Owing to exams, etc., meetings this month have been somewhat spasmodic, however two or three meetings which were nearly cancelled were taken by Linda Bunch, one of the Patrol Leaders. The first one, with Mrs. Casey very kindly present to see that all went well, was held in Bushy Park, and was attended by a tall dark gentleman . . in his official capacity as a policeman. Fearing for the safety of the park in the hands of eighteen Guides he questioned the reason for their presence but being satisfied with the answers he received he allowed the meeting to continue.

As for normal, meetings (if any Guide meeting could be called “normal! “) Mrs. Greenhaigh is visiting us at frequent intervals to teach First Aid.

So if any Parishioner wants to help the Guides - perhaps a severed artery - or merely a faint? - it would be good practice!Seriously, if there is anyone who has a particular knowledge or talent which could be taught in sessions of half to one hour, in either one, or a series of evenings that would be useful to Guides, please contact me - it’s not all knots and camping. The Cadet we hoped would come and help is slowly, very slowly. becoming a reality, or rather a possibility! I hope to have more definite news on this subject for next month’s report.

It was pleasing to notice that the District Church Parade, held at St. James’s Church this year, was very well attended by 1st Hampton Hill Guides, all of whom were wearing uniform, which was as neat, tidy and correct as it has ever been.

The hike on Wednesday, 13th June, (perhaps it was the date) was very badly attended. However, the three of us enjoyed our stroll over Fetcham Downs, along the bottom of Box Hill, and over White Hill, on which we sat, removing the bark from some neatly sawn birch logs, to use as “punk” on future occasions. “Punk “ is the name given to the dry, easily lightable substance used to set a fire alight. No, we do not use paper . . . well, at least, not when anybody’s looking! The part of the First Class syllabus dealing with the reading of a map, and the finding of North, by the sun, was thoroughly learned on this hike. The fact that we originally planned to go to Leith Hill was nothing to do with the innacuracies of the ordnance survey map, or of the map reading!

To conclude, the Company congratulate Gloria Lansley, Carolyn Wigginton and Susan Beck on becoming Patrol Seconds. We hope they will continue to be a credit to the Company.

Source: The Spire Magazine - 1962 July