Soham Grammarian Autumn 1959
Soham Grammarian Spring 1960
SCOUT NOTES
Last year the scout camp was again held in North Wales at a site near Beddgelert which has proved to be a very popular one. From the camping ground, expeditions were sent up three of the many mountains, Moel Hebog, Yr Aran and Snowdon.
Besides the organised climbs, many parties went exploring in the forest and up the river by themselves. The weather was ideal during our two week stay and the hot weather added to the attractions of a swim in the nearby cool mountain stream. Some hardened swimmers went for a few early morning dips. Points were awarded during the camp for the Patrol Mallet, which was won by the Woodpecker Patrol lead by PJL M Tester.
During the last two terms the troop has been busy doing badgework and there are a large number of Second Class scouts though only a few First Class. Due to the elevation of last year's Patrol Leaders to the Senior Patrol there are a few vacancies in the troop and the intending member has only to ask Mr Riley to be admitted.
S/S WS, VI Arts
Soham Grammarian Summer 1960
SCOUT NOTES
The Summer Term has seen a welcome burst of out-of-doors activity in the troop and a more responsible attitude among the Patrol Leaders. Many a Friday has found the patrols energetic with ropes and canvases - hoisting tents into tree-tops, building shelters, disposing of "incendiary bombs", reconstructing "crimes" in the sand-pit. Initiative and resource have been put to the test and the more enthusiastic members of the troop have responded with a will.
S/M CRW
The Woodpecker patrol held a week-end camp on the school field during half-term. Various activities were attempted including 1st Class tracking and a wide-game, which was played on Saturday night, and having boundaries which were the School, the Fordham Road, the Horse Fen and the Cherry Tree. Visits were paid by both Mr Riley and Mr Waller much to the delight of the patrol. Needless to say the camp was a complete success.
P/L RS
The Owls' weekend camp was by way of a practice camp for the larger summer camp in Derbyshire. We arrived at our site, the School field, in time to prepare Saturday dinner and left after dinner the following day. Whilst we were camping we received a visit from Mr Waller together with a wigwam in case of bad weather and also a visit from Mr Riley which caused a sudden tidying-up of the camp site. Although only four members of the patrol attended, the camp was quite a successful project, a map and log being compiled.
P/L GCP
The combined forces of the Eagle and Peewit patrols chose their camp site in that far away place - Isleham! We were hindered by the inquisitive local cows who did no damage apart from, filling in the wet and dry pits, which had been laboriously dug five minutes previously. They seemed to have a passion for hot ashes as they were frequently seen eating our fire.
On Sunday morning a contingent was asked to represent the troop at church; unfortunately there was no service. With the threat of a visit from the Scout Master, the camp site was needless to say spick and span. When he did put in an appearance it was very brief. "Hello" - skips through the tent - "Goodbye".
'Rawhide' came to Isleham in the deep of night when the cows were chased away from the guy ropes, which they were trying to eat.
We also had a visit from the Headmaster who after enduring a mug of hot tea, proceeded to show us a new method of lighting a fire in the wet. After his departure, we struck camp and made our various ways home after an enjoyable and most successful week-end.
P/Ls SJP and REV
The Senior patrol has provided the games and has organised various competitions towards the patrol mallet. Two are hiking to Grimes' Graves, in the Brecklands, while only one is going to the troop camp in Derbyshire. We, the Seniors, have known Mr Waller the Scout Master the longest and will feel his departure the most keenly.
S/S's GRH and WS
The above is a slice of Scout life and if any reader feels that he would like to join the troop he would be welcome.
If you can add to this page with recollections or photos, please contact the editor
last updated 21 Nov 2007