The 2nd Windsor InterNational Guide & Scout Jamboree

On this page you will find information adapted from the camp handbook about WINGS '98 and also information about my experiences working on the Australia base and with 72^nd Reading at this event. You can scroll down and browse the entire document, or click on the links to go directly to a particular section.

 
In the grounds of Windsor Great Park from
 
31^st July - 7^th August 1993
and
1^st - 8^th August 1998
 
Guides and Scouts from many nations camped together for friendship and fun.

The colours of the camps were chosen to represent:

Green for nature and the environment

Blue for the Sky and Oceans

for peace, light and love

Let's congregate in '98

May we extend a warm welcome to you all on behalf of Berkshire Guiding and Scouting. We are delighted that you have all come here to be with us in Windsor Great Park at WINGS '98.

WINGS '98 is a great opportunity to participate in an activity packed week alongside people from all over the world. Above all it enables you to meet and camp with other young folk like yourselves who want the best out of life and a World of Peace. We hope you will make new friendships, whether they be with participants from other countries, or within your local group. Make the most of every minute of every day, because we don't get opportunities like this very often, and there is so much that we can gain from participating fully in all that is going on.

We are sure that WINGS '98 will be an exciting and succesful event, and we hope that you will return home with memories which you will keep forever.

Not only is it a privilege to welcome you to WINGS '98 but also to the Royal County of Berkshire. In fact it's the only Royal County so we are all extremely proud of it. For a small County (about 2100 square kilometres) it contains a variety of industry ranging from agricultural and local crafts to heavy engineering.

The River Thames runs right through the County. At the centre, on the banks of the Thames, is Reading, the County town, which has been in existence since 800 AD. Some of Reading's more unusual claims to fame are that Jane Austen was a school pupil there (before she wrote "Pride and Prejudice" of course); Oscar Wilde wrote his "Ballad of Reading Gaol" while inside it; and King Henry I is buried within the grounds of its Abbey.

Nowadays Reading has a University, a theatre, a popular shopping centre and a successful football team.

But there is no doubt that Windsor, which is also situated on the Thames, is the County's main tourist attraction. Home to the British monarchy for more than 900 years, Windsor Castle dominates the town and over 1.2 million visitors a year, from both home and abroad, enter its gates to visit the Royal apartments and many of its other treasures. Every April, the national Queen's Scouts parade takes place in the Quadrangle prior to a service in St. George's Chapel and in the summer the Knights of the Garter assemble before the sovereign in the same chapel. The restoration work, required after the fire in 1992, has been completed and Windosr's castle is complete once again.

Despite the fact that a stag is shown on our County badge, the horse plays an important part in Berkshire too. In the west of the County are the Lambourne downs with their racehourse training stables. Close to them is Newbury which, with its race-course, provides regular entertainment for horse-lovers everywhere. However the most famous racecourse of all is Ascot where thousands attend Royal Ascot Week each June. Some come to see the Royal family, some to see the latest fashions (especially the hats), but most come to have a 'flutter' at the Sport of Kings.

So why does our County badge have a Stag and an Oak tree? Well, it's taken from the crest of our County arms and shows, standing together on an ermined crown, "a stag at gaze in front of a hollow oak tree leaved". The crown reflects the connections with royalty and the tree represents the great Oak forest that once stretched from Hampshire to beyond Maidenhead where hogs, boar, and red deer were hunted for Sport by Kings, barons and Lords.

We hope you enjoy your stay with us in our Royal County and maybe one day you'll return, but until then take a little bit of us back home with you... in your hearts.

Let's congregate in ninety-eight, we know the date, so don't be late.
WINGS at Windsor is the place to be, just like it was in ninety-three.
There's lot's to do and games to play, new friends to make along the way.
Fun, challenge and adventure too, the best for me as well as you.

Chorus:
Come on, we're here, let's celebrate
And when we're asked we'll say "it's great!"
Come on, we're here, let's celebrate
And when we're asked we'll say that it's great.
Raise your voices, join in and say
W-I-N-G-S you're O-K!

