Soham Grammarian Autumn 1955
Soham Grammarian New Year 1956
SCOUT NOTES
SUMMER CAMP: LOGThursday, 28th July:
Party of Scouts left Soham at 8.6 am; joined rest of Troop at Ely. Long but comfortable journey via Rugby; cruise round North Wales coast in perfect weather to Portmadoc; thence by 'bus up the Aberglaslyn Pass to Beddgelert and the camp site in the Snowdonia National Forest. Arrived at 7.30 pm.Friday, 29th July:
Morning spent in organising camp. In afternoon all available boys climbed Moel Hebog by the north-east and down by same route because of misty conditions. Evening explored camp site.Saturday, 30th July:
Swimming and lazing until lunch time. In afternoon hike through forest and over the shoulder of Mynydd Drws y Coed till we had a wide view of the Pennant Valley. Here spent some time exploring old slate quarries and mine workings. Then clinging to the rocky western side of the ridge we made an exciting traverse until we came to the gap through the north-west ridge of Moel Lefn. We soon reached the foot again and after tea we went swimming and early to bed.Sunday, 31st July:
Hike along Caernarvon road to Pitts Head; thence up south-west shoulder of Snowdon and on to the summit. Took two hours and thirty-five minutes from the camp in spite of several halts for youngsters and "old gentlemen" to regain their breath. The view was obscured by drifting cloud at times, but it was worth all the effort. Meanwhile food supplies were coming up by a supposedly shorter if more difficult route. There was great argument about the merits of the two routes, and great consumption of food and "pop" followed arrival of provisions. While the main body returned via the Pitts Head route, one "old gentleman" and three senior scouts descended by the more direct route, by which the supply party had ascended, down the southern ridge to the col below Yr Aran, thence along the ridge of Craig Wen and a compass course straight for camp, arriving there well ahead of the main body. After prayers we retired early after the strenuous day.Monday, 1st August:
Various activities : Seniors visited Portmadoc; another party went down to Beddgelert. Graves, Thompson and the Scout Master traced course of a nearby stream, and after a lively scramble found themselves at its source at the head of Cwm Meillionen under Moel Hebog, a long way from camp.Tuesday, 2nd August:
After swimming and badge-work, afternoon walk to Llyn Dinas in Nant Gwynant; rested by the lake.Wednesday, 3rd August:
One Second-Class badge completed; afternoon visit to Caernarvon by 'bus; two Seniors climbed Moel Hebog.Thursday, 4th August:
Four Patrol Leaders and Scout Master left by car for Nant Ffrancon whence they climbed Tryfan. Remainder of troop set off to the top of Craig Wen and along the south-west ridge to the summit of Yr Aran whence they enjoyed one of the widest views in North Wales.Friday, 5th August:
Rest day; three Seniors left on hike to visit 2nd Soham at Colwyn Bay.Saturday, 6th August:
Expedition to find the legendary Owen Glendower's cave on the escarpment west of camp. Having climbed up the shoulder of Moel Hebog, came across a disused asbestos mine. From there the cave is reached by scrambling along a rough ledge on the face of the mountain. With the aid of ropes several Seniors were able to view the residence of the late Owen, which proved to be only a deep recess in the rock face, masked by a big boulder.Sunday, 7th August:
Church and chapel services in Beddgelert. Played strenuous games - one visiting scout required stitches after falling among the rocks. This meant car transport to a doctor in Penrhyndeudraith by Mr Waller.Monday, 8th August:
Afternoon 'bus trip round the Snowdon Range-Beddgelert, I\Tant Gwynant, Llanberis and Caernarvon.Tuesday, 9th August
Began packing gear; two Glamorgan Scouts spent night with us; Sing-song in tents.Wednesday, 10th August:
All up early; packed up all tents and gear by 8 am Left by special 'bus to catch the 9.15 am train at Portmadoc for Birmingham. Having changed trains, we arrived at Ely at 7.38 pm This long train journey made us more tired than tough mountain climbing did. Nevertheless, we arrived home safe and sound after a very memorable fortnight.KRAT and MW (V Arts).
TERM NOTES
Meetings last term started with the reorganisation of the patrol system. The patrols now consist, as they originally did, of boys of several age-groups in each, instead of boys all of the same age.
The activities during the term were arranged by masters and P/L's and many new ideas were suggested - and tested. The patrol competition has been re-introduced and. there has been keen rivalry, term ending with the Eagles in the lead.
JLS
Soham Grammarian Summer 1956
SCOUT NOTES
Under the new P/L's the troop has taken full advantage of the fine weather on Friday evenings, nearly all the meetings having been held out-of-doors. There have been "cook-ups" and twist-makings and practice tent-pitching, as well as wide games. Week-end and patrol camps have been almost nil and action is needed in this direction. P/L's note.
The Summer Camp is at Edale in the Peak District, for under-15's only, the seniors being otherwise engaged.
The troop took part in the St. George's Day Parade at Newmarket, twenty-five being present. We entered a rather young team for the Stratton Prize - the ambulance competition - and they did very well, being within five points of the leaders in the area competition at Ely. This should be a good augury for next year.
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last updated 22 Nov 2007