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12th November 2003

Two seasoned tent pitching Scout Leaders from Cornwall made a valiant effort in their attempt to become the World Tent Pitching Champions last Saturday 8th November 2003.

Sean Minister, 33, from Penzance, and Barney Corn, 18, from Camborne, are both District Explorer Scout Leaders with the Penwith Explorer Scout Unit, based in Penzance and part of Penwith & Isles of Scilly District. They took their place in the world finals, staged in the arena at the annual Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show at Earl's Court, London. They beat off allcomers in the UK national heats at Gilwell Reunion last September by pitching their tent in an amazing time of three minutes 23 seconds.

Totally unfazed by their 6 hour journey to London and a mere 3 hours sleep, Sean and Barney took their place on stage as UK champions, pitting their wits against international teams across the world including USA, Australia and New Zealand. The main aim was to erect three different types of tent, not only against the clock, but also having to do battle with simulated wind, rain and snow conditions.

A Sky TV news team, complete with reporter and camera crew was on scene to record the day's events as they unfurled. The team was also there to see the winners being presented with a £1000 cheque towards the camping trip of a lifetime provided by Camping Magazine. Alas, it was not Sean and Barney but our intrepid duo walked off with a couple of hike tents as runners-up.

Sean described the experience as "Great fun to be involved and promoting Scouting in such a positive way". Barney said "We'll be back next year and give it our best shot again".

With that they bade a hasty exit as they needed to prepare themselves for the following day's Remembrance Day Parade Service in Penzance.