Thursday 31st July 2014

Reveille was set for the rather relaxing hour of 08.30 but I found myself restless and couldn't sleep after 06.30. I resigned myself to the fact that sleep was not going to come and had a walk around the site. The sun was just glimmering through the clouds, all was silent and it was a very peaceful and beautiful place to be. It is a huge privilege that we are allowed to camp on this beautiful site. I'm sure that there can't be a more stunning scout camp site in the country.

Having walked the fields, I went back to bed to read and promptly fell asleep. Perhaps that morning walk was meant to remind me how lucky we are in the 9th Wimbledon.

Of course, the talk this morning was all about Operation Gunge and who were the favourites to get chosen should the Troop or HQ win. The rumour mill seemed to zone in on the same names: from the Troop - Sinnott Senior, Flynn and Heeler; from the HQ - Cameron, Day and Mr Causton were names mentioned.

Before this was to happen the HQ had a wonderful lunch while the PLs ran the activities. This is Tom and the Troop's opportunity to thank the HQ for giving up their time and coming down to camp. They are a great bunch and the Troop simply wouldn't run without them.

After lunch I co-ordinated Operation Gunge - games of chance with one PL against one HQ member. It was pretty close until the high card draw when Nick Day firmly put things in the HQ's hands. Despite the Troop's best efforts the HQ ran out winners - a first time in four or five years. They went out to deliberate and Charles Connor was nominated to deliver the verdict. He lined the Fourth Year up and went through them one at a time - sitting some down and leaving some standing. At the end the aforementioned names were still standing and as he delivered his final verdict Charles sprang a surprise and the HQ decided to gunge Josh Tiernan. Given that he flew over from America to be with us I thought it was a bit harsh but Josh took it very well and he was carried to the river on the shoulders of his friends to be delivered for his fate!

After the afternoon excitement, we had a wash in the river, evening dinner and onto evening activities. Michael Orbell said his goodbyes and headed home to New Malden. In all his time as Scout Leader he always wanted to avoid the packing up of camp and now he has reached a certain age he can go home and leave it to the rest of us.

So our thoughts unfortunately and inevitably turn to packing up and heading home. Some tents have already been packed away and there will be much work tomorrow but we will find time for one final party!

PS On another note, we received a letter supposedly from the Prime Minister to wish us well on our camp. Now, while I think the 9th is well worthy of a letter from the PM, I think some enterprising parent or friend of the 9th was having a little joke. I'd love to know who it was.......

SRM

Wednesday 30th July 2014

This morning started with a bang - literally! Today is army day and the Troop had a rude awakening with smoke grenades, bangers and blaring music. This year, making its debut, was the 9th tank (top left in the picture). Colonel Causton issued his orders and the boys were soon up parading outside their tents, donning khaki t-shirts and having their faces painted ready for 'training'.

Mr Causton decided that last night was 'night hike' time. An inner circle of HQ were informed well in advance but no one else was let into the loop. Just as the PLs were heading off for bed after pop and crisps they were called back and told to take a seat. They were instructed to go and get dressed in appropriate clothing, wake up their Third Year and come back ready for walking the infamous 'Path of the Dead'. The Third Year, led by Mr Day, went up Horner Hill to look at the stars then back down, a quick cocoa and bed. The Fourth Year walked deep into the heart of the forest, criss crossing the river over various bridges, following rarely used paths to find the site of a desecrated graveyard. There was much talk of covens and spirits in the wood and things moving 'up in the distance'. The forest can play tricks on you in the dark and what seems very innocent on a sun dappled day adopts an extremely different appearance in  the black of night. Mr Causton asked me to lead the hike and it was very interesting to see which big brave boys weren't quite so brave when the torch lights went out!

All lots of fun and we were back for cocoa and bed at 01.00. I don't think the First and Second Year even noticed that anyone had gone. So the gossip around the breakfast table this morning largely revolved around the bigger boys telling the smaller boys their adventures from the night before.

