65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group 30th Anniversary Book

Welcome to the 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book for the 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary we look back at our sections, people and events that have made the past thirty years so memorable…………..

INTRODUCTION

By Geoff Stroud, Group Scout Leader The Scout Movement has been in existence for over one hundred years, and a number of Scout Groups have already celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of their formation.

Compared with these long-lived Groups, the celebration of a 30th Anniversary may seem a fairly insignificant milestone, but when we look back over all that the 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group has achieved in its comparatively short life, there is much to celebrate and look back on with some degree of pride.

Although we are marking this occasion as our thirtieth anniversary, a Cub Pack did operate in Milltimber before this date as a part of the 21st Aberdeen Cults Scout Group, lead initially by Gavin Drummond and later by Dr Aileen and Dr Alistair Flett. At that time, when the Cubs became of Scout age they had the choice of attending the Scout meetings in Cults or leaving.

Stephen Knowles, a warranted Leader, was Assistant Cub Scout Leader and had members of his family in the Cub Pack. Stephen could see the advantage of opening a Scout troop at Milltimber and approached our present Akela, Barbara Stroud, an experienced Cub Leader to ask if

she would be willing to take over the Pack, so freeing Stephen to start a Scout Troop. This was agreed, and so the Milltimber Scout Troop was formed. Both the Pack and the Troop remained as part of the Cults Scout Group, but after much discussion and encouragement from Ian Wolkoff, the District Commissioner, Milltimber agreed to split away from the Cults Group and form the new 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group. Jack Haworth agreed to become the Group Scout Leader (GSL), and other parents of boys within the Group, particularly Martin Thomson, John Park and Randy Edgar volunteered to become Leaders in the Scout Troop.

Jennifer Haworth also joined as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader.

Jack Haworth remained with the Group for two years then made District Commissioner.

Geoff Stroud, Group Chairman, took over the role of GSL. From these rather tortuous beginnings, the 65th has grown to be a very successful Group, providing a wide variety of scouting activities and training to almost 100 young people at any one time from the local area.

The Group has had many successes since its formation, not least being its contribution to the social life of the local community,

and as a major contributor to the construction of the Milltimber Community Hall. The number of activities enjoyed by our members is prodigious, including annual Cub and Scout summer and winter camps, attendance at International Jamborees and Beaver Sleepovers. All Sections support activities organised by Aberdeen District and in the past have often done very well in the swimming and football competitions. Most of the Beavers and Cubs gain the Chief Scout’s Bronze or Silver award and many of the Scouts achieve the Chief Scout’s Gold award. Another great success was the Milltimber Venture unit, with around thirty members, was particularly active under the leadership of Fraser Stronach and Liz Thomas.

A feature of the Group is the relatively small number of Leaders we have had, as most Leaders stay for a long while, and virtually all are recruited from parents, which contributes to the Group’s happy family atmosphere. The number of Leaders available is relatively healthy, and it is very encouraging to see the number of Young Leaders, lead by Iain Anderson, coming forward to help run meetings. From the very beginning, the Group has enjoyed great support from the parents through the Group Executive Committee, with a regular programme of fund raising and social events. The Jumble Sales,

Burns Supper, and the St Nicholas Fayres are always well supported so that finance has not been a big problem for the Group, and we are able to support our local Scout Association and other charities.

We hope you enjoy looking through the Anniversary book, identifying pictures of old friends and being able to relive some of the time you may have spent with the Milltimber Scout Group.