We've travelled from both far and near, we're glad we came that's very clear.
Scout/Guide power is the way to be, when you're in our world-wide family.
We'll leave our mark upon the world, our flag of peace has been unfurled.
And it's up to us to put in place, the future of the Human race.

Chorus x2

A competition was held to name the avenues which split the camping area into quarters and surrounded the main Arena. This closing date was 31^st March and 154 ideas were submitted in total. The winners were:

Sub-Camp Holland Sub-Camp Leader: HELEN PRICE Sub-Camp Deputy: ANDREW PRICE International Guides & Scouts from: Australia, Ireland, Malta, Norway and Tanzania. Guides from: Barnsley, Belvedere, Bracknell, Easthampstead, Fleet, Knaphill, North Walsham, Oakley, Shinfield, and Woodley. Scouts from: Britwell, Dagenham, Langley, Maidenhead, Orpington, Purley, Stamford, and Wokingham.

Sub-Camp Caribbean Subcamp Leader: JAMIE MacDONALD Subcamp Deputy: JANE HILLS International Guides & Scouts from: Finland, Japan, Norway and Scotland. Guides from: Binfield, Dedworth, Hartley Whitney, Loddon District, Old Windsor, Warfield, Winersh and Wokingham. Scouts from: Maidenhead and Cox Green, Owlsmoor, Richmond, Sandhurst, Sebastians, Sandford, and Woodley.

Sub-Camp Egypt Subcamp Leader: ANDY HODGSON Subcamp Deputy: JANE HODGSON International Guides & Scouts from: Belgium, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Wales, and Zambia. Guides from: Abingdon, Bagshot, Baughurst, Leigh, and Owlsmoor. Scouts from: Reading, Shinfield, Sonning, Wash Common, Windsor, Woodley, and Wootton Bassett.

Sub-Camp Mexico Subcamp Leader: CHRISTINE FRANCIS Subcamp Deputy: JACK FRANCIS International Guides & Scouts from: Italy and Uganda. Guides from: Bournemouth, Broadstone, Finchampstead, Knowl Hill & Waltham, Lightwater, Pinkneys Green, Sandhurst, and Whitby. Scouts from: Ascot, Burghfield, Cranwell, Clayton Brook, Reading, and Wokingham.

Sub-Camp Thailand Subcamp Leader: ANGELA FOOT Subcamp Deputy: PAT SPENCE International Guides & Scouts from: Bahrain, Germany, Maldives, Malta, Scotland, and Sweden. Guides from: Calder Valley Division, Fleet & Farnborough, Larkhill, Newbury, Sanderstead, Taplow, and Windsor. Scouts from: Burnham & Hitcham, Crowthorne, St. James, Wargrave & Ewell, and West Drayton.

Sub-Camp Spain Subcamp Leader: ROGER BROOKBANK Subcamp Deputy: JANE HAWTHORNE International Guides & Scouts from: Ireland, Norway, Scotland, USA, and Wales. Guides from: Datchet, Langley, Reading, Saltash, Slough, and Valley Division. Scouts from: Berks Jamboree Unit, Bracknell, Bramshill, Bournemouth, Farnborough, Reading, Saltash, and Wokingham.

Sub-Camp Greece Subcamp Leader: GRAHAM WHITEHOUSE Subcamp Deputy: GARTH JACKSON International Guides & Scouts from: Ghana, Spain, and USA in Germany. Guides from: Camberley, Easthampstead, Garforth, Sandhurst, Thornhill & Beckermet, Vale of Mowbray, and Writtle. Scouts from: Bemerton, Bracknell, Boyne Hill, Crowthorne, Langford, Sunningdale, Writtle, Woodley, and Woosehill.

Sub-Camp Kenya Subcamp Leader: BOB MORRIS Subcamp Deputy: SHANE GLEESON International Guides & Scouts from: Austria and Sri Lanka. Guides from: Britwell, Caversham, Crowthorne, Earley, Emmbrook, Foxley District, Hungerford District, Lower Earley, Priory, and Wokingham. Scouts from: Armstrong, Ascot, Cippenham, Crowthorne, Gainsborough, Inkpen & Kintbury, Slough, and Wexham.

