Aymestrey School Scout Camp 1961
John Chandler (1956-1961)
The 1961 camp was in many ways the best of the lot. It was very remote and we really felt as if we were on our own and fending for ourselves. It was the most beautiful campsite I can remember - and I have camped in many places, including the Arctic. I can still feel the elation that I felt as Patrol Leader of Pigeons after my patrol won the stalking competition by hiding all 6 or 7 members at the top of a huge oak or elm. We must have climbed about 60 feet up the tree and watched as the rest of the idiots wandered around unable to find us. Dan taught us how to use natural camouflage and the art of being still. Tree climbing skills were, of course, second nature to us after being let loose on the lime at school.
The fish (trout) caught in the small stream were 'tickled' - another skill that Chris Barnes taught us. It required great patience and stillness. After you spotted a trout sheltering under an overhang in the bank you had to lie down without making the slightest vibration and very, very slowly introduce your hand into the water so that you ended just touching the trout's belly. You then tickled its abdomen very gently and slowly, until you could suddenly grasp the fish and flick it out of the water over your shoulder. It really does work and the fish taste all the better for being caught this way, especially if they were gently smoked with oak shavings before being cooked.
The fish (trout) caught in the small stream were 'tickled' - another skill that Chris Barnes taught us. It required great patience and stillness. After you spotted a trout sheltering under an overhang in the bank you had to lie down without making the slightest vibration and very, very slowly introduce your hand into the water so that you ended just touching the trout's belly. You then tickled its abdomen very gently and slowly, until you could suddenly grasp the fish and flick it out of the water over your shoulder. It really does work and the fish taste all the better for being caught this way, especially if they were gently smoked with oak shavings before being cooked.