Phoenix Explorer Unit's Hot Air Ballooning Fire Drama!

Having been associated with the Crown Group for many years previously, I wanted to return with an Explorer programme which had impact! I remembered as a "green" Scout many years ago making hot air balloons, so that was my plan; which after all was just harmless fun...

So, with tissue paper, glue and a bottle of meths, the programme was set. Explorers eagerly cut out and glued eight-foot sheets of tissue paper, not really convinced of my plan. Two hours later the somewhat deflated shapes hung in the hall to dry.

At this point, I thought it would be safer to take the balloons outside to attach wads of meths soaked cotton wool underneath the balloons. In spectacular flight, as I recall, the first balloon filled with warm air and floated up into the clear night air.

At about 15ft the plan began to fall apart as a cross-wind carried the balloon over the hall roof and then plummeted in a fire-ball onto the roof. A fire action-plan swung into force as Explorers climbed a ladder and squirted the contents of a fire extinguisher onto the flaming ball of cotton!

Was this to be the end of my Scouting career, with headlines such as "Leader's crowning glory as HQ goes up in smoke!"?

Callum Smith, Phoenix Explorer Unit Leader