SCHOOL CAMP 1935-73.
Mr.
J. C. Burch, who was Headmaster from 1932 to 1948, believed strongly
that the relationship between staff and pupils would be much improved
if they could get together in the open-air life of a school camp. Accordingly,
in 1934, he appointed to his staff, two young men part of whose duties
were to assist him in running a camp in 1935, at Seatown in Dorset. There
were present at this first camp, Mr. And Mrs. Burch and family, Mr. Legrand
(who was killed on active service in the war), Mr. D. A. L. Thomas and
Mr. B. Lewis (then Old Boys at University), nine boys and myself.
The following year, with this nucleus of hardened campers, we were able
to have a mixed camp of 45 under canvas and in one field, which was then
considered very
progressive. The cost was £2 for those under 16 and £2 7s 6d. For
those over 16 including rail and bus fare and was, as now, for a fortnight. Orderly
work was frequent (sometimes every other day) and water-parades almost continuous;
everyone turned to and there grew a body of experienced campers on which the
success of these camps so much depended.
Five camps were held before the war, each about 50 to 60 strong, and by 1939
we were self-supporting and had repaid our loan from that excellent Tuck Shop
Fund which has backed so many School ventures.
After the war a new start was made under very different conditions. We were able
to hire Army tentage and boilers at a cheap rate, but fares had risen and food,
still rationed, was dearer. The cost rose to £4 (under 16) and £4.10.0
(over 16). In the 1947 party we had some 100 new to camp life, but a group of
experienced masters aided by some very hardy senior boys provided the groundwork
to start a new series.
By 1949, camp was 140 strong, but since then we have kept between 90 - 100 which
is best suited to the facilities available.
Army equipment ceased to be available in 1950 and we hired privately henceforth.
Overall rises in food prices and increased tentage charges sent the price of
a fortnight up to six guineas.
In 1954 our site ceased to be available and we moved to Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire.
There we enjoyed more shelter, but the lush meadow flooded easily with the more
generous rainfall of S. W. Wales. In 1958 the rain was so heavy that
there were streams through tents and even springs in tents. Never was there so
much mud. Near the cook-house there was a watery solution of mud and many of
us fell on our faces in it! The girls slept one night in the local drill-hall,
with Mr. and Mrs. Parfitt in charge, and the boys slept in any parts of tents
which were not awash. It was so bad that we had to come home one day early. However,
this and other hardships are part of the fun of camping.
In 1963 this site was no longer available and we moved back to Dorset, to Charmouth,
about five miles from our first site at Seatown Here we have a quick-drying site,
conveniently near shops and with a drier climate, The swimming is safe, if some
distance from the camp.
And now the time has come for me to stop camping. Way back in 1934 I had little
thought I should see thirty-one school camps, but I have enjoyed every moment
of them. Since 1937 Mr. D'Aubyn has been with us, and since the war, Mr.
and Mrs. Jones, Mr. Field and, above all, Mr. Barlow have given stalwart service.
It is perhaps fitting that Mr. Barlow should carry on the good work this year
and lead the last of Lydney Grammar School camps.
There are of course, many staff and old students who have contributed much to
the work of running these camps and to them we offer our gratitude.
As I look back, I am convinced that Mr. Burch has been more than justified and
that these camps have helped to build up the happy relationship between staff
and pupils which we have enjoyed in our school.
Let us hope that the younger staff of Whitecross School will carry on the good
work and that camping will still be part of the life of the school.
H. T. Pitt
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