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Many exciting, competitive events have been held in the past on the Isle of Man involving 'Letterboxing'. CHIEF SCOUTS VISIT, 1998 1998, saw the then current Chief Scout, (George Purdy) visit the Isle of Man. One of the highlights was his visit to the Bungalow and ascending up part of Snaefell to leave a lasting record of his visit in the form of a special 'Letterbox.' The handstamp marked the date of his visit and George Purdy entered his signature as the first visitor to this letterbox. Whilst there, many Scouts were given the opportunity to meet the Chief Scout, as teams of Scouts centered part of their hike on the location of this letterbox. Arriving in their droves, eager Scouts shook the hand of George Purdy as they added this significant handstamp to their collection of stamps gathered in the previous hours, whilst they themselves walked out on the Northern Hills and Moorland collecting many of the newly laid Letterbox Trail Handstamps. TEN PEAKS The 'Ten Peaks' was perhaps the most successful event, based on a very challenging event hosted in Dartmoor designed for young people called the 'Ten Tors', this event involved teams of young adults aiming to ascend at least 10 Tors within a 2 day time limit, camping out overnight. A group of Manx Scouts hoped to attend the event, but due its popularity, entrants were refined to the local area. That group of Scouts, dissapointed but undeterred created their own event, the 'Ten Peaks.' This was of a similar nature on the Isle of Man, and was first run succesfully in 1998. In the Millenium Year, the 'Ten Peaks' was run on a massive scale with support from the Youth Service, offering the opportunity to compete to not only Scouts, but also Cadets, Youth Clubs & Schools. This event witnessed around 20 teams taking part and all participants gained a medal to mark the memorable occasion. Unfortunately the next year was cancelled in view of Foot & Mouth Precautions, small scale events have been arranged since but the major island-wide success of the 'Manx Ten Peaks' is yet to be resurrected. Though plans are underway for a similar event in the summer of 2008.
Future Letterboxing Events It is intended to once again run the Ten Peaks as an Island based activity for Scouts and Explorers, this event will be run in September 2008. The Letterboxes still act as a key tool, essential in teaching navigation to young (and old!!) Scouts. Several other NEW ideas are being considered involving the Letterboxes, the scope for events has expanded with the recent addition of many new Letterbox locations in the South of the Island. Continue to check back on these pages as ideas develop.... |
© Douglas Explorers, 2005 - 2008