Post by John on Feb 18, 2009 20:03:54 GMT -5
PART ONE
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THE BEMBRIDGE BEAVER 2006
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1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade Camp
Saffron Walden Baptist Church
Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight
19th – 26th August
As Andrew told us in his C .O.'s Diary
Planning for camp 2006 actually began in 2004, when the camp site was booked, but then the interesting bit came after camp last year, when we had to decide if we had enough staff to be able to run this years event. With a firm commitment from Andrew H, Simon P, Rachel Morton, Lyndsey, Geoff and Rosemary, and with Kathryn Pantrey installed as our new head chef, things were up and running. We soon added to our staff quota Simon Mattholie, who seemed keen but quite confused by the whole idea, Stephen and Phyllis Brown, who seemed almost impossibly excited, seasoned campers John Maddams and Andrew Willett, and also Rachel Muir to assist Kathryn in the kitchen. With Matt Player confirming this Spring that he could also make it, our staff team was complete!!!
Saturday July 8th. 2006
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Planning for camp began in earnest on the end of Deal Pier with cups of tea and bacon sandwiches, discussing Rachel and Lyndsey’s provisional plan of activities as well as some more general camp stuff.
Saturday August 12th
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Simon P takes Andrew J to cash and carry to buy tuck shop stock….
Sunday August 13th
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Andrew Jardine turns up to Evolution munching his way through a catering size box of biscuit Boosts….
Andrew saw Phyllis Brown at Church in the morning and ask if she wouldn’t mind putting together a short quiz for the staff at camp. Phyllis always looks simultaneously excited and utterly terrified when spoken to about camp! This may have something to do with Mr Goodwin winding her up about it at her small group.
Friday 18th August
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Everyone turned up with there case in plenty of time, and Simon P organised the packing of the bus, with help from Matt Player. This passed uneventfully, apart from the fight that broke out between Simon M and Geoff over the best route to take – maybe Simon was trying to trick Geoff into taking such an absurd detour that Geoff would give up, turn around and take everyone back home again! Andy H explained to Simon that he shouldn’t worry about the weather at camp – you know it’s going to be a bad week if you have to dig a trench in the first hour to stop the marquee flooding…
Saturday 19th August
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After being treated to a glimpse of Andrew J’s latest purchase, the advance party set sail for Portsmouth, via the bacon roll stop at the top of the A3, where Andrew J purchased a mini plastic man with a sandwich bag parachute – wow. On arrival at the campsite Lyndsey took charge in re-arranging the marquee
Back at Walden John M woke up at 5am with a double cramp attack in both legs. Indeed as it was unusual he thought it might have been another thrombosis attack. An ulcer had also started on his ankle. What to do? Call an ambulance and go to Addenbrookes while his clothes and a lot else went to Wigat and the Camp Bank money stayed at Walden. So he committed it all to God, put a dry dressing on the ulcer and carried on as usual. Seasoned campers don’t give up.
The minibuses got underway after a brief delay, and there was much conversation on the passenger bus. At one stage the minister's love of motor racing appeared to take a boost as both minibuses side by side tried to out race each other. Geoff said something too about having gone the wrong way but only he knew it. We had a 20 minute service stop where Mr Madds the Camp Treasurer and Camp Banker withdrew £100 from his account to augment the £100 coin in his hand luggage which was just as well as we would have had a cash flow problem as someone else forgot to bring £200 in notes from Walden. Then we thought we had lost our veteran camper Andy Willitt last seen in the Gents. A search party was organised but he was not found, as he was not lost, as he was sitting on a seat near the minibuses. Shrewd lad.
The only real incident was a minor vomiting attack smelling of sweets – Richard having eaten three packets on the way, washed down with a bottle of fizzy drink. Ansley who we thought was his older brother also ate a lot of sweets but kept them down so maybe it runs in the family, but all through camp Ansley said Richard was not his brother, they just live in the same house. (Something to do with Richard joining County High in September. Other brothers understand.)
The main party crossed the frontier into the Principality of Wigat on board the St Catherine which appeared to take a South Westerly course to travel North East. We regard Wigat as a Principality on account that one King Neptune has ruled here many years since the 1920's at least but has not been seen for 6 years.
Showers accompanied our journeying but all was well by the time we reached base where we immediately went into the Marquee to enjoy our sandwiches, apart from those who had already enjoyed theirs.
Kathryn Pantrey eventually made it back from the supermarket, We set about laying out our ground-sheets and unpacking.
To create appetite ( lust for food) we went on a walk to and from the Monument. Some years ago Arthur Coote's tour of White Cliff Bay assured us that the Isle of White District Council was going to provide a tarmac road. Well it's not there yet and we could do with an escalator or a chair lift as the hill seems to get higher with each visit. The drought and continued erosion of the cliffs is bringing to light pipes and metal cables and wire across the paths. All part of the changing scene. Time was when you could walk from here on grasslands all the way to France ( though not since we've been going)
Andrew J’s little plastic man got a chance to try out his parachute while we were at the monument. A few people seemed intent on eating the blackberries – Phyllis in particular enjoyed this form of snacking. Simon M was warning of the possibilities of tummy trouble – maybe this explains why Bethan told the CO earlier in the day how she was keeping a spare toilet roll in her tent just in case – maybe a precaution following a previous Brown family hedgerow foraging session. Andrew H's binoculars changed hands several times as boys watched passing ships. Some folk managed to get ice creams across the road.
We enjoyed Kathryn’s first meal as head chef, Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Mashed potatoes, peas, sweet corn, chocolate pudding and custard (though not all on the same plate). Geoff as Fire Officer told us what to do if there was a fire, and then shouted FIRE! FIRE! and we all did it to the front gate for roll call except Simon.M who did not seem to understand, Still being a minister he probably has special protection like Daniel had in the fiery furnace.
After the inter table group activity of washing up, we played puddocks. The staff won by 112 to the boys and girls 84
This was partly due to Dom M Simon M’s 9 yearold son playing for the staff team. He scored 11. All the beginners made a good impression Phyllis 10, Stephen 13, Lauren 13, with Highest Scorer as Andrew H with 22.. Phyllis prefers it now to Rounders. Look out RAB.
Simon M introduced us to his theme for the week of “What on earth am I here for?”, which included a hilarious snippet of Lee Evan’s physical comedy. He issued booklets for the week "WELCOME TO THE PLANET" to bring to each session and think about during the week and to take home and keep and learn from. During Camp Week to look after them they had equal status for kit inspection with the Camp Book and our Bibles.
Once the card school finished and tent three had completed their cross country training backwards and forwards across the field ten times, everyone got to bed. The staff stayed up a little later for some prayers and a brief meeting, then left the night duty to finish off the cake and lace the marquee.
