and blew over a port-a-loo with someone in it! We cooked a very nice dinner and we had an hour free-time.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up at 7.30am and attempted to get a fire going. It was quite strange, we had roaring embers but we couldn't cook our breakfast. After at least 1 hour of hardly any cooking we managed to scrounge a gas cooker and it cooked the brekky in about 2 minutes. Lunch passed and we worked on the tower for the rest of the afternoon. We lit the fire for dinner, suddenly the helicopter blew 6 port-a-loos over for the 2nd time. The fire actually cooked our lovely dinner then we went out "bird searching" and found a campsite almost full of them.

Sad People (Soya)

Got up 7.30am, ate breakfast 11.00am. Lunch at 13.00. Went to opening ceremony - well boring. Made dinner and dossed around, played football. Phoned home, went to bed late.

They Gave Up (Robin)

We got up at 7.30am and about an hour later managed to get the fire going. We then tidied up the tent and dining shelter. Just before lunch a helicopter landed and blew over some port-a-loos (with someone still inside). Went to the opening ceremony. Could not see or hear much so pretty boring. Bed 10.30pm (12.30am P.L.s).

Whatever (Robert)

Made breakfast then sat around for a couple of hours or helped with tower. Helicopters landed and smashed a Port-a-loo with someone in it! Lunch, got ready for opening ceremony - full uniform. Some officials gave speeches and the 10 days of activities had begun. Had a game of basketball with people we don't know! They completely beat us. Bed 10.30, P.L.s 12.30am.

Wednesday 28th July

Gooney Birds

We got woken up at 7.30 by the leaders, attempted to cook breakfast and eventually ate it all except the eggs. We each did our chosen activities - I did swimming. Came back and had lunch. After lunch we all went to "Celt World" and took part in archery, hurling and Gaelic football (beat the Irish in both). We cooked our curried chick eventually as we could not get any heat from the fire. Went and collected troop stamps.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up and got a fire going really fast. Before long it was ready to cook on and the breakfast was cooked. We washed up and I went swimming, we couldn't find the coach. Eventually we found it and went to the swimming pool in Port Laoise. We expected a nice big pool but it ended up being a shack-like house building and the pool was quite empty. The Italians sang all the way there and back and in the pool. We went to "Celt World" and did archery. Celtic Football was a mass bundle and hurling was a mass fight.

Sad People (Soya)

Got up 7.30am-ish started fire - well safe. Cooked breakfast and washed up. Dawsey is a slap and left two plates unwashed so I had to re-boil some water and re-wash the plates. Just got to canoeing in time. The canoes themselves were pretty decent but they didn't give us any spraydecks. Got us playing games. Came back for lunch then went to "Celt World" - well boring, played some dodgy games. Came back and got fire going extremely quickly. Altar Fire collapsed, bur served food quickly. Curry was lovely, Tom didn't eat again - what a slap. Washed up, lit spot light (well enough light) and went to bed.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Got up this morning at 6.45 - went back to bed again. Cooked breakfast quickly and then went off rafting, sank a couple of leader's rafts but then our raft collapsed so we came ashore and had lunch. In the afternoon we went to "Celt World" and tried hurling, archery and Gaelic football. Beat all the Irish despite the fact that we didn't really know the rules. Cooked curry for supper. Went round to a different Sub-Camp for about 1½ hours. Bed 11.30pm.

Whatever (Robert)

We got woken at 7.30am. Had breakfast then you could either go to swimming, rafting, punting or canoeing. I went swimming, arrived back at about 12.30 and had lunch. Went to "Celt World" which is old Irish sports - archery, hurling and Gaelic football. Archery was good but hurling and Gaelic football were just too violent. Bed at around 10.30 and 12.00 for P.L.s.

Thursday 29th July

Gooney Birds

Woke up at 7.30am. Tried to start fire - failed. Cooked breakfast on Peter's fire. Went off to orienteering and got lost. Got back at 2.00pm, ate lunch to try to go to "Wide Games". Eventually got fire going and cooked dinner. Went to bed at about 11 - 11.30pm.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

I went orienteering and wished I hadn't. When we got there I went with Tim and Mr. Weather Man "Shabba!" We got the 1st 7 stamps no sweat but spent 1½ hours on the last one. We ended up coming 2nd and 1½ hours late. I was so knackered I didn't do the afternoon activities and got a blister sawing wood.

