Kevin Davis, assistant leader with the Maverick Explorer Scout Unit in Woking, spent a chilly and damp sixty minutes on the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square on Wednesday the 12th August, promoting Scouting.
Dressed in his Scout uniform, Kevin was lifted onto the plinth in a crane at 6.00 p.m.
In torrential rain he proceeded to pitch a small hike tent on the edge of the plinth, and using bamboo poles, built a make-shift flag pole, hoisted the Union flag, checked that it was up the right way and invited the 200 strong crowd, and those on the internet to salute the flag.
Ever resourceful Kevin dug deep into his rucksack and found materials to construct a catapult to fire ping pong balls and a rocket launcher powered by a lemonade bottle to launch paper rocket missiles into the Square – much to the amusement of the onlookers. He gave away small prizes such as pencils, and woggles to members of the public who managed to catch the balls and rockets.
During his time on the Plinth, Kevin held quizzes, and informed the public about advantage of young people belonging to the Scout movement. and enjoying the worldwide friendship. He also made a plea for more adults to join Scouting, and help reduce the 30,000 young people on the waiting list in the UK.
"It was a fantastic experience" said Kevin on returning down to earth and added “ it was a unique way to promote Scouting “
“That was the best and most fun event on the Plinth so far” commented a passer by.
There were over 32000 applications, and 2400 places available. More details on the fourth plinth can be found here.