Sunday 20th August
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Andrew H was in charge for our first full day at camp – raring to go after a good night's sleep, having unwound the previous evening by throwing his socks at Matt and Simon P. Tent inspection got underway. Lyndsey, Rachel, Andrew J and Stuart won comfortably. Tents 1-3 however struggled slightly, but that’s normal for a first day, and we knew from experience that they would improve during the week. John M's cameras all having got worn out he was using a disposable one from Waitrose for the first time with very good results. Quite a lot of other folk invested in them on the island, of course other guys have their digitals linked to their mobiles. No longer need we be considered mad walking about talking to ourselves, everyone seems to be doing it.
After a superb breakfast of porridge followed by bacon and mushrooms, we were led by Simon M for our morning service, theme " The challenge to move ahead" where he explained to us how he, and many other people on camp believe God has placed us all here for a reason, with a job to do, and blessed us with the skills to do that job.
We then set off for the beach, with the C.O and Ruth competing for the ‘most dressed like a lifeguard’ award. Ruth won comfortably – Andrew claimed he looked like the man from the Mr Muscle advert with a silly hat on. Once at the beach Ruth capably led the swimming session, with Ben N, Sam F, Lewis, Tom B, Matt P and others joining in. Mervyn the Mole was not on our camp site this year but several boys have picked up his habits of tunnelling. John, the late King Neptune's understudy entered the sea for the first time for some years but the big waves deterred him swimming. Ben made it most of the way to France on his new lilo thanks to an offshore wind, but we reeled him back in. Dominic got buried and Stuart tried out his new chairs. Stuart was complaining that the chairs were breaking under strain – they apparently can stand 500kg. Maybe Stuart’s time spent loitering in the tuck-shop and listening to the deafening music there is taking a toll on his physique?…. On leaving the beach John kindly picked up Ben’s lilo, which was left abandoned – forgetfulness on Ben’s part or litter loutish behaviour? We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt Ben… (tut tut…)
Dinner was great Most of us enjoyed gammon, roast or was it fried potatoes, peas, sweet corn, carrots, cabbage, sauce and gravy followed by peaches and cream. But Tent One had melted ice cream, salt, pepper, pork, carrot and sugar all together Well it all goes down the same way so why worry about the order.
Benn Nardonne explained to us what the Camp Appeal was for this year, The work of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. (NSPCC) During the week a number of donations were made and at the end of the week several gave in pocketfuls of loose change. A few reliable campers dutifully paid in fines for retrieving their lost property, but most did not pay. The final sum given at camp was £75.20 and 3 donations were Gift Aided raising the total to £85
In the afternoon lots of folk travelled to Shanklin Chine where they explored the Chine and it’s waterfalls, Pluto's pipeline, the flora, fauna, and a weird squeaky parrot thing who went mad pulling out his feathers at the sight of Benn N – understandable. (Pluto is a near neighbour of Neptune and his pipeline fuelled the Mulberry Harbour during World War Two off the coast of Normandy providing fuel for the D-Day landings, after that it must have all seeped away into the North Sea but there isn't much left now)
Those left at base apart from the gallant NAAFI staff had a rest. The flag pole was blown down. It took a team effort later to get it up, Andy W and John M started this year's craze for playing Jenga. We enjoyed a salad and meat Tea with cakes.
Our activity co-ordinators had organised a ‘senses collage’ for the evening, which was educational, entertaining and, at times, quite hilarious. Andrew J provided much of the hilarity, although being blindfold, he didn’t know it. Ben wandered around blindfolded for a long time searching for Tom in an area of the Marquee that was completely deserted. The blindfolded Bethan spent 15 minutes quite literally in the dark, while her colleagues completely ignored her! Maybe as tent commander she’s being alienated by the rest of her tent – or maybe they were just excited by the sight of shiny things, pens and glue!!!!! The tents were scored for this out of 10. 4 for team work, 3 for creativity and 3 for presentation. Tent One 8 Tent Two 6 Tent Three 5. There followed half an hour of Free time
Phyllis led us in our evening devotions, where we guessed the constellations and listened to some songs on the theme of God’s creation. After cocoa we gave the Brown girls plenty of time to get ready for bed, and they just made it in the nick of time at around 10PM. Tent One had a long and interesting discussion, with no need of a microphone, and put their lights out at midnight and finally said "Good Night" at 12.30am.
One aged sheep unable to sleep at such an early hour strayed from the fold and took a quiet stroll to the beach where there was talking. A young man rushed by saying "Don't go down there you might get raped, there are naked people on the beach." There were too, a young lady and two young men who were a bit disconcerted by the arrival of a man with a large torch. Once assured that he was not the Police and supported their ideas of freedom, they were very civil and interested to learn how this part of the island had been colonised by the BB since 1905.They themselves come down from London every August to the caravan park and were having their annual skinny dipping session. They kindly provided a seat to sit on. Quite entertaining.
Monday 21st August
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It was raining as we woke up on Monday, and Andrew T needed his coat to make his way to the cookhouse for his shift as assistant cook, to replace Matt who was duty officer. He claims that Rachel insisted on criticising his every move in the cookhouse but whatever she said it wouldn’t have made any difference – he claimed he was a wholly inadequate replacement for Matt maybe but he was all we'd got and it was his first day. Inspection was much improved, with the girls loosing out by just one point for the second day running. Tent One lost a lot of marks on their layout of their dining table so much so that a certain nameless young gentleman offered John M the marker a £3 bribe, Silly names and nicknames often develop at camp. Andrew J has been christened Jardinhioooooooo by Andrew H. Jardinhiooooooo himself, along with Stuart, thought it was important to distinguish between like named people at camp; Simon M therefore becomes Siminister, and Simon P, Pieminister.
After Breakfast of porridge followed by sausages, fried eggs, and baked beans, John M brought us to order by flogging a bench with a leather strap for his "Thought for the day", about being caned at school on his last day for doing nothing and telling the truth. The motto being that when some people are behaving badly we should take steps to try to warn or stop them For a Christian doing nothing is not an option, we have to get involved and share the Good News whether it is accepted or not. Mr M has been doing a research project on the use and decline of corporal punishment since the 19th century. Since we are no longer allowed to flog boys or anyone else, he has to practice on himself.
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Most of us walked to Sandown in the sunshine. John M circumnavigated the now well known streets with speed seeking unsuccessfully a camera shop and then joined Stephen and Phyllis's group in the coffee shop and then in a tour of Woolworths and other shops., Several other groups were seen street walking.– According to Andy H his group ‘didn’t want to do anything’. Maybe they were exhausted by the walk – perhaps by tomorrow we may have toughened them up a bit.
Dinner was a wonderful spaghetti Bolognese, with garlic bread and veg, followed by crumble. The people who weren’t biking kindly did the washing up while the bikers set off for Sandown. After they’d equipped themselves with bikes and helmets, with Andrew J’s conference call blaring in the background, they set off for the first landmark of the route – the caravan site. Unfortunately by this time Andrew H was approaching light speed and, according to Einstein’s less well known work ‘Time and Relativity Whilst Mountain Biking’, the caravan site was so blurred we actually missed it.
