On my honour
The CBB -> Cookies & Drabbles
#1: On my honour Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 1:47 pm

Quick note: I may be a Guider & a historian-type BUT as I did not train in the 1930s (oddly enough) and information about such things is a leetle limited, this drabble may well not be totally accurate. I've also not (yet) been to Foxlease (you don't know HOW tempted I was to send Madge to train at Waddow purely for my convenience!) hence the lack of detailed description. Other than that though, I hope you enjoy...

*****************************
Madge Bettany settled herself into the corner seat of her compartment and opened the copy of “Girl Guiding” she had purchased from the shop at Imperial Headquarters on Buckingham Palace Road. Jo and the Robin had gone to Winchester on an earlier train, so Madge intended to use the journey to – as Joey had rather crudely put it – “mug up on the Guides”. She had just reached the explanation of the composition of the Union Jack when two rather breathless and slightly untidy girls scrambled into the carriage, followed by a young woman of about Madge’s age, as well as she could judge. They were in what Madge recognised as Guide uniform, with a truly impressive array of badges down the right sleeves of all three. The smallest of the group, whose Guide hat seemed to be jammed down almost over her eyes, subsided into a seat with a coughing fit that made Madge start, but before she could proffer her help, the Guider had begun dealing with the girl in such a calm and efficient fashion that Madge simply stared for a minute, then offered her thermos of milky coffee so the girl could have a drink. “Thank you very much, Miss –”
“Bettany,” Madge supplied, “and you’re very welcome.”

This initial friendliness meant that, as soon as the small Guide had recovered herself enough to talk, she asked Madge if she was a Guider. “Not yet,” Madge replied, even as the Guide Captain shot a warning look at the girl “I’m going to train as one though.”
“I thought so,” remarked the child contentedly “you’re reading a handbook but it’s new you’re not wearing a trefoil anywhere AND you shook hands with your right hand” at which last Madge looked utterly baffled and the Guide Captain stepped in “You’ll have to excuse Daisy, please – she is always particularly enthusiastic in carrying out the Fourth Law: ‘A Guide is a Friend to All, and a Sister to Every Other Guide,’”
“no matter to what Creed, Country, or Class the Other Belongs” finished the two Guides in unison. “A Guide also,” continued the Guide Captain with a meaning look “‘Obeys Orders’ and just at the moment I think you two should pipe down and have a rest for the next hour.” The two girls obediently settled themselves, and Daisy quite soon dropped off, an example her friend was not too long in following.

Madge fell into easy conversation with the Guide Captain, who had introduced herself as Miss Fenton, and discovered that that lady was also on her way to Foxlease. “Not for the training though,” she explained “I’m taking some of my Guides to camp there with an Extension Company a friend of mine runs – her Guides are all blind, so they couldn’t do everything for themselves, but they’re desperate to camp so my Leaders and Seconds said they’d come to help. In fact, the whole Company would have liked to come, but twelve Guides as helpers sounds rather more sensible then thirty-six!” she concluded with a smile. “The other ten of them and our Lieutenant went down to the camp this morning taking our kit with them, as Daisy and Mary had exams this morning – that’s not why we almost missed the train though” she sighed “that was because we saw a bicycle accident and stopped to help, but the doctor we sent for took ages to come and we could hardly leave before he arrived. We’ve got a goodly amount of camp supplies with us as well, which meant we had to see them safely stowed in the guard’s can before we could get in ourselves. Enough of that though – have you ever been to Foxlease before?”

“No, I have never been,” Madge replied “I don’t really know very much about Guiding, but I’ve decided to start a Company at my school, with Brownies for the little ones as well.”
“Are you a teacher then?” asked Miss Fenton, at which Madge coloured faintly as she explained she was in fact the headmistress of the Chalet School. Miss Fenton’s light brown eyes widened slightly, but she swiftly moved the discussion on, asking where the school was and how many pupils there were – taking a genuine interest in all their doings and laughing whole-heartedly as Madge described Joey’s pitching herself into the lake shortly before the end of term. Just at that point Daisy stirred, and opened her eyes. “Are we almost there, please?” she asked, slightly muzzily, even as Mary, in her turn, stirred and awoke. “We’re about an hour away still,” Miss Fenton replied “so you can go back to sleep if you want, seeing as your impression of Rip van Winkle looked to be coming on quite nicely” she concluded, merriment sparking in her eyes. Daisy looked at her disdainfully, “The worst thing about having one’s cousin as one’s Guide Captain” she said in her clear little voice “is that they rag you all ends up the whole time.” She caught Miss Fenton’s eye and coloured “Sorry Cap, I forgot – shall I give you my penny now or later?”
“I’ll let it go this once, as we’re neither at camp nor at a meeting, and the tin is somewhere in my kitbag, but if you use it again you’ll be in real trouble Daisy, understood?”
“Yes Cap,” that damsel replied quite cheerily “it is rather a strain having to remember not to use slang though, almost everyone does.”
“Well, none of my Guides do,” was the retort, which was rapid but not sharp, and Miss Fenton swiftly changed the subject to a discussion of Foxlease.

 

#2:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:11 pm

Marvellous, Xan - what a cool idea! And you're the obvious person to write it of course ... Very Happy

Looking forward to more cos I don't know an awful lot about the Guides (I was only ever a Brownie) ...

 

#3:  Author: Lulie Sievehead,  PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:13 pm

Great beginning, Xan! Is this where Madge got her idea for slang fines from?

Is it too early to chant? No, oh well, here goes.

MORE PLEASE!!!!

 

#4:  Author: Ciorstaidh, Location: London PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:19 pm

*Harmonises Lulie's chanting* yay...new Xanthe-drabble Very Happy

mmmmoooooooooooooore!!!!

 

#5:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:20 pm

oooh yey! we like!!! More please!

 

#6:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:21 pm

Excellent and what a great beginning. I have a feeling this may explain the slang fines!!

 

#7:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:30 pm

Wonderful, very intersting Xanthe! Am now sat here wracking my brains to see what I can remeber about Foxlease...having only visited once my memories are hazy, in fact they centre more around stringing runner beans for dinner for 70 guiders, mars ice cream bars and morris and sword dancing...

 

#8:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 2:45 pm

This is great, Xan, and I hope there will be more soon. For the ignorant non-Guides amongst us, ie, me, where is Foxlease, and what it is it, apart from a place where one may train to be a guider?

 

#9:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:06 pm

Foxlease is one of Girlguiding UK's Training and Activity Centres ( http://www.girlguiding.org.uk/tacs/foxlease/ ) and it was given to the Guides in 1922 by Mrs Archbold.

Initially, it had been thought that the Guides would have to turn down the gift as they would not be able to furnish it & pay for its upkeep.

However, Princess Mary wanted to give the Guides a present when she got married and it was aranged that her gift be the furnishing etc of Foxlease, which is why it is also known as "The Princess Mary House".

It is used for Guider trainings & camps even now & Guiders from all over the world use it as a place to stay when visiting the area.

 

#10:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:07 pm

Thank you, Xan.

 

#11:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:09 pm

Oh excellent
MORE PLEASE

 

#12:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:23 pm

As you all asked so nicely...

When they arrived at Brockenhurst, a small clutch of Guides were waiting on the platform, looking out for Daisy, Mary and their Captain. They waved vigorously when they spotted them, earnestly suppressing their news and questions to ensure that they didn’t bring disgrace on the Guides for rowdy behaviour. “May we give you a lift to Foxlease?” Miss Fenton asked as they walked along the platform, Mary and Daisy carrying Madge’s case between them while a porter saw to the unloading of the camp supplies onto the platform. “That would be most kind,” Madge replied with a grateful smile. “Not at all,” returned Miss Fenton, “it may be a slightly cramped journey though I warn you!” The Guides swarmed over to their Captain, one of them, who towered well above the rest, asking “Shall we carry the stuff to the lorry Captain – Loot’s waiting with it and said she’d move it if you wanted?” Miss Fenton smiled,
“Yes please Heather, would you take Pam and Ruth and Mary and see to that, and Daisy and Helen would you take Miss Bettany’s case out to the lorry and ask Loot if she’d come as close to the gate as she can, then come back here to help.”

