Jamboree journeys

You will see from articles on the internet that the first World Scout Jamboree took place in 1920 at Kensington Olympia and was attended by about 8,000 Scouts representing 34 nations. It was at that event that Robert Baden-Powell was elected Chief Scout of the World.

Unfortunately we are currently unable to find any records that refer to Scouts from Finchley taking part.

With exceptions for the World War years and the Iranian Revolution (1979), further Jamborees have been held approximately every four years. The number of Scouts attending has ranged up to 50,000 and the number of nations has on occasions been over 150.

Unfortunately not every Scout that wishes to do so can attend and the number allowed from each nation is agreed in advance as a percentage of the total capacity of the Jamboree. In the UK, once the number is known further decisions are made as to the allocation of places for each County and then District.

In our District another selection process then takes place to determine our representative(s). Once chosen it then becomes necessary to raise sufficient funds to cover the cost. In the past all Groups were asked to make a contribution and the Scout concerned, with help from their own Group, was expected to organise a number of fund raising events.

Below we have listed the Jamborees from 1924 and provided, where possible, the names of our representative(s), information from the archives, associated press cuttings, photographs and the memories of those who attended the events.

Please note that it is not our intention to write about the Jamboree and those readers that would like more information about them should refer to the following web site – World Scout Jamboree – Wikipedia

2^nd World Scout Jamboree: Denmark 1924

Ermelunden

Denmark hosted the 2nd World Scout Jamboree that was held between the 9th and 17th August 1924 at Ermelunden, a forest a few miles north of Copenhagen. It was attended by about 5,000 Scouts from 34 countries.

As no reference to this event can be found in the District records it is thought that the District was not officially represented. However, the following reference has been found in the 15th Finchley book ‘Our Story’ that could mean it was down to individual Groups to choose whether they were represented:

As an aside, it should perhaps be mentioned that shortly before the World Jamboree, the British Empire Exhibition was held at Wembley. To highlight the Imperial aspect of the Scout Movement a Boy Scouts Imperial Jamboree was held which brought together over 12,000 Scouts from the then Empire (which became the Commonwealth Of Nations in 1926).

There is also no record of this Jamboree in the District records or information to suggest that any Scouts from Finchley attended this event.

3^rd World Scout Jamboree: United Kingdom 1929

Arrowe Park, Birkenhead

The 1929 3rd World Scout Jamboree was billed as ‘The Coming of Age’ Jamboree. It was held at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead with about 50,000 Scouts attending. They represented 69 nations, more than double those represented at the previous Jamboree in Denmark.

Rather surprisingly, there is a minute from the District Executive meeting in January that says Finchley will take no official part in the Jamboree. However, a minute from the District Scouters meeting in April stated that Finchley would be represented by 23 Scouts from 4 Groups. This, figure was subsequently increased to 25.

It was subsequently revealed that Finchley would join forces with Hendon District and Golders Green District to send a composite Troop of 50 boys to Arrowe Park. Mr R Tuck the District Scout Master was chosen to lead the contingent but unfortunately the names of the individual Scouts that took part are not known.

Thanks to an unnamed Scout from the 6^th Finchley we have a number of photos he took while at the Jamboree, including the contingent’s camp site and some of the Scouts.

No official report followed the camp although reference to the event was made in the District’s AGM report in addition to two varying press reports in the local papers.

Finally, it is probably worth mentioning that it was during this Jamboree that the well-known portrait of The Chief Scout by David Jagger was presented to the Chief by the Scouts of the World.

4^th World Scout Jamboree: Hungary 1933

Gödöllő

The 4th World Scout Jamboree, hosted by Hungary, was held from 2nd to 13th August 1933. It was attended by nearly 26,000 Scouts, representing nearly 50 different nations and additional territories.

They encamped around the Royal Palace in the Royal Forest of Gödöllő, about 11 miles (18 kilometres) from the capital, Budapest.

At present (2024), we have been unable to find any District or Group records that mention Scouts from Finchley being in attendance.