About a third of the way around the course Andrew H reported to the CO regarding Stephen Brown; he said “Stephen Brown said that if he sees a pub he’s gonna stop, but if he doesn’t he can wait until tonight….. but by the look of him he can’t!”.
Ruth was the only casualty of the biking, grazing her knee quite badly when Andrew J tried a blocking manoeuvre on her. She played down the incident but it sounded like it could have been a lot worse.
The stop off in the pub garden came just at the right moment and spurred us on for the second half of the ride, which was a lot easier going, much to Simon M’s obvious delight.
On returning to the camp site Lauren developed a quite astonishing bout of cramp from sitting on the minibus. Her Mum who had just remarked to her friends about the minibus being late back and wondering whether anything unpleasant may have befallen her daughter was very concerned at first, then slightly mad that she’d been the victim of an impromptu practical joke. While they were away Mr M operating as acting duty officer while Matt was off site, had another cramp attack and redressed his ulcer.
We enjoyed a salad tea. After tea we walked to the beach for rounders as the sun set. Ruth’s bowling was immaculate – Jardinhiooooo’s wasn’t. A number of people took good catches, including Phyllis, which made up for her throwing, which was inaccurate to say the least. The couple with the bottle of chilled white wine were our only spectators, although they probably wouldn’t have hung around if anyone had of won Andrew H’s £10 for knocking their bottle off the wall. Simon led our evening worship session " Planned for God's Pleasure" which included a visual about the farting evangelist and afterwards on about fishing in Afghanistan. Some young men present found much humour in the repeated emphasis of "Come" in one of the hymns, it was pointed out to them later that the word they had in mind and what it describes is spelt differently.
After cocoa we were off to bed and while the staff met for discussion Andy W kindly washed up our mugs. and did so for the rest of the week,, while John led staff prayers which included some favourite hymn words. We prayed for Kathryn Pantrey who was struggling a bit with illness. Kathryn’s job is probably the most demanding on camp and we are so grateful to her for her hard work.
Tent One had to be reminded to stay in their tents at night time ( a bit boring) – Benn N gave assurance that they were just going to the toilet. If going to the toilet involves rolling around in the field shouting then the CO was really worried! ( It has to be said that right back to Runton 1984 the excuse of going to the toilets has covered a multitude of other activities, both on camp and off)
Tuesday 22nd August
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Tuesday dawned sunny and bright, after a chillier night, and John Maddams was is in charge. Andrew T's Diary reports " We all know what we’re gonna get with John in charge ;meticulous attention to detail and a crazy outfit!!! Actually John’s outfits have become more and more subdued in recent years – long gone are the Bermuda shorts and Hawaiian style shirts…(It can be arranged providing I can loose a few kilo's, hence my many night walks since July. John).
John found the gate padlocked and wondered whether we could build ramps to get the minibuses over it, or rip up some of the hedge to make a new entrance. When you are Duty Officer you can do anything providing the CO doesn’t know or you get it right before he finds out.
He set out to discover a key. When he did find the keys he found that the padlock was closed on the chain but the chain was not secured to the gate! The Camp sign proved a problem too, a screw loose and a missing nut. He did manage to raise the flag the right way so it could be lowered again, which for him is progress. Tent One were reluctant to go and shower and even more reluctant to come back. After 7.30am a queue of officers formed and when Tent One vacated that still left Andy J who though every bit a man, is still under 18 and needed to leave to let the adults in. He reckoned he needed just another 10 minutes although he had showered but did not relish the idea of walking to his tent in his towel to dress. So one of the officers came up with a stimulator and threw a bucket full of cold water over him making him wet again and his towel sodden wet too.
There is another solution to this worked out years ago. When the officers got hot water and the boys didn't, fix up a canvas wall in the field behind which the boys can hose down with cold water while the over 18's use the shower block.
Tent inspection seemed to produce mixed results. Tent Two’s was the only one who’s kit looked really good as they had used their time wisely. Tent Three's occupants were more concerned with their hair than their tent but as the week went on their tent never looked as cluttered as the boys did, but then the boys did not store a lot of their stuff in their shower room.
There was some confusion after inspection when the Duty Officer shouted "Right Turn!," instead of the customary "Left Turn!". His mistake was pointed out to him by other officers but it was deliberate, as it was followed by two, " Left Wheel's", but quite a lot of folk knew not their right from their left.
Breakfast was great, porridge, fried bacon, fried bread, fried tomatoes and Kathryn was feeling a lot better, which was great news. John.M called up the Tables using the calls he uses for the Bingo Club at Four Acres. So Tent One started as "Little Willy Number One" which caused great hilarity, and later" Big Willy" which allegations rumour is the nickname for Prince William as used by his girl friend. From then on John M was greeted by all the boys with a wagging little finger.
Camp often introduces us to new experiences and this year is no exception. We have honestly never seen anyone butter a piece of fried bread before – you would have thought the Pieminister would know better.
After telephone negotiations and reorganisation of the water sports – well done Lyndsey – the watersportsmen and women set off for Bembridge to do water skiing. Stephen Brown excelled at this. Generally people found this challenging and enjoyable
Whilst the water sports was on Dominic organised a trip to Dinosaur Isle, which also included a ride on the road train that Richard, Andy and the Siminister enjoyed. Back at the car park Dominic, and Richard, were clearly feeling left out by not doing the water sports, were indulging in a spot of bus surfing! Richard bought a little Dinosaur in an egg shell which lived in the rubbish bucket outside their tent when they had inspection.
Lunch of chicken or fish with veg followed by chocolate gateaux was served in two sittings due to the delay back from the island, this was then followed by either a trip to the beach or just chilling on the camp site. When it came to it no-one actually wanted to swim. Andt T and Andy H had a nice dip for 15 min or so. Andy H suggested popping into the café and telling them “we’re really enjoying your giant swimming pool, but could you turn the heating up a little please?”.
Back on the beach Lewis, Tom and others began work on a construction of master proportions – with tunnels and bridges it was by far the best sand sculpture of camp so far, well done. Some of the older young people went to explore the rocks, some went to throw the rocks – please, please behave sensibly and with common sense when you’re out and about. One brought a rock back and was reminded that if everyone who visited Wigat took a rock home there would eventually be no Island of Wigat.
Mail from home was distributed. One young man naturally thought we used the mail box in the marquee and posted a letter there but that was retrieved to post elsewhere.
Tea was served. The DO called up first Queen's Men, and then President's Men just for a change. .After tea most folk set off to watch ‘Nacho Libre’ at Newport cinema, a film which bases it’s humour on breaking wind. In the minibus on the way home we were entertained by a lecture from Rachel on all things chav. Ben, Ruth, Bethan, Sam Flicos and even the Pieminister were listening intently and offering their own contributions.
