Met here in '55
A fairytale love story set at the home of Scouts, Gilwell Park. 63 years of happiness engraved in the Promise Path.
Enjoy 10% off Promise Path orders until 28 August 2020. We're so close to reaching 1,000 bricks on the path so now’s your chance to engrave your memories for years to come. Find your perfect brick size here.
10% discount this wayOne Friday many years ago, a young man in his early 20s came home after a long day at work. He was exhausted. He sat down but realised he didn’t even have time to sit down. Reunion was the next day and he hadn’t even packed. Slumping deeper into his seat, he thought: ‘No, I’m so tired. I won’t enjoy it. I’m not going to Reunion this year.’
His family, friends and fellow Scouts, however, weren’t taking ‘no’ for an answer. After some persuasion, he packed his bag.
The following day, the young man travelled from North Somerset to Bristol to catch the coach to Gilwell Park. He enjoyed some much-needed sleep, unaware of a young woman sitting just a few rows behind him.
The coach arrived at Gilwell Park. Everyone unloaded their bags and set up their tents. Hundreds of other Scout leaders and volunteers from across the world had already arrived and had begun enjoying the activities and stalls.
As more and more fellow Scouts arrived to Gilwell Park, they couldn’t help but be taken aback by the beauty of the place. The Gilwell Oak stood proud behind the Whitehouse. The sun-kissed fields were gradually filling with tents. And, as evening began to settle, the campfire was lit and everyone gathered around for songs and toasted marshmallows.
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It was a sunny Saturday morning and a young woman, just 20 years old, arrived in Bristol to catch the coach to Gilwell Park. She was so excited for her first Reunion weekend.
The group took their seats on the coach and began their three-hour journey. The young woman was talking to her Scout Leader when she noticed a young man sitting a few rows ahead of her. He was fast asleep. Head bobbing around. Mouth slightly open. Thankfully not snoring. ‘Oh yes, that young man is from another county, don’t tell the others!’ said the Scout Leader with a chuckle.
The young woman arrived at Gilwell Park and set up her tent on the Branchet Field. After a lovely afternoon greeting old friends, making new ones and indulging in the tea party, the young woman made her way to the campfire circle for the evening’s entertainment. It was a fantastic night with everyone singing their favourite campfire songs, dancing, recounting tales and giving speeches. But eventually, it was time for everyone to go back to their tents.
As the young woman left the campfire she bumped into the young man.
'Hello, I'm Colin' said the young man.
'Hi Colin, I'm Rita' said the young woman.
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In September 1955, Colin and Rita met at Gilwell Park Reunion. One simple and fleeting conversation was all it took. The pair were inseparable for the rest of the weekend and on the coach journey home, with Rita by his side, Colin successfully managed to stay awake.
‘I remember the second I met Colin – walking out the campfire circle and we just started talking. And stayed talking. We just clicked. When I got home on Sunday night, my brother saw my big grin and immediately knew I had met somebody.’
In August 1957, Rita and Colin got married. They enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon driving around the south coast of England, ending their tour at Gilwell Park for Reunion. The event has become something of a tradition and a symbol for Colin and Rita who are celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary this year.
Every year, almost without fail, the pair travel from their home in Nailsea to Gilwell Park for Reunion. When their three daughters, Kym, Clare and Tracy, were young they were dropped off at their grandparents for the weekend – they all knew Reunion was Colin and Rita’s weekend!
'I'm so glad I was in Scouts' - Colin
'I don't know what I would have done without it.' - Rita
Colin and Rita wanted to remember and honour that wonderful evening by the campfire with a Promise Path brick.
HAPPY MEMORIES
MET HERE IN '55
COLIN & RITA W
Colin and Rita’s message joins over 900 bricks on the Promise Path. It’s a symbol of what Scouts has meant to them – a lifetime of joy, love and fun together. As we approach the 1,000th brick on the Promise Path, we’re offering anyone with a connection to Scouts or Gilwell Park to enjoy 10% off your order.
Help us reach the 1,000 brick milestone to celebrate Scouts by getting your special memory engraved for Gilwell Park visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Enjoy 10% off brick orders until 28th August 2020. Help us reach the 1,000th brick!
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Every brick has a tale. These Scouts went above and beyond to celebrate their centenary.