Last Inspection

The last inspection of camp before we start the big pack up and prepare for our final night celebrations. The sun is beating down which means dry canvas and a very happy HQ! 

SRM 

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

 So much has happened since I last had the opportunity to sit and write a semi-formal update. The weather has generally been improving and ominous clouds have given over to puffy streaks of white and beautiful sunshine. 

Tuesday witnessed the return of the PLs to camp after their brief sojourn and refreshment for their PLs hike. The APLs did a superb job and proved that the 9th is in good hands next year. In the morning, Mr Starke led a self-defence masterclass which was followed by homemade burgers cooked on the open fire for lunch. The sun was shining and the junior Pls had chosen the music to listen to. I'm not quite sure what the songs were but it was certainly different!! (But highly appropriate - anything deemed tasteless was hastily removed!) The afternoon gave over to the penultimate round of the Horner Shield and after evening inspection we had another camp fire with cocoa, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows. A lovely day on camp and into bed just before the rain clouds descended.

Unfortunately, Wednesday morning's reveille was set for 07.45 as we had to get going in the morning for another round of gorge walking, mountain biking and a trip to Brecon leisure centre for swimming and bowling. My cafetière was much needed but an excellent breakfast of sausage butties ensured a positive start to the day. As Maher junior had asked to partake in the gorge walking I decided that it would be best if I accompanied him. Thus I donned waterproofs and wellies with the first year and Booby and spent the day sliding down rapids, crawling through waterfalls and jumping off river ledges. If my seven year old could do it - so could I! Though he bounces better than me and bruises less also. 

We have been using Keith from Brecon bikes and adventure for quite a few years now and he does a brilliant job of balancing the adventure and ensuring that every group pushes themselves to the best of their ability. Nothing is too much trouble, everything is done with a calm good humour and the lads are very much top of his agenda. A great company to work with. 

After the gorge walking we were all very cold and a change of clothes and late luch were extremely well received. As I drove back to camp there was a deathly silence in my minibus. All were fast asleep, including Bobby. It's a time like these that you realise what a precious cargo you have on board. 

Wednesday evening was one of those perfect evenings on camp. Everyone had had a good day, the sun was shining and dinner was excellent. The evening witnessed the second leg of the eagerly anticipated HQ vs PLs football match. The HQ took an early lead levelling the fixture over the two legs. Both teams had ample opportunity to 'put it to bed' but pitifully wasted clear cut chances. So to penalties. Both teams slotted home their first two with aplomb. The Troop's third was saved and it was left to Mr Cameron to win it for the HQ. He pushed his effort wide to loud cheers and we were into sudden death. The Troop scored and the HQ effort was saved. Loud whoops and cheers filled the night air. The Troop had won for the first time in living (MJO'S) memory! Handshakes and congratulations finished the event and the Troop went to bed (after a wash and prayers) on a high.

In his benevolence and wisdom Mr Causton set reveille at the very gentlemanly hour of 09.00. The sun shone and all seemed right with the world. Today was the day of the HQ luch and Operation Gunge. Both greatly anticipated events for very different reasons. 

Our fantastic butcher provided us with cooked joints of Welsh lamb for the lunch - the final opportunity to thank the HQ for giving up their time during the year for free (and often at their own expense) and for all they do for the 9th. After this sumptuous feast we gathered in the new marquees for Gunge. 

More of this tomorrow but as a taster, it was a thrilling, indeed spine tingling, affair! 

Evening parade and night prayers are now upon me. So until tomorrow......

 

 

A most important letter

Just time for a quick blog tonight. I will update you on the day's events in more detail tomorrow. Be assured that all is well and the sun is shining once more. I have to go and referee the second leg of the HQ vs PLs football match but I thought you would like to see the letter we received yesterday.

Until tomorrow.

SRM 

A Couple of Photos from Week 1

I'm just going to make a slight interjection to Mr Maher's regular updates. Sadly I have had to return to London for work commitments but this does give me the chance to upload a few photos from Week 1. 

Top Left - We have the HQ cooking burgers for all the boys on the campfire. A couple of hours later and everyone was sat around singing songs.

