We were all camping at Waddecar Scout Camp by invitation from Mr Loomes and were in high spirits because the “Chief Scout” George Purdy was going to be here any minute. Over the weekend we had all been working as hard as we could trying to get our camp ready, setting up towers, flag pole, tents, gateway, and kitchen, in preparation. ‘I’ (Paul PL) was really feeling the pressure, ‘because’ I had to walk round with the Chief Scout, and show him the Campsite.
When he came we were really excited because he is the highest person in Scouting, but he was more interested in what we had for breakfast, and not scary, he is Irish and wore a kilt, he likes sausages, bacon, and eggs, for breakfast but the eggs must be fried on both sides. He gave us a signed picture of himself, and also opened the history of Scouting (museum) after we had a look round and it was really good. Later we took the tents down and put everything away cleared the site and we all went home, it was a fantastic weekend! Paul.
Yes we all met the Chief Scout a once in a life time opportunity to show him what Scouts in West Lancashire can do, and Gt Eccleston being one of the Groups from Wyre chose to do just that!
George Purdy “what a nice man” he kept them all enthralled talking about the difference between a full English breakfast and an Irish breakfast explaining the quality’s of his favourite sausages and the importance of frying your egg on both sides as noted by Paul in the last paragraph, Adam told him that his dad made the sausages being a butcher, and the Chief explained you must look after this Scout (his father could prove very valuable at camp), and next time they meets Adam must bring some sausages with him, for the Chief to compare with the Irish ones. He was astonished at what we all had been able to do with our campsite in such a short time, and congratulated 1st Gt Eccleston on their recent successes, and wished us all well, and hopefully it will not be long before, he is coming to see us all, in our NEW SCOUT HEADQUARTERS
Scouts on Granada TV again and again
On 24th of September 2001 Daniel 1, Mark, Daniel 2, Ashley, and Robbie, five of our Scouts went to Waddecar Scout Camp to film some Scout activities. On arrival we started by assembling a “Bucking Bronco” we used four poles and to these we added some ropes, which we used to support the poles, we then attached a tube that was the “Bronco” to this was fastened four ropes, which we tied to the poles. When the TV crew arrived Alan talked to them about 1st Gt Eccleston Scouts and we got some big sponges so that we didn’t hurt ourselves. Once the TV crew were ready we got in place and had a go it was brilliant all of us had a go and Daniel had to turn to the camera and shout “ITS BRILL” whilst getting thrown about by the “Bronco”.
After this we got some sweets as Alan very kindly let us have anything we wanted. Before he showed us how to make an A frame, this we had to lift up and Daniel 1 had to shout “ISANT SCOUTS GREAT”. Now it was time to learn what happens with the archery equipment with Les. He showed us how he mends the arrows after they have broken; he uses super glue to attach the flights back on the shaft in a colour co-ordinated way, how interesting!
Then we had a lesson in health and safety whilst climbing, we were told about how we must always, use safety helmets, when on the climbing tower, and when abseiling, and how they must be right to our own comfort. Then we looked at harnesses and about the figure of 8 and the tightness of our straps, then Ashley turned to the camera and shouted “ITS GREAT ISN'T IT!” then we had to pack up and leave, overall we enjoyed the day, and had a superb Scouting experience. By Daniel 2.
County Backwoods
The County Backwoods was at Waddecar, and took place down by the river near, the archery range, the team was. Daniel (PL. and Fire lighter) Simon (APL and Handy Man) Adam (Food preparation) Steven (Wood collector) Marc (Wood collector) Callam (Wood collector). We all worked well as a team and did an excellent job with the food we were given, and came first beating the best teams from the County. This meant the Great Eccleston Patrol below would represent the County in the North West Regional Finals for the second time at Bowley Camp site,
County Rally
We arrived on Friday night, having struck the tents on Wednesday night, we went and watched a film in the marquee and had some chips, from the site chippe, on returning to the tents we had a brew and went to bed. Saturday having had a great night sleep, we decided to go for a walk. Then flag break was done by Christopher, we then started the competitions, they were the: Tug o’ War, Volley Ball, Sedan Chair race Heats, Assault course, Shooting, Archery, And many more.
After tea we had another film, or went to the campfire circle for campfire songs, etc, then back to the tents for sausages and a brew before bed. Sunday after flag break it was back to the final of the competitions, including, the raft race, and bake a cake competition, Daniel won this but never got the prize, as it was given to some one else. I remember very well on bills field, the ventures had put a dip you’re head in water to try and get a sweetie out, and if you did you got to dip you’re head in flour, we looked stupid as you can see below, but we all went home happy chappies. Chris.
The Auction
In all, 206 items went under the hammer and realised a fantastic £5,440. Thanks to the generosity of our excellent auctioneer, Paul Hayes - who gave us his Support, time and enthusiasm for nothing - and to Ribby Hall Village - who allowed us the use of their great facilities, again for nothing - our costs were minimal and we consequently made a profit of £5,000 on the auction which now goes towards the costs of our new Scout Headquarters. Notable items and prices at the auction: Ken Dodd's tickling stick - £35, Book signed by R2D2 - £25, Alain Prost photo - £45, S Club 7 photo- £55, Lancs. CC Cricket bat- £75, Blackpool FC ball £50, Blackpool FC shirt- £60, England Manager's jacket-£85, Margaret Thatcher photo-£65,Margaret Thatcher handwritten letter-£90,Jason Leonard Rugby Ball- £65, England Cricket Team photos £110,Sydney Olympics signed T-shirt- £100,Cold Feet clapperboard- £140, Rolf Harris drawing-£265,Richard Wilson photo-£50,One Foot in the Grave script-£110, Norman Wisdom: Photo - £80, Print No. 1 - £430, Print No. 2 - £250, Print No. 3 - £370. This has been a "one-off" for our group. Doing it has enabled us to raise money, publicise Scouting, make new friends and give the opportunity for people to own some remarkable items of memorabilia. We have also learned a lot from the experience. Thank you very much for your interest in the auction and particularly to those of you, who provided items, came down to either bid or help on the day or beforehand and helped make the event such an outstanding success. This means that the above, along with our other successful events - The Tropical Party and the Halloween Party – and generous donations received Have together raised the admirable sum of £9,000 towards the cost of our new headquarters already. However, we have an awful lot still to do before the opening ceremony and we need YOUR help!
What's NEXT?
Buy a Brick Anyone who “Buys a Brick” for the nominal amount of £10 will receive a certificate and have their name recorded on a large plaque which will be on permanent display in the new headquarters. Please don’t be shy – the more bricks you buy, the closer we get to our goal. And if you fill in a simple “gift tax” form when you buy, it makes your donation for each brick worth £12.80 to the group – an extra £2.80 for us at no extra cost to you.