5^th World Scout Jamboree: Netherlands 1937

Bloemendaal

Nearly 29,000 Scouts attended the 5th World Scout Jamboree in the Netherlands which took place between 31st July and 9th August 1937, with 54 countries being represented.

Unfortunately we cannot find any record that confirms that our District was officially represented. It is known though that the 15th Finchley hosted the Jamaican contingent during their journey to the camp.

It should perhaps be mentioned that the 186th North London, who later became the 2nd Friern Barnet, sent 14 members of their Troop. The attached press cutting provides details of a concert that was given by the Group to help raise the necessary funds.

6^th World Scout Jamboree: France 1947

Moisson

The 6th World Scout Jamboree, hosted by France at Moisson from the 9th to the 20th August, was the first to be held following the end of World War II. As such it was called the ‘Jamboree of Peace’.

According to some sources, the official number of attendees was just over 24,000 from 38 countries. However, from pre publicity the French were expecting substantially more, with the figure being nearer 30,000.

At a District Scouters’ meeting in December 1946 Cyril Allen, the District Commissioner announced that only 3 places had been allocated to Finchley. He was however, pleased to say that Charlie Roberts, the GSM of the 15th Finchley and Basil Pilgrim, the GSM of the 5th Finchley, had been selected to assist Mr J Levens, the Assistant District Commissioner for Muswell Hill, as leaders of the North London Troop which formed part of the London contingent. This information was subsequently relayed to the District Executive in January 1947.

At the District Scouters’ meeting in February it was reported that the number of Finchley Scouts had increased to 9. In addition to the 3 original members of the North London Troop another Scout was added. Another had also been selected to form part of the IHQ Troop and 4 more from the 3rd Finchley Sea Scouts had been chosen as members of the Sea Scout Troop. There was some concern that 4 Scouts from the same Group were going, but it was pointed out that their names had been put forward, and without any District consultation, they had all been selected by the London Sea Scout Committee.

Later in the month a report in the local paper gave the names of all the Scouts that had been chosen.

It should perhaps be mentioned that each Troop numbered 35, comprising 3 leaders and 4 patrols of 8. In all there were 10 Troops that made up the London contingent of 350. The Troops were numbered 61 – 69 but it is not currently known which numbers correspond to the Troops of which the Finchley Scouts were members.

The cost for each Scout to attend the Jamboree was initially £17, approximately £550 in today’s (2024) money. This was thought to be quite expensive but Sir John Shea, the County Commissioner for London, at a meeting with the District Executive believed that he would be able to arrange for grants that would greatly reduce the amount that each Scout would need to try and earn themselves, or be paid by the District.

As it transpired Sir John was correct; substantial grants were obtained and appear to have amounted to £6 5s per Scout.

During the District Finance Sub-Committee meeting in July there was a discussion about payment for the 4 Sea Scouts. Initially the District was reluctant to bear this cost as they claimed to have had no input into their selection, but in the end did pay ‘in order to avoid prejudicing in any way the boys concerned’.

It should also be mentioned that the Jamboree subsequently made a profit that resulted in the District receiving a refund of £1 10s per Scout.

At the Jamboree, the London contingent planned to provide entertainment which would consist of a ‘London Pageant’ and a ‘Medley’ of Scouting and Spectacular Displays, which each Troop had been rehearsing separately. On the 19th July the whole of the London contingent came together for the first time at Hyde Park for what was called the ‘Final Parade’. This was in fact the dress rehearsal for the ‘Medley’ and ‘London Pageant’ before departing for France.

In addition to Charlie Roberts being one of the leaders of the North London Troop, he and the 15th Finchley hosted the Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) contingent on their way to and from the Jamboree.

Preceding the Jamboree they spent time sightseeing and during their stop off, on the way home, they held a farewell party to thank the 15th. The 15th presented the Scouts with a clock and later the Ceylon Scouts gave their Jamboree gateway to the 15th, which can still be seen in the main hall of ‘Utopia’.

