Long gone, the camping ground for the Birmingham County Boy Scouts Association was located at York's Wood - on the north east side of the city and very near our Scout HQ. Unlike our fellow Scouts we were very lucky and were able to get there even on long summer evenings, whereas they were faced by lengthy cross city journeys.

When, finally, it was closed it was replaced by two sites on the south side of Birmingham: Blackwell and Pike's Pool. We were then able to understand how 'southern' city Scouts had felt for so many years!

Here are a few pictures of York's Wood taken in the 1960s:

The main drive into the camp site was lined with gargoyles.

	This carved gateway, to the left of the main entrance, led to the York's Wood Rover Den.
	Hardly ever manned, new arrivals at York's Wood were supposed to report in to 'Ellis Island'. I wonder where they got that name from?

	The Warden's Hut and First Aid Post looked out onto a totem pole.
	This totem stood near the Warden's Hut and was probably carved by Les Tidmarsh - a leading member of the York's Wood Rover Crew.

In its heyday the Providore was stacked to the ceiling with bread, bacon, beans, sausages and eggs. Gradually, campers brought more and more of their supplies with them. By the end it was reduced to selling the occasional ice lolly. To the right is the Ranger's house.

This gate led to the Cub Field.

	The Council Rock stood at the centre of the Cub Field.
	The gateway into York's Wood was adorned with carvings.
	The northernmost part of the Woods was 'off limits' to us lesser mortals. It was used as a Scout Leader Training Centre for Wood Badge courses.
	Weather permitting(!) 'Scout's Own' would be held in the open air chapel.
	The Rover Guest House stood near the main entrance.