1^st Bodicote Scout Group.

News Letter No.62 May, 1963.

Bob-a-Job this year produced a gross total of £27.11.0. After the deduction of 5/- per head, we shall add £22.1.0 to our funds. Most boys are to be congratulated for their fine efforts, but it is a pity that the average is reduced by a few who have not really tried. As boys get to age 14 years some seem to feel too old to do a job of work unless it is organised for them. A great pity this.

St.George’s Day Parade on April 21^st was a rather damp one and resulted in a poor turnout as far as Bodicote numbers were concerned. Again, I feel that those who failed to turn out did not make the effort, but used the weather as a ready excuse. Are we Scouters failing in our persuasive powers or do we not get the full support of the Parents?

Cubs. Firstly, Hearty congratulations to Colin Pearson, Stephen Harris on gaining the Leaping Wolf. This should be the aim of every Cub before attaining Scout age. The same two boys have gained the Book Readers Badge. Simon Cramp was awarded his 1^st Star and I hope that shortly he will have "both eyes open". Nicholas Bishop now proudly wears his House Orderly Badge. Well done all of you.

On Monday last, Akela was privileged to invest Roland Bratt, Clive Fiddis and John Furnish as Cubs. We welcome these boys as full members of our movement and wish them many happy years of Cubbing and Scouting.

I am sorry to say that Margaret Powell has asked to be relieved of her A.C.M.. Business makes it difficult for her to carry on without letting us down. Thank you Margaret for your past help. You will always be welcome at Bodicote and we hope that it will not be long before you are able to resume Cubbing.

Scouts. I am sorry to be told that Brian Ash and Peter Shaw have decided to leave the Group at a time when they were becoming experienced and useful Scouts. A pleasing feature however is the joining of Richard Dodwell who was for a short time a member of Overthorpe School Group. I am certain that Richard will be a great asset to the Group.

The promotions mentioned in the April News Letter have now been confirmed with the exception of Peter Shaw, who as mentioned earlier has left us. After a series of instruction classes kindly given by Station Officer Berry at the Banbury Fire Station Colin Green, Bernard Guilford and Roger Hogben have passed their Firefighter Badge. Our thanks go to Mr.Berry for his help.

A weekend camp, Saturday noon to Sunday pm has been arranged for weekend May 11^th/12^th by kind permission of Mr.Hemmings. I hope that as many boys as possible will take this opportunity of doing some practical Scouting. Other weekend camps will be arranged if well supported. A wide range of sites is available to us almost on our doorstep.

Seniors. For reasons best known to themselves, David Ash, Ivor Phillips and Paul Parrish have decided to leave the Group. I am sorry that after spending so much effort to encourage these boys to become Queen Scouts they find no use for Scouting. It is only to be hoped that some of the seeds sown will in some measure bear fruit. The remainder of the Patrol will carry on with the addition of Bernard Sealey who goes up on Friday.

A Senior evening for the District was arranged at our H.Q. on Thursday April 25^th and organised by the Heythrop Rovers. Although the numbers were disappointing those who did attend voted it a very good evening. The next meeting will again be at our H.Q. on May 23^rd at 7.30p.m. Seniors please book this date.

A pleasing feature was the first visit of Mr.R.Beck the new D.C. We hope that he was as impressed as we were.

Dates to Book:
May 18^th           B.P.Guild Colaboree Peoples Park Banbury.
May 23^rd           All District Seniors evening Bodicote H.Q.
June 27^th          All District Scouters Meeting Bodicote H.Q.
July 13^th/14^th      District Flag Competition Heithrop College.

E.A.Davidson.
G.S.M.
51, Oxford Road,
Bodicote,
Banbury 3098.