Soham Grammarians - Scouting School Year 1957-58

Soham Grammarian Autumn 1957

 


Soham Grammarian Spring 1958

SCOUT NOTES

Last year the annual camp was spent at the Snowdonia National Forest Park. Many scouts were familiar with the site and were pleased to be returning to it. The site is situated almost in the valley between Moel Hebog, a large hill, and Craig Wen, a high ridge. Over the hillsides spread the forests of the park and nearby flows a stream.

For the first time the troop had an advance party, consisting of Mr Waller, S/S Mann, Graves and Stokes, who motored to the site. The arrival of the rest of the troop under Mr Riley was greeted by a torrential downpour. All were relieved to find that the advance party had succeeded in pitching all the tents before the rain had started.

The following days were spent in climbing, swimming, exploring and camp work on the fine days, and trying to keep amused on the wet ones. Most of the troop conquered the usual hills (mountains if you were there), Moel Hebog, Y Aran and Snowdon. The next two or three days were spent in teaching and learning the treatment of blisters! Those who suffered appreciated the bus tour, which was held on a surprisingly fine day, even several sun-hats were noticed. The tour included a visit to the beautiful Swallow Falls, and a stop in the slate town of Festiniog.

The last few days were marred by an unfortunate accident, which resulted in Burdett being confined to his bed for the rest of the camp. However, it had been a most enjoyable time. Even two very keen Senior Scouts ventured to make a twenty mile hike - although they accepted two lifts "over the hard bits" and concluded with a bus ride. They still claim they walked at "least seven miles". Another erring member, again a Senior, was almost condemned for keeping the midge-bitten troop waiting half an hour for him to return from "a walk in the forest."

Before going to camp, the patrol leaders formed a new Senior Scout patrol and new leaders were elected to take over. We have welcomed several new members from the first forms, and in order to lessen the size of the patrols the Hawks have been formed again.

A new mark system has been prepared and the patrols' progress can be seen on the sheet, drawn up by our artistic element, in the Old Assembly Hall. The points are awarded for attendance, badgework and competitions. These competitions are based upon scout-work and have been organised by the Scoutmaster helped - or hindered - by the Seniors. Already there is rivalry between the patrols. The winning Patrol will be awarded the Patrol Mallet, which was won by the Pewitt Patrol last year.

This term we have succeeded in having a "uniform week" and we hope to achieve this more frequently in the future. Since reorganisation, the troop has settled down well and we are hoping for a record "Bob-a-Job" week total.

S/S CAB, VL


Soham Grammarian Summer 1958

SCOUT NOTES

The Scouts have been very active in the last three months. Since the beginning of April we have been very busy on many different activities, not only with the usual badge work, but also there were Bob-a-Job, St. George's Day Parade, Camping Competition and Scout Sports.

During Easter Week, 7th to 12th April, everyone was busy earning money for Bob-a-Job. A fine total was again reached and the Troop was once more top in the District.

Every year a St. George's Day Parade is held in the District. This year it was in Newmarket and the service in All Saints' Church on Sunday, 27th April. The troop was well represented.

M Wilson led the patrol which came fourth in the Camping Competition on the 11th and 12th May at Exning Park. This was a fine achievement.

Saturday, 31st May, was the day of the District Sports. The Scouts were fifth in the competing troops. However, the Seniors were victorious, obtaining maximum points, thus winning the Senior Trophy.

Like other members of the School, the Scouts are making their contribution to the School Pavilion Fund.

It is now only two weeks to Summer Camp which this year is at East Runton, near Cromer. So from now to the end of term we are in for a busy time.

S/S MANN


If you can add to this page with recollections or photos, please contact the editor
last updated 21 Nov 2007