The Anniversary Committee certainly enjoyed putting the book together.

~~~~ CONTENTS Front Cover: MCA Scout Hall Inner Front Page: 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group, May 2013 Introduction: Geoff Stroud, Group Scout Leader

SECTIONS Beaver Colony……………

Cub Pack …………………

Scout Troop……………

Venture Scouts…………

Major Celebrations…………

BEAVERS Promise: I promise to do my best To be kind and helpful And to love God.

Introduction Beaver Scouts in the UK started in 1982 and became part of the World Scouting Organisation in 1986. In Milltimber the Beaver colony was set up in 1994 with boys starting at six years old and moving up to the Cub Pack at eight years old. The first uniforms were grey sweatshirts, a necker and grey jogging bottoms. At first there was just the membership badge and a one year badge to strive for. In 1995 there was a re-launch of the section and the introduction of new badges. Another re-vamp occurred in 2008 with more new badges.

One of our first Beavers, wearing the original uniform, and ready to swim up to Cubs with Akela.

From 1994 to 1998 The first Beaver leaders in Milltimber were Kubra Snow and Pauline Petrie.

Kubra used to make a handmade birthday card for every Beaver Scout – this is not a tradition that is kept up today! The first census shows 10 Beaver Scouts registered.

One of the earliest Beavers photos comes from Templars Park in 1994.

A sunny June day.

Kubra and Pauline were followed by Inez Beveridge, Judith Leigh and Louise Honey. Inez remembers that Beaver meetings were noisy but happy affairs; they tried to involve the boys in some creative activity as well as energy expending games and finished off the evening with a prayer – these are traditions that are kept up today.

The Beaver Colony has held Beaver sleepovers for many years at Templars Park, enjoyed by the parent helpers and Leaders as much as by the Beavers.

Food is never far from the mind‌.1997

From 1999 to 2003 – A Beaver Leader’s Tale

by Grace Mackie Like a number of associates of Scouts I became involved with the Milltimber Group in 1999 when I attempted to put my then 5 ½ year old son’s name down for Beavers. At the time there were three Beaver leaders, Louise Honey, Inez Beveridge and Judith Leigh. Being informed that there was a long waiting list and that there was a need for parent helpers I indicated a willingness to assist on Monday afternoons. As time passed and leaders moved on I progressed through training from parent helper to Beaver leader.

Beavers with their medals in 2002 Great times were had during Welly Walks, trips to the circus and days out to Templars Park. The children particularly enjoyed game challenges such as ‘see who can wrap the mommy the quickest’ (helper parents were very useful for this); making crafts such as cards for mums and dads; making decorations for the St Nicholas Fayre; and ‘Chinese’ whispers. A favourite was writing their own Milltimber Beaver song…particularly performing it on Scout Open Nights.

It was a pleasure to work with the many boys who passed through on their way to Cubs and to meet the many wonderful mums and dads who helped support trips and events. It was a sad occasion when leaving the Beavers as other commitments took over. Like many leaders life takes the upper-hand in determining involvement with voluntary associations.

Due to family illnesses I left Beavers only to return some time later to replace Phillipa Henry as Secretary of the Executive Committee. This was a daunting task‌but along with Vince Cowling and Mark Honey I believe we had a successful few years of Jumble Sales, Burns Suppers, St.Nicholas Fayres and Family Fun Nights.

Both the Beavers and the Executive Committee continue to go from strength to strength as new leaders and executive members more than fill the gaps of those who went before. This is the major strength of the Scouting fraternity – there are so many lovely people who continue to give their time to help progress the development of young people in our communities.

Left to right: Gina Clark, Grace Mackie and Liz Oguz with Christmas Colony, 2002

Beach Boulevard 2000

Left to right: Gina Clark, Grace Mackie and Fiona with medal winning pack, 2002.

Louise Honey and Beavers in a Christmas tale......

Gina Clark and Beavers in a Beaver’s Tale………

From 2001 to 2005 – Fun and Friends

by Gina Clark

I become involved with Milltimber Beavers in 2000 when my son joined. His leaders were Inez, Louise and Judith. Grace Mackie took on the role of sole Beaver Leader in 2000 and "talked" me into becoming a permanent parent helper. Then, before I knew it, I was taking out my warrant the following year.

Grace and I had a great time planning new activities around a more structured programme. I learned a lot from her! The year 2002/3 was a very challenging and exciting year for the Milltimber Beavers with Grace leaving and the introduction of the new 6-25 programme.

This new programme gave us the opportunity to introduce to the colony new activity and staged activity badges in line with the established friendship and outdoor challenge badges. The Beavers threw themselves into Animal friend, Creative, Experiment, Explore and Faith Activity badges. The staged activity badges were harder to plan as by then I was the only leader but we did manage some staged IT activity badges with help from a parent.

Activities included NASA, the solar system and space travel; our bones including skeletons and a shark skeleton from a parent. We explored family

trees; Scottish castles; religious festivals including Christmas, diwali, hanukkah and Ramadan; magnetism and compasses; me and my dad. We learned about local wildlife and flora as well as the Beaver, of course. I could go on! We also played hard at our favourite games, some more boisterous than others!

We had lots of visitors including our local Vet, Grampian Police motorcycle PCs, representatives from various faiths, road safety officers, pet owners. Out of Milltimber Hall we made trips to the panto, vet hospital, carol singing at Milltimber Primary, trips to Templars Park for sausage sizzles, wellie walks, cub camp and the highlight, the World Beaver Day and the visit of the Chief Scout.

For me, parent help was the one of the highlights of my tenure as Beaver Leader; their help was invaluable. Our parent helpers brought their own experiences and expert knowledge as well as dedication to the colony and activity badge sessions. We all had lots of FUN and we all made new FRIENDS!

Parent helpers My time at Milltimber Beavers came to an end in 2005. With failing health, previous Beaver leaders, particularly Inez Beveridge, stepped in to lend a hand. I passed the reins on to the current Leaders with a heavy heart. My time at Milltimber Beavers was both fun and rewarding. I still see some of my old Beavers around the neighbourhood from time to time and they always say hello. I am sure they found their time with us fun and rewarding too.

From 2005 to 2013

by Fiona Douglas (Willow) Lorraine Crockford (Ash) Unni Ferris (Oak) Fiona and Lorraine’s eldest sons started Beavers just as Gina had to leave.

Marion Anderson (Kaa from Cubs) stepped in for 6 months to keep the colony going due to a lack of volunteers. She could not continue to do both Cubs and Beavers and the colony was about to close when we decided to give it a go!

The original plan was to have 3 leaders so that we could do it on a rota basis, 2 weeks on and one off. We were a bit scared of the commitment and wanted to know that we did not have to turn up every single week. It says a lot for the fun that it has become that most weeks all 3 of us are there. We were encouraged by our mentor Barbara Stroud to have Scouting names as they do in Cubs. We decided on trees as Beavers chew logs, there was a great debate on which names to choose and in the end we pulled names out of a hat.

Willow, Ash and Oak, all prepared for the 2013 Harry Potter themed Beaver Sleepover Our meeting format consists of ‘Gather Logs’ where the Beavers walk towards a leader chanting the letters H-E-L-L-O. The leader replies by saying ‘Hello Beavers, Build a Dam’ which is their cue to sit around the green circle in the hall and be quiet for register. As noted earlier an energy expending game is a good start as we find they are then better able to concentrate on badge work or whatever activity we have planned for the evening.

Wrap the Mummy – a good energy expending game!

There are 6 Challenge Badges for the Beavers to obtain. Beavers have to do 4 things towards each challenge badge.

Making Healthy Eating Fun – Fitness Challenge

Decorating biscuits for the Creative Challenge

A walk at Drum for the Outdoor Challenge

The meeting closes with our ‘Goodbye Song’ which includes the very necessary thank you to our parent helpers for the night.

Our parent helpers are invaluable!

2006 was the 20th Anniversary of Beaver Scouting and a lot of new material was written to celebrate this event.

As new leaders we welcomed the new ideas, tried them out and still use some of them today.

2007 brought the Centenary of Scouting, with another book of ideas, special neckers and lots of Celebrations. Highlights included a fun day to attend during the Centenary Camp and a magic show at the AECC with the Cubs.

There are photos in the ‘Major Celebrations’ section of this book.

Each year there have been District Activities to attend which vary from Welly Walks to fun days, a Halloween celebration and most recently a spooky walk.

Beaver Fun Days

‘The 25th Beaver!’

In 2011, as part of the 25 years of Beaver Scouting we decided to make a 25th Beaver. Each lodge made a body part. A success overall except for the scary head!!

We decided to keep the 25th Beaver so that we could take him on his holidays to the Beaver Sleepover, so we left him in the Scout room for safe keeping. Akela nearly had a heart attack when opening up the Scout room on the Tuesday night for Cubs and thought she’d found a dead body!!

The Beaver Sleepover!

The Sleepover is THE event of the Beaver calendar. Not sure if the kids or the adults have the most fun.

Each year has a theme and 2008 was ‘Pirates’!

Walking the Plank

Digging for Treasure

2009’s sleepover was ‘Cowboys and Indians’ with leaders and parent helpers joining in with the spirit of the occasion!

The George Smith Centre in Templars’ Park is always transformed for the event.

In 2010 we put up the big top and had a Circus. Our first Young Leaders joined in the fun, and we painted 48 shoeboxes to make clown feet!

Spag bol and green jelly with worms – truly horrible food!

Ash and Willow take their turn in the stocks

2011 IS HORRIBLE HISTORIES!

The adventure course and water slide have become highlights of all sleepovers!

In 2013 the Beaver Sleepover had a ‘Harry Potter’ theme.

There were no Knights spotted at Templars’ Park in June 2013 but there were certainly plenty of wizards enjoying butterbeer and cauldron cakes.

Moving On...

The last meeting of the summer term is usually a joint Beaver / Cub meeting at Templars.

We often take this opportunity to present Beaver Bronze Awards or Swim Boys up to Cubs.

Two great years have come and gone, fun and friends are moving on....

CUBS in the Eighties

The year is 1980 and having begun as part of 21st (Cults) Cub Pack, Milltimber boys were taking part in Pack holiday, at Templars’ McRobert site using poles and rope to build makeshift stretchers.

Inspection is an important part of any Cub event

Pioneering in 1982

CUB CAMP THEMES: Native Indians Knights Under the Sea Space Treasure Island Eureka (Science) Greenwood (Robin Hood)

75 years of Scouting with campfire songs to sing.

Book Reader

Athletics

Home Help

Swimmer

Compare the badges in the picture with the current ones here.

Entertainer

Selling books for the Cavitron Appeal in 1983

CAMP!

The football team, keen as ever.

Halloween Fancy Dress Evening

TYPICAL CUB CALENDAR EVENTS: Badge work

Cubs to Scouts

Beavers to Cubs Football Tournament

Splash Quiz

Pictionary

Cooking tournament District hike

Sports day

Swimming

Cub and Scout Camp Cubs and Beavers meet at Templars’ Games

Visitors

I can’t find my.... pyjamas, toothbrush, tooshpaste, socks, other welly, torch, jacket, cup, pillow, friend, way to the toilet, spare batteries, sheet you just gave me, pencil.....

An emergency?

We were at the Monymusk Outdoor Centre for our annual Cub Camp. The Cubs were just settling down into their bunks and the two male Leaders had gone outside to their tent to sleep.

Suddenly the fire alarm went off! We checked to see what the problem was.

A flying teddy bear had hit the smoke sensor! But how to switch it off?

We had no instructions and nothing seemed to work so we phoned the fire brigade to ask if they could give instructions over the phone.

“We aren’t busy, so we’ll come over”, they said.

By the time they arrived (complete with fire engine and blue lights) we had managed to stop the bell. Although we were all in our pyjamas we thought it only courteous to offer them a cup of tea!

The next morning Taf and Geoff emerged from their tent for breakfast.

“We didn’t sleep a wink last night” they said.

“Then why didn’t you come into the centre when the alarm went off and the fire engine arrived?” asked Akela.

They looked puzzled, “What fire engine?” Obviously they’d not had a wink of sleep!

Cubs In the Nineties

Hiking in 1990

And again in Feb 1991

Celebrating 75 years of Cub Scouts in 1991

75 years of Cub Scouts A cheque for Edinburgh Zoo Penguins.

Blowing out the candles on the cake.

FUN CUB CAMP ACTIVITIES: Archery, axe and saw, tuck shop, midnight feasts, skits, slippery slope, sand dunes, wide games, outdoor swimming pool, adventure trail, etc.

Campfire

Milltimber Hall Gala 1993

SPLASH! Sailing at Loch of Skene

Tree Planting

Coffee Break

I think we’re here!

Caribbean Evening

Burn o’ vat in Oct 1996

CAMPFIRE SONGS: Ging gang goolie, Robin Hood, Addams family grace, Singing in the rain, Alpha Romeo, Blackcrow’s spirit, My bunny lies over my doggy, Going on a bear hunt, Banana song, Sunshine mountain, Campfire’s burning.

YELLS: Ham and eggs, There ain’t no flies on me, BRAVO, Helicopter Bravo.

Cubs from 2000-2009

The cubs gathered outside the MCA Building At Cubs we learned how to......

Light a fire, build a bivouac, clean our teeth in a cup of water, read a map, do the washing up, clean brasses and silver, do the ironing ......

Planting a tree for the Millennium

Hike in 2002 to Glen Tanar

District Camp at Templars’ Park A Memory from Barbara Stroud: The Cubs had all been down to the wash block at Templars’ Park and were making their way back to their tents to settle down for the night. One of the Leaders found a toothbrush that had been dropped en route. We decided to wait until morning to reunite it with its owner.

At Grand Howl, the next morning, the Cubs were asked if they had all washed and cleaned their teeth. They all said they had.

‘Whose toothbrush is this?’ asked the Leader. One Cub put up his hand.

‘Well how did you manage to clean your teeth?’

The Cub pointed to the boy beside him and said ‘I used his’!!

Bivvi building in 2003

Being Indians at camp in 2003.

Cleaning up the community.

The Community Project The whole Cub Pack went into the fields. We collected Rubbish. We had to wear rubber gloves

Cub leaders’ meeting: Left to right – Marion Anderson, Iain Anderson, Barbara Stroud, Davina Grant.

Aden Park 2006 – 90 Years of Cub Scouting We arrived at Aden Park and one Cub discovered both wellies he had were for the same foot. Also at camp was his twin brother so we asked him about his wellies.

He looked and happily reported that he had a proper pair of wellies.

Thankfully it was a lovely weekend.

90 Years of Cub Scouts, by a Milltimber Cub Scout

The 65th Milltimber Cubs and many others groups went to the Eiden park for our birthday camp on the 8th of September 2006. There was over 400 people!!! there.

We had a fun day the were a climing wall a archer place the sliper slowp wich was called the skelleton run there were also a popcorn place a pancake place wich they made good wons. They had Taceshe Clastel wich was a litte bit fun The tents were fun I was with Michael, Samuel, Alexander and George. In the other tent there was Adam, Iain, Callum, Brodie and Mert. It felt like we were there for a week but we were only there for three days.

By A Cub

Cleaning Brass as part of the Home Help badge Paper chains a must for Christmas

Cubs from 2010 to 2013

Cub Camp 2012 – Eureka!

2012 Hike

WIDE GAMES: Post box, Flash light Chase, Food Chain, Hunt the leader/YL/Sixer, Picture clue hunt, Fill a matchbox, Scavenger hunt.

INDOOR GAMES: Ring of doom, Dodge ball, Crab football, Relay races, Dice game, Chocolate game, Under the cone/hat, Giant’s keys, Torch game, Kim’s game, Obstacle course.

Local Knowledge Badge

Moving on...Cubs has made us all prepared to take up the challenges that wait ahead...

The 65th Milltimber Scout Troop

FORWARD by Geoff Stroud, Group Leader When the Milltimber Troop was formed, most of the recruits had already been members of the Cults Scout Troop, and had previously been members of the 21st B Cub Pack that met in Milltimber school.. Under the initial Leadership of Steve Knowles and John Park, the Troop rapidly became established, and many of the traditions of good scouting, adventurous activities, service to the community and regular camps that have continued through the past 30 years were developed in the early years.. The Group was very fortunate in being able to recruit a succession of able Leaders, all from parents of members. Stephen and his wife were both tragically killed in a car accident, and this was a very hard time for all, particularly for their children, David, Michael and Sarah who were all members of the Group. Martin Thompson, John Park, Colin Braithwaite and Richard Bateman all took out Scout Leader Warrants before our present Leader, Geoff Weighill became Scout Leader. The Leaders were all ably assisted by Assistant Scout Leaders, who included Randy Edgar, Ian McLaren, Craig Ross, Michael Park, David Cass, Laurie Haggerty, Nicola Avis, Steve Henry, Gerald McCue, Vince Cowling and John Johnston.

The Troop has always held a summer camp, and prior to 2002, sites included Glen Esk, Castle Forbes, Glen Muick, Glen Tanar and Finzean. Ski Camps were an early introduction to the programme, either based at Tomintoul or Braemar.

When the Guides Company operated in Milltimber, joint Scout/Guide activities were very popular and included Christmas parties, joint camps, kayaking and end of year barbecues.

