Post by John on Feb 18, 2009 20:22:02 GMT -5
THE DYFFRYN DELIGHT 2007
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PART ONE
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Saturday August 18
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Someone overslept John alias Madds or Mr Madds, should have risen at 4am but had failed to correctly set the alarm Clock so someone was hammering on his door. Apparently his neighbour Helen was concerned that he was not up and on his way before 5.30. and Joyce was looking out for him to go. Anyway it was either Simon or Steve who knocked him up at 5.50am and he said “give me 10 minutes” In that time he went from being in bed, having showered 2 hours earlier, to fully clothed, had part of a glass of squash, ( a week later several flies lay drowned in what remained) , picked up his bag and walking stick and went out, only as quickly go back in again having forgotten to put his dentures in. Simon said “John after all these years you will never live this one down, Late on parade”
He was later told that Simon too was late arriving at the Common but not this late Madds was made very welcome with a reserved seat and the first aid box to put his legs up on although he used his hand luggage bag his condition checked from time to time by Steve Sabey.
Andy Willitt was already on, having been up since 4am and brought over to Walden by his Dad
So we left Walden at 6.02am but soon caught up Geoff’s minibus and overtook him to put Simon where he wanted to be , in front. ( was that in case, carrying all the baggage, we’d need a push up the Welsh passes?) Stephen Sabey received a text message from Keith Lambert which said simply “Rain, Rain, Rain”, Stephen sent a reply “Why are you up so early? ”
We stopped first at the Services Centre at Corley. With the sunshine well out. Henry Wells drooped a £1 coin in a rubbish bin and could not see it and did not want to put his hand in, and told his younger brother Edward. For them losing a pound was serious so an adult fished it out and restored it to him. Madds had chats with Joel and Louis and had a toasted egg and Ham roll costing £3.45 as his Breakfast while he chatted with Stephen and Phyllis who had stopped their car there with their young charges, their son Thomas, Matthew Jones and Richard Guilder.
We set of again and reached Birmingham at 8.20am and had another stop later on but the burger- king cafe was not open which disappointed the boys.
In Wales it began to rain and the water began to drip inside the Luggage minibus so i put my umbrella up to protect myself but it has not worked properly since so maybe that was a mistake. We had Dominic with us in the Luggage Minibus as his Dad was still at Walden conducting a wedding.
So we stopped at Barmouth having entered slowly in a traffic jam due to the Harbour Festival. We could not get on the camp site as the other company was not leaving until 12 noon The boys from Geoff’s minibus found a restaurant serving burgers and went there for a meal. Simon stayed with our minibus but Stephen , James, Dominic and Andy and I went for a walk along the promenade and for the first three named along the beach. From about 12 noon till 12.15 we had some light rain as forecast by the overnight weather news.
We finally arrived at the Camp Centre about 12.30pm and the gateway to the field was muddy with ruts. The row of boys tents were a long way from the row of staff tents and we did consider pitching them nearer each other but in the end we didn’t and that may have been just as well. and those who had not already done so ate their sandwiches lunch in the dining Hall. We then chose or had allocated our tents, Mine and Andy’s were nearest the gate just second tent from Kathryn and Rachel the cooks.
We laid the ground sheet out and then erected the central poles to the tents.
I put up my bed and mattress and the foot pillow and laid out the sleeping bag and head pillow.
I put my brown shorts on for the walk to the beach and so a crowd of us walked down to the beach noting the changes since we came in 1998.
The caravan and camping area has extended along the road in the site to link up to another road further south. That end is also linked to the beach over the dunes by two wooden decking bridges.
Just down from our site a new house has been built. The pub is now a hotel. The field where 1st Birmingham were in 1998 had a marquee in it and later in the week another company moved on to it but in the field beyond that is another wooden building and marquee and a camp of BB & GB etc from the Midlands using several mini buses and cars with maybe 60 -70 campers.
The caravan site has been developed with a pub and restaurant and chalets.
On the edge of the dunes is a gate, a ditch, a bridge and the path through the dunes is no longer on decking but simply on sand. I think in fact the route has been changed. No longer at that point on the beach is their a post with a life jacket or ring on. That is further south. Just before the beach this path rises and then drops and the sign on the posts warn of not playing in the dunes and of the position of the Naturist beach.
Our boys apparently unable to read signs promptly started climbing the dunes and sliding down them, where as our seniors Benn, Ben, Sam Nash, Joel, and Ansley disappeared into the dunes for a private get together.
Andrew Heinrich produced a kite which he flew and then Phyllis flew it assisted by various boys, and then I flew it and eventually landed it when we returned to the Camping Centre.
As we sat down for Dinner I realised my cutlery had not been washed after last camp so I transferred to my other set used at Dartmoor the year before.
Dinner was of beef hot pot and mixed vegetables, of chocolate sponge pudding and custard.
We had hilarious staff washing up antics with me doing the washing up and eventually we formed quite a good team of conveyer belt precision in washing in a large sink, drying, passing one to another back to the table.
Matt was coughing quite a lot. Poor chap brought a chest infection with him and took it home again a week later. He was on antibiotics. He plodded on refusing to let it stop his work or his fun.
As the weather was damp it was decided to have as an evening activity a Quiz in the Chapel hastily prepared by a group, and I was to run tuck shop at the beginning and in the interval . Out of the window went any planned idea for recording sales, I just chucked some change in an old biscuit tin and used that for takings all the week taking out my original float. AWT and RM worked out the prices but after i pointed out they had to have VAT added they had to work them all out again.
Stephen Sabey had the questions and answers thrust in his hands at short notice and was asked to compere, which like others dropped in the deep end before him, he did admirably well. The quiz was as hilarious as it was noisy.
AWT told us of a chap he met at university who seemed to be an odd ball at first sight and AWT steered clear of him, but he then discovered that he was one of the most popular persons there with lots of friends and a disposition for friendship. First impressions can be wrong.
The day ended with hot chocolate and a less than serious attempt to get the boys asleep.
Stephen Brown led Staff Evening Prayers I referred to my friend Reg and our first meeting and how our friendship then lasted 40 years .Lyndsey said “Why did it end?” I said “He died” We all laughed.
After everyone else had gone to bed a bit of an argument developed between RM, LC and AWT over financing and planning, suggesting that some planning had not been done and some budgeting had not been finalised. This was partly due the fact that at their planning meeting some weeks before they had imbibed rather a lot of beer and though they thought they had tied up all the loose ends they hadn’t.
What’s new? So they were now working it out together on the hoof and the girls were holding their own. Geoff and I sat up late with AWT and then Geoff retired and i stayed on with AWT on night duty and we chatted for about 90 minutes about the problems of some of the seniors and MWT’s relations with the Camp and with Company section. MWT feels he has lost touch with the boys now.
Returning to my tent about 1am I had forgotten to take any water so had to soak my dentures in Lucozade, my bed collapsed as I sat on it throwing my head pillows and me on to the ground sheet. Eventually I sorted that out and dropped off to sleep. So ended DAY ONE.
Sunday August 19th
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About 1.15am some people passed down the lane from the village rather noisily. AWT shone a torch to indicate there were people here trying to sleep. I heard the talking and thought it was some of our campers but having got into bed finally decided not to get up again,
My alarm went off at 5.30am i finally rose at 6.15am to light drizzle. I found my pillow in it’s black bag had fallen onto the rear canvas and was wet I ate an apple pie. I went to the shower unit for a shower but forgot to take my liquid soap with me so did not bother.
Matt joined me and had a shower but then we found the floor of shower block and toilets were flooded, some problem with the boiler tank, drainage system. I stood at the gate to warn the boys not to rush into the wash room as they might slip over.
At 7.15am I led staff prayers for which i was joined by Andrew Turner Andrew Heinrich, Stephen Brown. We meditated on The Heart of the Church 1 Thessalonians 3 v 6-13 “Abound in love” and interceded for the camp staff and campers. My brush got borrowed by the boys.
The rain continued to fall. I assisted with Camp Inspection. AWT went off th arrange a wet weather plan.
For Breakfast we had cornflakes or porridge, followed by bacon, mushroom, and hash.
Rachel Morton in charge of finance had no coinage so I exchanged coin for notes. Just as well I took some. I did the same for Sharon to run camp bank. Matt led Thought for the Day about journeying and getting lost and how to get back by god’s alternative route. God over rules the way we journey when we go wrong, whatever stage we are at . we washed up together with me as washer upper for the staff tables. Then I opened up Tuck Shop.
AWT took the boys to see the 8th natural wonder of the world ( his build up I think) a slate cave that told them a bit about slate mining. I took over as Duty officer so Heiny could take Sharon and the girls to a farm to see the animals. Simon Pickhaver as quartermaster went out for more supplies. Matt. Kath and Rachel Muir stayed on site getting the Dinner ready.