Activities Centre

The Activities Center was open for programme information, swapping of tickets and leader bookings and any other queries to do with activities. Tickets could only be swapped one day in advance. Campers were asked to return any valid, unwanted tickets to the Activities Centre.

Info Centre

Info Centre staff answered campers' enquiries or problems.

The Concorde Welcome Centre

There was a real welcome to be found here, with display and information of the local area of Windsor and Maidenhead. Items on display from each area/country represented at the camp made this a colourful place to visit. Visitros could have a browse, a chat, a coffee or coke, find a friendly ear or just enjoy some peace and quiet.

The Chapel

The Chapel was located at the Activities Centre. Campers could go along for a quiet chat or just a peaceful rest. Times of services were advertised at the Chapel and at the Activities Centre.

The Market Place

Whether you were buying or just browsing you were welcome here. Stalls open included:

• WINGS Souvenirs and gifts - to take home for you, your friends and relations. Everything from pencils and postcards to badges and bugs at reasonable prices. Campers were advised to make an early visit to avoid disappointment because stocks were limited!!
• WINGS designer clothing - Order forms were available from the souvenir and gift shop for WINGS 'T'-Shirts and Sweatshirts which had to be returned by Tuesday for delivery before the end of the camp.
• The Scout and Guide Shop - offered many UK publications as well as some basic camp equipment and Guide/Scout hardware, badges and outfits.
• Tuck Shop - A variety of yummy goodies at prices to suit all pockets.
• The What-I-Forgot-Shop - For all of those things you might have forgotten to squeeze into your rucksac

Film Developing Service

In front of the Market Place was a booth where film processing was available daily and 35mm films and disposable cameras could be purchased. A camp video was made and you could place your order here, also a professional photographer was taking photographs of the camp.

The POP-INN

This was open throughout the day for a cool drink and a lazy chat. Campers could meet up with friends old and new and plan their meeting time for the evenings. Some of the evening activities, including disco and karaoke, took place here. The Pop-Inn purchased several picnic tables for customers to use during the camp. At the end of the camp they were sold off for £30 each.

Cotswold Camping (the outdoor people)

Open Saturday to Wednesday, near the Pop-Inn, displays included different types of tents, rucksacs, sleeping bags, walking boots, canoes and lots of accessories for the outdoor person! Staff offered to demonstrate the differences between products and how to enjoy outdoor pursuits on a budget!

Air Circus

Kites, diabolos, boomerangs, yo-yos and juggling balls were on sale at prices to suit all pockets including the millionaire...

Competitions

Many of the retail outlets were running competitions during the week.

Hippos' Wallow

A bar which was available in the evenings for adults over 18 only.

Something Delicious

Sweet and savoury crepes for your delectation.

Pete's Donuts

Fresh doughnuts - mmmmmmm!

Hollandse Frites Kraam

Chips, burgers and other more exotic fast food!

Bureau de Change

Available betweem 13:00 - 14:00 and 19:00 - 19:00 Sunday to Friday at the Info Centre

Phones

Pay phones (cash & cards) were available on site. Phone cards could be purchased from the Info Centre.

Radio WINGS

Radio WINGS was transmiting on medium wave (1503) and was on the air from 7am until 11pm each day. If you were a budding disc jockey or programme presenter you could have already booked a place to take part. Two people per session were needed to help present programmes, campers were asked to call at the Activities Centre if they were interested and had not already booked.

Food

Food was issued from the Food Distribution Centre "Freddie Frankfurter's Flat" (FFF) to Sub-Camps on a daily basis. It was available for collection from Sub-Camps' HQ at times designated by the Sub-Camp leaders. A swap shop for unopened non-perishable food operated from 16:30 - 17:30 in FFF. Freezer blocks could be re-frozen if they were brought (named) to FFF anytime between 08:00 and 23:00.

