Post by John on Feb 18, 2009 19:51:09 GMT -5
SWANAGE SONGSTER
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CAMP ARCHIVAL REPORT 2003 DIARY
SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2003
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Arriving at the Common at 6.55.am Simon had not yet driven the UDC mini bus on, and there was no sign of Scott.. We finally left at 7.10. we picked up Andy Willitt at the Birchanger Services station on the M11 at 7.50am. The boys were using CD decks and mobile phones on the motorway We narrowly missed hitting a red car driven by an elderly woman which left a slip road in front of us and blocked the slow lane without due care and without any warning. It was as well we were going slowly. Kathryn stopped just before hitting it.
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At 9.15 we stopped at Fleet Service Station and left about 9.50am
We went to the loo, wandered around the site, sat in the picnic area. John talked to Rosemary, Kathryn, and Andy Willitt in the picnic area. Rosemary was navigating.
The boys were in a good mood, they kept sharing and giving, gum, disks, ear phones. There seems to be a lot of unity and there was harmony amongst them. At 10.50 we passed Winchester on the road to Southampton The heath land has loaders of heather and gorse blooming. We arrived. Set up camp. Had refreshment and then the campers played rounders. John scored All but 3 of the unisex loos are out of action, or not in working order.
We had a look at the shower block. At Dinner the cooks were applauded, They had difficulties getting the equipment to work,
After this we went for a stroll around town in groups . some went onto the beach, some strolled the promenade down to the fishing boats, some were skimming, others window shopping.
At one point out walking Cliff and Paul lost Jill and Glenys They searched around town in the gathering gloom, first on foot then by car. When they went back to Camp to raise an alarm, Jill and Glenys were sitting there waiting for them. Rosemary led evening Prayers. We sang 285 in The Source.
We were urged to be in harmony with one a other, to learn to be tolerant. We sang 291 Matt broke his torch on the floor. Paul kept losing his spectacles. Latest place was in the cutlery box. The Junior staff had a pep talk from Andrew Turner after going into town chatting up girls. They were told to be sensible as they were regarded as setting an example.
At supper we had Irish coffee, cocoa or squash. After High G, lights out, and a staff meeting and prayers. Malcolm, John, Scott. Matt. & Barnaby, played the card games Cheat and UNO until midnight.
SUNDAY 17th AUGUST 2003
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Jill was saying how she learnt cooking in the Guides, making a brazier with twigs, cooking biscuits in a cake tin,
Dawn, Malcolm. Colleen and John met for prayer at 7.15
After Reveille, showers, and getting tents ship shape inspection got underway with Scott. Matt, and Barnaby assisting with marking it. Which caused some argument between brothers, Matt being a marker and Daz a Tent Commander..
Madeline had kept Bethany awake. Madeline is always wide awake and full of beans with Mummy Daddy and Sis want to sleep.
Tent 1 won. Tuck shop was open Jonathan Vickery was very talkative.
There was free time before Morning Worship. Andy & John went for a stroll and played their version of basket ball. They noted that next to the school site a circus was being erected., Water was cut off for 2 hours while a main was repaired. We had worship at 10.30am
For Lunch we had Chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, new potatoes, stuffing, and carrots. With Crumble and custard for dessert.
The Camp appeal was launched to provide money to assist an AIDS/HIV clinic in Uganda. Rosemary was sitting in the cold near the kitchen talking to and listening to her mobile phone. a
The Campers went off by mini bus to the beach.
Andy and John walked to the Beach and found that the Minibus had been parked in the North Car park not the Main one so that the campers must be at a different location. Eventually found them on a narrow strip with lots of other people.
They bought an icecream, and beach spade, and joined the others on the beach. Jonathan Vickery of 17 Saxon way. Charlie, Ben, Ashley insisted in kneeling in the sea as the tide came in, in their jeans and then got covered with sand.
Luke got lost because Scott and Daz walked off without him when he went to the public loo we found him wandering along the promenade westerly without a clue where he was going. (Last year Daz and Barnaby got lost in a field with cattle in,. including a bull and surrounded by stinging nettles}
Back at camp we had a Ham and salad TEA. with cakes or crumble to follow. Various on site games were played . At evening prayers we sang of the Wondrous cross .We had Staff Prayers. Malcolm has strained his leg and is hobbling about. We played PHAZE TEN cards until mid-night
MONDAY AUGUST 18th 2003
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At 5.30am it showered with rain. The route to the showers block had to be changed as heavy machinery turned up unexpected to surface the playground. The area had to be roped off during working hours.
We had Breakfast of porridge, scrambled eggs ,on toast with fried tomatoes.
Andrew Turner led “Thought for the Day “ telling us in passing of his difficulties manoeuvring his car about in narrow London streets. About crashing his front bumper in Rotherhithe tunnel
We learned today that Andy Willitt was 40 on July 4th so was born in 1963.
