bishops stortford and district scouts newsletter - september 2010
TRANSCRIPT
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
1
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Welcome Back! I hope you all had a great summer and a big thank
you for all the hard work that went into the
numerous Camps that went ahead around the
District over the summer months. I know there are
even more planned……
Congratulations
National Awards
Sam Payne Award for Merit
Sue Bibby Award for Merit
Pat Neville Honorary Scouter
District Beaver Team
Hazel Mead has now stepped down as Assistant
District Commissioner (ADC) Beavers. She has
been a hugely important and hardworking part of
the District team and has helped expand out
Beaver numbers from 97 in 2001 to 208 in number
now! A massive achievement. So – a big thank
you to Hazel for all her efforts over the years in
this role and her support to all the Beaver Leaders
– both new and experienced.
However life does go on and I am pleased to
announce the new District Beaver team ably led by
Wendy Claxton (ADC) with her 2 new team
members – Jackie Williamson (District Beaver
Leader) & Debbie Rawding (Assistant District
Beaver Leader) – a thank you to you all for
accepting this challenge!
Long Service Awards
John Ireland
50 Years
Jeanette Atfield
30 Years
Stuart Jacobs 30 Years
Chris Atfield
25 Years
Gary Swift 20 Years
Sue Byford 20 Years
Sue Bibby 15 Years
Martin Knowles 10 Years
Maureen Hargrave 10 Years
Wood Badges
Wendy
Hollingsworth Cub Scout Leader –
1st
Sawbridgeworth
Lesley Calder Assistant Scout Leader –
1st
Bishop’s Stortford & Hockerill
Stuart Jacobs Group Scout Leader –
1st
Thorley
Peter Tearse Assistant Cub Scout Leader –
1st Michael’s Mead
Ian Le Grove Group Scout Leader -
1st
St. Michael’s Mead
A big congratulations to you all – your dedication and
commitment is really appreciated
I’d also like to thank the TAs that have helped support
you in achieving your wood badges – Greg Stewart, John
Henson, Sue Byford & Emily Stewart
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
2
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
District Development Day 9th October
Time: 9.45am for a 10am start
finishing at 3pm
Venue: St. Mary’s School, Windhill, BS
BBQ Lunch & Refreshments will be provided
foc
All Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Unit
Assistants, Occasional Helpers, Exec.
Members and Parents are invited to attend
Each of these bases will be run by some of the most
experienced Leaders in the District and the content is
based on Leaders’ feedback over the last few months.
There will be the opportunity to choose which bases
you wish to sign up for – you will be able to attend 3
or 4.
Please confirm your attendance to help us plan the
day (incl. catering!) as follows:-
Beavers – Wendy Claxton
Cubs – Ken Gordon
Scouts – Max Streets
Explorers – Nigel Reed ([email protected])
Programme
There will be 8 Bases run on the day:-
1. Pioneering plus knots and lashings(Basic and
more advanced sessions)
2. Tent Pitching
3. Map Reading/ Orienteering/ GeoCaching
4. Lamps & Stoves/ Outdoor Cooking
5. Craft Ideas
6. Challenging Behaviour/ Child Protection/ In
Touch
7. Planning a Balanced Programme
8. Nights’ Away Permit/ Activity Authorisations
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
3
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
District Awards for 2011
There have been some changes to the Award
categories for next year.
The aim is to encourage and recognise our young
people and our Leaders throughout the District. The
award categories will be as follows:-
1. Overall Group Growth
2. New Sections
3. Beaver of the Year
4. Cub Scout of the Year
5. Scout of the Year
6. Explorer of the Year
7. Young Leader
8. Interesting Programme
9. Leader of the Year
10. Team of the Year
11. Non Uniformed Leader
12. Challenging Weekend Away
13. Best Inter Group Activity
14. DC Award
These categories have been agreed with the input
from a number of GSLs and Leaders from around the
District.
Although we won’t be asking for nominations until
early 2011, it would be great if you could start
thinking about who you might like to nominate and
why.