Fuel

A full range of gas cylinders including Calor Gas and Camping Gaz and liquid fules such as petrol and meths were available. Fuel could be purchased at the Info Centre for collection from the Quartermaster's Store. Usual exchanges were available as well as "free loans" of cylinders for international visitors.

Every Scout and Guide attending WINGS '98 was issued with a green activities book listing all the available activities. There was not enough time for everyone to do all the activities so campers had to chose which ones they wanted to do before the camp. Choices were confirmed by the issuing of coloured tickets. Every activity session was allocated a unique colour and the tickets for each session matched this colour. Tickets were only valid for that particular session.

Whole Day Activities

There are a number of whole day activities. These include trips to London and the countries England, Canada and South Africa (see activities booklet for details). Remember to check the time and place of departure carefully and arrive in good time for your trip. Don't forget your packed lunch!

Half Day Activities

These operate in both the morning and afternoon activity slots each day. They include the countries Japan, India, Russia, Nepal, Scotland & Wales, Ireland, Channel Islands, Mediterranean, Pacific Isles, Brazil, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, USA (east coast), USA (west coast), Indonesia and South America. Also the trips to Windsor are on a half-day basis. Make sure you are at your activity promptly so that you can fit everything in!

Leaders' Special Additions

In the evening there will be a number of special events for Leaders in addition to the normal day activities. Please call at the Activities Centre for details and bookings. You will need to book your places at least one day in advance and tickets will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Activity Programme for the Under Tens

There is a specific programme for the under tens as shown below. You will meet at the Activity Centre at 09:15 and at 13:45. All your activities are located on the main site. Full details are given in your insert to the green activities booklet.

	Morning	Afternoon
Sunday	India	Japan
Monday	USA East	Ireland
Tuesday	With the main camp
Wednesday	New Zealand	Australia
Thursday	Pacific	Mediterranean
Friday	Brazil	Russia

Day Camp Programme

Saturday 1st August	Arrival - 20:00 to 14:30. Activities for early arrivals - please see pink sheets handed out on your arrival.
Sunday 2nd August	Rolling activities programme based on colour ticket system. "Acts of Worship" for details see your Sub-Camp notice board
Monday 3rd August	Rolling activities programme based on colour ticket system.
Tuesday 4th August	Morning activity for all on camp - The WINGS Challenge! For teams of 16-20. Sub-Camp leaders have red books to issue on Monday evening. Afternoon - Sub-Camp activities.
Wednesday 5th August	Rolling activities programme based on colour ticket system.
Thursday 6th August	Rolling activities programme based on colour ticket system.
Friday 7th August	Rolling activities programme based on colour ticket system.
Saturday 8th August	Depart - 10:00 to 14:30

Evening Camp Programme

Saturday 1st August	19:00 19:30 20:15 - 22:30 20:30 - 22:30 20:45 21:15	Opening Ceremony, Main Arena Films, USA and New Zealand Disco, Main Arena Fairground Drop out Zone Films, USA and New Zealand
Sunday 2nd August	19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 21:00 21:15 21:15	Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand Live Band, Main Arena Circus Animal Rescue, Australia Disco, Pop-Inn Drop out Zone Live band, Main Arena Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand
Monday 3rd August	19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 21:15 21:15	Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand Circus Animal Rescue, Australia Karaoke, Pop-Inn Main Band, Main Arena Small Band, Japan Morris Dancing, Main Street Tea Testing, Sri Lanka Drop out Zone Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand
Tuesday 4th August	19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 21:00 21:15 21:15	Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand Animal Rescue, Australia Disco, Pop-Inn Magic Show, Australia Line & Barn Dancing, Main Arena Drop out Zone Magic Show, Australia Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand
Wednesday 5th August	19:30 19:30 19:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 20:00 21:00 21:15 21:15	Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand Punch and Judy, Main Street Circus Greek Dancing, Greece Mexican Mystery, Mexico Animal Rescue, Australia Karaoke, Pop-Inn Drop out Zone Punch and Judy, Main Street Fairground Films, USA and New Zealand
Thursday 6th August	19:30 19:30 - 21:30 20:00 20:00 20:00 21:15 21:30 22:00 - 23:00	Fairground Talent Competition Finals, Main Arena Circus Drop out Zone Animal Rescue, Australia Fairground Cinemas, USA and New Zealand Campfire, Main Arena
Friday 7th August	19:00 19:00 19:30 19:30 21:00 22:00 22:00 22:00	Cinemas, USA and New Zealand Animal Rescue, Australia Circus Fairground Closing Ceremony, Main Arena Disco, Main Arena Street Parties Fairground

