The Fleur-de-Lis, Khaki Shorts and Me
A Logbook of My Adventures in Scouting
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“GRAEME LEGGE of Emerald has been selected as Berwick Shire representative in the “Sun” Youth Travel Scheme.” Other finalists were from Beaconsfield Upper, Vervale; Nar Nar Goon; and Cora Lynn. “Graeme, who is the 15 year old elder son of Mr and Mrs Albert Legge of Emerald, is a pupil of the Upwey High School, where he has won several scholarships. A good all-round athlete, he has represented his school in inter-school sports. “A patrol leader of Emerald Boy Scouts, he has recently returned from a trip to Fraser Island, Queensland. “A lad with a very pleasing personality, Graeme should prove a worthy representative of the Shire.” “At last Monday’s meeting of Berwick Shire Council it was decided on the motion of Cr Ronald that the boy selected to represent the Shire should be the guest of the President at the next council meeting and luncheon.” This wonderful trip involved four-weeks’ travel on a steam-ship to England, (“SS Ormonde”), followed by seven weeks’ travel from London to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen in Scotland,. Then it was back to London before the month’s trip sailing back to Melbourne (“S.S. Stratheden”). There were ninety Victorian schoolboys participating with one of them, Paul Francis, being a ‘Lone Scout’ who lived a Victorian country town with no Scout Troop. Somehow, Paul gained his Scouting skills by himself and had some arrangement for test-passing. With our common interest in Scouting, Paul and I shared special experiences. For instance, returning from a launch-tour on Clyde River’s ship-building yards in Glasgow our bus drove past the “Theatre Royal” where we noticed the Scout “Gang Show” was currently showing. Having a free-night Paul and I walked from the night’s accommodation at the YMCA to the Theatre not knowing whether there were any tickets available let alone how much they were. Standing in the foyer we looked around for information. Our green-blazers, with the Australian coat-of-arms woven on the pockets, doubtless made us reasonably conspicuous. A uniformed Scout Leader came to us and said, ‘Wait here for a minute.” Upon his return he invited, “Follow me,” only to lead us through doorways, along passages to a final door which he opened and indicated that there we could be seated. Upon sitting we were each handed the night’s “Program” and to discover that we were in a theatre-box up close to the stage. All, at no cost! Later in the trip the Scouts among us visited Scouting’s International Head Quarters at 25 Buckingham Palace Road in London. We had a look at “BP’s Room”, signed the Visitors’ Book before going to Gilwell Park itself. There we saw the sculpted Silver Buffalo – a gift from USA in return for the gift of Scouting. There was also a caravan given to Baden-Powell -- considerably different from those of today. And then there were camp-fire circles and a camping area. Each feature had a plaque with a little story or history attached to it. Afternoon tea was followed by visiting a display of Baden-Powell’s military decorations, his butterfly collection and some of his personal belongings. Imagine! In 1951 our “Sun Youth Travel” Group visited St James’ Palace in London for afternoon tea with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Passing through one particular room the Duke pointed to a very large painting, which, he was certain, would be of “considerable interest” to we, Victorian school boys – it was the original painting by artist Tom Roberts (of Kallista) of the Official Opening, of the Australian Federal Parliament in Exhibition Building, Melbourne – furthermore, the “Opening” had taken place just fifty years earlier in 1901 and performed by the Duke’s grandfather, Towards the end of the trip we, schoolboys, formed a Guard of Honour inside the front-fence of Buckingham Palace for Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and her two Princess-daughters -- Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. They were driven past in a very shiny, black car. In 1952 Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. And in 1953 I became a Queen’s Scout. In 2001 yet another chapter in this story came along. Just fifty years after having seen the painting of the Opening of Australia’s Federal Parliament in St James’ Palace, came its Centenary Celebration and a re-enactment of the :”Opening” in Royal Exhibition Building. I was Mayor of Cardinia Shire Council at the time and Mayors had been invited to attend. So, I found myself sitting in that part of the Exhibition Building where spectators in the original painting had been sitting. Some interesting multiples of ‘fifty’ there Interested readers could talk to me also about a visit to Scotland Yard, a church service at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, a Buddhist Temple in Colombo, a snake-charmer in Bombay . . .
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About the Book
When Graeme joined Scouts aged twelve, who knew it would lead to a commitment beyond forty years? Challenges and adventures within Victoria, interstate and international sites led to an enthralling life. Hard to imagine how many have been uplifted and encouraged by Graeme in his variety of roles. He’s certainly made a highly valued contribution to the well-being of others around him and has a real gift of being able to enrich young lives, serve the community and support two emergency services. The inspirational memoir “The Fleur-de-Lis, Khaki Shorts and Me” contains narrative and anecdote with spiritual overtones. It has been excellently written, appropriately illustrated and is about real life that was inspired only to reach its zenith in community service. Graeme ‘Promised’; he meant it and lived it throughout all stages of his life. His eminent achievements and exceptional service to Scouts Australia and elsewhere makes outstanding reading.
About the Author
Known as the “Man in Khaki Shorts” Graeme was a foundation member in a new Scout Troop. Inspired by the Queen he became a Queen’s Scout, a Scout Leader, and more. Upon Investiture he promised “his best” in the three-fold duty to ‘God and Queen’,When Graeme joined Scouts aged twelve, who knew it would lead to a commitment beyond forty years? Challenges and adventures within Victoria, interstate and international sites led to an enthralling life. Hard to imagine how many have been uplifted and encouraged by Graeme in his variety of roles. He’s certainly made a highly valued contribution to the well-being of others around him and has a real gift of being able to enrich young lives, serve the community and support two emergency services. The inspirational memoir “Graeme, ‘Fleur de Lys’ and Khaki Shorts” contains narrative and anecdote with spiritual overtones. It has been excellently written, appropriately illustrated and is about real life that was inspired only to reach its zenith in community service. Graeme ‘Promised’; he meant it and lived it throughout all stages of his life. His eminent achievements and exceptional service to Scouts Australia and elsewhere makes outstanding reading to help other people and to fulfilling the Scout Law. Graeme was also Fire Captain, School Principal, Mayor, Lay Preacher and Justice of the Peace. He has been a powerful influence through his support of community with his special emphasis on youth work. From Patrol Leader to Scout Leader with up to 100 Scouts before becoming involved with 500 youth members, Graeme’s adventures have ranged from sites local, state, and interstate and even a bit of international action. Graeme’s distinguished service was at a consistently high level and provided significant and outstanding support to others. The Man in ‘Khaki Shorts’ is respected and highly regarded.