The World Conference

The Conference promised to be very exciting. Having joined Guiding only in 1929, I had never had the opportunity of meeting Guiders or Commissioners of other countries. I was surprised to see so many young, middle-aged and elderly ladies ornamented with silver and golden cords and cocked hats. Would I really have to speak before this select audience?

The next morning, with beating heart, I put before the Conference the project. Mrs Storrow had guaranteed to cover the expenses of the first three years, but what would happen afterwards? A suggestion that each delegate should pay a shilling towards a fund was immediately accepted. A few minutes later a cable arrived from Duchess Brady of the USA saying that she was giving $5,000 for a running fund. Then Canada offered another £100. The fairy story went its way.

Then came the nightmare of the place to be chosen. Photographs were handed round and my heart sank at the admiring exclamations. I prayed that Mrs Storrow would leave me entirely out, but the crucial moment came when she asked for my advice. I had to confess about not caring for peace of my soul when I was young.

But then came the marvellous incident, which I shall never forget, when the Chief Scout (Lord Robert Baden-Powell) fished me out of my difficulties. With an encouraging twinkle in his eye he said, "Falk, if you are going to make trouble about this place, you will have to find another one".

The World Committee made a list of conditions for the future site:

• It must be near a main line but away from tourists.
• There must be hotels in the neighbourhood, but it must not be fashionable.
• It must be high enough for climbing and skiing, but
• must not be too high for people 'with hearts'.
• It must have ground around and pleasant neighbours.