Scouts camp out in Belgium

The party was in the charge of GSL Cecil Watson and SL Sammy Malcolm assisted by Raymond McLeod and acting ASL John Neill.

Not wishing to lug equipment across the continent the group hired tents and materials from the Belgium Scout Authority.

It proved to be the best equipped scout excursion ever. The boys lapped up the luxury in huge ex-Belgian Army tents that were totally water-proof.

Bruges was the perfect host for the group, a beautiful old city with many canals criss-crossing it and many more colourful flower beds.

Transport proved problematic as Belgian buses and trains stopped doing half fare for children over 10 years old.

Everyone had to pay 5s-4d. Cabbages were 4s each, a cup of tea 2s and a pound of butter 14s.

Great hilarity was had at the Belgian toilets. They were there in a variety of guises. Ladies and gentleman didn't mind sharing the same one and this some what shocked the party.

The group also travelled to Brussels and took part in the independence Day celebrations which climaxed with an impressive fly-past.

The group also ventured across the border into Holland where they sampled the hospitality of old ladies in traditional Dutch costume.

They also saw a farmers procession with gaily decorated farm carts led by a band of marching men all wearing Orange sashes.

At the end of the 11 day trip everyone agreed the decision to go continental had been a good one.

On the final day all the scouts took part in a sports competition, John Neill and Gary Kennedy were named overall champions in the senior and junior sections.