Scouts

of the ship. We even had our quota of leave when in port. On Tuesday we completed a sweep. On Wednesday we sailed for Frazerboro', but it was too rough and we had to turn back. In the early hours of Thursday we sailed for Leith, and on the Saturday back to the Tyne for Sunday's disembarkation, thus ending a week of carrying out the whims and wishes of the Coxswain.

Disappointed as we were not to see Denmark, we did in fact enjoy (yes—actually enjoy!) the 11 days aboard Northumbria. It was an experience. J•J•K•

THE SCOUT GROUP

We were very pleased to welcome Mr. Nixon who will shortly be taking out a Warrant as Assistant Scoutmaster. We should like to thank Mr. Burbridge for his help with the Senior Scout Troop—now that he is organising the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme he will not be able to help us any longer, though we shall maintain a link by supplying Rover Scouts to assist with Award training.

To mark ten years of Senior Scouting in the Group and the formation of a Rover Crew, we held a Group Camp Fire at the end of the Christmas Term. We were very pleased to welcome over thirty former members of the Group, together with their guests. Though the Camp Fire was of necessity a scratch affair it was most enjoyable and included a number of contributions from both present and past members of the Group. Mr. Craine showed films of former camps and also of the project we undertook during the visit of Lord Montgomery last summer. His most recent film showed the rafts which the Senior Scouts built during the Field Day, and proved to all present that they did in fact float and were more mobile than it was believed they could be.

During the Christmas holidays a party of about thirty members of the Group, under the able leadership of A.S.M. Bradshaw, sang carols in the Clifton area on two evenings. Because we had a large number of choir members in the party the standard of singing was very high and particularly commendable was the singing of the octet. As a result of our efforts we were able to give £23 3s. Od. towards the Freedom from Hunger Fund.

The Rover Crew was successfully launched under the benign guidance of G. M. Holgate. We are sorry that he will not be with us to continuo the good work this term, and thank him for giving us a sound start as our first Rover Mate.

ROVER CREW

The foundation of a Rover Crew in the Christmas Term now enables those Scouts no longer eligible for the Senior Scouts to remain in the movement.

As the success of any new venture depends on its initial impetus, the numbers of the Crew were kept deliberately low so that everyone could be relied on to pull his weight.

The Crew met on alternate Fridays, and at the first meeting G. M. Holgate was elected Rover Mate by a body of personages only slightly less distinguished than himself. The dignity of the Crew was further enhanced by the co-option of S. H. Reiss from the bath-cleaning squad. 24

In accordance with the Rover motto of "Service", members of the Crew assisted the Junior and Senior Scouts and helped with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. A parcel was sent to a Borstal institution and help, which should materialise soon, was offered to two victims of multiple sclerosis.

Despite the efforts of D. K. Hirst the Crew has had a successful first term. Much of the credit for this must be given to Mr. Coulthard who supplied his house, refreshments, and much useful help and advice. G.M.H.

SENIOR SCOUT TROOP

This year we have again had six patrols, under the leadership of P/L.s Bradley, Cooper, D. R. Gow, Gray, Haxby and Magson. Of these Bradley, Haxby and Cooper are to be very warmly congratulated on gaining the Queen's Scout Badge, and Gray is also congratulated on gaining his Bushman's Thong.

During the term training sessions were mainly devoted to the Ambulance Badge, and it is hoped that a large proportion of the Troop will gain this badge early in the Easter Term.

For the Field Day the Troop split into three parts. The first group constructed rafts to complete their practical work for the Senior Pioneer Badge. Three rafts of excellent design were built and all floated, even when carrying up to six passengers. A race was held on the river, the umpire being the School Captain of Boats, disguised as an A.S.M. Owing to the slow speed of the race, it became somewhat tedious and developed into a water battle to enliven the proceedings. The second party went out to search for tracks to make plaster casts for the Tracker Badge. The third group disappeared with A.S.M. Hirst into the Hambleton Hills in order to conduct various tests for parts of the Venturer Badge. They duly reappeared at their rendezvous at the correct time, so that we can assume that all went well!

SCOUT TROOP

With 20 new members this term our total is now 32 and this has meant the formation of a new patrol, Stags. Thiriwell and Hardman are to be congratulated on obtaining their Scout Cords and Dixon, Gow and Watts on their First Class Badges. Bradshaw has been training the first class scouts for the Camper Badge as part of their Scout Cord. Hardman,. Thirlwell, Bell, Fear and Maslin have completed the Badge and four others will finish the practical part next term. The four tenderfeet were invested early in the term and have started on their second class work under Mr. Dunstan. With 17 scouts training for their first class I have been grateful, for the help given by Mr. Nixon and good progress has been made.