Top Bods

Camp Leader	- Marion Heath
Deputy Camp Leader	- Andy Williamson
Deputy Camp Leader	- Hazel Brookbank
Secretary	- Margaret Archer
Treasurer	- Mike Green
Support/Registrations	- Mary Harwood

Activity People

Activities Director	- Bob Robinson
Deputy Activities Director	- Sarah Thomas
Administration	- Jean Lovejoy
Ticket Exchange	- Ken Buckland
Transport	- Dave Carpenter
Headquarters	- Martin Payne
Radio WINGS	- Nick Hook
Daytime Activities
Africa	- Mike Lovejoy
Australia	- Bob Spokes
Brazil	- Kevin Cottirell
Canada	- Sue Rush & Steve Finch
Channel Islands	- Martin Payne
England	- Margaret Bearne
Europe	- Ewan Evans
India	- Betty Scurry
Ireland	- Judith Heatheridge
Japan	- Rupert Snape
Mediterranean	- Martin Payne
Nepal	- Duncan Rowe and BASIC
New Zealand	- Jim Goddard
Pacific	- Jim Webster
Russia	- Cathy Valentine
South Africa	- Reg Hook
South America	- Ted Gaulsden
USA	- Malcolm Fillingham
Wales	- Trefor Bark
Windsor	- Martin Payne
WINGS Challenge	- Malcolm Fillingham
Evening Activities
Hilary Merrit and Richard Haycock
Links Scheme	- Roy & Joan Walker

Site Services

Site Services	- Ian Aitken
Tuck Shop	- Jane Peacock
Scout Shop	- Denis Boothman
Souvenir Shop	- Gaye Sumner
What-I-Forgot-Shop	- Raymond Blakey
Photo Shop	- Janet Dennis
Pop-Inn	- Chris Gillham
Power	- Neil Mayston
Transport (on site)	- Ian Shenton
Security	- Mick Stocks
Staff Catering	- Jean Faulkner
Info Centre	- Sue Kitchener
Water & Waste	- Glynn Shefford
Medical Centre/First Aid	- SEBEV
Marquees	- Vena Gillham
QM - Equipment	- Brian Williamson
Food	- Elaine Kirby
Safety Adviser	- Ian Fleetwood
Camp Creche	- Shelley Williamson

Friendly Folk

Public Relations	- Bob Greenwood
Concorde Centre	- Jane Bingham
News Room	- Pat Gunton

Pictured (left - right)

Oliver Hunter (me), Trevor, Nick Field, Brenda, Doug Prince, Woody, Bob Spokes, Andrew George, Michael Dawes, Tim
 

Not Pictured

Ben Kennedy

Leaders

Tony Farmer & Dave Weaver
 

Scouts

Simon Hawkins, Adam Clarke, Trevor Clarke, David George, Mark Hawkins, Philip Freeman, William Field, Peter Berry, Michael Robinson, Robert Downer, Chris Keel

Read on to hear my account of the Jamboree. Click on the pictures to see the full-sized image.

Saturday 1^st August

Once I had packed my bags and loaded up the car I set off down the M1 from Northampton to arrive at the WINGS '98 site at about 4pm. Once I made it through security on the main gates I drove round to the staff carpark and rang Bob on his mobile from mine to find out where on earth he and everyone else was. He explained how to find them over at the Australia activity base on the other side of the camp: a good 10 minutes walk. When I made it to the base I saw just how hard Bob and the others had been working during the preceding week. They had constructed 'the mine': a maze constructed of scaffold and thick black plastic sheeting held on with over 1000 cable ties as well as erecting the marquee and setting up a music system in the maze and a communications link between the control tower in the maze and the marquee (army field phones). There was still a small amount of work to be done so after Bob had introduced me to Brenda, Trevor, Tim and Woody and I had met up with Ben, Nick, Michael and Andy again I helped out for a bit tidying up the site.