The Guides and their possessions were soon packed into the lorry, Madge with Miss Fenton and her Lieutenant, Miss Andrews, sitting in the front, while the Guides were packed in with the camp paraphernalia. As soon as they were fairly started the Guides began singing – “Early one morning, just as the Guides were rising, they heard the whistle blowing to run run run run run…” The Guiders discovered that Madge’s training was not due to start until the evening and promptly invited her to visit their camp once she had unpacked, rather than sitting by herself as she seemed to intend to do. “Unless you’d rather have the time to relax, of course,” Miss Fenton said pleasantly “not least as you’ll certainly have a busy week ahead of you!”
“I should love to come and see your camp if I may,” Madge replied happily “I expect I’ll learn more about Guiding from it than if I sat in my room reading the Handbook.”
“Perhaps,” returned Miss Andrews cautiously, as she negotiated a turn in the road “but in any case it will certainly be nice to have a guest. The camp is about ship-shape now, though we’ll have to put our kitchen fully in order now we have the rest of the things. The Guides from the other Company are arriving by charabanc this evening,” she explained “and we want everything to be in order before then. They are camping for a week with us, and then our Guides have a few days to themselves and then the rest of the Company comes for a week’s camp.” The Guides were taking turns to provide solos for the others by now, and Daisy’s clear little pipe was to be heard singing “Greensleeves” as they turned into the drive leading to Princess Mary House itself. “We’ll send one of the Guides to meet you here at four,” Miss Fenton said, as Madge and her case were deposited outside the main door of the house. “Thank you, that would be lovely,” Madge replied as the lorry moved off, heading towards the site where the Guides had pitched their camp.

 

#13:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:27 pm

Wonderful start Xan - eagerly awaoting the next instalment.

 

#14:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:28 pm

yup yup yup, we like!!!! nice regular posts...? Wink

 

#15:  Author: Lulie, Location: Middlesbrough PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 3:30 pm

*gets all excited* Brockenhurst is the station I get off at to visit Grandpa!!!! Now at least I know which bit of the country Foxlease is in - I always thought it was in Kent, for some reason Embarassed

 

#16:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 4:21 pm

I've accessed the site you put up for me, Xan, and it's actually giving me daydreams about the CBB'ers go to camp.

Are there any deep holes for someone to fall down?

 

#17:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 4:30 pm

See, if my Guiders had been like Madge and co (and I'm certain Xanthe) I might not have quit!!! I spent 10 years in the Guiding movement because it was the "proper" thing to do and have only just escaped Sad

Loving this drabble, Xanthe - I always wondered how and when Madge managed to train as a Guider - I'm certain it's not an overnight thing, which is how it appeared in the books (at least, I think so - haven't read those in a while!)

 

#18:  Author: Marianne, Location: Lancaster PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 4:39 pm

poor Gem, guiding should always be fab!

Very much loving this story!

 

#19:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 4:53 pm

This is brilliant Xan!!!!
Really looking forward to more!!!!

(although, like Rachael, I never made it past brownies..........)

 

#20:  Author: Frances, Location: Milton Keynes PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 5:46 pm

Thanks Xanthe, this is great. I loved Guide stories almost as much as school stories, but like others, I never went on after Brownies.

Politeness paid earlier so....it would be most kind of you if you could possibly see your way to letting us have more (not if it's too much trouble of course Smile ).

 

#21:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:22 pm

So, um, is now a good time to tell you I'm off to Germany for a week on Sunday?

Madge stepped shyly into the entrance hall where a cheerful-looking Ranger was arranging some flowers on a pedestal. “Good afternoon,” said the Ranger with a broad smile “have you come for the training week?”
“Yes, I have,” replied Madge, relaxing again at the girl’s obvious friendliness. “I’m a little early I know, but I explained I would be when I wrote, and Miss Wolton wrote back to say that it would be all right.” The Ranger beamed again – Madge sensed that this was her habitual expression – and offered to show Madge to her room. Madge unpacked, neatened herself in the bathroom along the corridor which the Ranger had pointed out to her and then, with a glance at her watch that informed her it was almost four o’clock, slipped downstairs again. On the steps outside, hopping on one leg, was Daisy, her Guide hat now rather more becomingly positioned atop her bob of golden-brown hair. “Ooh, hello,” she said, stopping hopping, “Captain sent me to escort you to camp,” she said, skipping down the steps, “and I was hopping because I was practising for our silly sports tomorrow, I don’t normally hop while I’m waiting for people.” Madge laughed, and Daisy smiled. “I just thought I should explain,” she said earnestly “as I shouldn’t like to give you the wrong impression of me.” The little girl led the way towards the field which was being used for her camp.

 

#22:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:40 pm

Wonderful to see this Xan, didn't think you were going to post it till after you returned form Germany.

I love Daisy, she is so easy to see and such a jolly kid.

 

#23:  Author: Catriona, Location: South Yorkshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:57 pm

This is delightful, Xan - and I love the "stopping hopping"!!!

 

#24:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 8:04 pm

Brilliant, Xan

The best thing I think you've ever written - the characters are totally alive to me, and I can't wait for more. I can picture it incredibly clearly in my head, and feel as if I'm there.

 

#25:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:03 pm

I don't think you can possibly say that Angel, as I'm sure we've not seen everything Xan's ever written and anyway, each drabble, be it by the same author or not, should be judged on its own merits and not compared to anything else as they are all totally different to each other. IMO, anyway.

Xan, this is really good!! Just please, don't leave us on a cliff before you go to Germany!!!

 

#26:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:06 pm

Another little bit...

Madge looked with admiring eyes at the neatly arranged horseshoe of bell tents, with a flagpole from which the World Flag was flapping in the gentle breeze placed on a small mound in front of the centre of the gap. At either end of the horseshoe were the Guiders’ small ridge tents, and the hospital tent, another, larger, ridge tent, was set a little off to the side. The ‘kitchen’ was at a safe distance from the tents, and already contained an impressive array of ‘gadgets’ the Guides had been making. “We’ve not made the wash-stands though,” Daisy confided, as she pointed out the wash-cubicles, “ or the ones for our tents, the other Guides are going to do them with us when they arrive, which is going to be at half-past five, Captain said.” At that point Miss Fenton appeared and sent Daisy off to join Mary and Phyllis who had gone wooding. Daisy scampered away with a quick salute to her Captain and a “goodbye, see you later” to Madge, and vanished into the woody area to help stockpile fuel for the cooking fire, the hot-water boiler, and the incinerator. “The Guides are all occupied and Loot – Miss Andrews, that is – and I thought perhaps you’d like to have a look round camp and see how we arrange things. We’re having tea at half past and a spare mug has been reserved for you by Daisy, so I do hope you’ll join us. “Thank you very much,” Madge replied “that would be lovely. What is the flag you have flying please? I’m afraid that, as I said, I don’t really know anything about Guides – yet.”
“That’s the World Flag,” Miss Fenton explained “it was adopted last year, at the World Conference, which was held here, as a matter of fact, and Guides all over the world use it. The stars on either side of the Trefoil stand for the law and the promise; and that bit in the middle is a compass needle – pointing the way.”

Miss Fenton showed Madge all round the camp, bringing her back to the kitchen just as Mary, twitching her blond plait back over her shoulder, blew ‘cookhouse’ on Loot’s whistle, borrowed for the task. The Guides came racing up and grace was said before they sat down on the groundsheets spread out to make a ‘table’. The Guiders were brought cups of tea and slices of cake, and the Guides then served themselves and settled down to their meal. The twelve leaders and seconds of the 11th Crystal Palace Company were a diverse little group – not just physically, although tall Heather was very nearly two feet taller than her second, the fairy-like Daisy, with the others ranging in height between these two extremes – and they made a pleasant sight, sitting cross-legged on the groundsheets, chattering quietly. Once the meal was over, the Guides scattered to their tasks – some washing up, some collecting more wood, and others beginning to prepare the stew they would have for their evening meal. “Every Girl Guide’s fond of Irish stew, every Girl Guide makes it better than you;” sang Daisy cheerfully, as she peeled and chopped a vast pile of carrots “Early in the morning hear the Captain say – ‘Form fours, eyes right, stew for dinner today!’” joined in the rest of the cooks.
“They certainly sound as if they’re having fun,” Madge said, at which the Guiders smiled. “That’s the idea,” Miss Fenton said softly “Guiding is meant to be a game, a game for life.”

 

#27:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:08 pm

Thanks, Xan

 

#28:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:10 pm

Reminds me of CS in camp, but I love the inclusion of the songs, they seem to give it life.

 

#29:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:10 pm

Xan, this is lovely! And it's even better 'cos you know what you're talking about!!!

 

#30:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:13 pm

Vikki wrote:
Xan, this is lovely! And it's even better 'cos you know what you're talking about!!!


Sssshhh, you weren't meant to tell anyone about me going on Guide Camps in the 1930s...

 

#31:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 9:13 pm

Xanthe, this is great!

So how many more instalments can you squeeze in before Sunday? Wink

I was a Brownie and a Guide, but I've never heard of Foxlease. It never even occurred to me at the time that our guiders must have done training for the job - doh!

This is really fascinating.

 

#32:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:11 pm

Yay a Guiding drabble ..... this fab Xan what more can I say. I can really visualise this at FoxLease as well. Wonder if Madge might bump into Olave ... that would be interesting !