Back at camp the Duty Officer tried to understand the Camp Finances and we were visited by Tony Woodfield of the Isle of Wight Battalion on the usual courtesy call for Brigade. He took note of how many officers and boys were camping, girls did not appear to be important enough to be counted. He passed on a warning about safety of money at camp as another camp site had had a lot stolen. If anyone came there we would have helped him look for a lot of money as we hadn't got a lot, as we were using a variety of credit and debit cards
Before cocoa Simon talked to us about relationships and how God intends for us all to have relationships with each other, and most of all Him entitled "Formed for God's Family" . Kathryn Pantrey led staff prayers and most people headed for an earlyish night. Tent One found going to sleep unnatural. They have a similar problem getting up. Their Tent Commander asked whether they could get out after 10, and play football. Unaware of the previous night John M felt that was a reasonable request if they played further up the field and quietly. Anything to tire them out. Alas other officers did not agree, so the footie did not last long.. Sorry guys!.
Wednesday 23rd August
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Richard’s day started badly when he caught his finger in the zip of his sleeping bag. Don’t worry too much Richard – there are a lot worse things you can catch in a zip. Andrew J and Stuart were in charge today – Andy H was very concerned about Jardinhio….. Tartan PJ’s and the snuggling of soft toys are not traits that we would normally recognise in a Duty Officer. (Come on move with the times. go with the flow).
Tents 5 and 6 were included in the inter tent inspection. Andy H got a bit upset at the early hour at which Matt got up to get his kit ready, but this was unavoidable if Andy H wanted his breakfast and it was pointed out to him that this was his idea. The lady officers were clearly the best. The men's poles were not in line, least not from where they were inspected. But a tie was negotiated.
In the real contest Tent One with great effort won. John M became convinced that what he had on Saturday morning and since was phlebitis which he could control. John's Glengarry moved about many heads as the other one was missing for some time, apart from Andrew and Stuart sharing it, and John wearing it when they were both off site, it was also worn by Benn Nardone who was reminded that the cap does not confer authority it just indicates those authorised to wear it and he has a lot more training ahead to wear it officially, though indeed why not.
After an excellent breakfast we set off on the Camp Challenge but we could not be signed out as the Day Book had disappeared. This Challenge seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all groups. Tent One look to be in line for good ‘initiative’ points – part of the brief was to return with more cash than they left with – ingeniously they purchased a second hand Johnny Cash record – well done!
The lads with Matt, Andy H and the Pieminister in tow came back via the train to Sandown. They then completed the walk back to camp via the monument, despite Lewis’ best efforts to take them round the sunshine trail again. Meanwhile the girls were exploring Ryde, before Lauren gave them a lesson in how to charm slightly creepy bus conductors. The conductor obviously thought they looked like nice smiley attractive young women and let them on for free…. goodness knows how Rachel and Lyndsey also got on…
John M and Andy W went originally to post a postcard which became a ramble and then a mini-crisis. "Are we walking to Bembridge by road?" "No we are looking for a footpath to the coastal path we used once before" We went past the old Bembridge Grammar School now a youth activity centre with an abseiling tower, archery and all kinds of sports and teeming with young people. We sat on the beach at Skinny Dippers cove for sandwiches and in Andy's case chocolate, apple, crisps, fizzy drink There were several family groups and a car on the shingle We walked 100 yards along the shingle and started clambering over rocks Andy was way out in front and had to come back. Photos were taken and then we visited the general store for a pot of tea, and that's when the pain hit Andy and we had to get back to camp for medical attention.
Camp was like the "Maria Celeste". No one in sight so we laid Andy to rest on his sleeping bag and suspecting indigestion looked unsuccessfully for indigestion tablets.
The Pass Board said the CO and Andy J were on camp. The CO was apparently not but where was Andy? There in the silence just discernable was a very quiet tune which led to the Tuck Shop where the manager was located. A few minutes later he announced he was going for a walk probably to the Monument and back, so Mr M assumed command until Stuart returned. But to go to the monument one normally turns left at the front gate not right., While in temporary command Mr M found the lost Day Book in the Tuck Shop and signed everyone out.
One example of the Challenge was Tent One four persons dropped off at Ryde. with a list of things to do, collect or achieve before making their own way home. They were to look after their assigned adult (who were not allowed to participate other than to observe) They were to collect a stone, an information leaflet, a feather, a signature of a police officer a penny piece and something to use it the camp concert. Tent 1 interpreted camp in the other sense and brought back a pink hat. They had to produce evidence of a healthy meal, all doing a sporting activity, all using a form of transport and a souvenir , to send a postcard to someone at the camp site and if possible come back with more money than you went with.
Scoring was 2 points each for full completion, creative thinking, completion within time limit (3pm), having a healthy lunch, most intuitive and bringing the most money back. Each participant was given £4 for their activities, Tent One scored 12, Tent Two scored 7 and Tent Three scored 9.
The Challenge also included other events during the week, Bowling, Collage, Fatigues, Orienteering and culminated in each Tents Concert items.
What was left of the afternoon was spent relaxing around the site. including chess and draughts and card games of "Sod It" and "Cheat" but usually ending up as "Slam" which the staff have not mastered yet, It seems to be a very fast form of Solitaire but played by more than one player. Andy T was enjoying planning Thursday evening’s activity with a ‘dry-run’ of a walk from Bembridge windmill to Brading. Andy W turned up for Dinner 4 hours after being laid to rest with no pain, after a pleasant nap and wearing a nice green jacket.
The evening meal was pork chops, roast potatoes, vegetables, jelly, oranges and icecream.
While washing up, Tent One led by Ben Nash who had this year been a helper at VBS broke into song singing the Gospel Rap taught by the evangelist at VBS there and learnt by heart. It was very loud and jolly ( one good tune the devil did not get) The CO took exception to them singing it feeling the words were too sacred to be flippantly sung. A comment was made that” it is no worse than your Evolution music” In other words both seem irreverent to some folk because of their modernity but both are ways of praising the LORD.
After Dinner we set off for LA Bowl in Ryde. This was a really great evening, with almost everyone joining in the fun. Tent One named themselves Ricrrrrrr, stud, hamster, nedd and pasta. Several people got strikes, and the CO fell over. Tent One secured 95.4% Tent Two 97% Tent Three 97.6%
Outside the rain poured down. Portsmouth was under a Severe Weather warning and the mainland lights were obscured by dark clouds and heavy rain and a large liner appeared anchored off Ryde pier unable to get into port.
We made it safely back to camp and had our evening devotions "Created to be like Christ" and cocoa before tents one, two and three headed to bed. Really?
Then commenced the Brown’s quiz, which was based on ‘stuff what we saw on the way down here on the motorway’, a newspaper Stephen had bought in America, and obscure questions on the Churches architecture prepared originally for the Church anniversary had the picnic been rained off. Phyllis’ elocution and accent was the cause of some confusion and humour. The Simple Simon's Team won made up of the two Simon's and John and the prize shared was a tumbler glass, some biscuits and a large thick Wigat pencil engraved in large letters with "A Present from the Isle of Wight" and in smaller print "Made in Taiwan" This event was accompanied by some Indian food which was great. Thanks to Phyllis and Stephen for organising this. Matt led staff prayers and so to bed but not to sleep until the heavy rain, thunder and lightning calmed down.
