YouTube if you want to
The media team have been hard at work during the course of the week (internet bandwidth depending) to provide high quality entertainment for you all. As such, we have decided to compile our favourite Chamboree videos into one easy to use blogpost:
Meet the Russians
Chamboree has played host to several international groups for the duration of the camp, and for one day only, today a group of Russian Scouts came to visit.
Originating from a combination of St Petersburg and Kazan, there are 44 Scouts and 10 leaders in total. For the past week they have been staying with Penycae Scouts’s Headquarters in Wrexham, enjoying the local sights such as Caernarfon Castle and the Llangollen canal. After visiting Chamboree, they intend to stay with another group in Milton Keynes, before heading down further south to see Gilwell Park and Brownsea Island.
The Daily Joust overcame the large linguistic challenge to speak to some of the Scouts and their leaders. By far the most capable in English was their leader, Natascha. We asked Natascha what had brought her group to the UK. “In 1991, after the collapse of the USSR, Scouting in Russia was basically non-existent – it had only existed before the revolution, 80 years before. To help us re-build the lost knowledge, we turned to UK Scouts, who came to Russia to train us in Scouting. Around 1992 or 1993, I’m not sure which, I was invited to the UK to set up a support group for Russian Scouting. It was in these initial trips that I forged strong links with the UK Scouts. By now, this is my fourth trip to the UK, although I have never to been to Wales before.”
Natascha was impressed by Chamboree. “I’ve never seen anything like this, this sort of large camp is not available in Russia – everything there is on a more smaller scale.” While The Daily Joust did attempt to go through the usual tried and tested routine of filler questions, this was severely hampered by the fact that the Russian Scouts had only been on site for 20 minutes! However, Natascha did draw some contrasts with Scouting in Russia. “Our style is more basic, but more extreme. We like to go deep into the woods, camp rough, build wildfires, bridges across gorges, that sort of thing”.
Some Russian Scouts were also on hand to be interviewed. However, either they had been reading too much spy fiction on their inbound flight or had misunderstood the question, for they refused to be identified by anything other than their codenames. They were Skunk, 15, Bee, 14, Lemur, 14, Lynx, 13, and Butterfly, 15. Skunk was the best at speaking English, so he did most of the quotations. “We think the camp is very good, and we’ve really enjoyed our week so far. The countryside around Caernarfon was beautiful.”
Caernarfon
Chamboree bridges out
On Wednesday night Chamboree hosted its first live band, Pegasus Bridge, as its evening entertainment.
Pegasus Bridge is a four piece band, consisting of Edward Turner (guitar/vocals), Callum Roxborough (synth/vocals), Alex Howich (bass) and Tom Lynam (Drums). The band originates from Macclesfield, and cites Damien Rice, Deftones and Skunk Anansie as their influences. The members have known each other since their schooldays, but have only being playing together professionally for one year.
The band received its first major breakthrough playing at BBC Radio 1′s Big Weekend in May this year, as part of the BBC Introducing scheme (for which they are eternally grateful to Rob Adcock from BBC Stoke). You can listen and watch them playing live on the BBC website here.
The evening started, bizarrely enough, with a limbo competition. Scouts of all shapes and sizes stretched their way under an ever lowering bar, with copious amounts of chocolate, until only one remained. The victor was James, 11, from 12th Wallasey.
When the band came on stage, the reception was decidedly lukewarm, as the Scouts sized up the band. The live indie rock was a total contrast to the previous diet the Scouts had been fed, of cheesy pop and chart dance music. However, as the band went through its line up, the crowd warmed to the band and by the time the band finished (“sorry, we’ve run out songs!” confessed the lead singer), the crowd were shouting for more. The band members returned to the stage for an encore – a reprise of their closing song, “Paris”, and a cover of Calvin Harris’ “I’m Not Alone”.
Left to Right: Ed, Callum, Tom, Alex
The perhaps confused initial reaction could be attributed to the fact that for many Scouts, this was their first ever experience of live music. “It’s awesome, but I’ve never seen anything like this – I’ve never seen a live band before,” said Leo from 48th Fife (Donibristle). The positive reception continued when we spoke to Hugo and Ethan from Hillside Scouts – who rated the band as “excellent” and “two thumbs up” respectively.
By the end of their performance, Pegasus Bridge had won the crowd over – they swiftly ran out of signed flyers, having to use spare pieces of wobbleboard from the record attempt on Sunday. Scouts stayed behind to ask the band members who had ventured from the stage about their music. The band were satisfied with the response: lead singer Ed thought they were “weird to begin with” but ultimately an “amazing crowd”.
Pegasus Bridge is a fledgling band – Alex openly admitted that Chamboree was the biggest gig that they’d played since the Big Weekend in May. They have released one single, “Yoko”, via their label Lab Records, and plan to release a second shortly, called “Ribena”. Their first album will be launched on October 25th this year.
Interview with Jez Avery
Mountain Bike Champion and Motorbike Stuntman Jez Avery has been in the cycling business for more than 25 years, and headlined the evening entertainment on Tuesday. The Daily Joust caught up with him before his performance to talk about his career so far.
