Soham Grammarian Autumn 1950
SCOUT CAMP, 1950
The Annual Scout Camp, which this year was held at Gillingham, east of Beccles in Norfolk, was a tremendous success. The site itself was ideal, being situated at the top of "Boater's Hill" on a bend in the River Waveney with a farm near by for milk and water. A boat had been secured for transport purposes and it proved to be an asset to the swimmers and fishermen, and a source of enjoyment to all. By the end of camp one scout had completed his "first class" and many had passed the "first class" swimming test.
The troop left Ely at 8.55 am on Thursday, July 27th. After a three-hour journey with frequent stops, we arrived at Beccles by 12-25 pm The ASM and a senior were immediately directed to the Wherry Inn, Galdeston, where they hoped to obtain the boat. It was three miles walk, but they obtained a lift from an obliging taxi-driver. It proved to be the wrong inn and as there was no bus back for half-an-hour, full use was made of the "Wherry."
The boat was eventually found at a boat-yard of the same name in Beccles; meanwhile the rest had walked the three miles to Hill Farm. By 5 pm all the tents had been erected and most of the other essential tasks had been completed. The Woodpeckers served supper and prayers followed at 8-45 pm This was the end of the first day of the 1950 Scout Camp.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: back:
John Squire - Mr Waller - John Roe
front: Philip Bobby - Peter Roe
source Peter Roe 46
Many of the days were the same throughout the camp; as most of us will agree, it was a fishing and a swimming and boating holiday, yet four excursions did take place. The normal day's programme would run as follows:-
At 6-15 am there would be a gentle stir in the Duty Patrol's tent. At 6-30 am (or perhaps even later) the flap of the tent would open and a gloomy P/L would stick his head out to survey the weather. Wood having been collected and stored the evening previous, a fire would soon be flaming. Water would be heated for the SM's shave and tea prepared for the SM and Mr Webb by 7-0 pm (occasionally the two were ready together - but rarely).
After breakfast, which was generally served between eight and nine, numbers of the troop would go down to the river to fish. Other members would spend their time wandering through the marshes, which were on either side of us. The site was on top of a hill rising swiftly from the river with large trees and bushes on the slope. On the opposite side of us was a farm and farther down the lane the main Beccles-to-Yarmouth road. The other two sides were both marshy and gave one the impression of living on a peninsula.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: The long
and the short and the ...
back: 1 - Peter Roe - 3 - John Roe
front: 1 - 2 - John Squire
source Peter Roe 46
Dinner would be served about 1 pm and after the rest hour a swimming party would be arranged. Others would go fishing and some would visit Beccles along the river bank. Tea was normally at 5-0 pm and the patrols would change over at 6-0 pm Supper was anywhere between eight and nine. Prayers would follow at 9-30 pm.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: Mr
Waller - Peter Roe - John Roe - John Squire - Philip Bobby
source Peter Roe 46
The first excursion was a visit to Lowestoft by the seniors with ASM Waller. A collection had previously been taken and in Lowestoft the seniors were able to buy the ASM a wedding present from the troop. It was a set of silver-plated cake-spoons and forks, and at prayers that evening Senior Scout Squire presented it to the ASM. A pleasant day was spent at Lowestoft, the trip having been made by 'bus.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: on
Lowestoft sea-front?
Mr Waller - John Squire - Philip Bobby - John Roe
source Peter Roe 46
The second excursion was two days later, when the whole troop visited Lowestoft in two motor launches. Two seniors remained at camp with Mr Webb. It was a wet and rather dismal day, but before noon two well-laden launches had left Boater's Hill for Oulton Broad and Lowestoft. The faster boat arrived at the Yacht Station long before the slower boat, but here it waited so that a cruise of Oulton Broad could be made together. The boats passed through the lock and into the harbour, but could not go right down the harbour because we were rather too many in the launches to comply with salt-water regulations. Three hours were spent actually in Lowestoft, but at 4-30 the launches returned towards Beccles. It was an extremely interesting voyage, although it was considerably shortened by the threat of rain.
The third excursion was the following Saturday when a party of twenty-nine travelled by a twenty-seater coach to Yarmouth. It was an interesting journey, as the road crossed the Waveney in two separate places at St. Olave's, where the river was crossed by one swing and one lift-up bridge, a sight seldom seen in the upper Norfolk Broads. We arrived in Yarmouth before noon and immediately split up to enjoy ourselves. By 5.0 pm the day was over and we came back past the harbour. Again a very pleasant day was had by all, even though we were not allowed to bathe in the sea.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: Yarmouth
beach excursion, note a sunburned Mr Riley on the left
source Peter Roe 46
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: Yarmouth
beach excursion. Mr Riley is front right
source Peter Roe 46
The fourth could hardly be called an excursion, but a visit was paid to Gillingham Sports only about a mile away. Those who went thoroughly enjoyed them selves. On the same evening a joint camp-fire was held with the 1st Ruislip Troop, which was camped nearby. Although we were the visitors, Squire, Butcher, Brown and Fletcher all did well in their separate turns. The camp-fire closed with prayers by the Ruislip ASM and the Scout Hymn.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: in the
shade : source Peter Roe 46
The Patrol cooking was quite efficient, but there were one or two accidents. On Saturday evening (July 29th) the P/L of the "Owls," who were then on duty, yelled for the fire brigade when he saw to his horror the whole roast joint go up in smoke. The next day this same P/L was in Beccles Hospital because of a swelling on the bone of the leg, caused by a blow from a cricket ball at school.
