Tuesday 1st August 2017

I knew that it was tempting fate to comment on the weather! Since my last update the weather has been rather more changeable flitting between thundery showers, rolling overcast skies and beautiful sunshine. As I sit writing now, I am pleased to report that the sun is once again making a come back.

On Friday, the PLs relinquished their patrols for a few days to participate in their PLs hikes whilst eager Third Years took up the reigns. So Benedict Harrison (next year’s TL) Joseph Reuss (the very recently announced new ATL) and Co bounded along with enthusiasm, keen to prove their leadership credibility.

On Saturday morning, the PLs embarked on a their long hike under gloomy skies whilst the younger years took part in more conservative local hikes starting at Garway Hill and finishing at Grosmont Castle. I was quite looking forward to getting all the hikes off and then slipping away for a nice ham, egg and chips. Alas, the best laid plans never seem to come to fruition. After running around in the minibus, sorting out some washing, tidying the site we then realised that the Tesco delivery would be coming in less than an hour and we therefore couldn’t leave site. We had to make do with some roast beef, rocket and horseradish sandwiches. It’s a tough life…..

On their return the boys were keen for a dip in the river which enabled them to have a clean after their hikes and before stores. After evening inspection, we had the first round of ‘Universilly Challanged’ (spelling errors intended). This is a quiz that will run each evening on camp with scouts forming teams of up to four to compete against each other. Though we have had to suspended some rounds it has been very well received and despite the slightly disparaging title the boys have demonstrated no small intellectual ability and agility! 

On Saturday Fr Peter Gallagher once again joined us to say Mass. Masses on camp are generally very quiet and moving affairs and this was no different. The boys were beautifully observant and our marquee once again became our little chapel for an hour or so as we prayed and thanked God for all the good things we have in our lives. We are hugely indebted to Fr Peter who has given his time so freely and willingly as our Group Chaplain but who is now moving to the other side of London. He goes with our very best wishes and our prayers but I suspect we will see him supporting the 9th in the years ahead. 

Sunday is always designated as a ‘quiet day’. After a week on camp everyone is tired and in need of a rest. As temporary Scout Leader for a few days I set reveille at the leisurely time of 09.00. It was made quite clear to everyone that no noise should be heard before this time. The evening before we had enjoyed a fabulous mid-camp party co-ordinated by the peerless Mr Connor and involving a number of sketches that seemed heavily influenced by ‘The Two Ronnies’. There was singing and treats and we all went to bed happy but ready for a rest. 

On Sunday we took the opportunity to thank the HQ for all they do on camp and had our traditional HQ breakfast. Mr BB gets some ribbing on camp but he cooks a mean scrambled eggs! The next round of the Horner Shield followed after lunch and suddenly we were thinking about the second week and two days of off site activities. 

Yesterday and today we have been partaking in kayaking, mountain biking, raft building, climbing, abseiling and paddle-boarding. The activities have been superbly run by Exmoor Adventures who we first used when camping in Somerset a few years ago. I recommend them without reservation. The important feedback is always from the boys and judging by their smiles and enthusiastic exchanging of stories, they have had a great time. 

So, as we approach the final run in, the sun is shining but we have some tired boys. However, tomorrow allows us the opportunity to take stock and prepare for the last few days. The weather forecast for tomorrow is a little grim so river activities will probably have to be put on the back burner.

Right, I’m off to write a few more rounds of ‘Universilly Challanged’! 

Thursday week1

Thursday 27th July

The weather has certainly been more consistently inconsistent over the last two days and more similar to what one might expect in South Wales - wind, rain, sun, overcast, scorching and cold - all in the same day. Baden Powell said, ‘Any fool can camp in the sunshine.’ This might be apocryphal but it is nevertheless quite true. Mixing it up a bit means that we are all tested a little bit more and it stops complacency drifting in.  

Despite the changeable weather, everyone remains in very good spirits and yesterday’s army day was an energy sapping and enthralling mixture of tough love and high jinks. Some fool had persuaded the HQ that it would be a good idea to meet in the marquee at 07.00 to wake up the Troop to make sure that they were truly surprised! Dutifully, they responded but the weather wasn’t playing ball. So despite a very early reveille we didn’t think it was a good idea to wake the lads whilst the heavens were open. Thus we waited, yawning and drinking coffee, smothered in camouflage paint and dressed in khaki whilst the rain rescinded. However, at 07.45 we deemed the rain sufficiently light to go for it. So, on Mr Causton’s command, all hell broke loose! Screaming and shouting, bangs and smoke, boys doing press-ups, HQ running around like headless chickens! All this before going off on a morning run to get the blood pumping! 

