Soham Grammarian Autumn 1941
SCOUT NEWS
This term we regret to announce the departure of Mr Riley, who has left us temporarily to join the Army. Mr Riley has been Scout Master for nearly ten years, and, under his guidance, the troup has flourished as never before. We sincerely wish him luck in his new occupation, and hope that he will soon return.
Since his departure, Mr Riley has sent us a letter which we are printing below; his address may be obtained from me.
"Dear Chaps,
You will be pleased, I have no doubt, to hear that your erstwhile tyrant is being properly put through the mill; his old bones and sinews being tortured with PT; while he spends his days on the barrack square forgetting which foot is his left, and trying to cope with an elusive rifle which will creep all round his neck and which weighs at least two tons. His evenings are spent "spitting and polishing." The war will be over when Hitler knows how well I can do the slow march and when he sees the beauteous polish on my spare boots. However, I shall have done with infantry training in another fortnight, and shall begin training as a wireless operator with a view to a job inside a tank, or with an Artillery Regiment or something of the sort. In the Signals we never know what kind of a unit one will be posted to.So much for myself. I hope you are all carrying on under Tommy's supervision, and keep the flag flying till I come home again.
Carry on with the Morse; you will all be Signallers yourselves some day. Best wishes to you all from your SM who would have liked to stay with you, but like many others has, begging your pardon, a more important job in hand.
Yours sincerely,
TL RILEY"Although Mr Riley has gone, the Troop is carrying on under the supervision of the Patrol Leaders. Meetings have been held as usual this term, and there are six recruits, some of whom have already passed their tenderfoot. Plumb and Wright have gained their second class badges.
During the summer holidays some of the patrols held their own camps, and had a good time. In the later part of the term we have been very pleased to have the assistance of an Army Officer, and we are grateful to him for his interest and help.
AJ THOMPSON, (Acting SM)
PATROL CAMPS
Hawks. During the summer holidays, the Hawk Patrol held a successful camp at "Purple Posts," Upware. The camp was pitched one field's distance from the river. Although the weather was cloudy and showery, the fine periods were turned to good use.
The camp was soon arranged, and we quickly settled down. On Sunday we had visitors, who brought with them cakes, fruit cakes, warm cakes! Everyone had various camp duties, and when these were completed, fishing and swimming were the main sports. In the afternoons, everybody played cricket, the results not being very successful owing to the pitch - if it may be called a pitch. A canoe, which was brought on Monday, became the main interest of all. It was used for both work and play, and luckily there were no overturnings.
During the week we were joined by three more boys, who stayed for two days. Mr Riley, our Scout Master, visited us on the fifth day in camp. He put the camp in order - there was not much wrong!- and then after a good tea, left us.
Our main good turn of the week was hay-heaping in an adjoining field. The following day was showery, and we were unable to help to cart the hay to the farm. On the Thursday evening we were visited by the Wicken Scout Troop. Most of these were youngsters, and were led by an old Grammar School Scout. They soon settled down around the fire, and we got them some supper. They left us with the impression that camping was good fun, and two older members went to see the owner so that they could camp the following week-end.
On Friday the clearing up up began, but rain held us up.
By Saturday dinner-time everything and everybody was ready to go. We arrived in Soham at about four o'clock with the memory of another happy camp. I should like to thank Mr. Riley for his support, Mr Dimmock for the use of the field, and Mrs Fyson who solved the problem of the transportation of our gear, and who also brought the canoe.
AH TALBOT, P/L
Woodpeckers. This year the Woodpecker Patrol had an interesting week-end camp in the School grounds. The site was under one of the big oak trees, which afforded quite good camouflage. All the patrol attended, and, in spite of the shortage of goods, we had good fare, which was given by members of the patrol. The weather was chiefly unfavourable, but during the five days a lot of activity was carried out, so much so that midnight marauding took place. The idea of the camp was to introduce camping to the Tenderfeet, and as far as the weather was concerned this was done.
Certain members were trying their hand at camp cooking for the first time, which resulted in many uncomplimentary remarks. Camp was broken on Wednesday morning, and it resulted in two unforeseeing worthies trying to hitch hike home to Ely with a kitbag that seemed to weigh tons!
RH MORRISS, P/L
Peacocks. The camp this year was organised on behalf of the young scouts. When food and other difficulties were overcome, we retired to the backwoods of Fordham. I was unable to stay all the Saturday, and the patrol was left in charge of my second-in-command, D Boyce. When I arrived at camp in the evening, the majority went with me to bathe at Isleham.
The weather, on the whole, was quite good. We hunted for tracks of animals clad only in vests and trousers, and so we returned home well tanned. We broke camp on the Sunday, and I believe "a good time was had by all."
DS THORBY, P/L
Owls. The Owl Patrol camp was spent in the School grounds, owing to the fact that the patrol was new to camp life, and had not yet been "blooded." The patrol had to live up to the motto of "Be prepared," as several new dishes found their way into the menu. These dishes were due to the efforts of the patrol's amateur cooks. The art of scrounging was quickly acquired, and subsequently a pack of nightly marauders had to be firmly dealt with! (Will the Woodpeckers please note ?).
The high-lights of the camp were many, but the most noted incident was a very cold shower under which all the patrol were forcibly placed. We were pleased to welcome a visit from Mrs Whitta, who "convoyed" a load of food to the camp.
I LANCASTER, P/L
Soham Grammarian Spring 1942
SCOUT NOTES
There has not been much to report this term, as the bad weather and early blackout have seriously curtailed our activities. Some of the Scouts have spent the last few meetings in making models for warship week. Despite the lack of meetings, several badges have been gained. Next term, weather permitting, we shall be able to resume our out-of-doors activities.
AJ THOMPSON, (Acting SM)
Soham Grammarian Summer 1942 - no report
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last updated 23 Nov 2007