Sad People (Soya)

Woke up at 7.30am and made fire. Cooked scrambled egg and then washed up. Went off to "Mind Maze" (crap) came back and went off to "Wide Games".

They Gave Up (Robin)

Woke up 7.30am. Cooked scrambled egg for breakfast, cleared up dining shelter and tent then went off swimming. Swam for about 20 minutes then stayed in the shower for about the same time. Then came back for lunch. In the afternoon we took part in "Wide Games". This basically involved playing lots of games and beating the Italians at all of them. In the evening played basketball against the Italians (and beat them again). Bed 11.00pm.

Whatever (Robert)

Woke up 7.30am. Cooked breakfast and went to either swimming, orienteering or "Mind Maze". I went to orienteering with Tim (Mr. Bean) and did a basic course in about 45 mins. The others took the hardest course and got lost (still came 2nd). In the afternoon we played the Finner "Wide Games" and played Gaelic football, cricket, horse shoe hurling and badminton etc. we beat the Italians at Olympic handball which is basically get a ball into a small goal by throwing it. No bouncing or kicking, all other rules apply. Bed at around 11.00pm for everyone, but some people stayed up until around 11.30pm.

Friday 30th July

Gooney Birds

Got up at 6.50 because we thought it was 7.50! Got fire going eventually and went to pioneering (boring). Came back and ate lunch. Went to "Mind Maze" and then came back, cooked dinner, washed up and went to "It's a Knockout". Came back and ate a doughnut and had a cup of tea, had a P.L.C. and went to bed.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up and got breakfast. Then we went to the "Mind Maze" and I soaked a "Jock" (Scottish) girl. We won the competition and had an extra 15 minutes in the maze. Then we got lunch, had a wash and went to the pioneering. This was quite boring and when it fell apart this just about finished it off. We cooked a lovely stew and went in "It's a Knockout". Then we wrote this.

Sad People (Soya)

Went to "Mind Maze" and won. Played scalextric, did pioneering and played "It's a Knockout".

They Gave Up (Robin)

Got up 7.00am Cooked breakfast then went off to the "Mind Maze". Got completely soaked and covered in mud. Went back to site for lunch. Afternoon - pioneering. We went over to the furthest edge of the campsite to do pioneering. We tried to make a merry-go-round but unfortunately it fell apart when it came to testing. In the evening we played "It's a Knockout" (later I found that we came joint 1st!). Bed 11.45pm after an hour long P.L.C.

Whatever (Robert)

Got up at around 6.50am and cooked breakfast. The fire went beautifully. We went to "Mind Maze" (all of us) and it was really good because the man who was taking us round was really funny and the games were good. After lunch we went to pioneering and tried to build a merry-go-round which collapsed. This was really rubbish. In the evening we had "It's a Knockout" which was like the TV programme i.e. water slides, walls etc. In the evening we had a P.L.C. to organise the rest of the week and other Scouts! Then...BED!

Saturday 31st July

Gooney Birds

Woke up 7.30 and cooked breakfast and ate it and washed up. Then went on "Challenge Valley", came back had a wash. The P.L.s made lunch. When lunch was over we went to "Odyssey". Peter got in to trouble and had to wash all of the monks habits! We had a football match against the Irish and lost 5-0! Every P.L. won £1.00 of Dennis by catching an egg which was dropped of the tower. Had a Patrol shuffle around, cup of tea and cake and went to bed.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up, got breakfast and went off to "Challenge Valley". We got really wet and muddy and the zip slide was the best. Then I got back and had some lunch and a wash.

Sad People (Soya)

No entry in log! (How sad - Oliver)

They Gave Up (Robin)

Got up at 7.30am and fetched wood then cooked breakfast. Went off to the "Challenge Valley" obstacle course. Got completely soaked and covered in mud again but luckily there was a shower waiting for us at the end of the course (even though it was cold and full of Italians). Then the P.L.s made lunch - cheese sandwiches and tomatoes followed by fruit. Then we went over to "Odyssey". This involved doing various activities from stained-glass window making to choral singing. Got back to camp and had a Patrol shuffle around. Bed at 11.30pm.