Tuesday saw the return of the PLs to their patrols and another round of the Horner shield. It's always good when the PLs return and life gets back to normal. We have been here now for twelve days (some the HQ are approaching the third week!) but time seems to have flown by. Soon we will have to turn our attention to packing up our little village and preparing for the journey home but there is much to be done between now and then. Tomorrow brings us Operation Gunge. Will the HQ be able to arrest their record losing streak or will the PLs pull off another triumph? I know there are some who are already feeling edgy about what the outcome might be!

SRM

Monday 28th July 2014

Apologies for not updating you sooner. Time plays games with you on Scout camp. Sometimes it seems we are set outside of time completely while at other times it's hard to believe how quickly the days slip past. What a fantastic few days we have had though.

When I last posted we were just contemplating the middle Saturday. Activities were once again superb and I even managed a little rock climbing myself putting my life in Charles Julian's hands! It was a hot dusty day up on the rock face and a stop off for cold drinks on the way home was greatly appreciated.

Arriving back on site, things were well underway in preparation for the our mid-camp celebrations. A hog roast in the middle of the field that ensured lashings and lashings of pork and apple sauce for anyone who wanted it followed by chocolate and honeycomb landslide. A fitting start to our celebrations and much thanks must go to Toni from the Lorna Doone who still runs a hotel, restaurant and catering service for willing scout groups - all at the age of 75!!

This was followed by a party in the marquee with sketches put on by the junior HQ, fancy dress and many favourite songs. It was a real 9th Wimbledon day on camp - lots of activity and lots of fun with everyone heading off to bed happy and weary. We have much to be thankful for.

Sunday morning reveille was set for 10.00. A true luxury. Many of the boys were up before then but everyone enjoyed the opportunity to relax and not rush around too much. We had out traditional HQ breakfast. Allowing Tom to thank the leaders for giving up their time so willingly - they even have to pay to come to camp.

The PLs started to prepare for the weekend off and PLs hikes while the APLs took over. I was instructed to take the 4th Year off to Tesco to buy supplies and Mr Day sorted out mess tins, army stoves and tents.

At about 19.00 Niall approached me very quietly:

'Sir, are you planning to take part in the rebellion this year?'

'No, I think my days of that sort of stuff are done really.' I replied. Thinking to myself how history might have changed if rulers had been asked if they were willing to participate in a rebellion before it kicked off.

'Ok sir. Would you mind filming it then?' Said Niall.

'Not at all. What time will the rebellion take place?' I asked.

'Tomorrow, at about 07.45.'

'I'll be ready and I'll keep it to myself.' I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.

'Many thanks sir.'

Things are really very civilised in the 9th. Thus, this morning, Mr Causton was greeted in not so gentlemanly fashion as he left his tent. Suddenly, scouts and HQ were running all over the place, bundling each other and generally dousing everyone in water. Lots of fun and when everyone was tired, a truce was called, everyone shook hands and life carried on very much as if the whole thing hadn't happened.

A second day of day hikes today followed with trips over Selworthy Beacon and Dunkery Beacon, a dip in the river and onto dinner. Another day was done and all is well. I can't believe it is Tuesday tomorrow!

SRM

Friday 25th July 2014

No time for long blogs over coffee today. We were up and about very early after a hearty bowl of porridge to make sure everyone got to their off site activities on time. The Second Year headed off with me for rock climbing and abseiling just off the Lynton coast line. A more scenic and beautiful sight you would struggle to find in this green and pleasant land. We were bathed in sunshine throughout the day - much sun cream and water needed.

The First and Third Year headed off with Mr Causton and others for kayaking and mountain biking. The Fourth Year stayed on sight in the morning to do some re-pitching of Patrol tents but swapped with the Second Year for abseiling in the afternoon. The feedback from the boys over dinner has been very positive (fajitas for dinner tonight - not one of my favourites - followed by blueberry mess).