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THE BEMBRIDGE BEAVER 2006
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1st Saffron Walden Boys’ Brigade Camp
Saffron Walden Baptist Church
Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight
19th – 26th August
As Andrew told us in his C .O.'s Diary
Planning for camp 2006 actually began in 2004, when the camp site was booked, but then the interesting bit came after camp last year, when we had to decide if we had enough staff to be able to run this years event. With a firm commitment from Andrew H, Simon P, Rachel Morton, Lyndsey, Geoff and Rosemary, and with Kathryn Pantrey installed as our new head chef, things were up and running. We soon added to our staff quota Simon Mattholie, who seemed keen but quite confused by the whole idea, Stephen and Phyllis Brown, who seemed almost impossibly excited, seasoned campers John Maddams and Andrew Willett, and also Rachel Muir to assist Kathryn in the kitchen. With Matt Player confirming this Spring that he could also make it, our staff team was complete!!!
Saturday July 8th. 2006
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Planning for camp began in earnest on the end of Deal Pier with cups of tea and bacon sandwiches, discussing Rachel and Lyndsey’s provisional plan of activities as well as some more general camp stuff.
Saturday August 12th
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Simon P takes Andrew J to cash and carry to buy tuck shop stock….
Sunday August 13th
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Andrew Jardine turns up to Evolution munching his way through a catering size box of biscuit Boosts….
Andrew saw Phyllis Brown at Church in the morning and ask if she wouldn’t mind putting together a short quiz for the staff at camp. Phyllis always looks simultaneously excited and utterly terrified when spoken to about camp! This may have something to do with Mr Goodwin winding her up about it at her small group.
Friday 18th August
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Everyone turned up with there case in plenty of time, and Simon P organised the packing of the bus, with help from Matt Player. This passed uneventfully, apart from the fight that broke out between Simon M and Geoff over the best route to take – maybe Simon was trying to trick Geoff into taking such an absurd detour that Geoff would give up, turn around and take everyone back home again! Andy H explained to Simon that he shouldn’t worry about the weather at camp – you know it’s going to be a bad week if you have to dig a trench in the first hour to stop the marquee flooding…
Saturday 19th August
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After being treated to a glimpse of Andrew J’s latest purchase, the advance party set sail for Portsmouth, via the bacon roll stop at the top of the A3, where Andrew J purchased a mini plastic man with a sandwich bag parachute – wow. On arrival at the campsite Lyndsey took charge in re-arranging the marquee
Back at Walden John M woke up at 5am with a double cramp attack in both legs. Indeed as it was unusual he thought it might have been another thrombosis attack. An ulcer had also started on his ankle. What to do? Call an ambulance and go to Addenbrookes while his clothes and a lot else went to Wigat and the Camp Bank money stayed at Walden. So he committed it all to God, put a dry dressing on the ulcer and carried on as usual. Seasoned campers don’t give up.
The minibuses got underway after a brief delay, and there was much conversation on the passenger bus. At one stage the minister's love of motor racing appeared to take a boost as both minibuses side by side tried to out race each other. Geoff said something too about having gone the wrong way but only he knew it. We had a 20 minute service stop where Mr Madds the Camp Treasurer and Camp Banker withdrew £100 from his account to augment the £100 coin in his hand luggage which was just as well as we would have had a cash flow problem as someone else forgot to bring £200 in notes from Walden. Then we thought we had lost our veteran camper Andy Willitt last seen in the Gents. A search party was organised but he was not found, as he was not lost, as he was sitting on a seat near the minibuses. Shrewd lad.
The only real incident was a minor vomiting attack smelling of sweets – Richard having eaten three packets on the way, washed down with a bottle of fizzy drink. Ansley who we thought was his older brother also ate a lot of sweets but kept them down so maybe it runs in the family, but all through camp Ansley said Richard was not his brother, they just live in the same house. (Something to do with Richard joining County High in September. Other brothers understand.)
The main party crossed the frontier into the Principality of Wigat on board the St Catherine which appeared to take a South Westerly course to travel North East. We regard Wigat as a Principality on account that one King Neptune has ruled here many years since the 1920's at least but has not been seen for 6 years.
Showers accompanied our journeying but all was well by the time we reached base where we immediately went into the Marquee to enjoy our sandwiches, apart from those who had already enjoyed theirs.
Kathryn Pantrey eventually made it back from the supermarket, We set about laying out our ground-sheets and unpacking.
To create appetite ( lust for food) we went on a walk to and from the Monument. Some years ago Arthur Coote's tour of White Cliff Bay assured us that the Isle of White District Council was going to provide a tarmac road. Well it's not there yet and we could do with an escalator or a chair lift as the hill seems to get higher with each visit. The drought and continued erosion of the cliffs is bringing to light pipes and metal cables and wire across the paths. All part of the changing scene. Time was when you could walk from here on grasslands all the way to France ( though not since we've been going)
Andrew J’s little plastic man got a chance to try out his parachute while we were at the monument. A few people seemed intent on eating the blackberries – Phyllis in particular enjoyed this form of snacking. Simon M was warning of the possibilities of tummy trouble – maybe this explains why Bethan told the CO earlier in the day how she was keeping a spare toilet roll in her tent just in case – maybe a precaution following a previous Brown family hedgerow foraging session. Andrew H's binoculars changed hands several times as boys watched passing ships. Some folk managed to get ice creams across the road.
We enjoyed Kathryn’s first meal as head chef, Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Mashed potatoes, peas, sweet corn, chocolate pudding and custard (though not all on the same plate). Geoff as Fire Officer told us what to do if there was a fire, and then shouted FIRE! FIRE! and we all did it to the front gate for roll call except Simon.M who did not seem to understand, Still being a minister he probably has special protection like Daniel had in the fiery furnace.
After the inter table group activity of washing up, we played puddocks. The staff won by 112 to the boys and girls 84
This was partly due to Dom M Simon M’s 9 yearold son playing for the staff team. He scored 11. All the beginners made a good impression Phyllis 10, Stephen 13, Lauren 13, with Highest Scorer as Andrew H with 22.. Phyllis prefers it now to Rounders. Look out RAB.
Simon M introduced us to his theme for the week of “What on earth am I here for?”, which included a hilarious snippet of Lee Evan’s physical comedy. He issued booklets for the week "WELCOME TO THE PLANET" to bring to each session and think about during the week and to take home and keep and learn from. During Camp Week to look after them they had equal status for kit inspection with the Camp Book and our Bibles.
Once the card school finished and tent three had completed their cross country training backwards and forwards across the field ten times, everyone got to bed. The staff stayed up a little later for some prayers and a brief meeting, then left the night duty to finish off the cake and lace the marquee.
