Alfriston Cycle Camp – the Big Sausage Weekend
A great weekend’s cycling! Ash, Malcolmsorryalan (Alan), Ivor and Tintin (David) headed off to Alfriston, near Eastbourne, with Nandesh, Lewis, Matthew, Aaron, Devash, Joel and Kieran. We got to the Services outside Brighton and picked up Robin, before continuing to Alfriston, arriving around 9pm. We quickly set up our rooms and spent a little while going over the route with the Scouts. Whilst the Scouts we still excited – the leaders had a frustrating night due to a school party in the next room.
Next morning we had breakfast then set off. The route took us up onto the Downs before heading down to the sea, then along and back to the centre. The route was about 15miles – but it was hard work, with many of the Scouts having to push their bikes up the hills (due to a combination of small wheels, not many gears, knowlegde on how to use the gears or just not being strong enough). It should be noted that one or two of the leaders also had a few problems. During the cycle we also had a few punctures!
When we got back we invested Devash. Ash had brought the 8th Harrow flag with him, so stuck it into his pannier. Unfortunately he forgot that he had put the flag in his bag, and tried to get off his bicycle, but his leg got caught and he fell over!
After investing Devash, we returned to the hostel to cook the tea, repair the punctures and recover from the day! The school party was a lot quieter this night….
Sunday we got up and had a shorter cycle - whilst the hills still caused a few problems, generally the energy levels were a little higher (but then yesterday was a very tiring day!). On returning to the hostel, we loaded the bikes and started to head home… via the Long Man of Wilmington – a huge chalk figure.
The drive home was very pleasant, and the boys were quite quiet in the back of the bus!
Why the Big Sausage weekend? We had hot dogs for supper on Friday; sausages for breakfast Saturday; sausage and mash for dinner Sunday and sausages again on Sunday!!
My thanks to the Scouts for their company – and to Ivor, Alan and Ash for organising the weekend.
Artists Badge
The Troop Leaders are considering getting T-Shirts for Summer camp to be worn as a smart alternative to uniform when we go off site. It is hoped that the design can be simply amended each year for other camps. At a recent meeting it was suggested that YOU may be able to help us by suggesting a design that you would like to wear.
As with all competitions, there are rules – these are below – but provided that we feel that you met the rules you could be awarded the Artists Badge.
The deadline for all entries will be Friday June 6th.
Competition Rules.
1. The design should identify that the wearer is from the 19th AND 8th/12th Harrow Scouts.
2. The design should be smart enough that the final T-shirt could be worn as a smart alternative to Scout Uniform.
3. The design CAN make use of the Scout Logo – but CAN NOT make use of any other existing commercial images – either directly or indirectly (so Cartman in a Scout Uniform is not allowed)
4. The received design can be either in A4 size of as a “breast pocket” design (approximately 10cm square, or 5 inches square)
5. The artwork must be received as a final design – “rough draft” or “concept” images are not allowed. However, you can supply notes about the design separately (e.g. if the T-shirt is of a particular colour, or whether it is suitable for embroidery)
6. The artwork should be a clear, uncomplicated design and should reflect that time, thought and research has been given to the design.
7. Submissions can be received as a hard copy piece of art or in digital form (Note: Digital images should be in JPG or GIF format. Images over 1MB in size should not just be mailed in as many email servers won’t cope.)
8. The final design for the T-shirt may incorporate elements from the art submitted for this competition.
9. The final submission should be the work of the Scout.
10. Entries received after Friday 6th will not be eligible for this competition – and Scouts will need to complete the normal requirements to obtain the Artists badge.
11. Scouts are not limited to single entries of design work; however if the work is of a suitable standard they will only be presented with one Artists badge.
12. These rules will also be published on http://19harrow.wordpress.com
A Story in 26 parts – Q
Quizzically Albert sat up. His head felt sore – and he knew that he wasn’t in the court anymore. He slowly looked round – and saw Merlin. Merlin raised his finger to lips to ask that Albert didn’t say anything. Arthur signed to Merlin “What’s going on?”
Merlin replied (also through signage) “We’ve been captured by someone. Wait – a guard is coming past”
The splash sound of wet sandals on watery sand flopped past.
“That’s good” said Merlin aloud. “It will give us a few moments before he comes back”
“Who? What? Where are we?” enquired Albert.