The tone for the day was set. What followed was our attempt at army training which is probably similar to Year 11s teaching Year 7s the school rules i.e. as an HQ we are hopelessly deficient in knowledge about how the army works, where the ranks fit in and what their training looks like. However, we are quite creative and can put on a good show.

It was a great day full of fun and nonsense but there were some tired boys in the evening! Unfortunately for the PLs, we had the first round of the HQ vs PLs football still to come. Though both teams approached the match with a slight sense of weariness and apprehension, it was a fantastic game of football with the HQ coming out as very narrow winners and the PLs having a penalty saved in the very last minute. All very dramatic and played in very good spirit. 

This morning we were greeted by friendly skies and then everything moved along briskly towards our departure for Hereford for our ‘free day’. The younger boys have been assigned HQ ‘minders’ to look after them during the day whilst the third and fourth year are trusted to go around in groups of three or more. The lads take the opportunity to eat junk food, buy sweets and go for a swim (and a shower) in the local pool. The senior HQ retire to the Castle House Hotel for a spot of lunch. I heartily recommend it if you are in the region. 

Tonight we look forward to the APLs taking over for a few days, the PLs setting up for their hikes and the first round of ‘Universally Challenged’ our new quiz event that will run for the rest of camp. Right, I had better write some questions. 

Tuesday week1

I have cautiously renamed our camp site Costa del a Grossmont. The sun has been beating down on us for three days in a most un-Welsh fashion. If it wasn’t for the accent of our postman and the check out lady at Waitrose I wouldn’t believe that we were actually in Wales. That said, the forecast suggests that the mini-heatwave is due to end tomorrow and a more ‘Welshlike’ climate resume. 

Yesterday’s day hikes were a fantastic success allowing the Troop to witness some of the beautiful views and scenes first hand whilst also getting a sense of the topography and local community in which they would be living for the next two weeks. While they embarked on their hikes a few hardy souls intrepidly ventured into the Hereford Bookers. To say it is situated in a less than salubrious part of town would be an understatement. We bought enough pop, sweets and tuck to sink the Titanic and returned to camp to see weary boys on weary legs returning from their hikes. A quick health and safety briefing about going in the river and off they went to cool their sweat drenched faces (supervised by ASLs of course). 

On Monday evening, Mr Causton ventured out to get a phone signal leaving me in charge of pop and crisps with the PLs once the other lads were tucked up in bed. Being a big softy and taking pity after witnessing their yawns and exclamations of tiredness, I abused my temporary power and set reveille at 08.30. Giving us all a precious extra 30 minutes in bed this morning!

So we awoke to another blue sky and I sat outside my tent to the smell of cooking ‘eggy bread’ (not one of my favourites) whilst sipping fresh coffee and refining the morning activity which I was running. This involved patrols going up against each other in a series of challenges of strength, speed, resilience, etc…. all with a little twist I had dreamed up to make the job a little bit harder! It seemed to go down ok with the boys and we moved gracefully into lunch which consisted of beautiful beef burgers (we use a fantastic local butcher for all our meat) cooked over an open fire. Wonderful! 

The afternoon consisted of the second round of the Horner shield. I was due to go into Waitrose again to pick up supplies but, alas, on trying to start my car it was plainly obvious that the battery was flat. There are only so many electric devices the vehicle will take before saying enough is enough! 

Rather than muck around with jump leads I called the AA. I do, after all, pay for the service and a lovely chap came and had everything working fantastically in 5 minutes. He confirmed nothing was wrong but that I should be more careful with charging my various electronic devices! There’s no fool like an old fool! 

As I sit writing this, the boys are standing in silence as evening inspection takes place. All is calm so I assume that Mr Causton is happy. We have a sing song planned around the fire for later and so we move effortlessly and extremely quickly into the middle of week one. 

Sunday 23rd July 2017

Despite a rather inclement forecast we have generally been quite lucky with the weather since the Scouts arrived. The advance party, in rather more adverse conditions, did a fantastic job and the site was in good order when the Troop arrived: marquees up; store tens erected; equipment ready for the Troops. It is a herculean task, especially in bad weather, but the ‘team done good’.

