Tonight

Hi All

Coach is on time which is excellent news!

Do note that there is a big wedding party taking place in the upper hall and parking is very difficult. I would strongly advise parking in adjacent roads. 

See you later!

TWC

Homeward Bound

Happily I can report that all canvas and boys are dry and off site with the coaches departing at 2.15. Of all the days in the year, Grosmont has decided that today is the day for their village fair and so the coaches had some difficulty getting through Grosmont itself, eventually making good progress some 20 minutes later. Eta at present stands at 7pm but I will update later on. 

With the Prudential Bike Ride taking place tomorrow and the roads being closed, we will be unloading the lorry tonight. Could I ask any willing parents who would like to offer assistance unloading the gear from the lorry that they please be at the hall from 6.15? This is only an eta for the lorry but your help will make this last task much easier. 

Thanks

TWC

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!!