“I had a feeling this would happen. As soon as the court was created, Aquanaut spies crept into the court. Now they have captured me, they will expect that Rashmir, Bernice and a few others with try and find us. They will capture them and hold them to ransom. “
“But surely Arthur will stop them” said Albert
“Err no” said a voice from the dark corner of the cell. An aquanaut soldier drew himself up to full height. “Arthur’s strength is legendry – but we know about his loyalty and chivalry too. He would not attack us if he knew your lives were at stake – and also Bernice and the Kalphite woman as well. Oh – and Merlin – this cell is built with an enchantment spell that you designed yourself to hold wizards so that they could not escape.”
“The Control cell? But that was never built!” exclaimed Merlin.
“Try” said the Aquanaut “The construction, the lining, the embedded herbs, plants and tree roots will stop any spell that you may try. Oh – we also added some additional herbs that means that within these walls any injuries you sustain will affect you like a mortal. You are at our mercy now.”
Merlin sank to the floor. “The aquanaut tells the truth. I’ve just tried a couple of spells and they’ve not worked, Might as well sit here…. He Albert, would you like some whisky?” Saying that Merlin brought out a small hipflask and presented it to Albert. Albert raised it to his lips – then fell to the floor, convulsing and twitching…. Then laid still.
“What’s up with him?” said the Aquanaut
“Oh he’s totally allergic to whisky. If you don’t do something quickly he’ll die. I’m guessing your job is to ensure that neither of come to harm…. So the ball’s in your court, fish-face!” And with that Merlin took a long drink from the hipflask.
The Aquanaut ran to the cell door and started banging and yelling loudly
“Cell 4! Cell 4! Assistance Needed Cell 4! Cell 4!!”
David, Michael, Bernice and Rashmir strode towards the door.
“Hang on” called Arthur “Lets not be in a hurry…”
“But – Merlin, Albert – they’ve been captured” said the green-skinned creature.
“Yes they have… but there’s something not right. The Spartanites are still sat here. I would have expected something else. You – David – excuse my distrust, but you turn up and our friends disappear. If nothing else, you have to admit it’s all a little strange…”
“… plus a little whiffy” said Michael. Bernice and Rashmir looked at Michael. “Look!” said Michael “His clothes? He’s trying to look upclass and noble and not from round here… but everyone knows that the fashion outside this small kingdom has moved to a more casual look – and ‘nobody’ wears those boots these days. I think the last time I saw those were about 15 years ago… and I know retro isn’t back yet. Also – they seem to have some water damage to them….”
Michael was interrupted as David drew his sword.
Bernice drew her dagger, Bernice drew her sword – but Arthur was already leaping across the court bench. David raised his sword and parried Arthurs sweep. One or two of the Spartanites reached for their swords, but Rashmir leaped over the benches and very quickly slashed the belts from the soldiers, causing the swords to clatter to the floor. “Don’t try it” she menaced. The soldiers sat down.
David and Arthur dodged each others precision sword movements, not needing to stop the sword slashes with their own swords. David made a sweeping curve with his sword, but Arthur was quicker and with a dextrous flick of the broadsword (not an easy task) flicked the lighter sword away. They watched the sword arch through the air – then land in the end of a sandal of a Spartanite soldier. Smorga yelped in pain “that’s caught my stubbed toe! Watch what you’re doing over there!”
Arthur grabbed David and held the sword across his throat. “Spill the trap” he said…..
A Story in 26 parts – P
“Please – let’s have some quiet…. where’s Merlin? Where’s Arthur” Cried Rashmir.
“You – Apple-under-the-orchard – what have you done with them?”
“Me?” David replied “Nothing – honest!”
“Actually” piped up Michael from the back (glad I introduced him earlier – frog) “I think I may be able to help. That smell – it’s funny but my neighbour next door gives off the same odour. I thought it was some kind of favourite food that they had – you know these Spartanites, they do like their fish – but this was more… well, garlicy. It had a certain ‘gach!’ at the back of the throat – you know?” At that point Michael made a coughing and gagging show. Rashmir looked at Bernice, and both girls turned and giggled. “Anyway, I meant to say something. This weather plays havoc with my arias – I sing you know, mostly musical numbers, but… any hoo… last week it was the strangest thing. I noticed that the doors of the hut were open and so were the windows – oh, the smell, it was dreadful! Anyway, I was going to do some dusting, but the smell was really too much, so I went to go and have a word, when Mr Baggins happened by. I always say good morning to Mr Baggins and so I turned and said ‘good morning Mr Baggins’ and he saw me and said..”