New Website Our website has been re-designed, please take the
time to have a look. Feedback welcomed, especially
ideas for content. Also included are some discussion
forums please have a look and register with an email
address to take part.
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
Welcome
I would like to welcome some new Leaders to the
District and to acknowledge those that have agreed
to take on new responsibilities:
Jenni White ABSL 1st BS & Hockerill
Steve Edwards ASL Silver Leys
John Hills ABSL 1st
Much Hadham
Jackie Jones AESL District
Lyn Bashford Unit
Assistant District
Keith Lambert ASL 1st
BS & Hockerill
Jilly Campbell AESL District
Drew Eves AESL District
Adrian Gale ACSL St. Michael’s Mead
Hilary
McSweeney
ACSL 10th
BS
Mile King ESL District
Catherine
Ndimukum
ABSL St. Michael’s Mead 30 Years
Darren Stock ACSL Silver Leys 25 Years
10 Years
District Team
The District Team are here to support you all as
Leaders whether you are new to Scouting or more
experienced Leaders.
A contact list is included this time so you will know
who to contact if you have any queries, frustration or
just need some help in your particular Group or
Section.
Please do ask for help if and when you need it! That’s
what we’re here for!
Fiona
District Commissioner
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
4
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Remembrance Sunday Remembrance Sunday falls on the 14
th November this
year and there will be parades in Much Hadham,
Sawbridgeworth & Bishop’s Stortford. I believe one
Section is intending to take their youngsters to the
Cenotaph in London.
This is an important occasion – the older generation
in particular really appreciates the respect shown by
our young people. It will be great to have a big
turnout at all 3 war memorials. Details can be
obtained, as follows:-
Much Hadham – Dave Rouse 07774 854515
Sawbridgeworth – David Mead 01279 724503
Bishop’s Stortford – Max Streets 01279 653584
Donations Please
5 very nice retro green handled glass tankards with
scout emblem and dated 1909 - 1969" plus Bishop's
Stortford and District.
Offers - proceeds to go to the District Charities
District Team
Fiona Bishop District Commisioner
John Henson Deputy District Commisioner
Wendy Claxton Assistant District Commisioner
Beavers
Ken Gordon Assistant District Commisioner
Cubs
Max Streets Assistant District Commisioner
Scouts
Nigel Reed District Explorer Scout
Commisioner
Alexander
Ratcliffe
District Network Chairman
Tim Payne Nights Away Advisor – Scouts
Sue Byford Nights Away Advisor – Cubs
Kate Reed District Appointments Secretary
Veronica
Dewey
Local Training Manager
Geoff Markwell District Chairman
Pat Markwell District Secretary
Ray Jones District Treasurer
Mike Thorpe Appointments Committee
Chairman
Scout Shop Specials
Books available from the District Scout Shop
Beaver Scout Games £6.00
Cub Scout Games £6.00
Scout Games £6.00
Scouting Skills £9.99
Scout Handbook £8.00
175 Best Camp Games £10.00
Mac King’s Campfire
Magic
£6.95
Nights Away 2010 Guide £8.50
Young Leaders
Essentials
£8.00
History of Scouting £10.00
Also available a new selection of Trophies!
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
5
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Dates for your diary….
September October
Contact Contact
13 District Scout Meeting Max Streets 4 Appointments Advisory Committee Mike
Thorpe
16 Getting Started Veronica
Dewey 9
District Development Day
10am – 3pm
Fiona
Bishop
22 District Cub Meeting Ken Gordon 14 Getting Started Veronica
Dewey
22 GSL Meeting Fiona Bishop 15/17 Peak Assault Nigel Reed
21 District Team Meeting Fiona
Bishop
November December Contact Contact
1 Appointments Advisory Committee Mike Thorpe 2 District Executive Committee Geoff Markwell
6 First Aid Training Julie Thorpe 4
Waitrose – Scouts/ Explorers
Packing
13 District Beavers’ Torch & Wellie Wendy
Claxton 6 District Explorers’ Dinner Nigel Reed
14 Remembrance Day Parades
BS, Sawbo &
Much
Hadham
6 District Cub Carol Service Ken Gordon
20/21 Green Beret Challenge County 13 Adult Appointment
Committee Mike Thorpe
13
District Scout Leaders’
Meeting Max Streets
Training Dates
County Training:
Modules 11,12,17,19
6th
November
(Administration, Activities Outdoor, International,
Balanced Programme)
Modules 5,7,8,9
27th
November
(Leadership, Valuing Diversity, Working with Adults,
Values of Scouting?
