A vintage box of mysteries was opened on Wednesday evening, 21 years after it was locked away for safe keeping. The box was to be used by the Essex Unit ("SX XS") to the World Scout Jamboree in December 2002 - January 2003. It became difficult to open when Unit Leader Graham Chandler, had to be repatriated to the UK, following an accident in Thailand.
The box eventually got back to Graham, but he has kept it unopened since then, and felt that EIJ 2024 provided the perfect occasion to crack it open once more.
Before the grand reopening, the gathered masses gave their predictions for what might be inside."Thai Baht, and a padlock?", suggested Liz Smith, fellow Unit Leader, "because we were going to padlock the box to a corkscrew drilled into the ground". "Copies of passports?" came another suggestion.
Graham, sporting an original WSJ 2003 tee, also brought a tea-towel featuring caricature of the whole Troop, and an impromptu game of "Where are they now?".
So, what was in the box? Cream for athlete's foot (partially used), insect repellent, medications, Asian wind chimes (bought in Essex), a tin opener, and photos of Graham's son and daughter.
There was no money.