“Shut up you blithering idiot and get to the point”. Arthur was looking stern.
“No, silly. Mr Baggins said ‘and good morning to you’. And I said ‘isnt it a nice day’ and Mr Baggins said..”
“ONCE MORE AND I WILL HURT YOU VERY BADLY. GET TO THE POINT”
“Oh, grief and heavens to Betsy! I was just about to… just about to carry on my conversation when my neighbour came flying out of the window – and landed in my Petunias! I mean, they had only just come in to flower – oh they did look pretty, so nice at this time of… oh you are so rude. Put down that sword – it looks sharp and might hurt someone. Anyway, he quickly picked himself up and started to run off. a big voice boomed out “WE NEED MERLIN AND ALBERT NOW” – actually deeper than yours!”
“DId you see the person behind the voice?” Asked Bernice.
“No I didn’t. Mr Baggins had started to talk to me about the rude man and how he’d damaged my flowers – Mr Baggins said he liked Petunias. Do you like Petunias, dear?”
Rashmir felt her hackles rising. “I AM A KALPHITE QUEEN. I AM NOT A DEAR. YOU ARE A WASTE OF SPACE – AND A DISGRACE TO YOUR UNIFORM.” With that, she turned and winked at Bernice. Michael on the hand just stood there, realising exactly how useless he’d been. But then, he thought, I didn’t want to be here anyway.
Bernice, Rashmir and Arthur left the Court. Sir David trailed after them. Just as they stepped outside, Aragog and Ernisto stoppped them. “Where you going? Court’s not over yet?”
“Yup” said Arthur “but without a judge, nothing’s happening. We’ve heard our tales, and with the exception of Ernisto, I think we’re all on the same side. I don’t know about you, but I’ve unburdened myself from years of torment. I know I still have to pay for what I’ve done – but why don’t we find Merlin and let his wisdom present me with suitable pennance”
Aragog thought for a moment.
“Yes Arthur. Let’s pause for a while. We know that each of us has to prove themselves trustworthy – but Merlin is our mentor and guide – let’s find him and allow his wisdom to be passed to us. You three will never cover the ground that I can – and I could use additional eyes. Sit on my back and we can search the lands”
Ernisto sneered “You stupid fools! You will never find them – and I’m not waiting for Merlin to punish me – I’m off!”
Rashmir reached into her bag and pulled out a small linen bag. “Ernisto – you’re not going anywhere. Behold – I have dragon breath within me” – and with that she blew across the top of the bag. The dust sparkled as it blew across Ernistos face. Ernisto coughed – then froze.
“Dragon breath?!” exclaimed Arargog “You have dragon breath? The powder that freezes dragons breath and renders them immobile for 1,000 years?!”
“Don’t worry” calmed Rashmir “the man that gave me this made me promise I would only use it for good. When we find Merlin I will entrust it to him and make it safe. Now fly – I don’t think we have much time left…”
Route Planning
In preparation for our cycle camp, we focused this time on the route plan itself.
Starting with a simple route, Patrols were asked to write down the route that would take them round the block. As well as the grid reference, we also introduced bearings. For those that had them, the new “flash cards” proved useful as reminders. For the Scouts I was working with we started from 4 figure grid, before more moving to 6 – and in one case 8!
After the route had been written down, we then went to walk it for real. We found that the Garmin GPS units weren’t so hot in a very built up area – and that it’s accuracy meant that either side of the street block gave us the same grid reference. Whilst this provided some frustration in regard to the exercise – it did allow us to show that relying just on these items isn’t a good idea – and why.
My team got back to base quickly where they met up with the other members of their patrol – and we took them to MacDonalds for their Patrol prize (they had managed to win the patrol competition for two terms – so this was their incentive. I hope it will focus the others on what’s available).
A good evening, finished well.
A Story in 26 parts – O
“Okay – let that be a lesson to you all. Please, let’s just get on with an ordered court – can we? Once we’re done we can get some lunch.”
A general murmur of agreement went round the hall. Michael wondered if there would be cucumber sandwiches – he did like those, especially with the crusts cut off… (sorry, it’s near lunch and I’m hungry too. Frog)
“Now you – the one with the feather. I will deal with you when the time is right – which will be after Arthur has told his tale. Being someone who is immortal, it’s important that we get them to get on with it – otherwise we’ll be here for forever”. The knight nodded his head… the green skinned one just wondered what this “lunch” thing was.
