Soham Grammarian Autumn 1954
Soham Grammarian New Year 1955
SCOUT CAMP, 1954
It was at 4.30 pm on the warm afternoon of July 28th that seventeen of us left School by lorry on the first stage of our long journey to Jersey. Soon about thirty boys of the 2nd Soham Troop piled in on top of us until only the head of Watson could be seen protruding from the mass of bodies. At Ely the rest of 1st Soham joined us and we boarded the train for London, after practically exhausting the stock of the bookstall, and by 8 o'clock we were crossing London by Tube to Waterloo, where we caught the boat-train to Southampton.
At 11 o'clock sixty-five tired scouts from East Anglia were picking up their kitbags and boarding the night boat to Jersey. Sixty-five kitbags, each seeming to weigh a hundredweight, were carried up the gangway and dropped thankfully into the rear of the boat.
It was nearly midnight when the boat sailed and weary heads were laid upon kitbags which felt as if they had been stuffed with broken crockery. As soon as Southampton Water was left behind us the sea became noticeably rough. Sea sickness soon struck nearly everyone, and most of us had a cold, rough night on deck. The sea was so rough that anyone who tried to cross the deck was thrown for several yards. No wonder everyone called the SS "Isle of Sark" a "glorified tub". We were thankful when at last we entered St Peter Port, Guernsey, at 6.30 am.
We left Guernsey behind and at 10 o'clock were at St Helier. We slowly glided into port to the sound of an excited uproar on board. Now sixty-five kitbags seeming to weigh not a pound each were whisked down the gangway and piled into a shed while their owners went off to a well-earned and much-needed breakfast.
The camp itself was situated among the sand-dunes of St. Ouens Bay, and we were soon busy establishing ourselves. Looking towards the shore from the top of one of the sand-dunes, we could see rough grass and sand stretching down to the water's edge, some three to four hundred yards away. Dotted among the dunes were concrete bunkers sunk by the Germans during their occupation of the islands during the War, and we were later to enjoy ourselves exploring these.
In the bay itself stood a derelict tower built on a rocky island which was submerged by the high tide. To the right of this tower, the dark outlines of Guernsey, Sark and Jethou could be seen on the horizon. Every now and then an aeroplane would swoop over us to land on the aerodrome on the ridge behind us.
Later in the day some of the 2nd Soham Scouts took part in the famous Battle of 'Flowers', masquerading as very Ancient Britons with a Sabre-Toothed Fen Tiger as their mascot. They must have looked genuine savages for they won a consolation prize.
During the following days we busied ourselves at camp making gadgets, tables, shoe racks and every mod con, and spent our free time exploring the nearby bays in patrols. On the shore itself we found some delightful paddling pools where we chased crabs and fed barnacles to the sea-anemones.
Five of us were drenched to the skin on one occasion by a huge wave that splashed unexpectedly right over the sea-wall along the bay. In one small bay men fitted with "snorkels" were seen harpooning fish. The weather on the whole was better than on the mainland, but those who took part in our first swimming expedition found themselves engulfed in a cold and clammy fog.
On one afternoon we visited La Corbière Lighthouse. We were able to walk out to it as the tide was out, and then thoroughly enjoyed ourselves exploring the lighthouse and clambering over the surrounding rocks. Then another afternoon later was made exciting by motor-cycle and car races held on the sands.
Returning to camp in the evenings we would often play crocker till suppertime, after which the flag was lowered and prayers said. On one occasion the flag refused to be lowered despite the combined efforts of Docherty and Watson. In desperation Watson unsheathed his knife and took a mighty sweep at the cord, whereupon the flag dropped on Docherty, almost smothering him in its numerous folds. A sing-song often followed and included old favourites such as "I'll sing you one-oh!" and some of the latest hits. Woe did then betide those who failed to observe silence after "lights out" and the Hawk and Woodpecker tent, for instance, was hit by a sudden blast of Rileyan invective at 6.30 on the morning following such a breach of camp discipline and its occupants sent on a run round a distant race stand, to make sure that they would be tired enough to sleep on the following night.
The early hours of Saturday, August 7th, found everyone rushing about excitedly in preparation for a coach tour of the island. Even the rain which had set in couldn't dampen our spirits. The first stop was St. Matthew's Church, the interior of which was an amazing sight - it was made entirely of glass. We then explored the historic castle of Mont Orgueil inside whose walls enough objects of historical interest had been found to equip a small museum. Next we visited Roxel Bay and lunched there, and then after two hours we stopped at Greve de Lecq for tea.
On we went, enjoying beautiful views of the island, until we came to an underground German hospital, but unfortunately this remained firmly closed although we goose-stepped up to it. But the sun was shining by this time and we all returned happily to camp via St. Ouens Bay and La Corbière after a splendid day's outing.
All too soon the time arrived for dismantling the camp and for a final trip to St. Helier to spend the all-too-meagre remnants of our pocket-money on souvenirs and a head scarf for Mum. At 8 o'clock on the morning of Wednesday, August 11th we were back on board ship, sailing out of Jersey Harbour and crowding to the rails for a last view of the pleasant island.
The sea was very rough till we reached Guernsey but there were few casualties this time. After this the sea became smooth and we enjoyed a pleasant cruise in bright sunshine back to the mainland. It had been a wonderful and unforgettable experience for us all and we are deeply grateful to Mr Riley and to Mr Waller for arranging it for us and to Mr Labey, the Camp Commissioner for Jersey, who did so much to smooth the way for us.
FPA , CTG , MKW IVA
Soham Grammarian Summer 1955
SCOUT NOTES
The term's activities started with the collection of the "Bob a job" money which this year exceeded £38.
During the Easter Holidays the troop attended the District St. George's Day Parade and Service at Soham. The Seniors and two P/L's escaped the parade and made themselves useful by showing people to their seats and taking the collection in the Church. The congregation, which included many of the Cubs, did not once allow its attention to wander during the very interesting address by the Vicar of Soham, the Reverend Hallidie-Smith.
The patrols are beginning to settle down again after appointing young P/L's and we hope soon to have some very efficient patrols. The Troop patrol under P/L Eastwood managed to gain seventh place in a recent Camping Competition at Dalham in a field of seventeen.
There will be vacancies in the Troop next term ....
"A new recruit, Skipper."
RTA (IT)
As the weather has been kind this term on most Friday evenings, outdoor activities predominated. Tracking was very popular in spite of the fact that the trackers often caught up with the hares.
The later meetings this term have been spent in packing the gear for the annual camp, which is being held once again at Beddgelert in N Wales after an interval of three years.
JLS
If you can add to this page with recollections or photos,
please contact the
editor
last updated 21 Nov 2007