Top Right - Here are the 1st and 2nd Year on their hikes. It was a nice walk (at least I felt so) but as we approached the top we did enter a cloud. Much excitement for the boys . . . as were the sticks they found en route. 

Bottom - We have the entire troop on parade with Mr Starke (as Mr Causton was still away) just after evening inspection. I believe Mr Gyngell (far right) may have notice me taking the photo!

SAM

Monday

Yesterday saw an improvement in the weather. Alternating intermittently between sun, clouds and blustery drizzle. It was one of those days when it is difficult to decide what to wear when and you spend half the day taking jumpers off, putting rain coats on and switching between sandals and waterproof boots. However, this had little impact on the running of the day and the APLs attacked their new responsibilities with vigour. At least two of them returning 'clean sheets' after inspection. This is the ultimate achievement and guarantees bragging rights over your peers! 

The morning's activity was a silly incident course which seemed to be generally well received. Unfortunately, one lad fell backwards and banged his head on the ground. After various checks it was deemed necessary to take a trip to Abergavenny A&E to check him out. Parents were informed and after various checks and scans he was given the all clear. He retuned to the Troop later in the day to a rapturous round of applause from the whole Troop.

After lunch the first to third year participated in a rota of activities - castle walk, sort out kit and afternoon tea in our appropriately decorated marquee. Tables were laid up with table cloths, tea pots and tea cups were filled and homemade cup cakes (made by one scout's very generous grandmother) were enjoyed. It was all very 9th Wimbledon and lovely to witness young boys sitting around a table, enjoying each other's company over a cup of tea and a cake. 

While this was all going on, the fourth year were undertaking the three castles walk as the final part of their Chief Scout Gold Award. They returned weary but happy and promptly built a fire and set about barbecuing burgers, sausages, etc... for their evening meal.

One night on camp is always given over for the older leaders to go off site and enjoy each other's company in a local hostelry. The PLs were content, so I asked Mr Orbell if he fancied joining me in the marquee to tell a few stories of years gone by to our young charges as they supped cocoa and munched on biscuits. So with gas lamps set on dim we set about telling the boys a few tales from our respective time as scout leader. This seemed to go down very well and I think it is important for the younger lads to have a sense of the history and legends of the 9th of which they are now a part. 

Soon boys were in tents and I walked around wishing them goodnight and God bless before instructing our stand in Troop Leader and Assistant Troop Leaders to go round and do lights out. It made me hark back to my time as Scout Leader and I ensconced myself in the marquee with the junior HQ and the very senior leaders and reminisced about times gone by.

Onto this morning and the sun is shining and the sky is clear. A blustery wind is blowing down the field and it should provide perfect conditions to dry out any wet towels or damp shoes. Morning parade is about to be sounded so I will sign off and post later when I can get 3G! 

Saturday and Sunday

On Saturday morning the sun shone and the sky was clear. As previously mentioned, Mr Causton had set reveille at the very agreeable time of 09.00 to everyone's delight. Unfortunately, the lads had a rude awakening as it was army day and the HQ, smothered in war paint, clattered pans, set of bangers and threw smoke grenades. Soon the field was a full of shouts and screams, boys doing press ups and usually tranquil leaders screaming like army captains. 

It's all a little bit too much for me but fortunately these days I don't have to be quite so involved so watched quietly whilst enjoying a cup of coffee.

Once morning exercises were done operation Black Sheep was launched. However, due to ministry protocols and restrictions on releasing sensitive information I have been informed that I can pass on no more details at this stage. Apparently, parents can apply under a freedom of information request for further details which should be released at the photo and video evening. Please email Mr Causton directly with your requests in the new academic year if you would like to know what happened! He is unlikely to reply - perhaps you should refer to the web site in due course. 

After operation Black Sheep the troops had a well earned dip in the river and cleaned up for our mid camp central meal - homemade steak pies, new potatoes in melted butter and sprinkled with chopped parsley and a meddly of mixed vegetables followed by 9th Mess. All this was extremely well received and set everyone up nicely and put them in good spirits for the mid-camp party.

