Lemsford News September 1914

Boy Scouts in Camp – Through the kindness of Lord Verulam, the Boy Scouts again camped in Gorhambury Park. Our local friends had indeed been most generous in providing dainties for the “inner boy”, so that Friday, July 31st, was a busy day in packing all the necessary utensils, stores etc., for the ensuing week. On Saturday morning, part of the troop set off with the new trek cart to St. Albans, L. & N.W. Station to fetch the tents and tarpaulins. The remainder with the goods set off in the horse and cart kindly lent by Mr Strong. We had a long spell of very dry weather, so we were looking forward to another glorious week. No sooner however had we got the tents erected, and the stores and baggage under cover, then down came the rain. We consoled ourselves, however, with the thought that it would do the gardens good.  It rained all the evening and all night. Next morning, Sunday, one tent was swamped through the ground tarpaulin being badly arranged. Not a very pleasant sensation through the night to hear the drip, drip, drip of the rain through the thin tent, and try in vain to dodge the drops as they descended on the head. However, things were speedily rectified, as the morning was beautifully fine, although the grass was of course very wet. Visitors were announced at 10.30 and morning service at 11, but just before that down came the rain again. The evening however was beautifully fine, so we managed to have Evensong out of doors. Monday was wet, and that meant of course staying in the tent and amusing oneself to the best of ones ability. That proved no hardship, and the boys were perfectly happy. A gramophone had been lent to us and that passed many an hour away. To record the daily routine would be monotonous reading for it would simply amount to rain each day. The daily papers were eagerly read for the latest War news, and the boys were very keen as to what they would do if they were called upon. So passed the days.  We were delighted to see several visitors who came between and through the showers. But the boys kept remarkably well and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. On Saturday morning the goods were packed – in the rain of course – when news came that our horse, that was to have come had been commandeered by the Army Officials. Lord and Lady Verulam had, however, visited the camp during the week and given the boys some excellent advice. To them we turned in our misfortune, and they promised to help us if it was possible. The tents meanwhile had been packed up, so we sat under the trees in the never ceasing rain. About 2.30 p.m. a horse and cart appeared and we were thankful that it had come to cart our goods for us. We arrived at Lemsford about 6 o'clock having had a most enjoyable week in spite of the elements. Our very best thanks are due to all those ladies and gentlemen who again provided us with necessaries and luxuries for our stores; without them it would have been impossible to have run the camp, and I hope that they will please accept these feeble thanks that are given with heartfelt gratitude.