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Summer-2004/5 News from the outh frican Scout Association. CARVETH GEACH -ALIFEINSCOUTING Peter Spargo element. What Carveth will be the grounds of Modderfontein Dynamite remembered for, however, is his role as Works in 1973 and, as those of us who an experimenter and innovator. Let me were present will recall, it was an mention three examples. He had always unqualified success. At least one more believed that the sharp split between the was held two years later. Finally, in those Scouts and the Guides was much to be years of Grand Apartheid, Carveth My first meeting with Carveth was brief regretted. Hence the introduction during decided that not only should Scouts but memorable. In 1949, having just his period as Chief Scout of a series of work with Guides, but they should also gone up from Cubs to Scouts in the 1st Scout-Guide camps in such wonderful meet the Voortrekkers. He therefore met Belgravia-Kensington (BK) Group, the places as the Natal Drakensberg and the then head of that movement, Prof. characters in Kipling’s Jungle Book Boshoff, to explore the issue. At were fresh in my mind. One of them first our overtures were met with was Kaa the python and thus when warmth and we all hoped that some I discovered that one of the BK form of joint activity might come of Rovers who had come to assist at a the talks. However, suddenly and troop meeting was called Car, I was tragically the talks were terminated greatly taken aback! However, a and Carveth and I gained a strong close inspection soon convinced impression that orders had come me that he neither looked nor acted from the very highest quarters in like a python and I therefore put the the land that the Voortrekkers matteroutofmymind. shoulddropthematter. However, shortly after joining the But there was much else besides: BK Rovers in 1954, the Crew spent Carveth’s major role in the Quo a long weekend at a farm Called Vadis initiative of 1977 (the ‘Journey’s End,’ near crucially important ‘think tank’ that Johannesburg. Carveth was there was so important in, amongst other and, at the end, offered me a lift. things, bringing about a unified We talked and argued all the way Scout movement in South Africa); home and thus began a friendship his seminal role in the acquisition which has endured a full and development of Camp half-century and I would like to Korhaan, on the banks of Vaal believe has enriched both our lives. Dam, his crucial role in setting up Born in Johannesburg in 1928, and running the Jubilee Trust, Carveth attended Jeppe Boys’ which he chaired from 1992 until High School, after which he his death. His commitment was qualified as an attorney, in which indeedmemorable. profession he became outstandingly successful. After leading the BK Rover Crew he CARVETH GEACH 1928-2005 A final note. Throughout his soon became involved in the wider Scouting career Carveth was ably regional and national aspects of Phalaborwa, on the edge of the Kruger supported by his wife Mary and Scouting and, after serving on the National Park. Although greatly enjoyed many were those, including most National Scout Council, was elected by all who attended, these camps richly my wife Celia and myself, who Chief Scout in 1969, a position he held unfortunately did not outlive his period benefited from their warm hospitality withdistinctionuntil1973. as Chief Scout. Then there were the both at their home in Bedfordview and For most Chief Scouts the position is Pitso’s, camps at which would be sought their Bushveld gamefarm, Ntakobusi. essentially one of being reactive - the views of Scouts - not Scouters! - from Car, you have Gone Home, but your maintaining intact the fabric of the all over Southern Africa on a wide variety contributions to Scouting in South Africa Movement as society changes, although of issues relating to present and future will be your memorial. Requiescat in perhaps with here and there some fresh Scouting. The first of these was held in pace… SAHQ ANNOUNCEMENTS On behalf of the Chief Scout and the Everest. It is also the first recorded time National Scout Council we would like to that the World Scout logo was flown on the wish all Scouts, adult volunteers and their summit. These are all the obvious DUTYTOGOD families a healthy and rewarding 2005. We recounts, but what always astounds me is trust that you all had a peaceful and happy the way in which we can celebrate the Mankind cannot exist without trees. festive season and as true Scouts were volunteers of this Movement. Without Trees for various good reasons, should mindful of those less fortunate and facing exception, every observer of the be part of every environment. Everyone, devastationelsewhere. voluntarism of Scouting cannot believe the everywhere should use every opportunity It is with sadness and a sense of loss that commitment and hard work of the to plant a tree – for example, for every we advise that Carveth Geach has gone volunteers in Scouting. You are all