After a long day, the boys are preparing for a marked evening inspection (this rarely happens in the 9th unless there has been some seriously poor behaviour) but there simply was not enough time this morning if we were to get to activities on time. The boys will be eager for bed when the time comes!

Tomorrow is the mirror of today with all groups swapping activities, followed by hog roast and our mid camp party.......Sunday morning allows us all a lie in. Much to look forward to!

PS You'll be relieved to hear that the amnesty after the free day turned up nothing of concern. I said to the boys that if your mother wouldn't like it please check with me. Either we have some very good boys out there or some seriously liberal mothers! I hope it is the former.

PPS Many thanks for all the post. I know the boys are very grateful. Please keep it coming.

SRM

Thursday 24th July 2014

Well, it truly was an exceptional lunch! Chicken Liver Parfait followed by Herb Crusted Somerset Lamb Loin with Fennel and finished off with seasonal berries and coffee. At breakfast this morning the boys mentioned that they were heading for Subway (accompanied by the junior HQ of course). They have much to learn!

Last night witnessed the opening leg of the annual HQ versus PLs football much refereed by yours truly. A hard fought battle but inevitably the HQ came off 3 - 1 winners. A first start of a fledgling career was given to Bobby Maher who came on up front for the HQ with five minutes left to play. A promising beginning. A welcome dip in Horner Water was followed by cocoa and biscuits. Night prayers, bed and another day was done.

This morning greeted us with another glorious sky awash with sunshine and fluffy white clouds. I took fresh coffee on my porch at 07.30 and slowly watched the camp come to life. A buzz was in the air because it was our 'free day' in Taunton. The boys were pictured in their uniforms standing outside their tents and we set off at 10.45. The first and second years were required to spend the first part of free day in the swimming pool and then off to Taunton to invade the fast food joints and pound shops that seem to abound! The older boys are given a slightly freer hand but must go around in groups of three or more. As ever, an amnesty will undoubtedly be declared when we return, allowing the boys to 'give up' anything that they might have bought that 'would upset their mothers'.

On one such amnesty in years gone by a small lad came up to me and confessed that he had some chewing gum which was strictly band at home. We agreed that neither of us would tell his mum but that chewing gum would be ok on camp as long as he didn't stick it to the tents.

Yesterday evening also welcomed the return of Mr Corrigan and Mr Causton as well as the arrival of a couple of scouts and a couple of junior HQ. I have never seen so much canvass up on camp and we have still more arrivals this weekend. It will be very busy!

So all is well and the sun continues to shine. My question this morning over coffee from Bobby was: "Daddy, what is salvation?". Try explaining that to a six year old while you're brain is still kicking into gear!

More tomorrow.

SRM

Wednesday 23rd July 2014

Yesterday finished with the Troop singing some traditional favourites around the camp fire washed down with Cocoa and marshmallows. The singing was led by Mr Starke and culminated with a beautiful rendition of 'Hallelujah' from Daniel Bishop. We finished with night prayers focusing on our friends and friendship, as Mr Orbell often says, next to your family your friends are the most important people in your life and you need to look after them. Mr Starke decided that some of us were looking tired and therefore set reveille at the very gentlemanly hour of 08.30. The older boys and HQ were very happy!

The drone made an appearance during the camp fire hovering over the troop like some alien vehicle from a science-fiction movie. It does stand in huge contrast to the basic reality of daily life on camp. From the sublime to the ridiculous!

A cloudy sky greeted us this morning but the sun was eager to burn off the clouds and by about 11.30 was peaking through and promising another superb day. Once again it was bacon butties for breakfast which were expertly cooked for me and Bobby by Zak Heeler's Lions - I was even asked if I would like fried bread with my breakfast. Tempted though I was, in the interests of my waistline, I politely declined.

