What a month we’ve had! A week after the Rally we had the most successful Scout Aerocamp so far and I thought it would have been difficult to improve on the last one! Some of our regular tutors and helpers had stood down for various reasons; holidays or just wanted a change and our new recruits performed their tasks admirably in close company with the regular team.
On the Saturday evening after the days ‘work’ was over I simply had to congratulate all 24 of our Scouts on their excellent behaviour and their enthusiasm for the day’s tasks. Whilst they were assembled I announced that they would all be flying again the following day, which caused much jubilation, and we would be very lucky to have a very distinguished guest arriving on Sunday to present the awards.
Once again the weather was very kind to us and allowed the excited lads and lassies to repeat their joys of flight; an experience that will be with them all their lives. Then, above us in the overhead, we all watched the brightly painted orange and black Piper Dakota, the famous mount of aviatrix Polly Vacher, join the Belle Vue circuit. Polly was delighted to be there and was soon chatting to the youngsters and discussing with them their two days of adventures at Belle Vue. The culmination of the weekend’s badge tasks for the Scouts is the 2 presentation of badges and certificates and a few words of congratulations from the Strut and the Scout Leaders.
However this year’s bonus was hearing a short talk from Polly explaining her worldwide flying
adventures and the motivation for her fund-raising for Flying Scholarships for the Disabled.
For four years the Strut has worked with Chris Noble of the Devon Scouts in organising our Aerocamps
and we’ve sent away many a youngster with a smile from ear to ear and with some knowledge of
aviation which will stay with them, perhaps for life. So when Polly offered a local flight in her record
breaking aircraft it was a pleasure to be able to strap Chris in, as a “thank you” for all his efforts. He
was tickled pink to be Polly Vacher’s co-pilot. A note here; behind every successful man there is an
even harder working lady and Chris’s wife Sharon is not only part of his strength but also the backbone
of our camp’s organisation and head of domestic skills and catering. So a special thanks to all the Aerocamp team and Scouters, with a very special thank you to Polly for being the jewel in our crown of success.
Stay safe and have lots of fun.
All the best, Pete White
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