Every year, the Peace Light of Bethlehem connects people, Scouts and Guides around the world. The Peace Light travels from country to country, from home to home and from hand to hand. Receiving the Peace Light and passing it on reflects a message of hope and peace, a message of sharing your inner light.

You can find out more on our DSS Peace Light page and Peace Project Challenge page, or by visiting the International Peace Light website. You can contact the DSS Peace Light Coordinator using our contact form.

The journey from France to Great Britain and Ireland

This year’s Light will be collected at a service in Arras and brought back to the UK by ferry. The Light will be met by Scouts in Dover and then be transported to Surrey.

The light will travel North by the M1 to share the Light near Bedford/Luton, followed by Leicester and Nottingham. York Scouters will collect the Light and it will go to Wetherby and then on to Edinburgh. It will also head West across Lancashire, destined for the Isle of Man and Ireland.

The Light will travel West from Surrey to reach Dorset, Cheltenham, Bristol and South Wales.

Help spread Peace in 2021

Due to losses during the pandemic, we need volunteers to make the link from Bristol to Exeter, from where it will be taken to Plymouth and picked up there by Scouters from Truro.

Can you help to complete the link between Bristol and Exeter or share the journey with someone else?

Or could you spread the distribution in other areas of the country such as North Wales, East Anglia and the West Midlands?

If so, contact the DSS Peace Light Coordinator.

The founder of Scouting, Baden-Powell (BP), promoted Peace. By sharing this important symbol of peace it is a chance to “Leave the world a better place than you found it.”

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Today was our last day on the ship, although it doesn’t feel like we’ve been here for a week – the days have flown by!

We got up early, packed before breakfast, which was at half seven. After this, we did our various chores around the ship; cleaning the dorms, helping in the galley & washing down the decks before we left. However, it ways soon time to leave. We reluctantly said goodbye to the rest of the crew, promising that we would be back again soon!

We then began our long journey back up to Merseyside. Although we we’re both sad to be leaving the Stavros, we were excited to return home to see our friends and families. However, there was one unexpected consequence of leaving the ship – we had lost our land legs! It still feels strange to be walking on solid ground, but I’ll be glad of my bed when I get home later though as I don’t think I’ve ever felt so tired in my life!

But, one thing I know for sure is that I’ll never forget the Stavros. I’ve met some amazing people, made new friends and overcome challenges I never imagined I ever could. All in all, my voyage on the Stavros has been the trip of a lifetime, and I hope I can sail on her again. I am also extremely thankful for the brilliant crew of the Stavros who helped me throughout my voyage, the other voyage crew who never failed to make me laugh, but also the Deep Sea Scouts for giving me this extraodinary opportunity.

Emma

Today was a sad day as I had to leave the ship. After breakfast we cleaned the accommodation ready for the next group of people who would board the ship. We said our goodbyes and, as usual, I cried. I loved every second of being on there. Driving home, it took us about 2 hours to tell Emma’s dad as much as we could remember about what happened that week. I realised some things as well whilst on that ship:

• Nothing is worth panicking over because it will be okay in the end;
• I can do a lot more than I think I’m capable of;
• Our abilities as people should never define us, but how we treat and interact with other people is so important;
• I need to stop saying ‘I can’t’ and start saying ‘I can’ more;
• Nothing is impossible;
• I am capable of being independent (and I realised that I definitely want to live away for uni).

Honestly, I was the happiest I’ve ever been on that ship. And I’ve been able to gain access to other sailing opportunities because of it. It was the best week of my life!

This isn’t goodbye Stavros S Niarchos, this is see you later.

Signing off,
Bex

Today we sailed from Holy Loch to Greenock. We braced the sails and then we were basically at the dock after that. We then did a social climb to see how far up the mast we could get. I got just above the upper topsail before the distance between the rope on the shrouds became too far and my legs couldn’t reach up. It’s still the highest I’ve climbed on this voyage and so I’m happy with what I have achieved. But I am incredibly proud of Emma who got to the top and I’m so happy that she made it!

Tonight we had the SOD’s (Stavros Operatic and Drama Society) Opera and our watch sung ‘pick a pocket or two’ from Oliver and our watch leader, Martin, sung Fagan’s part. I then played some songs on the Ukulele such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Hallelujah and the crew sung as a large chorus. We also got Gill to do a dab; I did a lap of the ship I was so happy!!! It was a great end to a fantastic voyage!!

I’m gutted to be leaving tomorrow. It feels as if the ship has become home. It’ll be weird going home to steady land and a bed rather than the sea and a pipe cot.

I do not want to go home!!