As we sat down to chat in the staff canteen, the first thing he did was take a picture of his food. “It’s to remind me to eat better,” he said. “During the season, it seems with every meal I put on weight – so this photo is to force me to think about my food!”
Daily Joust: So how long does the season last then?
Jez Avery: It starts in Easter and lasts until around September. I do about 50 stunt shows in one season, in a variety of places – Skegness, Whitby Regatta most recently – I find that these seaside resorts, when I do my countdowns and whip the crowd up, I just find they shout well.
DJ: So how did you get into this? I mean, when did you start?
JA: I started when I was 11 years old. From 11 to 15, I was a BMX rider. From 20 to 29, I was a professional Mountain Bike Downhill Racer. I got into the stunt business in 1998 when I was approached by the BBC’s “Record Breakers” programme. They asked me to see how far I could go on a mountain bike between two jumps, jump to jump. So, I go down to the studio and it turns out Fiat have provided 5 cars. So I jump 1 car, they set it up again, I jump two, then three, four, five and then 6 cars. I said to the guys, I can probably jump seven cars. So they found from somewhere, I don’t know, a seventh car. And I jumped it. That was a world record and it stands to this day. Seven cars, I was going 30.1 mph. With a 200ft run-up and only my two legs to power me, I’m still quite proud of that.
But those were the days when I looked good in lycra! Now, I’m getting a bit old – greying and putting on weight. So the guys on the cycling circuit, they’ve got a few nicknames for me – “Big Jez” or “Fatboy Avery”. But you know, the big thing isn’t that – it’s that your injuries rise! I’ve got some real lower back problems – I’m not a real stuntman, but not many people can do my jumps.
DJ: What’s the biggest crowd you’ve performed in front of?
JA: Hmm… The biggest crowd would have to be … Bradford’s Odsal Stadium, that was my most recent 10,000 crowd – that was Nov 6 2009. But I’ve just been to Dubai, I spent seven weeks there – 48 shows in 26 days!
DJ: So do you invent any of your own tricks?
JA: About one or two of my stunts are my own creation – I’ve got the “Switzerland Squeaker” – you do a front wheelie backwards, using your left foot on the tyre and applying the front brake.
DJ: Have you done any weird stunts – you know, something out of the ordinary?
JA: Well, nothing too unusual. I’d probably say – I did a stunt for a TV programme called “You Bet”, and we were on the Women’s Olympic ski jump course in Lillehammer in the snow. I raced a skier down the course – I was winning up until the end climb, and then he just came through. But I got beaten by only 4.5 seconds – over a mile course, that’s barely anything.
DJ: So how many bones have you broken? What’s your longest hospital stint?
JA: Let’s see, my right collarbone, four ribs, both wrists, my left ankle – twice – I’ve had concussion three times and I have no memories whatsoever of 2002. People come up to me and say “that show you did back in 2002 was amazing at such and such” and I just have to take their word for it. But as for the hospital stint, well, I went in at 1pm for an operation and was discharged about the same time next day – so that’s 24 hours. Suprisingly short, I guess.
DJ: Do you have a hero or some sort of inspiration as a kid?
JA: In the 1980s, when I was a kid, I watched loads of Evel Knievel – what he did on such big, heavy motorbikes, on such dodgy ramps – when he pulled them off, no-one could touch him. Also Eddie Kidd – he’s in a wheelchair now, with brain damage, very slow speaker, like he’s had a stroke, but he was a real pioneer in motorbiking, so I look up to him and respect him enormously. The other one I would say is Burt Reynolds, and his film stunts. Movies like “Smokie and the Bandit” or “Hooper” – I’m not sure those are around any more – but when I do my shows, I try to replicate his style. You know, he’d have a laugh after the show, take the mick out of himself, have a laugh with his mates down the bar – stay human.
DJ: You mentioned the BBC chose you because of your downhill achievements – what would you say are your highlights?
JA: In 1998, when I walked away from my downhill career, I was the reigning UK Downhill Slalom Champion, I’d won some MBUK awards for Lake-Jumping, and also I had been voted Mountain Bike Personality of the Year by my peers.
DJ: Do you have any advice for the next Jez Avery?
JA: Always practice lots, start on small jumps and work your way up. Don’t go past your limits, and listen to your doctors – they do know best. Also when you go on your bike wear a helmet and visible gear. When you’re young you think you’ll live forever – but you don’t, and if you don’t play smart, you just won’t last that long. I know that!
AVADA KEDAVRAJA
No title needed
Awww…. 24 glowsticks.
Monday’s Photo Competition
Yesterday’s winning photo was taken by somebody from Nottingham sub-camp – OK, yes we’re disorganised, we admit it!
The theme was “Random Objects”. Congratulations, whoever you are…
Interview with Wayne Bulpitt
The Daily Joust interviewed today Wayne Bulpitt, who came to look round the Chamboree site. Wayne is the Chief Commissioner for Scouting in the UK.
Daily Joust: What is your favourite aspect of being UK Chief Commissioner?