The District’s annual report for 1947 stated that there were in fact 13 Scouts / Scouters representing Finchley at the Jamboree, with the additional 2 Scouts having attended the Auxiliary Camp. Unfortunately their names are not known.

Finally, it is thought that there were a number of others from Finchley that went as visitors although, at present, we only know for certain that Wilf Hewitt and Alan Fensome of the 15^th Finchley made the journey, cycling there and back.

7^th World Scout Jamboree: Austria 1951

Bad Ischl

The 7th World Scout Jamboree was held between the 3^rdand 12^th August 1951 and was hosted by Austria at Bad Ischl in Upper Austria. The attendance was 12,884 from 61 countries of the world.

Unfortunately there are very few references to the Jamboree in the District records. The first mention is a minute from and Executive Committee meeting in January 1952 when the District Commissioner states they still have two vacancies to fill. A decision is made to take the matter to a general meeting on the 21^st February.

At that meeting it is revealed that Finchley were offered four places and two had already been allocated. There is no mention of the Scout’s names or what action, if any, will take place in respect of the other two places.

No further reference to the Jamboree can be found until after the event.

In the meantime the local paper produced a report naming the two Scouts as Patrol Leader Davies of the 2^nd Finchley and Senior Scout Dix of the 10^th Finchley. The report gave a general review of the camp and little else.

The final mention the Jamboree gets in the District records is from a general meeting held at the start of October when the District Commissioner simply states “I think you all know that out of four places offered to Finchley for the Jamboree in Austria, we were able to arrange for two scouts to go”. It does not even get a mention in the AGM report.

It is however, perhaps worth mentioning that another press report appeared later that provided the experience of Haden Blatch and David Coombes who, at the time, were representing their District of Wood Green, Southgate and Friern Barnet. They were members of the 199^th North London who later became the 3^rd Friern Barnet.

8^th World Scout Jamboree: Canada 1955

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

We are unable to find a record relating to the decision that only one Scout from Finchley would attend the 8^th World Scout Jamboree at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario in Canada, and the request for nominations.

However, at the District Executive meeting in September 1954 the cost was discussed and it was decided that as part of the fund raising effort all Groups would be asked to make a contribution. A total cost of £150 was mentioned but in the end the actual figure was £130.

The minutes from the next meeting stated that 14 Scouts had been nominated to represent the District. The record also stated that while most of the candidates were of a very high standard it was, after interview, the unanimous opinion of the panel, that William (Bill) Stevens, a Senior Scout with the 20^th Finchley, was the outstanding candidate and was thus selected.

The minutes also note how much each Group was prepared to contribute to the cost.

It was later revealed that the selection panel consisted of the District Commissioner, the ADCs and the Local Association Treasurer & Secretary. It was also mentioned that each member of the panel made their selection independently and they all chose the same lad.

Unfortunately there is no further information or report about Bill’s experience. However, it is worth mentioning that he later became a leader with the 20^th Finchley. He initially became an Assistant Cubmaster and later, when the Group merged with 1^st Finchley, an Assistant leader with the Senior Scouts.

9^th World Scout Jamboree: United Kingdom 1957

Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield

The 9 ^th World Scout Jamboree, held at Sutton Coldfield from the 1^st – 12^th August, marked dual anniversaries as it was both the 50^th anniversary of Scouting and the 100^th anniversary of the birth of Robert Baden-Powell.

It was held concurrently with the 2^nd World Scout Indaba and the 6^th World Rover Moot. Although known as the Jubilee Jamboree, to some it was also referred to as J.I.M. It is not clear as to exactly how many attended, with some reports saying there were Scouts from 82 countries and others saying 85 countries. In addition to the 31,000 plus that camped on the site it is thought that up to another 17,000 British Scouts camped on official sites within a 15 mile radius who were bussed in every day to attend the organised events.

Furthermore, with visitors being permitted every day, it was reported that a further 7,000 arrived independently or as part of a coach trip from locations all over the country.

What appears to be the only note in the District records about Finchley Scouts attending the Jamboree is a minute from the Executive meeting in November 1956. It is not known how much earlier they had been advised that 13 places had been allocated, and what steps had taken place to fill them, but at that time only 7 applications had been received.