After a while I decided to go over and see Dave & Tony on 72nd's site on Sub-Camp Mexico where I met the Scouts, most of whom I knew, pictured in the section above. Dave told me that Chris O'Neill (one of our ex-Scouts) was now a Venture with 89th Reading (Trogs VSU) and was on the same Sub-Camp so I went over to pay him a visit. They were in the middle of meeting but I managed to say hello before heading off back to Australia.

Dinner time was fast approaching and so we secured the site and started wandering over to the leader's dinner area. We went via the information centre to collect our staff "Welcome Packs" and ID passes. Everyone attending the camp received a "Welcome Pack" which contained the camp scarf, cookbook, handbook and badge. Campers' scarves were green whilst staff ones were blue. Scout and Guide headquarters have given permission for the badge to be worn on the uniform from the start of the camp until the end of 1998.

After dinner I went back over to the staff camping area to put up my tent for the week which I had borrowed from Bob. I got changed into full uniform and we made our over to the Main Arena for the opening ceremony. Everyone in each Sub-Camp was lined up at their entrance gate in the International Plaza waiting to process to the Main Arena. We stood on Park Lane at its junction with Courage Avenue to watch them all pass by.

Everyone had been instructed to bring and wear clothing relevant to their Sub-Camp and some people had really gone to town on their costumes. There were people in togas from Greece; a VW Beetle, sombreros and ponchos from Mexico; and pith hats and khaki shirts from Egypt. The procession was ushered into the main arena by members of the circus dressed as policemen on stilts with flashing blue lights on their hats which you can see in the photo.

The colour party brought up the rear of the procession consisting of Scouts and Guides carrying a flag of every country present at the camp. Once everyone was settled in the Main Arena there was the usual welcome to the camp and speeches followed by the raising of the flags and a small number of fireworks. It wasn't really dark enough to give the fireworks a proper chance but looking behind us there were some pretty black clouds making their way over. Luckily the rain held off until the ceremony had finished.

Immediately after the opening ceremony a disco was held on the Stage complete with smoke, lights and DJs. After only a couple of tracks the heavens opened and we all tried to fit under Doug's golfing umbrella. There wasn't really room so I dashed for cover under the sound desk tower. Unfortunately the flooring had holes in and the rain still came in as I stood with some Japanese girls shivering in their kimonos. It seemed that the best thing to do would be to make a dash for the bar which was about 150 metres away. Once we had made it inside we could see how wet everyone really was. The prices were a bit steep at the bar although the 'landlord' refused to admit this and once the rain had stopped, and we had had enough beer, we went back to Dave's for cheese and biscuits. Social visit over, we made our way quietly back to the staff camping area and bedded down for the night.

Sunday 2^nd August

As I like my bed I was shocked to be made to get up at 6.45am to have breakfast and finish setting up the Australia base with the others. We got everything ready just in time as the first set of teams were arriving and being herded into their 'pens' where Bob explained to them what they would be doing and allocated a couple of staff members to each team. This was also the first time I had heard a full explanation of what we would be doing so I was quite interested myself!

Every time the activity ran, four teams of up to 40 people had to assemble 13 two-metre sections of track using nuts, bolts and fish-plates in a straight line running towards the 'mine'. Over the track they had to build a tunnel using a mixture of bolts and lashings. At the same time they constructed an Army field telephone link using cable and poles between the start of the track and the 'mine'. Once all this was completed each team member was pushed down the track to the 'mine' on a tram. The 'mine' was a huge scaffold construction with hundreds of metres of black plastic sheeting attached to form two intricate mazes. Inside were hidden up to 30 letters per team (on sheets of coloured A4 paper in plastic sleeves) which spelled out a message relevant to the activity. Each team member picked up a letter and brought it out of the 'mine'. When the message was solved it had to be transmitted down the telephone system to the rest of the team. Once the message was confirmed by one of the activity crew a firework was set off to signify that the team had finished. Then the team had the pleasure of taking everything to pieces and setting it ready for the next team.