After tuck shop and morning parade the boys headed off into the woods for various activities. It's homemade sausage rolls for lunch which I need to collect in five minutes and a little recce this afternoon to check out the water sports location.

More tomorrow where I will be posting from The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Not a bad place to have a spot of lunch if you're ever down this way.....

SRM

Summer Camp 2014 - We're up and running ...

Good Morning,

Welcome to my first blog of this summer camp - a far different perspective now that I am no longer the Scout Leader. I can, for instance, sneak off site at 11.00 and sit in a coffee shop in Porlock to spend time writing the blog!

Despite the less than smooth start at the Parish Hall (you can't really legislate for faulty window wipers) things on camp itself have got off to a fantastic beginning. The sun is shining, the boys are smiling and the leaders are, well, leading. I'm not quite sure what I was worried about for all those years. Clearly, I am a very small cog in an extremely sophisticated machine. I'm not really sure that I am needed at all but if they want me to drink coffee and write a few words to appease worried parents; then who am I to argue.

When I arrived at camp on Saturday, just ahead of the 1st and 2nd Years, all was set up and ready to go. Once everyone was on site, Mr Orbell led us in an opening prayer for a safe and happy camp, while Mr Causton issued his instructions for the rest of the day. In a whirlwind of activity, tents were set up for the night, dinner was cooked and evening inspection soon underway. It was as if we had picked up from last summer camp without missing a beat and somehow the intervening fifty weeks hadn't happened. Summer camp was up and running!

We finished the first day with a bit of a sing song in the marquee, some old hands trying to teach some young guns a few camp favourites, a short interruption for pop and crisps, more songs, night prayers (we remembered our mums and dads at home weeping into their G&Ts) and off to bed. Day one was done.

Day two arrived bright and sunny. Having slept for the first time in our new 'airbeem' tent (very palatial), I awoke at 06.00 ready for a day at work, remembered where I was rolled over and went back to sleep - bliss! Soon, however, number 1 son decided it was time for a game of top trumps and so the first coffee of the day was made.

At 08.00 the boys were awoken by the TL and ATLs after receiving instruction from Mr Causton and very quickly the day was underway. Stores were issued and the smell of frying bacon started to drift across the field. A bacon buttie and cup of tea standing outside bathed in morning sunshine in the stunning setting of the Horner Valley is very hard to beat. I certainly can't think of a better spot for breakfast.

The first marked inspection of camp is used as a training exercise when everything is explained to each patrol and marks are only dropped for catastrophic errors. After tuck shop the Troop underwent a health and safety briefing which was followed by a reminder about basic first aid. Lunch was next - Brie, Ham, Cheddar, French bread, chutney, fruit, etc..... It really is a struggle on these camps.

After lunch the new junior HQ put on an opening ceremony for the Horner Shield (our annual football competition) which revolved around the theme of nations that didn't make it to the World Cup - including England! This was followed by the opening rounds of the competition.

It was chicken korma for dinner and onto evening activities - touch rugby, board games in the 'Horner Arms' and letter writing (I know the boys would like me to remind parents that they like receiving letters, even better a letter containing a top up for camp bank, best of all a parcel with some surprises lurking inside). Evening parade, night prayers and day two was done.

Monday morning again started bright and sunny and, after the normal morning routine, each year group was packed off in various directions for day hikes with plenty of water and sun tan lotion - it was very hot. A dip in the river was very welcome after a long and hot day. On evening activities, I joined in a monster game of football - I think it was 30 versus 30 and the rules didn't much resemble the modern game. It was probably all the better for that though. Evening parade, night prayers and day three was done.

So we arrive at today. Breakfast this morning was eggy bread. Not one of my favourites as it tends to go cold by the time each piece has been cooked. I decided to take matters into my own hands and told Sam Mensah (the PL of the patrol I was scheduled to eat with) that I would come a cook for his patrol serving each boy with eggy bread straight from the pan as it was ready. They had two pieces each and there was enough egg left over for me to make some scrambled egg for myself. Much more my cup of tea!!