Modules 13,14,15,18
28th
November
(Young People Today, Challenging Behaviour,
Growing the Movement, Practical Skills)
For full County Training Calendar and to book go to:
www.Hertfordshirescouts.org.uk
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
6
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Leader Events – Kim Henson
In June we had a first leader weekend away at
Orchard Farm – Hertfordshire Scouts Activity Centre
in the Peak District. The weekend was attended by
28 leaders from across the District, and all had a great
time – both taking part in activities as well as
socialising and getting to know each other. Thanks to
you all, and especially Ben Balaam for catering for us
so well.
Following this success we have now booked Orchard
Farm for a weekend in 2011 over the weekend of xx
June to yy June, please put the dates in your diary
now. I will send out more details early next year so
that we can start planning.
If you would like us to run further events for Leaders
and Adult Helpers across the District please let me
know and I will try and organise them.
Basic Hill Walking for Leaders
Fancy Hill Walking – never been or want to refresh
some skills. The Herts Scouts Mountaineering Section
are running a weekend at Coetmor Mill in Snowdonia
(for any that don’t know this is another of Herts
Scouts fantastic activity centres, and is a converted
water mill just outside Bethesday in Snowdonia) from
the 1st
– 3rd
October (travel up Friday evening and
returning Sunday evening). No experience necessary,
please contact either John or myself and we will give
you further details. Cost will be no more than £45 for
the weekend. Travel is likely to be by minibus from
Hertfordshire.
Climbing
Shortly – final dates to be advised, we will be hiring
sole use of Harlow Climbing wall for an evening, so if
you are a budding rock star or have never had a go
and fancy trying it without the pressure of your
Scouts etc, then watch this space for dates. All
equipment will be provided.
Kim Henson
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
7
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Beaver Update – Wendy Claxton
Torch & Welly Walk
This year the District Beaver Torch & Welly walk be
on Saturday 13th
November starting at 1st
BS &
Hockerill Scout Hut, walking in Birchanger Woods and
finishing with a Sausage Sizzle.
New Beaver Colony
Congratulations to 1st
Thorley, Maureen Hargrave and
her team in opening a 2nd
Beaver Colony – Drake
District Beaver Sleepover – 2011
Celebrating 25 Years of Beavers
Friday Night – 3rd
June 2011
Gilwell
Arrival after 6.30pm on Friday 3rd
Departure 4pm Saturday
Full details to follow
Please put this date in your diaries now as this will be
a very special event for all Beavers in the District
Wendy Claxton
ADC Beavers
Cubs Update – Ken Gordon
I am pleased to see everyone has been keeping active
over the summer with a lot of camps. The weather
was kind at first but rather wet for some later.
I enjoyed a pleasant Cub camp with 10th at Skreens
Park and it was good to see the Cubs (and the
parents) getting stuck into the activities. Saxon were
also at Skreens that weekend and it was good to see
the Cubs mingle and chat.
1st
St Michaels Mead Cubs enjoyed a visit from Wood
Green Animal Shelter and the Cubs were taught
about looking after pets, how to approach dogs and
even had to find the id chip in the toy dog. Later they
made some feeders for wild animals. If you would like
to arrange a visit (suggested donation £40) contact
the Education Assistant - Emma Hudgell, T. 0844 248
8181 ext. 1249.