The next item found is a short piece in the local press revealing the names of the final 13, as well as reporting that the group will be led by Trevor Hodges the Scoutmaster of the 7^th Finchley. A little later, following interviews with those selected, the paper published a little more information about each of them.

It is also known that at the Rover Moot Finchley was represented by Godfrey Salmon of the 5^th Finchley and Eric Garside the District Rover Scout Leader.

There was also plenty of coverage about the Jamaican and Liechtenstein contingents who were guests of the District/15^th Finchley and 10^th Finchley prior to them joining the camp. This has been covered elsewhere as part of the District’s history.

With the Jamboree being on ‘home soil’ the local and national newspapers gave the event plenty of coverage. One of the biggest articles though related to the heavy thunderstorms and flooding that occurred mid-way through the camp. Some dramatised the event by reporting that hundreds of Scouts had to be evacuated, whilst others gave a much more sober view and reported that no Scouts had left the camp.

Included in one of the London Evening Standard‘s regular reports was a photo of some of the London contingent. It featured David Merrick and Victor Courtice of the 20^th Finchley.

In view of Finchley’s connection with the Jamaican Scouts it is worth mentioning that the Jamboree’s daily paper provided them with plenty of coverage. Why is not known but it could have been because their calypso band was so popular.

As part of the arranged entertainment the Scouting Association promoted a week-long Gang Show, which by coincidence, was the 25^th anniversary of the show, at the Hippodrome Theatre in central Birmingham between 5^th August and 10^th August. It was led by Ralph Reader and featured a 150 strong cast from his London-based Gang Show. Buses were provided each evening to transport up to 500 campers into the city centre for the show. This is mentioned specifically as it is known that several Scouts from Finchley Groups were, from time to time, members of the cast in London. It is thought though that for this particular show only Roger Biddlecombe from the 10^th Finchley was able to make the trip.

As mentioned earlier visitors were permitted every day and it was reported that on one day there were 135,000, including 25,000 Wolf Cubs. In the 15^th Finchley book ‘Our Story’ it is reported that Charlie Roberts and Derek Warren went to the Camp. It is thought that they were probably also visitors as there is nothing to indicate that they were there in any other capacity. It is also thought that other members of their Group paid a visit but this is not recorded.

One Group from Finchley that is known to have taken full advantage of the ‘open door’ policy is the 5^th Finchley. The press report of their summer camp at Rocester, Staffordshire explained how the site was specifically chosen to enable them to factor in three separate visits. During these occasions they met up with John Garside from their Group, who was one of the Finchley contingent and Godfrey Salmon the Rover at the Moot. Additionally, Tom and Audrey Marshall, Cub Scouters with the 5^th arranged a coach trip.

Another party to visit the Jamboree was led by Cyril Allen, the District Commissioner, and a reporter from the Finchley Press. They took with them Eric Burton (Finchley Youth Officer), a group of Scouts from the 14^th Finchley and two German Scouts that were camping at Frith Grange. A brief report subsequently appeared in the press.

As the Jamboree drew to a close the Chief Scout wrote a short letter to the London Evening News:

A week later the Finchley Press published a piece, written by their Editor, saying how the Jamboree and the Jubilee events throughout the year had made a big impact on the public. It was thought that, along with making parents more interested in the Groups of which their sons are members, it might help recruit more boys and leaders.

10^th World Scout Jamboree: Philippines 1959

The District first discussed the 1959 Jamboree at the Executive Committee meeting in December 1958. They were advised that two Scouts would be selected to represent the whole of the N.W. London area at the 10^th World Scout Jamboree to be held at Mount Makiling, Los Banos, Laguna in the Philippines in July 1959.

The cost was also discussed and in January it was agree that Finchley’s contribution would be 1s 6d per Scout (later reduced to just 1 shilling) and a letter was sent to all Group Scout Masters asking them to send this to the District Treasurer as soon as possible.