Sunday 20th August
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Andrew H was in charge for our first full day at camp – raring to go after a good night's sleep, having unwound the previous evening by throwing his socks at Matt and Simon P. Tent inspection got underway. Lyndsey, Rachel, Andrew J and Stuart won comfortably. Tents 1-3 however struggled slightly, but that’s normal for a first day, and we knew from experience that they would improve during the week. John M's cameras all having got worn out he was using a disposable one from Waitrose for the first time with very good results. Quite a lot of other folk invested in them on the island, of course other guys have their digitals linked to their mobiles. No longer need we be considered mad walking about talking to ourselves, everyone seems to be doing it.
After a superb breakfast of porridge followed by bacon and mushrooms, we were led by Simon M for our morning service, theme " The challenge to move ahead" where he explained to us how he, and many other people on camp believe God has placed us all here for a reason, with a job to do, and blessed us with the skills to do that job.
We then set off for the beach, with the C.O and Ruth competing for the ‘most dressed like a lifeguard’ award. Ruth won comfortably – Andrew claimed he looked like the man from the Mr Muscle advert with a silly hat on. Once at the beach Ruth capably led the swimming session, with Ben N, Sam F, Lewis, Tom B, Matt P and others joining in. Mervyn the Mole was not on our camp site this year but several boys have picked up his habits of tunnelling. John, the late King Neptune's understudy entered the sea for the first time for some years but the big waves deterred him swimming. Ben made it most of the way to France on his new lilo thanks to an offshore wind, but we reeled him back in. Dominic got buried and Stuart tried out his new chairs. Stuart was complaining that the chairs were breaking under strain – they apparently can stand 500kg. Maybe Stuart’s time spent loitering in the tuck-shop and listening to the deafening music there is taking a toll on his physique?…. On leaving the beach John kindly picked up Ben’s lilo, which was left abandoned – forgetfulness on Ben’s part or litter loutish behaviour? We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt Ben… (tut tut…)
Dinner was great Most of us enjoyed gammon, roast or was it fried potatoes, peas, sweet corn, carrots, cabbage, sauce and gravy followed by peaches and cream. But Tent One had melted ice cream, salt, pepper, pork, carrot and sugar all together Well it all goes down the same way so why worry about the order.
Benn Nardonne explained to us what the Camp Appeal was for this year, The work of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. (NSPCC) During the week a number of donations were made and at the end of the week several gave in pocketfuls of loose change. A few reliable campers dutifully paid in fines for retrieving their lost property, but most did not pay. The final sum given at camp was £75.20 and 3 donations were Gift Aided raising the total to £85
In the afternoon lots of folk travelled to Shanklin Chine where they explored the Chine and it’s waterfalls, Pluto's pipeline, the flora, fauna, and a weird squeaky parrot thing who went mad pulling out his feathers at the sight of Benn N – understandable. (Pluto is a near neighbour of Neptune and his pipeline fuelled the Mulberry Harbour during World War Two off the coast of Normandy providing fuel for the D-Day landings, after that it must have all seeped away into the North Sea but there isn't much left now)
Those left at base apart from the gallant NAAFI staff had a rest. The flag pole was blown down. It took a team effort later to get it up, Andy W and John M started this year's craze for playing Jenga. We enjoyed a salad and meat Tea with cakes.
Our activity co-ordinators had organised a ‘senses collage’ for the evening, which was educational, entertaining and, at times, quite hilarious. Andrew J provided much of the hilarity, although being blindfold, he didn’t know it. Ben wandered around blindfolded for a long time searching for Tom in an area of the Marquee that was completely deserted. The blindfolded Bethan spent 15 minutes quite literally in the dark, while her colleagues completely ignored her! Maybe as tent commander she’s being alienated by the rest of her tent – or maybe they were just excited by the sight of shiny things, pens and glue!!!!! The tents were scored for this out of 10. 4 for team work, 3 for creativity and 3 for presentation. Tent One 8 Tent Two 6 Tent Three 5. There followed half an hour of Free time
Phyllis led us in our evening devotions, where we guessed the constellations and listened to some songs on the theme of God’s creation. After cocoa we gave the Brown girls plenty of time to get ready for bed, and they just made it in the nick of time at around 10PM. Tent One had a long and interesting discussion, with no need of a microphone, and put their lights out at midnight and finally said "Good Night" at 12.30am.
One aged sheep unable to sleep at such an early hour strayed from the fold and took a quiet stroll to the beach where there was talking. A young man rushed by saying "Don't go down there you might get raped, there are naked people on the beach." There were too, a young lady and two young men who were a bit disconcerted by the arrival of a man with a large torch. Once assured that he was not the Police and supported their ideas of freedom, they were very civil and interested to learn how this part of the island had been colonised by the BB since 1905.They themselves come down from London every August to the caravan park and were having their annual skinny dipping session. They kindly provided a seat to sit on. Quite entertaining.
Monday 21st August
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It was raining as we woke up on Monday, and Andrew T needed his coat to make his way to the cookhouse for his shift as assistant cook, to replace Matt who was duty officer. He claims that Rachel insisted on criticising his every move in the cookhouse but whatever she said it wouldn’t have made any difference – he claimed he was a wholly inadequate replacement for Matt maybe but he was all we'd got and it was his first day. Inspection was much improved, with the girls loosing out by just one point for the second day running. Tent One lost a lot of marks on their layout of their dining table so much so that a certain nameless young gentleman offered John M the marker a £3 bribe, Silly names and nicknames often develop at camp. Andrew J has been christened Jardinhioooooooo by Andrew H. Jardinhiooooooo himself, along with Stuart, thought it was important to distinguish between like named people at camp; Simon M therefore becomes Siminister, and Simon P, Pieminister.
After Breakfast of porridge followed by sausages, fried eggs, and baked beans, John M brought us to order by flogging a bench with a leather strap for his "Thought for the day", about being caned at school on his last day for doing nothing and telling the truth. The motto being that when some people are behaving badly we should take steps to try to warn or stop them For a Christian doing nothing is not an option, we have to get involved and share the Good News whether it is accepted or not. Mr M has been doing a research project on the use and decline of corporal punishment since the 19th century. Since we are no longer allowed to flog boys or anyone else, he has to practice on himself.
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Most of us walked to Sandown in the sunshine. John M circumnavigated the now well known streets with speed seeking unsuccessfully a camera shop and then joined Stephen and Phyllis's group in the coffee shop and then in a tour of Woolworths and other shops., Several other groups were seen street walking.– According to Andy H his group ‘didn’t want to do anything’. Maybe they were exhausted by the walk – perhaps by tomorrow we may have toughened them up a bit.
Dinner was a wonderful spaghetti Bolognese, with garlic bread and veg, followed by crumble. The people who weren’t biking kindly did the washing up while the bikers set off for Sandown. After they’d equipped themselves with bikes and helmets, with Andrew J’s conference call blaring in the background, they set off for the first landmark of the route – the caravan site. Unfortunately by this time Andrew H was approaching light speed and, according to Einstein’s less well known work ‘Time and Relativity Whilst Mountain Biking’, the caravan site was so blurred we actually missed it.
About a third of the way around the course Andrew H reported to the CO regarding Stephen Brown; he said “Stephen Brown said that if he sees a pub he’s gonna stop, but if he doesn’t he can wait until tonight….. but by the look of him he can’t!”.