I will report more tomorrow and endeavour to update you with developments at least every two days. Perhaps even every day......it really is a very nice coffee shop!

SRM

Sunday 28th and Monday 29th July 2013

A very lazy morning on Sunday. After a fantastic mid camp part there were some very sleepy heads and the morning was given over to free time, chilling out with friends and (I am told) cooking fried bread with sugar on top.

The HQ indulged in the traditional mid camp breakfast.  Superbly coordinated by Mr Rinne.  Weldon and raspberries to start, followed by scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, bacon, black pudding, mushrooms, beans and an assortment of fresh bread.  An excellent meal and a wonderful way to thank the HQ for the time they give up to come on camp.

The PLs ran some activities for the rest of the lads and we then moved into the next round of the Horner Shield.  These matches are fiercely contested and there is much huffing and puffing from all concerned.

After the Horner Shield, we took the PLs into the local Londis to shop for their hikes - disposable bbqs and burgers and sausages seemed popular - and the rest of the Troop were split into new patrols for the APLs competition.

So the PLs are off and the younger ones have taken over.  Rob Allard and his team are keen to prove themselves and my bolognese was superb last night.  However just as we were going off t bed the heavens opened and, oh my, did it rain!

I had a rather disturbed sleep thinking about the PLs in their hike tents in the rain and I was pleased when the morning came around and everything was fine. After more showers this morning, the sun has come out and it is beautiful once more down in Grosmont.  The PLs are off on a serious hike, while the younger lads are doing short day hikes following the ancient there castle trail.

So all is well. Though rumours of rebellion are putting some of the younger HQ on edge while older and wiser heads know that there is nothing more to be done but wait and accept the inevitable!

It's already the second Monday and my thoughts begin to turn to Operation Gunge, the en famille and packing up camp. But enough of that, there's plenty of water to go under the bridge between here and there.

SRM

Friday 26th and Saturday 27th July 2013

As previously mentioned, reveille was set for 07.30 on Friday and Saturday mornings so that we could get to our outdoor activities in good time.  The lads were sleepy but excellent.  Their hard work meant we could get off site by 09.50 on Friday and 09.30 today after a walk around inspection.

It is a good drive to where the activities take place (about 12 miles outside Brecon), so I took the opportunity to continue the musical education of those in my minibus.  Over Friday and Saturday I have treated the boys to Billy Joel, Nina Simone, Fleetwood Max, Cat Stavens, James Blunt, The Eagles and Bob Dylan with a little bit of Tom Jones thrown in for good measure.  I'm saving Dire Straits for the journey back to site!

The general consensus at dinner last night was that the activities were well received and enjoyed (which is just as well as the two days makes a massive hole in the camp budget!)

As we reach the half way mark, my feeling is that the boys are doing extremely well and with the return of Mrs Maher and the arrival of Mr Causton, Mr Rinne and Mr Travers, it promises to be an excellent second week.

Tonight we will be eating steak pie (made at our local butchers), new potatoes and seasonal vegetables.  The butcher has lent us his portable gas fired oven, which will also allow us to do baked potatoes and pizza (!!!) later on in camp.  This will be followed by chocolate cake, strawberries and cream.  Not bad for a meal on a camp site that is being prepared for 95 people!  This will be preceded by Mass and proceeded by our mid camp party.

When all this is done we will enjoy a well earned lie in on Sunday morning for which I know many of the boys (and HQ) will be grateful.

SRM

Friday 26th July 2013

As expected, an extremely busy day yesterday with no phone signal and no time to post. I will type an update this afternoon after ferrying the groups between gorge walking and river crossing. Apologies for the delay. It would be much easier if the whole country had instant wifi! All the boys a little weary but in great shape. The sun is still shining and we have a central meal and mid camp party planned for tonight. Has a week really gone by already!!

SRM