The next accident occurred when the "Hawks" were on duty (July 31st). Cocoa was generally prepared for supper, but tea was served as a result of a slight miskick in the kitchen.
At Yarmouth an old raincoat was left on the beach by an absent-minded P/L who was more interested in ice-cream. The same evening, the Peewits being on duty, the roast again went up in smoke. Well done!
The SM showed us at the beginning of the stay how we could make comfortable mattresses from the many reeds around us. A camp loom was fitted up for this purpose and most patrols had several of these mattresses in their tents by the day. Another interesting morning was spent in the fitting up of a rope bridge across a dyke at the washing place about four hundred yards from the camp. Many could not manage it and fell in, but the water was not too deep. It proved to be fun and at times quite exciting. At no time, rather unfortunately, did the rope break.
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: The boat
was used to either cross the river so we could walk into
Beccles on the other bank or to row all the way into Beccles.
source Peter Roe 46
Gillingham, near Beccles on the River Waveney, 1950: In the
river, Mr Riley on the river bank
back: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11
mid: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
front: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9
source Peter Roe 46
Much of the packing having been done the previous evening, camp was struck at 10-30 am on Wednesday, August 9th. The troop left Beccles station at 12-15 pm in the direction of Lowestoft, from whence we went by express to Norwich and then on the main London line to Ely, arriving about 3.45 pm It was a most enjoyable camp.
S/S FP BOBBY
SCOUT NOTES
Owing to the repeated bad weather on Friday evenings, outdoor activities have been restricted during the term. Most evenings have been spent indoors, although at the beginning of the term a paper-chase was held. It was run in the direction of Wicken and it covered in all about five miles. The ground was rather muddy and very slippery, yet there were no casualties. It is worthy of note that five of the first six to finish the course were "Woodpeckers."
Apart from this few outdoor events have taken place. Morse Code has become the principal part of the agenda now, yet First Aid has not been altogether neglected. Several indoor activities have been carried on, but the separate patrols have shown little individual initiative. This might partly be attributed to the weather, but more enterprise could be shown. Patrol Leaders, it is up to you!
Several new members have joined the troop; this fills up the vacancies. During the term the following badges have been gained:- 1st Class Badge (Tills and Graves), Messenger Badge and Guide Badge (Watson), and First Aid Badge and Swimmer's Badge (Dolby).
S/S FP BOBBY
Soham Grammarian Spring 1951
Soham Grammarian Summer 1951 Festival Issue
FESTIVAL WEEK
WEEK-END SCOUT CAMP LOG
The School Festival Week began on Friday, June 22nd, with a week-end camp organised by the School Scouts. The 2nd Soham Troop was invited to attend, which they did. Friday began with violent showers of rain and hail. However, the rain cleared up in time for us to pitch camp and a strong wind soon dried out the damp grass. Supper was soon on the boil and it was eagerly received.
Early next day one or two Patrol Leaders and Seconds emerged from their tents, but the SM had been awakened even earlier by a rowdy tent and was slightly annoyed by the late morning tea. The morning was spent in making the camp ship shape and tidy. After dinner a rest period ensued and the rest of the afternoon was occupied with cricket. Bed came early and we were able to regain what sleep we had missed.
Sunday was destined to he one of the important days of the camp. The morning was spent in the usual camp activities. The weather cleared up soon after lunch and we were able to take part in a parade through the streets of Soham. The parade began at the "Bushel," where the two troops met the other associations. The School troop brought up the rear of the parade, which was led by the Soham Comrades Band. P/L JM Watson, P/L PG Graves and S/N S Spanton formed the colour party. In the afternoon the troop attended a service in the Recreation Ground. Later, during the evening, the two troops combined in a wide game.
On Monday we were honoured by the visit of the District Commissioner, Captain King. After an inspection of the camp, the DC expressed his pleasure in seeing such a first-class camp. Camp was struck after dinner and the equipment put away, while the P/L's and Seconds disposed of all the surplus food in no uncertain manner.
JMW
SCOUT NOTES
Apart from preparations for our Festival Camp and Summer Camp there is little of note to report. Summer Camp will be from July 26th to August 8th at Woodbastwick Hall, the Norfolk Broads area. There will be 31 of us going this year and we shall be travelling by road.
There has been a revival of keenness this term, owing to some extent to the fact that we have been able to hold our meetings outside and thus get rid of the classroom complex which blights our winter activities. The P/L's have shown more readiness to do things on their own, and generally to accept responsibility, and this has made up for the regrettable indifference of the Seniors.
We shall be worthily represented at the International Jamboree in Austria by P/L JM Watson, Our congratulations to him and our sympathies to P/L P Graves who was the unlucky one, though equally deserving of the honour.
SM
If you can add to this page with recollections or photos,
please contact the
editor
last updated 21 Nov 2007