 

#33:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:23 pm

Wow. This is brilliant Xan. I loved Foxlease when we took our Brownies and it's great being able to picture Madge there. Daisy is a wonderful character too, sounds like a few girls I can think of in our Guide pack!

 

#34:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 10:26 pm

Loving this Xan - lots more posts please before Sunday - or you could always take a laptop or stop off in the odd Internet Cafe while away! Laughing

 

#35:  Author: Dawn, Location: Leeds, West Yorks PostPosted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 11:22 pm

This is really great Xan


When we were at Robin Hole Guide Site at Ilkley the other weekend, they had a display of camp photos, some of which were from the 1920's and 30's and I just thought immediately fo the CS Guides - this has just really reinforced the mental images I have of their Guide Camps.

 

#36:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:31 am

Xan this is wonderful. You really know your subject and your characters are so alive. Thank you for another wonderful drabble.

 

#37:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:00 am

Embarassed Thank you Embarassed

Madge went back to Princess Mary House just as the Extension Guide Company arrived, having promised to visit again when she had time, thinking carefully about what she’d talked about with the Guiders that afternoon. As she went into the hall, she encountered two youngish women, dressed in the uniform of Guide Guiders, and looking a little nervous. The Ranger from earlier reappeared with a startling suddenness, smiling still, and asked for the names of the new arrivals. These she checked against a list that she produced from a shirt pocket, “You’re in the same room as Miss Bettany is,” she said
“Shall I show them?” Madge offered promptly
“If you wouldn’t mind,” the girl replied, “there’s another group due about now, and they’re at the other end of the building, so it would be rather a help.” Even as she said this, the door opened again to reveal another group of women, so Madge and the two Guiders made their way upstairs. Miss Johnson and Miss Mayhew, the two Guiders Madge was escorting, had set up a Guide Company in their village at Christmas, and had come to the training “to get some more ideas and to check we’re doing things right!” as Miss Johnson had cheerfully put it. Madge explained her own situation and was immensely comforted by Miss Mayhew’s immediate promise they would help her wherever they could “as we’re not such Tenderfoots as we were at the start of the year!”

After supper that night the Guiders (and prospective Guiders) were split into groups according to roughly how much they knew, and Madge found herself with two charming girls from Ulster, a young teacher from Croydon, a secretary from Sussex and a doctor from a Kent hospital, who were all also almost totally ignorant of Baden-Powell’s great game. Miss Wolton swiftly put everyone at their ease by leading a series of silly games that one could play with Guides, and then calling them to order and assigning them to Patrols, with the different levels of experience mixed in together. “We’ll practice forming a horseshoe,” Miss Wolton explained with a little smile, and Madge was soon being initiated to the process, beginning with Miss Wolton calling for the Leaders to fall in, number, then “right turn – pace sixteen”, which meant they spaced themselves out enough so that when the rest of the ‘Company’ fell in, they were in neat rows. “Into a horseshoe formation, quick march” could have been bewildering, but Madge, in the middle of her ‘Patrol’ had the good sense to simply follow the others – and hope that they were right. “Patrols right and left divide” was the next command, and presently they were instructed to “Halt! Inwards turn! Stand at ease!” Before they were dismissed, those who knew “Taps” sang it, and then they were sent to bed, ready to start their training in earnest on the morrow.

 

#38:  Author: Frances, Location: Milton Keynes PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:13 am

Thank you Xan, really enjoying this.

Xanthe wrote:
So, um, is now a good time to tell you I'm off to Germany for a week on Sunday?


*puzzled* Is this a problem? They have the Internet too, so .....several posts a day still pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease Smile

 

#39:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:43 am

Blimey, Xan - you've been busy!!

This is wonderful - as others have said the detail really brings it to life and even though you've had to introduce a whole load of new characters, they are all vividly drawn and easy to picture

As for Germany, I hope you have a good time but it seems to me you have two options ...
1. Internet cafe
2. Pen & Paper - transcribe on return

I'm sure we're all happy either way and it means you can continue writing prodigiously!! Wink

 

#40:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:10 am

Lovely Xan, than you.

 

#41:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:43 am

Wonderful Xanthe, thank you so much Very Happy

 

#42:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:57 am

Next bit...

By the Wednesday evening, when she went to visit the camp again, having been invited to come to campfire, Madge was feeling much happier about the prospect of starting a school company. The Trainers, with an infectious enthusiasm, managed to combine not only the imparting of knowledge, but also an understanding of the best ways to impart it, meaning that the Guiders would be able to teach their Guides in the most interesting ways possible. They had had a ‘First Aid and Emergencies’ day that day, with innumerable casualties and rescues – everyone had needed a bath after having been variously splattered with pigs’ blood and grime as accident victims, or simply dragged across the ground in a demonstration of the proper method for rescuing an unconscious person from a smoke-filled building. They had leapt out of windows onto blankets held by the rest of the group, formed bucket chains, bandaged, splinted, rescued people from ‘drowning’, performed artificial respiration on dummies and generally had an incredibly lively time. Madge’s arrival in camp was heralded by the excited squeaking of Daisy, who spotted her appearing through the woods and waved vigorously, even as she turned to the blind Guide next to her to explain why she was so excited. “Oh good,” replied Fiona, with a smile “It will be nice to meet her. Shall we tell Molly and Kitty to come with us to where we’re having campfire, as we were told this morning it would be when Miss Bettany arrived?”
“Good scheme,” replied Daisy happily, “I can see Mary and Helen and your Cornflowers moving that way, so I rather think we ought to stir ourselves. Peggy and Kay and Judy are with Heather in the woods still I think, finishing their nature study, so we might go and find a decent spot for the combined Forget-Me-Nots and Robins.”

Madge watched as Daisy led the other Guides safely past the guy-lines and then relaxed and wandered with them easily to where the Guides had arranged their fire, which was being fed by the Lieutenants of the two Companies. Mary had brought her fiddle with her to camp and she had agreed to play for the country-dancing they were having before the singing started. At a safe distance from the fire the blind Guides formed up for a Sellenger’s Round, which they danced with incredible grace and nimbleness. They followed this with “Rufty Tufty” and then finished with “Upon A Summer’s Day”. To the applause of their audience they went back to their seats and the singing started, the campfire being opened with “campfire’s burning” sung as a round, first in two parts, then in four. It seemed to Madge that the Guides new an endless amount of songs – from silly ones, like “Polly was a Tenderfoot” to the quieter ones, like “White Coral Bells” (as requested by Daisy) and the beautiful spirituals, like “Shenandoah”. At nine o’clock the campfire was brought to a close and the Guides were sent to have their cocoa and get ready for bed. Madge watched as the Guides sped away, chattering together. “You’d never guess they were blind, would you?” remarked Miss North, the Captain of the Extension Company as they watched the girls line up to get their drinks. “No, you wouldn’t,” Madge replied, as the Guiders made the fire quite safe and began to wander back towards the main part of camp.

 

#43:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:07 pm

Lovely Xan - I'm sure Madge is going to be exhausted after all of this!

 

#44:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 12:08 pm

Another lovely episode. Thank you, Xan. How's Chloe getting on in Romania?

 

#45:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 1:03 pm

Thank you Xanthe, that was lovely!

 

#46:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 2:48 pm

This is great, Xanthe! I love the way you fit in the songs (wish I knew them all) and the period detail -- I am envisioning the photos of ridge and bell tents (80 lbs of canvas -- whew!) in trusty 1930 Campcraft for Girl Guides -- while making it all come alive.

You will finish this one, won't you, no matter what priorities those silly people at Cambridge have? Guide's honour?

 

#47:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 2:54 pm

Xanthe wrote:
everyone had needed a bath after having been variously splattered with pigs’ blood and grime as accident victims


Quite worried that people seem to think being splattered with pigs blood (available from your local butcher's, apparently Shocked ) is "lovely"...

I'm glad you like the drabble though Mr. Green

Kathy, as I'm not going back to Uni until mid-September, I am expecting this to be finished well before then - it's not going to be that long!

 

#48:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 3:32 pm

Pheeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank goodness for that.

 

#49:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:06 pm

woohoo.

This is lovely, well realised and well written

Thanks

 

#50:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 4:20 pm

Sounds like Madge had great fun! And I really like Daisy, she's very likeable.

Ive always wondered whether a weeks course would have been enough to make Madge a fully trained guider, or would she have had to attend further courses??

 

#51:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 5:16 pm

I don't know about the 30's but in the 50's, a lot of training was done at County level. Most Guiders sort of worked up through the ranks, starting as 2nd Lieutenant or pack leader and learned a lot as they went along.

There was a branch called Cadets who were trainee Guiders.

I always wondered how Madge managed after just one week of training!

