After what the media dubbed "Frozen Britain" we can look back on some of the lighter points of one of the whitest winters in recient memory, here we have a story from an Explorer Unit in Houghton Le Spring who made the best of the weather and even managed to venture outdoors!

Of the things I have experienced in scouting, this was probably one of the most surreal.

This winter will be remembered for the persistent snow, ice, cold and the generally awful weather. I can happily say I wouldn't mind if i don't see any more till December. But this strange amount of snow ought to be used for something right? That’s where we come in. We set ourselves a challenge of building and sleeping in an igloo, made completely by us. Oh, not to mention the helpful hand of Ray Mears on YouTube.

Truthfully we made it a bit bigger than first anticipated. This meaning that, after 6-7 hours of ice packing, sawing and freezing our fingers, we had a 6ft tapered circular wall which was large enough to fit a small family of bears. Despite this, we would not give up! The snow returned, hiding our feeble efforts of a roof, and it was done! We are not just canvas people!

We filled it with sleeping bags, roll mats, blankets, and a generous helping of snacks, and then stayed up till early in the morning talking about anything. Of all the things to do in Washington on a Friday night, this is not one I’ll soon forget.

Nick Spencer Houghton Le Spring North Explorer Unit