We have had the pleasure in giving out some Cub
Scout Silver awards this summer, so congratulations
to:
Ben Walton 1st Thorley (Saxon)
Amy Allport 1st Bishops Stortford and
Hockerill (Comanche)
Henry Proudfoot 1st Much Hadham (Wolves)
James Dowse 1st Much Hadham (Wolves)
The Cubs Christmas Carol Service is being held on
Monday 6th December at 6pm, Water Lane URC. I
hope to see all of you (and your Cubs!) there.
Ken Gordon
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
8
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Scouts Update – Max Streets Summer Events Silver Leys Troop went to France for a long weekend,
taking in various historical sites of interest, all went
smoothly after an initial troublesome entry in to their
hotel.
1st Bishops Stortford and Hockerill Troops went to
Lochgoilehead for an activity filled week on the loch
and the surrounding hills.
1st
Sawbridgeworth Troops took advantage of the
Brownsea Island experience camp which was very
satisfactory being back to where it all began.
1st
Thorley Adventurer went to Beaudesert site on
Cannock Chase and had a good week’s activities and
camping experience.
1st
Thorley Buccaneer went to Buddens Camp site
near Wareham, Dorset, with a walk along the SW
peninsular coastal path, visits to Brownsea Island,
Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum. Plus on
site activities of rifle shooting, climbing wall ,rafting
and pioneering.
1st
St Michael Mead troop followed them two weeks
later to Buddens, carrying out similar activities ,
walking between Kimmeridge Bay and Durdle Door
near Lulworth Cove .In addition, a day’s mountain
biking and archery.
Dorset is beautiful even when the mist and low cloud
comes down when you are walking the coastal path
amongst the Army firing ranges.
As the Dorset Ballard goes:-
Dorset is beautiful, where ever you go,
And the rain in the Summertime makes the wurzel
bush grow
It’s great to sit amongst the thunder and the hail
With your true love on an emmit’s tump
And hear the sweet nightingale!
From all the reports that I have received, you have
had some wonderful summer camps despite the wet
weather during August. The Scouts, I know have
gained tremendously from these experiences, and it
is a credit to you all for giving them such good and
well planned opportunities to extend their talents
and abilities.
Forth coming events
Section Leaders Meeting 13th September at Silver
Leys
PL & APL Training weekend 1st – 3rd October at Bury
St Edmunds. Gary Swift is the main contact for this
event. Please ensure you have provided names of
those you wish to attend by 13th Sept.
Remembrance Parade Sun 14th November. Further
details will be out shortly.
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
9
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Explorer Scouts – Nigel Reed
Explorers have been busy again in our district this
summer and here are some brief reports of what’s
been going on: -
Conquest ESU
10 Explorer’s and 3 leaders went to Thriftwood
Campsite at Brentwood for summer camp.
The activity’s started Saturday morning on the inflate
a bull which was much like the rodeo bull but it uses
explorer power rather than electric, that was
followed by fishing at the onsite fishing lake many
having a go for the first time. Saturday afternoon and
evening it rained a lot and most were in bed by 10pm.
Sunday had us on the water activity lake for some
canoeing most taking an early bath in the lake during
the fun and games. This was followed by more
fishing. There was a little more rain during the
afternoon but it cleared quite quickly.
We woke to a very bright start on Monday morning
and managed to get all the tents down dry. Once we
were packed we headed over to the water activity
lake to have a go at water zorbing. Everyone had a go
and there was a lot of laughter.
Tracey
Endeavour ESU
For the second year running we had a joint with the
2nd Much Hadham Scout Troop at Thriftwood
Campsite, Brentwood. We were able to take nearly
20 Scouts and Explorers to camp with their carers and
spend a weekend away from the school. We took
part in many of the activities on the campsite which
our Scouts and Explorers don’t get normally have the
opportunity to do.
My thanks goes to my leader team of Su and Anna for
helping organise this camp and also to Alex who helps
make this possible but a special thank you must go to
all the carers who give up their weekend off to help
take all the scouts and explorers to camp.