Today we went to Corfe by train and returned walking over the hills. At times visibility was down to a few yards and we had to discontinue the walk as weather conditions got worse and we came down earlier. Colin and Kathryn had the map, and as they are in love and courting they kept getting nearer the rear.
So those of us at the front seeing the road turn downhill took a right turn Half an hour later we were all called back as we should have taken a left turn, nevertheless those that were at the front and finished up at the rear over took the other slow coaches and arrived back at camp first. In the following order Andy Willitt, Luke Curtis, John Maddams ,Matthew Player by which time the sunshine had returned.(1.30pm)
For Lunch we had mince, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes with peaches and cream for dessert. At Lunch some of the staff looked at R G Ellis’ camp book from the pre-Second World War period.
After Lunch Jill & Paul, Cliff & Glenys went to the Coop, and found many of the shelves empty and only 4 jars of strawberry jam/ New stock was awaited.. arrangements were made with the area Manager for Co-op to deliver to the site through the week.
The pass stand kept getting hit by the wind and all the campers p[ass cards blow off on the floor, so it was eventually relocated
During the afternoon “It’s Knock Out” took place organised by Kathryn Pantry
Tents 3’s baggage was put in Tent 2, a new tent 3 was erected by
Simon Pickhaver assisted by Andy Willitt and John and then the original Tent 3 which had a tear in it was demolished.
Later Tent 2 formed a semi- circle at the far end of the field to rehearse their camp concert item. Andy & John walked into the village to buy postcards and to establish the price of posting to Laine in Estonia. Stuart , Liam and others were in the Marquee playing Rat Race. Malcolm. Colleen, Ashley and others were playing Crowsfoot dominoes. .
After TEA, 2 groups of us went down the road and played putting. Colin, Kathy P, Kathy T, Andy W and John in the front group .John was third, and whacked one ball so hard it just missed the pavilion and was lost.
We were followed round by Daz, Luke. Scott, Barnaby and led by Matt.
Staff Prayers led by Andrew Turner Theme “ Be still “ . Pray for Peace. Calm, Stillness, we are part of a secular society and we tend to go with the flow and turn a blind eye, We let ourselves off far too much. We must set a better example. While we are at camp lets take a step back from the normal.”
Malcolm and Colleen were on night duty. The Seniors came back and Malcolm told them to be quiet. Whether he twigged where they had been is not known, but they had been on the beach At one stage one was walking towards the sea intending to have a swim, when another caught up with him deflected and stopped him in his track At least they look out for one another in their escapades, and they recognise the need not to get BB into trouble
TUESDAY AUGUST 19th 2003
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Simon was Duty Officer today and in difficulty to find a bugler he did it himself, but seems a bit out of practice. After Breakfast Thought for Today was presented by role play by Jill. Paul & Cliff, and Glenys involving the two men in fist cuffs.
There was a recorded musical introduction a reading and 2 songs. Morning activities included on the beach, swimming, canoeing, making sand castles, and Ben sculptured a hand from the sand. After Lunch activities included Fishing, with 150 fishes caught, even Andy Willitt caught 8. John was left in temporary command. During which Ben who stayed on site pinched the hat, ( the Glengarry cap) little tinker. Some who did not go played Phase 10 and UNO, or Rat Race. For evening Dinner we had fish or chicken with salad.
Evening activity was a Quiz,
but Matt & Dan whose Dad, Paul, as Town Hall Markets and Common keeper to the Town Council knew the Proprietor of the circus next door, obtained subsidised tickets so that they with Luke, Scott and Barnaby could attend and they had CO’s permission to stay out after Sunset Retreat and evening Prayers were delayed until they returned Luke was taken into the ring by acrobats
After the performance they did not return to camp, but walked past the school grounds on their way towards the town centre.
Then they saw John returning with Andy from sending off postcards at the Post office, and not as Scott supposed out drinking, they came across and asked John’s permission as the senior camper, to stay out late until 11pm, and to tell Mike where they were.
Naturally he refused quoting the camp rules and referring them to the CO .Andy said that he had just gone out in his car, and that left Simon in charge and John agreed to go and talk to him. confident he would agree with me and refuse permission.
However Mike was on hand and he met them on the edge of the school field and negotiated. They came back for evening prayers and he too the, out in his car with Lyn, dropped them off in town for an hour no questions asked while he and Lyn had a coffee and then picked them up.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20th 2003
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John was up early about 5am to shower and actually beat Malcolm John served as officer of the day The day went smoothly and uneventfully. John met with Malcolm and Colleen for prayer, Kathryn Turner kindly played the bugle for Reveille. Little Ben Nash played for Inspection and Breakfast. The Kathryn’s led “Thought for the Day” The boys spent time Air Rifle shooting, at the Climbing wall, and low level rope initiatives. We had a picnic.
Some went on a coastal walk,
Andrew Turner was confined to site with a cold. Sammy, Dawn, Emma and the children went to the beach. After Lunch some campers had an official tour of Corfe Castle. Rosemary walked there. The mini buses could not park there so returned to base and went back when they got a phone call.