I put up signage about caution mind your head due to the low beam into the dining room, and making the central door the main one and the one near the kitchen out of bounds.
In the Tuck shop I was able to take out my £57 coinage input in notes and we have actually sold £36 worth of stock.
At 11.30 Simon Mattholie arrived. i greeted him with the BB Handshake.- he didn’t know it up till then - I passed over to Simon Pickhaver the jo of sorting him out, getting a ground sheet laid,
He had a white ridge tent all to himself at the far end of the executive line beyond the Assistant C0, the CO and the Camp Canvas officer, where he could set up his Ipod, computer, and television set, home from home. I updated my journal notes. Rachel & Lyndsey went out to find a better place to phone from. The visit to the farm had been enjoyable. Amelie had shown confidence in feeding the goats when other children held back.
The Slate Cave party returned.
They reported that people worked those caves from the age of 12 to about the age of 40 sometimes in water as the caves flooded. The Seniors Benn, Ben, Sam, Ansley and Phil went to the beach. Andy Willett played Jenga . Others played draughts or cards.
We sat down on tine for dinner at which we had roast ham, roast potatoes, Carrots, beans . swede and greens, followed by peaches or oranges and ice cream
Four Seniors were late, one having made it back before Dinner. They got told off and told that if they did it again they would have to be accompanied by an adult when they went out. After washing up AWT took us all through Canvas Care after which some played games, and Simon M went off in his care to find civilisation.
Phyllis, Stephen and me went off to Barmouth for a towel, and a walk around the streets, and I bought some seaside rock for the folk at Four Acres. Back on site Phyllis and me walked to the beach where AWT was leading the younger boys while Joel was keeping an eye on the seniors in the dunes, and Ben was walking with Rachel Muir.
We all walked back to camp together., some stopping at the caravan site shop when Dominic bought some joke sweets. I bought my postcards.
Simon M arrived back with a barbecue set with logs. AWT told him that camp site rules did not allow us to use it, but they negotiated and got agreement to use it in the courtyard.
Heiny was having problems with boys not keeping their tables tidy. We enjoyed a Tea of salad followed by cake.
We had made an arrangement with the other larger camp for use of the shower block when we were not using it but some of their girls made such a mess that our folk had to clean up that AWT banned them from using them. Their officers could not be bothered to come over an check.
Steve Sabey organised a warming up session on the field involving various exercises. While he did so i hunted all through my luggage twice for a whistle for him but never found one. I had 3 with me. I found them later tied to a coat hanger within one of my plastic suit protectors hung up ready for use. The warming up session woke the boys up and tired the staff out.
So at Pudducks the boys annihilated the staff.
First Innings Staff 35 Sam Nash bowling Boys 88 Phyllis bowling
Second Innings Staff 44 Sam Nash bowling Boys 94 Rachel Morton and Matt bowling
TOTAL Staff 79 Boys 182
In the second innings some staff played twice representing other staff members that did not play, But it did not make any difference. I kept the scores.
Top scorers were Ben 37, Philip 26, Matthew 21, Steve 19, Geoff 18, Dominic 18 ,
Simon outlined his plans for the week on Christian teaching and gave everyone a special colour printed illustrated 16 page brochure printed on the new church copier
“2007 DARE TO BE RADICAL”
and we proceeded with Session 1 GET A LIFE. If the 10 Commandments Exodus 20 v 1-17 gives us rules about we shouldn’t do, The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 - 7 and Luke 6 v 20-49 is a manifesto of what we should do. First we were encouraged to list what in Luke 56 v 20-49 Jesus tells us we should do and should not do.
Then the challenge was on to elect a Camp President. We had to get into groups and decide who we should nominate, and they had to work out with our help a manifesto , and then make s speech to convince us of the changes they would make if elected and with the £20 to be given to the winner. Rachel Muir was convincing but a shade upset when I voted 3 time for different people on the grounds i had “arrangements” and “understandings” with people in different “groups”. Simon disallowed my votes as spoilt for voting 3 times. Joel couldn’t tell us and had to sit down. Ben offered us little, Richard was quite vocal and convince no one and got bout 1 vote, his, Tom could not read what they had written down and kept giggling but with Edward’s help they won, with Edward’s vote winner as ghost writer for his speech,” to get more women on the camp”. So Tom got the £20 but he do not get any extra women and soon forgot his promises. Just like a lot of other politicians when they get in power. This was then linked to Jesus Manifesto speech in the synagogue .We were also asked to take a pinch of salt with us as a reminder of how we were going to make a positive difference this week and we said together the LORD’s
PRAYER.
The local owner of the land warned us a great storm was coming so we battened down.
After cocoa everyone went to bed, or at least to their tents
After staff meeting and staff prayers led by Matt I stayed up with AWT, AJH, RM and LC (Daisy) looking at records of previous camps and campers and a copy of the “Dyffryn Dragon” of 1995.
Heiny is now known as the “cute little blond chap”
I retired at 1.30am leaving AWT, RM and L and I lay down in my trousers, fleece, raincoat, and 2 blankets over me but despite this I was cold in the morning because during the night the skies cleared of cloud and we had an air frost, and when we got up we all agreed it had been a jolly cold night, except Geoff who claimed to he came prepared with the right equipment. Simon M in the outpost tent felt the cold most keenly.
Monday August 20th
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We awoke to near clear skies but it was short lived for soon there was drizzle but it did not last for long. I led staff prayers with Simon M, Stephen and Phyllis for 20 minutes and our theme was BEARING FRUIT John 15 v 5-8 and 1st Corinthians 3 vv 5-15. . Despite the cough that plagued him all the week, Matt carried on with determination as Duty Officer, ever setting a good example, soldiering on with courage and a high level of efficiency as well as maintaining his duties to the catering department
We had Inspection and all tents showed an improvement except Tent 3, that dropped 1 point from Sunday but still won the shield for the day. I marked for hygiene.
For Breakfast we had Scottish slim sausage, fried egg and baked beans after porridge or cornflakes.
Evening Worship was switched to the Morning which meant that as Simon Pickhaver as Quarter Master had to go and get supplies he could not launch the Camp Appeal , so having deferred to him to do it when asked 2 weeks ago. I finished up being asked by him to do it 10 minutes before the service. Just as well I took some information on the off chance.
Simon’s Radical form of worship involved dice and M & M and sweets to portray how different communities finish up with disproportionate resources. We had several praise songs with the orchestra leading us - AWT and Geoff on guitars and Joel on the drums. His teaching was GO LARGE! On being generous, with a questionnaire and explanation about going the extra mile
I made a presentation about Phil Brown, our former Staff Sgt who had visited Zimbabwe in support of a High School project with Simon Heinrich and they had done a bungie jump off the bridge over the Zambesi river. He had gone on to be part of a BMS Action Team to Thailand, and had then led a BMS Action Team to Uganda. Now he is working in South Africa with his wife Amie helping students, helping set up a BMS Teams Centre, helping the College move to a new location and helping a Baptist Church at Soweto Township In support of them and their 2 year term project our appeal is made. I also mentioned Richard and Sarah Lubale’s work with AIDS victims in Uganda.
Following this everybody apart from Kathryn, Rachel, Matt, Andy W and me went to Barmouth shopping. AWT left his car keys with me in case of emergency, but said that in that case he did not want me driving his car.
I passed them to Matt as I took Andy Willett on a walk to the beach by a different route to the one we as campers usually use, through part of the south end the Nature Reserve and then on the beach we turned South and eventually returned via the coast guard 999 phone point, passing over the dunes by 2 long decking bridges with lay-bys in to allow people to pass if they were laden, this brought us to the southern end of the now enlarged caravan and camping site and then we waked back down the lane to Camp. We got back 5 minutes had of the minibus.
For Lunch we had sausage rolls and salad, and cake. Matt produced a new improved system for Washing Up with Staff using a sink, and the Fatigue team using two or three sinks, and each of the boys tables using bowls of water on their table, though this meant the tables got pretty wet and the floor, but with mops as well all went well. Benn and Ansley insisted on wearing my cap.
At 1.30pm most people went with AWT swimming at a swimming pool Phyllis and Stephen went to Harlech shopping. Heiny , Sharon and their daughters came back from a day out. I tidied up my tent and put an old BB Top on and shorts and a white sun hat. I put a notice up about the Camp Appeal .
Simon Pickhaver got his remote controlled car working. He and Simon Mattholie played with it on the Camp site.
Eventually the swimmers returned AWT said that Andy Willett had swept everyone from the pool by his unique form of stroke.
The Seniors then gathered at the far end of the camp field near the Railway Embankment under a tree. Andy Willett and I walked around the field exploring the stream area but avoiding the seniors group, as that was their private space .
