The "Official Ceremonies" began with the arrival of Councillor Jason Ablewhite and Councillor Tom Rawlinson who arrived at Holt Island by boat from the Town Quay slightly ahead of the Mayor's Party.

The Mayor of St. Ives, Councillor John Davies arrives with his party

Where he and his wife were welcomed by a Guard of Honour of very well turned out Scouts

After which he "opened" the event on behalf of the Sea Scouts

A number of stalls and games had been laid out by the Scouts. The scouts put on an impressive range of events for such a small group, which included a tombola and a barbeque. For me (webmaster!) they even had a tea tent which proved useful for the only poor item of the day was the weather, but luckily the worst of the recent storms held off. 

Scouts and visitors have fun in the canoes on the River Great Ouse at Holt Island Sea Scouts Open Day. The rescue boat was manned by Peter Johnson

BUT...! Councillor Ablewhite decides just to watch

The scout headquarters shares Holt Island with a nature reserve so it was fitting for there to be a display of the birds from the Raptor Centre. They blended in very well indeed with the beautiful surroundings which are only a stones throw from the town centre.