The seniors wanted permission to go watch the England play Croatia at football in a pub, and although Mike agreed, they could stay out late after prayers, Malcolm did a double dose of stories on the theme of becoming a Christian , and counselled 3 boys afterwards.
The seniors in the end gave up the idea. As the light went out in the Loo we had to use torches after dark until bulbs were transferred from the marquee to the loo, The Kathryn’s led evening staff prayers. John was on Night watch with the Kathryn’s and after lacing up the main tents they retired at 1am.
THURSDAY AUGUST 21 2003
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6am.Matt Player, Barnaby Linscott and Scott Cordall in his jester hat served together as Duty Officers, and when they were off site John took over.
In the morning some of the campers went to splash down and after Lunch some went Zorbing, being locked inside huge cavity plastic and rubber orbs which hurtled down countryside tracks and through water,. quite hair raising stuff and the only site of it’s kind in the UK.
Later, and other times of the day folk played chess, draughts, Rat Race, Monopoly, and the card game 10 Dimensions. Others went walking. During the afternoon a gale blew up and much time was spent banging tent pegs in
After Tea we had a visit from two Coast Guards with their Land Rover of equipment They gave us a half hour illustrated talk outside in the biting cold wind they trussed Jonathan to a stretcher and then turned it on it’s end to show how firm he was tied in, and Darren( Dazer)was put into uniform, and little Ben was strapped up as well. At evening Prayers we had communion with Bread and blackcurrant cordial for wine.
FRIDAY AUGUST 22nd 2003
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John was up first to shower followed by Malcolm, Colin, Andy T and Paul Colin was Duty Officer and had the flag ready to be raised at 6.50
We had the Camp Run today around the school Playing field. From the Goal posts with Malcolm. Colleen, Jill, and Rosemary as bases
SENIORS
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1st Darren 5.50
2nd Luke 5.51
3rd Matt 5.53
4th Andy Willitt 6.40
JUNIORS
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1st Joel Williams 6.50
2nd Jonathan Vickery 6.53
3rd Charlie Wicks 7.20
4th Ben Nash 7.45
5th Stuart Smith 8.00
6th Ben Butcher 8.01
7th Sam Nash 8.40
8th Marc Dewey 9.40
9th Tom Wells 10.30
10th Luke Anstead 11.43
Andy Heinrich and Sharon visited us.
Ben stayed in his tent for a bit not feeling so well. Ashley, Tom, Sam, Luke, Rachel, Lyndsey,
played Monopoly.
After Lunch was free time. Some went shopping Others stayed on site reading, playing draughts, and chess. Tom Ashley and Luke played “Rat Race” We had a bit of a gale followed by more sunshine.
We had Tea about 4.00 Richard Davis called and was applauded
The seniors went out all day, and then missed the Ferry and arrived back late delaying everyone. They missed it due to extra curricular activities at which they were not successful..
THE CONCERT masterminded by Dawn was an hilarious success
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1.MEDLEY of SONGS by Bethany, Eve, Madeleine and Grace
2.Crazy Outake.by Tom and Luke Anstead.
Camping Songs by Spare 1 “The sun is a shining to welcome the day” and “Jolly Old Camping Weather” and “There are bright crimson rays o’er the playing field” by John
Abbott & Costello Part 1 by Kathryn * Colin
Pots and Pans Samba Band by Stuart and Darren
Help I’m in the BB Get me out of here .Lyndsey and Rachel
A Short Tea Towel from Ireland by Sue and Ged
“From the Archives” by a Life Member of the BB Stedfast
Association by John including “Camp Spin from 1988 “by Brian Tucker, and a alternative account by Tim Clark,
”Lines to a Creditor” by Reg Offley, and
“The Difference” from te late Hope Johnson
EZY516 from Stansted to Edinburgh Colin, Kathryn T, Andrew T
“The Jugglers” a challenge by Darren
“Cinderella “ by Kathryn P as Narrator, Luke as the Fairy Godfather, Charlie as Prince Charming, Simon as Cinderella, Scott as an ugly sister
“Have you ever been a Camper with the BB?” Dawn and Emma
“McGinty’s Dead” by Malcolm involving Simon, Heiney, Colin & Dawn
“Songs” by Andy Turner about the site and the fishing and Ben’s face a lovely shade of green
CAPTAIN CHAOS by Andy Willitt “The first thing they’ve done right this week” with words of “There’s a hole in tent 3 Dear Cliffy Dear Cliffy” with Cliff Goodwin assisting.
“You Matter” by Charlie, Matt, and Kathryn P
“Can He Fix It” Andy T as Bob the Builder. Eve as his assistant
Jokes by Dawn
Dr Evil Returns by Liam. Joel, Ben B and Stuart
“The Captain’s Song” by Mike and Lynda 9 verses of “At Much Swanage by the Swanage”
It was announced tat the Camp appeal for an overseas AIDS Project had raised £93
There followed The Presentations
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Windmills to Madeleine and Grace
Special Long service award to Andy Willitt
Best Under 5’s (Only under 5’s) Bethany and Eve
The Cooks who have agreed to come next year to the IOW (All the week they have been debating whether to go to Spain instead, They were given a standing ovation and gifts.