We all came together for Lunch chicken in sauce, corn, carrots and peas after the meal Ben Nash had left his table in a mess and could not be found. In the end Sam Flicos cleared it up. Sam is commander of Tent 4, Ben is commander of Tent 5. They share a table.
Most of the campers went off about 40 miles away for indoor rock climbing. Leaving me in charge, with Heiny, Sharon and the girls as a family, Andy Willett relaxing, Kath reading, Dom and Simon relaxing before going to Barmouth together for an evening’s entertainment , and Benn, Ansley and Joel with Rachel Muir
I laced up Tents 3 and 4, but their were members of Tents 1, 2 and 5 on site who could lace up their own, if they had a mind to do so.
I opened up the Tuck Shop and the 3 seniors were larking about and Dom walked in and got in their way, Joel pushed the refuse bin at Dom and it toppled over and scattered all over the floor and i ordered them to tidy it all up and Joel made an uncomplimentary remark about Dom just as Simon walked in. Joel apologised and said afterwards that Simon said “it may cost you a beer”.
After some conversation the “Lads” found the door to the upstairs dormitory and went up to explore so I locked the door behind them so locking them in for a bit.
Let out they took themselves off with their cokes and chocolate back to the Seniors meeting place at the far end of the field with Rachel when I passed that way Benn said “We have a stalker” I asked Rachel if she felt safe with them and she replied “Oh Yes”.
Another Company has arrived and put up ridge tents in the field next to us where the solitary marquee was. The “Lads” and Rachel moved to the memorial seat in the courtyard where they were drinking coke and singing, and Joel was trying to lap dance.
Heiny was preparing maps for tomorrow’s walk to Harlech returning by train.
While I was in the dining area writing up these notes an officer from the other larger camp came over to see AWT. Kath and i said we expected him back about 10pm
The evening moved on and became quite dark and our rock climbers were still not home.
Heiny scared our 3 “Lads” by moving towards them silently in the dark with his headlamp on his forehead and flashing it by putting his hand in front of it , dot, dot, dot - dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot He even fooled me and Sharon for a bit. He laughed when the lads said that he had scared them.
Simon and Dom arrived home to report that at Barmouth station they had been told there were no more trains back until 10pm as “they were having a rest”. It seemed to be early closing day as the Fun Fair was closed and all the shops and Simon had had to spend about £20 on fruit machines keeping Dom happy. They did get some money back from one balancing machine.
Joel was lap dancing in the courtyard to music. Ansley was standing on the flat stone seat and when Joel sat on it, it collapsed backwards but they survived without scars.
The climbers finally rolled back having been caught in a traffic jam at 11.10pm. having left about 9.45pm to return home
The boys had their chocolate drinks and all went safely to bed by now pretty tired. We had a brief staff planning session re-planing Wednesday and Thursday I agreed to stay on site Tuesday. Rachel Morton led staff prayers. I retired and Simon M “locked up” about 1am.
Tuesday August 21st
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I awoke at 5.30am with a headache, but had a restful night and kept warm although outside it was pretty cold. I went for a shave, cutting myself in several places, and washed my chest. I had a cup of tea and greeted various people. at 6.30am, greeted Sam Flicos who was up and on the way to the loo. He too had had a good night and was enjoying camp.
Simon Pickhaver got a shock when he walked into the tent he was sharing with Matt and AWT to find AWT stark naked dancing around in his socks. Simon thought he had flipped. Relating this to them, Rachel and Lyndsey said that they weren’t surprised. Waking up exercises one supposes.
Stephen Brown was Duty Officer today. Only I turned up for staff prayer. The Theme was Stress Relief, Matthew 11 v 20-30. i marked inner Tent today. Benn thought his was worth 10, not a hope. He scored 5. Henry reckoned his tent was worth 10. They got 8. AWT lectured them all on improving their performance. For Breakfast after porridge or cornflakes we had bacon, fried bread and tomatoes. Andrew Heinrich (Heiny) led “Thought for the Day” for which he borrowed my scarf to blindfold Dom and then Dom had to feel various things to discover their texture. This was linked to thoughts on the glory of God’s creation,
We washed up. several attempts were made to relieve me of my hat. Amelie said to Lyndsey that she was her best friend.
Heiny explained to the boys where they were going today but it seemed to fall largely on deaf ears, which maybe the reason why what happened, did.
Heiny led the campers forth on a great adventure trek to walk to Harlech Castle, but had they been an invading army the Welsh had no cause to fear them - they got lost. Replete with maps, reference, clues and compasses - they got lost.
I stayed on the Camp site as deputy Duty Officer.
Jamie, one of the BB the site volunteer staff reported to me that a tap was running, if so it had been running at least an hour. The Bin men called.
Sharon took the girls for a walk and then took them to Harlech to meet Daddy at the head of his forces. Kath and Rachel went shopping at Barmouth. while they were all off sit i had a relaxing shower and got into brown shorts and red short sleeved shirt.
The sunshine continued with a bit more cloud and a keen breeze. Kathryn and Rachel returned bout 12.15 from Iceland ( the shop not the country) and stocked up the ‘fridges and then they went off to meet Heiny and his forces at Harlech Castle for Lunch. having reached there they were all supposed to be having a picnic.
A picnic that never took place, least not at Harlech, So from 12.30 i was on my own. Blissfully peaceful apart from their being a lot of activity on site by the BB District volunteers . I enjoyed my picnic sandwiches, cake and crisps and read my novel.
Sharon and the girls and Kathryn with Rachel came back the forces having not arrived at Harlech. Then they had to came back and drive somewhere else to collect the minibus drivers to bring them back to take the mini-buses out to bring home the stranded lost walkers who had found themselves somewhere other than they’d planned to be having become bogged down on some boggy land that was not marked on their Ordinance Survey map,. Probably caused by this year’s incessant rainfall.
That was not all , they had managed to lose the duty officer and his wife. The duty officer had lost his spectacles and went back to find them Phylis went with him. They never found the specs and he had to borrow hers. They lost contact with the man with the map. They wandered about and had adventures with stinging nettles and two fierce looking dogs but they claimed they were in heaven just the 2 of them together in the middle of God’s creation. They did finally make it to Harlech, where they inquired about a little short man and a lot of boys. No one had seen them. They came back by train.
Meanwhile those who returned on the mini buses scattered, some to the camp site and others to the beach.
An international rescue mission was launched to find the Duty officer and Phyllis. Heiny texted Benn Nardone at the beach as he was supposed to know Lauren’s mobile phone number in Chicago and Bethan’s number in Ireland. It was hoped from them we could get Stephen’s mobile number and phone him up and locate them.
However Benn did not ever get around to replying and the duo got home by train to everyone’s relief.
Phil who had not gone to the beach was found lying full length on the ground. We thought he had collapsed. Rachel M and I approached to see how he was and he just turned over on his back and said that he was fine and just suffering from temporary boredom.
I walked to the beach by the alternative route and going down our lane a stone wall collapsed just after I had passed it, and a group going the other way, stones landed in a heap or fell into the lane.
I found Stephen Sabey in the sea with a group of boys having a good time, and the Seniors were up in the Alps, that is the top of the dunes on the north side of the main pass path.
Joel was in charge of the seniors and brought them down and we all walked back to camp with Ben and Rachel Muir in front. Some boys insisted walking bare foot. Dinner followed.
Benn took off in a sulk having been “picked on” by some adult. He made for the other far side of the field. Ansley went with him to give him moral support.
They were seated on the stone wall on the railway embankment outside th camp wire and Benn was feeling intimidated. . I followed to try to pacify him. AWT followed me but left me to deal with the situation thanking me for doing so.
I got Ansley a coke, and opened up tuck shop while Richard ran about advertising the fact.
Steve organised another warm up session which i joined in, and matt photographed me lying on my back on the ground doing cycling exercises with my legs, Then they played football, boys versus the staff with lots of substitutes to involve everyone who wanted to play.
The game was lost by the staff 2 -to the boys 3. Someone started misusing the hooter that belonged to Simon M, so I confiscated it. James accused Simon M of hacking and got very cross. Simon however sustained a bump on his leg which swelled and was painful
Ben Nash got injured in a fall from a tackle damaging his knee. He had to be taken to hospital. First one about 20 miles away but finally to Bangor on the Isle of Anglesey I had to issue cokes and snacks from tuck shop for Ben, AWT and Phyllis as they drove off leaving Heiny in charge as Deputy CO.
Simon’s Prayer Time followed as we considered MIND THE GAP. About worldwide poverty and injustice. With a Quiz and photos culminating in our definition of poverty. Luke 4 v 18 and 6 v 20-21a and 24 to 25a. Then we had Cocoa..