Upon his return the local press published an account of his experience.

11^th World Scout Jamboree: Greece 1963

Marathon

89 countries sent a total of 11,398 members of the Movement to the 11^th World Scout Jamboree that was held between the 1^st and 11^th August 1963 in Marathon, Greece. Included in this number were John Purkiss from the 12^th Finchley and Michael Fitzjohn from the 16^th Finchley, who had been selected to represent the District, from nine nominees.

This information was released in the District Bulletin for February and quickly picked up by the local press.

The cost of sending the Scouts to Greece totalled £160 and all Groups and supporters were asked to help raise the money. A Jamboree Fund was started with an initial donation of Ten pounds and ten shillings.

In March it was announced that donations for the Jamboree had reached £57 and that a number of events were being planned to raise additional funds. In April the District Commissioner was pleased to say that there was much interest and enthusiasm within the District to raise the required sum and the dates of various fund raising events were given.

In June it was announced that the target had been achieved and a list of all the contributions was published.

Unfortunately this article is lacking in information about the Scouts actual trip as no report can currently be found in the District records or the local press.

It is worth recording that Paul Thompson was also at the Jamboree representing his District of Wood Green, Southgate and Friern Barnet. Paul was a member of the 199^th North London Group, which the following year became the 3^rd Friern Barnet.

Whilst there Paul was lucky enough to meet Sir Charles Maclean, the Chief Scout.

12^th World Scout Jamboree: USA 1967

Farragut State Park, Idaho

The first reference in the District records that relates to the 12th World Scout Jamboree was made in the District Bulletin for January 1966:

The District Commissioner said that the cost would be no more than £165 per Scout, the equivalent of about £2,600 today (2024). He was confident of sending one representative from the District but thought that if all Groups could raise between £12 and £15 two Scouts could go.

By April, 50% of the Groups had committed their support and as a result, two places for Finchley and Friern Barnet within the UK contingent had been requested.

In November the DC reported that all but three Groups had agreed to help and a month later he confirmed the exact dates that the Scouts would be away and asked the Group Scout Masters to nominate the Scouts that they thought worthy of selection.

By February 35 Scouts had been nominated and the selection process had started.

A month later the District Bulletin revealed that James Daniel, a Scout with the 1st Friern Barnet, and Rowland Jackson, a Senior Scout with the 6th Finchley, had been selected.

During May, June and July there were three District fundraising events. The District Cub Scout Leaders organised a Car Wash morning and a Dance while the District Scout Leaders arranged for a wool collection. It is not known how much these events made although later in the year it was confirmed that all the necessary funds needed had been raised.

Shortly before departure the North London Troop were given an official send-off and final inspection. They were among a total of 1,300 Scouts from the UK and more than 12,000 from over 100 countries who met together ‘For Friendship’.

Unfortunately we have not seen any reports or press cuttings to tell us about their experience.

Finally though, it is perhaps worth noting that Rowland gained his Queen’s Scout Badge later in the year and James gained his the following year.

13^th World Scout Jamboree: Japan 1971

Fujinomiya, Shizouka

14^th World Scout Jamboree: Norway 1975

Lillehammer

The 1975 Jamboree, known as Nordjamb ’75, was held at Lillehammer on the shore of Gudbrandsdalslågen (or simply Lågen), where it enters Lake Mjosa in the Gudbrandsdal valley, in Innlandet county.

Although the camp was based in Norway the five Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) were responsible for the organisation.

Just over 17,000 Scouts from over 90 countries attended and Finchley, Friern Barnet and Golders Green were fortunate to have been allocated five places. The five District representatives comprised two Scouts; Howard Hillier-Daines (1 ^st Friern Barnet) and John Stevens (1 ^st Finchley Sea Scouts) who had recently gained his Chief Scouts Award, and three Venture Scouts; David Collingwood (11 ^th Finchley) and Paul Densham & Richard Fensome (both 15 ^th Finchley).

Unfortunately we have no record as to the selection process that took place, and apart from a car wash and a bring and buy sale, organised by the 11^th Finchley, we do not know how the necessary funds were raised to pay for their participation.

