GNIROG VSU (aka Goring Venture Scouts) made a splash by launching themselves
off of the Goring-on-Thames River Bridge in a sponsored Aqua-Abseil.
On Sunday 6th June a team of twenty Ventures repeatedly fast-roped into
the weir pool in front of the Lock for an hour, to the surprise of a growing
crowd of onlookers. 
Participants emerged from the river soaked but exhilarated. The achieved their target of making 100 descents within the hour with seconds to go. They also succeeded in raising over £200 for local charities.
The event was the brainchild of unit member, Jonny Hollis. Jonny said, I wanted to organise something a bit different, where we could test our nerve, and raise some money for a good cause as well. The event was also organised in order to boost the unit’s profile locally, as part of their recruitment drive.
The whole event, including gaining permission, and finding instructors and safety marshals, was organised entirely by the unit members. Unit Leader Mike Hammer said, When young people attract so much criticism these days, it is good to see them doing something useful, even if it is a bit strange.
A number of ex-Ventures also returned to jump, including Lieutenant Simon Hobbs from the Royal Signals TA, who made the jump wearing full dress uniform. (Picture below.)
The unit, who have recently been awarded a £100,000 lottery grant to build a new headquarters also helped to raise their local profile and attract new members.
Article: Lucy Bishop
Photographs: Andy Hollis & Lucy Bishop