Shooting

We were very pleased to welcome Mr. Montgomery into the Troop

1this term. His help has been invaluable, particularly in the training of Tenderfeet and subsequently in preparing them for Second Class tests. We are most grateful also for the very willing co-operation of 1 four Senior Scouts (Bygate, Coulson, Marsden, and J. M. Smith) who have regularly turned up at Troop meetings to assist in the training programme.

This year the demand for places in the Troop exceeded the agreed maximum of twenty-eight, so that we are in the strong position of having a short waiting list to fill any vacancies later on. Nearly half this number have remained from last year and all but one of these attended last summer's camp in the Lake District. This is a firm foundation for any troop, to which were added ten Second Class

Scouts from St. Olave's and outside troops, plus six Tenderfeet. The four new Patrols, led by Beckett, Hardman, Harrison, and R. A. B.

Wood, have all settled down amicably, so this promises to be a good year.

The training programme has proceeded steadily throughout the term despite the 'flu epidemic. We hope that all Second Class Scouts will attain First Class status by the summer and that the remainder will not be far behind. So far half the required tests have been passed but the First Class Journey is usually left until the Summer Term.

The training has been diversified with two wide games and other more light-hearted activities, including an aural observation test on a taperecorder conducted by Mr. Coulthard.

In November we were honoured by an official visit from Mr.

Blake, I.H.Q. Field Commissioner for the North Riding. He inspected and addressed the Troop, and spent the rest of the afternoon watching a patrol competition with evident approval. At the end of term we joined the Senior Scouts for the customary camp fire. The Summer

Camp will take place from Tuesday, 29th July, to Wednesday, 6th

August, and it is hoped that parents will be able to arrange for all members of the Troop to attend.

The shooting this term has taken on a slightly different pattern, as, with the assistance of Mr. Craine, it has been possible to cater for more boys. List A, last year's open range shots together with a few experienced miniature range shots, numbered 32, while List B, consisting mainly of newcomers, many of them distinctly on the young side, has numbered over 50.

List A falls rather sharply into two groups : the first VIII and those on the fringe of it; and those whose main interest lies in .303. Some of these are very promising, and should get all the .22 practice 43