Soham Grammarian Autumn 1953
SCOUT NOTES
Darkness has again restricted our activities. Even so, seven new Tenderfeet have just been invested and one or two are nearly ready. As is customary, this term has been given over mainly to Morse and First Aid practice. Butcher has kindly offered to act as librarian, following the recent purchase of a few books and the greatly appreciated gift of three very fine bound copies of the "Scout" from Philip Bobby.
We were sorry to lose PJ Graves, CG Docherty and AG Yarrow, who have been sturdy and loyal Seniors for some time. BV Denley will be leaving us this term. Here I must mention Brian's legacy to the troop. The Patrol Trophy, which was won by the Woodpeckers, is now completed. It takes the form of a beautifully made and polished teak mallet. It has been engraved in heavy brass and now stands among the school trophies in the Hall. Thank you, Brian.
The troop was pleased to hear that Docherty and Dolby have taken up an interest in their local troops, Docherty at Sutton and Dolby at Littleport, and will be taking out ASM warrants in the near future. This is an example that I hope more of our "Old Scouts" will follow. It is their chance to return to Scouting a few of the benefits and pleasures it gave them.
The New Year will soon be upon us. How about a few New Year Resolutions (which will be fulfilled) to put up that second class or first class badge by Easter?
JMW P/L (S)
THE JUNIOR SCOUT CAMP
The Summer Scout Camp, 1953, was held from July 30th to August 12th at East Runton, Norfolk. The Troop, comprising ADC Riley, ASM Lawrance and twenty-seven Scouts, travelling by road, arrived at the E Runton camping site just after midday. The camp was situated on a slope overlooking the sea, which was about a mile away; on the other three sides were magnificent woodlands.
The camp was swiftly and efficiently erected, and, to use a Rileyism, "without the help of experts", as the Seniors were camping on their own in Scotland.
The weather was perfect, and this made possible many bathing trips to Runton, Cromer, Overstrand and Sheringham, and visits to the Roman Camp at W Runton, where there was excellent scope for scouting games of all kinds, violent or otherwise.
Two camp-fires were held, both with the 7th Spalding Troop, who were camping in the same field. The night of the second camp-fire saw the failure of the trap to catch "Bertram", who had been making rather a nuisance of himself at the camp.
Two short but very violent storms interrupted the otherwise perfect weather. Early one morning a thunderbolt struck the tent of the Eagles, Owls and Hawks, scattering all the brailing pegs and nearly blasting Denley out of bed. This, as you may have guessed, was the ADC waking the blissfully sleeping Duty Patrol. The second storm broke late at night when certain foolish gentlemen talked after lights-out and were chased round the field until they confessed themselves tired enough to go to sleep. They were sawing wood next day very early and for a long time.
The food at the camp was of a very high standard, thanks partly to the help and guidance of IA Burroughs, an ex-Senior, who came to camp with us this year. Our very grateful thanks are due to Mr JP Clark for kindly providing transport to and from the Camp; to the Patrol Leaders, who all proved their worth in the absence of the Seniors: and, above all, to the Scoutmasters who organised the Camp for us. The Camp was a very pleasant one, offering much real Scouting, and was completely trouble-free - except for "Bertram"!
JFWR (S/S)
SENIOR SCOUT CAMP, 1953
This year the six Seniors wallowed in scenery such as might easily send the gloomiest mind into raptures. Although the weather we encountered at Craigendoran, near Glasgow, was almost unbelievably wet, we had come a long way and were determined to enjoy ourselves to the full, which we proceeded to do. We visited the world-famous lochs, one of which was the lovely Loch Lomond, and we climbed its neighbour, Ben Lomond. Every day some of us explored the surrounding hillsides or went on cycle trips along the coast.
Once or twice we visited Glasgow, but on the whole we were not greatly impressed by the city. However, when Watson and Butcher braved a very early morning and travelled 162 miles to Edinburgh, they were rewarded by what was to them the highspot of the holiday. At every turn they saw something beautiful or famous - perhaps the beautiful gardens off fabulous Prince's Street, or the awe-inspiring grandeur of Edinburgh Castle set on its black and rugged crag.
During the fortnight we were entertained several times by the local troop at Helensburgh, about a mile and a half away, and we also went on a boat trip at the invitation of some Glasgow Sea Scouts whom we met in Helensburgh.
When at last we had to leave, we unanimously voted the venture a great success, thanks very largely to Mr Lowson, Docherty's uncle, who had helped us a tremendous amount throughout.
JBB (S/S)
Soham Grammarian Spring 1954
Soham Grammarian Summer 1954 - no report
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last updated 22 Nov 2007