The date is set and with both sides rapidly building their legions this year’s Battle of Marple looks like a fight to the death as Cobden and Kinder lock horns in the ultimate test of their scouting prowess. One troop will fall and one will rise.
Let Battle Commence!
29th June -1st July 2012
Boarfold Scout Campsite
As promised and for those of you that haven’t had a chance to see it yet, here are a couple of videos from last year.
Battle of Marple 2011
Battle of Marple 2011 – The Leaders
Battle of Marple – Scouts with Cameras
Last year we gave out a few disposable cameras to the scouts to let them take some pictures of the weekend and this is what they came up with.
In an unprecidented move that shook the scouting world, 1st Marple Network were seen this week donning there pinnies and breaking out the feather dusters. Yes that’s right Marple Network were CLEANING. On site witnesses report that what started out as a quick tidy up soon escalated to full out Spring clean. Experts believe that this unusual behaviour could only be the result of deadly mixture of flash bleach and Bissell Carpet Shampoo fumes.
All that can be said is that he who dares not using a coaster in the Network Suite will have the wrath of one Mr Christopher Greevy to deal!
As Marple Gang Show 2012 becomes a mere distance memory (personally I have still got Jack in a Box stuck in my head), I thought that I would post two last videos. Enjoy and see you all next year!
Gang show move in
And finally a view from backstage and all the faffing that takes place
Gang Show is with us again and as everyone always says it’s come round quickly! Rehearsals are in full swing and with scenery to be made and costumes to be sorted it won’t be long till be are in the Carver on opening night. All the cast seemed to be having the time of their lives so we thought that we would go and ask a few questions to see how they are getting on and we have a couple of pictures too!
Question time with Dan White and Dennis Coe
Are you enjoying Gang Show?
Yes, it’s like fun, even better than eating cheesecake.
What’s the best thing about being in the show?
I love being in sketches they’re great fun and a real good laugh, I am hoping to be an actor when I am taller and follow in the footsteps of my role model Judy Dench.
What would be your ideal dinner at gang show?
“its fifteen minutes till pot noodle time” says Dan white so probably gotta be a pot noodle. They’re so full of noodley goodness, they’re great! Dan was later seen running to the hatch screaming “POT NOODLE!”.
Who’s your favourite adult cast member and why?
Steve I guess because I can’t think of any other, he is just so great that I forget who all the others are.
Are you looking forward to getting on stage?
Yes, it’s the best bit. I can’t wait for my mum and dad to see me on stage and if I am honest I just love the chance to wear make up in public (but don’t tell anyone).
Question time with Debbie Sprek
How do you feel the show is going?
It’s going really well at the moment, but we are getting a little behind at the moment mainly because Steve won’t stop faffing and it doesn’t help that costumes will be in next weekend taking over the hut at per usual.
What is your favourite item?
It’s got to be funfair the scenery is ace and I am looking forward to laughing at stage crew trying to get it on stage, it weighs a ton (cheers Bernard and Jupe!)
Who is your favourite stage crew member?
It got to be Ben he may be small but he is brimming with enthusiasm and has a real get up and go attitude, unlike the rest of them.
Question Time with the producers
How do you feel the show it going at the moment?
It’s not that bad, says Steve Spreckley, we have a way to go still but I can see true potential in the Gang. Not all the cast mind, there are few dodgy performers in the adult cast but we try to put them at the back that no one can see them.
What’s your favourite item?
Has to be dogs, any item that you can get a poo box on stage, classic! That’s a winner in my mind!
Who is your favourite cast member?
It’s a gang we don’t have favourites, “there are no stars in gang show” says Steve Spreckley
Has anything gone wrong so far?
Well joining was probably the biggest mistake we made says Jess Bray, Steve Spreckley added that it might be easier to ask what has gone right. Though reports have it that there has been a case of Mr Spreckley leaving all the words at home. When questioned Steve laughed and said it must be due to old age!
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
For the Fallen, Laurence Binyon 1914
Once again Rememberance service saw the scouts and guides of Marple gathering around The War Memorial to pay tribute to those men and women who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. A fitting service led by Fr. Ed Mckenna was enjoyed by all those in attendance.
As also seems to be tradition this years service also saw a bumper year of fainters within the scouting ranks, Cobden struck early losing the first scout during the first hymn. Kinder quickly followed suite with one of their newest additions taking second place and not to be outdone, Mr Jacob Combey (seen above) of Kinder Scouts took to the stage with a prize winning fall, earning himself a scuffed face and black eye as he hit the pavement. Following the service Mr Combey and his fellows all seemed to be in good spirits and have hopefully learned their lesson, a good hearty breakfast is always an essential for Remembrance Sunday.
Remembrance Day Tops Tips
For next year lads, these are a couple of top tips to stay on feet;
Eat a good breakfast
Keep wriggling your toes in your shoes (when standing still blood pools in your feet wriggling your toes will help counteract this)
It might have taken practically the whole night to cook half a piece of bacon up to just-about-edible (certainly not crispy!), but its probably worth it!
Welcome to the new Marple Scouts website which should allow everyone involved in the Group to post their own articles / reports / photos / etc and also leave comments.
To get started you need to register below and, if you want to write articles, send an email to new[a]marplescouts.co.uk, so that we can give you some special powers!
. It’s taking a while…
With temperatures reaching -4 over night, everyone earned their Polar Bear badge along others.