The aforementioned party was led in hilarious fashion by Charles Connor and a band of junior HQ performing sketches and songs backed up by a few old boys as the support acts. A wonderful evening was had by all and a fitting end to our first week on camp. 

At night prayers we thanked God for all the many benefits and privileges we have enjoyed in the first week of camp and all went off to bed happy. 

Sunday is generally considered a 'quiet day' and the formal structures are dropped in favour of a more leisurely regime. Mr Causton had declared that we should keep quiet until about 10.00 and allow those who would like to sleep the opportunity to do so. I followed these instructions as I always do and was surprised when I came out of my tent at about 10.00 to discover that rebellion had taken place and that I had missed it. Imagine my disappointment at not being able to support my HQ colleagues in a mass water fight against the Troop. If only I had heard something I would have been there with alacrity to fight the good fight. Alas, I am a heavy sleeper........

After rebellion, the Troop were called on parade and order was restored. Tom Walsh, one of our charming and usually reserved senior patrol leaders, was dressed in a quite extraordinary outfit involving a pink tutu and wig!! Things have changed since my day! 

After this the HQ enjoyed a wonderful HQ breakfast. This is one of the traditional ways we thank the HQ for giving up their time to come on camp and it is always a most enjoyable morning - melon and raspberries to start followed by a full English breakfast - lovely! 

The afternoon saw another round of the Horner Shield, the PLs preparing for their hikes and the APLs taking over for the APL competition. Suddenly, there is a new enthhusiasm in the patrols as the new temporary leaders endeavour to prove their leadership abilities. 

The weather has been mixed today. Bursts of heavy rain, followed by periods of drizzle and then bright sunshine. Such is the way of things when you camp in Britian. You need to be prepared for these mixed fortunes and make hay when the sun shines. The boys had a big sort out yesterday in the sun so we were prepared for today. I seem to remember something about scouts being prepared.....

Unfortunately, we could not get a priest to say Mass today so we joined in a simple prayer service in the marquee focussed on the readings for the day and offered prayers for one another and our loved ones. The feeding of the 5000 seems an apt Gospel for the middle Sunday of camp. 

Suddenly, over a week has gone and we have only five full days left. It seems unbelievable but soon another camp will be done and the lads will come home to happy parents that little bit better prepared for their future and more mature for their experience on camp. 

SRM

Friday 24th July

We have two birthdays today on camp which we will recognise later with cake and singing - happy birthday to Alex and Charlie!

The free day in Hereford yesterday was a great success and again the weather treated us well. The first and second year went for a swim and a jaunt around town accompanied by members of the Junior HQ. A quick word on behalf of the JHQ. They have been superb this camp. Certainly the best and most committed since my time as a leader in the 9th. They have been a great support and fantastic role models. 

But enough about them, boys returned from Hereford having made phone calls home to tearful mums and dads with bags and bags of sweets, drinks and biscuits bought from Poundland or some other similar establishment. I always think it's one of the treats of camp to be allowed to do a few things that your parents would never allow (certainly that this parent would not allow) and it would be a shame to stifle this independence. 

Once back, stores were again issued and fajitas were soon sizzling away. Unfortunately, my patrol were rather late calling which made me a little grumpy. If it hadn't been for the confit of duck and Herefordshere steak I had for lunch at the Castle House Hotel my mood would have been worse! (A fine establishment where things are done properly for any parents visiting the area). 

The forecasts for Friday were pretty grim. Mr Causton, Mr Starke and I discussed the possibilities for the activities on the next day, weighing up the impact of a very wet day on tired boys. We decide to 'over sell' it when we briefed the Troop. Therefore, whatever the weather, it would likely be better than our dire warnings!! 

So this morning arrived. The rain began at about 04.00 when, frustratingly, nature intervened on my gentle slumber. The rain was consistent but not thunderous (as had been promised). Nevertheless, I lay in bed unable to sleep pondering various options for the day ahead.

As it transpired, the activities ran pretty much as originally planned and the rain never became too onerous or difficult. There were some very cold and wet boys after various activities but lashings of warm cocoa on their return to site, many boys wearing borrowed HQ jumpers that engulfed them completely, and Green Curry this evening has warmed them through.

