View report page

APPENDIX I.
SHOEBURYNESS HOLIDAY CAMP, 1932.
Extracts from Report by Mr. T. Taylorson.
It is with great pleasure that I submit my Eighth Annual
Report on your Committee's Holiday Camp. During July and
August of 1932, 334 boys enjoyed your hospitality at Shoeburyness.
For the seventh year in succession the large meadow of
South Shoebury Hall was our temporary residence. This fine
enclosed field of twenty acres, sloping gradually to the sea, is an
ideal camping site, and offers the combined advantages of
seclusion, perfect drainage, delightful sea views, ample water
supply, and yet easy accessability.
On Friday, July 15th, twenty of the teaching staff of the
Council Schools made their way to the selected site, after the
close of the afternoon session, and scenes of busy activity ensued,
so that by Sunday mid-day, a complete transformation had been
effected and the camp stood complete and ready for its youthful
masters. Thirty-two bell tents, one large marquee and two
smaller ones provided ample accommodation for eating and sleeping,
whilst soundly built timber and iron kitchen, ablution shed,
bath house with changing room and latrines appeared where but
a few hours before had been bare ground. I might here report
that the new canvas purchased on my recommendation in my last
report proved satisfactory in every way, and in spite of some
drenching days and nights, showed no signs of leaking.
The boys from the southern half of the Borough, together
with those from the non-provided schools, formed the first contingent,
whilst a similar number from the remaining schools enjoyed
the second fortnight. It is pleasing to be able to report
that general good health prevailed.
The diet was varied and ample, and four times a day, youthful
appetites, whetted by keen sea breezes and active open air life, lost
edge in our spacious dining marquee. All foodstuffs except vegetables,
were supplied by the Co-operative Society, and were of
uniform excellence of quality.
The boys' time was fully taken up by the pleasurable pursuits
of camp life, and long joyous days of sports, games and swimming
were rounded off by songs and story-telling till the evening
hymn and prayers led to a quiet dismissal and hours of tranquil
sleep, under the vigilant care of the teacher on night duty.
As in past years, the hot spray baths were a constant delight
to the boys and a never failing source of wondering admiration
to our visitors, who were many and distinguished.
After a thoroughly enjoyable holiday, the last batch of boys
returned on Thursday, August 18th, and by four o'clock on the
next day, all camp gear was packed and stowed away in the
•spacious new accommodation provided for it.
195 N