Shortly before the lads set off the local press published an article that described the Jamboree as a ‘great adventure’. They also included in their article the following short comments each of the five had made:

David – ‘I am looking forward to it. Norway will be very interesting, it is not too warm and not too cold. It has got the right temperature for a jamboree.’
Paul – ‘It is a great honour to represent the District. I am looking forward to going.’
Richard – ‘At the moment the excitement hasn’t yet started. I am sure it will start a few days before we leave,’
John – ‘It will be a great adventure. I am really looking forward to it.’
Howard – ‘It will be fantastic. Seven people were nominated and two had to drop out which was lucky as we were only allocated five places.’

About a week before the actual Jamboree the party flew from Newcastle to Stockholm, Sweden, where they were met and then taken to Jönköping for a week of ‘home hospitality’.

On the 27^th July they finally set off for Lillehammer to enjoy the numerous events and activities that were on offer.

As a postscript we are pleased to report that both Paul Densham and Richard Fensome gained their Queen’s Scout badge in 1977.

The Jamboree that wasn’t: Iran 1979 (cancelled)

The 15^th World Scout Jamboree was planned to take place in Iran during July 1979 and it was announced in the March 1978 bulletin that the District would send 1 Scout from the District.

We have no record as to how many nominations were received but in the November bulletin the District Commissioner announced that Graham Hagger of the 2^nd Friern Barnet would represent the District.

There is no further mention, in the records we have, until just before Graham’s departure when it is confirmed that he will go to an International camp in New Mexico, USA as the Jamboree in Iran had been cancelled.

The following is a report that Graham has been kind enough to provide giving details of his trip.

“In 1978 I was 14 years old and a member of 2^nd Friern Barnet Scouts. In the late summer of that year I was chosen to represent the District at the World Scout Jamboree in 1979 planned to be held at Omar Khayyam Scout near Neighaboor in north-eastern Iran. The plan was for over 1000 scouts from the UK to attend the event, leaving July 13^th and returning on 29^th July. However, as the year progressed, and events unfolded in Iran, it became obvious that it wouldn’t be safe for us to attend and the Jamboree was cancelled.

As an alternative a number of International World Jamboree Year camps were organised in Australia, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. It was decided we would attend the camp in America instead.

In the months leading up to our departure a special troop representing Greater London North and Central was set up. This troop was made up of the 32 scouts and 4 leaders chosen to represent their respective Districts within the area. A number of troop meetings and weekend camps at Tolmers Scout Camp were held to allow us to get to know each other. We were split into 4 patrols of 8.

The cost of the trip was £420/boy and we were tasked with raising as much money as possible towards this cost. I can’t remember how well I did at this but do remember going to as many district events as possible and selling special badges that were produced to mark the trip.

Finally the day came and on the 13^th July 1979 we left the Islington Scout centre, having spent the night there. With our branded Braniff bright orange jackets and flight bags, we headed for Gatwick airport and a flight to Dallas Fort Worth. Not only was this my first time abroad it was my first time flying, so very exciting!

We touched down in Dallas the following day and having passed through passport and immigration control we were introduced to the host families who we would be staying with. My hosts were the Graycroft family who lived in Dartmouth Dallas. They spent the next 5 days showing me the sights and sounds of Dallas. We explored the city, went up the 50-storey tall Reunion tower with its panoramic view of the whole city. Onto a tour of the Dallas Cowboys stadium, a visit to the Dallas Scout headquarters and spent a day at Six Flags over Dallas theme park. These 5 days were my first experience of so many things, from rollercoasters, the only double loop in the US at the time, to TGI Fridays! I had an amazing time and can’t thank the Craycrofts enough for this experience.

On Thursday 18^th July we left Dallas on an overnight coach trip to Philmont Scout Ranch Cimarron, New Mexico, and the second part of the trip. Philmont is a Scout campsite of about 215 square miles of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rockies. On arrival we were assigned our tents and each patrol was paired with a Ranger who would look after us and be our guide for the first two days of the trek we were to undertake. Our ranger was John. The first day was spent exploring the base camp, meeting other scouts staying, including some from Japan and South Africa, having a team photo and being issued with our camping equipment.