When I arrived some two hours or so after the Troop their tents and kitchen shelters were up and camp already seemed to be in full swing. The drive down was foreboding. Lots of fearsome black clouds and patches of aggressive rain storms made me worry what I might encounter when we arrived on site but Grossmont seems to sit in its own little microclimate. Apart form the odd drizzle the weather really has been remarkably clam and sunny. Indeed, I think we might have more concerns with sunburn than trench-foot at the moment. Long may it last!

Tonight I was entertained by Dominic Jones’s Lions. A fabulous dinner of Chicken Korma, rice, popadoms and mango chutney but you can keep bananas and custard. One of the delights about sharing dinner with a group of young people is that it is an opportunity to hear about the world and life generally from their point of view. I am sure that I was neither as informed or as interesting at their age. Though I did learn more about games consoles than I had bargained for!  

As I sit writing in the evening sun, listening to the magnificent Missa Euge bone by Christopher Tye and sampling a half decent bottle of Cotes du Rhone whilst looking out over the beautiful rolling hills of South Wales, all seems right with the world. Indeed, for all of us down here in this little corner of a foreign field I would suggest it probably is!

At our prayer service tonight, put together in the absence of Mass, we reflected on the benefits of living a life that is worthwhile. I think that what we are all doing down here is very much in keeping with that idea.

Goodnight for now. I will try to keep you posted on our progress every two days or so. 

SRM

Coach eta 7.30

Please leave space for it to park. 

TWC

Temporary blog update

Everybody successfully offsite. The coach  left at 14:35 taking the M5 / M4 route. ETA:19-19:30 traffic dependent. I will try to update further details at around 18:00 pm.

TWC

Days 12 & 13

Days 12 & 13

On Wednesday morning we awoke to overcast skies at the relatively early time of 07.45. Soon everyone was busy preparing for breakfast and inspection so that the two minibuses could roll off site no later than 10.15 to make sure that we were at Wimbleball Lake for the second round of water sports activities at 11.00.

The drive to Wimbleball takes us directly over Dunkery Beacon and on a clear day the views are stunning. As we moved up the hill the clouds parted and the sun started to shine just at the right moment.

Once at Wimbleball the instructors gave instructions (which I guess is what they are paid to do) and soon boys were clad in wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets ready to embark on a day of fun out on the water. Once again, restricted by the necessity to drive a minibus back to camp, I reluctantly returned to the Duck Cafe for coffee, quiche and homemade shortbread. The wifi wasn't quite as reliable as last time but we have to cope with these little trials!

Once back at camp, it was clear that everyone had enjoyed the day whether mountain biking, tree climbing or on the lake. As a leader who has run numerous camps I have been very impressed with Exmoor Adventures and would recommend them without reservation.

All too soon the day was drawing to a close and we decided that an early night and late reveille were in order as there were some weary young boys (and much older boys) who needed a good sleep!

On Thursday we awoke at the leisurely hour of 09.00. As this was the penultimate inspection and the competition was still wide open the boys were extra industrious in the morning.

The HQ were preparing for the HQ lunch. This is a traditional occasion on camp when the Group and Scout Leader thank the HQ for giving up their time to help at camp. It's worth pointing out, for those who don't know, that Scout Leaders do not get paid to be involved in scouts or attend camps. Indeed, they have to pay to come to camp! A long time ago the Group decided that the small gesture of a special lunch for those who are prepared to serve was a good way to recognise all that they do. Thus, in Horner, our good friend Toni prepares lunch for us and delivers it to site. Steak pie, roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, carrots etc.... We started with mozzarella and tomato salad and finished with various cheesecakes. A fitting feast to say a very well deserved thank you.

After lunch was the much anticipated Operation Gunge. A competition which involves games of chance with the HQ competing against the PLs for the right to select a member from the opposite team to be 'gunged'. This year we add a few extra games and finished with the traditional firing of the gun!

Sadly, the PLs won (again). There were some very senior HQ with their heads on the line who had not been gunged - Causton, Starke, Matthews and Day - to name just a few! Once the PLs had deliberated they came back in and Flynn Spain called up Mr Causton and Mr Betti-Berutto to face off against each other in a final game of paper, rock, scissors, to decide who would be gunged! It was very tense in the tent but Mr Causton won the face off leaving Tom BB to face the bullet......or so we thought. There was a final twist in the tale and Flynn shouted for Toby to announce who would be gunged and he revealed another, unexpected, junior HQ member. But I'll save that revelation for Mr Orbell's informal recollection.