Gifts to Malcolm & Colleen
The 5 New Proper Charlies received certificates,
Gift to CO, Mike & Lynda a card and a Chocolate Dolphin
Competition Results
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Golf Boys. 1st Ben Butcher 73 Andrew Jardine 76
Golf adults Colin 69 Kathy P 80
Fun Run, best children Bethany & Eve
Juniors Joel & Jonathan
Seniors Darren & luke
Chess Joel and Liam
Draughts Ben Nash and Joel
Seniors Challenge Andrew & Stewart
Special Congratulations for Ben Butcher who may be moving away.
Inspection 4th Tent 1 /3rd Tent 2/ 2nd Tent 3/ 1st Tent 4 (Girls)
All the participants a stick of rock each.
Hot Dogs were behind time as the pilot lights kept going out and we ran out of gas and a new barrel had to be fitted
Evening Devotions
The boys tents were all allowed an extension to 11 before retiring
SATURDAY AUGUST 23rd 2003
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Some of us Awoke about 4am. The canvas was very wet with dew, the heaviest dew of the week. Moved our ground sheets to an area outside the marquee. When the boys were up John retrieved his brushes. All the tents commanders had passed them on to the Junior Staff tent. With Andy we bagged up all the Camp site’s blankets.
Just before Breakfast Malcolm & Colleen left with their caravan. Towards the end of this we stopped for Breakfast at which members of the lease holding company having joined us to take the tents down were provided with Breakfast. No porridge or fry up today, so we had cornflakes,. Then we had bacon butties with fried bacon in a roll or a slice of bread, along with a cold sausage.
After Breakfast John led the final “Thought for the Day” Andrew Turner expressed to his thanks for the “Stories”, taken partly from the book “100 Amazing answers to Prayer”
We could not sing the Psalm as no one could play the tune and the only person willing to try was Ben Nash on his cornet who could give us the F note to begin. So we read it instead.
We then stuck into taking the camp site apart. Colin organised loading the white minibus with luggage. John finished off the blankets, and then went round staff tents removing brailing pegs, then onto folding tables in the marquee, and then to scrubbing ground sheets .
Around 10am Cliff and Glenys left by car. Followed later by Sammy and Dawn and their girls in their car, and Andrew & Emma Turner with their girls in their car
At about 11am we stopped work and piled into the red and green mini buses, along with Andrew & Sharon Heinrich in their car with their bicycles strapped on top, followed by Mike and Lynda Turner in his car and so the convoy moved off for the 5 hour Journey from Swanage to Saffron Walden, from Dorset to Essex.
Traffic was heavy and we were in a highly congested ‘caravan’ of cars heading North across Dorset. At 12,50 until 1.45 we stopped at the Motorway Services oasis near Winchester. ,. We went to the loos, bought the morning papers, and had our picnic lunch on a grassy slope.
We stopped again at Birchanger for use of the loos and to farewell Andy Willitt picked up by his Dad. We arrived at Saffron Walden just after 4pm and Malcolm welcomed us and issued Orders of Service for Sunday Service.
SUNDAY AUGUST 24th 2003 CAMPERS SERVICE
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At the High school Drama Hall we held the Camper’s Service and we had sitting in a row together Matt Player, Luke Curtis, Barnaby Linscott, David Timms, Scott Cordall, Darren Player and John. Also present Andrew Jardine, Stewart Smith, Ben Butcher, Joel, Ben Nash, Liam Mandy, Ashley and Mike, Lynda, Colin, Kathryn, Simon, Kathryn. Sammy and Dawn and their daughters, Andrew and Emma and their daughters, Cliff, Glenys, Paul, and Jill,. and also Helen and Mark Gardiner and their son, and David and Joanna Revell, their daughters and Ann Revell
The Service led by Malcolm followed this pattern
Focus
SONG Blessed is the Name of the LORD
Welcome/Explanation MB
Reading Psalm 145 v 1-7 by Liam
Prayer of Thanksgiving by Darren
SONG Our God is a Great Big God
Offering/Prayer MB
SONG Teach me Dance (as under 5’s leave)
Sketch Paul, Jill, Cliff, Glenys
SONG Father I place into your hands
Reading about Prayer by John
Prayers of Intercession by Kathryn P
SONG I the LORD of sea and sky introduced by Kathryn P
Reading Proverbs 3 v 1 -8 read by Colin
TALK by MB
SONG The Lord’s my shepherd with chorus
The blessing
Betty Thornton afterwards urged us to recognise the potential of all this group of 15-17 year olds Mike assured her of the follow up for them including Youth Alpha and Jamie’s input.
