We provide fun, challenge and adventure to over 1400 young people in North Lancashire – #SkillsForLife
We provide fun, challenge and adventure to over 1400 young people in North Lancashire – #SkillsForLife

World Rover Moot, Norway

Douglas C-54 Skymaster

Lancaster Guardian 12 August 1949

SCOUTING.

AT WORLD ROVER MOOT

Notes from Norway

ROVER Scout C. G. Jepson who, with Harold Porter and David Metcalfe, is attending the Fourth World Rover Moot in Norway, has sent me two brief notes of their experiences to date.

They arrived safely during Bank Holiday week-end after a smooth flight in a Skymaster of the S.A.S. They were then conveyed with members of other contingents by coaches through undulating country, built-up areas and by coniferous woods to the second stage of their journey, Oslo. Supper was provided at the Promenade Restaurant and sleeping accommodation in a school. After a short sight-seeing tour of the city next day, the Rovers entrained for an eight-hour country run following wide flowing, thunderous rivers and a massive lake to Otta, whence there was a further coach ride to the Camp entrance. Tents were pitched and tired but happy patrols bedded down in the early hours of Tuesday, August 2nd.

Greeted Crown Prince Olaf

The same evening the Rovers lined the route to greet the Crown Prince Olaf. Then led by the British the contingents marched to the parade ground where H.R.H. speaking of the significance of these international gatherings, welcomed the assembled Rovers, and declared the Moot officially open.

Lord Rowallan, the Chief Scout was present. Subsequently the Lancastrians joined their own Crew’s camp-fire, a really enjoyable affair when a mixed grill of Scottish reels, and French, Norwegian, Swedish and English songs filled the air. The following day it was “Norway Day” and tours were arranged from the camp.

The British contingent returns to this country on Sunday.

4th Lancasters In Camp

The 4th Lancaster (Wesley) Group to the number of 32, spent a very happy and healthy Bank Holiday week under canvas at Shap Abbey, a favourite camping ground of the 4th in pre-war years. G.S.M. W. Tyson, was in charge, ably supported by Assistant Scoutmaster J. Parker and Messrs. T. Compston, J. Gregson and N. Shepherd. A.D.C. R. E. Wright was a visitor for the long week-end.

On Sunday, the Group attended afternoon service at the Shap Methodist Church and were made very welcome by the officials. The health of the campers was good and many second and first-class tests were attempted and passed. A cordial invitation from a farmer to the Group to camp there again was a fitting climax to a well conducted camp.

Awards To Sea Scouts

Recent successes gained by the 21st Lancaster Sea Scouts are King’s Scout and Bushman Thong badges by Troop-leader Kenneth Hargreaves, and First-class by Arthur Rennison, Fire-fighter badges have been awarded to M. Dootson, K. Jones, A. Gardiner, A. Renninson, D. Whittle, P. Holt, B. Bailey, B. Walker, J. Renninson, and P. Muckalt, and First-aider badges by D. Whittle, C. Holmes, and A. Renninson.

Much use has recently been made of the Group Den at Conder Green. The “Ailsa” has been in constant service at Glasson Dock, particularly by the Senior Patrol, and facilities for training have also been afforded to Sea Rangers in charge of Miss Taylor (District Commissioner).

The Scouters-in-charge of the 21st are W. Rutherford* and A. Griffies. August camp was spent at Ashness Bridge, Keswick.

The 5th (Cathedral) Sea Scouts, the 13th and 16th Lancaster troops favoured the Lake District for their August week camping; the 24th spent the week-end at Brantbeck, Ashton-with-Stodday, and the 20th (Friends) have been abroad in France.

* William Wright Rutherford, born 30 July 1900. In 1939 living at 12 St George’s Quay, Lancaster, a Labourer and  member of the Auxiliary Fire Service. Died in 1958.

A Trip To Arnside

Cubs of the 27th Lancaster Pack, accompanied by Cubmaster Miss W. Gardner and Rover F. Wilks of the 4th Lancaster Crew, have had an enjoyable day trip to Arnside.

At New Barnes Farm they joined two camping members of the Castleberg (Settle) troop of which Mr. Wilks is also Assistant Scoutmaster. After dinner games were played and on the return along the shore a competition was won by Cub David Smith who was adjudged to have found the prettiest stone. There was a raid on the ice-cream supplies of Arnside before the party left for home after a very happy day.

Parents Visit Campers

The 5th Lancaster (Cathedral) Sea Scouts report having an August “land” camp at Troutbeck, Windermere, with “shore leave” permitted in the evenings.

There was plenty to occupy the time and Visitors’ Day attracted about 50 parents and friends who were provided with tea, and there were special sports for the Scouts and the children and adults, a feature of which was a comic wrestling bout. The day concluded with a camp-fire.

Later in the week, the Senior Scouts were hiking through Troutbeck over Wansfell Pike and back to camp via Ambleside. A mascot for the week was “Toaka,” a young hare, not more than four weeks old, the discovery of one of the junior Scouts. Group Scoutmaster Bernard Toole was in charge of an exceptionally enjoyable camp and valuable assistance with the “kitchen” was given by Mr. G. Lambert. — AKELA