As many of our Leaders had connections with the oil industry and engineering backgrounds, a common programme feature at camps, Troop meetings and displays was the construction of pioneering structures and bridges built from spars and ropes on sound engineering principles.

Patrol Leaders and Leaders at the Castle Forbes’ Summer Camp in 1983

The 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group came into existence officially just after the summer camp above and proudly began to wear the new necker of McGregor tartan.

Chief Scout talking to Group Scout Leader Jack Haworth, 1984 at Templars’ Park.

Summer Camp at Castle Forbes 1987

Scout Leaders Martin Thompson, Jack Haworth, Steve Knowles and John Park at Castle Forbes in 1987

1987 Leaders at Castle Forbes

Scouts at Castle Forbes, cooking with a camp oven.

1989 Summer Camp – Cooking chicken from first principles!

Scouts demonstrate their pioneering and their fearlessness at the Milltimber Community Association Gala at their new HQ the Milltimber Community Hall in The Meadows –September 1989.

Martin Thompson with Venture Scouts and Scouts at a reception in Fyvie Castle after a presentation of Chief Scout Awards.

The Old Climbing Wall at Templars’ Park – June 1994

Milltimber Scout and Guide camp at Templars Park in 1994

Scout at a sleepover at Pittodrie Stadium in aid of the Cyrenians

Chief Scout’s visit to the Back to Basics Camp in 1997

Crate Climbing In 1998

A Scout Investiture in 1999

How I Became a Scout Leader (or ‘How Anyone can become a Scout Leader if they’re not careful’)

By Geoff Weighill We had moved back from Norway to Aberdeen in late 1998 and settled in Milltimber. I was keen for our son Colin to join the Scouts as he had been a Cub in Norway and was just turning 10 1/2. I happened to be chatting to a colleague, Chris Garland, over coffee who turned out to be a Cub Leader in Milltimber, and I mentioned that my son wanted to join Scouts. I also casually let slip that I had been a Cub Leader at the British School in Norway so maybe I could help……!

Before I knew it, I was meeting Geoff Stroud at the Milltimber Community Hall for a ‘quick chat’ and the rest, as they say, is history!

Geoff Weighill (centre) and fellow Milltimber leader Gerry McCue (right) with one of the Dutch host leaders at the jamboree in Holland in 2000

Geoff Weighill’s first Scout Night with Milltimber Scouts

I remember my first night as an Assistant Scout Leader at Milltimber, taking a rather nervous son down to the Troop Burns Supper in the Baronial Hall at Templars’ Park. It was very atmospheric with the blazing fire and noisy banter from the scouts who all seemed to tower over me, let alone Colin who looked up in awe at these vast and animated lads! Colin did his best to match the appetites of the older scouts when the haggis was served and made a brave attempt to take his turn reading a line from Tam O’Shanter as part of the Burns appreciation. Quite a different experience from Cubs but we were both hooked!

A traditional Burns Supper is an annual event for Milltimber Scouts at Templars’ Baronial Hall in late January. Volunteer parents cook the haggis, neeps and tatties. Leaders, scouts and invited guests pipe in and address the haggis, recite the Selkirk Grace, perform the Immortal Memory and, in recent years, with the addition of girls to the Troop they are able to ‘Toast the Lassies’ and ‘Reply on Behalf of the Lassies’ too.

1999 Summer Camp at Glen Esk by Geoff Weighill

After searching for the entrance to the field in Glen Esk, I joined the other leaders (Richard Bateman and Gerry McCue) for a quick rece of the site before setting the scouts to unload the kit. This was to be a traditional ‘green field’ camp although ‘green’ was a bit optimistic as the view revealed a mass of cow pats and dead rabbits that first had to be cleared before any kit could be set up!

The Scouts were un-phased by this task and before long the air was full of dried (and not so dried) cow pats and flat rabbits flying into the bushes! I also recall that is was pelting with rain as we unloaded the kit and the leaders reminded the Scouts about the wisdom of packing their sleeping bags in waterproof bags ….. a message that has been repeated every year since but not always heeded! I learned so much at that camp and was really impressed with the confidence it gave the lads and with all the freedom they had to try stuff that they can’t do at home. This was to be the first of many camps that I helped with the Milltimber Scouts and needless to say, cow fields are off limits now!

Summer Camp venues over the years

1999 – Glen Esk near Tarfside 2000 – Holland National Jamboree, Dronten 2001 – Scout HQ, Fordel Firs near Dunfermline 2002 – Waukmill, Inchmarlo near Banchory 2003 – Meggernie Scout Centre, Glen Lyon 2004 – Glen Tanar 2005 – Waukmill, Inchmarlo 2006 – Invertrossachs Scout Centre near Callendar 2007 – Glen Tanar 2008 – Sluggain Bridge, near Carrbridge 2009 – Denmark Bla-Sommer Jamboree 2010 – Waukmill, Inchmarlo 2011 – Glen Tanar 2012 – Castle Forbes near Alford 2013 – Glen Tanar and the Aberdeen District Camp at Ardeche, France.

Typical Year at Milltimber Scouts Here are some of the events we have in a typical year at Milltimber Scouts!

January / February Troop Burns Supper on Friday nearest Burns Night Winter Camp at Rucksacks hostel, Braemar and snowsports at Glenshee March / April Visit to the Aberdeen Gang Show Group Jumble Sale at Cults Academy District Scout Training Camp at Templars’ Park May /June Highland Adventure Lightweight Activity Camp, various venues Cub and Scout Camp at Templars’ Park PL / APL Lightweight Training Camp at Templars’ Park Expedition Challenge Hike and Camp (PL’s / APL’s) – 2 day hike with overnight camp in Deeside area Mid Summer Evening Hike in Deeside area Milltimber Community Centre Summer Fair – scouts help with stalls July / August Summer Camp (5 days of back to basic camp skills in Deeside or further) International Camp (eg: Holland 2000, Denmark 2009 and France 2013) September / October District Flag Patrol Competition Camp at Templars’ Park November / December Remembrance Day Parade and Service at Culter Parish Church Carol Singing charity fund raising at Milltimber School Christmas Market Mission Impossible Night Games and Overnight Camp at Templars’ Park Night Hike to Templar’s Park St. Nicholas Fayre in Milltimber Community Hall – Scouts Games Room End of Year Event, eg: Bowling, Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, Curling …and then we do it all over again the next year!!

Holland Jamboree, Summer 2000

I have vivid memories of my first trip overseas with the Scouts to the Holland Jamboree at Dronten in Summer 2000. Richard and Dorothy Bateman took their car with all the kit (new tents!) over on the ferry and the rest of the leaders (Gerry McCue, Simon Hemmings and myself) travelled with some 20 Scouts and Ventures by air from Aberdeen to Amsterdam. The leaders stuck to tradition and travelled in kilts although the Scouts were less enthusiastic. The camp was a fantastic experience with lots of activities and outings for the Scouts, including a ‘dump hike’, where the participants were dropped some distance from the site and had to make their own way back.

The scouts camped next to groups from many different countries and quickly made many friends.

The evening events were great fun more like an open air rock concert than a scout camp and the Ventures were treated to a ‘foam’ party in a large marquee one evening.

The younger scouts had to grapple with the cooking arrangements using some interesting rations and I recall the most creative breakfast idea from one of the scouts – the Snickers Bar Sandwich! After 10 days, the Scouts returned exhausted but with many happy memories and some broken hearts from the girl scouts with our Dutch neighbours!

Retreat from the Millenium Camp, May 2000 It seemed a great idea for all the Cubs and Scouts in the Aberdeen Area to celebrate the Millennium with a grand camp at Templar’s Park in the fine Spring of 2000! Unfortunately, the weather was not kind and we soon found that our Scout tents were not that waterproof as the rain set in on the Friday evening and carried on all through Saturday. It was certainly a challenge to motivate the Scouts that this was a fun thing to do on a wet weekend as the rain poured down and we huddled under the shelter trying to keep a fire going.

The Scouts were not enthused with the motivational words from the District Commissioner and his entourage who braved the weather to come out of the GA Smith Centre to encourage everyone to sing and have a great time before heading back inside again. After all, there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing! In the end, we decided that enough was enough and ‘bailed’ out back to Milltimber, despite other groups insisting their Scouts would stay to the bitter end to earn the badge. Still, we decided to invest in new tents on the strength of this experience and the Scouts did come back for more in the future which may not have been the case had we dug in and carried on.

Wellies are essential at any summer camp in Scotland but comfy deck chairs? These days only the leaders get chairs!

Some Scouting Activities Step 1 – Create the A Frames

Bridge Building

Step 2 – Set the distance apart

Step 3 – Add the final touches

Bridge Building Step 4 – test it out and be proud of your achievement!

And if there isn’t a bridge? Find some stepping stones or test out your waterproof boots....

More Scouting Activities

Setting out to Crathes Castle to earn the Cyclist Badge

White water rafting

Kayaking in Knockburn Loch

Other Favourite Scouting Activities

Taking a well-earned break.

Eating!

Eating!

Making fire and preparing to eat

Never Let Scouts Cook Dinner on a Full Stomach!

By Geoff Weighill One of the lessons I learned early on as a leader was not to allow scouts to munch tuck before dinner time, especially if they are the Duty Patrol. They simply won’t be interested in cooking and the leaders end up cajoling them to get dinner ready before bedtime! At one summer camp, the older scouts out on a hike discovered a village shop that had Pot Noodles on display in the window and they bought up the entire stock! Needless to say, they were nowhere to be found when fires needed lighting and spuds needed boiling. Winter Camp is also a challenge as there is a shop just across from the hostel but these days we have strict ground rules that prohibit shopping trips before dinner. This never makes the leaders popular but at least we get the satisfaction of seeing 20 hungry scouts demolishing large plates full of stuff some of them didn’t even know they liked!

Caught in the act!

Scouts march and camp on their stomachs……………

Growing Cubs and Scouts require good balanced meals when at camp. Atypical menu might consist of some of the following:

Summer Camp at Glen Tanar 3 – 7 August 2011 Menu Wednesday:

Packed lunch (bring own) Dinner

Corned beef, mash and beans Banana and raison custard

Thursday:

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Cereal, bacon / egg sandwiches Soup and sandwiches (cold meat or cheese), Fruit One pot stew and potatoes Jam roll and custard

Friday:

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Cereal, bacon / egg sandwiches Soup and sandwiches, Fruit Spaghetti bolognaise and salad Ginger cake and custard

Saturday:

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Cereal, bacon sandwiches Packed lunch, Fruit Patrols Cooking Challenge! (patrols to choose and purchase their own food)

Sunday:

Breakfast Lunch

Cereal, bacon / egg sandwiches Sandwiches, Fruit

Meal Portions Meat – 1 kg / 8-10 portions Potatoes – 1 large per portion Carrots – 1 per portion Onions – 4 per kilo of meat Milk – ½ pint per person / day Bread – ¼ loaf per person / day Bacon – 2 rashers per portion Pasta (uncooked) – 550 grams / 8 portions

Summer Camp Wildlife!

Scout Summer Camp is always a time for learning new skills, having fun and making lots of new friends – I’m referring here to the many creatures that share our campsites! For many scouts, this is their first time for experiencing ‘greenfield’ back to basic camping and the leaders have to ensure they are fully aware of the perils of playing near adders nests, annoying the wasps and in particular, checking for ticks! Scouts usually find the ticks at night when they are getting ready for bed and we end up with a queue in the mess tent like a scene from MASH as the leaders armed with tick picks and head torches dispatch the beasties! This has a serious side as infected tick bites can be nasty but some scouts regard them more as a status symbol as they compete for who has collected the most at camp. Hopefully this will equip them for later years when some may venture into the hills with their friends and will remember not to yomp through the heather in shorts or fall asleep after lunch!

Camping Buddies?

Scout Leader Ian Mackie has, over the years, produced many new Scouting songs for the Troop. Some pay tribute to that very special unwanted Scottish camp guest – the midge!

‘Flying Ant Ticks and Midgies Alive Alive-O’ was written in tribute to the 2007 camp at Glen Tanar (to the tune of Molly Malone)

CHORUS Alive alive-O, Alive alive-O Flying ants, ticks and midgies Alive alive-O! Near our fair Granite City, there‟s a place that‟s so pretty, When I first set my eyes on Glen Tanar, Aboyne, I reported with sorrow, that a net you must borrow, Or the midgies will eat you alive, alive-O Alive alive-O, alive alive-O The midgies will eat you alive alive-O. They‟re a terrible scunner, and sure „tis no wonder, For their favorite thing is to wallow in gore, They‟ll make you squeal, slap and holler, or even cry for your mother, When the midgies they eat you alive alive-O Alive alive-O, alive alive-O When the midgies, they eat you alive alive-O They arrive every evening, numbers beyond believing, Their actions are really quite hard to condone.

They come back in the morning, and attack without warning, And continue to eat us alive, alive-O Alive alive-O, alive alive-O They continue to eat us alive alive-O Now the news just got better, „cause our summers are wetter, There‟s just half as many as summers before, But half a half million, give or take a few trillion, Are quite enough midgies alive, alive-O Alive alive-O, alive alive-O

Are quite enough midgies alive alive-O While the dark of the night from the bugs brings respite, But that‟s not the end of our troubles, Oh no!

If the loo you must seek, it‟s a pit dug so deep, If you slip you‟ll be buried alive alive-O Alive alive-O, alive alive-O. If you slip you‟ll be buried alive alive-O. ~~~~

The arrival of the girls!!

2007 marked the centenary of Scouting and for Milltimber it also saw the first girl scouts joining the Troop. So the Troop has increased in size, and some would say volume(!), and has had a constantly full waiting list.

Some of the first events after girlscouts joined the Troop Leaving for Summer Camp

Midsummer Night Hike – but where’s the sun?

Winter Camp Every February the scouts have their Winter Camp at the Rucksacks hostel in Braemar. This has always been popular and we book the entire bunk house for ourselves. The older scouts always like to bag the ‘Alpine Hut’ that has one huge double bunk that sleeps 5 on top and 5 below – great for late night card schools! The plan is always to go skiing or snowboarding on the Saturday and we have been lucky over the past 4 years as there has been enough snow to take the Scouts for lessons at Glenshee.

However, this has not always been the case and some years there was no snow so we would go for hikes - one year it was so mild that the scouts had their picnic lunch in temperatures of 18C! Other years there was too much snow and no access to the ski centre but we still had fun in the woods around the hostel, building bases and having snow ball fights.

Driving the minibus could be exciting, especially one year when the snow was falling thick and deep. We made it up to Glenshee the next day although the roads were very slippery and we managed to burn the clutch in the minibus, much to the disgust of the scouts who complained about the smell all the way home.

However, Steve Henry had even more trouble one year when the gear box packed in on the way home and parents had to shuttle the scouts home as he waited for the recovery service! I’m always relieved when we hand back the scouts and minibus back in one piece and soon the hassles are forgotten and we look forward to doing it all over again the next year!

To a Chicken In keeping with 65th tradition, and in the absence of haggis, Scout Leader Ian Mackie borrowed from Rabbie Burns and adapted for the occasion. „The 65th Milltimber Scouts Address to a Chicken Stew at Rucksacks Bothy in Braemar on the Occasion of their Winter Camp in February 2008‟

Fair Fa‟ ye honest feathered cheil Great chieftain o‟ the one pot meal Aboun them a‟ ye stamp yer seal Corned beef or Ham, Better even than, I feel, The blessed Spam!

The groaning PL at the grill Stirring a pot o‟ what looks like swill, His pals slice veg the pot to fill, One greets and cries „Cause he‟s choppin‟ onions, wi‟ a will, And they nip his eyes.

The troop troops in wi‟ hungry looks, Mind wash yer hands and wipe yer boots, The leaders swear that they will shoot Anyone caught finger lickin‟ Then one lad says “did they say chooks?”

Ah don‟t like chicken!

Ah don‟t like chicken! Ah think it‟s foul, I‟d sooner just throw in the towel Ah‟m sure it irritates ma bowel An‟ gies me wind.

He looks accusing, wi‟ a scowl, At those who‟ve sinned.

Poor Devil, see him contemplate The sorry mess upon his plate, To eat the lot will be his fate, Or there‟s nae afters Jam roll an‟ custard the leaders bait, Wi‟ fiendish laughter.

Resigned to scoutings hellish ways (nae sweets nor ginger for days an‟ days) And rather like the stag at bay He looks quite sad, Then tries it, looks up, smiles and says “Here that‟s no bad.”

Then horn for horn he wolfs and swallows Eatin‟ like there‟s no tomorrow The chicken gone, the custard follows And for a dare He burps, stands up and hollers “That wis rubbish…. „s there ony mair.”

Is there that ower his chicken stew Can forget e-coli or avian flu?

But other meals have dangers too, Beansprouts or paella, Ah don‟t eat fish, I swear to you, For fear o‟ sa(l)monella.

Ye powers wha mak scout camps your care And dish us out our bill o‟ fayre, The 65th want nae skinking wares That reek and sicken, But if you‟d have our graetfu‟ prayer, Gie us a chicken.

