Rover History 1945 - 1956

1955 - "Tranquil Waters and Happier Sailing"

For the first time since the restart of the Crew in 1945, we have had a period of calmness, no ugly crisis has raised its head, and in consequence the Crew has functioned very well, coming to grips with the reality of Rovering, and its meanings, with a spirit of complete unification which has been a pleasure to behold.
A bold policy was formulated and has played a leading part in helping us along the road to stability. It must be added of course, that whether this policy is going to solve all our difficulties which will crop up from time to time, remains to be seen, suffice to say that so far it has proved very beneficial.

The first time this was implemented was in May, when the Crew felt that the 'Internal Machinery' required a complete overhaul, and from May to June, numerous plans were made, discussed and eventually, on the 27th of June, the first stage of fruition was reached when the Crew decided to set up a Crew Council, to administer the affairs of the Crew, and to make quarterly reports.

Every society requires a 'blood transfusion' occasionally, and we certainly had one, because this year we had the record number of nine new members, namely Andrew, Alf, Carl, Chris Peace, Dave Lee, Dave Dickson, Don, Dave Froggatt and Ron joining the Crew. This broke our earlier record of 1950 when eight new chaps came along.
The only incident to mar this happy scene was, that after very prolonged discussions, and exchange of correspondence, we reluctantly wrote to Trevor and Johnnie terminating their membership of the Crew, as neither of them had been to meetings for many months. Another member was bidden farewell, but this time we were proud to be doing so, for he was "going forward" to further the Rover brotherhood, by re-starting a Crew that had earlier closed down.

Colin left us with regret, and we too did not feel very happy at his going, for during the two years or so he had been with us, he had proved himself to be a very likeable chap, and had carried out his duties as our Treasurer very efficiently, and also in the same way did he carry out his duties as Rover Mate, although only for a short period. Now, he is the R.S.L. of the 79th Rover Crew, and we are proud that we had a hand in helping him to find the confidence necessary for him to take up this appointment.

Looking back into 1955, I think that it was one of the most successful years we have experienced, both in the Training sphere and in the service field. One is a little dazed that we managed to cram so many activities into the year, and yet all things considered, it should be only what a Crew should be able to do all the time if it is running efficiently.

Let us take a look at what these activities were - they ranged from social events to manual work, and it is hoped that the reader will appreciate the time, work and endeavour that went into all these things.

We feted the BP Guild, ran a party and film show for a number of Old Aged Pensioners, redecorated the Lecture Room at the Church Hall at our own expense, entered five of the six Trophy Competitions, winning two and gaining second and third places in two others, we entertained the 79th Crew, felled and lopped some 90 trees at Hemsworth over a period, meeting the expenses out of our own funds, carried out Stewarding Duties at the Annual St. Georges Day Parade, ran a successful Dance in aid of Church Funds, did a further job of tree felling at one of our members' homes, and at various times during the year, entertained visitors from France, Holland and Nigeria. We also organised the Rover Quarterly Re-union meeting, and found a speaker for it in less than 24 hours. The list is certainly comprehensive.

Back to internal matters, and to the policy mentioned earlier. As the year progressed, more legislation came into being all with the express purpose of getting the day to day running of the Crew into proper shape. The "axe" fell during the Annual General Meeting, when the Crew decided to accept the proposal that the Squires should not be allowed a vote. This was done in an endeavour to give a Squire a further incentive to become a Rover, so that he could play his full part in the running of the Crew. At the same time two junior posts, those of Assistant Quartermaster and Assistant Treasurer were abolished, as it was felt that there was no longer a need for them

Two new posts were created, those of Catering Officer and Den Warden, to cater for other aspects of Crew life that up to this time had been neglected.
So 1955, or rather its highlights, draw to a close, did I say all - there is one that I have purposely left to the end because of its "special qualities" and that is about Ken,

On the 25th of April, the ADC Hallam Division came to the Crew meeting and presented Ken with his Warrant as R.S.L. Therefore from this time he became our 'official' leader, instead of just in name only. We were very proud to see one of the boys attain this position, and further to think that he was one of the youngest RSLs in the Sheffield Local Association, and also one of the youngest holders of a double Warrant, that of ASM as well as this one.

Now 1955 is just another memory, and surely we can all have a feeling of satisfaction, that everyone of the Crew has given his best to make this our year of real endeavour.

Let us go forward to the New Year determined to maintain this standard,and do you think it possible that we may do even better?

One is not able to foresee into the future to be able to answer this question, but surely there is no earthly reason why we should not have a Crew second to none, if 1955 is to be the hallmark on which our future endeavours are based.

Before leaving 1955, however, the writer wishes to apologise for an omission in the "chronicle".

Earlier in the year, actually before Ken received his Warrant, Chippy had received his as Assistant RSL, thus another link in our history was forged, because this was the first time that an 'official' Assistant RSL had been appointed.

Thus strengthened in our leadership we moved on to the new year ready to face what ever may be in store for us, in the true spirit of the 59th.