Scout Group

AIR EXPERIENCE FLYING

During the Summer Term, a record number of boys were able to take part in air experience flying at R.A.F. Church Fenton. A total of twenty eight flights were made, and this has been mainly due to havi our own representative on the staff of the Air Experience Flight whi facilitates early booking and often enables us to fill vacancies wh other schools cancel at short-notice.

Most of those visiting Church Fenton were, of course, from t R.A.F. Section but members of the Naval and Army Sections have als been represented. The highlight of the flight for most is undoubted) their first view of St. Peter's School from the air and we wonder t what extent the usual Wednesday afternoon activities have been disturb by our frequent aerial visits ! Many cadets have been taken through intricacies of loops, slow rolls, barrel rolls and stall turns, and seve have reached quite a competent standard in flying the aircraft themselves. Of these, Cadet Bruce deserves a special mention. On his last flight, he controlled the aircraft for most of the time he was airborne succeeded in flying it to within quite accurate limits.

We are indebted to Squadron Leader Burns, the Commanding Office of No. 9 A.E.F. for all the help he has given us, and for the prompt and efficient way that our enquiries and difficulties are always dealt with. Our thanks must also go to the other pilots of the unit who do so much to make us feel at home in the air.

A.J.R.

Because of uncertainty about the future of Scouting in the school, no real progress can be reported, although a number of interesting meetings and activities have been arranged over the past two terms. Among the highlights were a very successful aerial runway and an enjoyable camp (mainly in cloud!) at the coast in early June when we had our Field Weekend. A party started the Lyke Wake Walk which should have ended at the camp, but they had to retire early in some of the most atrocious weather seen on the Yorkshire Moors for many years. Up to that point they had made very good time in conditions which demanded very accurate map-reading and compass work.

There is no enthusiasm for formal Scouting in the school at the moment, and the absence of Scouting in the Junior School means that few who come in have had the early training which is so vital. Perhaps we shall be able to continue some of the activities, though not as Scouts, until such time as a revival seems possible and desirable.

K.G.C.