Re John Shippen's (GSL) Retirement, July, 2004

Michael (current Chairman of CH Scouts) and I would like to present to John Shippen, on the Saturday evening of Parents' Day weekend (June 19th, his "farewell sing-song/bonfire" in Shelley's Wood), a gift from all CH scouts, past and present, as a token of our appreciation for the tremendous commitment he has made to the CH Scout Group for the last 38 years.

We would like to collect sufficient to (a) purchase a tangible memento, e.g. a teak garden bench (which could go in his yard at Lindale), an item large enough to bear a plaque, and (b) present him with a cheque. In addition, I hope to compile a "Book of Scouting Memories" for him. So, if you'd like to contribute, please send (to our address) (a) a cheque payable to CH SCOUTS (Scout Treasurer, Mrs. C. Hennock, will keep these donations separate from ordinary scout funds) and (b) write your good wishes for JDS and/or your memories of camp/Norfolk Broads trips/Lake District visits or whatever on a sheet of A5-landscape (for preference don't fold; include a photo if you wish, plus your name and CH years - so I can arrange it chronologically).

Our problem is obtaining a database of all such scouting people for the last 38 years; we may have to rely on the grapevine. So if you know of other ex-scouts, please send me their details OR send them a copy of this letter.

All contributions gratefully received (by May 1st, please). Let's give him a good send-off! If you have any suggestions regarding a suitable present, let me know (I think he's got enough owls!).

Yours sincerely,
Christine M. Gimber (Mrs.)