Rover SARSI: 1931 Report
Lexden, Kwa-Zulu Natal: The First Rover SARSI
2 to 6 April
Prior to the first National Indaba, the Natal Rovers had for the past 4 years been holding an annual Indaba at Lexden in Pietermaritzburg and it was these Rovers that suggested the holding of a South African Rover Scout Indaba.
The idea was well received by Rovers from the other Divisions and they soon found themselves organising the first SARSI.
Starting on the Thursday evening at 6.00 pm, the participants were able to meet and greet each other over a cup of tea. This was followed a little later by an impromptu camp fire, where the Rovers were made welcome by the camp staff.
Friday
The morning saw Rovers form a horseshoe around the flagstaff for the official opening by The Administrator of Natal, Gordon Watson.
The rest of the morning was taken up with the first discussion session.
The afternoon they set off round the city as guests of the City Council with Worlds View as their first stop. It was then on to the swimming bath and "Thence we proceeded to Christies where as guests of the Mayor and Corporation where we participated in a most delightful high tea. Amongst those present were the Mayor Councillor D C Dick and several of his colleagues. Our Host the Mayor welcomed us to the City of Maritzburg and expressed his appreciation of the good work the Rovers were doing"
Then it was back to camp for the evening session of discussions.
Saturday
The morning was taken up with more discussions, but the afternoon was a trip to Howick Falls. "The glorious weather which greeted our first day in camp prevailed again. Precisely at 2.30.pm sharp the crowd of happy Rovers gathered at the entrance to Lexden and climbed aboard the awaiting busses which were to take them on a trip to Howick Falls. The splendid views which rolled before us were indeed very inspiring and I feel sure that all will agree with me when I say that the country traversed ranks with the finest scenery in Natal.
Eventually we arrived at our destination and for the first time in their lives most of us looked upon one of the prettiest spots in the Union, unfortunately there was not quite as much water as usual but perhaps it is just as well for plenty of water means rain and rain in the Umgeni River means wet weather at "Lexden". Many enthusiasts roused enough energy to climb down to the bottom of the falls.
After light refreshments at the Howick Falls Hotel we started on the return journey to camp arriving in time for supper.
They were again honoured by the presence of the Administrator and a host of other guests for the evening Camp Fire Concert."
Sunday
On the Sunday morning there was a Rovers' Own and the speaker was the Bishop of Natal. After the Service trees were planted by representatives from each Division and the Secretary of the South Africa Scout Council and the Camp was open to visitors for the whole morning.
The official photo was taken with 111 participants - Natal 49, Midlands 1, Border 4, Griqualand 6, Western Cape 21, Transvaal 15, Rhodesia 2 and OFS 13. The afternoon was taken up with more discussions and then a debate about whether a badge should be issued commemorating the event to which the consciences was no, hence no badge!
Monday
The final day saw most of the participants heading to Durban as guests of the Durban corporation touring the City and ending up for lunch at Mitchell park as guests of the Mayor of Durban.
In the afternoon the Rovers attended the wedding of Rover Chambers as a Guard of Honour. Charmers is a GSM at Prieska and his bride a Lone Ranger and they were married in Uniform.
Then came the farewells and the journey home.
Scout Heritage 2018