ARCHIVE PAGE: this website is gradually being updated from May 2022
On May 1st, a goodly number of people from the district gathered in the Milton Rooms to see a show which had been in many boy Scouts' minds for months. The attendance was gratifying, and, we feel, all enjoyed the evening.
They were given two glimpses of what Scouts do in two of the items. One, by Malton 2nd, showed the Cubs disporting themselves, and the other, by the Birdsall Troop, showed the Scouts in a lighter mood than that of their more usual "serious" scoutwork. This last, of course, would not have been suitable for the Show.
As regards what Scouts can do, we were given an almost glittering display. Malton 2nd gave a play, "Babes in the Wood," and its character "George," is one we shall not easily forget. The same troop also gave a humorous Mime, featuring a miserable Prince. This troop's third item was called "Statuary," a good result of some clever making up. The Castle Howard Troop gave two displays, the first with Indian Clubs, and the second more distinctly Gymnastic. These were much appreciated.
A contrast was provided by our own item. "Notlam Awkward Squad." One cannot possibly say less than that this was laughter provoking! To see Mackinnon and Harrison fighting back-to-back;
Kirkwood fetching Freddy; Cable's corpulent form bending the wrong way:- these were even funnier than seeing these people in real life.
The Shadowgraph, our second item, developed into a very exciting Scout adventure, after an inauspicious beginning. The audience would have been still more amused during those opening moments than they were if they had seen what happened behind the screen, as well as the stagemanagers' forms on the screen. The second scene showed Dodsworth mi., wearied out after his sea-voyage and lost on a desert island. He fell asleep ....
Suddenly, a cannibal appears and scrutinises him. Other cannibals appear and they surround him. They brutally arouse him and, after a short fight, he is overpowered. The scene changes and Dodsworth mi. is plunged into the local village stew-pot. He shows his indomitable spirit again, but finally is obliged to settle down out of view in the boiling depths. He next appears by instalments and Chief Simons ma. and Cannibal Simons mi. (served and assisted by their cooks 'I'aylor and McBeath mi.) start to consume him. Finally, when these repulsive people have fallen asleep, the upper part of Dodsworth mi. is rescued by an enterprising member of the local Scout Troop. We shall not forget the Shadowgraph quickly!
We finished with a Camp-fire when several interesting stunts - on the whole quieter ones -were performed. The Pickering Troop contributed two good items here. The show began with a reminder of the Scouts' allegiance to our King, and it ended , appropriately, we feel, with the singing of "Abide with Me," a. reminder of our allegiance to the King of Kings.
The last two terms were very busy ones for the Guides. Firstly there was "Thinking Day," when there was a big celebration at school. A great many guides came to this meeting so that they could join in the ceremony when we think of Guides all over the world. Then later on in the term we decided to give some money to the Library Fund (which was very low). Each Guide brought a small amount of sweets, cakes or biscuits, which we sold at the bottom of the field to the school. We made approximately thirty shillings. During the Summer Term, the thrilling subject of camp was often discussed. The months seemed to drag away. At last our Company, some York Guides and a few Guiders (including "Wenke a Norwegian Guider) were pitching tents on a moorland site in Steightholmdale. We had a glorious time although the weather was a little unkind at times.
This term we are very glad to welcome a large number of recruits from Form I. They are very enthusiastic and we hope to turn them into fine Guides.
align="right">M. HOLIDAY (Hon. Sec.).
A very successful term's Scouting is to be recorded for the 1949 Summer Term. Most of the recruits were invested as Tenderfoot, and are proceeding with 2nd Class Badge Work.
Our Whitsuntide Camp was held at Rievaulx, and was attended by twelve Scouts of the Peewit, Otter, and Fox patrols, and two of the Scott Patrol. Apart from a few showers of rain, the weather was good. The highlights of the Camp were a Night Wide Game and Camp Fire with a Middlesbrough Troop which was also in Camp near Rievaulx, and an afternoon of Sports. On this last occasion, we were visited by Mr. and Mrs. Masser, who made a "movie" of various Scouting activities upon which we were engaged.
The most memorable event of the Term was without doubt the visit of the North Riding Scout Rally at Jervaulx Abbey.
The following account was written by Scout F. I. Masser:-
The Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan, was visiting the North Riding Scouts at Jervaulx. The Malton Troop arrived at York to find the Northallerton train packed with Scouts. There were twelve in our compartment. When we arrived at Northallerton there was a special train for Jervaulx. This was even more packed. We arrived at the station, and discovered that there were still six miles between us and our goal. Luckily we managed to catch a bus.
When we got there, we found that Lord Rowallan had been inspecting the sites about five minutes before we came. We were in camp with a combined Troop, called the "Ryedale Troop." After tea we went to the "Pageant of Jervaulx Abbey," which traced its history from its foundation to the present day. The district's connection with the training of racehorses was illustrated well by the parading of "Sheila's Cottage," winner of the Grand National, while another of its industries was shown when Lord Rowallan was presented with a Wensleydale cheese. After this we had a camp fire sing song before going to bed.
Next morning we were up by six o'clock and had washed and had breakfast by seven. We then went to Patrol Activities in the arena. This was an obstacle race, the winning patrol being presented with a Scout Flag.
After patrol activities the Chief Scout gave us a talk and some good advice. In the afternoon we went to a "Scouts' Own" service in the Abbey, conducted by the Bishop of Ripon. The service over, all the 1,200 Scouts attending the camp took part in the march past. The salute was taken by the Chief. This was a most impressive sight, and one that will be remembered by all who took part. Then came "Flag Down" and he left us.
By eight o'clock the Rover Scouts and the M.G.S. Troop were the only ones remaining on the site. On Monday morning we too went home, and arrived at Malton about four o'clock in the afternoon.
F. I. Masser
Our Scout Library is slowly growing, and the C.O.H. is pleased to see that more Scouts are making use of it.
Forthcoming events in the present term include a Night Wide Game on October 28th, and the Annual Joint Scout and Guide Bonfire on November 12th, when the Guides are preparing a supper and the Scouts an entertainment.
The Scott patrol, while small in number, continues its activities. A regular musical evening with gramophone records is to be a monthly feature. Badge training is progressing, and we hope to see at least two First Class badges awarded in the not too distant future. We greatly miss the support and enthusiasm of our first P.L. (S) T. Tate-Smith, who is engaged on his National Service "Somewhere on Salisbury Plain." We wish him well.
Finally, the C.O.H. would like to welcome the newcomers to the Troop, and ask them to put their whole effort into their Scouting activities, as it is only by full participation in Scouting that they will make it enjoyable and profitable for themselves and the rest of the Troop.
COURT OF HONOUR
More to follow
The Guides continue to meet, but there is no mention of Scouts.
Guides had an enjoyable camp in May. Only two patrols - Heather and Kingfisher.
Guides have a swelling of numbers which necessitated two new patrols.
Dolls and toys for fighting France have been made by the guides, under the direction of Miss Low and Miss Lamin.
Guides and Scouts continue to flourish, the latter with the aid of the new teacher Mr Hickling.
Brief (very) notes on ... Guides (Robins and Swallows patrols have been added to accommodate the increased interest). A report of an enjoyable guides' party - Halloween - in 'freak costumes' - followed by performances by each patrol. And M M Fraser reports on Harvest Camp, at The Barns in Castle Howard Park.
"Nothing very startling" has happened in the Guides. Scouts had a very successful Christmas party.
Scouts have held two camps - Troop and Otters.
Guides and Scouts continue.
More to follow