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
SRM