~~~~

Denmark Blue Summer, Summer 2009

By Geoff Weighill In Summer 2009, after a busy year of fund-raising with bag-packing, car washing and carol singing, the Milltimber Scouts joined the 500 strong Scottish Contingent at the Danish Jamboree called ‘Bla Sommer’.

Carol Singing in Aberdeen City Centre, Christmas 2008 This turned out to be biggest event I have helped organise during my time with the group. The logistics were complicated since we had to meet up with the other Scottish Scouts and take the ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam then by coach to the camp in southern Denmark. When we arrived at camp, we hiked for almost an hour to our site and met up with our Danish hosts of the Mads Lerche troop from Nyborg. By this time, it was 10pm and we still had to eat and find our kit that had hopefully been delivered that day! Eventually we set up camp in the dark, only to be apprehended by the Safety Officer about the regulations for spacing out the tents and keeping silent after 11pm! Quite a challenge to my patience but we avoided an international incident!

The rest of the camp was great with many opportunities for the scouts to socialise with other groups from many other European countries, although this was a challenge for the leaders to keep everyone in the right place! There were many good memories of meals shared with our Danish hosts and our campfires really impressed the Danes – they were used to a more formal approach and were highly amused with our spontaneous songs and sketches! The highlight was the Scottish Cultural evening that we hosted, including haggis, oatcakes, shortbread and our ‘other national drink’ Irn Bru. A grand open air Strip the Willow with music provided by Iain Mackie on violin and Liam Sutton on bodrum plus songs from leaders Ian and Grace.

Some of the 65th contingent enroute to Denmark

Bla Sommer 2009

Scottish Cultural Evening in Denmark – note the improvised haggis on the table.

Homeward Bound

The weather was warm as we settled down for a final camp fire on the last night after we had packed away all the tents in preparation for marching back to the buses at 3am! As we bid farewell to our Danish hosts, the rain gushed down and we trudged in the dark in kilts and black shiny shoes to the muster point. After sheltering under a ground sheet we collapsed damp and exhausted into the bus for the long trip to the ferry. Everyone was soon asleep and we arrived at the ferry port in no time at all! The ferry was a great experience and actually quite relaxing for the leaders as at least all the scouts were well contained and conspicuous in their uniforms! We finally arrived back at Milltimber, exhausted and ready for hot showers but have kept many great memories of our visit and time with our Danish hosts.

Entertaining Danish friends on their visit to Scotland in 2010.

Milltimber Scout Leader and resident ‘Bard’, Ian Mackie in Denmark 2009.

Expedition Hikes Each year a small group of older scouts get the opportunity to go on an Expedition Challenge Hike. They plan and carry their own food and kit and they hike over two days with an overnight camp. Leaders shadow the Scouts but do not intervene unless it is really necessary. The attached photos are from the 2009 hike and the song is Ian Mackie’s very latest offering following the June 2013 Expedition Hike.

A HOST OF MIDGIES IN THE SKY (Tune: Ghost Riders in the sky/ Heedrum Ho)

Five scouts came riding from the East one dark and rainy day, For an Expedition Challenge they had come from far away, Their leaders had arranged it all, they‟d assessed all the risks, Held a planning meeting, and made up several lists.

(Chorus) Heedrum Ho, Heedrum Hay. A host of midges in the sky.

They started out from Keilloch, and the walk was going fine.

Through rolling fields and forest of silver birch and pine By now is should be obvious it was going far too well And later on that evening, a living midgie hell!

(Chorus) With heads held high and trews rolled up they crossed the Rio Quoich To try and find a camp site, they did na have much choice The midgies lay in waiting, they were sniggering wi‟ glee As word went racing round the swarm, there‟s fresh scout on for tea.

(Chorus) The midgies lay in hiding as the scouts put up their camp It started on to raining, the scouts were getting damp, They‟d hardly had their dinner when the midgies grabbed their chance, Came swarming out in numbers, and invited them to dance.

(Chorus)

Now Lefty had a cunning plan he‟d brought a midgie net, He won it in a game of chance he won it on a bet.

But the man who lost the wager, well he must have been quite droll Cause half of it was missing and the other half all holes.

(Chorus) Rebecca hid inside her tent, her feet were wracked wi‟ pain Then she started yelling, it was filling up with rain, She slept inside an orange bag on a home made water bed, The midgies thought her vacuum packed, wi a midge net on her head.

(Chorus) Frazer was the oldest and he knew his right from wrong But napping in a closed up tent he thought he‟d slept too long, He opened up the doorway, midgies ate him to the bone And left him like the walking dead, a walking skeleton.

(Chorus) Now Harry took it in his stride, he‟d kept his feet quite dry While crossing all that water he looked like he could fly Turned out it was midgies that had him full of beans They took him home to dinner, to feed their hungry weans (Chorus) Ross he likes to sing a song about the old time West, A tuechter and a gambler who turned out quite a pest Now he has one of his own, he can sing it when he likes Next time we go up to the Quoich, we‟re going on our bikes.

(Chorus)

These trials and tribulations five stood without complaint, While all five were still alive, a happy tale it ain‟t Each time they stopped to have a rest or tried to wipe the sweat, The swarm was close behind them, and the rain ran doon their neck.

(Chorus) The scouts went pushing on ahead, they had to push on through, Try to catch that Braemar bus, they knew it left at two, And when the leaders got there, and they found the scouts had gone They thought that they‟d been eaten by the hungry midge swarm (Chorus) Now you might have heard the story that the midge is half as few Put about by scientists that havena got a clue, The midgies are alive and well and living high and free Well fed from all the tourists, the Scouts and D of E (Chorus) They sing this song in Aberdeen and down at Templar‟s Park They gather round the campfire, They sing it after dark, The story of five heroes who were eaten and soaked through You better pay attention……next year it could be you!