The phone in the kiosk range and Heiny tried to find the right key to open it up and we got there just as the phone stopped ringing and we never did discover who rang. It could have been a wrong number.
The Campers went to bed. We set Ben’s bed up in the small dorm next to the Dining Room.
After staff prayers led by Heiny, the staff - SM. AH, SB, MP, SP, and me played poker while we waited for news. I paid £3 into the electricity meter after we suffered another power cut, refunded later. apart from me Matt was the last person to retire.
I went into the kitchen to fill a jug from the water heater to fill my hot water bottle., and absent mindedly suddenly thought that if they arrived back with Benn on crutches they’d have a difficulty getting around the chairs and tables and up the steps into the dorm and passed the washing lines in there slung between bunk beds.
Attending to this I forgot the water jug and when I remembered it there was water well over a quarter of the floor. So I then had with newspaper, and a bucket and mop to clear it all up, that took about 40 minutes. I then went to bed after locking up about 1.30am Then got up at 2am to lace up the front door of the tent I had left unlaced as a breeze was freshening.
It was such a mild night that I had to keep taking things off to cool down.
Wednesday August 22nd
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AWT with Phyllis and Ben got back about 3am I was Duty Officer today.
I got up at 5.30 and washed an spoke to Kath and Rachel, and put up the flag and the sign
I dressed in my new uniform. Red trousers, green shirt, green jacket and white tie with rainbow hat. Lewis described me as a leprechaun. Geoff described me as a circus clown, People in the lane simply laughed at me. Simon M seemed to not approve. But Heiny, AWT, Ben, Steve, Stephen Brown, SJP and Phyllis all thought it was good.
I got the boys up using a whistle and told them to use the loos and do their teeth but not to shower as they will shower after the morning activity. I think Simon turned up for staff prayers but I regrettably was too busy.
The CO and Senior staff having changed the rules about getting up and having breakfast to get everyone off by 9.05 later revised to be ready at 9.00 for 9.15. this mucked about the time for inspection which gave the boys a bit time to get ready and inspection showed some improvement for tents 4 led by Sam Flicos and 5 despite not having Ben there, good work Henry.. Tent 3 led by Sam Nash the same consistent level, and tents 2 led by Joel and 1 led by Benn going downhill fast, having given up.
I opened Breakfast with Malcolm brown’s grace, and called them up by Bingo number terms. For Breakfast we had porridge or cornflakes, followed by scrambled eggs, baked beans and bacon.
Kathryn and Rachel led “Thought for the Day” using contrast, referring to two people reporting the same event from different angles. How easily it is to be negative about something someone else regards as positive.
With everything washed up we waited, and waited and waited for the people to turn up to take a contingent Gorge Walking. They we were late but not by their fault, they were delayed by an accident on the motorway.
Meanwhile pebble throwing at various people got underway, and James climbed up into a tree.
Camp Bank and Tuck shop opened. John had to keep opening up the Chapel to store valuables including AWT’s lap top computer. Ben was up feeling better walking on metal hand crutches and not wanting to eat
. .
Departures got underway. First Heiny, Sharon and the girls. Then Steve, James, Matthew Jones, Andy Willitt, Ben, with Simon Mattholie left, off to at Portmadocc using the latest guidance technology to get on the Festiniogg Railway to the mountains of Snowdonia.
They were going by car, then they all piles out into a minibus with Geoff driving and then I think they all piled back into a car but I am not now sure.
Thirdly about an hour and a half late than planned the main party left having been fitted for mountain walking protective gear and helmets, and then having taken them off and stripped down to underwear to put on wet suits, and then the walking gear on top of that.
The teenager males looked a but futuristic like space adventurer. Phyllis went on this too. Early in the adventure they had to jump into a water filled pit attached to a wire from about 100 feet, it took a lot of courage on the part of the smallest first time campers.
Fourth group away after a shower were Kathy and Rachel off to Portmaddoc where they found a Christian Cafe which on Sundays is used as a place of worship.
I then dressed down to just brown shorts and a red short sleeved shirt with socks and sandals, and sun screened over the bare patches. I checked the tents and laced them up and locked up the premises and with my sandwiches and fruit for Lunch set off for the beach. I stopped at the Caravan site shop and bought a new umbrella as a sunshade and a copy of THE TIMES . I walked North along the outer limits of the Nature Reserve just inside the fence for about a mile. Some of the way behind an elderly couple intent on the same destination, but who paused and went back and later came along the beach. I went on and on through lots of flowers and grasses. It seemed a long way and at places was steep but skirting a dune and going down a sandy hollow I came to the beach.
I passed a small number of family groups, using wind breaks. A man walked past pushing a bike, and a young couple passed.
I found myself a ledge about 25 feet up and flattened. I made camp there. and left my bag, and watch in a safe place behind a hunk of grass. I slid down the sandy dune on my bum and walked a couple of hundred yards to the receding waters edge where I paddled in the sea, and sat in it, it was pleasantly cool on a warm afternoon and very clear and clean.
I then returned to my ledge and sunbathed for a but, read THE TIMES, and had my picnic lunch,
I climbed the dunes and made my way back South East across them passing through areas of just drifting sands, areas of scrub and moss, area of small stunted trees and bushes, and area of multi coloured wild flowers. It was so quiet and peaceful and there were many rabbit burrows, until I reached the gate out of the Reserve and walked back to camp stopping for a Cornetto on the way. I then secured the tents that were flapping in the breeze especially Tent 5 that looked as if it would cave in. Then I had a shower and dressed my foot where a blister was beginning.
Kathy and Rachel returned about 3pm. We had a cup of tea or a soft drink and chatted and told them where I had been. They took it well enough though Rachel seemed a little surprised. Then I tidied up my case and my tent and as the wind was getting up put my BB Top over my shirt. I updated the Day Book Register. Some boys had chalked up and displayed a notice “Rachel Muir loves Tom Beare” she wiped it clean and put up a chalked notice saying “ Rachel Muir loves everyone at BB!”
About 5.45pm the Festiniogg group returned and had enjoyed a nice picnic lunch halfway up a mountain. The Gorge Climbers returned full of tales of pools and waterfalls, of beauty and daring.
One pool being too deep to touch the bottom. Matt had hurt his hand and had to have it in a sling. and Richard had hurt a nail, but otherwise they were all largely unscathed but a bit tired and bruised. They then all had showers. I changed to red shirt, BB top, and Glengarry cap.
We had Dinner of beef pie, or chicken pie, roast potatoes , veg, with plenty of second helpings. Followed by orange or cherry mousse . Some boys expectations of what they could eat exceeded their ability to do so. Apparently they had not had their picnic lunch until after they had completed gorge walking. They were hungry then but too full for Dinner.
I called people up to be served for the first course by Bingo names, and for the second course using a list with Queen’s men on the top. followed by Presidents men and holders of the Junior Gold badge etc. Throughout the day as on most days Phil Jones proved to be an excellent bugler, for all the various bugle calls.
The C.O. called in the tent commanders and Ansley to have a private pep talk about conduct and being responsible.
We then had a tidying up session and returned to the chapel for Simon’s next session. DO AS YOU WANT TO BE DONE TO. Walk the walk and talk the talk.
He spoke about going the extra mile, and turning the other cheek.
He told us that if a Jew was struck on one cheek, to strike the other his assailant would have to turn round and hit him with the back of his hand as they could only use their right hand and the left hand was only used for one purpose to wipe their bum with. For an assailant to do that was regarded as demeaning and humiliating. We were told that a Roman soldier could compel a Jew to carry his pack a mile, but could not compel him to go another mile and if he tried the soldier could be taken out of the line and flogged.
The instruction that if you were robbed of your shirt then give him your tunic was made almost like a joke, for most people only had 2 pieces of clothing, and if they gave both they would be naked. And this would cause the robber embarrassment and shame. And he would shout “No, No”. We were asked to consider how we could treat somebody better this week.
After prayers some adults went to the Inn to watch football but were not impressed by the lack of respect and courtesy. Various groups played CHEAT at cards and we had our cocoa, We got the boys in their tents by 10.20pm Later AWT caught in the beam of his torch two Seniors out of their tent making for the wall opposite the inn, and discouraged them.
Andy Willett was in tears, he could not pay the £17 for the trip up the mountain. All he reckoned he’d got was £5, as his parents being on holiday had not left much money with him.
