Soham Grammarian Christmas 1958
This term we have again welcomed several new members to the Troop. These boys have now settled down and are proving themselves keen to 'get on with the job.' The Senior Patrol has increased in number, and the members have become prominent features at meetings, either acting as instructors or planning the game for the evening. The weather has not been kind this term, as we all know, and outdoor activities have been restricted.
Early in the term the new members were introduced into the art of tracking, and were successful in tracking down the Seniors, even in the 'backwoods' of Soham. The following dry Friday was used to full advantage, when the troop spent the whole evening frying sausages, bread, tomatoes and beans, and brewing some tea over patrol camp-fires in the shrubbery. The term has thus passed with good progress amongst the patrols with the Woodpeckers in the lead for the Patrol Mallet Competition.
On the Thursday before the end of term the troop left the school, piled upon a lorry, kindly loaned by Mr JP Clark, with camp equipment and two cycles bound for East Runton, a small village adjoining Cromer. Having spent our last three annual camps amongst the hills, we went to the sea.
The camp site was well chosen, being high up, but sheltered from the coldest of the sea winds by a mound, which was probably a war-time gun position. Judging by the barbed wire. It was also a site which would drain quickly if heavy rain fell. The scouts spent their time exploring and playing wide games amongst the forested hills, swimming, playing cricket, visits to Cromer and carrying out the usual camp jobs. Being closer to home than usual, we had several visitors who were made welcome with examples of camp tea, which we hope did not have too disastrous effects. One visit resulted in the delivery of Butcher's guitar. I am not sure, yet, whether the introduction of this instrument was fully appreciated by his tent companions.
For the older members of the Group this will be remembered as Graves' camp, Graves has now left the school and gone to study at the Royal Military College at Shrivenham (which is seven miles from ... etc., etc., - camp joke). We will always remember his happy renderings of songs from "At the Drop of a Hat," especially the 'Omnibus Song,' and past school productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operas; also, his habitual reply to "I'm hungry, cold, etc." - i.e. "and I'm Graves, how do you do?"became a habit with those who spent the camp with him.
The Seniors' activities were varied, from playing whist to attempting "The Times" crossword, which was a daily event (however, we seemed to do rather better when the solution arrived next day); daily visits to Cromer, a visit by the three cyclists to a Guide Camp Fire at Overstrand; swimming; exploring; and two of the laziest managed to scrounge breakfast in bed one morning.
The weather at camp was the best of the Summer Holidays and an enjoyable time was had by all, thanks to the efforts of Mr Riley and Mr Waller, but we were all pleased to return to our feather beds.
S/S CAB
Soham Grammarian Spring 1959
Soham Grammarian Summer 1959
Due to the hurried preparation of the magazine the Scout Notes must take the form of a brief 'resume' of the terms' activities. Although a few senior members of the troop decided to leave at the beginning of term, we were left with four patrols and three Seniors.
Badgework in the early part of the term was followed by preparation for the camping competition at Chippenham Park on July 5th, at which three patrols will represent the troop. The new members of the troop have already gained experience at Patrol camps and we are hoping for an encouraging result, and a change of hands of the Patrol Mallet from the Woodpeckers to another patrol. After this, preparations for the troop's return to North Wales for the Annual Summer camp will begin.
S/S's CAB and RJD
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last updated 24 Nov 2007