“Arthur. Please tell your tale. Not the whole thing – just why Aragog has such a dislike for you.”
Arthur walked round the stone bench, his sword slowly dragged across the rough surface to emphasise that he really was not going to let go of his sword.
“My tale only goes back a few hundred years. Shortly after I had left Merlin’s training camp as a qualified Magician I saught employ with King Dyffedd of the Hills. Dyffedd was a good man, but could be easily hoodwinked by those who sat by his side. From my time with Merlin I had learned to read Auras so could quickly identify those who saught Dyffedds power for personal gain. I identified some of these people to the king, but his eyes and judgement had been clouded by these men – and they turned Dyffedd against me. As a “punishment” they set me a challenge.
“”If you are as wise and clever as you say you are” said the advisers “you should be able to retrieve the golden chalice that is held by the Dragon of Erinmore” They knew that this would be certainly result in my death – for popular heresay had told tales of knights seeking their fortunes, only to be killed by the Dragon”.
Merlin interrupted. “The dragon – is this Aragog?”
Arthur replied,
“Yes sir. I left the king’s side – but before I did I cast a protection spell to protect the King so that no mortal harm could come to the king by another man until I returned. I then walked out from the castle walls. I slept by the crystal lakes, using the fir tree branches as bedding and walked during the day until I finally arrived at the cave entrance. All around the entrance were the remains of bodies that I had assumed were the knights. I waited for days until I was certain that I could plan my entrance to the cave. Of course, my size was always going to be an issue – I’m not a small person. Anyway, when the sun reached the hottest part of the day – when dragons sleep the most soundest – I crept into the cave. My eyes quickly adapted to the dark, and I could see Aragog… more importantly, I could see the chalice. As I crept forward to pick up the item Aragog opened one eye and saw me. Although groggy, Aragog raised himself up and breathed fire all about.”
“You stole the Chalice!” Cried Aragog “My chalice! Mine!”
“Aragog, I have done a great many things I am not proud of. I had intended to return the chalice after the challenge – the kings councillors had said nothing about keeping it. However, the fire burned my face and my skin, so I ran from the cave and dived straight into the crystal waters. What I did not know at the time was that Dragon’s breath contains a great many crystals – and these had burned into my skin – including Tourmaline. When I dived into the crystal clear lake the cool waters had caused my skin to rapidly contract with the cold – and the Tourmaline had set into my skin. This is why I now have a blue appearance.”
“So what happened to MY Chalice?” Said Aragog. “You just said you were going to return it!”
“I returned to the King and presented him with the Chalice. His advisers called me a trickster a cheat and many other things. They said that I could not have stolen the chalice and lived. In front of my face, they broke the Chalice into 2 pieces – as the chalice split it disappeared into dust. They all knew at that point that I had not lied – and that King Dyffedd knew if I hadn’t lied about this, then I would not have lied about them either. If you recall I set a spell to protect the King until I returned. They knew that – and whilst one adviser distracted me the other took my sword and swiftly beheaded the King. I could bear this no more. I dealt immediate revenge on the advisers – save one, who I cast a truth spell so that all would know what had happened. I then left the castle, never to return.
“So that’s my tale. That’s why Aragog is rightly angry with me – and Aragog, why I was unable to meet my promise, something that has haunted me for years. Merlin, you are wise – what is it for me?”
Merlin stroked his beard.
“I think I can make a decision – but first I want to hear from the knight. Sir – please engage the court with your tale”
The knight stood and turned to the court….
[CONTRIBUTORS: What is the knights tale?]
Bicycle Maintenance
With our cycle weekend only a few weeks away, we asked the Scouts to bring their bikes down so we could check their roadworthiness and make sure that everything was appropriately sized. We had three bases:
1. Tyre repairs – where the scouts practised replacing an inner tube
2. seat and handlebar height – where we explained the heights that the bars and seats should be – and adapted them where we needed to
3. Brakes and general maintenance – where we talked about the different types of brakes, the importance of ensuring the brakes work correctly, repair kits and bicycle maintenance books.
We had also hoped to take the Scouts from the winning patrol to MacDonalds as their prize; however when we got to Scouts the church youth group said that they had leftover party food – and did we want it; not a difficult choice, so we’ve had to reschedule…..
