The distinction I am referring to is that I was distinctly thrown out of all three organisations after only a short sojourn in each institution.
I was thrown out of the Cubs for being too boisterous.
I was thrown out of the Scouts for being too boisterous. (I’m beginning to see a pattern – my big sister says I suffered from ADHD – she’s biased though! I was merely enthusiastic!)
I was thrown out of the Army Cadets for – as the Sergeant Major bellowed ion my ear – ‘Are you growing a Busby Goodwin? We’re not in the Guards! Or are you trying to grow your own Greatcoat?’
Deaf in one ear – I left. You see – I wasn’t thrown out for being too boisterous – I was too unkempt that time. The pattern was broken!
I had an aversion to institutions, uniforms, compliance with regulations and fitting in. Fortunately I am now a different man! I can’t prove that because there aren’t any institutions that will have me!
What on earth possessed you to join them? My best friend at home went to a fee-paying school and had to attend every Saturday morning, ribbon beret and all. He received relentless slagging for it – took him years to live it down.
I think my parents thought it would socialise me to join the cubs and Scouts! It seemed fun going out camping and larking about with my mates. I joined the army cadets because a lot of my mates did and I quite fancied firing those Lee-Enfield 303s and Bren guns. I soon learnt my lesson!
I did enjoy my time in the Cubs & Scouts. That was great fun as was the week long summer camping up in the hills above Oban. Not so sure Mother agreed as apparently I was a tad grubby and smelly upon return.
I managed one camp with them. That was great fun. A whole week of running wild!