Whatever (Robert)

Got up at 7.30 cooked breakfast then went to "Challenge Valley" which is an obstacle course involving things like crawling through mud and going down an aerial runway which ends in some dirty water. After the challenge we were completely covered from head to toe in mud. We had to have a cold water shower which was included. After lunch we went to the "Odyssey" base which is like olden times in Ireland as monks and we were called "Brother Robert" and "Sister Sarah" etc. etc. We did choir practice, making things out of leather and glass-staining. Got back to camp and had a Patrol shuffle round because of "difficulties" with certain people. Bed at 11.30. P.S. Dennis tried to get us coated in egg by giving a bet that we couldn't catch an egg from the top of the tower (this was only for P.L.s). Of course we all caught the raw egg and got a punt each. This annoyed Dennis.

Sunday 1st August

Gooney Birds

We got up later than usual and cooked breakfast. Got everything ready for "UNICEF day". We sold badges and popcorn and took people up the tower for 20p. The total amount raised was approx. £300. In the evening we all went to the concert and eventually got back at about 11.30pm.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

Today was "UNICEF day". We set up the stall and the tower was open. I went round and looked at the other stalls. I sold a few badges and helped cook lunch. Then I went to the concert where Owen and I caused a crowd surge. The best band was "Queen" and we all sang along.

Sad People (Soya)

"UNICEF day", sold badges, popcorn and trips up the tower. Went to the concert till 11.30pm and Ollie got well done.

They Gave Up (Robin)

We got up at about 9.00am this morning and set up everything for "UNICEF day". We sold badges and popcorn and there were trips up the tower for 20p. Overall we managed to make about £300. In the evening I went down to the concert. The groups ranged from reasonable to awful although the "Queen" imitators were quite good. Bed 11.30pm.

Whatever (Robert)

Woke up at 8.30am (quite late because it was Sunday). Cooked breakfast then got changed for Scout's Own. This lasted around 25-30 mins. After this we got changed and started "UNICEF day". We did badge selling, popcorn and going up to the top of the tower. Altogether we raised over £300. This finished around about 3 - 4pm. We had dinner and then the concert began, it was basically rubbish and we went back to bed and to sleep at around 11.00pm.

Monday 2nd August

Gooney Birds

We got up at normal time and had breakfast. We had a race to decide who was going to which place. I went to Fota Island (an animal sanctuary), came back at 6.00pm and the fire was going! Cooked dinner, watched some of the talent contest and went to bed at 12.00pm.

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

Today went on a tour to Fota Island and it was quite good, we saw all the animals and tried to go on the train. The journey took 3 hours each way and we spent 2 hours at the park. Came back, cooked and went out.

Sad People (Soya)

We got up and just had cereal for breakfast and went to the Zoo. We spent more time getting there than we actually got at the place. Got stripped in the middle of the field by the other P.L.s.

They Gave Up (Robin)

This morning got up and for once didn't have to cook breakfast! At 10.00am we went down to the coach and eventually left for Dublin Zoo. Got back about 6.00pm and cooked dinner. Watched some of the talent show. Bed 11.45pm.

Whatever (Robert)

Woke at about 7.20am (if I remember right). Didn't cook breakfast because of tours going to Dublin Zoo and Fota Island, which is in Cork. While we went on tours the others went on a day hike. I myself went to Fota Island. The trip going took around 3 hours. By the time we got there we had about 1-2 hours then a 3 hour trip back. We had a look around but the best was the remote control boats on water. Bean (Tim) spent about £1.20. Got back around 6.30pm and had to make dinner. This I really hated because I was tired, hungry and actually (admittedly) was in a touchy mood so I got a bit annoyed with some people. Made chicken breasts and everyone thought they were underdone so I had to do them again! After dinner and washing-up I had to sort out the chopping area and after that.....FREE TIME! This I was pleased about and calmed down. But one problem: no money so I had to sit down and write the log. So bed will be at about 11.00pm.

