Mere Girl Guides visit London and sleep on HMS Belfast

From Monday, February 17 to Tuesday, February 18, Mere Guides took 28 girls from the area to London to have the opportunity of a lifetime.

The kip on a ship experience meant the girls spent the night on the HMS Belfast on the River Thames.

The girl guide group took a train from Salisbury to London with all of the girls responsible for carrying their own luggage when they got to London and travelled on the underground.

On arrival at HMS Belfast, they dropped off their luggage and went out to explore. They visited the London Eye and experienced a cruise on the River Thames.

Mere Girl Guides on the London Eye (Image: Vicky Wagland) Supper was served back on the ship in 'the mess' and food was served in the 'mess tins'. After food, there were more activities to be enjoyed before the girls found their bunks in the sailor's quarters.

The next morning breakfast was served on board before more adventures. The guides had the chance to visit the sights of London including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, Horseguards Parade and Buckingham Palace.

The next stop was the Girl Guiding Headquarters to meet the Chief Guide. The girls were all given a special badge.

Last up was a visit to the Tower of London, to see the Crown Jewels and the Ravens, also they saw a re-enactment play.

All very happy and exhausted, they returned home on the train.