Signing off!
Bex

Today we sailed from Holy Loch to Greenock, which was thankfully only a two hour trip – we were all so tired! We later had the social climb, during which you could climb as high as you liked. Bex did amazing; she managed to get to the upper topsail – I was so proud as I cheered her on from below! I am also quite proud of what I achieved – although I said I would only go to the first platform, I managed to climb to the top of the mast & touch the flag – I’m still not sure how I did it though!

We then relaxed for a couple of hours, and went over our performances for the SOD’s Opera which was a great laugh. Everyone did something, with our watch opening with the song ‘pick a pocket or two’ from Oliver. Bex and I also treated the rest of the crew to some scout campfire songs to end the night.

Now, after a long day I can’t wait for bed. However, I also wish that this night could go on for a bit longer, as the fact that we are going home tomorrow has started to sink in – after such a good trip, I don’t want to leave the Stavros!

Emma

Wow, what a day! Today was our longest day the voyage so far as we sailed for a whopping ten hours! This wasn’t too bad though as the day has been clear and the sea calm. However, there was some excitement when we passed a navy submarine surrounded by escort craft. While the crew came up on deck to wave and take photos, I was on the helm and couldn’t take a proper look!

We later came into port at around half seven, where we had a quick tea, after which we all collapsed in the mess for a well earned rest! However, this didn’t last long as we were soon directed to the waste for a ‘boat race’. Although this didn’t turn out to be quite what we expected, everyone enjoyed it, even though my watch lost… again.

Now the crew are starting our voyage’s track chart – this will be a mixture or drawings, quotes & maps which will show how far we’ve sailed, and all the memorable moments we’ve had – and trust me, there have been many!

Emma

10 hours… we sailed for 10 hours. That’s a long time to be at sea! Luckily we only experienced a slight bit of rain before we carried on with a clear day. On the way to Holy Loch, we passed a navy submarine. Everyone came onto the deck to marvel at it! It was then time to come into port. I was at the helm for 40 minutes steering the ship into the port. That’s what I’m probably the most proudest of on this voyage; steering the ship to anchor.

We then started on our track charts which is an A4 piece of paper filled with the funny stuff that happened on board. We had so much to fill it with that there’s hardly any space left. It just shows how amazing this experience has been for all the voyage crew.

Now, Emma is showing Kevin and Lewis where the Wirral is in relation to Liverpool. It really isn’t the same place!

One more day to go!!!

Bex

It has almost become a part of my normal routine to set sail and go to a new location. Today was short as it only took us four hours to sail from Loch Ranza to Cambeltown and so it was a nice and easy journey. When we got here we had a boat race in the port. Blue Watch vs. White Watch (my team). Sadly, my team lost but we still had a laugh and my first rowing experience was awesome.

After dinner, we were able to go and explore Cambeltown. Well, by explore I mean find the nearest Tesco and stock up!! The people here are so polite and friendly. We met some locals in the chippy who found it really cool that we came on the Tall Ship and they were really awesome to speak to. We came back from Cambeltown and sat in the mess and played an intense game of Uno. Kevin ended up as the gamemaster and kept the game by-the-book. We then had a tremendous laugh at some of Steven’s jokes. Everyone’s disappeared for a shower and to get ready for bed. It’s getting to the point where we are all completely shattered!!

Thought for the day: I don’t want to leave!!!

Signing off!!

Bex

After a hard couple of days, today was a relatively short hop across to Cambeltown as we only sailed for four hours. Once we dropped the anchor, we had decided to have a rowing boat race. Unfortunately, this didn’t go quite as planned – although we had a nice tour of the harbour, we didn’t manage to win, but that seemed irrelevant due to all of the fun we had!

Later that evening we headed into Cambeltown to check out the local area. It turned out that there was very little there, so we soon headed back to the mess to relax and play some games. However, the mood soon turned as tensions rose and Uno cards flew. Newfound friendships were tested, but luckily they seem to be intact – everyone has now headed down below to shower and go to bed, and the mess seems eerily quiet. I think it’s time to drag myself to bed as I am dead on my feet…

Emma

Part of the Scout Law is ‘A Scout is to have courage in all difficulties’, or something along those lines. I felt that I related to this when I climbed to the yard (which was a few felt higher than the platform) to put the sail into gear. I held on tight to the yard and struggled to move. But again, I had a little cry and I was okay, I felt proud that I got myself a little but further.

Then it was my group’s turn to to be on watch. I was able to steer the ship out of the port and into the water to begin our journey. We set the sails at the front of the boat and did our watch duties. We had a laugh and tried to get the crew to dab. It’s surprising how many varieties of dabbing can be found on the boat.

Tonight, I played ukulele and we played some old songs from The Beatles and some other classics. We’re all sat in a giddy mood tonight after one of my watch members tried to describe Godzilla (or, as he called it, Dogzilla).

I know one thing now: I’m ready for bed!!!