 

#52:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 8:20 pm

Xan!!! You're steaming ahead with this! If you keep on at this rate you may even get it finished before you go to Germany!!! Wink

 

#53:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:24 pm

In the 1920s & 1930s they used to run week-long trainings for Guiders from all over the Empire at Foxlease and at Waddow... I have a really interesting book from 1932 called "The Story of the Girl Guides" which has a very little information (i.e. that there were training weeks) about them in it...

I am actually just back from seeing my three senior Guides get their Baden-Powell Challenge Awards... and I'm starting to wonder if some of my Brownies (who provided the entertaiment) lurk on the CBB, after the puppet show in which the protagonists "were all dead in the end"!!!!

The next day Madge entered the training room after breakfast to be greeted with “and how old are you?” by the Trainer, who was wearing a pin in the shape of an owl’s head on her blouse. Madge, though understandably somewhat taken aback by this question, was about to say “twenty-five”, when Miss Johnson, standing near, explained that she was meant to say “eight, nine or ten – we’re Brownies today!” Madge’s face cleared as she replied “I’m nine” and was waved over to her ‘Sixer’ for the day to learn the Sprites’ song before their ‘Pack Meeting’ started. The ‘Brownies’ made a ring, and skipped round, singing the Brownie song, then each Six pealed off into the middle in turn to sing their Six song as they skipped round the toadstool and then back to their places. When the last Six (“We’re the Fairies glad and gay, Helping others every day”) had finished, they all stopped and shouted “LAH, LAH, LAH” then, at a word from Brown Owl, sat cross-legged on the floor, elbows touching, for a Pow-Wow. After Pow-Wow they had a game of ‘Fairy Shoes’, in which Madge was one of the goblins, and then they set to work on the tasks a Brownie would have to do for her Second Class, and no doubt the pupils of the Chalet School would have been amazed to see their dignified young head hopping round a figure-of-eight course, an expression of deep concentration on her face.

Signalling by semaphore took up much of the afternoon, and Madge found it frustratingly difficult to judge how far apart the arms of the sender were meant to be, making nonsense of messages – MEEE NPRE XBTER being what she made of ‘need more water’! She was not disheartened though, having done much better with Morse the day before – unlike one of her Patrol who had signalled “PUFF ON BOOK” for “PULL ON DOOR”, greatly to the amusement of the trainer. They had time for a singing game before tea, and so Madge was introduced to “Amelia Anne” and the game ended with much hilarity thanks to Amelia Anne going to school “by camel!”, after which the Guiders and Trainers vanished into the house to get changed ready for tea. Madge, as she tidied her hair before going down for the meal, caught sight of the now-familiar figure of Daisy speeding along towards the house, closely followed by her chum Mary. They appeared to be running a race, but presently, Daisy stopped still, doubled up coughing, and Mary, unable to stop, crashed into her, sending both of them over. With a little exclamation, Madge dropped her brush and sped away downstairs, her brown curls loose and tumbling over her shoulders. Madge was the first to reach the pair, although she was followed almost immediately by two of the staff who had observed her wild flight from the house, and who had caught up the First Aid kit in case of need. Thankfully, it appeared it was not needed, though both the girls were a little shaken and Daisy was, as Mary later put it “coughing fit to bust!” Madge dealt with the situation swiftly, and in a way that spoke well for her capabilities as a leader – both as a Headmistress and as a Guider.

By the time Daisy was sitting up, leaning against Madge and sipping the water one of the staff had gone to fetch, Miss Wolton appeared on the scene, and was relieved to see how well Madge had dealt with things. Miss Fenton appeared shortly afterwards, Madge having sent the other member of staff to the camp, and the look of anxiety on her face was a mirror to the expression often seen on Madge’s own face when her beloved little sister was ill. Daisy turned a bleached and penitent face towards her cousin “I forgot” she murmured, as she got to her feet. “So did I,” owned Mary, looking her Guide Captain straight in the eye “so it was sort of my fault too, cos I didn’t say ‘no’ to the race”
“Forgetting is a very poor excuse for a thirteen year old,” Miss Fenton said gently “especially when it comes to something as serious as this.” She turned to the other Guiders “Thank you so much for helping, I’m very grateful. I think I ought to take these two back to camp now – oh, and Miss Bettany, will you come and join in our tracking game tonight? That’s what I sent this pair to ask you, but I don’t expect they managed it. We’re setting off at about eight o’clock and we’re to finish at ten.”
“I’d love to come,” Madge replied eagerly, “we were going to be country-dancing tonight, but the only person who knew the dances well enough to teach us has come down with a bilious attack so I’d planned to spend the evening reading instead – but I’d much rather join you.”

 

#54:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:29 pm

Loving the inter-weaving of training and camp.

*hopeful*

 

#55:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:33 pm

more please, oh shiny Xanikins!!!!!

 

#56:  Author: Carolyn P, Location: Lancaster, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:40 pm

Brilliant xan. Thanks. love th description of the games etc.

 

#57:  Author: Ann, Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, England PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:42 pm

I've just come across this drabble and, uncannily, I'm still wearing my uniform after tonight's Guide meeting! It's brilliant, Xanthe - it's good to read about all the aspects of Guiding which were removed from the current programme when it was modernised, things like marching into horseshoe formation... brings back so many memories...

 

#58:  Author: catherine, Location: York PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:48 pm

Thanks Xan, this is really good.

 

#59:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:50 pm

Thanks Xan - is there something sinister about Daisy's cough?

 

#60:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 11:41 pm

Yay
That was great Xan - loved the desciption of Brownies. Hoping there is nothing worrying about Daisys cough Confused

 

#61:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:18 am

The activities sounds like great fun, though I'm very worried about Daisy Crying or Very sad

Thanks for the info Very Happy

 

#62:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:17 am

A little bit more... and you don't need to worry about Daisy, honest Very Happy

Thus it was that eight o’clock found Madge at the camp again, carrying a small knapsack with her torch, flask and raincoat in, almost as excited as the Guides themselves were. Miss Fenton was just emerging from the hospital tent were Daisy was, as she explained to Madge, now sleeping, under the watchful eye of nurse. “She was upset to be out of it of course,” Miss Fenton said, as she prepared to blow the ‘rally’ signal on her whistle “but it couldn’t be helped after this afternoon” she concluded, once she had done so. The succession of short sharp blasts brought the Guides to her at once, eager to receive their instructions for the night’s game. The game had been set up so the girls tracked by sound, smell and touch rather than sight, as far as was possible, following a course set out by the Patrol Leaders that afternoon. The Guiders and Patrol Leaders were to be stationed at intervals round the trail, with challenges for the Guides, and Madge found herself heading off into the woods with Miss Fenton while the Guides sat in their tents, counting to two-hundred before they opened their instructions, which were written in Braille.

 

#63:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:21 am

Excellent idea - so the blind Guides will have to lead the sighted!

Thanks Xan.

 

#64:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 12:38 pm

Very, very ingenous, Xan.

 

#65:  Author: LadyGuinevere, Location: Leicester PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:51 pm

Very cool!

Though it brings back memories of how disappointed I was my guide group wasn't as good as the CS!

~LadyG

 

#66:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 1:57 pm

I may manage to finish this before I go tomorrow (as I said, it's not a very long story) and if I do I'll post it.

Madge found herself helping Miss Fenton with a knot-tying game that the sighted Guides did with their eyes shut – and rather more slowly than the blind Guides managed. In between whiles, as they waited for groups to find them, the Patrols having, for once, been thoroughly mixed up, Miss Fenton and Miss Bettany discussed Guiding and themselves, in roughly equal measure. Madge talked fondly of her school in the Austrian Tyrol, while Miss Fenton described her life in London with her parents and her small cousin, who had lived with them since she was a toddler, as her parents led something of an itinerant life, due to Daisy’s father’s job as an ambassador. “Daisy’s not fit enough for a wandering life,” Miss Fenton explained “and her parents wanted to make sure of her education in any case, so she came to us as a tiny, when I was about seventeen or so. She can be a monkey, but I’d much rather that than her be insufferably saintly!” Madge agreed wholeheartedly, and then said shyly, “Won’t you call me by my Christian name?” Miss Fenton smiled, “I should be delighted to – if you’ll call me by mine of course! It’s Elizabeth, but almost everyone calls me Lizzie: my mother is very fond of Jane Austen’s novels!” Just at that point, the next group came racing up to try their hand at the game, and personal conversation ceased. Once the girls were out of earshot, Madge turned to her new friend and asked what the white and blue cross one of the Guides had had pinned to her left breast-pocket meant. “That’s the Badge of Fortitude,” Miss Fenton explained quietly “it’s awarded to members of Extension Companies who’ve shown exceptional courage and endurance under suffering, which Nadia has certainly done. She lost her sight in the same fire she lost her parents in, and from which she rescued her two little sisters. She was very badly burnt and for a long time it wasn’t certain she’d live, much less be as active as she is now.”