“At Eight at the Gate” a reunion of camp staff, took place,
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CAMP ARCHIVAL REPORT 2003 DIARY
SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2003
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Arriving at the Common at 6.55.am Simon had not yet driven the UDC mini bus on, and there was no sign of Scott.. We finally left at 7.10. we picked up Andy Willitt at the Birchanger Services station on the M11 at 7.50am. The boys were using CD decks and mobile phones on the motorway We narrowly missed hitting a red car driven by an elderly woman which left a slip road in front of us and blocked the slow lane without due care and without any warning. It was as well we were going slowly. Kathryn stopped just before hitting it.
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At 9.15 we stopped at Fleet Service Station and left about 9.50am
We went to the loo, wandered around the site, sat in the picnic area. John talked to Rosemary, Kathryn, and Andy Willitt in the picnic area. Rosemary was navigating.
The boys were in a good mood, they kept sharing and giving, gum, disks, ear phones. There seems to be a lot of unity and there was harmony amongst them. At 10.50 we passed Winchester on the road to Southampton The heath land has loaders of heather and gorse blooming. We arrived. Set up camp. Had refreshment and then the campers played rounders. John scored All but 3 of the unisex loos are out of action, or not in working order.
We had a look at the shower block. At Dinner the cooks were applauded, They had difficulties getting the equipment to work,
After this we went for a stroll around town in groups . some went onto the beach, some strolled the promenade down to the fishing boats, some were skimming, others window shopping.
At one point out walking Cliff and Paul lost Jill and Glenys They searched around town in the gathering gloom, first on foot then by car. When they went back to Camp to raise an alarm, Jill and Glenys were sitting there waiting for them. Rosemary led evening Prayers. We sang 285 in The Source.
We were urged to be in harmony with one a other, to learn to be tolerant. We sang 291 Matt broke his torch on the floor. Paul kept losing his spectacles. Latest place was in the cutlery box. The Junior staff had a pep talk from Andrew Turner after going into town chatting up girls. They were told to be sensible as they were regarded as setting an example.
At supper we had Irish coffee, cocoa or squash. After High G, lights out, and a staff meeting and prayers. Malcolm, John, Scott. Matt. & Barnaby, played the card games Cheat and UNO until midnight.
SUNDAY 17th AUGUST 2003
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Jill was saying how she learnt cooking in the Guides, making a brazier with twigs, cooking biscuits in a cake tin,
Dawn, Malcolm. Colleen and John met for prayer at 7.15
After Reveille, showers, and getting tents ship shape inspection got underway with Scott. Matt, and Barnaby assisting with marking it. Which caused some argument between brothers, Matt being a marker and Daz a Tent Commander..
Madeline had kept Bethany awake. Madeline is always wide awake and full of beans with Mummy Daddy and Sis want to sleep.
Tent 1 won. Tuck shop was open Jonathan Vickery was very talkative.
There was free time before Morning Worship. Andy & John went for a stroll and played their version of basket ball. They noted that next to the school site a circus was being erected., Water was cut off for 2 hours while a main was repaired. We had worship at 10.30am
For Lunch we had Chicken, gravy, roast potatoes, new potatoes, stuffing, and carrots. With Crumble and custard for dessert.
The Camp appeal was launched to provide money to assist an AIDS/HIV clinic in Uganda. Rosemary was sitting in the cold near the kitchen talking to and listening to her mobile phone. a
The Campers went off by mini bus to the beach.
Andy and John walked to the Beach and found that the Minibus had been parked in the North Car park not the Main one so that the campers must be at a different location. Eventually found them on a narrow strip with lots of other people.
They bought an icecream, and beach spade, and joined the others on the beach. Jonathan Vickery of 17 Saxon way. Charlie, Ben, Ashley insisted in kneeling in the sea as the tide came in, in their jeans and then got covered with sand.
Luke got lost because Scott and Daz walked off without him when he went to the public loo we found him wandering along the promenade westerly without a clue where he was going. (Last year Daz and Barnaby got lost in a field with cattle in,. including a bull and surrounded by stinging nettles}
Back at camp we had a Ham and salad TEA. with cakes or crumble to follow. Various on site games were played . At evening prayers we sang of the Wondrous cross .We had Staff Prayers. Malcolm has strained his leg and is hobbling about. We played PHAZE TEN cards until mid-night
MONDAY AUGUST 18th 2003
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At 5.30am it showered with rain. The route to the showers block had to be changed as heavy machinery turned up unexpected to surface the playground. The area had to be roped off during working hours.
We had Breakfast of porridge, scrambled eggs ,on toast with fried tomatoes.
Andrew Turner led “Thought for the Day “ telling us in passing of his difficulties manoeuvring his car about in narrow London streets. About crashing his front bumper in Rotherhithe tunnel
We learned today that Andy Willitt was 40 on July 4th so was born in 1963.