The plan for the rest of the evening is a short quiz in the marquee, some surprise doughnuts at the Scout Leader's request and more cocoa. It will then be early to bed and I have heard whispers of a 09.00 reveille! I'm sure a few extra hours in bed will go down well and the forecast tomorrow is dry if not sunny. So a tough but successful day on camp. BP himself is alleged to have said that any fool can camp in the sunshine. If he did say it, he was probably right, but a day like today tests your metal and the boys have once again proven their resilience, character and good humour.

SRM

Lunch at the Castle House Hotel in Hereford. Mrs M and Mr O taking a selfie on my iPad. MJO's first!!

Wednesday 22nd July

Now, where was I? When I left you yesterday we were just approaching dinner. I had another wonderful meal and free time followed after which we had our first camp fire. Classics from the likes of Simon and Garfunkel, Oasis, The Beach Boys and The Beatles were harmoniously (almost) rendered accompanied on the guitar by Bagridge, Green and Starke. This was followed by cocoa around the fire and night prayers.

Tuesday was deemed treat night for the HQ. So the BBQ was dusted down and chicken marinated in Nando's  sauce was soon sizzling away as the lads slept off their exertions from the day. Mr Starke had gloriously declared that reveille should be at 08.30 - some very happy boys approved of this decision. 

This morning the infrequent showers of previous days turned into heavy down pours as the morning wore on causing all to seek shelter in various tents and marquees. However, a very bracing breeze moved the weather along quickly and we once again commenced morning activities in the dry. This mornings activities involved boys completing various tennis ball related challenges, that allowed them access to the 'Maherket' where they were given a riddle to solve. Once the riddle was solved or code broken they could 'buy' paints or brushes or paper, etc... that they would use to create their patrol flag. 

Quite where they get their energy from I have no idea but the field was soon full of smiling boys steaming from one activity to the next as they attempted to complete as many task in the 60 minutes allotted. Frances Jinks's Falcons won the day and received water pistols as their well earned reward. 

Lunch soon followed - I had a wonderful ham, Brie and chutney baguette with Kettle chips washed down with a cup of Twinning's Assam tea. As I left to do some food shopping at Waitrose the boys were once again starting off on a new activity. There's no time to rest on summer camp. 

Waitrose in Abergavenny is a God send. A lovely cafe, with free wifi and a certain standard of food that is expected in the 9th!

Hereford beckons tomorrow where all the boys will get a swim, a wash (phew) and a chance to raid the local fast food joints. I will make my way to the Castle hotel for lunch where we will be reunited with our Scout Leader who has had to return to work. 

As for now. All is well and the sun is shining once more.

SM

TUESDAY 21ST JULY

Firstly, apologies for the lack of communication between the start of camp and today. Let's just say it was down to technical difficulties. Onto more interesting matters.

As I pulled up on Saturday afternoon it was to the gentle sound of mallets on pegs as our little village began to be erected. Everything else was already in order - store tents were in place, the marquees stood proud and Mr Orbell was supping a cup of tea. It's like stepping back into a very comfortable and familiar world. All at once, it was like I hadn't left since last summer camp.

Eager boys ran around fresh faced and raring to go as each patrol strived to be the first ready. Soon stores were issued and the smell of cooking wafted across the field and camp was properly underway.

An evening inspection led by Mr Causton was followed by a bit of free time and then an opening night sing song in the 'new' marquee. Camp favourites were belted out so new boys could learn old songs. crisps, cocoa and night prayers - so to bed and day one was done. 

At about 03.00 the heavens opened and Sunday morning greeted us wet and cold. Not that the boys seemed too bothered, rain seems to have very little affect on young boys, on older boys with creaking joints the impact is rather different. My spirits were soon revived by a cafetière of coffee and the smell of bacon coming from the patrols. After breakfast the first HQ meeting was called and soon inspection was underway.

The first inspection is traditionally 'light touch' and used as an opportunity to instruct and inform as things will soon get tougher. 