Hedrum Ho Heedrum Hey A host of midgies in the sky, the sky, the sky, the skyyyyyyy

~~~~~

Favourite Games and Songs As well as all the camps, activities and events that the Scouts enjoy in Milltimber, the Troop also meet regularly on a Friday evening at the Milltimber Community Hall or at Templars’ Park. At these meetings they enjoy games, badge-work, camp-skills, pioneering, and performing songs and sketches.

Current Scout Leaders.

From left to right: Iain Anderson, Geoff Weighill and Ian Mackie

On Friday nights, the Young Leaders organise games and these usually involve lots of noise and running about while the leaders prepare the main activities. The favourite indoor games are ‘Poison’ where a circle of scouts try to drag the others over a barrel to get them out and ‘Chariot Races’ where they make simple frames and race the jockeys around an obstacle course.

Outside there is more scope for adventure and the favourite games are ‘Capture the Flag’ and the inevitable ‘Hunt the PL’. Songs around the campfire often need a bit of prompting but they soon get into the routine with favourites like ‘Sunshine Mountain’, ‘O Fluffy Sheep’ and ‘Father Abraham’. District Camps always feature a mass campfire when groups take turns to entertain the others and one of our favourites is ‘Monday is a Milking Day’, complete with actions and props.

A ‘crush’ of Scouts?

By a Scout…

Moving On Explorers (formerly Venture Scouts) or the Young Leader Scheme follows on after scouts. The scouts at Milltimber are given the option to go onto the Young Leader waiting list and help out with the group if a place becomes available; this is helpful for each of the sections and allows continued development of the young person. Most Young Leaders presently are enjoying the experience and are using the skill as an element of the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

Although Milltimber used to have a Venture Scout Unit, this is no longer running but there are Explorer units close by that Scouts often join.

A meeting of some of our current Young Leaders

The Young Leader Unit in Milltimber has recently been set up following a substantial growth in the number of Scouts wishing to carry on their scouting experiences and gain some leadership skills. Some of our Young Leaders and Explorers have taken their scouting experiences further, taking part in International Scouting events and challenges and becoming Scout Leaders themselves, in Milltimber and elsewhere.

A Young Leader passing on some pioneering skills at a Friday Scout Meeting.

A Young Leader assisting Cubs with an activity.

A Young Leader with Beavers.

We cannot leave this section without a scout’s tale……..

The Hobble, or Where?.... and Back Again!

By J.K.Mackie th 65 Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scouts

Chapter 1 The Beginning It was an ordinary sort of day in May when, of a sudden there was great excitement amongst the younger inhabitants of Milltimber in the Shire.

By some cunning magic Grandalf the Weigh had conspired to issue the following advert which miraculously appeared in each of the chosen ones mail boxes at the same time:

Challenging Expedition !!

Young Hobbles wanted!!

Small chance of success against long odds, Recognition and reward (badge) almost guaranteed!

Must have own teeth, hairy feet advantageous, but not essential.

Apply in person to Grandalf the Weigh.

There was much talk in the bar of the “Scouts Promise” that Friday evening but in the end only four stupid brave and hardy young hobbles put forward their names to Grandalf for a place in the coming Adventure, they were Thomas “Ferodo ” Fluck, his younger brother Harry “Bobo” Fluck, Cameron “Merry” Bell (the hobble formerly known as Annoyingly Optimistic Smurf) and Frazer “Pudin” Swanney.

All had past the stringent criteria set

by Grandalf of having (mostly) their own teeth, and had proved themselves in countless other smaller adventures involving midgies, ticks, scout latrines etc. etc. and of course the qualifying quest from Milltimber in the Shire to the land of the Templars on the mighty River Dee. So it was that our intrepid adventurers met one Wednesday evening in the snug of the “Scouts Promise” to discuss the how, what,

when, where and who (not forgetting whither, whence, wherefore and whom) of the thing.

“Where shall we go for our adventure, o wise one” said Bobo.

“Well I rather thought we could go over the Misty Mountains, through Fanghorn forest to the Lonely Mountain and end up at the lair of Smug the dragon, we will then beard the dragon in his den, win our just rewards, and, all being well, what‟s left of us should be home in time for tea the next day” replied Grandalf the Weigh.

“Will there be gold in Smugs lair” asked Ferodo (stupid boy!)

“Oh most certainly, there will be gold… of a sort of goldish nature…probably” replied Grandalf, rather defensively if truth be told.

“And will Smug the Dragon be like the sort of dragon that likes children and lives by the sea, and like frolics in the autumn mist and that sort of thing, like Puff the Magic Dragon” asked Pudin helpfully.

After a pause that some might feel was lengthy, Grandalf replied, ”Oh very likely, very likely indeed, Yes, I don‟t think there‟s any doubt whatsoever that Smug likes children…..yes, yes definitely he prefers children to adults …..on account of them being more tender and they require less chewing.”

The company fell silent while the Hobbles digested this news.

“I can‟t help thinking that‟s the sort of expedition that explorer scouts should undertake” said Merry. “Couldn‟t we have a slightly smaller adventure, say get the bus to Dinet and then walk up to the foot of Mount Doom, sorry Mount Keen, and back?”

And so it was agreed.

“Now as to who shall undertake this quest with us, as our guides and companions, I have sent out a request to the four corners of Muggle

Earth to all the races in all the lands and have had this response”.

Grandalf announced rather grandly, “From the Dwarves King Boing the Bouncy will send Dimli Halfwit, son of Gloomi Halflight, a giant of a Dwarf, with the dwarfish love of axes, beards, forges and fires. From the Elves, King Revlon of Cravendale has provided Legoland of Milkround, Prince of the woodland realm, where time stands almost still (at least according to his watch), keen eyed archer, and master builder of the pop up tent. Sadly from the younger races, that of men, the reply is rather more disappointing; I got back an out of office message from Finlodin King, Queen Katherine of ye Sundering Seas was out sailing, Arrogant the Lofty has a drill competition with his Rangers, and Borrowmor sent a note from his mum, so it looks like just the seven of us then.”

And so the Die was cast.

“Now little Hobbles listen carefully, we must now decide on what we will require for our great undertaking, I have prepared a kit list for you, but remember pack light, you have to carry it all yourselves” The kit list was as follows: Knapsack, Tent Sleeping bag Bed Hot water bottle Cooker (no more than two burner) Pots, pans, Cast iron frying pan (good for self defence) Kettle Crockery (bowl, salad plate, and main course no bigger than 10 inches) Knife, fork and spoon (soup and dessert) Fish knife and salad tongs Small axe, throwing axe, large axe.

(Dimli only) Long sword, short sword, dirk and penknife (these to be issued on a need to use basis)

Waterproof jacket Waterproof trousers Boots Socks Spare Socks Spares to the spare socks Clothes Spare clothes Food More food Spare food Emergency food Extra food Snacks & Nibbles Breakfast Lunch (x 2) Dinner Supper Midnight snack Afternoon tea Water bottle Torch Small First Aid Kit Last but not least a hat (preferably of an adventurous or flamboyant nature) And so on, on to adventure and beyond!

Chapter 2: Outward Bound!

It was a damp and dismal morning when the four Hobbles met at the coaching station at the foot of Milltimber Brae, in Milltimber in the Shire.

The coach was on time, driven by a jolly fat driver (he was, however, not fat and jolly) “all aboard” he cried having relieved Merry of the entire contents of his purse, and gave him back naught but four small tickets, (good for travel on that day, one way only, as far as Dinet, no refunds, non transferable.) An hours uncomfortable journey in the back of the rattletrap coach saw the four companions leaving the safety of Aboyne on the edge of the Shire bound for Dinet and adventure unknown.

“Dinet, All out for Dinet” cried the

driver, but as the companions tried to leave the coach, disaster struck. The forces of evil, alerted to their coming by some evil farseer or enslaved burgher, trapped Pudin‟s bag at the back of the coach!

The four companions struggled manfully (well Hobblefully actually) with the enchanted bag. “do come on Pudin” cried Ferodo and Merry together, “the bus will leave with us still aboard if we don‟t get off now”.

Finally with a massive effort of will Pudin overcame the enchantment and just in time got off with bag and dignity intact.

“Well done little Hobbles” cried Grandalf as he met them in the car park, accompanied by Legoland and Dimli. “you have passed the first of many trials, trial by Public Transport, well done indeed!”

The Hobbles looked askance at the three fellows addressing them so, was that really Grandalf? Could this be the famous Legoland? Why was Dimli Halfwit so called?

It was easy to understand their confusion, Grandalf had forsaken his usual pointy hat and flowing robe for a more sensible look involving a peaked cap, sensible trousers and stout hobnailed walking boots, Legoland had left off his usual woodland camouflage garb of lime greens, pink and yellow with furry slippers for a more practical outfit for such a doughty expedition. Dimli looked, as usual, like Dimli, except his axe(s)* was(were)* not in view, the Hobbles did not doubt that it(they)* was(were)* hidden somewhere about his person (perhaps in his beard?) Nor was anything on fire locally as far as they could tell.

“Now” declared Grandalf, “get out your parchment charts and loadstones and show me where we are and where we must go”.

The four Hobbles obeyed and, on the principal that the compass has four cardinal points, pointed in four different directions in answer to Grandalf‟s enquiry as to which direction they should take.

Grandalf was furious and began to talk in ancient tongues to the young Hobbles.

“Gnarffle gnarffle piffock compass set granflarebog magnetic deviants bah humbug grid reference lines of position refractive index pointy pointy bearing peak grumble weed set to your partner belay that chatter mad hat contours!!” he cried. (or so it sounded to the companions) The Hobbles were aghast at having upset Grandalf so, they there and then elected Ferodo spokeshobble and demanded that he take the blame for everything there and then.

Dimli and Legoland helped to calm the old wizard of the mountains, and after some patient coaxing the Hobbles got the hang of map and compass.

Once all four were pointing in approximately the right direction, they were off!

Grandalf Dimli and Legoland hung back to ensure they were not followed (and of course for protection in case of ambush.)

The road was straight forward to begin but soon a gate hove into view, by magic unknown, the gate was locked and barred. The hobbles waited patiently for Grandalf and the others to arrive.

“Look, Oh ancient ones” they cried “the way is barred, the gate is closed and tied with string of an enchanted blue, must we find another way around?”

“Fear not little Hobbles” declared Grandalf “you can just climb over, no harm will come to you I promise.”

After a lengthy struggle the four companions managed to climb up and over the black gate which

seemed to tower up a hundred feet or more.

Once they were clear Dimli untied the string and opened the gate to cries of Boo, Cheat and similar from the Hobbles who were keen to see their elders clamber over.

“Now my friends this gate marks the passage to the land of the Balrog, the goblin, the tick and the midgie, of vegetables both green and mysterious and other things too grim and terrible to mention, so have a care! What you see may not be as it seems, tread lightly and touch nothing, here the corn has ears and the potatoes have eyes!” whispered Grandalf.

The four Hobbles had not gone far before they turned and cried out “Grandalf the path has gone, it is nowhere to be seen.”

“Put your trust in map and compass and press on!” replied Grandalf.

They pressed on.

Dimli was soon soaked to the neck by the high grass, “ I can see nothing down here” he grumbled, “give me good solid rock over my head and its happier I would be”.

“Don‟t worry Dimli” replied Legoland “ Although the path as been stolen with my elven vision I can see the gates where it used to lay and with my photographic memory I‟m sure we can find the way”.

On they pressed.

Soon they were hopelessly lost in the tangling vegetation and the companionship scattered.

The elders, more experienced in the ways of the dark lords artifice went by paths unmarked and unseen towards their destination, the hobbles, in thrall to some unknown power of darkness, found themselves at the collapsed gate of a crumbling ruin in the middle of nowhere on an unmarked path……

Chapter 3: The Wizened Crone.

The hovel had a run down foreboding aspect, wolves, or worse, howled from within. Our intrepid travellers huddled together (a huddle of Hobbles) to discuss their options.

“I‟m not going” said Merry, “listen to that howling, I‟m allergic to animals of the canine variety, even the little ones attack me.”

“You‟re the oldest Ferodo”, added Bobo (so much for brotherly love), “and you‟ve been abroad, a man of the world and all that, you should go.”

“Seconded” added Pudin.

“Oh very well then, but if I get turned into a toad or killed, I‟m never going to speak to you again” Ferodo walked up to the door with some trepidation and hammered on the door knob. The howling and barking from within doubled in intensity, it sounded to the Hobbles like the hounds of Hell were about to fall on them.

The door creeeeeeeaked open slowly and a disembodied voice from within said “Yes? What do you want?”

“Excuse me old crone,” said Ferodo in a confident voice, “We are looking for directions to Glentaner”.

“What do you mean old crone you cheeky young scamp I‟m only 43” “Well sorry, but technically the term crone, while derogatory, can, in all historical dramas and fairy stories, be applied to any woman over the age of 40 , give or take, and this is an adventure after all, so there is a limited range of options for people living in a hovel”. Replied Ferodo.

“Hovel! Hovel! I‟ll give you hovel, you,you,you teenager you, I‟ll have you know this is a prime investment opportunity in a rural setting with stunning views and opportunity to develop” shrieked the yet to be identified person from within.