Today we went to Corfe by train and returned walking over the hills. At times visibility was down to a few yards and we had to discontinue the walk as weather conditions got worse and we came down earlier. Colin and Kathryn had the map, and as they are in love and courting they kept getting nearer the rear.
So those of us at the front seeing the road turn downhill took a right turn Half an hour later we were all called back as we should have taken a left turn, nevertheless those that were at the front and finished up at the rear over took the other slow coaches and arrived back at camp first. In the following order Andy Willitt, Luke Curtis, John Maddams ,Matthew Player by which time the sunshine had returned.(1.30pm)
For Lunch we had mince, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and tomatoes with peaches and cream for dessert. At Lunch some of the staff looked at R G Ellis’ camp book from the pre-Second World War period.
After Lunch Jill & Paul, Cliff & Glenys went to the Coop, and found many of the shelves empty and only 4 jars of strawberry jam/ New stock was awaited.. arrangements were made with the area Manager for Co-op to deliver to the site through the week.
The pass stand kept getting hit by the wind and all the campers p[ass cards blow off on the floor, so it was eventually relocated
During the afternoon “It’s Knock Out” took place organised by Kathryn Pantry
Tents 3’s baggage was put in Tent 2, a new tent 3 was erected by
Simon Pickhaver assisted by Andy Willitt and John and then the original Tent 3 which had a tear in it was demolished.
Later Tent 2 formed a semi- circle at the far end of the field to rehearse their camp concert item. Andy & John walked into the village to buy postcards and to establish the price of posting to Laine in Estonia. Stuart , Liam and others were in the Marquee playing Rat Race. Malcolm. Colleen, Ashley and others were playing Crowsfoot dominoes. .
After TEA, 2 groups of us went down the road and played putting. Colin, Kathy P, Kathy T, Andy W and John in the front group .John was third, and whacked one ball so hard it just missed the pavilion and was lost.
We were followed round by Daz, Luke. Scott, Barnaby and led by Matt.
Staff Prayers led by Andrew Turner Theme “ Be still “ . Pray for Peace. Calm, Stillness, we are part of a secular society and we tend to go with the flow and turn a blind eye, We let ourselves off far too much. We must set a better example. While we are at camp lets take a step back from the normal.”
Malcolm and Colleen were on night duty. The Seniors came back and Malcolm told them to be quiet. Whether he twigged where they had been is not known, but they had been on the beach At one stage one was walking towards the sea intending to have a swim, when another caught up with him deflected and stopped him in his track At least they look out for one another in their escapades, and they recognise the need not to get BB into trouble
TUESDAY AUGUST 19th 2003
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Simon was Duty Officer today and in difficulty to find a bugler he did it himself, but seems a bit out of practice. After Breakfast Thought for Today was presented by role play by Jill. Paul & Cliff, and Glenys involving the two men in fist cuffs.
There was a recorded musical introduction a reading and 2 songs. Morning activities included on the beach, swimming, canoeing, making sand castles, and Ben sculptured a hand from the sand. After Lunch activities included Fishing, with 150 fishes caught, even Andy Willitt caught 8. John was left in temporary command. During which Ben who stayed on site pinched the hat, ( the Glengarry cap) little tinker. Some who did not go played Phase 10 and UNO, or Rat Race. For evening Dinner we had fish or chicken with salad.
Evening activity was a Quiz,
but Matt & Dan whose Dad, Paul, as Town Hall Markets and Common keeper to the Town Council knew the Proprietor of the circus next door, obtained subsidised tickets so that they with Luke, Scott and Barnaby could attend and they had CO’s permission to stay out after Sunset Retreat and evening Prayers were delayed until they returned Luke was taken into the ring by acrobats
After the performance they did not return to camp, but walked past the school grounds on their way towards the town centre.
Then they saw John returning with Andy from sending off postcards at the Post office, and not as Scott supposed out drinking, they came across and asked John’s permission as the senior camper, to stay out late until 11pm, and to tell Mike where they were.
Naturally he refused quoting the camp rules and referring them to the CO .Andy said that he had just gone out in his car, and that left Simon in charge and John agreed to go and talk to him. confident he would agree with me and refuse permission.
However Mike was on hand and he met them on the edge of the school field and negotiated. They came back for evening prayers and he too the, out in his car with Lyn, dropped them off in town for an hour no questions asked while he and Lyn had a coffee and then picked them up.
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 20th 2003
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John was up early about 5am to shower and actually beat Malcolm John served as officer of the day The day went smoothly and uneventfully. John met with Malcolm and Colleen for prayer, Kathryn Turner kindly played the bugle for Reveille. Little Ben Nash played for Inspection and Breakfast. The Kathryn’s led “Thought for the Day” The boys spent time Air Rifle shooting, at the Climbing wall, and low level rope initiatives. We had a picnic.
Some went on a coastal walk,
Andrew Turner was confined to site with a cold. Sammy, Dawn, Emma and the children went to the beach. After Lunch some campers had an official tour of Corfe Castle. Rosemary walked there. The mini buses could not park there so returned to base and went back when they got a phone call.
