SCOUT GROUP We say goodbye to Mr. N. J. Dunstan as he leaves the School at the end of term. We are very grateful to him for having taken out a warrant as Assistant Scoutmaster, even though he had never done any scouting before, and we thank him for the help he has given with the Scout Troop. J. J. Cooper was presented with his warrant as Assistant Scoutmaster at the end of term. He will continue to help with the running of the Senior Scout Troop during the Summer Term, while J. W. Hey and R. P. Shouksmith will be appointed acting Assistant Scoutmasters to help with the running of the Scout Troop.
SENIOR SCOUT TROOP R. P. Shouksmith is to be congratulated on becoming a Queen's Scout before submitting himself to the rigours of the Welsh expedition in the last week of March. The term's activities were overshadowed by the expedition, though other training also continued, especially for the Ambulance, Despatch Rider and Meteorologist badges. A number of evening exercises were held, the most spectacular being a night hike in the Elvington area. This was meant to be an opportunity to hike by the stars, but we were foiled by the thick fog which descended upon us. Last year, in a similar attempt, we had been foiled by a blizzard and on both occasions we had to revert to the use of maps. The Derwent Valley in thick fog at night is a very much greater test of map reading than might be imagined, but all the parties were found, even if some of us were back very much later than had been planned. Twenty-one members of the Senior Scout Troop elected to take part in the expedition to Snowdonia. This was a very satisfactory number considering that the expedition was to be held immediately at the end of the Easter Term. There was little doubt that the expedition was a very great success, and I should like to congratulate the patrol leaders concerned on the way in which they tackled the project. We have not held such an expedition since 1956, but the obvious enthusiasm of the party who went this year suggests that this may become an annual event. A report of the expedition follows and I should like to say in my own defence, to correct an impression which may be gained, that I did in fact spend a certain amount of the time walking and climbing! K.G.C.
SCOUT TROOP Training has continued this term and most of the scouts have passed three more First Class tests. Five of them will be ready to do their First Class Journey at the beginning of next term. Baby and Hardie, who joined as tenderfeet last September, have now done all their Second Class tests except the journey, which will also be done next term. Three boys left the Troop this term, so our numbers are now 29. I should like to thank Mr. Dunstan, who is leaving the School, for his help during the last few years and wish him every success in the future. With no regular A.S.M.s I should also like to thank Shouksmith and Bailey for their help with the training and testing for the First Class First Aid. The summer camp will be held immediately after the Summer Term on the Isle of Arran, and it is hoped that as many scouts as possible will attend. G.D.C. 27