 

#67:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:06 pm

Thanks Xan. A very brave girl Nadia!

 

#68:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:16 pm

*crosses fingers it will be finished Very Happy *

Another lovely post, thank you

What a great idea for an activity, and Nadia was very brave. I'm so glad Daisy is alright!

 

#69:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:58 pm

As Madge got ready for bed that night, she reflected that Guiding was not what she had thought it was – it was, in fact, much more. She had thought it a good training for girls, and the spirit of tolerance and acceptance had appealed to her as the Head of a school with pupils from many creeds and nations. She had not really realised how deep it went, however, or how far it reached. She had read, earlier in the week, extracts from a variety of Baden-Powell’s works, and fragments of these came back to her as she lay in bed “Scouting is nothing less than applied Christianity” “Girls should be brought up as comrades and helpers, not to be dolls” “The Girl Guides…have been recognised by the League of Nations as having a great influence for peace” just as she slipped into a restful sleep, Madge thought of the quote from Kidd at the end of the Handbook: “Give us the young before the evil has held them and we will create a new Heaven and a new Earth”. Even if her aims were not as far reaching as that, Madge certainly hoped that Guiding would give something valuable to the girls of the Chalet School, as it had already done for so many girls throughout the world.

 

#70:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:15 pm

Lovely Xan!

May I come into your drabble to give Nadia a hug?

 

#71:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 3:31 pm

This is so touching, Xan, what brave girls those extension Guides are, especially Nadia.

 

#72:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 4:36 pm

How lovely. Smile

 

#73:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 6:46 pm

Xan, that was fantastic.

I love Daisy and Nadia - really well drawn.

 

#74:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 7:41 pm

Will there be some more for tomorrow, O shiny Xanthe?

 

#75:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 7:57 pm

A bit more... I am still aiming to finish this tonight, but it seems to keep growing... What I know about Extension Guides is limited, but they were quite remarkable for their time: Extension Units encouraged disabled girls to be as independent as possible and to try as many things as was possible. Extension Units first officially began in 1918, and continue, to an extent today, though in a rather different form. While girls with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to join their local Unit if possible, there are still a few Units especially for (usually severely) disabled members - we have one in my county.

The last few days of Madge’s training week sped past and she, in company with the other new Guiders at the training, was enrolled as a Guider on the last day. Madge, trig and trim in her smart new uniform, stood before the local Commissioner who had come for the occasion, and her clear pleasant tones rang out in the words of the Guide promise: “I promise on my honour to do my best to do my duty to God and the King, to help other people at all times and to obey the Guide Law”. Miss Fenton, who had been invited, smiled broadly at Madge as the Guiders were dismissed for the last time by Miss Wolton, to go and collect their possessions and begin their journeys home. Madge was to pass the few hours before her train arrived at the camp, and as she and Miss Fenton wandered through the woods, she was deep in thought. “I’m glad you had such a nice day for it,” Miss Fenton said, presently “keeping your Promise is a special thing, and I think making it ought to be extra-special, which is rather easier on a glorious day like this than on, say, a gloomy wet November evening.” Madge smiled shyly,
“It really means something – something more than I’d realised” she replied softly, and Miss Fenton, though not given to demonstrative behaviour, squeezed her friend’s hand briefly as she said “Yes, it does.”

The camp was bustling as the Extension Company were returning home that day, and Madge soon found herself helping organise the packing of kitbags and clearing of wash-cubicles. At lunchtime they stopped to eat the mutton and potatoes which had been cooked in the Hay Box and then, once the washing up was done, the Guides made their way to where the charabanc was waiting to collect the Extension Company and their Guiders. Lusty goodbyes were called as the charabanc moved away, its occupants waving vigorously, and presently, the strains of their singing could be heard drifting back up the drive towards the members of the 11th Crystal Palace Company. “Right, back to camp for rest hour,” Miss Fenton said briskly “and then we’ll have a nice relaxing afternoon.” The twelve Guides trotted quietly back through the woods and promptly fell asleep in their tents, any request for silence being utterly unnecessary. The Guiders, for their part, congregated in the shade of a large tree, to discuss the plans for the afternoon. “We’re working on the Toymaker badge as a Company,” Miss Andrews informed Madge “so we thought they could all get on with some of the sewing for that – they’re making and dressing dolls to be sent to the local children’s hospital.”
“It should keep them nice and quiet and then we’ll have a good long walk this evening, but nothing too adventurous as they’re all quite tired – they’ve worked hard this week and they’ll have to do so again when the rest of the company arrives.”

 

#76:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:39 pm

Brilliant

I remember reading about Extension packs in my 50s Guide Handbook.

I loved Madge making her promise. Which district/area would she come under for Guiding in Austria??

 

#77:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:54 pm

I'm really enjoying this Xanthe.

It seems a million miles from my own Guide experience in the 1980s and I'm learning so much!

 

#78:  Author: JackieJ, Location: Kingston upon Hull PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 8:58 pm

Oooh... just discovered this, brings back many memories. I was a Brownie and a Guide (I started as a Young Leader as well, but college work became too time consuming, I still have all my badges though, sewn onto what was my camping blanket!). Reading the CS always brought back the memories and this is doing it is well.

Thank you Xanthe.

*wanders off remembering happy days as a Pixie, Chaffinch and Swallow, and the old uniform (the new one came in halfway through my time at Guides)*

JackieJ

 

#79:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:12 pm

Thanks Xan!

 

#80:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:14 pm

The CS Guides would have been part of BGIFC (British Guides in Foreign Countries) which began in 1911 and is still going strong today. I'm not certain when the galleon and union jack badges for wearing on uniform came in, but it is possible the CS girls would have had them.

At the end of the Company’s rest hour, Miss Andrews drove Madge to the station, leaving her with an invitation for Madge, Jo, the Robin and Miss Maynard to motor over and visit the camp in the next week. “We should love to have you,” Miss Andrews said warmly, “so do write and let us know if you can come.”
“That would be lovely,” Madge said warmly “I shall consult with Miss Maynard and write to you as soon as possible. I’m sure Jo would love the chance to see a camp: she’s desperate to be a Guide, and the Robin is longing to be a Brownie, just as soon as she’s eight.” Miss Andrews smiled as she carefully parked the car and then helped Madge get her case from the back seat. The two Guiders made their way onto the platform and Miss Andrews stayed to wave Madge off, returning to camp via a little shop that sold sweets to purchase some chocolate for the Guides as a treat. When Madge arrived in Winchester she was greeted by a wildly excited Jo, with the Robin almost as exuberantly pleased to see her. “I have missed you ma tante,” the little maid said gravely as Madge bent to kiss her “but Zoë and I have been much amused at the house of Mlle Maynard”
“It is topping to see you again old thing,” Jo put in at this point, while Miss Maynard smiled her own greeting at her Headmistress.

Over tea Madge was regaled with tales of Jo’s doings – mostly quite mild – during the week, and she was privileged to hear that that young lady had started work on a set of fairy stories for the Robin. “We’ve been all round Winchester too,” Jo added, hastily swallowing a mouthful of cake “the cathedral is simply ripping – we saw the shrine to St Swithun, and Jane Austen’s tomb of course.”
“Me, I liked the visit to the West Gate” the Robin chimed in “and to see the college was fun also, although I did not think it as nice as our own school of course” she finished happily. Madge, in turn, told them about her training, and about the Guides she had met, adding that they had all been invited to visit the camp. “Oh, how simply gorgeous!” Jo exclaimed, with a wild gesture that almost sent the milk flying. “Do me more careful Jo!” her sister said, as she steadied the jug, and Jo had the grace to blush a little as she apologised. The talk turned to other things after that, but later that evening Madge and Miss Maynard settled a date for them to visit the camp, and Madge wrote at once to Miss Fenton to arrange things.

 

#81:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:17 pm

*grins*

*wonders what Joey will make of Slang Fines*

 

#82:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 9:59 pm

Another fabulous post, thank you.

I hope they all enjoy their visit to the camp

 

#83:  Author: Rachel, Location: Plotting in my lair PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:09 pm

Angel wrote:
*wonders what Joey will make of Slang Fines*


You could try reading the CS books and finding out Wink

 

#84:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:13 pm

Xan this is a lovely drabble. The characters are so well drawn and seem so alive. It brings back memories of my own days as a Brownie and Guide in the 50's and 60's. I can remember saying the promise and feeling so important.

 

#85:  Author: patmac, Location: Yorkshire England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:19 pm

Great Xanthe! I do hope you've managed to pack in between writing all this!

 

#86:  Author: Angel, Location: London, England PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:29 pm

Rachel wrote:
Angel wrote:
*wonders what Joey will make of Slang Fines*


You could try reading the CS books and finding out Wink


I was thinking the point at which Madge first mentions them, or she sees them in action, rather than their day to day implementation.