Ruth was the only casualty of the biking, grazing her knee quite badly when Andrew J tried a blocking manoeuvre on her. She played down the incident but it sounded like it could have been a lot worse.
The stop off in the pub garden came just at the right moment and spurred us on for the second half of the ride, which was a lot easier going, much to Simon M’s obvious delight.
On returning to the camp site Lauren developed a quite astonishing bout of cramp from sitting on the minibus. Her Mum who had just remarked to her friends about the minibus being late back and wondering whether anything unpleasant may have befallen her daughter was very concerned at first, then slightly mad that she’d been the victim of an impromptu practical joke. While they were away Mr M operating as acting duty officer while Matt was off site, had another cramp attack and redressed his ulcer.
We enjoyed a salad tea. After tea we walked to the beach for rounders as the sun set. Ruth’s bowling was immaculate – Jardinhiooooo’s wasn’t. A number of people took good catches, including Phyllis, which made up for her throwing, which was inaccurate to say the least. The couple with the bottle of chilled white wine were our only spectators, although they probably wouldn’t have hung around if anyone had of won Andrew H’s £10 for knocking their bottle off the wall. Simon led our evening worship session " Planned for God's Pleasure" which included a visual about the farting evangelist and afterwards on about fishing in Afghanistan. Some young men present found much humour in the repeated emphasis of "Come" in one of the hymns, it was pointed out to them later that the word they had in mind and what it describes is spelt differently.
After cocoa we were off to bed and while the staff met for discussion Andy W kindly washed up our mugs. and did so for the rest of the week,, while John led staff prayers which included some favourite hymn words. We prayed for Kathryn Pantrey who was struggling a bit with illness. Kathryn’s job is probably the most demanding on camp and we are so grateful to her for her hard work.
Tent One had to be reminded to stay in their tents at night time ( a bit boring) – Benn N gave assurance that they were just going to the toilet. If going to the toilet involves rolling around in the field shouting then the CO was really worried! ( It has to be said that right back to Runton 1984 the excuse of going to the toilets has covered a multitude of other activities, both on camp and off)
Tuesday 22nd August
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Tuesday dawned sunny and bright, after a chillier night, and John Maddams was is in charge. Andrew T's Diary reports " We all know what we’re gonna get with John in charge ;meticulous attention to detail and a crazy outfit!!! Actually John’s outfits have become more and more subdued in recent years – long gone are the Bermuda shorts and Hawaiian style shirts…(It can be arranged providing I can loose a few kilo's, hence my many night walks since July. John).
John found the gate padlocked and wondered whether we could build ramps to get the minibuses over it, or rip up some of the hedge to make a new entrance. When you are Duty Officer you can do anything providing the CO doesn’t know or you get it right before he finds out.
He set out to discover a key. When he did find the keys he found that the padlock was closed on the chain but the chain was not secured to the gate! The Camp sign proved a problem too, a screw loose and a missing nut. He did manage to raise the flag the right way so it could be lowered again, which for him is progress. Tent One were reluctant to go and shower and even more reluctant to come back. After 7.30am a queue of officers formed and when Tent One vacated that still left Andy J who though every bit a man, is still under 18 and needed to leave to let the adults in. He reckoned he needed just another 10 minutes although he had showered but did not relish the idea of walking to his tent in his towel to dress. So one of the officers came up with a stimulator and threw a bucket full of cold water over him making him wet again and his towel sodden wet too.
There is another solution to this worked out years ago. When the officers got hot water and the boys didn't, fix up a canvas wall in the field behind which the boys can hose down with cold water while the over 18's use the shower block.
Tent inspection seemed to produce mixed results. Tent Two’s was the only one who’s kit looked really good as they had used their time wisely. Tent Three's occupants were more concerned with their hair than their tent but as the week went on their tent never looked as cluttered as the boys did, but then the boys did not store a lot of their stuff in their shower room.
There was some confusion after inspection when the Duty Officer shouted "Right Turn!," instead of the customary "Left Turn!". His mistake was pointed out to him by other officers but it was deliberate, as it was followed by two, " Left Wheel's", but quite a lot of folk knew not their right from their left.
Breakfast was great, porridge, fried bacon, fried bread, fried tomatoes and Kathryn was feeling a lot better, which was great news. John.M called up the Tables using the calls he uses for the Bingo Club at Four Acres. So Tent One started as "Little Willy Number One" which caused great hilarity, and later" Big Willy" which allegations rumour is the nickname for Prince William as used by his girl friend. From then on John M was greeted by all the boys with a wagging little finger.
Camp often introduces us to new experiences and this year is no exception. We have honestly never seen anyone butter a piece of fried bread before – you would have thought the Pieminister would know better.
After telephone negotiations and reorganisation of the water sports – well done Lyndsey – the watersportsmen and women set off for Bembridge to do water skiing. Stephen Brown excelled at this. Generally people found this challenging and enjoyable
Whilst the water sports was on Dominic organised a trip to Dinosaur Isle, which also included a ride on the road train that Richard, Andy and the Siminister enjoyed. Back at the car park Dominic, and Richard, were clearly feeling left out by not doing the water sports, were indulging in a spot of bus surfing! Richard bought a little Dinosaur in an egg shell which lived in the rubbish bucket outside their tent when they had inspection.
Lunch of chicken or fish with veg followed by chocolate gateaux was served in two sittings due to the delay back from the island, this was then followed by either a trip to the beach or just chilling on the camp site. When it came to it no-one actually wanted to swim. Andt T and Andy H had a nice dip for 15 min or so. Andy H suggested popping into the café and telling them “we’re really enjoying your giant swimming pool, but could you turn the heating up a little please?”.
Back on the beach Lewis, Tom and others began work on a construction of master proportions – with tunnels and bridges it was by far the best sand sculpture of camp so far, well done. Some of the older young people went to explore the rocks, some went to throw the rocks – please, please behave sensibly and with common sense when you’re out and about. One brought a rock back and was reminded that if everyone who visited Wigat took a rock home there would eventually be no Island of Wigat.
Mail from home was distributed. One young man naturally thought we used the mail box in the marquee and posted a letter there but that was retrieved to post elsewhere.
Tea was served. The DO called up first Queen's Men, and then President's Men just for a change. .After tea most folk set off to watch ‘Nacho Libre’ at Newport cinema, a film which bases it’s humour on breaking wind. In the minibus on the way home we were entertained by a lecture from Rachel on all things chav. Ben, Ruth, Bethan, Sam Flicos and even the Pieminister were listening intently and offering their own contributions.
