Wednesday 4th October 2023  

Local Scouts camp at Quorn

Loughborough Echo 21st May 1943

Last Saturday morning the only noises to be heard in the park attached to Quorn House were those of any other morning – the chatter of bird and animal life.

Then in the afternoon around 3 o’clock a change began to take place. The chatter of the birds was augmented by that of youthful voices and presently tents began to appear as mushrooms in a large circle. By five o’clock the patrol leaders of practically every Scout Troop in the Loughborough and District Association were present and eager to be started on a week-end camp, which proved to be valuable training.

The Scouts had been looking forward to this week-end because they knew that at it several important things would transpire.

They knew for instance that Mr. W. J. Genese, Imperial Headquarters Field Commissioner, would be in camp and would in fact be the “Camp Chief”.

The first big event came on Saturday night, when a camp fire was attended by visitors to the many troops represented.

There were also many Guides, a few Rover Scouts and Scouters present together with a number of Civil Defence personnel from many parts of the country, who were spending a short leave from their duties at Quorn House.

Following the singing of many old favourites and camp-fire rounds besides some new ones introduced by “Uncle Bill” Genese and a couple of stunts by the Shepshed and Mountsorrel representatives, the District Commissioner, Mr. T.M.LI Walters, introduced Mr. W. A. Deakin, of Loughborough.

Mr. Deakin had said previously that having seen Lord Baden-Powell’s book – “Scouting for Boys,” he thought that every boy should read it. Although he could not provide a copy for every Scout in the district, Mr. Deakin did the next best thing and obtained about 35 copies of the book, one for each patrol in the district. When it was know that Mr. Genese would be coming to Loughborough and that a camp would be held, Mr. Deakin was asked if he would present the books there and he consented.

Thanks were extended to Mrs. Nihell-Preau for the use of the Park over the week-end.

An inspection of the camp was held on Sunday morning by the Field Commissioner and Mr. T.L. Walters, and was followed a little later by a “Scouts Own,” with some simple prayers and hymns. The lesson at the “Scouts Own” was read by A.S.M. “Squirrel” Rosser, who acted as Troup Leader, the Scout Law by Stan James, Mr. Genese talked for a while on a Scouts’ duty to God.

At Flag down, which was the official close of the camp Mr. Genese said the standard of camping was good. “The hallmark of a good Scout is good camping,” he said.

Mr. Walters had three hearty cheers for “Uncle Bill,” and said the Scouts were dismissed.

Tents were struck, fixtures and “gadgets” which had been used in the kitchens, were taken down, and it was not long before hands were being shaken all round and farewells were being given.

Submitted on: 2011-07-14 Submitted by: Christine Sibcy Artefact ID: 1309 Artefact URL: www.quornmuseum.com/display.php?id=1309 Print: View artefact in printer-friendly page or just on its own (new browser tab).