I said “Not to worry as I would pay for him”. Later Rachel M, AWT and I sorted it out that as he had not otherwise yet benefited in entertainment from what he paid as camp fees he would be paid for from that, and for fishing next day. After that he cheered up. We had staff prayers and left Geoff on night duty. I retreated to the loo until about 12.30 revising Thought for the Day and Staff Prayers tomorrow,
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PART ONE
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Saturday August 18
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Someone overslept John alias Madds or Mr Madds, should have risen at 4am but had failed to correctly set the alarm Clock so someone was hammering on his door. Apparently his neighbour Helen was concerned that he was not up and on his way before 5.30. and Joyce was looking out for him to go. Anyway it was either Simon or Steve who knocked him up at 5.50am and he said “give me 10 minutes” In that time he went from being in bed, having showered 2 hours earlier, to fully clothed, had part of a glass of squash, ( a week later several flies lay drowned in what remained) , picked up his bag and walking stick and went out, only as quickly go back in again having forgotten to put his dentures in. Simon said “John after all these years you will never live this one down, Late on parade”
He was later told that Simon too was late arriving at the Common but not this late Madds was made very welcome with a reserved seat and the first aid box to put his legs up on although he used his hand luggage bag his condition checked from time to time by Steve Sabey.
Andy Willitt was already on, having been up since 4am and brought over to Walden by his Dad
So we left Walden at 6.02am but soon caught up Geoff’s minibus and overtook him to put Simon where he wanted to be , in front. ( was that in case, carrying all the baggage, we’d need a push up the Welsh passes?) Stephen Sabey received a text message from Keith Lambert which said simply “Rain, Rain, Rain”, Stephen sent a reply “Why are you up so early? ”
We stopped first at the Services Centre at Corley. With the sunshine well out. Henry Wells drooped a £1 coin in a rubbish bin and could not see it and did not want to put his hand in, and told his younger brother Edward. For them losing a pound was serious so an adult fished it out and restored it to him. Madds had chats with Joel and Louis and had a toasted egg and Ham roll costing £3.45 as his Breakfast while he chatted with Stephen and Phyllis who had stopped their car there with their young charges, their son Thomas, Matthew Jones and Richard Guilder.
We set of again and reached Birmingham at 8.20am and had another stop later on but the burger- king cafe was not open which disappointed the boys.
In Wales it began to rain and the water began to drip inside the Luggage minibus so i put my umbrella up to protect myself but it has not worked properly since so maybe that was a mistake. We had Dominic with us in the Luggage Minibus as his Dad was still at Walden conducting a wedding.
So we stopped at Barmouth having entered slowly in a traffic jam due to the Harbour Festival. We could not get on the camp site as the other company was not leaving until 12 noon The boys from Geoff’s minibus found a restaurant serving burgers and went there for a meal. Simon stayed with our minibus but Stephen , James, Dominic and Andy and I went for a walk along the promenade and for the first three named along the beach. From about 12 noon till 12.15 we had some light rain as forecast by the overnight weather news.
We finally arrived at the Camp Centre about 12.30pm and the gateway to the field was muddy with ruts. The row of boys tents were a long way from the row of staff tents and we did consider pitching them nearer each other but in the end we didn’t and that may have been just as well. and those who had not already done so ate their sandwiches lunch in the dining Hall. We then chose or had allocated our tents, Mine and Andy’s were nearest the gate just second tent from Kathryn and Rachel the cooks.
We laid the ground sheet out and then erected the central poles to the tents.
I put up my bed and mattress and the foot pillow and laid out the sleeping bag and head pillow.
I put my brown shorts on for the walk to the beach and so a crowd of us walked down to the beach noting the changes since we came in 1998.
The caravan and camping area has extended along the road in the site to link up to another road further south. That end is also linked to the beach over the dunes by two wooden decking bridges.
Just down from our site a new house has been built. The pub is now a hotel. The field where 1st Birmingham were in 1998 had a marquee in it and later in the week another company moved on to it but in the field beyond that is another wooden building and marquee and a camp of BB & GB etc from the Midlands using several mini buses and cars with maybe 60 -70 campers.
The caravan site has been developed with a pub and restaurant and chalets.
On the edge of the dunes is a gate, a ditch, a bridge and the path through the dunes is no longer on decking but simply on sand. I think in fact the route has been changed. No longer at that point on the beach is their a post with a life jacket or ring on. That is further south. Just before the beach this path rises and then drops and the sign on the posts warn of not playing in the dunes and of the position of the Naturist beach.
Our boys apparently unable to read signs promptly started climbing the dunes and sliding down them, where as our seniors Benn, Ben, Sam Nash, Joel, and Ansley disappeared into the dunes for a private get together.
Andrew Heinrich produced a kite which he flew and then Phyllis flew it assisted by various boys, and then I flew it and eventually landed it when we returned to the Camping Centre.
As we sat down for Dinner I realised my cutlery had not been washed after last camp so I transferred to my other set used at Dartmoor the year before.
Dinner was of beef hot pot and mixed vegetables, of chocolate sponge pudding and custard.
We had hilarious staff washing up antics with me doing the washing up and eventually we formed quite a good team of conveyer belt precision in washing in a large sink, drying, passing one to another back to the table.
Matt was coughing quite a lot. Poor chap brought a chest infection with him and took it home again a week later. He was on antibiotics. He plodded on refusing to let it stop his work or his fun.
As the weather was damp it was decided to have as an evening activity a Quiz in the Chapel hastily prepared by a group, and I was to run tuck shop at the beginning and in the interval . Out of the window went any planned idea for recording sales, I just chucked some change in an old biscuit tin and used that for takings all the week taking out my original float. AWT and RM worked out the prices but after i pointed out they had to have VAT added they had to work them all out again.
Stephen Sabey had the questions and answers thrust in his hands at short notice and was asked to compere, which like others dropped in the deep end before him, he did admirably well. The quiz was as hilarious as it was noisy.
AWT told us of a chap he met at university who seemed to be an odd ball at first sight and AWT steered clear of him, but he then discovered that he was one of the most popular persons there with lots of friends and a disposition for friendship. First impressions can be wrong.
The day ended with hot chocolate and a less than serious attempt to get the boys asleep.
Stephen Brown led Staff Evening Prayers I referred to my friend Reg and our first meeting and how our friendship then lasted 40 years .Lyndsey said “Why did it end?” I said “He died” We all laughed.
After everyone else had gone to bed a bit of an argument developed between RM, LC and AWT over financing and planning, suggesting that some planning had not been done and some budgeting had not been finalised. This was partly due the fact that at their planning meeting some weeks before they had imbibed rather a lot of beer and though they thought they had tied up all the loose ends they hadn’t.
What’s new? So they were now working it out together on the hoof and the girls were holding their own. Geoff and I sat up late with AWT and then Geoff retired and i stayed on with AWT on night duty and we chatted for about 90 minutes about the problems of some of the seniors and MWT’s relations with the Camp and with Company section. MWT feels he has lost touch with the boys now.
Returning to my tent about 1am I had forgotten to take any water so had to soak my dentures in Lucozade, my bed collapsed as I sat on it throwing my head pillows and me on to the ground sheet. Eventually I sorted that out and dropped off to sleep. So ended DAY ONE.
Sunday August 19th
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About 1.15am some people passed down the lane from the village rather noisily. AWT shone a torch to indicate there were people here trying to sleep. I heard the talking and thought it was some of our campers but having got into bed finally decided not to get up again,
My alarm went off at 5.30am i finally rose at 6.15am to light drizzle. I found my pillow in it’s black bag had fallen onto the rear canvas and was wet I ate an apple pie. I went to the shower unit for a shower but forgot to take my liquid soap with me so did not bother.
Matt joined me and had a shower but then we found the floor of shower block and toilets were flooded, some problem with the boiler tank, drainage system. I stood at the gate to warn the boys not to rush into the wash room as they might slip over.
At 7.15am I led staff prayers for which i was joined by Andrew Turner Andrew Heinrich, Stephen Brown. We meditated on The Heart of the Church 1 Thessalonians 3 v 6-13 “Abound in love” and interceded for the camp staff and campers. My brush got borrowed by the boys.
The rain continued to fall. I assisted with Camp Inspection. AWT went off th arrange a wet weather plan.
For Breakfast we had cornflakes or porridge, followed by bacon, mushroom, and hash.
Rachel Morton in charge of finance had no coinage so I exchanged coin for notes. Just as well I took some. I did the same for Sharon to run camp bank. Matt led Thought for the Day about journeying and getting lost and how to get back by god’s alternative route. God over rules the way we journey when we go wrong, whatever stage we are at . we washed up together with me as washer upper for the staff tables. Then I opened up Tuck Shop.
AWT took the boys to see the 8th natural wonder of the world ( his build up I think) a slate cave that told them a bit about slate mining. I took over as Duty officer so Heiny could take Sharon and the girls to a farm to see the animals. Simon Pickhaver as quartermaster went out for more supplies. Matt. Kath and Rachel Muir stayed on site getting the Dinner ready.
