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Dear Keith,
I was at BGS from 63 to 1970, and on the Old Boys website saw the recent
addition of the photo of David Toon, and the story of the scout hike.
What caught my eye was the reference to Mr Hardy ADC, and subsequently the
kindly comments on the pass note. That was my Uncle Geoff, who was for many
years involved in local scouting matters, rising to be ADC. He lived in
Alexandra Road in Winshill, and was also a churchwarden at St Paul's for
years, having been brought up in Needwood Street.
Thanks for going to the trouble of salvaging these relics!
Best regards
Clive Hardy
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As you may be aware I visited Abbot Beyne School at
short notice to rescue whatever I could find, before the former Scout hut /
Army Cadet hut (known as the Frazer Building, opened 28/10/1959 in memory of
W.D. Frazer Esq, M.A, B.Sc, who Founded the 26th Burton Scouts in 1938 ) was
demolished.
Amongst the remains was an Exercise book, entitled 'First Class Hike' by
David Toon of the 26th Scouts.
This book contained the details of David's hike undertaken 7th and 8th June
1960, with his companion Ivan Reece, using Ordnance Survey Map no. 120,
route set by Mr. Hardy A.D.C. ( presumably Area District Commissioner? )
Instructions -
Proceed by any means at your disposal to Rolleston, thence on foot via
Marston-on-Dove, Hilton, Sutton-on-the Hill to Trusley, where you will
investigate " Devils Elbow" and spend the night.
Return via Hardley Hill, Mount Pleasant, Church Broughton to Hatton, where
your journey ends.
You are to explore the Countryside through which you travel, paying
particular attention to anything marked on the map, in 'Old English'
characters, as an antiquity. Investigate one village church. Mount in your
log anything in Nature which records the coming of Spring e.g. the first
flowers, tree buds or leaves etc.
The book recounts the route of total 14 and 3/4 miles, which has a very
intricate hand drawn route map, sketches of Marston-on-the-Dove Church,
Devils Elbow, Sutton-on-the-Hill Church gate, also the signature and address
of a farmers wife, a Mrs. G. Barber of Home Farm, Trusley,
Sutton-on-the-Hill ( presumably to prove that they completed the route), a
plan of the campsite and a sketch of Church Broughton Church.
The kit list includes - Scout Uniform, Rucksac, Sleeping bag, groundsheet,
Pyjamas, Mug, knife/fork/spoon, note book and pencil, 2 plates, matches,
spare socks, washing bag, tooth paste, tooth brush, soap, flannel, towel,
1/2 food, spare shorts, spare shirt.
I carried- 3 dixies and handles, 1/2 food, matches. ( what, no beer ! ).
Menu-
TEA, fried potatoes, sausages, beans, bread, cake.
SUPPER, Bread, jam, cake, cocoa.
BREAKFAST ( if it hadn't have rained ), Bacon, eggs, bread, cocoa.
The final entry in the exercise book is -
" A satisfactory journey in spite of the inclement weather - You might have
tried to get a fire going for breakfast - to start a long hike on an empty
stomach is not good for one. I recommend a very simple First Aid kit - a
couple of Aspirins and a couple of elastoplasts, will often get one out of
of trouble. Please put a scale and a compass direction on all maps. Well
done, passed, G.H.D. Hardy, ADC, 27/6/60." unquote
Why have I bothered to record this ?, well for one, it is the 100th
Anniversary of the Boy Scout Movement and makes me realise the worth of this
Movement. Secondly, it reminds me of a similar exercise that Steve Johnson
and myself undertook as part of our Duke of Edinburgh award whilst in the
Army Cadets, approx 1970, ie hike from Stapenhill to Carvers Rocks at
Formarke. Thirdly, as I live near to these villages, my curiosity has been
aroused to discover what David Toon has sketched ie 'A building that looks
like a Castle, as seen from the road'. Fourthly, my son has just transferred
from Cubs to Scouts and is now horrified at the prospect of hiking 1 and 3/4
miles, never mind 14 and 3/4 ! as part of a future D of Edinburgh scheme.
I am sure he will love it really.
Anyway, please find enclosed a photograph of Mr. David Toon taking receipt
of his exercise book. This book was found on the floor in the Scout Hut,
under Walt Chadbourne's old desk ( recently ransacked by the look of it ),
just prior to the demolition men arriving. It is in remarkable condition,
considering the dampness of the Frazer Building.
As David is an official BGS Old Boy ie a member of the
Old Boys Association, he was very quickly traced by Richard Wain, Membership
Secretary, BGS Old Boys Asscn. David Toon resides at 99 Dalebrook Road,
Winshill...........as you may recall, on the tortuous Cross Country route.
He was obviously surprised but pleased to be reunited with his adventures of
old. And another coincidence, ref. my 'What no beer' quip, on the photo
enclosed David is wearing a Burton Bridge Brewery T-shirt which is
where he works......the lucky man.
Keith
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