Such an extolling contrast against the gloomy stories in the national press, and reflecting confidence to the elderly that there are a great deal of good young people around us.

Last week I beheld pride to see a photograph of my grand-daughter Haley, and a story of her troop winning an archery contest, well done!
Benjamin Disraeli 1804-1881, said: "Almost everything that is great has been done by youth."

The scout movement has certainly moved on since that first camp on Brown Sea Island in 1907; how different is that movement today?

I was in the Scouts and an assistant leader at Batley in the Fifties and early Sixties, without fear of door knocking each Easter, we raised funds through 'bob a job week'.

This organisation does not get any regular grants from the government - scouting is run by trusty volunteers.

Many of the skills I learnt are still with me, but the food we cooked on the camp fires at Bradley Woods and Birk Crag was hardly edible.

On the scouts final test you did a 15-mile hike in pairs. I remember going to Bolton Abbey and listening to the roar of the Strid.

No, I did not jump across; and I strongly advise any impetuous people not to try either. For the adventurous there was the Backwoodsman Badge, alone and under 16 you had to sleep in the woods for a night building your own shelter. No-one by your side but the trusty scout knife - totally unthinkable today.

I still possess many badges and their certificates from 50 years ago which the movement can have for their interest. I also have a large collection pressed leaves dated 1957 which was for the naturalist badge.

If the movement wishes I would gladly give an open talk about scouting in the fifties, and I would like to hear of scouting in the 21st century.

I can also give a display of how to tie someone up, hand and foot, with less than nine inches of string, or half a shoe lace - one needs the other half to fasten their shoe.

PETER HORSFIELD
Whitcliffe Road
CLECKHEATON