Map and Compass
The first meeting back from the half term and it was nice to see so many Scouts in attendance. We started the evening with a navigational version of “Captain’s Calling” using compass points instead of the usual nautical version. It was fun to see the confusion on Scouts faces when I called “North-South-West”!!
For the evening itself, rather than have bases and move the Scouts round, we stayed in the same groups – and progressed through the maps.
The first “base” consisted of Scouts detailing how to get from one point to another using a Road Atlas.
The second “Base” consisted of a similar activity, but instead using a 1:50,000 map. We also discussed the differences between the two maps, which was easier to use – and what information could be read on the map.
We then played a navigational story. When the reader gets to a navigational item (for example MILESTONE) the patrol then chooses the symbol from a set of cards laid out on the table – and runs to the other end of the hall and presents it to the receiving leader, who marks “right or wrong” (the same leader that has been working with Scouts during the bases). The Scouts can’t change their mind, or swap the cards. The cards were copies of the Ordnance Survey “flash” cards showing the symbols.
The third “Base” started with a quick review of the symbols – and in particular which were right or wrong… and how they could learn from this. Finally, the Scouts were asked to describe a route from a 1:25,000 map – including contours etc.
It made a change to our normal map reading evening as we didn’t touch on grid references at all – except to show the Scouts that a grid reference on a 1:50,000 map would identify the same location on a 1:25,000 map. What we were able to focus on was the richness of detail that can be found on a map – and so why there are so useful.
A Story in 26 parts – N
“NOW STAND STILL”
The voice of Merlin rang round the Hall. Everybody froze.
“RETURN TO YOUR SEATS. NOW”
Merlin stood, his body shaking with anger.
“You asked me to conduct this court – and that’s what I will do. As soon as anyone starts anything, my justice from now on will be swift and sure – and most probably Fatal. Ernisto – you learned from me, as did Albert and Arthur – however even at your strongest you will never beat me in magic. Just don’t try. I have lived more years than the standing stones of Stonehenge, and have seen more seasons than the Great Woods of Sartogos.”
“What I cannot explain is how one hooded person has become two – a skeleton and a dragon – both one and at the same time”
Rashmir raised her hand.
“Approach, Rashmir” said Merlin.
“Merlin and council. I don’t believe that the issue is that the one body has become two – I have seen this happen many times before. When the Spartanites first approached us they had a single form – it makes them seem less dangerous – but they can quickly split and become two. Rolisa said her day began in Chaos – and I think she meant it. Ernisto used the power of Chaos to absorb himself into Rolisa’s body – but the power of his magic quickly drained the body and left the skeleton that you see here.”
Ernisto sneered. “But there’s nothing you can do now…. I have drained her of everything. She is now nothing.”
Merlin raised his hand – and all fell silent.
“I will make my first judgement now. Rolisa – you have been caught up in something that you could not understand or comprehend. Whilst Ernisto has drained you of some power I can feel that there is still enough left that I can work with. Please stand in the centre of the hall.”
Rolisa walked carefully to the centre. Suddenly a blue swirling mist drew round the skeleton, slowly engulfing it. Then like a raised curtain it dropped to the ground – and she was gone. All the Spartanites sat on the benches around the hall murmured (and one or two quietly clapped).
“What’s happened to her?” asked Aragog.
“She’s back with her family Aragog. She played no part in your crimes. Ernisto however…. Ernisto, you have explained your part in all this. I have now heard from Aragog and Ernisto. I now need to hear from Arthur. Arthur – stand up and explain yourself.”
Arthur rose to his feet. He looked across at Aragog, and then slowly at Ernisto. The two dragons by the side of Ernisto hissed, then withdrew to the benches behind. The Spartanites moved up to let them sit down.
With a very slow, deliberate movement, Arthur drew his broadsword – and laid it upon the bench in front of him.
“We will not have more fighting in this court” said Merlin
“Aye Merlin” agreed Arthur “however my fighting master told me that whilst we work for peace we must be prepared for war. Having seen what has happened here – even knowing the powers I have and you have – I do not trust the two dragons beside me. With your permission, I will leave my sword here to recognise that I do not mean harm, but that I do not trust the peace of the court to remain.”
“These are warriors words” said Merlin “and I will acknowledge them. Within the peace of this court – please recount your tale.”
Arthur cleared his throat – and his voice rang out as he started to tell his story…….