The next 10 days were spent hiking a total of 52 miles along one of the Philmont trails. According to my trek record my pack weighed 30-35lbs and we started at Lover’s leap camp. Each day we would hike across the wilderness to a different camp site. Some of these sites were manned and would have activities for us to undertake. These included black powder rifle shooting, a mine tour with panning for gold, learning about trapping, mountaineering, how to do branding – our boots not animals – lassoing, and a chuck wagon meal. Each night after eating we would have to put all our food in a bag and suspend it between two trees, as high as possible, to stop any bears from taking it!

I remember two occasions we encountered bears. One resulted in a stream of boys running after it with cameras. It ended up in a tree with us at the bottom looking up. When we related this back to our ranger afterwards, we were told this was very dangerous, nothing worse than a treed bear. The other occasion was in the middle of the night when I was woken by the blast of whistles which we all had to frighten off the bears. On investigation the next day it was obvious the bear had been nosing around in our rucksacks we had left by a tree the night before. Other animals we saw included deer, porcupine antelope and snakes.

One of the highlights was completing a climb up Mount Philips at a height of 11,736 ft. At the top each patrol spelt out where they came from and the date in the white stones found at the top. We left “London 1979”. At the end of the trek we arrived back at the tent city where we’d spent the first day. The last day was spent badge swapping with other scouts, reliving our experiences and a final campfire.

The next day after our goodbyes to our ranger John and the other scouts we had met, we departed Philmont for an overnight coach trip back to Dallas, with a breakfast stop in MacDonalds, another new experience. The last day was spent sightseeing Dallas and souvenir shopping. I do remember at Dallas airport we caused a few problems, for some reason airport security wouldn’t let 32 scouts with baseball bats (the must-have souvenir) on the plane. The bats had to go in the hold but they did allow us all on with our penknives. As one security man said, “they’re Scouts, of course they’ll have penknives”. Not sure we would be today.

After another overnight flight we arrived back in the UK. A coach trip back to Islington Scout centre to meet our parents and fill them in on all our adventures.

The next few days were spent telling everyone about my trip including an interview with the local press before setting off again for the annual 2^nd Friern Barnet Summer camp. Summer 1979 was a fantastic time for me. The whole experience has stayed with me since then and so much has come flooding back while writing this. While it wasn’t the official jamboree it was meant to be, I will be forever thankful to Finchley, Friern Barnet and Golders Green Scout District for allowing me to go and experience such an amazing time and I hope the other Scouts who have been to the Jamborees that have taken place since had an equally incredible time.”

Graham later gave a report to a special District meeting but this, apparently, was poorly attended.

Five Explorer Scouts, Melanie Oberlander, Grace Brennan, Owen Francis-Burnett, Mia Francis-Burnett and Katie O’Connor were selected to represent the District at the 21 ^st World Scout Jamboree. They formed part of the Greater London North Contingent (Troop UK 031) of 36 Scouts led by Colin Batsford, Scout Leader of the 23^rd Southgate, and 3 assistants. Lucy-Jayne Roberts, an Assistant Explorer Scout Leader from Finchley, was one of those Assistants.

The Jamboree, held at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex between 27^th July and 8^th August, celebrated the Centenary of Scouting and used the slogan ‘One World, One Promise’. In addition to the 40,000 young people that camped it was attended by thousands of day visitors.

Following their selection in early 2006 the Unit embarked upon a series of team building activities and fund-raising events to cover the associated costs, with regular newsletters being issued.

Mia Francis-Burnett recalls that pre-training comprised training camps, fundraisers, team game, gate construction, pitching tents in an area the size the unit would be allotted at the Jamboree, lots of cooking and getting to know each other. She believed that despite being able to apply for grants the fund-raising was important, not just to raise money, but as a team building tool and to demonstrate commitment to the Unit.