The first run, being just that, had its teething problems but I don't think the teams noticed as they were far too busy! During the sessions the music system blared out a mixture of Aboriginal and dance/pop music which added to the atmosphere. The winning time was a little over 2 hours and a bit longer for the last team to finish. Once the morning session was over we had free time until 2pm, however during this time we had to get lunch. Lunch was found in the staff marquee and we greatfully tucked into our food, greatful because we didn't have to cook or wash up - thanks to the cooking crew. We did notice that the plastic cups were a little small and couldn't hold enough for our thirsts. This was solved, in the short term, by taking it in turns to get a tray of cups filled with squash.

The afternoon session ran much more smoothly as we all now knew what we supposed to be doing. I was supervising a team of Guides from the USA who slashed the morning's winning time by completing the activity and clearing up in just 1½ hours. You can see them during their run in the picture on the right.

Because the bar was charging extortionate prices (in our opinion) the Ventures 'persuaded' me to drive to the off-licence so they could buy some cheaper beer. So we set off with Doug in my (now extinct) Montego Estate which had plenty of room in the boot for all our purchases (including my case of Bud). After dinner we went in the beer tent to consume mainly our own drink to the cheerfull strains of Basic's 'tuneful' singing of the sadly now customary "Who ate all the pies", "Who's the w*nk*r in the hat" and the "Yogi Bear" Song etc. etc. When the bar closed we went back to Dave's for the usual cheese & biscuits.

Monday 3^rd August

I dragged myself out of bed at 8.15am and went for breakfast. Strolled over to Australia with the other crew for the morning session. I was supervising a group of Guides from Sub-Camp Mexico on my lane. It was a bit wet but that didn't stop them enjoying themselves as you can see from the photo. One seemed to be more worried about her hair getting wet than finishing first! ;-)

After securing the base it was back over the staff mess for lunch. In the afternoon the weather picked up a bit. On the way back over to Australia we went via Dave's and had our 1st introduction to the Guide/Ranger unit next door. Our Scouts had already made friends with the Guides but this was the first time we had met them. The first I remember was seeing Laura's long legs in shorts and doing a double-take (sorry sweetie!) as she went in and out of their mess tent and then settled down, with shades on, in a chair to read a book. It wasn't long before we'd been introduced and met Angela, Wendy and Kathryn. They were all very friendly and it was a pleasure to meet them - really! Their full line up was as follows: Lightwater Rangers :- Chris Adamson (leader), Rachel Thompson (leader), Laura Cable, Wendy Morton, Kathryn Coyne & Angela Towlson; 2nd Lightwater Guides :- Michelle Hayley, & Rachel Turner.

Apparently George Purdy, the Chief Scout, visited today but I didn't see him myself. I hope he had a good tour of the site and soaked up the friendly atmosphere. At dinner the first issue of "WINGS News" (edited by Pat Gunton) printed during the camp was available. Dave and I decided that as at Ballyfin we were going to have to get some articles printed in the next issue about various members of our sections...

The evening saw the usual visit to the bar, including the lewd singing, followed by a stagger back to the tents via the toilets...

Tuesday 4^th August

Today was the Queen Mother's 98th Birthday and a card was sent from WINGS '98 signed by anyone who had made the effort to visit the Information Centre.

Today saw the "WINGS Challenge" which every Scout and Guide on the camp got involved in. Every activity base was running a different or modified version of their activities and we were no different on Australia. We laid out four parallel lines of four sections of track and each team passing through the base had to get every member from one end of the track to the other using the mine cart as quickly and safely possible. They also had the chance to go into "the mine". Whilst waiting for teams to come through we passed the time by 'surfing' on the mine carts. During the day we were visited by many hundreds of Scouts and Guides including our friends from Lightwater whom you can see in the photo.