The poor victim was taken down to the river and sacrificed to much laughter and general hilarity. Soon everyone had gone in for a dip on the river and we moved onto stores and evening dinner.

Sadly, we said goodbye to Mr Orbell, Mrs Maher Sr and a few others. I do hope that MJO enjoyed a good night's sleep in his own bed. His contribution to camp, as always, was immense and we miss him when he is not here with us.

After inspection we played the second leg of the PLs vs HQ football match which the HQ won handsomely.

Bishop Hudson once told me that we should't pray for good weather as the Good Lord probably doesn't get involved in these things. However, I hope Nick won't mind that we prayed for a clear and sunny day to ensure a successful end to camp!

(This morning we woke up to blue skies which have remained with us all day. We are in great shape for tomorrow and I am hopeful of a fabulous 'en famille' this evening but more of that in my final post tomorrow.)

Days 10 & 11

Day 10 & 11

The forecast for Monday was pretty grim and we subsequently woke up to cloudy skies that promised rain later in the day. Soon, the heavens dutifully opened and the APLs were forced to start their competition in the rain which always makes camping that little bit more challenging.

Meanwhile, the PLs were in the marquee field in hike tents and cooking on army stoves. Due to the weather forecast Mr Starke, i/c camp during Mr Causton's absence, had very sensibly decided to postpone the PLs hike along the coastal path into Lynmouth and I was asked to take them into Taunton for a swim and some free time. Unsurprisingly, this was very well received news! So Mrs Maher, Bobby, the PLs and I headed into Taunton and left the others on site!

In our absence the rest of the Troop played a wide game in Horner Woods in the morning which was enthusiastically received by all accounts but then sensibly decided to revert to under cover activities for the afternoon which involved a series of challenges that had to be completed within a certain time limit.

Having returned to camp, I was pleasantly surprised to see that everyone was in excellent spirits in spite of the rain and even more pleasantly surprised to see that my two eldest had arrived with my mum and brother having returned from Guide camp (Elle and Issy that is not Mum and Peter).

On evening parade we were honoured (if that's the right sentiment) to receive a letter from the Right Honourable Boris Johnson. However, having previously received letters from Her Majesty the Queen and the Prime Minister a letter from the new Foreign Secretary seemed a bit like a step down. The letter itself rambled on a little bit, probably much like the man himself, before drawing to a conclusion that simply didn't sound true or plausible. Now, where have I seen that before........

 However, back to the real world. On camp it was still raining so we assembled in the small marquee (for extra warmth) and Mr Connor led the HQ in delivering a quiz to the lads that was almost like a performance in itself.

The day soon came to an end in that lovely hazy glow you get from sitting inside a marquee that it warmed by people and gas lamps when the weather is inclement outside. Cocoa and biscuits were served and night prayers said. Soon we were all tucked up in bed dreaming of clear skies and sunshine.

Tuesday morning dawned and the skies, while not clear, were at least only slightly cloudy with the promise of sunshine bursting through. Thus the activities postponed from the day before could run as we had hoped.

At 10am I set off in the minibus with the PLs, Mr Day and Mr Connor for a remote coastal path about 12km on the other side of Lynmouth. The drive itself is only about an hour and fifteen minutes but it is full of steep hills and dramatic turns. To stave off any boredom the boys in the back might have during this time (it was certainly not boring for the driver!) Bobby (my co-pilot) acted as DJ playing a selection of 'hits' from Now 89, 90, 91, etc.... Not quite my normal listening fare!!!

At camp, the APLs were undergoing their second and final inspection of their mini-competition before embarking on a bit of a spring clean of their kit and a short day hike in and around Horner Woods.

Once back at camp, the Pls were reunited with their patrols having completed a rather rainy walk and soon the competition was swinging back into normality - or so we thought.....

As camp progresses, talk of rebellion gets more animated and HQ nerves get more shredded. Is it going to be in the morning? After lunch? During evening inspection? Rumours and counter-rumours circulate in the Troop and amongst the HQ building the tension.

So, as Mr Causton called evening parade, he was pushed (metaphorically) to one side by the Troop Leader and Assistant Troop Leaders who declared they were taking control and were conducting a peaceful revolution. The boys were instructed to sit in their kitchen shelters and follow the orders of the Troop Leader and his assistants and ignore the HQ. At this point Mr Causton and the Troop Leader went to the marquee to 'discuss terms'.