I put up signage about caution mind your head due to the low beam into the dining room, and making the central door the main one and the one near the kitchen out of bounds.
In the Tuck shop I was able to take out my £57 coinage input in notes and we have actually sold £36 worth of stock.
At 11.30 Simon Mattholie arrived. i greeted him with the BB Handshake.- he didn’t know it up till then - I passed over to Simon Pickhaver the jo of sorting him out, getting a ground sheet laid,
He had a white ridge tent all to himself at the far end of the executive line beyond the Assistant C0, the CO and the Camp Canvas officer, where he could set up his Ipod, computer, and television set, home from home. I updated my journal notes. Rachel & Lyndsey went out to find a better place to phone from. The visit to the farm had been enjoyable. Amelie had shown confidence in feeding the goats when other children held back.
The Slate Cave party returned.
They reported that people worked those caves from the age of 12 to about the age of 40 sometimes in water as the caves flooded. The Seniors Benn, Ben, Sam, Ansley and Phil went to the beach. Andy Willett played Jenga . Others played draughts or cards.
We sat down on tine for dinner at which we had roast ham, roast potatoes, Carrots, beans . swede and greens, followed by peaches or oranges and ice cream
Four Seniors were late, one having made it back before Dinner. They got told off and told that if they did it again they would have to be accompanied by an adult when they went out. After washing up AWT took us all through Canvas Care after which some played games, and Simon M went off in his care to find civilisation.
Phyllis, Stephen and me went off to Barmouth for a towel, and a walk around the streets, and I bought some seaside rock for the folk at Four Acres. Back on site Phyllis and me walked to the beach where AWT was leading the younger boys while Joel was keeping an eye on the seniors in the dunes, and Ben was walking with Rachel Muir.
We all walked back to camp together., some stopping at the caravan site shop when Dominic bought some joke sweets. I bought my postcards.
Simon M arrived back with a barbecue set with logs. AWT told him that camp site rules did not allow us to use it, but they negotiated and got agreement to use it in the courtyard.
Heiny was having problems with boys not keeping their tables tidy. We enjoyed a Tea of salad followed by cake.
We had made an arrangement with the other larger camp for use of the shower block when we were not using it but some of their girls made such a mess that our folk had to clean up that AWT banned them from using them. Their officers could not be bothered to come over an check.
Steve Sabey organised a warming up session on the field involving various exercises. While he did so i hunted all through my luggage twice for a whistle for him but never found one. I had 3 with me. I found them later tied to a coat hanger within one of my plastic suit protectors hung up ready for use. The warming up session woke the boys up and tired the staff out.
So at Pudducks the boys annihilated the staff.
First Innings Staff 35 Sam Nash bowling Boys 88 Phyllis bowling
Second Innings Staff 44 Sam Nash bowling Boys 94 Rachel Morton and Matt bowling
TOTAL Staff 79 Boys 182
In the second innings some staff played twice representing other staff members that did not play, But it did not make any difference. I kept the scores.
Top scorers were Ben 37, Philip 26, Matthew 21, Steve 19, Geoff 18, Dominic 18 ,
Simon outlined his plans for the week on Christian teaching and gave everyone a special colour printed illustrated 16 page brochure printed on the new church copier
“2007 DARE TO BE RADICAL”
and we proceeded with Session 1 GET A LIFE. If the 10 Commandments Exodus 20 v 1-17 gives us rules about we shouldn’t do, The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 - 7 and Luke 6 v 20-49 is a manifesto of what we should do. First we were encouraged to list what in Luke 56 v 20-49 Jesus tells us we should do and should not do.
Then the challenge was on to elect a Camp President. We had to get into groups and decide who we should nominate, and they had to work out with our help a manifesto , and then make s speech to convince us of the changes they would make if elected and with the £20 to be given to the winner. Rachel Muir was convincing but a shade upset when I voted 3 time for different people on the grounds i had “arrangements” and “understandings” with people in different “groups”. Simon disallowed my votes as spoilt for voting 3 times. Joel couldn’t tell us and had to sit down. Ben offered us little, Richard was quite vocal and convince no one and got bout 1 vote, his, Tom could not read what they had written down and kept giggling but with Edward’s help they won, with Edward’s vote winner as ghost writer for his speech,” to get more women on the camp”. So Tom got the £20 but he do not get any extra women and soon forgot his promises. Just like a lot of other politicians when they get in power. This was then linked to Jesus Manifesto speech in the synagogue .We were also asked to take a pinch of salt with us as a reminder of how we were going to make a positive difference this week and we said together the LORD’s
PRAYER.
The local owner of the land warned us a great storm was coming so we battened down.
After cocoa everyone went to bed, or at least to their tents
After staff meeting and staff prayers led by Matt I stayed up with AWT, AJH, RM and LC (Daisy) looking at records of previous camps and campers and a copy of the “Dyffryn Dragon” of 1995.
Heiny is now known as the “cute little blond chap”
I retired at 1.30am leaving AWT, RM and L and I lay down in my trousers, fleece, raincoat, and 2 blankets over me but despite this I was cold in the morning because during the night the skies cleared of cloud and we had an air frost, and when we got up we all agreed it had been a jolly cold night, except Geoff who claimed to he came prepared with the right equipment. Simon M in the outpost tent felt the cold most keenly.
Monday August 20th
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We awoke to near clear skies but it was short lived for soon there was drizzle but it did not last for long. I led staff prayers with Simon M, Stephen and Phyllis for 20 minutes and our theme was BEARING FRUIT John 15 v 5-8 and 1st Corinthians 3 vv 5-15. . Despite the cough that plagued him all the week, Matt carried on with determination as Duty Officer, ever setting a good example, soldiering on with courage and a high level of efficiency as well as maintaining his duties to the catering department
We had Inspection and all tents showed an improvement except Tent 3, that dropped 1 point from Sunday but still won the shield for the day. I marked for hygiene.
For Breakfast we had Scottish slim sausage, fried egg and baked beans after porridge or cornflakes.
Evening Worship was switched to the Morning which meant that as Simon Pickhaver as Quarter Master had to go and get supplies he could not launch the Camp Appeal , so having deferred to him to do it when asked 2 weeks ago. I finished up being asked by him to do it 10 minutes before the service. Just as well I took some information on the off chance.
Simon’s Radical form of worship involved dice and M & M and sweets to portray how different communities finish up with disproportionate resources. We had several praise songs with the orchestra leading us - AWT and Geoff on guitars and Joel on the drums. His teaching was GO LARGE! On being generous, with a questionnaire and explanation about going the extra mile
I made a presentation about Phil Brown, our former Staff Sgt who had visited Zimbabwe in support of a High School project with Simon Heinrich and they had done a bungie jump off the bridge over the Zambesi river. He had gone on to be part of a BMS Action Team to Thailand, and had then led a BMS Action Team to Uganda. Now he is working in South Africa with his wife Amie helping students, helping set up a BMS Teams Centre, helping the College move to a new location and helping a Baptist Church at Soweto Township In support of them and their 2 year term project our appeal is made. I also mentioned Richard and Sarah Lubale’s work with AIDS victims in Uganda.
Following this everybody apart from Kathryn, Rachel, Matt, Andy W and me went to Barmouth shopping. AWT left his car keys with me in case of emergency, but said that in that case he did not want me driving his car.
I passed them to Matt as I took Andy Willett on a walk to the beach by a different route to the one we as campers usually use, through part of the south end the Nature Reserve and then on the beach we turned South and eventually returned via the coast guard 999 phone point, passing over the dunes by 2 long decking bridges with lay-bys in to allow people to pass if they were laden, this brought us to the southern end of the now enlarged caravan and camping site and then we waked back down the lane to Camp. We got back 5 minutes had of the minibus.
For Lunch we had sausage rolls and salad, and cake. Matt produced a new improved system for Washing Up with Staff using a sink, and the Fatigue team using two or three sinks, and each of the boys tables using bowls of water on their table, though this meant the tables got pretty wet and the floor, but with mops as well all went well. Benn and Ansley insisted on wearing my cap.
At 1.30pm most people went with AWT swimming at a swimming pool Phyllis and Stephen went to Harlech shopping. Heiny , Sharon and their daughters came back from a day out. I tidied up my tent and put an old BB Top on and shorts and a white sun hat. I put a notice up about the Camp Appeal .
Simon Pickhaver got his remote controlled car working. He and Simon Mattholie played with it on the Camp site.
Eventually the swimmers returned AWT said that Andy Willett had swept everyone from the pool by his unique form of stroke.
The Seniors then gathered at the far end of the camp field near the Railway Embankment under a tree. Andy Willett and I walked around the field exploring the stream area but avoiding the seniors group, as that was their private space .