kind of anniversary, from birth onwards. home. Car was a former Chief Scout sincerely thanked for continuing to make a Only just be sure you’re planting the right (1968-1973) and currently served as Vice difference! kindoftreeintherightplace! President of the Association, Chairperson The Association also remembers the ThisprayerfromPortugalsumsitallup: of the Boy Scout Jubilee Trust Fund, many victims and those affected by Aids. Trustee of the Scout Foundation and One is starkly reminded of the horror of ThePrayerofthetrees active member of the National Scout Aids when you can put a face to the Ye who would pass by and raise your Council. Car also held the worlds highest 16-year-old orphaned Scout girl living in a hand against me, hearken ere you harm Scout Award – The Bronze Wolf. Car has rural community, who not only leads a me. led a life of service as is fundamental to Scout patrol but also cares for three Scouting. All who have served with Car will siblings–allorphanedbyHIV/Aids. I am the heat of your hearth on cold winter remember his compassion, incisiveness The Association also extends its nights, the friendly shade screening you and pragmatism. Car always displayed a fromthesummersun; expressions of solidarity to the Scout deep sense of justice regarding all around Associations in Asia and Africa who were And my fruits are refreshing draughts him and the society within which he affected by the earthquakes and tsunami quenchingyourthirstasyoujourneyon. served. From as far back as Quo Vadis in late in 2004. We are, at least in thought, 1977 where against the country’s laws he I am the beam that holds your house, the with all those brother and sister Scouts was instrumental in merging the boards of your table, the bed on which you and their families who have suffered as a Movement into one system for all, until lie, and the timber that builds your boat. result. Various efforts in the Association to present where Car fully supported the show support have been initiated and we I am the handle of your hoe, the door of Transformation of the Association, it was hopetheyprovidesomerelief. your homestead, the wood of your cradle clear that equality, fairness and unity were We enter 2005 renewed and hopeful that andtheshellofyourcoffin. paramount. It goes without saying that Car we can continue to make a difference. lived his life according to those high IamthegiftofGodandfriendofman. Together with our fantastic partners which standards that Scouting sets. He was a include Scouting Nederland, Scouts Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer – tremendous example to all in Scouting and Canada, NOVIB, National Lottery, Food harmmenot. outside, yet not aloof. He expressed a and Trees for Africa and many more, we keen interest in the needs and opinions of are committed to “embracing change for VeldLore the youth. In this way Car has endeared himself to all. He is truly a Scout’s Scout the good of all youth” and enriching and we are grateful for all that he has theirlives. CONGRATULATIONS done. On behalf of the Chief Scout and the SPRINGBOK/TOPAWARDS National Scout Council we express our deepest and sincerest condolences to B-PONCAMPING Mary,thewholefamilyandfriends. Damian Lahoud –CapeWesternArea “The only place to do real Scouting is in PhillipWilliamPlant– Mpumalanga Area Looking back, 2004 could not have had camp.” more in stall for all of us. We remember the Taun Kirby Brewsher – Tshwane Area “There’s no place like camp to bring out AlanRichardNewham– Gauteng Area tragic losses of very special people within the Movement. We also celebrate the thecheerfulspiritsofboys.” Gary Coolin Rice– Gauteng Area successes of what we are able to achieve “Camping is the great point in Scouting MarcBaker– Gauteng Area as members of this, the largest youth which appeals to the boy, and the CraigWilliamLloyd– Gauteng Area Movement in the world. And there have opportunity for teaching him self-reliance SeanCarter– Gauteng Area been many achievements! The and resourcefulness, besides giving him Allan-Roy Sekeitto – Gauteng Area Association has also made tremendous health.” Robin Bruyns – Gauteng Area progress in reaching out to others. The “A tenderfoot talks of “roughing it in Hendrik Johannes Visser – Gauteng Area SCENE programmes, the Cub Challenge camp”; but living in camp for a Scout who GregoryScottGardiner– Gauteng Area and so many other service projects in aid knows the game is by no means of those in our communities are but some. “roughingit”. Graham Tuckey – Gauteng Area The “Scouting and Aids” programme was KevinWilliamKohler– Gauteng Area “Have you ever thought how camp helps presented to the Africa Region and was your boys to practise living the Scout Law?” AmberLeahJackson– Gauteng Area lauded as an excellent example of what Lludd Gerallt Ap-Gwyn– Gauteng Area “It is only while in camp that one can really Scouting can do to address this terrible learn to study Nature in the proper way, MarkTimothyStevens– Gauteng Area pandemic.