Wayne Bulpitt: Going to events such as Chamboree and seeing Scouting in action.
DJ: What is your least favourite aspect of being UK Chief Commissioner?
WB: About one percent of my email inbox and in-tray.
DJ: What is your Scouting background, and how did you get become UK Chief Commissioner?
WB: I have been a member of Scouting ever since the age of 8 when I joined as a Cub, and I have been in the movement ever since – apart from when I took five years out to do other things. I have also been a Venture Scout Leader, Scout Leader, County Treasurer and then 8 years ago I became a National Trustee – all this because I thought my involvement could bring positive change to Scouting.
DJ: Is this your day job, or is it a voluntary position – if not, what is your day job?
WB: It is a voluntary position and I spend roughly 3 to 4 days a week doing Scouting; I also class it as a hobby. As far as my day job is concerned I own a management consultancy company for the financial industry.
DJ: Do you miss the practical aspect of working with Scouts every week?
WB: In a sense no, because I thoroughly enjoy what I do now: seeing a lot more young people benefit and enjoy scouting; however I like to go back and visit my troop from time to time, as and when they need extra leaders.
DJ: Where is the best place you have been to as UK Chief Commissioner and would you consider going on an adventure with Bear Grylls?
WB: I wouldn’t say I have a favourite place – I enjoy all aspects of my role and the places I get to visit, and in terms of adventures with Bear I don’t think I would be able to keep up!
DJ: If there was one thing in scouting you could change, what would it be?
WB: Without a shadow of a doubt, I would get more adult helpers into the organisation.
DJ: Have you got any entertaining or funny nicknames, from school or anywhere else?
WB: With a surname of Bulpitt, I’m sure you can imagine the variety of nicknames I have had! However a family-friendly one was Chad, from a cartoon that I apparently looked like.
Jonathon Ducker, Chief Celebrity Correspondent (and Young Spokesperson), interviews Wayne Bulpitt
DJ: Can you briefly describe your life outside of Scouting?
WB: Well, last year I did 123 nights away with Scouting, so as you can imagine I don’t get much time, however, I like to spend time with my wife and two children who are all also heavily involved in Scouting.
DJ: What would your family say is your worst habit?
WB: Never being at home!!
DJ: How do you keep in contact and listen to the views of young people?
WB: Listening to young people is clearly very important, and I do this by visiting events such as Chamboree, but also by using the internet and social networking. I also blog regularly at Scouts.org.uk!
DJ: Final question now – would you ever consider a change in uniform?
WB: Yes, and this is an ongoing process that is looked at by Gilwell regularly.
A bizarre suggestion
The Daily Joust, like all reputable news publications, gets its fair share of crank suggestions. This one we just thought was quite funny, so we thought we might share it with you.
Name: Connor S-Ross
Group: 1st Garforth
ALIEN SPOTTED ON JOURNEY ACROSS PENNINES!
It was a cold misty Saturday morning as we crossed the hills to Chamboree from Yorkshire. On reaching the summit of 2221 feet, through a break in the clouds we spotted a large glowing object emitting burning rays of orange light. A UFO!!! *screams * shouts * [sic] In a state of fear and panic we took cover beneath our packed lunches. After 15 minutes our heroic leader Michael dared to venture out of the bus … to be continued tomorrow.
On the back there was this helpful illustration:
Just in case you did think it was a photo, we can assure you, it’s not.
Bulletin from the Chamboree Radio Station
On Sunday the Chamboree Amateur Radio enthusiasts made contact with a Scandinavian Airways Boeing 737 while over Belarus, flying from Stockholm to Cairo.
While they were scanning the airwaves for listeners, by chance they found the pilot, called Eskil, who is also a amateur radio enthusiast (callsign SM5 SRR). This is quite a rare achievement, as these types of radio calls are only allowed with the express permission of the pilot.
So all those Swedish holidaymakers heading to Egypt were informed by their Captain of Chamboree 2010! And if you don’t believe us, here’s a picture of Captain Eskil in his plane:
Staff Profile: Val Thomason
The Daily Joust interviews Val Thomason, who is the Adult Volunteers Manager on site. Outside of Chamboree, she is the Deputy County Commissioner for Cheshire.
Daily Joust: What does your job entail?
Val Thomason: In the run-up to Chamboree, I handled all the staffing enquiries. After that, I was dealing with staff registration. And now, since everyone seems to be registered, I’m just keeping myself busy!
DJ: What’s the funniest thing that’s happened so far in your Chamboree 2010 team?
VT: Having a shower quicker than Dave Hopley and Adam Forshaw!
DJ: What should we look forward to in the coming week?
VT: Making even more new friends! And for me personally, the very soothing massage I shall be having on wednesday!
DJ: What is your camp creature comfort?
VT: A caravan!
DJ: Your favourite camp food?
VT: Anything prepared by the camp catering staff.
DJ: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
VT: Serving fish & chips and mushy peas to a group booked in for a meal – and having to do it again and again and again and again…
DJ: Do you have a pet hate?
VT: RAIN!!
DJ: What one thing has made you smile the most this week?
VT: Meeting all the great young people on site.