When we weren't helping with the activity we took it turns to sit and sunbathe in the hot sun at the top of our gateway. Each day from now on seemed to be the 'hottest day so far this year' and we took advantage of this, after applying copious amounts of sun-screen of course!

What was to become the standing joke of the whole camp was starting to occur. There had been a mix-up on the food order resulting in there being about 10 lettuces per person. This meant that lettuce was served in abundance with every meal.

I wrote and submitted several articles for "WINGS News" with Dave Weaver. We discovered which Scouts were pairing off with which Guides: Michelle - Will, Rachel Turner - PeeBerry.

Straight after dinner I drove back to Reading for the night to see my (then) girlfriend. I also took Nick Field back so he could see his girlfriend (his mum was away!).

Wednesday 5^th August

Got up reasonably early to pick Nick up from Caversham and make our way back to Windsor. We made it back in good time and, after dropping our stuff off at our tents, made our way over to Australia.

Had several articles printed in "WINGS News":

Ballyfin Remembered Reading Central District say "HELLO" to everyone who attended Ballyfin in 1993, come and reintroduce yourself at the "Australia Gold Rush" activity area or 72nd Reading on Mexico Sub-Camp	Chris O'Neill (89th Trogs VSU) offers to buy all Leaders that he had the pleasure of knowing a pint in the bar on Thursday night to thank them for kindness and guidance.
Boooo... to Skippy (Michael Dawes), staff member on Australia Gold Rush, who refused to wear the kangaroo outfit. Tell him to put it on when you attend the activity!	Announcement Mr & Mrs Prescot wish to announce that their son Woody has now become a "Veggie". Congrats from all his mates on the Australian crew
A Close Shave!Nick Field (Australia) and Ben Clarkson (Security) have offered to have their hair cut for charity and donate the clippings to Andy Williamson's hair restoration fund.

Thursday 6^th August

Still under construction, but getting there Angie-babes! xxx

Friday 7^th August

Collected the new edition of "WINGS News" at dinner. This was the last issue to be printed during the camp and once again we had all our articles published:

Flush me! Staff in the Australia Activity Area were surprised to find that the toilet on their base flushes 'the other way round'!

Lettuce have one Michael Dawes (Australia) has done his bit to deplete the WINGS '98 lettuce mountain by eating his way through a whole lettuce, including the crown, as one would eat an apple.

We'll get you in the end Reading Central Leaders will be waiting for Chris O'Neill on the exit gates on Saturday with a bucket of water. There is no escape!

Saturday 8^th August

Breakfast was a slightly sad affair being the last one of the camp. A man came and took the electrics away. We took down the marquee Finished clearing up activity base. Brian Williamson kindly took away our last items of rubbish to save us carrying it for miles.

We drove from the empty site over to the remains of 72nd Reading's site where Dave's brother was helping load their kit onto the van. The Lightwater Guides & the Italians had departed and the whole site was looking empty which was rather depressing after the excitement and fun of the past week. I made my goodbyes before driving past the waving security crew out of the site and passing Woody on the way back down the road to Windsor.

The car started misbehaving almost immediately and I had to stop on the A308 before reaching the M25. I kept losing power with the engine not responding to the accelerator pedal. Then suddenly it would work again and I continued my journey. Halfway up the M1 it decided to pack up and I had to stop on the hard shoulder. I couldn't see anything wrong under the bonnet and was thinking I was going to have to call out the AA. Starting the car up again I managed to get some response and decided to try and limp home under my own steam which I finally did. At home, of course, I had to unpack and start the mountain of washing before relaxing in an armchair and thinking back over the week and the friends that I had made and the fun that we'd had.

I've since bought (several) new cars and kept in touch with several people from WINGS '98. If you were there, I hope you enjoyed yourself as much as I did.

Thanks for reading!

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Memorable phrases of the camp:
 
Not MORE f***ing lettuce again...
That's plenty bad boy init!
Safe mate init