“Calm down dear, it‟s only an adventure! Look I‟m new to this

expeditioning and adventuring lark, so what say I‟ll give you the acceptable terms for someone living this far away from civilization in such a delightful “pied a terre”, (Ferodo had just come back from France and was keen to display his newly acquired linguistic skill) you can then pick whichever you prefer, can‟t say fairer than that can I” said Ferodo.

“Well, yeeesss that does seem fair” came the uncertain reply.

“OK, in terms of habitation we‟ve got Cave, Hovel, Hut (Fisherman‟s or Shepherd‟s)*, Cottage (Gingerbread or otherwise)*, Giant Toadstool, Ruin (Crumbling, Blasted or Mysterious)*, Castle (Fairytale, Ruined, Forbidding, Enchanted, Etc.)*, Tower (Watch, Ruined, Foreboding, or similar.)*, As to occupants the list is Crone, Hag, Harridan, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, Enchantress, Sorceress, Witch, Princess, Goblin, leprechaun, Elf, Ogre or Troll. Each of the aforementioned is entitled to one or more of the following adjectives, Wizened, Venerable, Ugly, Beautiful, Evil, Kindly, Ancient, Old, Young, Tall, Short, Thin or Fat, but obviously some of them don‟t go together very well, but it‟s your choice. Except you can‟t have Sleeping Beauty as that would make a nonsense of this whole conversation unless you talk in your sleep. ” “Can‟t I have Farmhouse and be a plump, jolly farmer‟s wife” (as opposed to a Jolly plump farmers wife.)

“Sorry computer says no.” replied Ferodo.

“Can I mix and match the habitation terms? And have like a “Mysterious Tower?”

“Look this is an adventure, that means it‟s a true(ish) story that nearly happened, if we go around just making stuff up, that would put it into

the realms of fantasy and once we go down that road we might as well just invent a time machine, start the story at the end and call it science fiction” replied a rather exasperated Ferodo.

“In that case I‟ll go for Gingerbread Cottage and Witch with a side order of Beautiful, STOP CHEWING ON MY WINDOWLEDGE YOUNG MAN” This last directed to Bobo who had already tried licking the windows to see if they were edible. (he often licked windows, so far without success, but he lived in hope.)

“Sorry miss” mumbled Bobo through a mouthful of dry rot.

“Now do hurry up boys, I haven‟t got all day, I‟ve got twins in the oven and they aren‟t going to cook themselves.

I caught them nibbling on the cement render yestere‟en” She said, looking meaningfully at Bobo and Pudin who both looked away guiltily. “What exactly do you want?”

“Directions, Oh Beautiful Witch of the Gingerbread Cottage, which way to Glentaner?”

“Go left out the gate, end of the road turn right, then straight on, you can‟t miss it, it‟s signposted, now would you like me to cackle in an eldritch sort of fashion? You know sort of HE HE HE,HAHA,HE HE HE, AHAHAHA. or set the dogs on you, or something?

Perhaps something to help you sleep?” she asked hopefully.

“No no. thank you no, that won‟t be necessary, please don‟t put yourself out.” Replied Ferodo, “you‟ve been helpful enough already, so thank you and a very good day to you.”.

“It‟s no trouble, I‟ve got some fresh toadstools I picked yesterday” she added in a rather desperate voice.

“They‟re red with white spots, probably not the least bit poisonous…..no? Oh well then do drop by again, anytime……..”

The Hobbles scuttled off as fast as their little legs would carry them,

when they got 100 meters away they looked back and the Gingerbread cottage had disappeared with only a grinning skull with a faded sign in crayon saying “Hill‟s head” to show the way back.

“That was a narrow escape” said a relieved Ferodo.

“Those hellhounds were huge” added Merry, “They were almost the size of a small Border Collie.”.

“I think I‟ve got a splinter on my tongue” replied Bobo. “mmmmmmmmmwwhh” mumbled Pudin through a mouthful of roughcast “it wasn‟t even real gingerbread.”.

Chapter 4: The Long Road No sooner had the fantastic four (oops sorry that‟s a different story altogether.)

No sooner had our adventurers gone a few meters more when they realised that the Beautiful Witch of the Gingerbread Cottage had ensnared them in some mystic enchantment! Merry was sure she had said go left then right then straight on, Ferodo remembered go straight on then turn right at the toadstool, while Bobo and Pudin were absolutely almost positive that she said go right then left, then right on straight ahead, past the ruined troll.

They were lost!

Again! “ Let‟s call Grandalf on the thingumyjig”, said Bobo “you know, the magical my spacetimecontinuum.com (patent pending) device.” “Excellent idea” the others exclaimed. So they did.

“Now calm down Ferodo” Gandalf said clearly and slowly into the pocket sized device that had appeared in his hand after some passing bird alerted him to the call. “You cannot possibly be lost, look around you, can you see

Merry, Pudin and Bobo? Yes. Good.

Now this is important, can they see you? Well there you are then, you‟re not lost at all, you just don‟t know where you are, and that‟s a fish on a different bicycle. Are your feet on a path or road? Good, good, then I suggest you follow the road until you get to somewhere else and then you will at least know where you‟ve come from. Toodle pip.” Grandalf put the device back in his pocket and the three older companions marched on without further comment.

“Tweet Tweet Tweet” chirped the bird that seemed to have nested in one of Grandalf‟s many pockets.

“Hello? Yes this is Grandalf, Hello!

Hello! Ah yes, Ferodo, well done! You have arrived somewhere at last, jolly good show, now where are you?

Hang on I have my crystal ball here, now let me see yes, yes, have you passed a small lake? Yes, Oh good, go straight on to the next crossroads and wait for us there, we‟ve taken a shortcut.”

Some hours later the older companions arrived at the rendezvous with their somewhat relieved brethren. “Sometimes a shortcut takes longer” declared Dimli mysteriously. “If you don‟t believe me ask a barber”.

“Well done to you all” declared Grandalf, “You have passed the second trial, trial by compass and passed it with flying colours. Many would have been lost forever when the Evil Lord Moron stole the path here, why even we three companions were sorely tested.”

After a break for morning coffee and cake, to stave off the pangs of hunger until lunchtime, the four Hobbles headed off with their three older shadows following some way behind.

They paused at a ruined building, slowly collapsing in on itself.

“What manner of edifice is this?”

asked Dimli.” It looks stout enough to be built by Dwarves.yet it is abandoned” “Ah that, my friend, marks the entrance to the cavern of KaziKaboom” answered Grandalf, “it dates from the time of the wars of men, they used it to store essential supplies and munitions safe from prying eyes, once the wars ended so did the need for such subterfuge and it fell into disrepair. The cavern is a dismal and dangerous place now, full of poisonous marsh gas and noxious liquids, our path lies elsewhere.”

Meanwhile Ferodo had just crested a rise in the road when he was met by a terrible sight, a group of young humans staggering along like Napoleon‟s retreat from Moscow, their faces twisted in agony and their clothes and baggage in disarray.

“Help! Help! Oh please help us, we have escaped from the Evil Duke of Bronze and even now his minions are out hunting us, they are on our tail as we speak, They have pens and clipboards, risk assessments and regulations! We need somewhere to hide out, a hidden cave or similar, we can‟t go on much further, oh please, please help.”

They cried.

Ferodo, confident of his new found navigational skills, gave them directions to the sanctuary of Home Farm. The escapees thanked him and staggered off, orange survival bags billowing in the breeze and pots and pans rattling in time to their flight.

“Glad I at least know how to pack my knapsack” remarked Ferodo as they watched them disappear.

“Wait a minute Ferodo, I packed your bag for you” exclaimed Bobo.

“Oh that‟s just called delegation” Ferodo responded loftily. “Anyway, you needed the practice.”

Having a close encounter with the minions of the Metallic Duke was

bound to work up an appetite for the adventurers and after what seemed an age the Hobbles finally reached their planned lunch stop (and about time too!), the idyllic bridge over the Water of Tanar, but wait, have we forgotten Grandalf‟s warning?.......

Chapter 5: The Battle of the Bridge Once Grandalf, Dimli and Legoland arrived the company settled down, spread their picnic rugs, unlimbered the occasional table and chairs and settled down to lunch, it was a simple affair comprising of cold meat, bread and cheese, followed by dessert, but very welcome none the less.

However hardly had they begun to eat when the Hobbles noticed that the midges were starting to be rather bothersome.

“Ha! Call these midges! When I was your age we had proper midges, midges who didn‟t just bite you, but ripped your arm off and took it home to feed the children,” responded Dimli to their complaints.

“Why, I remember one year, it must have been ‟06 or 07, or maybe ‟05, or was it ‟08? Anyway back in the day, the troop went on camp to Sluggain Bridge away to the west lands, the midges were so thick there, they blotted out the sun, Legoland can tell you for he was a young elf then and was there himself, and may my beard turn black if a word of this is a lie, we fought a pitched battle there with the fell forces of midges and ticks, and were sore beset with wasps and other unmentionable creatures, it was an epic struggle celebrated in song and story…” at this point Dimli began to croon in a deep voice: “Doon by Sluggain Bridge the midgies lay in hiding As the 65th frae the east came striding, Loud the proud Dulnain, ‘tween them

baith was roarin, Laughing at the sight as they crossed at Sluggain Watchin frae the woods, the parasites and midgies.

Scouts a’ loaded doon wi’ kitchen sinks and fridges, Ane by ane they crossed, staggerin;’ and stumblin’ as they onward cam’ ower the Brig o’ Sluggain.

The leaders gave a shout, OOHYA,.as the bugs came swarmin’ Stopped dead in our tracks wi’out any warnin’ Midgies all around, tho’ they’re small they’re troublin’ As we flailed aboot on the Brig o’ Sluggain.

All the 65th ran in tae each ither, Some got turned aboot, Some cried for their mither, Some jumped o’er the side in the river Dulnain, Some were forced to flee aff the Brig o’ Sluggain.

Tried to make a stand (the thought still makes me shiver) Wished wi all my might my midgie net was bigger, Then we ran awa, loudly we were cursin’ We left half our gear on the Brig o’ Sluggain.

Try what’er ye like, ye’ll find it quite distressin’ Avon skin so soft? they think it’s salad dressin’ Johnstone’s deep woods off, roll on Deet or Autan The midgies won the day at the battle o’ the Brig o’ Slugain “It was there that Peter de Gaston fell, pierced through the breast by a kamikaze tick fired by a fiendish midge plot involving underpant elastic and a wild rose bush. Course as with all scouts, he fell as a result of an

untied bootlace, but the tick was real enough, aye it looked bad for him, all my skill, and there are many here in this company as can vouch for my prowess with a tick hook, was to no avail, the tick was too deep for any earthly ability. It looked like curtains for Peter, aye curtains and matching pillow cases, when from nowhere his mother Catriona le Fey appeared, and, plunging a red hot knife into his bosom, cut out his heart, sucked out the poison and stuck it back in, before he even had time to cry out or blink” Dimli ended, looking around to see if any doubted the story.

He was disappointed to notice that no one was paying the slightest attention to him, they were all too involved in fighting off the waves of midges that had started to attack from three sides of the bridge.

“What‟s this? Cried Dimli rousing himself from his reminiscing, “Battle?

Why doesn‟t any one tell me these things. Bring your pretty face to my axe.” This last to a particularly large and angry swarm. “Ha! Two! Two already!” He cried delightedly to Legoland.

“I‟m on seventeen” the elf replied.

“Huh? I‟ll have no pointy ear outscoring me! Anyway your cheating Legoland!”

Dimli declared.

“Two hundred and fifty….thousand” responded his friend, “what do you mean cheating?”

“You have your arms bared to encourage them” Dimli accused whilst swatting left and right.

It was plain that no matter how bravely the companions fought there could be only one outcome in the long run, no matter how many midgies fell more seemed to come from nowhere.

A worried Ferodo asked “what shall we do Grandalf?”

“Run, fool of a Fluck” came the reply.

The four hobbles set off as fast as

their little legs would go, while Grandalf, Legoland and Dimli remained at the bridge like a latter day Horatius, and his companions Spurius and Titus facing the Etruscan horde at the Sublician Bridge over the Tiber. (Go look it up if you don‟t believe me.)

“They shall not pass!” Declared Grandalf stoutly, but pass they did, so the stout companions legged it after the Hobbles and their longer stride soon caught up at the foot of the Misty Mountains.

Chapter 6: The Misty Mountains The company halted to get their breath back and tend their wounds after the forced march from the Bridge. “Well Done again brave hobbles” said Grandalf, “you have passed the third trial, trial by combat, now onwards and upwards”!

The company moved off, heading up the mountain pass into low swirling mist.

“I like this not” said Legoland, “my far seeing eyes are clouded by this rain and mist, and my Elven senses dampened, someone or something wants us blind and deaf.”

“Well not to worry,Legoland ,if my brother Dumli was here we would have the full set of wise monkeys” Dimli capered around at his jest and continued, “No matter we have low clouds and heavy rain, our light hearts and high spirits will make up for it.”

On the companions trudged, while the mist thickened and the rain grew heavier until even Dimli‟s cheerful banter was silenced by the water sloshing in their boots and the rain running down their necks. On and on and ever on they climbed through the clouds mist and rain until finally, after an hour or so, exasperated, Dimli declared “we must have crossed the

river by now, I am certainly wet enough to have been in a river, is it just me, or is it very wet here, I find it very wet indeed, In fact I think we must be in the river now, I am completely sodden, I‟m surprised to find I can breath under water for we Dwarves are not renowned swimmers and bathe infrequently, I am sure we shall be swept away momentarily by the flood, how is it up there Legoland, is your head above the water surface, shall I find a rock to stand on and join you? We are surely in the river now, it is the only logical explanation for this amount of water.”