The seniors wanted permission to go watch the England play Croatia at football in a pub, and although Mike agreed, they could stay out late after prayers, Malcolm did a double dose of stories on the theme of becoming a Christian , and counselled 3 boys afterwards.
The seniors in the end gave up the idea. As the light went out in the Loo we had to use torches after dark until bulbs were transferred from the marquee to the loo, The Kathryn’s led evening staff prayers. John was on Night watch with the Kathryn’s and after lacing up the main tents they retired at 1am.
THURSDAY AUGUST 21 2003
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6am.Matt Player, Barnaby Linscott and Scott Cordall in his jester hat served together as Duty Officers, and when they were off site John took over.
In the morning some of the campers went to splash down and after Lunch some went Zorbing, being locked inside huge cavity plastic and rubber orbs which hurtled down countryside tracks and through water,. quite hair raising stuff and the only site of it’s kind in the UK.
Later, and other times of the day folk played chess, draughts, Rat Race, Monopoly, and the card game 10 Dimensions. Others went walking. During the afternoon a gale blew up and much time was spent banging tent pegs in
After Tea we had a visit from two Coast Guards with their Land Rover of equipment They gave us a half hour illustrated talk outside in the biting cold wind they trussed Jonathan to a stretcher and then turned it on it’s end to show how firm he was tied in, and Darren( Dazer)was put into uniform, and little Ben was strapped up as well. At evening Prayers we had communion with Bread and blackcurrant cordial for wine.
FRIDAY AUGUST 22nd 2003
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John was up first to shower followed by Malcolm, Colin, Andy T and Paul Colin was Duty Officer and had the flag ready to be raised at 6.50
We had the Camp Run today around the school Playing field. From the Goal posts with Malcolm. Colleen, Jill, and Rosemary as bases
SENIORS
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1st Darren 5.50
2nd Luke 5.51
3rd Matt 5.53
4th Andy Willitt 6.40
JUNIORS
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1st Joel Williams 6.50
2nd Jonathan Vickery 6.53
3rd Charlie Wicks 7.20
4th Ben Nash 7.45
5th Stuart Smith 8.00
6th Ben Butcher 8.01
7th Sam Nash 8.40
8th Marc Dewey 9.40
9th Tom Wells 10.30
10th Luke Anstead 11.43
Andy Heinrich and Sharon visited us.
Ben stayed in his tent for a bit not feeling so well. Ashley, Tom, Sam, Luke, Rachel, Lyndsey,
played Monopoly.
After Lunch was free time. Some went shopping Others stayed on site reading, playing draughts, and chess. Tom Ashley and Luke played “Rat Race” We had a bit of a gale followed by more sunshine.
We had Tea about 4.00 Richard Davis called and was applauded
The seniors went out all day, and then missed the Ferry and arrived back late delaying everyone. They missed it due to extra curricular activities at which they were not successful..
THE CONCERT masterminded by Dawn was an hilarious success
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1.MEDLEY of SONGS by Bethany, Eve, Madeleine and Grace
2.Crazy Outake.by Tom and Luke Anstead.
Camping Songs by Spare 1 “The sun is a shining to welcome the day” and “Jolly Old Camping Weather” and “There are bright crimson rays o’er the playing field” by John
Abbott & Costello Part 1 by Kathryn * Colin
Pots and Pans Samba Band by Stuart and Darren
Help I’m in the BB Get me out of here .Lyndsey and Rachel
A Short Tea Towel from Ireland by Sue and Ged
“From the Archives” by a Life Member of the BB Stedfast
Association by John including “Camp Spin from 1988 “by Brian Tucker, and a alternative account by Tim Clark,
”Lines to a Creditor” by Reg Offley, and
“The Difference” from te late Hope Johnson
EZY516 from Stansted to Edinburgh Colin, Kathryn T, Andrew T
“The Jugglers” a challenge by Darren
“Cinderella “ by Kathryn P as Narrator, Luke as the Fairy Godfather, Charlie as Prince Charming, Simon as Cinderella, Scott as an ugly sister
“Have you ever been a Camper with the BB?” Dawn and Emma
“McGinty’s Dead” by Malcolm involving Simon, Heiney, Colin & Dawn
“Songs” by Andy Turner about the site and the fishing and Ben’s face a lovely shade of green
CAPTAIN CHAOS by Andy Willitt “The first thing they’ve done right this week” with words of “There’s a hole in tent 3 Dear Cliffy Dear Cliffy” with Cliff Goodwin assisting.
“You Matter” by Charlie, Matt, and Kathryn P
“Can He Fix It” Andy T as Bob the Builder. Eve as his assistant
Jokes by Dawn
Dr Evil Returns by Liam. Joel, Ben B and Stuart
“The Captain’s Song” by Mike and Lynda 9 verses of “At Much Swanage by the Swanage”
It was announced tat the Camp appeal for an overseas AIDS Project had raised £93
There followed The Presentations
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Windmills to Madeleine and Grace
Special Long service award to Andy Willitt
Best Under 5’s (Only under 5’s) Bethany and Eve
The Cooks who have agreed to come next year to the IOW (All the week they have been debating whether to go to Spain instead, They were given a standing ovation and gifts.
