After meeting in the Mount Argus Den for the first draft of the team splits for the project, the team headed to ‘The Park’.
The Group gathered in the State Reception Room, anxiously awaiting the entrance of the President. While we were waiting, we were all put at ease by the Presidents staff.
The President was greeted with a round of applause. Mrs McAleese immediately put the group at ease with her informal and personable manner. She welcomed everyone to the Aras and congratulated the group on the “excellent and inspirational work” they were undertaking. She spoke of the importance of the work and told the group they would reap the rewards tenfold. Following this, the President made her way around room greeting everyone individually and sharing a moment with everyone.
Following the introductions, the Group presented the President with a hand carved campsite scene. She thanked the group for their kindness and joked that she hoped our campsite in India would be as neat and the tent pegs fixed as securely.
After the official photographs, the group were treated to a reception and the President joined us for tea and mingled with everyone in the group, sharing stories and discussing the work the Venture Scouts were a part of. Any nervousness was well and truly gone at this stage thanks to the Presidents relaxed and reassuring manner.
Following the reception with Mrs McAleese, the group was given a very interesting tour of the main rooms of the Áras an Uachtaráin. This proved to be very interesting but the highlight of this was definitely when one of the Venture Scouts, Jeff, was given the opportunity to play the Presidents Steinway Piano, something he did very well indeed.
Given the day that was in it, when the tour was finished it was time to head off for some well deserved pancakes...