 

#87:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:55 pm

I'm pretty much ready thanks PatMac... glad you're all enjoying this & apologies but it WON'T be finished before I go tomorrow!

Thus it was that the next Wednesday saw Madge, Jo, the Robin and Miss Maynard motoring over to Foxlease from Pretty Maids, arriving in good time for elevenses. The camp was as lively as it had been during Madge’s training week, and to Jo and the Robin it appeared as a seething mass of blue-clad girls, all of them at their own tasks with an air of competence that was almost – but not quite – intimidating. Miss Fenton had, of course, been watching for them, as had all of the Guides, but it was Daisy who spotted them first, as she emerged from the wash cubicles with two empty pails that she was to refill and replace. “Li – oh – Cap!” she called, so excited she almost used her cousin’s Christian name, which was forbidden in Guide time “they’ve arrived! And the little one looks ever so sweet and wee,” she added to which Mary, happening past on an errand for Loot, asked “What, even smaller than you is she?” with a broad grin at her chum, who poked her tongue out in return “Rats to you!” Daisy retorted, and sadly for her, nemesis, in the shape of her cousin, descended immediately. “Daisy Fenton! That expression is absolutely forbidden - go and pay your fine and don’t let me hear it again please.” Daisy heaved an inwards sigh and trotted off to do her cousin’s bidding before returning to her job.

“Poor Daisy,” Miss Fenton laughed, as she greeted her guests, who had overheard the last of the exchange, “I always seem to catch her unguarded moments far more often than I do anyone else’s. Still, she knows that some words are utterly forbidden and that using them has consequences.”
“That sounds rather sinister,” smiled Miss Maynard, who was already greatly taken with the friendly young Guider, who laughed, and explained that the consequences came in the form of a fine of a penny if a Guide was caught using forbidden slang. “The money goes to the children’s hospital,” Miss Fenton explained “they have a fund for buying Christmas presents for the patients you see, and the slang fines are put into that. Even now a lot of people object to the Guides in the belief we encourage girls to be rough and tomboyish, so forbidding slang is partly an attempt to dispel that image. So much slang is simply ugly and unpleasant anyway though, and none of the Guides’ parents would thank me if their daughters used our meetings to extend their vocabularies in such a way!” Madge expressed her agreement on this point, at which Jo looked a little guilty and became very interested in the brailing pegs of the nearest tent.

 

#88:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 10:59 pm

Oh dear- so we have the Guides tothank for slang fines!!

Thanks Xan - so more of this when you return then??

 

#89:  Author: Sugarplum, Location: second star to the right! PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:02 pm

Yayyyyyyyyyyy more drabble - keep it up Xan its wonderful and u are spot on with the Guiding details - its really good and ur characters are very well rounded.

 

#90:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:10 pm

Thanks again, Xanthe! Interesting to see where some of Madge's ideas arose.

Wondering if Miss Andrews is related to Sharlie.

Hope your trip goes well, and that you come back inspired to continue (and continue).

P.S. What's a "brailing peg"?

fun quote from The Girl Guides Association (dedicated to Ray Smile )
Quote:
A whistle is often the only means of signalling used in a Guide camp. It is an imperious and piercing noise, and very unpleasant for local inhabitants or adjoining camps. Several different instruments can be used as variations, but best of all are camp calls.

 

#91:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:14 pm

Kathy_S wrote:
Wondering if Miss Andrews is related to Sharlie.
P.S. What's a "brailing peg"?


Andrews was actually just a nice random name... but I suppose she could be some kind of relation...

A brailing peg is one of the small pegs used to hold down the sides of the tent & also to peg the doors down.

 

#92:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 11:27 pm

Thanks! Despite lots of experience with (too often soggy) canvas, I only remember categorizing tent stakes as long, short or candy cane.

 

#93:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 2:44 pm

Hehe poor Joey

I'm glad I get more time to anticipate the ending, have a great holiday Xanthe Very Happy

 

#94:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 5:27 pm

Xanthe my precious, I DO hope you are following my suggestion and using your plane journey to write more of this.......... Wink

(and also that you are having/will have a great holiday!)

 

#95:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:09 am

This is brilliant, Xan - loved Joey's sheepishness!

Hope you're getting plenty of inspiration ... Very Happy

 

#96:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:46 am

Have a brilliant holiday, and come back with lots more drabble.

 

#97:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:15 pm

I had a LOVELY holiday, but didn't get any writing done I'm afraid... I shall post some more when it is written!

 

#98:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:38 pm

*chaions Xanthe to the computer to write lots more*

 

#99:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:40 pm

Vikki wrote:
*chaions Xanthe to the computer to write lots more*


*wonders what exactly "chaions" may be* tongue

 

#100:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:42 pm

I thought you'd written more. Crying or Very sad

 

#101:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 8:45 pm

Xanthe wrote:
Vikki wrote:
*chaions Xanthe to the computer to write lots more*


*wonders what exactly "chaions" may be* tongue



Well, my pet, you will find out if you don't write more soon........ Wink

 

#102:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 9:58 pm

Well, having been threatened (asnd by my own aunt, what IS the world coming to!?!) here is some more...

At that point, the whistle sounded for elevenses, and the wash cubicles (Daisy had returned with the refilled buckets just in time) were descended upon by Guides wishing to wash their hands and tidy their hair before going to get their milk and biscuits. Miss Fenton escorted her guests over to where Helen, Leader of the Swallows, was pouring milk into enamel mugs while her Second distributed the biscuits. Daisy, at the head of the queue, beamed at Jo as she was handed her mug, and Jo, who had for once in her life been feeling a little shy, grinned back. “Won’t you come and have your elevenses with us?” Daisy asked eagerly, indicating her particular group of friends with a wave of her hand that almost sent her milk slopping out of her mug. “Oh help, that very nearly did it!” she exclaimed, standing stock still momentarily to let the contents of her mug settle. As soon as it had she led Jo off to where her particular group of friends had congregated and they were soon all chattering nineteen to the dozen about Guides, all of the 11th Crystal Palace Company attempting (or so it seemed to Jo) to explain everything to their guest all at once! Madge glanced over to where her sister was standing and laughed at the sight of Jo, her head moving rapidly from side to side as she attempted to keep up with the conversation.

 

#103:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:02 pm

yey! Very Happy

 

#104:  Author: Gem, Location: Saltash, Cornwall (holidays), Aberystwyth (termtime from September) PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:08 pm

*g* Thank you, Xanthe!

 

#105:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 10:17 pm

Thanks Xan!

 

#106:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:01 am

Wow, how come I've only just found this? It's brilliant Xan, almost enough to make me wish I'd carried on with Guides, (Which I may well have done had we done anything more exciting than sitting in our patrols looking at pictures of leaves, then going home again), and not only have I had the chance to read a great draqbble, I'm learning lots of things too.
PS Glad you enjoyed your holiday.

 

#107:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 9:22 am

Thanks Xanthe, and I'm glad you had a good holiday Very Happy

 

#108:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:05 am

Glad you had a good holiday, Xan. You'll be feeling really refreshed and ready to write lots more drabble.

 

#109:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 10:50 am

Thankyou Xanthe, glad you had a good time, and it's great to see a bit more!

 

#110:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:26 pm

Thank you Xan!!!
What a GOOD GIRL you are......

 

#111:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:36 pm

Due to a SEVERE attack of RL, this is likely to be a bit neglected I am afraid... I have Pack Holiday in a fortnight and lots to do for it, with my very real Brownies needing to take priority over my fictional Guides...

The Robin, for her part, was enchanted by the camp, and most especially by the tents. “I think,” she said carefully “it would be vair nice to sleep in a tent like this. But is it not frightening when the night comes and there is no light at all?” Miss Andrews, who was showing her round the camp, smiled at the little face turned up to hers “we have our torches,” she explained “and lanterns too, so it is not completely dark.” The Robin smiled trustingly at the plump, cheerful-looking Guider, and they continued on their tour of the site. The Robin wrinkled her nose as they passed the hospital tent, as the smell of iodine, which was being used to clean the scratches adorning the legs of the youngest Guide in the Company, reached her. Nurse, having finished with her patient, turned her loose with an admonition to be more careful in future and then showed the Robin her neat little domain. “It’s my job to look after the Guides if they have an accident, or if they’re not well,” she explained, as the Robin peeped into a box of neatly-rolled bandages “so I have to keep everything as neat as I would in my hospital, or maybe even neater because I have less space here.” The Robin continued on her tour of inspection, eventually returning to Madge, who was sitting with Miss Maynard and Miss Fenton by the flagpole, watching the Guides work out the correct way to deal with the emergency situation each Patrol had been set. Jo had been drafted into the Robins for the occasion, and she was sprawled on the grass as “an unconscious person in a burning building”, who was to be rescued by the Patrol. “Is Zoë very tired then, ma tante?” asked the Robin as she observed this with some interest. Madge stifled a giggle as she explained, and the Robin then sat back contentedly to watch, snuggled up at her brevet aunt’s side.