Gifts to Malcolm & Colleen
The 5 New Proper Charlies received certificates,
Gift to CO, Mike & Lynda a card and a Chocolate Dolphin
Competition Results
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Golf Boys. 1st Ben Butcher 73 Andrew Jardine 76
Golf adults Colin 69 Kathy P 80
Fun Run, best children Bethany & Eve
Juniors Joel & Jonathan
Seniors Darren & luke
Chess Joel and Liam
Draughts Ben Nash and Joel
Seniors Challenge Andrew & Stewart
Special Congratulations for Ben Butcher who may be moving away.
Inspection 4th Tent 1 /3rd Tent 2/ 2nd Tent 3/ 1st Tent 4 (Girls)
All the participants a stick of rock each.
Hot Dogs were behind time as the pilot lights kept going out and we ran out of gas and a new barrel had to be fitted
Evening Devotions
The boys tents were all allowed an extension to 11 before retiring
SATURDAY AUGUST 23rd 2003
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Some of us Awoke about 4am. The canvas was very wet with dew, the heaviest dew of the week. Moved our ground sheets to an area outside the marquee. When the boys were up John retrieved his brushes. All the tents commanders had passed them on to the Junior Staff tent. With Andy we bagged up all the Camp site’s blankets.
Just before Breakfast Malcolm & Colleen left with their caravan. Towards the end of this we stopped for Breakfast at which members of the lease holding company having joined us to take the tents down were provided with Breakfast. No porridge or fry up today, so we had cornflakes,. Then we had bacon butties with fried bacon in a roll or a slice of bread, along with a cold sausage.
After Breakfast John led the final “Thought for the Day” Andrew Turner expressed to his thanks for the “Stories”, taken partly from the book “100 Amazing answers to Prayer”
We could not sing the Psalm as no one could play the tune and the only person willing to try was Ben Nash on his cornet who could give us the F note to begin. So we read it instead.
We then stuck into taking the camp site apart. Colin organised loading the white minibus with luggage. John finished off the blankets, and then went round staff tents removing brailing pegs, then onto folding tables in the marquee, and then to scrubbing ground sheets .
Around 10am Cliff and Glenys left by car. Followed later by Sammy and Dawn and their girls in their car, and Andrew & Emma Turner with their girls in their car
At about 11am we stopped work and piled into the red and green mini buses, along with Andrew & Sharon Heinrich in their car with their bicycles strapped on top, followed by Mike and Lynda Turner in his car and so the convoy moved off for the 5 hour Journey from Swanage to Saffron Walden, from Dorset to Essex.
Traffic was heavy and we were in a highly congested ‘caravan’ of cars heading North across Dorset. At 12,50 until 1.45 we stopped at the Motorway Services oasis near Winchester. ,. We went to the loos, bought the morning papers, and had our picnic lunch on a grassy slope.
We stopped again at Birchanger for use of the loos and to farewell Andy Willitt picked up by his Dad. We arrived at Saffron Walden just after 4pm and Malcolm welcomed us and issued Orders of Service for Sunday Service.
SUNDAY AUGUST 24th 2003 CAMPERS SERVICE
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At the High school Drama Hall we held the Camper’s Service and we had sitting in a row together Matt Player, Luke Curtis, Barnaby Linscott, David Timms, Scott Cordall, Darren Player and John. Also present Andrew Jardine, Stewart Smith, Ben Butcher, Joel, Ben Nash, Liam Mandy, Ashley and Mike, Lynda, Colin, Kathryn, Simon, Kathryn. Sammy and Dawn and their daughters, Andrew and Emma and their daughters, Cliff, Glenys, Paul, and Jill,. and also Helen and Mark Gardiner and their son, and David and Joanna Revell, their daughters and Ann Revell
The Service led by Malcolm followed this pattern
Focus
SONG Blessed is the Name of the LORD
Welcome/Explanation MB
Reading Psalm 145 v 1-7 by Liam
Prayer of Thanksgiving by Darren
SONG Our God is a Great Big God
Offering/Prayer MB
SONG Teach me Dance (as under 5’s leave)
Sketch Paul, Jill, Cliff, Glenys
SONG Father I place into your hands
Reading about Prayer by John
Prayers of Intercession by Kathryn P
SONG I the LORD of sea and sky introduced by Kathryn P
Reading Proverbs 3 v 1 -8 read by Colin
TALK by MB
SONG The Lord’s my shepherd with chorus
The blessing
Betty Thornton afterwards urged us to recognise the potential of all this group of 15-17 year olds Mike assured her of the follow up for them including Youth Alpha and Jamie’s input.
“At Eight at the Gate” a reunion of camp staff, took place,