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Scout Meeting

1945 , Colchester (Essex)

Cat no. 23

Details of an Essex Scout meeting, 1945

This is a film of the Essex County Scout Skip Ell at St. Helena's School, Colchester. The opening shots are of a signpost at the junction of the A1091and the A414. This shows the towns from where the Scout leaders and scouts came.The film shows the opening ceremony and the hoisting of the Union flag and then Major R. Magor addresses the Skip Ell. Then various groups are shown in the open air holding discussions and doing exercises. Major Magor and John Sweet pose for the camera. There are Sea Scouts present as well as Girl Guides. Sometimes, most notably at meal times, the two mix, but they seem to be kept apart as much as possible. Dr. Somervell is seen with Major Magor and John Sweet. Dr. Somervell then addresses the meeting. The Scouts are shown doing lassoo exercises and Bill Genese showed the Scouts how to light fires by friction. Interior shots show an exhibition followed by a shot of the catering marquee. Bill Genese is signing autographs. The striking of the flag and final speeches follow.

Featured Buildings

St. Helena's School, Colchester

Featured Events

A Skip Ell, a meeting of Patrol Leaders and Scout Leaders, Colchester, 1945

Background Information

Skip Ell was a term used to describe a meeting of Patrol Leaders and Scout Leaders. Scoutmasters were called The Skipper. Patrol leaders were known as Pipelles. This represents the origin of the term. This meeting was organised by John Sweet, who invented the term, in the grounds of St. Helena's School, Sheepen Road. Major Magor was County Commissioner for Essex during the war period. John Sweet was a Field Commissioner, a salaried post, serving the counties of Essex, Cambridgeshire and Essex. Bill Genese was a Field Commissioner from Middlesex. Dr. Somervell became famous for two expeditions he took part in on mount Everest. Together with a fellow climber he reached a height of 28,000 feet.

Manifestations

Scout Meeting

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