Camp 2012 - The Final Chapter
We left three happy chappies swinging on a rope having enjoyed a packed day of activities at Whithaugh. Whilst the main body of the camp were returned to Alloa our three heroes returned to camp to be presented with shovels and pickaxes in order to dig trenches round the marquee and all other tents to fend off any more rain should it return!
…not laughing now boys…more a fixed grimace
Not to worry lads, that’s the back of the cook shelter and marquee done. Now all you have to do is the other three sides of the marquee, two sides of the cook shelter and all four sides of each tent…..yes that does mean tents 1 - 5 plus of course the store tent and not forgetting the first aid tent. What’s that… when will lunch be ready? Ah, well, you see, cook shelter can’t be used just now - health & safety, unsafe due to all the water ”floating”(get it.. water ..floating!) about …. seems we have to dig trenches round it before we can start cooking……so come on put your backs into it.
“Look David I’ve dug right along the back of the marquee, are you sure there’s treasure here?”
“Of course Rab, dig along a wee bit yet”
And sorry no, there’s not a chippy in the village. If you’re looking for the staff we will be having a bar lunch in the local pub (The St Boswell Arms, big clue there)…..oh for goodness sake stop crying…. yes I suppose we could ask them for a takeaway tray of chips for you to share!
Despite several guesses none were correct with the camp location which was The Homes, St Boswell in the Borders. We were in the grounds of a stately home courtesy of a relative of Alex Dale whose field we use when at Dunbar. In actual fact we were camped in front of the mansion on the lawn that was formerly the tennis courts!
The “Lady “ of the house was an exceptional host. She allowed the staff full use of toilet and shower facilities in one of her holiday lets. Of an evening she could be seen watching our field games from her huge drawing room windows whilst (as we discovered later) enjoying one of Scotland’s finest single malts! She really was a remarkable lady running and funding a donkey sanctuary and mini zoo within the grounds.
Anyway back to the “rescue”
…a quagmire both outside and inside the marquee….
…including the cook marquee
…doesn’t really need words……
Joking aside, some serious decisions had to be made as to whether or not we could have the boys back to camp. As always lots of preparation had gone into making the camp possible. Staff had taken holidays off work, activities booked and paid, food purchased for 35 x 3 meals day, gas bottles replenished. More importantly for boys and staff alike camp is the highlight of our BB year. We were desperate to continue the camp and the rescue plan was put into action. Weatherproof matting and straw was laid out in the marquee together with patio heaters raided from staff gardens!
..bark was used round the cooking area…. cook was continually muttering about a fire risk…really!
NOTE : Designer wellies modelled by Mrs Forrest!
By the way, remember we left Robert digging for treasure? Yes, well it all became too much for him and he retired to his tent a broken man!…….
Truth to tell Robert McNee, David Jess and Adam Clark, who were senior boys at the time, remained at camp sleeping and working in horrendous conditions and doing a power of manual labour around the camp. After much hard work the camp was declared safe and the boys returned to the camp on the Wednesday morning. As you will see from the following photos, the field dried out and camp continued as if nothing had happened - we were blessed with glorious sunshine for the rest of the week.
“ Hey Robert do you think I should tell Mr Imrie he’s putting on the beef!” “ Only if you don’t want to eat for the rest of the week David!”
….yes glorious sunshine…however note the shelters over washing area (just in case)
Graeme - “I’m sure it was him that rammed our raft!”
…after a hectic game of rounders … what better than dining alfresco…with as much as you can eat!
…including back for seconds…
……did Mr Imrie say it was pork chops tonight?
…surely not….
…getting ready for tent inspection
….for the uninitiated tent inspection also includes a neat and clean table
…wouldn’t be camp without THE camp photo (obviously Persil was the sponsor for Tom & Graeme that year!)
Normally the above is taken on the second day of camp after returning from Church - obviously not an option this time - however still a smart looking bunch for a shot taken on the penultimate day of camp. Next up inter tent potted sports and camp concert!
a marvellous study in concentration…. he dropped it 3 seconds later!
…c’mon Robert..you’re wearing it for a bet…..
….final round for the potted sports…tug of war…
…….Sunset Ceremony, lowering flag on the last evening in camp.
Following our evening meal we move onto our Camp Concert where each tent group performs…..well something to entertain us all.
It brings to an end Camp 2012 which nearly didn’t happen and was horrendous to begin with, but you know what, it showed all that is best about being in the 26th BB - a great group of staff and boys sharing tough times working through to the good, supporting each other, supplying encouraging words, sharing meals living and playing together - can’t think of a better practical example of our BB motto - Advancing Christ’s kingdom among boys……you know the rest (or should do) ….here’s to Camp 2021 all being well.
…just in case….. safe and well… and heading for the slop pit! (again)