Western Cape Jamborees: 1975 Report
Gilcape: Jambo Join-in Jamboree
"Heh, pal" would you like to swop your Italian scarf for my Japanese one?" Two young boys from different homes and Troops across the Penin¬sula yet caught up in the Gilcape Jamboree fever. - "Wait, here comes John Potter peddling a display case full of special sub-camp flags and badges - must get one for my campfire blanket."
Yes, visitors to Gilcape on Saturday, 4th October 1975, would have been met with a hubbub of excitement as some 650 Scouts and Scouters gathered for a special Jambo Join-In camp held in conjunction with NORDJAMB year. Tents and gateways of all shapes, sizes and colours gaily bedecked the camp. The kick-off was at 2.30 p.m. when a very impressive opening ceremony was held. Scouts marched on to the main field in Contingents and a very colourful flag raising ceremony started the event. A Flame of Understanding was kindled, an opening address given by Cyril Hardy, Chairman of the Gilcape Management Committee, and fourteen pigeons were released to fly back, symbolically, to past Jamborees; the 15th was sent off Iran to inform them of the next World Jamboree. With Divisional Commissioner, Colin Inglis, "twisting away" to the 14th Jamboree song, the camp was officially declared open.
The afternoon passed with sports events such as archery, commando course, soccer, to name a few, laid on for the boys. Our guest of honour was Roger Lick of Cape Town City who controlled several of the soccer games. Also during the afternoon, we were thrilled to have our very popular and hardworking Divisional Chairman, Mr Clifford Harris, in camp with us.
The fair in the evening held under a full display of coloured lights (only George Fisher could have laid on such a grand effort) could only be dubbed a FUNFAIR - seldom has so much fun been had by so many in such a short time. Some 30 sideshows of skill, luck, chance, call it what you like, amused everyone. When Impie Bryant started a winning streak on the rugby ball tossing contest using GARETH EDWARDS passes, the cheers reached a crescendo. And what of the lad who spent an evening with his head through a plastic sheet whilst everyone hurled wet rags at him - some said what courage, but his face depicted the mood of the evening - a grin of sheer enjoyment.
Sleep did come to some, but Norman Osburn was dragged from his sleeping bag to tend a midnight scorpion bite (Did you see the number of scorpion bites at Paarl the following week?)
Breakfast in the Italian sub-camp had to be seen to be believed, but nevertheless they were ready in time for the Scouts' Own Service. With updated hymn tunes and a most impressive yarn by Impie Bryant everyone returned to their sub camps filled with an inner joy and desire to try harder in our daily Scouting lives. No Jamboree would be complete without an event handled by our own Minister of Sports, swimming galas, etc. "Fatty" Rutter, With emphasis placed as usual on fun the potted sports were well received.
By now members of the public had begun to arrive, and very soon the food pavilions were stocked up and ready to handle the lunch rush. With fish and chips, goulash, apple tart and cream and a host of other tasty dishes to choose from, everyone was soon feeding the inner man, even those chaps who had recently returned from the Cape Times Cross Country Championship run. What a joy to see so many members of the public along to join us in true Jamboree spirit. A word of sincere appreciation to all the parents who worked so willingly on the stalls and food - a splendid effort indeed.
A display session in the afternoon which included a trapeze session, singing by the Fezeka High School Choir from Guguletu, Highland dancing, gym display and Red Indian dancing was enthusiastically received by the huge crowd assembled. With the rain clouds looming on the horizon the boys once again paraded on the field this time in Jamboree tradition all mixed up ('but we were mixed up when we marched in on Saturday,' said Peter Barnard::) for the closing ceremony. The Flame of Understanding was carried off to be rekindled at our next Join-In Jamboree in four years' time. The salute was taken by that grand Scouting figure "Kiewiet" Hodgkiss.
Thanks, Colin, and I know you would like me to add your personal appreciation to all those other Scouters, Scouts, Headquarters Staff and parents who laboured so willingly and in so many ways to ensure the success of our camp. Thanks to the boys who came, camped and joined in the fun; Lord Baden-Powell would have been proud of your standard and the spirit of involvement. May the spirit of understanding burn strongly in your own Groups as you return to carry on the great Game of Scouting.
MIKE MEINTJES
Scout Heritage 2018