Shooting

was a welcome change after three days of almost continual rain. From then on the weather improved and Tuesday saw boys going around shirtless and even saw several swimming (a few voluntarily) in the river.

The poor weather, however, made surprisingly little difference to the running of the camp, and three whole-day walks were arranged. The first took place on the Thursday when everyone visited Rievaulx Abbey; on the following Saturday an energetic party went on to the moors on the west side of Kirkdale, and towards the end of the camp one party explored the opposite side. For the remainder a walk had been planned that day to the Junior School camp, but an alternative route was followed when we heard that this had been abandoned.

On the Sunday morning we all went to a Communion Service in St. Gregory's Minster, the neighbouring church. Later that day two experimental ovens were made from biscuit tins and we tried our hands at cooking. The first product was charcoal (proving beyond doubt the efficiency of the ovens), but later the cooks grew more efficient, and the last batch of scones was distinctly edible.

That afternoon practically half the Troop was kept busy for a while collecting wood for a camp fire. It was suggested that some wood might be collected from a dead tree nearby. A rope was attached to one of the branches and after a series of efforts the whole tree (nearly fifty feet of it) came down ! The camp fire had been arranged with several other troops camping nearby. This was a great success, and two enjoyable solos were heard. Moat sang "Farewell Manchester", and Mr. Chilman gave us a selection of tunes on his tin whistle.

On the whole then, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and our enjoyment and appreciation of the scouters' work was expressed in three rousing cheers as the bus reached the School.

D.M.

The open range shooting this term was slow to get into its stride, difficulties being encountered concerning the allocation of the ranges at Strensall and the absence of our competition rifles. The latter returned to us having been stocked up, and from that time the shooting improved considerably.

In the meantime a team had been trained for the White Rose Competition in which service rifles were used and which is not open to Bisley teams. For being placed second the team was presented with medals.

G. P. Lowley ... B. C. R. Butler ... M. G. A. Garbutt R. G. High ... 200 yds. 500 yds. Total 25 27 52 27 22 49 23 22 45 24 25 49

To investigate reactions resulting from match conditions two matches were arranged. One, an internal match, show the "Stayers" to be more convincing than the "Leavers". The other, a valuable match against R.A.F., Linton, showed that the shooting was consistent and of a reasonable standard. The R.A.F. won with 313 against the School's 310, and a School 2nd team scored 301. Morton shot particularly well, scoring 67 out of 70. He was awarded his colours shortly afterwards.

The first practice for the Marling Competition which consists of fire and movement took place in June. Not surprisingly the butt party was heavily armoured for the next practice. A promising score resulted when an VIII shot in this competition at Bisley. The flat, dry land at Bisley was a pleasant contrast to the swampy obstacle course at Strensall. The School was placed 13th and the experience gained must be useful in the future.

The Ashburton was shot under very hot conditions. It was encouraging to see Peverley, after a term of gradual improvement, hand in a 67. He was placed 16th in the "Schools' Hundred Com- petition". The VIII all received their shooting colours. was placed 37th. The School

Bell Wilson ... Maxwell ... Isherwood ... Peverley ... Newbigging Forster ... Scarth ... 200 yds. 500 yds.

Total 30 26 56 32 32 64 32 30 62 28 32 60 34 33 67 32 32 64 29 30 59 29 28 56

The standard of small bore shooting has risen greatly since shooting was introduced as a major sport and each House was able to enter a strong team for the inter-House match. The holders of the cup, School House, lost by one point to Manor.

In the "Country Life Competition", shot during the Easter Term, the School 1st VIII was placed 34th with 830, while the 2nd VIII was 69th, the latter team being 1st equal in the grouping series.

All cadets in the C.C.F. 1 shot at the miniature range during the year. Lennox was found to be the best individual shot, while Newbigging and Goolden won the Intermediate Medal and Recruit Cup respectively. Manor confirmed their shooting strength by winning the aggregate cup.

Finally, our thanks must go to the Sergeant Major and to Mr. Crews for their services in supervising the Butt Party. We must also express our gratitude to Mr. Le Tocq. His encouragement (or sympathy) has contributed in no small way to the development of a thriving club.