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1^st Westbourne Scouts - Sheepwash Camp

Although camping at Kingley Vale was a superb site it was decided that we needed somewhere closer to home. This would help with the transporting of gear and getting the maximum number of scouts and cubs to participate.

At ideal site was obtained at the Sheepwash, near Aldsworth village. It was a small field backing onto woods and the ground sloped gently away to a stream that is part of the River Ems. The tents were placed in the lea of the trees and the riverbank provided an ideal site for cooking and washing pans. The water also provided fun and games for splashing about and learning rope-lashing skills by building bridges. The woods provided cover for tracking skills and the occasional felling of small trees for badge work. It was also an easy location for parents to drop in to see if they were being missed. Needless to say everyone had a great time and the only time for reluctance was on striking camp and clearing up any traces of our presence.

It is believed the name Sheepwash came from a wide part of the river where the local farmers brought their sheep for washing before the annual shearing.

At the bottom left of the map can be seen Deepsprings where the scouts used to meet in the 1930's.