Dib Dib Dib
June 2, 2008 in Guest Posts
I assume, as I have found no evidence to the contrary, that the BGS Scout Troop has long since been “decommissioned”, or whatever the term is. I have been racking my brain, trying to piece together my patchy and probably suspect memories of my times as a “dob, dob, dobber”. Please feel free to add to or correct any of my ramblings!
It must have been around 1969 that I was sworn-in. Buzz Burrell (Biology?) was the Scout Master assisted by another teacher whose name escapes me. There were a couple of “ranger scouts”, one of which I remember as Mark Absolum. I have vague memories of canoes being hung from the ceiling in the scout room, which was located off the corridor behind the stage end of the main hall. I was a member and eventually “seconder” of “Kestrel Patrol” which was lead by David (Chootch) Nunn but I am struggling to remember who else was in our gang.
Mr Minton (Chippy) became the next and most unlikely Scout Leader, looking like Charles Hawtrey on a bad day. The daily sight of him in his guise as Spanish teacher had taught me to see past the collection of sticking plasters that he always sported on his chiselled face. He was the only man I know that used to shave himself while cutting! But to see him in his knee length shorts took visual comedy to another level. This intrepid leader managed to hold the troop together, and was still doing so in his unique style when I left in circa 1973.
I recall taking part in at least two camping expeditions, one near Dover and the other at Godmersham where I finally found out why there were canoes stored in the scout room. I believe it was at Godmersham that Steve (Josh) Jones had an awful accident in which he was seriously scalded with boiling water and had to be rushed to Canterbury hospital.
Can anyone remember the incident at camp when Chippy wanted us all to go on a hike, but because no one wanted to join him, he went on his own? Whilst he was away, someone noticed that his car (a dark blue singer vogue estate, I think) was unlocked. With the hand brake off we pushed his car out of the campsite and along country lanes, eventually parking it in a lay-by “miles away”. On his return, his reaction was quite disarming, although it was not the first time we had seen him cry!
I am not sure how relevant scouting is today but I have noticed that there are now girls included. There wasn’t even a badge for that in my day! I don’t know if kids are even allowed to walk around with 6 inch bowie knives these days! My time in the BGS Scout Troop is one of the few good memories that I took from the school and I look forward to reading yours.
Stewart Jarrett
Dr Nigel Dickson said on June 6, 2008
Fantastic recollection Stewart – what devils we were as adolescents – I thought Keith Minton’s nickname was “Catwessel” like the TV character popular on children’s TV in 1970′s? If I recollect Mr Minton hated the nickname – but nearly 40 years on doesn’t really seem such a bad nickname – there were much worse and less affectionate ones for other teachers!
andy murton said on June 7, 2008
Stewart was correct – Mr Minton was Chippy.
Catweazle was Mr Smith the economics and history teacher. he enjoyed re arranging the room. i/e throwing desks around. Catweazle also liked walking and writing books. Chippie Minton was the spanish teacher – nice bloke but couldn’t handle kids. Another unusual guy was the music & english teacher Sebacious ( Sebastian) Smyth who loved Josh Jones’ horror stories. Must have been the Atomic Rooster era. I remember music lessons being like Josh Jones desert island discs. Not sure which of them was the madder ( says he typing one handed under the straight jacket). PS I never had any detentions from the above teachers!
Carl Monk said on June 10, 2008
The BGS Scout Troop was long gone before I arrived (unlike Mr Smith), however I was very active in Scouting (I am now, just not in Sitt). If you want more information I could dig up some old contacts in the area and see if anyone has any recollections.
As for Scouting being ‘relevant’ these days… I suggest you take a wander round the Scout . We celebrated our centenary on 1st Aug last year and had our biggest growth in years…. oh and there are Scouts in over 150 countries now
Stewart Jarrett said on June 15, 2008
I am more than pleased that the scout movement is still alive and thriving, Thanks for directing me to the link.
Whilst I am yet to benefit from the practical skills that I aquired during my scouting years, the social and moral values that were promoted and instilled remain pertinent.
Phil Goldacre said on July 13, 2008
I certainly remember helping to build a 2 seater canoe and launching it at Tonge Mill. I believe I was one of the test paddlers after many hours of waterproofing and painting the canvas blue and red during scout meetings.