Tuesday 3rd August

Gooney Birds

Woke up at 7.30am and used Soya's fire because ours would not go, had to clean Soya's frying pan. Went to wood turning - boring. Came back for lunch. Went climbing and abseiling, got names and addresses of new friends and handed in books for Finner Challenge. Cooked dinner on Peter's fire because, once again, ours would not go, had to clean Peter's frying pan. Played tug-of-war with the Irish and won. Went to bed around 11.00pm-ish.

Mighty Mouses

No report!

Sad People (Soya)

Woke up and started the fire. Every one sponged off it. Did wood turning. Did crafts - well crap. Finished book.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Woke up at 7.30am this morning. Tried to get fire going but as our kindling wood looked like a compost heap we had little success. Cooked breakfast on Soya's fire. After breakfast we went to wood turning. This was not particularly interesting because I did not actually get to have a go. In the afternoon we went climbing and abseiling which was excellent (even though we only got one go). Got back and cooked dinner then finished off my Jamboree Award Woggle. Played tug-of-war with Irish. Bed 11.30pm.

Whatever (Robert)

Woke at about 7.40am (late!). Got breakfast then washed up a stove in the leaders tent because of swearing and Michael Dawes. After ran to wood turning class and just made it. This was really boring and we had to watch some man peeling a piece of wood on an electric lathe. Some things were quite interesting but mainly boring. In the afternoon at 3.15pm I went to climbing and abseiling but decided not to do it because of my fingers hurting and one of them was septic. Came back made dinner and went to the shop. When I came back our 'troop' played tug-of-war with the Irish. We won the group one but lost many of the individuals. Bed at around 10.30 - 11.00pm.

Wednesday 4th August

Gooney Birds

Woke up at 7.30am and managed to get our fire going and cooked breakfast. We all went to splatoon, grass skiing, quad bikes, tours or parascending. I went to quad biking. When we all got back we had lunch. In the afternoon we all went to "No Limits". Everybody got wet, Peter hurt his hand, Anthony had to have 5 stitches in his leg and a few other people got hurt. Cooked dinner, Owen and Ashley washed up and we beat the Australians at 40 people over the wall in 4:22 mins and won the yellow T-shirts. Went to bed at about 11.30pm.

Mighty Mouses(Tim Field)

We woke up at 7.30am, cooked breakfast and left Strangford at 9.40am. First activity was "Splatoon", this activity was quite boring as it only lasted about 20 minutes and all it was, was throwing water balloons at each other. In the afternoon we did "No Limits". Virtually everyone got filthy. Peter (P.L.) had an accident, also Anthony got his leg run over by a wheel. We finished off the day at 11.30pm.

Sad People (Soya)

Woke up, cooked breakfast, went to grass skiing - that was very good. Went to "No Limits" and Peter fell and hurt his hand.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Woke up at 7.30 and cooked breakfast. Left early (8.45) to go parascending. Finally left the site an hour later to go to the airfield. We had to wait around for quite a while and we only got to actually parascend for a couple of minutes but it was excellent nevertheless. In the afternoon we went to "No Limits" where I got soaked and covered in mud (again). Bed 11.30pm.

Whatever

Woke at 7.30am. Cooked breakfast, left Strangford at 9.30am. My first activity was grass skiing. You could do parascending, mountain biking, quads and tours or splatoon. Grass skiing was good but couldn't go very far without falling over. Soya was good (no excellent) but he did actually fall over with some excellent falls. In the afternoon I went to "No Limits". There were two teams of 25 persons and they were Red and Blue. I was in Blue and won so I got a "No Limits" badge. End of day at around 11.30pm.

Thursday 5th August

Gooney Birds

Got woken up at 7.00am by Ollie wanting me and Owen to be some of King Neptune's servants. We collected mud, set up his throne etc... Woke everyone from Reading Central and a few others and they were seen by King Neptune. The rest of the day was spent tidying up. At about 1.00pm some went swimming, came back and had missed lunch. Had dinner at about 4.00pm, washed up. Went to the closing ceremony. Got back at about 11.30pm and went to bed at 12.00am

Mighty Mouses(Mark)

7.00am woken up by King Neptune's slaves and got dunked in a whole load of mud. At 9.45am left to go swimming at Port Laoise. Came back at 11.30am and started to prepare lunch. Had lunch at 1.00pm. At 10.00pm went to the closing ceremony. Went to bed at 1.00am

