I AM given to understand that this year is the 100th anniversary of the forming of the Scout movement. I myself was fortunate enough to be selected from Mawgan Scout group, along with three others, to attend the World Jamboree in Holland in 1936.
What an eye opener for us local boys; the travel, visiting Amsterdam, cheese factories and the scene at railway crossings with all the cyclists involved in the morning rush hour, literally hundreds at each crossing. A trip by boat, steamer, up the Zuider Zee - what an experience! Meeting all the scouts of other nations, boxing with the Germans and the weather was beautiful for the whole fortnight. Being fortunate enough to be duty cook on the day we were visited by an Earl, scout of course.
The last night when the whole camp assembled for the campfire, which was honoured by the presence of Princess Juliana, then Holland's Queen-in-waiting. The journey back to Dover was very rough. Altogether unforgettable.
My scouting came to an end in 1939 when I was called to His Majesty's army. I was then, at 20 years, assistant scoutmaster of Mawgan, Helston, group. Mr Seymour Cook, Rosevear, Mawgan, told me he attended the 1928 World Jamboree at Birkenhead. I expect he has vivid memories. Seymour is now coming up to 95!
N Truscott, MBE, Mawgan, Helston
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