There Are No Strangers Here (1968)
This title appears as the opening item of the second half of our show. When you see it you will observe that the boys are showing some of the activities that are a popular impression of scouting. Obviously the prodocer cannot show all the activities we try in our work because that would be more than a whole show itself. One thing it will emphasise is that Scouting is a brotherhood. When this number is interpreted in some Gang Shows the setting is at Gilwell, the home of Scouting, and the hand of brotherhood is extended to two coloured boys who represent the International spirit of our movement.
This spirit was very much alive in 1967 with the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the founding of the movement, the re-visiting of Brownsea Island, Baden Powell's first camp site, and above all a World Jamboree in the United States of America. Several boys form the Chester District were able to go to Idaho and attend the Jamboree, later spending several days as guests of American families. Others met Scouts from all parts of the Comonwealth at the week's camp at Brownsea. Yet more held their group summer camps abroad and others entered the International hike under the 'Explorer belt' scheme. I am sure that there is no doubt in their minds that Scouting is an International brotherhood.
I cannot say much about the attributes of a scout, this year, as I may influence the entries in our competition that a local paper is kindly promoting to help the show, but I would draw your attention to the theme line of the 'Strangers here' selection - 'Gee, its a wonderful life.'
That word 'wonderful' can lose its meaning through familiarity so may I suggest that we say that Scouting should be 'A life, full of wonder.'
R. D. Crawshaw, Secretary.