There were two contingent camps, the first at Phasels Wood in Hertfordshire, at the start of July and the second at Stubbers Camp, an Adventure Centre in Essex, during October.

On the fund-raising side the Unit had a stall at the Scout Park Fete and raised nearly £400 from the sale of wrist bands and a competition to guess the number of balloons in a car. The Finchley representatives also ran a stall at the District Fireworks and realised over £200 through face-painting, hair braiding and the sale of glow sticks for £1.50, having obtained them for 75p.

There was a Duck Race in January that involved 1,000 rubber ducks being released into the river at Brent Cross. However, it was bag packings, on two separate occasions at Tesco Brent Cross, that raised the most – just over £4,000.

Mia also recalls a sponsored walk around HMS Belfast, a cream tea and a fashion show, as well as the amount of time she and her brother Owen spent approaching local shops and businesses for raffle prizes. They also managed to obtain the support of a local Estate Agent (Real Estates) who in one of their newsletters published details of the Jamboree and how Mia and Owen were working to raise the necessary funds to pay for the experience.

There were two other noteworthy events that took place in the lead up to Jamboree. The first was that 29 members of the Unit formed part of the nearly 300 strong column of Scouts that took part in the London New Year’s Day Parade, through the streets of the West End of London, led by the Enfield District Scout Band. It was the first time for some years that Scouts had been involved and done to specifically herald the start of the UK’s 2007 Centenary of Scouting celebrations.

The second was a special parade and dedication service at St Thomas’s C hurch in Oakwood on the 17^th June. It had been organised by Vin Fleming and the Galleon Fellowship and was also the first time that the Unit had come together in their newly issued uniforms. After the service they retired to the church hall with their parents, friends and the Mayors of Enfield, Haringey and Barnet. There were a number of other special guests present, all there to give the Unit a great send off.

A few weeks later the Unit arrived at Hylands Park, all set to enjoy what they expected to be an experience of a lifetime, and something that they would never forget.

At the Jamboree there were plenty of activities and events for the Scouts as well as the opportunity to do things they had perhaps never done before. The Unit were involved in putting on a show and a voluntary programme which involved laying plastic car park flooring and gardening. And, in addition to the opening and closing ceremonies there was a special ceremony at 8am on 1^st August, entitled ‘Scouting’s Sunrise’.

At 8am on the 1^st August 1907 Scouting’s Founder, Robert Baden-Powell blew his Kudu horn on Brownsea Island to open the world’s first Scout Camp. In addition to those at the Jamboree, all Scouts around the world were invited to gather together in groups to reaffirm their promise and mark the beginning of a new century of Scouting.

Mia has many great memories but some of the things that specifically come to mind are her Handbook and getting stickers / stamps from villages’ and countries’ stands, there being a terrific number of people there and meeting so many from different places, having meals with other Groups, cleaning portaloos and her Jambo Bear.

She also recalls the presentation she had to give to other Groups upon her return and a reunion trip to Croatia.

It is worth mentioning that Andrew and Deborah Rush (Drew & Debi) of the 6th Friern Barnet also attended the Jamboree. As far as it is known, they were the only representatives from our District that were among the 8,600 members of the International Service Team (IST), who did the essential work (much of which was behind the scenes), to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Deborah was in a team that provided Scottish-themed activities for the participants (there was a base for each of the home countries) while Andrew was a part of the Transport team, driving anything from golf buggies to lorries.

Deborah had managed to obtain a large amount of “freebies”, mainly from the Scottish Parliament. There were so many that they were delivered to her house on a pallet. She had also managed to obtain a large box of mixed tartan material offcuts, which were used at the base by the participants to create small stuffed “Nessies” to take away with them.

While at the Jamboree Deborah and Andrew took the opportunity to present to the 6th Friern Barnet a new flag of St George, as the old one had gone missing.

This was dedicated by representatives of several religions who were present at the Jamboree.

Four years later Deborah was the leader of the Greater London North contingent when the Jamboree was held in Sweden.

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