We all came together for Lunch chicken in sauce, corn, carrots and peas after the meal Ben Nash had left his table in a mess and could not be found. In the end Sam Flicos cleared it up. Sam is commander of Tent 4, Ben is commander of Tent 5. They share a table.
Most of the campers went off about 40 miles away for indoor rock climbing. Leaving me in charge, with Heiny, Sharon and the girls as a family, Andy Willett relaxing, Kath reading, Dom and Simon relaxing before going to Barmouth together for an evening’s entertainment , and Benn, Ansley and Joel with Rachel Muir
I laced up Tents 3 and 4, but their were members of Tents 1, 2 and 5 on site who could lace up their own, if they had a mind to do so.
I opened up the Tuck Shop and the 3 seniors were larking about and Dom walked in and got in their way, Joel pushed the refuse bin at Dom and it toppled over and scattered all over the floor and i ordered them to tidy it all up and Joel made an uncomplimentary remark about Dom just as Simon walked in. Joel apologised and said afterwards that Simon said “it may cost you a beer”.
After some conversation the “Lads” found the door to the upstairs dormitory and went up to explore so I locked the door behind them so locking them in for a bit.
Let out they took themselves off with their cokes and chocolate back to the Seniors meeting place at the far end of the field with Rachel when I passed that way Benn said “We have a stalker” I asked Rachel if she felt safe with them and she replied “Oh Yes”.
Another Company has arrived and put up ridge tents in the field next to us where the solitary marquee was. The “Lads” and Rachel moved to the memorial seat in the courtyard where they were drinking coke and singing, and Joel was trying to lap dance.
Heiny was preparing maps for tomorrow’s walk to Harlech returning by train.
While I was in the dining area writing up these notes an officer from the other larger camp came over to see AWT. Kath and i said we expected him back about 10pm
The evening moved on and became quite dark and our rock climbers were still not home.
Heiny scared our 3 “Lads” by moving towards them silently in the dark with his headlamp on his forehead and flashing it by putting his hand in front of it , dot, dot, dot - dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot He even fooled me and Sharon for a bit. He laughed when the lads said that he had scared them.
Simon and Dom arrived home to report that at Barmouth station they had been told there were no more trains back until 10pm as “they were having a rest”. It seemed to be early closing day as the Fun Fair was closed and all the shops and Simon had had to spend about £20 on fruit machines keeping Dom happy. They did get some money back from one balancing machine.
Joel was lap dancing in the courtyard to music. Ansley was standing on the flat stone seat and when Joel sat on it, it collapsed backwards but they survived without scars.
The climbers finally rolled back having been caught in a traffic jam at 11.10pm. having left about 9.45pm to return home
The boys had their chocolate drinks and all went safely to bed by now pretty tired. We had a brief staff planning session re-planing Wednesday and Thursday I agreed to stay on site Tuesday. Rachel Morton led staff prayers. I retired and Simon M “locked up” about 1am.
Tuesday August 21st
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I awoke at 5.30am with a headache, but had a restful night and kept warm although outside it was pretty cold. I went for a shave, cutting myself in several places, and washed my chest. I had a cup of tea and greeted various people. at 6.30am, greeted Sam Flicos who was up and on the way to the loo. He too had had a good night and was enjoying camp.
Simon Pickhaver got a shock when he walked into the tent he was sharing with Matt and AWT to find AWT stark naked dancing around in his socks. Simon thought he had flipped. Relating this to them, Rachel and Lyndsey said that they weren’t surprised. Waking up exercises one supposes.
Stephen Brown was Duty Officer today. Only I turned up for staff prayer. The Theme was Stress Relief, Matthew 11 v 20-30. i marked inner Tent today. Benn thought his was worth 10, not a hope. He scored 5. Henry reckoned his tent was worth 10. They got 8. AWT lectured them all on improving their performance. For Breakfast after porridge or cornflakes we had bacon, fried bread and tomatoes. Andrew Heinrich (Heiny) led “Thought for the Day” for which he borrowed my scarf to blindfold Dom and then Dom had to feel various things to discover their texture. This was linked to thoughts on the glory of God’s creation,
We washed up. several attempts were made to relieve me of my hat. Amelie said to Lyndsey that she was her best friend.
Heiny explained to the boys where they were going today but it seemed to fall largely on deaf ears, which maybe the reason why what happened, did.
Heiny led the campers forth on a great adventure trek to walk to Harlech Castle, but had they been an invading army the Welsh had no cause to fear them - they got lost. Replete with maps, reference, clues and compasses - they got lost.
I stayed on the Camp site as deputy Duty Officer.
Jamie, one of the BB the site volunteer staff reported to me that a tap was running, if so it had been running at least an hour. The Bin men called.
Sharon took the girls for a walk and then took them to Harlech to meet Daddy at the head of his forces. Kath and Rachel went shopping at Barmouth. while they were all off sit i had a relaxing shower and got into brown shorts and red short sleeved shirt.
The sunshine continued with a bit more cloud and a keen breeze. Kathryn and Rachel returned bout 12.15 from Iceland ( the shop not the country) and stocked up the ‘fridges and then they went off to meet Heiny and his forces at Harlech Castle for Lunch. having reached there they were all supposed to be having a picnic.
A picnic that never took place, least not at Harlech, So from 12.30 i was on my own. Blissfully peaceful apart from their being a lot of activity on site by the BB District volunteers . I enjoyed my picnic sandwiches, cake and crisps and read my novel.
Sharon and the girls and Kathryn with Rachel came back the forces having not arrived at Harlech. Then they had to came back and drive somewhere else to collect the minibus drivers to bring them back to take the mini-buses out to bring home the stranded lost walkers who had found themselves somewhere other than they’d planned to be having become bogged down on some boggy land that was not marked on their Ordinance Survey map,. Probably caused by this year’s incessant rainfall.
That was not all , they had managed to lose the duty officer and his wife. The duty officer had lost his spectacles and went back to find them Phylis went with him. They never found the specs and he had to borrow hers. They lost contact with the man with the map. They wandered about and had adventures with stinging nettles and two fierce looking dogs but they claimed they were in heaven just the 2 of them together in the middle of God’s creation. They did finally make it to Harlech, where they inquired about a little short man and a lot of boys. No one had seen them. They came back by train.
Meanwhile those who returned on the mini buses scattered, some to the camp site and others to the beach.
An international rescue mission was launched to find the Duty officer and Phyllis. Heiny texted Benn Nardone at the beach as he was supposed to know Lauren’s mobile phone number in Chicago and Bethan’s number in Ireland. It was hoped from them we could get Stephen’s mobile number and phone him up and locate them.
However Benn did not ever get around to replying and the duo got home by train to everyone’s relief.
Phil who had not gone to the beach was found lying full length on the ground. We thought he had collapsed. Rachel M and I approached to see how he was and he just turned over on his back and said that he was fine and just suffering from temporary boredom.
I walked to the beach by the alternative route and going down our lane a stone wall collapsed just after I had passed it, and a group going the other way, stones landed in a heap or fell into the lane.
I found Stephen Sabey in the sea with a group of boys having a good time, and the Seniors were up in the Alps, that is the top of the dunes on the north side of the main pass path.
Joel was in charge of the seniors and brought them down and we all walked back to camp with Ben and Rachel Muir in front. Some boys insisted walking bare foot. Dinner followed.
Benn took off in a sulk having been “picked on” by some adult. He made for the other far side of the field. Ansley went with him to give him moral support.
They were seated on the stone wall on the railway embankment outside th camp wire and Benn was feeling intimidated. . I followed to try to pacify him. AWT followed me but left me to deal with the situation thanking me for doing so.
I got Ansley a coke, and opened up tuck shop while Richard ran about advertising the fact.
Steve organised another warm up session which i joined in, and matt photographed me lying on my back on the ground doing cycling exercises with my legs, Then they played football, boys versus the staff with lots of substitutes to involve everyone who wanted to play.
The game was lost by the staff 2 -to the boys 3. Someone started misusing the hooter that belonged to Simon M, so I confiscated it. James accused Simon M of hacking and got very cross. Simon however sustained a bump on his leg which swelled and was painful
Ben Nash got injured in a fall from a tackle damaging his knee. He had to be taken to hospital. First one about 20 miles away but finally to Bangor on the Isle of Anglesey I had to issue cokes and snacks from tuck shop for Ben, AWT and Phyllis as they drove off leaving Heiny in charge as Deputy CO.
Simon’s Prayer Time followed as we considered MIND THE GAP. About worldwide poverty and injustice. With a Quiz and photos culminating in our definition of poverty. Luke 4 v 18 and 6 v 20-21a and 24 to 25a. Then we had Cocoa..
