The trip this year is once again to London and will involve 10 Scouts who have gained this top award.

The attractions include:-

• Presentation of the badge on the outside of the dome at St Paul's Cathedral (400 steps to climb)
• A visit to the Clarindon Theatre to see 39 Steps
• The night at BP-House and an "Eat as much as you can" breakfast
• A trip up the river to Greenwich.

We met at Arlesey station at 9:00am as ... there were no trains. Major work on the line meant that we had to take a coach to Welwyn before we could catch the train to London.

After a look round this wonderful cathedral we headed up 210 stairs to The Whispering Gallery ... and it really does work. After lots of whispering it was up another 192 steps to The Stone Gallery with its fantastic views over London. Here we began presenting the Chief Scout Gold Awards ... until there was a fire alarm ... and we all has to come down the 400 odd steps.

The thought of climbing the steps again was too much for us so we walked down to the Millennium Bridge and presented the rest of the awards. Have a look at the Chief Scout Gold Award Hall of Fame for the presentations.

A quick change out of uniform in the facilities of the Tate Modern and then a walk along the Embankmant, across Waterloo Bridge and onto Picadilly Circus for the 39 Steps at the Criterian Theatre.