We have never had a peaceful revolution before and I, for one, was quite pleased with this change to the normal tradition. I was looking forward to see how it would play out. However, one of the HQ had other plans and decided to take matters into his own hands! As Flynn was giving instruction to the Troop he was rather unceremoniously 'take out' and covered in water. Trigger all out conflict! Soon thoughts of peace were abandoned and water and bodies were flying on all directions.

Is this what a Trump presidency might look like I thought to myself.....

Thankfully, these things can only last for so long and sensibly Mr Causton called a halt to proceedings, the HQ were declared victors and the Troop Leader and his chums were presented with a tankard and swiss army knives to thank them for their service this year.

After all the excitement there was a need for calm. Fortunately, we had already determined to give the evening over to a camp fire. Soon we were all sat around the fire, singing songs and thinking about what tomorrow might bring.

Days 8 & 9

Day 8 & 9

Apologies for missing the last two days of blogging but it gets busy from time to time on camp.

On Saturday morning we had an early start, 07.45, to ensure that we could get inspection done and be off in time for our outdoor activities. The Troop were split into two groups with some heading off to Lake Wimbleball for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, while others stayed near to site for mountain biking and tree climbing.

As one of the minibus drivers I headed off to Wimbleball Lake but sadly couldn't take part as I couldn't afford an injury and not be able to drive back! Thus, once the boys were all safely in appropriate kit (wetsuits, lifejackets and helmets) and split into relevant groups I had little to do but make use of the hot showers and wait in the on site cafe! The goats cheese, asparagus and potato frittata and salad seemed a reasonable rent for the table, seat and use of wifi!

Coming off the water at about 16.00, the boys were very red cheeked and weary but full of smiles and stories of silly adventures on the water. I think a great day was had by all.

On our return to camp we were greeted by Toni (our long time friend in Porlock) who had prepared a fabulous hog roast for us with baps and apple sauce. This was accompanied by coleslaw, tomato salad and new potatoes and followed by millionaires or strawberry cheesecake. A wonderful banquet in the sunshine in the middle of Horner valley. There are perfect moments in life and that seemed like one of them. Some boys were said to have gone back for sixths!

To finish of the evening and celebrate the first week at camp Mr Connor led the HQ and Troop in a meddle of skits, sketches and songs. It was all wonderful fun and my particular highlight was seeing the HQ feed each other breakfast with one person eating and speaking whilst another acted as their hands. Very, very funny!

We finished with night prayers saying a particular thank you to Mike for all his years of service to out community and then off to bed. Very weary but very happy.

Sunday morning's reveille was set at the very leisurely time off 09.30. The PLs organised a series of activities for the Troop and the lads had an informal breakfast whilst the HQ set about preparing and enjoying the HQ breakfast. This is a camp tradition and one of the times when the Scout Leader and Group can thank the HQ for all they do on camp and during the year. They really are a fantastic bunch.

In the afternoon we had another round of the Horner Shield before the APLs took over for a few days and the PLs headed off on their hikes.

Unfortunately, we couldn't arrange for a priest to visit us on camp so we had arranged for a short prayer service in the evening focusing on our patron saint, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, as it was his feast day.

The forecast is looking quite rainy for Monday but we will sleep on it and see what tomorrow brings.

Day 7

Day 7 - Army Day

The morning started with a bang - literally! Though Mr Starke had set reveille at the leisurely time of 09.00 the HQ assembled in the small marquee put camouflage paint on their faces and launched themselves on the Troop at 08.40 with smoke bombs, horrifyingly loud bangers and blood curdling screams.

It's all too much for my delicate system first thing in the morning. So I made a pot of coffee and watched the carnage from a safe and discreet distance!

Soon boys were running around the field, still in their pyjamas, before being issued with compulsory green army t-shirts and having their faces painted green, black and brown. Field-Marshall Starke barked out instructions for the day. Thus our peaceful haven in a little corner of Somerset was transformed into a snarling, barking, hard-nosed army base!

All sorts of military themed activities took place after inspection that involved stealing bombs, being kidnapped by masked assailants, walking across the countryside in groups and hills protecting a precious cargo and avoiding the vigilantes!

It was all quite exhausting but a great way to draw a line under the first week.

We now move to the weekend and the pace of camp changes. Saturday will see the mid-camp party followed by a sleepy Sunday and then the start of the APLs competition. Before we know it, we will be well into the second week and camp will nearly be over.

For now, however, it's time to enjoy a cream tea!