The phone in the kiosk range and Heiny tried to find the right key to open it up and we got there just as the phone stopped ringing and we never did discover who rang. It could have been a wrong number.
The Campers went to bed. We set Ben’s bed up in the small dorm next to the Dining Room.
After staff prayers led by Heiny, the staff - SM. AH, SB, MP, SP, and me played poker while we waited for news. I paid £3 into the electricity meter after we suffered another power cut, refunded later. apart from me Matt was the last person to retire.
I went into the kitchen to fill a jug from the water heater to fill my hot water bottle., and absent mindedly suddenly thought that if they arrived back with Benn on crutches they’d have a difficulty getting around the chairs and tables and up the steps into the dorm and passed the washing lines in there slung between bunk beds.
Attending to this I forgot the water jug and when I remembered it there was water well over a quarter of the floor. So I then had with newspaper, and a bucket and mop to clear it all up, that took about 40 minutes. I then went to bed after locking up about 1.30am Then got up at 2am to lace up the front door of the tent I had left unlaced as a breeze was freshening.
It was such a mild night that I had to keep taking things off to cool down.
Wednesday August 22nd
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AWT with Phyllis and Ben got back about 3am I was Duty Officer today.
I got up at 5.30 and washed an spoke to Kath and Rachel, and put up the flag and the sign
I dressed in my new uniform. Red trousers, green shirt, green jacket and white tie with rainbow hat. Lewis described me as a leprechaun. Geoff described me as a circus clown, People in the lane simply laughed at me. Simon M seemed to not approve. But Heiny, AWT, Ben, Steve, Stephen Brown, SJP and Phyllis all thought it was good.
I got the boys up using a whistle and told them to use the loos and do their teeth but not to shower as they will shower after the morning activity. I think Simon turned up for staff prayers but I regrettably was too busy.
The CO and Senior staff having changed the rules about getting up and having breakfast to get everyone off by 9.05 later revised to be ready at 9.00 for 9.15. this mucked about the time for inspection which gave the boys a bit time to get ready and inspection showed some improvement for tents 4 led by Sam Flicos and 5 despite not having Ben there, good work Henry.. Tent 3 led by Sam Nash the same consistent level, and tents 2 led by Joel and 1 led by Benn going downhill fast, having given up.
I opened Breakfast with Malcolm brown’s grace, and called them up by Bingo number terms. For Breakfast we had porridge or cornflakes, followed by scrambled eggs, baked beans and bacon.
Kathryn and Rachel led “Thought for the Day” using contrast, referring to two people reporting the same event from different angles. How easily it is to be negative about something someone else regards as positive.
With everything washed up we waited, and waited and waited for the people to turn up to take a contingent Gorge Walking. They we were late but not by their fault, they were delayed by an accident on the motorway.
Meanwhile pebble throwing at various people got underway, and James climbed up into a tree.
Camp Bank and Tuck shop opened. John had to keep opening up the Chapel to store valuables including AWT’s lap top computer. Ben was up feeling better walking on metal hand crutches and not wanting to eat
. .
Departures got underway. First Heiny, Sharon and the girls. Then Steve, James, Matthew Jones, Andy Willitt, Ben, with Simon Mattholie left, off to at Portmadocc using the latest guidance technology to get on the Festiniogg Railway to the mountains of Snowdonia.
They were going by car, then they all piles out into a minibus with Geoff driving and then I think they all piled back into a car but I am not now sure.
Thirdly about an hour and a half late than planned the main party left having been fitted for mountain walking protective gear and helmets, and then having taken them off and stripped down to underwear to put on wet suits, and then the walking gear on top of that.
The teenager males looked a but futuristic like space adventurer. Phyllis went on this too. Early in the adventure they had to jump into a water filled pit attached to a wire from about 100 feet, it took a lot of courage on the part of the smallest first time campers.
Fourth group away after a shower were Kathy and Rachel off to Portmaddoc where they found a Christian Cafe which on Sundays is used as a place of worship.
I then dressed down to just brown shorts and a red short sleeved shirt with socks and sandals, and sun screened over the bare patches. I checked the tents and laced them up and locked up the premises and with my sandwiches and fruit for Lunch set off for the beach. I stopped at the Caravan site shop and bought a new umbrella as a sunshade and a copy of THE TIMES . I walked North along the outer limits of the Nature Reserve just inside the fence for about a mile. Some of the way behind an elderly couple intent on the same destination, but who paused and went back and later came along the beach. I went on and on through lots of flowers and grasses. It seemed a long way and at places was steep but skirting a dune and going down a sandy hollow I came to the beach.
I passed a small number of family groups, using wind breaks. A man walked past pushing a bike, and a young couple passed.
I found myself a ledge about 25 feet up and flattened. I made camp there. and left my bag, and watch in a safe place behind a hunk of grass. I slid down the sandy dune on my bum and walked a couple of hundred yards to the receding waters edge where I paddled in the sea, and sat in it, it was pleasantly cool on a warm afternoon and very clear and clean.
I then returned to my ledge and sunbathed for a but, read THE TIMES, and had my picnic lunch,
I climbed the dunes and made my way back South East across them passing through areas of just drifting sands, areas of scrub and moss, area of small stunted trees and bushes, and area of multi coloured wild flowers. It was so quiet and peaceful and there were many rabbit burrows, until I reached the gate out of the Reserve and walked back to camp stopping for a Cornetto on the way. I then secured the tents that were flapping in the breeze especially Tent 5 that looked as if it would cave in. Then I had a shower and dressed my foot where a blister was beginning.
Kathy and Rachel returned about 3pm. We had a cup of tea or a soft drink and chatted and told them where I had been. They took it well enough though Rachel seemed a little surprised. Then I tidied up my case and my tent and as the wind was getting up put my BB Top over my shirt. I updated the Day Book Register. Some boys had chalked up and displayed a notice “Rachel Muir loves Tom Beare” she wiped it clean and put up a chalked notice saying “ Rachel Muir loves everyone at BB!”
About 5.45pm the Festiniogg group returned and had enjoyed a nice picnic lunch halfway up a mountain. The Gorge Climbers returned full of tales of pools and waterfalls, of beauty and daring.
One pool being too deep to touch the bottom. Matt had hurt his hand and had to have it in a sling. and Richard had hurt a nail, but otherwise they were all largely unscathed but a bit tired and bruised. They then all had showers. I changed to red shirt, BB top, and Glengarry cap.
We had Dinner of beef pie, or chicken pie, roast potatoes , veg, with plenty of second helpings. Followed by orange or cherry mousse . Some boys expectations of what they could eat exceeded their ability to do so. Apparently they had not had their picnic lunch until after they had completed gorge walking. They were hungry then but too full for Dinner.
I called people up to be served for the first course by Bingo names, and for the second course using a list with Queen’s men on the top. followed by Presidents men and holders of the Junior Gold badge etc. Throughout the day as on most days Phil Jones proved to be an excellent bugler, for all the various bugle calls.
The C.O. called in the tent commanders and Ansley to have a private pep talk about conduct and being responsible.
We then had a tidying up session and returned to the chapel for Simon’s next session. DO AS YOU WANT TO BE DONE TO. Walk the walk and talk the talk.
He spoke about going the extra mile, and turning the other cheek.
He told us that if a Jew was struck on one cheek, to strike the other his assailant would have to turn round and hit him with the back of his hand as they could only use their right hand and the left hand was only used for one purpose to wipe their bum with. For an assailant to do that was regarded as demeaning and humiliating. We were told that a Roman soldier could compel a Jew to carry his pack a mile, but could not compel him to go another mile and if he tried the soldier could be taken out of the line and flogged.
The instruction that if you were robbed of your shirt then give him your tunic was made almost like a joke, for most people only had 2 pieces of clothing, and if they gave both they would be naked. And this would cause the robber embarrassment and shame. And he would shout “No, No”. We were asked to consider how we could treat somebody better this week.
After prayers some adults went to the Inn to watch football but were not impressed by the lack of respect and courtesy. Various groups played CHEAT at cards and we had our cocoa, We got the boys in their tents by 10.20pm Later AWT caught in the beam of his torch two Seniors out of their tent making for the wall opposite the inn, and discouraged them.
Andy Willett was in tears, he could not pay the £17 for the trip up the mountain. All he reckoned he’d got was £5, as his parents being on holiday had not left much money with him.
I said “Not to worry as I would pay for him”. Later Rachel M, AWT and I sorted it out that as he had not otherwise yet benefited in entertainment from what he paid as camp fees he would be paid for from that, and for fishing next day. After that he cheered up. We had staff prayers and left Geoff on night duty. I retreated to the loo until about 12.30 revising Thought for the Day and Staff Prayers tomorrow,