2nd August 1957
SCOUT JAMBOREE

When you read this, H.R.H. Duke of Gloucester will, before 35,000 Scouts, have declared open the 1957 Jamboree. Amongst those present were six local boys who will, for 12 days, experience a camp with a difference. I wonder what tales and experiences they will relate when they return home?

To be sure, they will let thousands of Scouts know exactly where Pontefract is on the map. One of the lightest sidelines they will enjoy will be the occasions when they will invite Scouts from other countries to tea and will act as hosts to them. I hope they don’t try and coax a Scout from Italy or Africa to have a slice of Pontefract cake with jam! I remember the Scottish Scout who at a previous Jamboree got a good swap for an acorn; he convinced an American Scout that it was an hedgehog’s egg!

Food, both variety and quantity, will of course be a big item during the Jamboree. Ten tons of food each day will be devoured on the camp. It has been assessed that if all the sausages (barbecued banger’s to Scouts) to be consumed by the boys were placed end to end they would stretch from Folkestone to Boulogne.

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