William
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
10
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Magellan ESU
The Unit had it’s first meeting back in June and is
currently small but perfectly formed, with just 10
members at this stage, although it is pleasing that 2
of these members are brand new to Scouting.
These numbers will rise though through this year as
we take on more young people moving up from
Scouts at Christmas. I hope that by this time next year
membership will be at least 20.
When the unit started we wanted to start with a bang
and therefore organised a number of exciting
activities, including Karting, Mountain Boarding (I
have the scars to prove it too!) and a hike to Priory
Wood followed by cooking on the light weight stoves.
The plan for this half term is to start to build a
programme that provides the opportunity to work
towards badges and this will include some first aid
training, photography and service activities. We are
also planning to film a ‘promo video’ for the unit that
can be shown scout troops to encourage Scouts to
move up to Explorers.
The leadership team are keen to involve the Explorers
in planning programmes and so as we move forward
they will have a greater say in what we do and
hopefully will also run some meetings themselves
under our guidance.
So far it has been a positive start and I am grateful to
Nigel for his support and guidance and also to Simon
for his help in identifying leaders, 2 of whom are from
a non-scouting background.
Mike
Voyager ESU
For our summer camp this year Voyager Explorer
Scouts spent a week in the Lake District at Great
Tower Activity Centre, close to Lake Windermere.
The week started off with a day of activities around
Great Tower campsite, where the Explorers
demonstrated their love of quasar and face painting,
amongst many other activities.
A couple of days during the week were based on the
water where we canoed and kayaked on Windermere
and sailed on Coniston Water.
We also tried wind-surfing for the first time, which
was quite difficult to start with, but everyone
managed to get going by the end of the session.
Back on land we spent a day hiking up Helvellyn (the
3rd highest mountain in England) going up by the
classic and impressive Striding Edge route.
This was an excellent day, and gave all the Explorers a
real sense of achievement.
The Explorers also went rock climbing and mountain
biking, and unusually there was no damage done to
either Explorers or bikes.
Finally we finished off the week by going “ghyll
scrambling”. This basically involves scrambling up a
fairly fast moving stream (ghyll), and then finding
pools of water to jump into or slide into from heights
ranging from ‘not very high’ to ‘very high’ – and the
water is pretty cold, even when wearing a wet suit
etc. As you can imagine the Explorers (and their
Leaders) totally loved it!
We all had a very enjoyable week full of adventurous
activities, and all within the fantastic and beautiful
setting of the Lake District.
Many thanks to Nigel, Marijke, Luke, Zander, Emma
and Simon for helping make it possible.
Chris
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
11
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Explorer Activities
What we have planned as a district for the rest of the year is : -
September 19 Sunday Water activity day at ESSA (Cost £15)
September 28 Tuesday Magistrates in the Community in East Herts.
October 6 Wednesday Roller City Welwyn Garden City (Cost £7.50)
October 15-17 Fri – Sun Hertfordshire Peak Assault
November 7 Sunday Mountain biking Thetford Forest (Cost £30)
November 19-21 Fri-Sun Green Beret Competition – run day and night base
December 6 Monday Explorer County Xmas Dinner
Nigel Reed
District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
12
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Scout Network –
Alexander Ratcliffe
Over the Summer months the Scout Network in
Bishop’s Stortford has been even more busy than
usual, especially as many members are currently
home from University and still wanting to get
involved in Scouting!
On the 24th July several of our members
accompanied the Voyager Explorer Unit on their
annual Summer Camp. This involved a week at the
Great Tower Campsite at Lake Windermere. Network
members played a vital role assisting Explorer leaders
Nigel Reed and Chris Boughton run another enjoyable
and fulfilling camp. The Explorers enjoyed activities
such as rock-climbing, walking, bike-riding, wind-
surfing, kayaking, canoeing, ghyll-scrambling and
much more.
