Scouts action figures

 As a boy I loved playing with my action figures, several Action Man's with a ton of accessories both physical things such as dinghies and Jeeps but story cassette tapes to act out.

Americans who were Cub Scouts were jolly fortunate that Kenner catered for them by marketing a entire range of Cub Scouts and Scout action figures that were pretty realisic wearing the mid 70's U.S. uniform, belt and neckerchief.

These were approved by the Boy Scouts of America and rated at 4 and up.

If only the Scout Association had licensed a UK series of Cubs and Scouts for us.

Starting the journey

 

 For me this is a journey back in time at least in spirit going on an adventure but also looking for that spirit of adventure not tapped entirely into at the time but still the the boy in me that has that need to fulfill and challenge himself.

I can move along, joining the journey and grow in proportion that I am prepared NOT to give in to myself at the first hurdle I may encounter but learn to master it myself, learning life lessons.

Giving it a go

 Fishing it had to be said was not a thing I proved to be good at to be honest although I did give it my best shot having issues with my co-ordination.

I think it's important to at least try things you've never done before even if ultimately it isn't you  because how else are you to know what your true potential is?

Stepping up

Scouts here in the United States as elsewhere are doing a Good Turn helping people in their community.

We need to be prepared to help our neighbour as ourselves. 

Cub Scout Neckers

Image credits: Albert Prendergast Ltd.

Cub Scout Neckers In Multi Colours

These neckers have been made in a larger size and would easily fit an adult. They are made from cotton and have a split colour design to the main body. They are trimmed in 3 contrasting colours at the two visible edges. They look fantastic when they have been rolled correctly. (See the pictures.) The neckers measures 46 inches wide and 22 inches deep. The 3 colour border trim measures just under 2 inches. They have been hand made and are of a fantastic quality.

2 colour and trim combinations to choose from.

Price: £19.99 (Including VAT at 20%)

Running the show

 In order to have well run Scouts you need well trained people usually volunteers to organize each section not just looking at administration and safety that today rightly includes safeguarding but also organizing of activities for each session.

This publication although American in origin is more concerned  with their versions of Cubs and Scouts for their Scout Leaders at Pack level.

Anime inspirations

Inspirations when it comes to this whole thing can and do include popular culture such as the warrior-child Naruto who is the main player of an anime and manga series that shares his name, as he battles to be his best self.

Manga art can include scouting itself such as this of two scouts sharing an iPad while no doubt trying to earn awards.

Calculating Your Cap Or Hat Size

Albert Prendergast

Choosing a cap or hat of the correct size is essential. Heads come in all shapes and sizes and there is no such thing as an average size. It is important that you are confident that you are ordering a cap or hat that will fit you well.

Cap and hat sizes are generally measured in one of three different sizing scales; British, North American or European/Metric.

British headwear sizes are given in an imperial measurement and the sizes usually range from 6 ½ to 8. North America use the imperial scale however measurements are an eighth of an inch larger than the British system. European cap sizes use the metric sizing standard which is a measure of head circumference given in centimeters. Metric sizes usually range from 52 - 64.

All Albert Prendergast headwear use the British imperial sizing standard. When ordering a cap or hat you will need to enter your size in this standard.

A conversion chart is shown here to convert from North American or European metric to British imperial sizes.

British (inch) ———– U.S. (inch) ————— European (cm)

   6 5/8 ———————– 6 ¾ ———————— 54

   6 ¾ ———————– 6 7/8 ———————— 55

   6 7/8 ———————– 7 —————————— 56

   7 —————————- 7 1/8 ————————- 57

   7 1/8 ———————- 7 ¼ ————————- 58

   7 ¼ ———————- 7 3/8 ————————- 59

   7 3/8 ———————- 7 ½ ————————- 60

   7 ½ ———————- 7 5/8 ————————- 61

   7 5/8 ———————- 8 ¾ ————————- 62

   7 ¾ ———————- 7 7/8 ————————-  63

   7 7/8 ———————- 8 ——————————- 64

To calculate your metric cap size a measurement of the head circumference should be taken in centimeters. This is best achieved by passing a cloth tape measure around the head. Alternatively a piece of string may be used and measured against a ruler or tape measure. It is important that this measurement is taken where the base of the cap or hat would normally rest. To take a measurement position the tape measure or string so that it rests just above the brow at the front of the head, touching the top of the ears at the side. Pull the tape so that is taught but not too tight and take a measurement.

Take the measurement in centimetres and convert it to British imperial using the chart given above.

The outdoors and me

While some of the things you do or for me what I would of done are indoors, really for much especially when the weather is good then you would use outdoor space because being outdoors is inheritantly healthier for you.

I was by nature more the outdoor child, loving to feel the breeze and sun upon my body, playing in the woods and communual recreation areas with other boys and that love for it comes in in the recreation of those experiences today.

Of course had the path run true for me back then they'd of been in tandem sharing the same friends.
 

Early 1970's Cub Scouts

Third Tynemouth Cub Scouts in the 1970′s looking very much as I remember seeing my siblings in their uniforms except for such local variations such as their Neckerchief. 

Note the boys long grey socks were held up with traditional what elastic garters with green tabs as socks with lycra didn't exist then and in any event it looks very neat.

Looking back at Remembrance

Sunday is Remembrance Sunday this year so I thought in this blog I'd post a a bit about that as it applies with Scouting.

For a good many years from childhood with my older brother I did go from door to door selling Poppies which in this country are made for the Royal British Legion and I'd join him parading as he was an older scout

Parades were rather like that, in groups such as Scouts, Girl Guides, Boys Brigade, then people like the Roayl British Legion, local notables and politicians followed by the Member of Parliament and their security people.

Although I wasn't good on my feet I enjoyed marching and joining in with it all as remembring the people who died for our freedom and country matters.

Wolf Cub Cap

Albert Prendergast

Wolf cub scout cap in an adult size.

Still worn by a number of traditional UK wolf cub groups.

Made from traditional green wool flannel and gold rope braid.

Brand new and specially made for ‘Albert Prendergast’.

Price: £47.99 (Including VAT at 20%)

Guy Fawkes Night

 

After the fun of Halloween comes Guy Fawkes Night which as a child I always loved attending displays at boarding school where of necessity we held our own, supported by parents and where we were at home community ones.

In many areas Scouts do run fireworks displays, fully marshalled with funds raised going to the local scout group.

Here we can see the carefully planned displays shooting all manner of shapes as the colours emitted hold your attention over the crackling of the bonfire.

Guy Fawkes Procession

 

Given the time of year I thought I'd post this classic picture of the Ellesmere, Shropshire  Scouts here in the West Midlands region on a torch lit procession and fireworks display at Whitchurch in the north of the County.