“No, my friend we have not yet reached the shoulder of Clachan Yell, but we are surely close to the pass, and after that the river is not far.”

Replied Legoland peering into the murk and failing to see further than Grandalf who was no more that two meters in front.

A little later they came upon a sodden mass that turned out, on closer inspection, to be the hobbles huddled miserably at the side of the path.

“We think we are at the top of the pass Grandalf” said Ferodo “for look you can see the deer fence there and it is marked on the map.”

“Well done again young hobbles, we are indeed at the pass and must now descent to the river, Dimli and I will go ahead and find a ford, for if the river is impassable, we must go back on our track and cross at the bridge further down” so it was that Grandalf and Dimli led off with the others following behind.

Chapter 7: Crossing the River Grandalf and Dimli soon reached the end of the track where it disappeared into the river. The river was angry and swollen, the ford (other car makes are available) looked dicey at best.

“I shall look further up river” declared Dimli “the water here looks like it would be over my head” Dimli set off and soon found a likely spot (likely to drown him that is,) and crossed, the water only reached up to his chin so he was only mildly wetter than he had been before entering the river. He took off his boots, rung out his socks and headed back down the river to meet up with Grandalf who had forced the ford (using magic in Dimli‟s opinion due to his looking remarkably dry compared to the dwarf). Legoland and Grandalf were in the process of getting the Hobbles across as Dimli arrived, soon all seven were across along with their supplies and gear only slightly wetter than before and the fellowship set off for their final destination that day which lay a short mile further on, nestling in the forbidding shadow of Mount Keen.

It continued to rain.

Chapter 8: Rest and be Thankful Although they were all very wet and very tired, all were very happy indeed to have reached the end of their journey for that day, even though the rain and mist seemed to be attached to them by some invisible tie, and they were looking forward to a night in a cheerful inn beside a roaring fire with a flagon of something nice to wash away the trials of the road.

However more shocks awaited the intrepid travellers as they approached the famous drovers inn called the “Shilling at Glentanner” all that remained of the building was a blackened, burnt out ruin! “What‟s this!” declared Dimli confused, Why the very stones of the building seem to be melted and misshapen, where are the people, where are the flocks of animals, there should be any number of sheep and cattle in the pen

yonder, and yet the pen itself seems to have disappeared!”

Grandalf studied the ruins carefully, while Legoland and Dimli went to the field where the animal pens had once stood. “Well it is obvious to me that there was a large flock recently here for look at the sheep droppings all around” said Dimli. “Indeed” replied Legoland “and by the quantity I would say the sheep were particularly scared by something.” Legoland searched the horizon with his sharp elven eyes, and suddenly grabbed Dimli‟s arm. “Look over there, Dimli, it looks like a knight‟s pavilion at the other end of the field.”

“Indeed it does,” his friend replied squinting to see so far as the elf ”and yet it seems deserted and forlorn, no fire, no horse nor squire, this bodes ill I fear.”

The two returned and reported to Grandalf who had finished his own inspection around the ruins. “Well it is obvious to me that this can mean only one thing” he declared, “the drovers inn burnt to the ground, a flock of nervous sheep disappeared and a knight errant vanished into thin air with bag and baggage…….there must be a dragon nearby”.

The hobbles starred at him open mouthed. Merry recovered first and managed to stammer “but but but I though you said that Smug lived far away under the lonely mountain, he surely wouldn‟t come this far from his lair would he?”

“This does not look like Smug‟s work Merry” replied Grandalf “This looks like the work of his younger brother Smog.” Grandalf went on to tell the hobbles of how Smog, who had been a thoroughly bad egg ever since he was laid, had terrorized the big cities for over a hundred years previously, killing thousands with his noxious fumes, stunting the growth of the children, and blackening and eroding

the very buildings. He told them of how the world of men, by working together and cleaning up their act, had finally driven him off by the 1970s and now lived a life in the sun free of Smog and with only a slight hint of acid rain to remember him by.

Gandalf finished his tale by adding, “he has obviously set up in this area, perhaps in “Balnamoon‟s Cave” over the pass above or some other dark and unknown lair, hence the thick impenetrable mists that we passed though earlier “.

The hobbles looked at each other nervously (but hopefully not as nervously as the sheep had looked earlier) Ferodo spoke for all four when he asked “shouldn‟t we think of getting as far away from here as possible as quick as we can?”

“Calm yourself Ferodo” answered Grandalf, “the amount of fire it took to burn down a stone built inn will have given him heart burn, he has gorged himself sick on roast mutton, and it will take him all night to digest the knight‟s armour he will be curled up in his lair fast asleep by now, I do not think we need worry before daybreak tomorrow. We shall camp here, rest and eat, and head off early in the morning before Smog rises” The mention of food stiffened the hobbles resolve and very soon their little camp was up and they were eagerly getting ready to cook their dinner.

“What manner of elven trickery is this” declared Dimli watching the Hobbles light their stoves.

“They are called matches” replied Bobo, “have you never heard of them?”

“Pah! Elven fire sticks are no match for Dwarvish flint and steel” mumped Dimli as he stompped off damply to light his own.

Sure enough the heavy rain meant that the Hobbles fire sticks were

damp and would not work, so they were forced to ask Dimli for his flint and steel to get their fires going.

Ha! Told you!” puffed Dimli rather pompously the hobbles thought.

The rain continued to pelt down and indeed if anything seemed to be even heavier than before, “I fear we shall never be dry” again grumbled Dimli, looking at his wrinkled skin which was only in part due to his great age. (“He‟s at least 67” his wife, had been known to state wrongly under duress) After a splendid repast involving Mathieson‟s marvellous mystery meat Sausage (warning! May contain pork products, not suitable for vegetarians) the company‟s spirits rose and they prepared to have an early night.

No sooner had they turned in than they were awakened by an eldritch screech! “What manner of creature it that?” Asked Ferodo nervously.

“Ah!” declared Granalf “that sounds like „Smemaw, he was once a young leader with the Scouts, like our friends Arogant, and Borrowmore, Finlodin and Queen Kate, but the power corrupted him and he was cast out, he was lucky as many Scouts wanted him to be put to death for his cruelty and oppression, but that is not our way so he was banished to wander the hills alone. Although it could just be a rutting stag now I come to think about it.”

The eerie noise continued for some time, leading Ferodo to be overcome with pity for the lost YL „Smemaw, “It‟s a pity they didn‟t kill him while they had the chance.” He mumbled to himself in his sleeping bag as he dropped into an exhausted sleep in spite of the racket coming off the hillside.

The rain continued unabated.

Chapter 9: On the Road Again “Come along! Come along little Hobbles its time to get up we must be away before the sun rises on the second day and we look to the East for our salvation” declared Grandalf at an indecently early hour.

“We cannot get up Grandalf, we are trapped by some cantrap sleight” declared Merry, “the sleeping bags are warm and comfy, we have no will of our own to rise.”

“Merry is right!” Cried Pudin from the tent, “outside looks cold and hurty, and besides our boots and socks are wet, we cannot rise.”

“Aye” declared Ferodo “We are bereft of dry shoes and fresh socks, the lack thereof means we must not rise.”

“Without dry footwear and more socks (and perhaps some breakfast in bed) we will not rise,” exclaimed Bobo.

Things looked bad for our heroes until, by sheer force of will and with superhuman (or Superdwarfish) effort Dimli put on his wet boots and socks and got up to address the company.

Thus spake Dimli Halfwit, Son of Gloomi Halflight: “Sons of Milltimber! Of the shire! My brothers. I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.

Wet Feet! A day may come when the courage of our company fails in the face of wet boots, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, because of sodden shoes, but it is not this day. An hour of wet socks and soggy footwear when the Feet of Men come crashing down, but not this day! There may come a time when the boots of men are dry and their socks are warm and cozy, but not today! This day we march! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, and put on your boots!”

The Hobbles moved, (or bored), to

tears, grumbled but got up, they knew that in the event of Dimli‟s speech not moving them to rise, his next move would be to demolish their tents with them still inside.

Breakfast was a desultory affair compared to the feast of the night before, comprising of Pot noodle with only a hint of midgie for added protein, washed down with cold water. The Hobbles were unhappy.

“Has he never heard of second breakfast?” Moaned Bobo, “I may die of starvation, if my feet don‟t get me first, they‟re killing me!”

“I‟m not sure he‟s even heard of breakfast” replied Pudin, chewing on midgie flavoured pot noodle.

“Hurry Hobbles, hurry! Said Grandalf “we must be away before Smog rises and starts looking for his breakfast.

We need to be safe inside Mirkwood within the hour!”

The hobbles packed with ill disguised reluctance, badgered and harried by Grandalf Dimli and Legoland who were all packed and ready to go.

Once the harassed Hobbles had started out, only a little behind time, the three elders cast around the campsite for evidence that they had been there that could give them away to the dragon Smog or worse.

Satisfied, (having buried the remains of the Hobble‟s elven fire sticks scattered around) they hurried off after their companions. After an hour or so of forced march, Dimli was heard to exclaim “I'm wasted on cross-country! We Dwarves are natural sprinters, very dangerous over short distances”.

A little later the three reached the relative safety of Mirkwood and could slacken their pace. Grandalf went off searching for rare herbs or something, while Legoland and Dimli pressed on after the others. About a mile further on they found the Hobbles resting in the Half Way Hut

(although half way to what, where or when was not clear from the sign).

Bobo had his boots and socks off and was contemplating their contents, which rather surprisingly turned out to be his feet, this was difficult to determine since most of his feet had long since disappeared beneath a plentiful layer of Mr. Compeed‟s Blissful Balm „n Blister Remedy, some parts, however, seemed to be bare, and they were in fact still at the end of his legs so the others gave them the benefit of the doubt (and a wide berth as well).

Grandalf arrived looking more relieved than he had all day and declared ”you have all done very well, the worst is over and its downhill all the way from here,… apart from the bit of uphill left at the end of course.

You can press on from here past the bridge where we battled the dark horde and we shall meet up for luncheon at the ruined tower that marks the entrance to the caverns of Kazi-kaboom we passed yesterday.”

Was it only yesterday? The Hobbits felt like it was a lifetime ago they had passed the tower and met the midgie horde on the field of battle at the bridge, and passed up and over the Misty Mountains, and crossed the river, and feasted at the foot of Smog‟s lair, they could hardly believe they had had so many adventures in such a short time!

Chapter 10: The Fellowship is dispersed The trip to the ruins of Kazi-Kaboom was uneventful, even the rain had slackened and disappeared as they travelled further east away from Mount Keen. Spirits rose in spite of the pitiful state of the Hobbles feet after their forced march. They luncheoned on the remains of their victuals and their bags were

considerably lighter than the day before. “Look a signpost” declared Merry.

Sure enough a signpost has mysteriously appeared on the path, pointing towards Dinet.

“Well this is a good sign” declared Grandalf, “and I don‟t know if you have noticed, but the path that was stolen is made new!”

Sure enough the Hobbles and their companions looked down to find an excellent path in good repair beneath their tired and hurting feet.

“What magic is this” declared Dimli “it is not on any map and yet here it is plain as the beard on my face! Can it be trusted though?”

“Fear not my friend” Grandalf replied, “this looks like the work of the forestry pixies, (they have a commission you know.) I recognise the runes on the signpost, this is indeed our lost path, the pixes must have moved it to keep it safe from the fell forces of erosion.”

In no time at all the companions found themselves battered, damp, bone weary and footsore back in Dinet where they had set out only the day before.

“Well done little Hobbles, you have passed all the trials set and richly deserve your reward” so saying Grandalf the Weigh handed each of the Hobbles the coveted Expedition Challenge badge, that none in the Shire had seen for at least a year.

“I thought there was talk of gold, when we were planning this expedition”, said Pudin.

“That‟s right” declared Ferodo, “you definitely said there would be gold.”

“Ah! Yes I‟m glad you reminded me” replied Grandalf, This Expedition Challenge badge is the final piece for your Chief Scout Gold award which you will be given before the whole troop……, provided you have all the other required badges” he added quietly.

No sooner had the Hobbles taken this information in than the coach back to Milltimber in the Shire arrived and the Hobbles hobbled aboard. Their return journey was uneventful and the Hobbles slept most of the way home, where they regaled their long lost families with tales of derring-do, midges, water, pot noodles and

blisters, most of which could or should have happened, (except for the blisters, they were very real indeed and all involved felt they could have just as easily been done without, without affecting the tale too much.)

And so the fellowship and story ends‌.until next year!

