Portal Pack Cubs Storm the (very wet) Beaches of Normandy !! (see our Photo Gallery ) 16 Cubs and 5 leaders recently attended the annual Pack Camp, this year held at Brassey Green. The theme for the weekend was the D Day Landings. Divided into groups named after the landing beaches, Utah, Omaha Juno & Sword the Cubs had an early challenge of getting their tents up in the pouring rain. Task accomplished all were rewarded with a Hot Dog lunch before setting off for the beaches of Normandy (sorry the woods of Utkinton!) A very wet but enjoyable afternoon was spent building shelters and storming beaches to retrieve “bombs” (Apologies to parents for what must have been some very dirty washing!) On return to camp, time was spent drying out and preparing for “Tarporley’s Got Talent whilst tea was prepared. After a feast of pasta and meatballs followed by strawberry cheesecake the show began. The five judges assembled were as harsh as ever (particularly Simon Cowell) with their comments for all performers, however it was difficult to find many faults as a fantastic array of talent was on show. After many heats and a semi final the winners of Tarporley’s Got Talent 2009 were Vortex, a street dance group made up of James MacPhee, Billy (Matthew!) Threlfall, Jamie Hawes and the choreographer Ed Hulse. Fair to say an excellent evening was had by all. Following a not too early night the camp at last enjoyed a few hours of dry weather (the only bonus for being up at 6.45am on a Sunday!). A busy morning of events included a nature trail, a wide game, and a blind trail. The tents were then taken down and packed away, remarkably dry. As the BBQs were lit ready for the Cubs to cook their lunch however the rain returned, undaunted despite everything the burgers and sausages were soon ready for all to enjoy. As the rain continued to fall the afternoon was spent in the dry, each six was challenged to produce a D Day Landing beach with various craft materials. The Cubs produced some excellent models with the overall winners being under the charge of sixer Sam Hawes. The final big event of the weekend was yet to come, the “teddy” competition. All entries were left for the judges to carefully make the big decision (Ark might have stood a chance but there was no entry) as to who would win in 2009. The winner was named as “Billy” rabbit, hard luck to all the other bears. It has to be said that the camp was one of the wettest we have had in a long time but the Cubs were excellent and hopefully despite everything had a great time. | 
The following 5 cubs recently represented Portal Pack at the annual Chester and District Swimming Gala, Jamie Hawes, Thomas Harrop, Lachlan Chavasse, Connor Jones and Sam Hawes.