 

#112:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 4:55 pm

Thanks Xanthe, I love the Robin-eyed view of things Very Happy

 

#113:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 5:05 pm

Lovely Xan!!!


*ignores the bit in blue*
Wink

 

#114:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 6:17 pm

Ahhhh! Isn't Robin sweet? Very Happy

 

#115:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:37 pm

Erm... no Lesley, she isn't! I much prefer Robin in her teens!

But Xanthe has captured the young Robin perfectly here as I'm finding her just as irritating as usual Very Happy

 

#116:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 8:43 pm

I liked the comment about Joey being very tired, but the Robin is swet, too sweet, just as EBD wrote her.

 

#117:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:22 am

*loving Helen's comment! Laughing *

Xan - I love the detail in this - it's perfect and the Robin's view is spot on - I particularly liked her thinking that Joey was tired!!
You have captured them all brilliantly at their respective ages ...

 

#118:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:23 am

I have not time for writing drabble... I should be doing Pack Holiday things and getting ready for Chloë's return... so how is it that I am writing drabble?

Jo, having been thoroughly “rescued”, was a little rumpled, but otherwise not too much the worse for wear, when the Guides and their guests set to work preparing their lunch. The Guides had begged to be allowed to cook in their patrols for once, with the adults divided between them, and they were cooking hike food – ostensibly for the benefit of their guests, but it must be admitted that the 11th Crystal Palace Company’s own fondness for certain delicacies such as dampers had helped influence the decision. Madge and the Robin had joined Jo with the Robin Patrol, who had carefully cut an H-shape into the turf where they were to have their fire, and rolled it back and sprinkled it with water before they set to work building a careful ‘wigwam’ of small sticks around the punk and kindling. The fire was carefully built up until it was large enough to cook on, and then sausages were skewered on sharp sticks of green wood, and toasted over the fire. The Robin was allowed, under careful supervision, to roast her sausage herself, and she sat down proudly on the groundsheet with it, cut into smaller pieces for her by the conscientious Heather. As well as the sausages the Guides had dampers, well coated with jam, after which those who could manage it enjoyed apples baked in the embers of the fire. The fires were extinguished and the Guides were then sent to rest while the embers cooled enough for them to be cleared away easily.

Rest hour soon passed, most of the Guides having slept through it unashamedly, and once the remains of the fires were cleared and the turf replaced, the Guides settled down to their afternoon’s activities, which were different for each Patrol. The Robins, together with Jo and her small adopted sister, who had begged hard to be allowed to go with her beloved Jo, were playing a stalking game on the edge of the woods. Madge and Miss Maynard, sitting with the Guiders who were planning a night hike for the penultimate night of the camp, watched idly as the Guides took it in turns to creep closer to Heather, trying to keep under cover of the bushes and trees. The Robin was helping Heather to guard the bucket that was ‘home’ and she took this duty very seriously, peering into the trees for any tell-tale flash of blue. Jo, unpractised in the arts of tracking, was caught fairly quickly, and relegated to sitting a little way off, where she was soon joined by Anne, the youngest Robin, who had tripped over a tree-root and sprawled full-length. She was unharmed, though annoyed to be out of the fun, but she consoled herself by talking to Jo about the swimming gala that had been held a few weeks previously. “There were Guides from all over our local area – we had the baths at Ladywell for an afternoon, and it was simply – oh, I mean, terribly good fun! Ooh, that’s Nessie out of it too,” she added, as Vanessa McPherson, a quiet Scots girl, came over to join them. “Heather was just a wee bit to quick for me,” ‘Nessie’ said as she dropped down onto the springy turf “she has ears like a lynx, that girl”.

Heather’s amazing hearing and sharp eyes did not manage to stop Ruth Lewis from reaching the bucket and kicking it triumphantly, which sound of success brought Daisy and the rest of the Patrol tumbling out to see who’d won. It was now Ruth’s turn to be on guard, and she was not quite as successful as Heather, Judy Compton making a wild but successful dash for home within minutes. The Robin proved her worth in the next round; catching Anne as she made a wild break for home, and then Jo as she tried to wriggle through a small gap in the bushes, with a disregard for her frock that made Madge, watching her, emit a little groan. “It’s as well you suggested we all wore old clothes,” Madge said to Miss Fenton “as Jo seems to be bent on destroying that dress.”
“That’s one of the blessings of camp overalls,” Miss Fenton replied “they’re incredibly hard-wearing.”
“Yes, though even they have their limits,” Miss Andrews said with a smile “as one of our Guides discovered last summer when she attempted to improvise a hammock – needless to state she ended up spending much of her free time repairing the damage, and Con – properly Consuela, if you please! – does NOT love her needle.” Just at this point there came a loud clang, followed by a sharp cry, and a series of shocked exclamations. Immediately, Miss Fenton was on her feet, speeding across the grass to where the Robins were standing, all except Daisy, who was sprawled face down on the grass, one foot in the bucket, and Heather, who was kneeling beside her, anxiously feeling for a pulse.

 

#119:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:34 am

Oh a cliff! Well I suppose it was about time! Laughing

Oh and Xan, you are writing drabble rather than doing anything else because it has taken over your life!

 

#120:  Author: Pat, Location: Doncaster PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:56 am

That sounds like the voice of experience Lesley!!! Twisted Evil

 

#121:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:03 am

*grinning at Pat Laughing *

Xan - frankly we don't care, we're just glad you are! Kiss *

Please, Miss - what's a damper? Confused
*betraying terrible ignorance*

 

#122:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 11:15 am

I think...but may be very wrong...that it dough rolled into a strip and twisted round a green stick before being roasted over the fire and then eaten hot and covered in jam in this instance!

Wonderful - thank you Xanthe! And it doesn't matter why you're writing we're just grateful! Wink

 

#123:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:19 pm

yey! Very Happy but what's happening????? we need an explanation!!! Very Happy

 

#124:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:39 pm

thank you oh wonderful and shiny Xan!!!!

 

#125:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 1:58 pm

Yay a long post and a cliff! ~ I hope Daisy is ok though Confused

 

#126:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 2:00 pm

Aggh a cliff. Is there a single nice happy tale on this board ANYWHERE?! Rolling Eyes

 

#127:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:01 pm

Xan, please tell us what comes after 'still, grey and to all appearances, dead'

 

#128:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 3:31 pm

Xan... you are going to come back and tell us what happened... soon... please Smile

*crosses fingers tightly for Daisy*

 

#129:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 4:20 pm

*threatens to tickle Xan until she comes backand posts!!!*


Look, Xanikins, I'm SURE your brownies won't really mind if there is no food on pack holiday, or if other things get forgotten! They will understand that it was FAR more important that we get the rest of your drabble!!!! Wink

 

#130:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:18 pm

The penultimate post...

Miss Fenton deftly and carefully turned the small girl onto her back, remaining calm even as she noted the pallor of her cousin’s face, and the thin trickle of blood running from her temple, indicating where she had struck her head as she fell. Heather, relieved of responsibility for Daisy, promptly moved the rest of the Patrol away, Jo taking the Robin to Madge to be cuddled back to serenity, while Jo herself lent a tousled head against her sister’s shoulder, watching as Miss Fenton, now joined by nurse, bent anxiously over the still small form. “She looks awfully pale,” Jo murmured to Madge, in tones that were not as steady as normal, and the elder girl turned and stretched out a hand to her sister. “She’s had a nasty fall, but I’m sure she’ll be all right Joey” Madge said reassuringly, even as, on the opposite side of the field, Daisy’s eyes flickered open to meet those of her cousin. “Daisy, do you know where you are?” Miss Fenton asked, trying to keep her voice as normal as possible. “Yes,” was the faint reply, which nurse later vowed was the least helpful answer to that particular question she had ever heard. “I fell in the bucket” Daisy added presently “does that count?” Miss Fenton, torn between laughing at this unexpected comment, and sobbing from sheer relief, composed herself and instead smoothed Daisy’s hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. Nurse, satisfied that Daisy had not injured her head too badly, was now concentrating her attentions on that young lady’s ankle, which she had, for a wonder, not broken, but merely badly sprained.