VENTURES Milltimber Venture Unit The Milltimber Venture Unit, known as the ‘Timber’ Unit was formed in January 1986 and existed until 2001, when District Explorer Units were formed and the Milltimber Ventures were amalgamated with the Deeside Explorer Unit.

During this time, the Unit had a very active programme, with a membership for a time exceeding 30 and being the largest Venture unit in Aberdeen. The Unit was formed by Fraser Stronach, a Scout parent. Fraser was succeeded in

turn by Liz Thomas, Chris Robbins, Martin Thompson and Dorothy Bateman.

Most of the programme was centred on the more adventurous outdoor activities, and included climbing and abseiling around our local quarry before tackling the more demanding routes on the sea cliffs, kayaking on the Dee, sponsored cycle rides to raise funds for the Unit, hill walking and skiing trips to Glenshee. Some members of the Unit entered the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, the expedition for the Gold Awards involving a challenging three day expedition through the Cuillins on Skye. There was also a very active social programme, with Discos, cooking events and the annual birthday party, usually held at Muir Cottage, the Cairngorm Mountaineering Club hut at Inverey. Members of the Unit assisted with the Cub and Scout sections and

the Unit could also be relied on to provide an original and entertaining item for the Group Open Nights. It was a great loss to the group when the decision was made at National level to concentrate on District Units rather than have them centred on Groups. The legacy of the ‘Timber Unit’ lives on and past members still keep in contact with each other through the various social networks.

Investitures and Meetings As with all Scouting Units there were formal and business elements to the Venture Units. Young adults were invested into the Group and received various merit awards for achievements.

INVESTITURE    

Introduction of the person making the presentation Brief statement of the recipient’s services Presentation of the Award, Decoration or Certificate.

Congratulations

Ventures planned their own activities and made their own decisions but always had the support of an adult leader if it was required.

Venture Challenges and Opportunities This flowchart shows the kind of challenges and opportunities the Ventures faced and took advantage of.

Venture Trips and Activities

Trips to Glen Esk and Loch Morlich

Birthday Trip to Muir Cottage

Venture Trips and Activities

Fraser introduces the Ventures to abseiling

Rock Climbing on Soutar Head

Venture Trips and Activities Canoeing on the Dee

Trip to Muir Lodge 2000

Venture Trips and Activities

Hiking from Muir Lodge in 2000

Visit to the Kayak Club

SKI OUTING

By Ian Robertson

Milltimber Venture Scouts’ first organized outing was a day trip to the Glenshee Ski Centre on the 2nd March. This activity was well attended with Fraser and Liz and a party of three boys and three girls. Two nights before the outing, Liz took some of us to the Scout ski hire shop where skis, boots and poles can be hired by Scout Association members for a small fee.

At the early hour of 7.15 am on the Sunday morning, the group met at Milltimber School and set off for Glenshee so as to get an early start on the slopes. The sun shone throughout the day and a good time was had by all, whether on the upper, middle or nursery slopes. One member of the party even mastered the technique of skiing backwards down a slope – by accident rather than by design! The group set off for home at about 5.15 after a full and enjoyable day’s skiing, stopping only for chips on the way home!

The 65th and I

By Ian Robertson (aged 42 ½) I am proud to say I was among the very first of the 65th Milltimber Scouts. My good friends David Knowles, Sean McLellan and I had all moved on from Milltimber Cubs to Cults Scouts for a few months before David’s dad, Stephen, started the Milltimber Troup. I remember there being only 2 patrols initially (led by David and Sean) but before long I was made PL of the 3rd – the Tigers, inspired by the song from the Rocky film of the day!

For me, the main event of the year was always the Summer Camp – a week away from our new fangled Spectrums & C64s, Walkmans & parents.

Highlights include building a bridge over something, demolishing the internals of a house for the landowner, Kelly McLellans rhubarb made with salt instead of sugar! And the ever-reliable Scottish summer weather.

Scouting presents opportunities to try new things & learn new skills. I remember spending hours in John Park’s garage patching up fibreglass canoes inherited from my Dad’s school. The fact that the canoe you are taking through the Potarch Rapids has been rebuilt by amateurs adds a certain thrill to the occasion!

When the time came for us to leave Scouts, no momentum was lost as we started the Venture Scout Unit, under the guidance of Fraser Stronach. The unit soon became the largest in Aberdeen. I served as Chairman of the group for a couple of the early years – lots of fundraising (discos at Champers, cycling to Ballater & back) as we built up our stock of equipment.

I’ll never forget the Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, culminating in a 4 day hike along the Cuillins of Skye with Fraser’s son Stuart, Pippa, Angus & Lorraine (now married!). Also the inter unit activities such as ‘The Relief Trophy’ – wonder if any readers remember its more common title?

So I have much to thank the group for – lasting friendships, happy memories and some valuable life lessons such as ‘You get what you put in’. Great to know it’s still going strong.

Later Venture Adventures

Gorge walking during the 1997 trip to Muir Lodge

Group Meal at Muir Lodge in 1997

Later Venture Adventures

Venture Hike in 1997

Venture contingent in Holland, 2000

Ventures in Holland, 2000 Even leaders need a time to put their feet up

Day trip to Amsterdam

Leaders and Dutch Group Hosts

Over the past 30 years the Group has taken part in a number of major celebrations at both District and National level and this section contains some memorable pictures from a selection of these events.

The Formation of the 65th

The leaders of the new 65th Aberdeen (Milltimber) Scout Group receiving the new Group neckers, marking the formation of the Group. A very proud moment.

Colin Weir, one of the original 65th Scouts remembers Stephen Knowles saying how proud he was that Milltimber now had its very own Scout Group.

The Formation of the 65th

All the sections with their new neckers of McGregor tartan.

An early Chief Scout’s Visit

The Chief Scout and Scout Leaders Stephen Knowles and Martin Thompson look on as the scouts demonstrate their camp-made rocket launcher

Milltimber Scout Group, along with other Aberdeen groups enjoyed a day of fun and activities at Templars Park during this visit of Chief Scout George Purdy in 1997.

1991 The 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouts

Milltimber Cubs celebrate with cake and banners!

Millennium Celebrations

Members of the Milltimber Group plant a Millennium Tree at Templars Park in February 2000.

The Millennium was marked with a District Camp organised by Aberdeen District in May 2000. The event was memorable due to the heavy rain and more is said about that in the Scout Section of this book.

Sadly, probably due to the inclement weather we have no photos of the event.

The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, 2002 at Duthie Park The Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 was marked with camps at Templars’ Park and a reception with the Queen and Prince Philip in Duthie Park.

The events were well attended by the Milltimber Group.

Proud Milltimber Cubs with their winning Golden Jubilee Banner!

Very hungry for breakfast on Sunday morning!

Group Open Nights in Milltimber Community Hall Every couple of years the Milltimber Scout Group hold an Open Night where parents and friends are entertained by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Favourite songs and sketches are performed, some to the despair of the leaders (‘please, not the operation sketch again’), others to the delight of the leaders who join in as enthusiastically as their charges and literally ‘go bananas’!

At this Open Night in 1990 the boys certainly went to town with their costumes!

Group Open Nights in Milltimber Community Hall

In 2004 the Group Open Night expanded into a family fun night with games organised by the Committee, sketches performed by the Cubs and music provided by a group of Scouting musicians. The event was reported in the Deeside Piper.

Scouting musicians performed again for the Group and parents at an open night in 2005.

Marquee ‘Grand’ Opening and BBQ In 2006 the Group purchased a marquee for use at major events at Templars’ Park.

Barbara and one of the Beavers after cutting the ribbon and declaring the marquee open.

Families enjoying an afternoon BBQ at Templars’ Park to celebrate the new marquee

Since 2006 the marquee has been used every year for the group’s AGM, BBQ and Family Camp at Templars Park. It is also used by other Scout groups at Templars’ and by the Milltimber Community Association for fundraising events in Milltimber.

St Nicholas Fayre Every December, weather permitting, the Executive Committee organise a St Nicholas Fayre for the local community at the Milltimber Community hall. The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers help to run games and stalls and act as Santa’s helpers.

The human fruit machine is one of the favourite games for the Scouts to run.

Although the games console room is also very popular!

Giving the hall a festive feel is essential. The committee and helpers probably enjoy the decorating as much as the event itself.

Executive Committee and helpers at work.

St Nicholas Fayre

Creating a Grotto for Santa is an important part of the St Nicholas Fayre

The St Nicholas Fayre is finally underway

90 Years of Cub Scouts In 2006 Cub Scouting celebrated its 90th year and Cub packs were given a series of challenges. Among other things they were asked to tie 90 reef knots and raise ÂŁ90 for a charity.

Milltimber Cubs did tie 90 reef knots.

They also picked up litter in the community and held a bring and buy sale raising enough money to send ÂŁ90 to two charities

The Centenary of Scouting 2007 was the Scout Centenary and celebrations were organised across the country throughout the year.

The year started with a fun event at the AECC for all Aberdeen Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

The Centenary of Scouting

More fun at the AECC

The Sunrise Ceremony on the actual 100th anniversary. All Beavers, Cubs and Scouts made their promise at sunrise.

Barbara and Geoff receive Silver Acorn Awards

The Silver Acorn Award is a special award for distinguished service to Scouting for a period of no less than twenty years. Barbara and Geoff Stroud were both presented with this award in 2004.

Between them they are the mainstays of the Milltimber Scout Group and each have given around fifty continuous years of service to the Scout and Guide movements. In 2013 Geoff continues to be our Group Scout Leader and Barbara continues to be ‘Akela’ our Cub Leader.

They also carry out other roles such as mentoring other leaders and helping maintain Templars’ Park. Geoff and Barbara have given the group vital continuity over thirty years and are deeply appreciated throughout our community.

A Bear Hunt at Templars’ Park 2012 brought great excitement as it was announced that Chief Scout Bear Grylls would visit Templars’ Park. All Aberdeen Scouts were invited to the event, a day of fun at Templars.

This is one of the Group’s favourite pictures of the day; Akela manages to swat all Cubs out of her way in order to ‘High-5’ Bear.

The Beavers and their very excited leaders were also proud to get this picture with a strangely twodimensional Bear!

FUN AND FUND RAISING Every year the Executive Committee, with support from Groups Leaders, holds a number of events to raise funds for rental of the MCA hall, the purchase of equipment, and other expenses associated with running a busy organization. The St. Nicholas Fayre in November, the Burns Supper in January and the Jumble sale in March all play an important role in not only generating funds but also in providing something for the community, parents and Scouts to participate in and enjoy. One of our greatest fund generators is that of the JUMBLE SALE‌..

Cults Academy Sports Hall Consistent supporters of the 65th Milltimber Jumble Sales.

Beaver Leader Unni Ferris behind some of the many curtain, towelling and clothing garments donated.

Encouraging a healthy approach to commuting.

Household goods section.

Executive Committee Chairperson, Fiona White (on left), supervising the layout of clothing (all genders, all ages catered for).

Honorary Committee Member, Janet Park (on right), checking out the ‘bric-a-brac’ with one of our regular helpers.

The Gang Show Every year members of Aberdeen District come together to create and perform a Gang Show at Aberdeen Arts Centre. The 65th are usually represented in the show by leaders Marion and Iain Anderson and often some of our scouts and cubs volunteer to take part too.

On the Crest of a Wave!

The People who make it Possible Many people help in the running of our Scout Group. The Executive Committee organise our fund raising events and other parents volunteer to help regularly at meetings and camps. There are a host of other volunteering ‘opportunities’ throughout the year from collecting and sorting jumble to dressing up as a wizard, cowboy or clown at the Beaver sleepover. We can safely say that there is something for everyone! But the people who really make the Group possible are our warranted leaders who run our Beaver, Cub, Scout and Young Leader sections.

The 65th Leaders in 2013 The 65th have benefitted from the skills of many leaders over the last 30 years and will hopefully continue to benefit for many years to come as new leaders join the group and carry on the great traditions.

65TH ABERDEEN (MILLTIMBER) SCOUTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY ‘ODE TO THE LEADERS’ Group that is set in the Mill………….

We salute you…….

Group facing south and the sun Place of learning and of fun.

The timber in our Forest Badge Stands tall, green and true, And the compass in our Outdoor Badge Directs all that we do.

Our leaders have inspired us through work and through play Protecting, directing our footsteps each day.

And when days here are over Long may we still……….

Remember you – Scouts of the Mill-timber!

PRODUCTION TEAM: EDITIORS: G.Mackie and J.Sutton CONTRIBUTORS: I.Anderson, M.Anderson, G.Clark, L.Crockford, F.Douglas, U.Ferris, I.Mackie, I. Robertson, B.Stroud, G.Stroud, G.Weighill.

SPECIAL MENTION: Sincerest thanks go to Martin Parker of ‘martinparkerphotography’ for group photos.

THANKS TO ALL FOR THE MEMORIES, HAPPY TIMES AND FRIENDHIPS…