Scouting

has been almost entirely directed towards the December Proficiency Examination, but on the last parade day of the term we had a Field Exercise. In this, Leading Cadet Bradford played the most successful part as a "fifth columnist". Leading Cadet McCallum did well in taking emergency command of the attacking party.

The whole of the training this term has been overshadowed by the recent announcements of possible changes in the future, particularly in the training of the Basic Section. Though, fundamentally, these proposals will introduce little that we do not do already, we look forward eagerly to the new syllabus which we feel will bring the training of all three Sections more into line, and be more in keeping with modern ideas, though in no way getting away from the basic purposes of the C.C.F.

Early in November the new Scout Room was ready for use, and meetings of all sections of the Group have been held there since. We are very grateful to the Governors and the Head Master for the provision of the room which will greatly facilitate the work of the Group. As yet there are few signs of our occupation, but we hope to start next term on the provision of Patrol corners, seating, and store-rooms, while two oak crests, one Cub and one Scout, are being designed to be fixed on either side of the entrance.

Three Senior Scouts, A. D. Best, J. M. Smith, and K. A. Steel, have been selected to join the York troop which will be attending the Sutton Park Jamboree in August. This Jamboree is being held as part of the celebrations which are being arranged to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the Scout movement by Lord Baden-Powell. Other Seniors who applied to attend the Jamboree, but who were not selected, will have the opportunity of attending a Jamboree Camp which will be held at the same time on a site close to Sutton Park. Any other Scouts and Senior Scouts will be able to join a party which will be travelling to spend a day at the Jamboree a few days after we return from camp.

The Scout Troop at the moment consists of 34 Scouts, while there are 12 Senior Scouts. As yet we have not been able to find a successor to Mr. Bennett, and the Scouts have been under the care of Acting A.S.M.'s D. R. Holt, D. J. Oldman, and D. Pfluger. Under their enthusiastic guidance progress has been very satisfactory, and only a few of the Scouts have not gained the Second Class badge. D. G. Metcalf has been Acting A.S.M.(S.) of the Senior Scout Troop, and we shall miss his help next term. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes for the future. The Senior Troop, though smaller than for a year or two, has the makings of an efficient and enthusiastic section of the Group as many of the Senior Scouts will be at School for another two years at least.