Back at camp the Duty Officer tried to understand the Camp Finances and we were visited by Tony Woodfield of the Isle of Wight Battalion on the usual courtesy call for Brigade. He took note of how many officers and boys were camping, girls did not appear to be important enough to be counted. He passed on a warning about safety of money at camp as another camp site had had a lot stolen. If anyone came there we would have helped him look for a lot of money as we hadn't got a lot, as we were using a variety of credit and debit cards
Before cocoa Simon talked to us about relationships and how God intends for us all to have relationships with each other, and most of all Him entitled "Formed for God's Family" . Kathryn Pantrey led staff prayers and most people headed for an earlyish night. Tent One found going to sleep unnatural. They have a similar problem getting up. Their Tent Commander asked whether they could get out after 10, and play football. Unaware of the previous night John M felt that was a reasonable request if they played further up the field and quietly. Anything to tire them out. Alas other officers did not agree, so the footie did not last long.. Sorry guys!.
Wednesday 23rd August
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Richard’s day started badly when he caught his finger in the zip of his sleeping bag. Don’t worry too much Richard – there are a lot worse things you can catch in a zip. Andrew J and Stuart were in charge today – Andy H was very concerned about Jardinhio….. Tartan PJ’s and the snuggling of soft toys are not traits that we would normally recognise in a Duty Officer. (Come on move with the times. go with the flow).
Tents 5 and 6 were included in the inter tent inspection. Andy H got a bit upset at the early hour at which Matt got up to get his kit ready, but this was unavoidable if Andy H wanted his breakfast and it was pointed out to him that this was his idea. The lady officers were clearly the best. The men's poles were not in line, least not from where they were inspected. But a tie was negotiated.
In the real contest Tent One with great effort won. John M became convinced that what he had on Saturday morning and since was phlebitis which he could control. John's Glengarry moved about many heads as the other one was missing for some time, apart from Andrew and Stuart sharing it, and John wearing it when they were both off site, it was also worn by Benn Nardone who was reminded that the cap does not confer authority it just indicates those authorised to wear it and he has a lot more training ahead to wear it officially, though indeed why not.
After an excellent breakfast we set off on the Camp Challenge but we could not be signed out as the Day Book had disappeared. This Challenge seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all groups. Tent One look to be in line for good ‘initiative’ points – part of the brief was to return with more cash than they left with – ingeniously they purchased a second hand Johnny Cash record – well done!
The lads with Matt, Andy H and the Pieminister in tow came back via the train to Sandown. They then completed the walk back to camp via the monument, despite Lewis’ best efforts to take them round the sunshine trail again. Meanwhile the girls were exploring Ryde, before Lauren gave them a lesson in how to charm slightly creepy bus conductors. The conductor obviously thought they looked like nice smiley attractive young women and let them on for free…. goodness knows how Rachel and Lyndsey also got on…
John M and Andy W went originally to post a postcard which became a ramble and then a mini-crisis. "Are we walking to Bembridge by road?" "No we are looking for a footpath to the coastal path we used once before" We went past the old Bembridge Grammar School now a youth activity centre with an abseiling tower, archery and all kinds of sports and teeming with young people. We sat on the beach at Skinny Dippers cove for sandwiches and in Andy's case chocolate, apple, crisps, fizzy drink There were several family groups and a car on the shingle We walked 100 yards along the shingle and started clambering over rocks Andy was way out in front and had to come back. Photos were taken and then we visited the general store for a pot of tea, and that's when the pain hit Andy and we had to get back to camp for medical attention.
Camp was like the "Maria Celeste". No one in sight so we laid Andy to rest on his sleeping bag and suspecting indigestion looked unsuccessfully for indigestion tablets.
The Pass Board said the CO and Andy J were on camp. The CO was apparently not but where was Andy? There in the silence just discernable was a very quiet tune which led to the Tuck Shop where the manager was located. A few minutes later he announced he was going for a walk probably to the Monument and back, so Mr M assumed command until Stuart returned. But to go to the monument one normally turns left at the front gate not right., While in temporary command Mr M found the lost Day Book in the Tuck Shop and signed everyone out.
One example of the Challenge was Tent One four persons dropped off at Ryde. with a list of things to do, collect or achieve before making their own way home. They were to look after their assigned adult (who were not allowed to participate other than to observe) They were to collect a stone, an information leaflet, a feather, a signature of a police officer a penny piece and something to use it the camp concert. Tent 1 interpreted camp in the other sense and brought back a pink hat. They had to produce evidence of a healthy meal, all doing a sporting activity, all using a form of transport and a souvenir , to send a postcard to someone at the camp site and if possible come back with more money than you went with.
Scoring was 2 points each for full completion, creative thinking, completion within time limit (3pm), having a healthy lunch, most intuitive and bringing the most money back. Each participant was given £4 for their activities, Tent One scored 12, Tent Two scored 7 and Tent Three scored 9.
The Challenge also included other events during the week, Bowling, Collage, Fatigues, Orienteering and culminated in each Tents Concert items.
What was left of the afternoon was spent relaxing around the site. including chess and draughts and card games of "Sod It" and "Cheat" but usually ending up as "Slam" which the staff have not mastered yet, It seems to be a very fast form of Solitaire but played by more than one player. Andy T was enjoying planning Thursday evening’s activity with a ‘dry-run’ of a walk from Bembridge windmill to Brading. Andy W turned up for Dinner 4 hours after being laid to rest with no pain, after a pleasant nap and wearing a nice green jacket.
The evening meal was pork chops, roast potatoes, vegetables, jelly, oranges and icecream.
While washing up, Tent One led by Ben Nash who had this year been a helper at VBS broke into song singing the Gospel Rap taught by the evangelist at VBS there and learnt by heart. It was very loud and jolly ( one good tune the devil did not get) The CO took exception to them singing it feeling the words were too sacred to be flippantly sung. A comment was made that” it is no worse than your Evolution music” In other words both seem irreverent to some folk because of their modernity but both are ways of praising the LORD.
After Dinner we set off for LA Bowl in Ryde. This was a really great evening, with almost everyone joining in the fun. Tent One named themselves Ricrrrrrr, stud, hamster, nedd and pasta. Several people got strikes, and the CO fell over. Tent One secured 95.4% Tent Two 97% Tent Three 97.6%
Outside the rain poured down. Portsmouth was under a Severe Weather warning and the mainland lights were obscured by dark clouds and heavy rain and a large liner appeared anchored off Ryde pier unable to get into port.
We made it safely back to camp and had our evening devotions "Created to be like Christ" and cocoa before tents one, two and three headed to bed. Really?
Then commenced the Brown’s quiz, which was based on ‘stuff what we saw on the way down here on the motorway’, a newspaper Stephen had bought in America, and obscure questions on the Churches architecture prepared originally for the Church anniversary had the picnic been rained off. Phyllis’ elocution and accent was the cause of some confusion and humour. The Simple Simon's Team won made up of the two Simon's and John and the prize shared was a tumbler glass, some biscuits and a large thick Wigat pencil engraved in large letters with "A Present from the Isle of Wight" and in smaller print "Made in Taiwan" This event was accompanied by some Indian food which was great. Thanks to Phyllis and Stephen for organising this. Matt led staff prayers and so to bed but not to sleep until the heavy rain, thunder and lightning calmed down.