Shooting

2. SCOUT TROOP

There has again been an increase in numbers this term and a fourth Patrol, the Foxes, has been formed.

As usual in the Winter Term many of the meetings have been held indoors and training for First Class tests has been mixed with games and stunts. A Field Day in October was much appreciated. Each Patrol followed a cross-country route of about eight miles and all met in mid-afternoon near K;rkham Abbey for tea and biscuits before returning by bus to York. The recruits took this opportunity of passing their firelighting and cooking tests in pleasant surroundings by the Derwent.

In the last few weeks of term the Scout Hut was given over to toymaking and though the results were not quite up to the standard set last year, the toys produced were much appreciated by the young children who received them. The term's programme was completed by a very enjoyable Camp Fire. In the Inter-Patrol Competition the Seals are leading, closely followed by the Otters and Foxes.

Plans for the Easter Hike have been made during the holidays. The party will go by train to Keswick on 15th April and will return from Windermere to York on the 22nd. This arrangement makes it possible to visit parts of the Lake District which we did not see in the last two years. (News of the Junior School Scouts will be found later in our pages.)

The term began, as usual in September, with the task of building up an VIII for matches under "Country L'fe" conditions. Four old Colours were still available, and with some promising young shots, coming on, a sound and reliable, though not brilliant, team emerged. Of the four fixtures arranged for the term, one was not completed by , our opponents, and the other three were won. Details are :- St. Peter's 596. St. Bees 581

St. Peter's 610. St. Edmund's 577. St. Peter's 628. Trent College 615.

It is doubtful whether this improvement and run of success can be maintained, for two old Colours, Wick and Bird, are leaving this term. They have both done much for the School team in the last two years, and their places will not be easy to fill. They were both re-awarded their Colours.

Another difficulty next term will be getting used to the new No. 8 rifles. We have had some practice with them, and opinions are very mixed. Their weight will be a handicap to younger and smaller boys,. 52