1970s

1970

We regret to record the death on 11th January of A/G.S.L. Clem Gregory. Like his brother, Frank, he had always been connected with, and done splendid work for our Calne Group.  Mr. D.J.D. Smart was appointed Group Scout Leader.

1971

Doug Smart was awarded the Medal of Merit and the Long Service Award. During this year a successful summer camp was held at Charmouth.. A lorry was purchased for the use of the Group and canoes were put under construction.

1972

Jubilee Year

We start the year with 28 Scouts under S.L. Pete Dew, and A.S.L. Don Barnett, also instructors Charles Brind , and Laurie English.WE also have 32 Cubs under G.S.L. Doug Smart, and A.C.S L’s Audrey Smith and Sheila Brennan.  Added to this we have an energetic and progressive Group Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Cameron Gough. Our Ladies Committee are enthusiastic, with organising ability above any average standards, and the results of their efforts are proving invaluable to the Group. On 12th February of this Diamond Jubilee Year, we are holding an Anniversary Celebration at Group Headquarters to which we are inviting members of the Movement and representatives of other institutions of the Town, including the Mayor and Mayoress.

On 18th February we are organising a Grand Anniversary Reunion Dance at the Town Hall where we hope to meet not only Old Scouts and their Friends, but everyone with an interest in the Movement.  In the Spring the Cub Scout Pack, together with Heddington Pack, will be spending a long weekend in London. They will stay at the Scout International Hostel, Baden-Powell House and enjoy touring and sight seeing in the Capital. We are pleased to record that one of our old Scouts, Peter Bruton, now holds the position of District Commissioner, and trust that any experience gained during his Scouting with the Caine Group will be of some help to him in the distinguished position he now holds. We wish him every success for the future.

1973

Doug Smart reported there was 30 Cub-scouts and 26 Scouts.  Cubs elected to do shoe shine for Bob a Job Week. Arrangements were going ahead for visits to Oxenwood and open day at Gilwell Park.
Pete Dew asked for financial help with more modern camping equipment. The sum of £50.00 was agreed.  Town Hall and Band booked for Dance 1st Feb 1974. 9.OOpm to 1.OOam.  Eric Beagley replaced Pete Bruton as District Commissioner.  The group has been asked by the Mayor for help with the Bonfire at the Recreation Ground on Sat 3rd November.

1974

Dance went well . Profit made £53.10p.Pete Cleverly reported maintenance work on vehicle almost complete, he had obtained seats and work could start soon fitting windows etc.  56 boys in Group. Because of small number of leaders and helpers this was too many and it was felt that unless more helpers were found the Group should be limited to 24. Secretary to contact press for appeal for more helpers.  P Dew reported a number of training weekends were arranged and Summer Camp would be at Stockley again .  4 Boys with P.Dew and C. Brind had attended a Woodsman Course at Colerne and 3 Guides had attended and cooked for them. A letter of Thanks was sent to Miss Travell. Treasurer reported Balance in Current Account £89.1 5p. Deposit Account £400.00. It was agreed to consider Wrought Iron Gates for front yard.

1975

Vehicle still being prepared for use. C.Brind volunteered to make Wrought Iron Gates, Committee accepted his offer and authorised purchase of materials required. Committee expressed thanks to C.Brind and Friend who had repaired kitchen roof. Doug Smart reported still a large waiting list for Cubs and Scouts. Cubs now had 4 qualified Leaders, Scouts still have Leader difficulties. It was agreed to arrange a Parents Evening hoping to recruit more helpers.  Doug reported it was hoped to arrange camp in the Wye Valley and that canoes would be ready by then.  Permission asked to purchase 3 lightweight tents and new cooking utensils, agreed and £ 150.00 allowed.  Calne boys were in the District Team who won a Cross Country event. Because of increase in Heating and Lighting it was agreed to the Hire charges being increased.  Pete Dew asked for his resignation to be accepted as from the end of the year. Mrs A. Smith reported 33 Cubs at present.

1976

No details for this year. There appears from Treasurers Report to have been Cub and Scout Outings, a Scout Camp.  Also repairs to the roof carried out.

1977

J.Holley resigned after many years as Treasurer. Mrs Smith reported 28 Cubs. Doug Smart spoke about Scout Camp at Charmouth.

1978

Doug Smart reported there were 26 Scouts, 3 with Chief Scout Awards. It was hoped to send 1 Boy to the World Jamboree in Iran in 1979. Camp at Charmouth in August a success . and in District Cross Country “Talbot Trophy” Barry Lucas came 15th and Calne was 2nd in the team event.  Mrs Smith reported 28 Cub Scouts and a waiting list of 47. Geoff Lucas and Pete Dibben now Scout Leaders, other Leaders doing their training. It was agreed to dispose of the vehicle.

1979

5 Patrols in Troop consisting of 37 boys with 4 recruits and 5 Leaders. Summer Camp at Llangorse in South Wales was very eventful. After a bad storm which caused Tent damage , Camp was carried on in the Village Hall. A great time was had by all especially the last night Concert. Even the Leaders took part!  3 new Icelandic tents were purchased for the camp from Blacks at a cost of (500.00. Mike Carey hopes to start a Venture Unit.