Heather, now drilling the Robins in Morse, with a remarkable amount of vigour but an uncharacteristic lack of patience, glanced over to where Daisy was lying, and then turned firmly away. “Me gawping won’t help matters,” she thought, with an inward sigh “but I do want to know how Daisy is.” The rest of the Robins were anxious as well, but they held true to their Guide training and kept at their signalling, even if some startling errors resulted from their distraction. As soon as nurse had strapped up the twisted ankle, Daisy was borne away to the hospital tent to be put to bed. Her cousin stayed with her until she fell asleep, which did not take long, and then she went straight to where the Robins were to tell them that Daisy, beyond the cut to her forehead, a nice assortment of bruises and a badly sprained ankle, was her normal self. “It will mean bed for her for the rest of camp though,” Miss Fenton finished “as that ankle won’t be fit for anything else for quite some time.” With this news, the Robins continued their signalling practice in a slightly more relaxed (and certainly more accurate) fashion, while Miss Fenton made her way back to where her guests were sitting with Miss Andrews. As Miss Fenton sat down Miss Andrews passed her the mug of hot sweet tea she had made for her, at which Miss Fenton, who did not take sugar in her tea, pulled a rueful face, but made no comment. Miss Maynard suggested that she, Jo and the Robin go to find the Swallows, who were doing nature study, and Madge went with them, leaving Miss Fenton to explain what had happened.

 

#131:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:25 pm

Xanthe wrote:
“Daisy, do you know where you are?” Miss Fenton asked, trying to keep her voice as normal as possible. “Yes,” was the faint reply, which nurse later vowed was the least helpful answer to that particular question she had ever heard.


Yes well we know where Daisy got that idea from don't we Xan? Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Lovely post!

 

#132:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:30 pm

Yey, I'm glad it wasn't something worse for Dasiy
but penultimate?? Crying or Very sad

 

#133:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 5:50 pm

Glad Daisy is ok, but she doesn't half attract accidents!

Im so sad this has nearly finished Crying or Very sad

 

#134:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:16 pm

Lesley wrote:
Xanthe wrote:
“Daisy, do you know where you are?” Miss Fenton asked, trying to keep her voice as normal as possible. “Yes,” was the faint reply, which nurse later vowed was the least helpful answer to that particular question she had ever heard.


Yes well we know where Daisy got that idea from don't we Xan? Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing

Lovely post!




*thinks she now knows who made the reply and where... Wink *


*chants for more!!!!*

 

#135:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 6:54 pm

Xan, I've just found this and it's wonderful!! Not sure if I'm looking forward to the next post or dreading the fact that it's the last bit of the story. Awesome stuff!! Well done!!! Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

 

#136:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:25 pm

Just thought I'd come in and let you all know just how good the final part is!!!!
It is very very shiny, and truly worthy of a sequel!!!!

 

#137:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:38 pm

See? Gloating is a natural extension of the normal process of asking for more! Laughing

 

#138:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 8:55 pm

Well, you know what they say, Lesley, 'If you can't beat them, join them.....'

 

#139:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:14 pm

Penultimate part? That's sad but it's been a brilliant story. So glad to hear Daisy is alive, relatively well and being an unhelfpul child again Very Happy

 

#140:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Tue Jul 27, 2004 10:40 pm

*Echoes Sarah K's comments*

I've really enjoyed this Xanthe - please post the last bit before you take your Brownies away!

 

#141:  Author: Xanthe, Location: London/Cambridge PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 7:52 am

Last bit... however, the bunny decided it doesn't want to leave, so you may yet be hearing more about Daisy etc and the CS Guides...

“So what happened then?” Miss Andrews asked, her usually merry face grave, “Did Daisy manage to fall over the bucket?”
“Not exactly,” Miss Fenton said, with the shadow of a smile “she fell INTO it instead!”
“INTO it?” echoed Miss Andrews in astonishment “What on Earth do you mean?”
“Just that,” replied Miss Fenton, somewhat aggravatingly, pausing for a moment before continuing “Daisy had noticed there was a nice broad branch just above the bucket pretty much, which should allow her to make a surprise capture – no one guarding the bucket would think to look up trees, or so she thought. Well, she made it up there all right, and got along the branch, and was just getting ready to jump when she realised her overall had caught on a small branch, so she tugged at it and lost her balance, coming crashing out of the tree and into the bucket. She’s lucky to have got off as lightly as she did.” Miss Fenton concluded, a flicker of anxiety crossing her face. Miss Andrews smiled at her chum – they had been friends since starting school – and then suggested that they go to see how the rest of the Patrols were getting on. Miss Fenton shook herself mentally and then sprang to her feet in her usual energetic fashion, taking her (now empty) mug over to the kitchen to rinse it out.

The members of the Chalet School stayed to tea with the Guides and then left, with promises to keep in touch. “I can’t wait until our own Company starts,” Jo said, as the car wound its way through the Hampshire countryside “I’m sure we’ll have heaps of adventures.”
“Not too many I hope,” smiled Madge “we seem to manage quite a few without having Guides.”
“I think being a Brownie will be very nice,” the Robin said contentedly, “Heather, she is a Pack Leader, so she told me all about Brownies. I should like to be a Sprite I think, for they are ‘Brave and helpful like the knights’.” Chatter about Guiding dominated the journey back to Pretty Maids, with Jo inwardly resolving that she would work up to her First Class as quickly as she knew how. That night, when Madge went to say goodnight to Jo, she was aware that her small sister was looking almost anxiously at the small trefoil broach pinned to her collar. “I hope I shall earn mine soon,” Jo said, earnestly “and the others too. Goodnight, Madge old thing – I s’pose I shall have to get used to calling you Captain now too, as well as Miss Bettany I mean.”
“Goodnight Joey,” Madge replied, suppressing a little laugh “sleep well.” With that she left the room, even as, a few miles away, Miss Fenton crept into the hospital tent to see her small cousin. “You should be asleep you bad child,” Miss Fenton said tenderly, as she bent down to her, light brown eyes meeting dark brown ones in an affectionate and steady gaze. “Sorry I scared you,” Daisy said, penitently, and Miss Fenton bent to kiss her. “Don’t think any more about it,” Miss Fenton said softly “but go to sleep now Daisy girl.” Daisy snuggled down obediently and closed her eyes, and Miss Fenton left her to join Miss Andrews by the flagpole with the Leaders for the singing of Taps.

 

#142:  Author: Rachael,  PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 8:43 am

Aw, that's been a lovely story Xan - and a great place to leave it until you're ready to write more ...

Loved Daisy's helpful comments!

 

#143:  Author: Jennie, Location: Cambridgeshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:15 am

A lovely story, Xan, thank you.

 

#144:  Author: Ally, Location: Jack Maynard's Dressing Room!! PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 10:25 am

Lovely, thank you Xanthe, and I do hope we may get to see more of Daisy and co one day Very Happy

 

#145:  Author: Helen P, Location: Cheshire PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 11:46 am

Thankyou Xanthe that was really lovely Smile

Very glad to hear that your small sparkling purple leaf isn't ready to leave yet!

Enjoy pack holiday and come back with lots more ideas for Daisy & Co.

 

#146:  Author: Lesley, Location: Rochester, Kent PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 1:43 pm

Thank you Xan - looking forward to more Wink

 

#147:  Author: Nell, Location: London, England PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 2:25 pm

Xanthe, that was lovely! Have fun on pack holiday and i look forward to the small sparkling purple leaf's next offerings!

 

#148:  Author: Kathy_S, Location: midwestern US PostPosted: Wed Jul 28, 2004 2:48 pm

Thank you, Xanthe!

*hopes the bunny has settled in for a good long (permanent?) stay*

 

#149:  Author: Susan, Location: Carlisle PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:13 am

Thank you Xan this has been a lovely story.

(Have already checked out the new one - it's great too)/

 

#150:  Author: Vikki, Location: Sitting on an iceberg, freezing to death!!! PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 12:13 am

Thanks Xan!!
Glad to hear that the head-sitting navy blue bunny has won the day! Wink

 

#151:  Author: Nicole, Location: New Zealand PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 6:48 am

Well done, Xan, that was fantastic!!

 

#152:  Author: Sarah_K, Location: St Albans/Leicester PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 7:42 pm

Thank you Xanthe, lovely ending to a great story. Looking forward to seeing anymore the bunny might prompt Very Happy

 

#153:  Author: Charlotte, Location: Casterton, Kirkby Lonsdale PostPosted: Thu Jul 29, 2004 11:12 pm

Very Happy that was lovely and I'm glad there's more!!!! Very Happy Very Happy

 

#154:  Author: Ellie, Location: Lincolnshire PostPosted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 8:23 pm

Thanks Xanthe, now I understand about Daisy's ankle!
A lovely story, and I'm glad you've already started the next one - Daisy is a great character.

 

#155:  Author: Laura, Location: London (ish) PostPosted: Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:31 pm

Aww Xanthe that was lovely. And on to the other guiding drabble I go... Very Happy

 

#156:  Author: Liss, Location: Harrow, London PostPosted: Wed Sep 08, 2004 12:14 pm

That was great, Xanthe! I really enjoyed it.

 

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