Fr Peter joined us for the first weekend and therefore we celebrated Mass at 11.00. The words from Mark's Gospel which Peter focussed on in his homily seemed so apt for us here in our remote corner of Wales: "Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." As Peter said, to get away from the busy normal world and distractions to be by ourselves is something to be treasured and celebrated. 

After Mass, tuck shop was opened, much to the delight of the lads, and the sun had come out. So boys sat in circles with their fiends happily munching sweets and drinking pop engaged in cheerful conversation. If for no other reason, this opportunity to socialise, makes camp a worthwhile experience. 

The Horner shield opening ceremony took place after lunch. Written and directed by Charles Connor and performed by the Junior HQ. This year's theme was Harry Potter and the evil Lord VolderMaher who had stolen the Horner Shield!! A fantastic opening ceremony with much good humour and many bad puns set the competition up nicely. 

The matches themselves were contested eagerly even by boys not so keen on the round ball game or indeed any games at all. The Horner Shield seems to bring out the competitive streak in most of them. Suddenly, it seemed, we were on evening parade, the stars were beautiful in their abundance but it beckoned for a cold night. The boys were told to wrap up well, night prayers and day two was done.

Monday is traditionally given over to day hikes. Mostly so that the boys can get a sense of where they are and what's around them. Again it was a dark sky that greeted us as we awoke but another cafetière of coffee and the smell of frying sausages revived my spirits. (You may determine that I am not a 'morning person'. I like to take my time to get my bearings and think about the day ahead over a cup of good coffee before being engaged in conversation. Unfortunately, I haven't yet convinced my seven year old son that he should let daddy do this!!) 

The boys went off on their hikes as the sun once again burnt off the clouds and Mrs Maher, Bobby and I headed off to bookers in Hereford. This is in a part of Hereford that most tourists would seek to avoid especially when driving a Mercedes minibus! However, two massive trolleys of provisions later, including some 120 cartons of long life milk (that will only last a week!), and we were on our way to the leisure pool for a swim (ok) and hot shower (fantastic). 

We arrived back on site at about 16.30 just as various groups were returning from their hikes. The lads looked a little hot and bothered but very cheerful nonetheless. It was deemed that a swim in the river would cool everyone off and the camp site was soon filled with shrieks and giggles as boys dipped hesitant toes in extremely cold waters. 

We had a fine dinner of pasta bolognese and salad which was followed by free time, cocoa, parade and night prayers. Another star filled and cold night but all was well. Soon there was silence and I eagerly repaired to my bed.

Unfortunately, in the night, our airbed decided to deflate. Though, due to its design, only Mrs Maher's side went down. I didn't really notice until the morning! Not wanting to risk the wrath of Mrs M I made sure that I drove into Hereford today to purchase a replacement! 

This morning witnessed the second round of the Horner Shield and the river games were moved to after lunch as it would be a little warmer. The HQ built a magnificent fire and grilled homemade burgers from our fantastic butcher on a grill over its embers - lovely! After lunch the river was used for a host of silly games in the sunshine which was followed by a wide game. Lots of shrieks and laughter with perhaps the odd bump and scratch easily dealt with in our welfare department. 

As I write, the sun is shining and the boys are once again cooking dinner. More tomorrow.

SRM

AND WE'RE OFF!

With both coaches turning up fully working this year (what a relief!) we made it down to site by 1pm. With the weather on our side, tents were quickly erected and the river explored for the first time, topped off by a sing-song in the evening. 

Sunday brought some rain in the morning only to be usurped by blistering sunshine. Despite constant reminders to the boys about the importance of sun cream and a hat, I failed to follow my own guidance and am paying the price!

The site is looking in excellent shape, as are its' surroundings. Sean Maher will be updating this blog shortly, but I thought you might all like a quick update since we left you. 

TWC

PACKED AND READY TO GO!

Although camp for most people begins on Saturday, tonight the lorry was loaded, filled to the brim full of all the equipment we will need for 2 weeks of camping for 100 people. 

The Advance Party leaves tomorrow morning and will begin to setup site ready for our arrival on Saturday. Fingers crossed for good weather!

TWC