28. Stubbs, Mrs. Madge
28 Mountfield Road Taunton, Somerset.
(sent by her to The Trefoil Guild, Oct.1988)
I was privileged to be at Our Chalet for the 30th birthday celebrations in August 1962. Lady Baden-Powell and one of her grand-daughters spent several days with us and were housed in the Baby Chalet.
On the Sunday, the whole village were invited and joined in games, dancing, singing and, of course, the inevitable buffet. The Chief, seeing three Venture Scouts, standing alone, gathered up three of my Guides, took them over to the three scouts, introduced them to each other and left them, with the admonition, “Now get to know each other" with that twinkle in her eye.
The following day, while at the top of Schwandfeltdspitz (the mountain behind Adelboden), we were partaking of the famous "Chalet" sandwiches at the cafe, when the Chief Guide with two of the Chalet staff arrived. As she approached we stood up but immediately she waved her arms, "do sit down again or I shall not come and talk to you". Needless to say, we obeyed and enjoyed so much the chatting that followed.
Several years later she came to Taunton and addressed a packed audience of Brownies, Guides, Rangers, and Guiders at Bishop Fox School. Later she was introduced to the Guiders; when my turn came she asked if we had met before and when 1 replied, "Yes, the last time was at our Chalet in 1962; she began to recall what a wonderful time it had been. She was however brought back to the present by her daughter (Mrs. Betty Clay) who gently reminded her that there were still a number of Guiders for her to meet.
I am glad I did not have to arrange one of her official visits for it must have been almost impossible to keep to a strict timetable, she would so often deviate from the chosen route and stop to chat informally.
What a wonderful personality she had and so privileged were we who had the opportunity to meet her.
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