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

PLs Hikes

After all the worry about thunderstorms on Friday evening the boys enjoyed a dry night. After putting their tents up (some with more ease than others!) they enjoyed some free time before putting themselves to bed. Bliss!

The boys were up bright and early and all seem to have enjoyed a breakfast of sausages (chipolatas to be specific...) and are beginning their hikes. Let's see how each group gets on...

TWC

U.F.O.?

Here is a picture of our drone taking footage of our Spring Camp site

And this is what it captured!

TWC

Tuesday 4th August 2014

Not being the Scout Leader any longer allows so many freedoms. One of which was not having to return to Wimbledon with the Troop. So, the family decided to stay on in Horner for a few extra days to enjoy the environment and explore the coast line.

The last few days went very well and we managed to get most of the canvas down dry despite some rain. The end of camp party was a grand affair and fitting end to a superb camp.

It really was one of those camps when I would have stayed on for another week. The lads were superb, the HQ professional and fun, the weather couldn't have been better.

It is such a privilege to spend two weeks with so many wonderful people in such a beautiful place.

Thanks everyone and thanks for reading.

SRM

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