Only 12 hours after returning from camp (no time to
wash anything!), Network members Emma Moverley,
Luke Bibbey, Luke Kittridge and Alexander Ratcliffe
travelled to Scotland in order to undertake their
Queen Scout Expedition. They hired two open-topped
canoes and successfully navigated the Caledonian
Canal over the course of five days. For the uninitiated,
the Caledonian Canal is a 100km waterway that
stretches from the West coast of Scotland in Corpach,
to the East coast at Inverness. It comprises a blend of
man-made navigable canals and natural lochs - the
most infamous leg of the journey being the 39km-
long Loch Ness! Unfortunately no monsters were
spotted. The expedition involved careful planning,
physical and mental endurance and a great deal of
fun being had by all. Many congratulations to those
involved.
The following week Network members went on their
own Summer Camp. This year we stayed at the Mike
Thurston Activity Centre near North Walsham,
Norfolk. Despite unusually high winds (and lost tent
pegs!) we all had an excellent time with activities like
kayaking, cricket on the beach and incredible fish and
chips in Sheringham!
On September 4th the Network held a BBQ evening
at Priory Wood campsite. This meant open fires,
brilliantly-cooked food and – sadly – seeing some of
our members for the last time before they return to
university for another semester.
In addition to all of this, the Network continues to
meet every other Monday evening at the Harvest
Moon Pub, Thorley. You can find more details of the
next meeting by searching for our Facebook group
(“The Bishop’s Stortford & District Network Scout
Unit”), or by emailing Chairman Alexander Ratcliffe
on [email protected] .
On October 2nd the Network will be pleased to see
three of its members (Simon Reed, Lucy Reed &
Alexander Ratcliffe) receiving their Queen Scout
Awards at the presentation ceremony at the London
Science Museum. In addition, following the recent
expedition we also hope to see several more of these
awards presented in the near future.
In the coming months the Network will continue to
meet regularly, but we are also eagerly anticipating
our annual bonfire/fireworks evening in November
and Christmas meal! If you or anybody you know are
involved in Scouting and aged between 18-25, please
get in touch with us and find out more about what
you can achieve in the Scout Network.
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
13
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Sponsors
Nomad have kindly sponsored Scouting in Bishop’s
Stortford & District.
They are offering a 15% discount to all youngsters in
Scouting and their families
District Swimming
Remember you can take advantage of the FREE
District run swimming session term time on a Tuesday
Night ( at Bishop’s Stortford College pool)
8.15 – 9.30pm
All youngsters are welcome – Beavers, Cubs & Scouts.
Please ensure they are wearing their scarves and
woggles –
Swimming resumes 14th
September
Full information can be obtained from Geoff
Markwell on 01279 655366.
District Camping and general Equipment
Please contact
Geoff Markwell 01279 655366.
District Communications and Promotional
equipment
Available to borrow from John Henson (Tel. 01279
507886)
- Professional Displays
- Laptop
- Projector
- Sound System
District Scout Shop
Open Wednesdays term time 7.00pm – 8.30pm.
Closed 15th
December
If in doubt ring Reg Jacobs 01279 653806
Important Note – Please encourage your Leaders to
buy uniforms etc. via the Scout Shop – all profits are
ploughed back into the District!
If you buy online exchanges will also have to be made
online! If bought via Reg, he will be happy to
exchange!
Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010
14
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk Join the adventure
Queen’s Scout Awards Gala Dinner
A massive congratulations go to our 3 winners of the
prestigious Queen’s Scout Award:-
Alexander Ratcliffe
Lucy Reed
Simon Reed
It is a long time since the District has had any winners
of this award.
They will receive their awards at a National Reception
on the 2nd
October at the Science Museum and will
also be invited to attend the Windsor St. George’s
Day parade in 2011.
This is an awesome achievement and one that we
should all be very proud of.
A great social opportunity to come and meet Leaders
from around the District
Pearse House
27th
November
8pm
£/ head
Tickets still available - please contact Max ASAP to
reserve tickets
Contact Max Streets – 01279 653584