Sad People (Soya)

We went swimming in Port Laoise. Went to the closing ceremony and stayed up with the Irish Scouts next door till well late.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Woken up at 7.30 to the call of "King Neptune" (see Whatever's log). For some reason I was the only P.L. who had to participate in these sadistic activities. Cleaned up and spent rest of morning and afternoon at the campsite. In the evening we went down to the admin. tent for a short award ceremony (most of the awards went to Reading Central). Then on to the closing ceremony which involved an elaborate fireworks display set to classical music. Unfortunately there were a few minor hiccups (like when the music went off half way through) but the basic effect came across quite well. Bed 12.00am.

WhateverWhatever (Robert)

7.00am - woke up and became a servant of King Neptune and had to wake everyone up on Reading Central camp and 'other' places. What happened was that you had to have an audience with King Neptune (Bob) and be thrown in the mud, anointed with oil, have mud of the earth thrown at you and drink the blood of the earth. The rest of the morning was spent tidying areas while some went swimming at Port Laoise. I went with 4 others in the afternoon. Made dinner at 3.30pm and went to closing ceremony at the Strangford Admin. tent and then to the arena for words of thanks and well done's. Then there was a spectacular fire works display with classical music. We all had a candle which we lit and sang "We Are The World". Bed at around 12.00am or later.

Friday 6th August

Gooney Birds

Woke up at 7.00am and layed in bed until 8.00am. When Susan threw 2 billy's of water over me and Owen's sleeping bags we decided it was time to get up. We generally tidied up, took down 2 tents and the Marquee. We also took the fly sheets off and took down the dining shelter. We had our dinner cooked for us. We played a wide game when it got dark. Went to bed at about 11.00pm.

Mighty Mouses

No report! (Not so mighty! - Oliver)

Sad People (Soya)

Woke up at 6.30 just in time to see Susan with a tube of toothpaste and a billy of water. We went round squirting toothpaste on everyone and soaking Owen. I told them I'd get them back. By 4.00pm the whole campsite was empty. A sort of vacancy swept over everyone. Ballyfin is finally over.

They Gave Up (Robin)

Got up late this morning and began to clean up the site. First we took the dining shelter down then the fly sheet and finally the tent. This meant that I had to sleep in Tim's tent with 7 other people! The campsite is now basically empty and we aren't going home for another day! Bed.

WhateverWhatever (Robert)

Started day late because of no activities and because we were all tired and 'knackered'. We awoke at about 8.45am and started to take down the dining shelter and cleaned the area. Then we took down fly-sheets, the marquee and cleared the whole site. Most people felt tired and irritable. Everyone had to leave and now the field is empty apart from us. The friends we had made are gone, but we have their addresses and said our good-byes. It has now hit me that Ballyfin '93 is over. Bed at 10.30 - 11.00pm.

Saturday 7th August

Gooney Birds

We got up at about 8.00am and packed our sleeping bags etc. Some people went shopping and a few others did not want to go and they took down the tents and tidied up the site. For lunch we had chips and sausage or fish. The time now is 4.30pm and we are all packed and ready to go. The coach is coming at 7.00pm. Ballyfin is now over.....

Mighty Mouses (Peter)

We got up in a great big bundle. We ate outside and were told we were going shopping. We went shopping and I bought some presents. Came back and cleared up, had fish 'n' chips in the field. Wrote this and went to carry more kit over to the tree.

Sad People

(Were so sad they couldn't write anything - Oliver)

They Gave Up

(They gave up! - Oliver)

Whatever (Robert)

We got up at about 8.00am and put sleeping bags and spare clothes etc. into our bags. Some went to Port Laoise for some shopping and others stayed to clear up the area. Dennis came back with the LandRover after about 30 mins to take the rest and drop off some people. After taking down tents and clearing the area we had fish and chips (or sausage and chips). This meal was the best meal in two weeks of being here. (You've got to be kidding? - Oliver) I am sitting here writing this and we shall leave in about an hour and a half for Dublin ferry port. Then to Holyhead, to London, to HOME!