Bex

Today is day 3 – the days seem to have flown by! After an early start, the rest of my watch climbed to the lower topsail to out the sail into gear. I watched from below, although I wasn’t complaining!

Later, our watch was on duty. This turned out to be quite eventful as there were many lobster pots to spot – hitting one of these could put the ship out of sailing! Midway through our watch were called to our bracing stations to set the yard arms on both masts. This was fun, although it was very hard work – my hands our covered in blisters now …

We later docked, and then came the dreaded moment – I’d have to go aloft to the second yard to stow the sail. Slowly, I ascended to the yard and made my way out to the end. However, after some encouragement from the rest of the crew down below, I managed to fold and stow my part of the sail. Thankfully, I was soon able to come back down to the deck, which I was very glad of!

Now, after an exhausting day I can’t wait to climb into my bunk – I am excited to see what tomorrow will bring though.

Emma

Tall ship 2017 Blog – No. 4

Today was our first full day on the the ship. After a surprisingly good sleep, we woke early and were soon out on deck where we did our first challenge which was the ‘up and over’ – climbing the rigging to the first platform on the mast, and back down the other side. Although this was difficult at the time as the first platform felt really high, I was glad I did it.

After an exciting morning, we then went over some knots and were ready to begin working aloft. After our briefing, we then climbed to the first yard arm were we put the sail into gear – to do this we undid the sail ties and let the sail fall. Thankfully, we soon descended – I felt a lot safer back on deck!

In the afternoon, we had our first full watch; we were the rjdve team which gave me an opportunity to helm the ship, which was amazing.

Finally, after a long day I am ready for bed – I can’t wait to get to my bunk!

Emma

Three words that created the one thing that I am most proud of today: Up and Over. We were challenged this morning to climb to the first platform above the first yard.  I climbed up to the ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ where I had a little cry.  But I kept going and got to the platform.  My scout leader told me that I had to get to the first platform and push myself; and I am thankful that I listened and did exactly that.

Second on the schedule was ‘going aloft’ and learning how to manage the sails. I didn’t go up on this occasion as my sea-sickness tablets made me too dazed to function properly so I stayed on the deck and had a great chat with Kim, the ship’s Bosun. After that it was time for lunch and the cheese and onion pasty made me a bit more alert.

Now it was time to set sail, we all had a go at bracing the sail (which caused many a blister) and we were able to have a go at helming (steering the boat) when we went on watch duty. I just hope that learning to drive a car is as easy as learning to steer a ship!

After we docked in Lamlash and had a look at our surroundings, we learned about the system of buoys and what we should look out for when on watch. Afterwards, we had a good discussion with Kevin, the headteacher of a school in York, about time-management and the education system. Needless to say, I wish he was my head teacher!

Signing off!
Bex

Day 1 on the ship has been completed! We arrived on the ship and we were greeted by the Captain who showed us to our accommodation. We found that we were sleeping in pipe cots (that are surprisingly comfy!) And we unpacked our stuff. Emma and I were just in complete disbelief that we are finally here!!

We met the rest of our watch team who are from a school somewhere in Yorkshire. We became friends quite quickly and have had a laugh together. We also have had quite a few briefings which consisted of subjects like learning what to do in the event of a ‘man overboard’ and how to use the ropes to ‘make fast’. As you can probably tell, we are learning loads of new strange terminology but we are learning quite quickly. Right now, we are sat in the ‘messroom’ listening to one of our youth mentors, Mike, who is giving us a quiz on pop culture. It’s amazing how much he knows and how is knowledge on current music trends is so much better than all of us! Ah well, I am ready for bed and ready for Day 2.

Signing off!
Bex

So, today we arrived in the ship and met all of our crew mates for the first time. To our surprise, there are only 8 other voyage crew! Luckily, there is a whole team of experienced sailors to help us sail the ship.

After lunch, we were shown the techniques for casting and hauling the lines – there seemed to be hundreds of commands to remember! We then learn to steer the ship, before going over all of the safety procedures such as man overboard. After this, we had a name game to get to know our other crew mates, whilst we also had a pop quiz which was really fun. We are now relaxing in the mess but I’m panning to go to bed soon as I’m super tired after our exciting day today.

Hi, I’m Emma and I’m an Explorer Scout form Wallasey, Merseyside. I’ve just finished packing my kit for the voyage (kind of last minute as per usual!) and I’m about to set off for the drive up to Greenock near Glasgow!  I’m super excited about the trip, although I am a bit scared of climbing  the masts – they look really high… I’m definitely going to try and make it to the top though!

I also can’t wait to set sail – apparently we could go to Dublin, which would be amazing, especially as I’ve never been to Ireland!  I’d better go now as we are going to collect Bex on the way up, and I don’t want to be late! Oh, and you can see our temporary taxi driver (my dad) next to me as well – I personally know he is very excited for the 5 hour drive ahead…