RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT
DISTRICT News Views a d Volume 3 n Number 3 Easter 2012
Editorial
Welcome to the Easter edition of News and Views and may I wish all our readers a very happy Easter. Not a lot to offer in this edition but I have managed to put twelve pages together. I would like to thank all of you who submitted their articles.
The District is still growing since Jock took over 4 years ago. On a sad note we all said our goodbyes to Gooders both at the crematorium and at St. Giles, he was a great Scouter with almost 40 years service in the District and will be sadly missed by everyone in the District. My thanks go to Ron Shepherd for helping me put my badges on my shirt in the right places hopefully. And again to reiterate my words have a happy Easter. Looking forward to seeing you at the Forest ground for St. George’s Day Parade and Service, and let us all follow Gooders example and “Look Wide” and keep on trekking.
Your Editor Ron Berrington
The D.C.’s Spot March is half way through, is it Christmas yet?. The months seem to fly by. We’ve seen growth this last year, up 11%.,We have opened a New Group at the 11th.,Sutton Bonington opened an Explorer Unit, found more leaders, and in Dave Goodrum lost a good one.
But Rushcliffe, like life, carries on. Our Leaders continue to provide excellent Scouting and efforts pay off.
Most groups have grown in numbers, a few groups like Meadow Covert, Langar, Cropwell, Ruddington & WB Explorers for example have found grants, councillors and other agencies to help out with various projects and camps. I’ve said before: If you don't ask, you don’t get. So I guess its worth writing now and again.
Our wardens keep our campsites going for us to use. They too need a little help now and then so if you have a few moments free give them a hand.
Camping time is not that far away. Just 4 months to July!! Have you set plans for your camp? Booked your site? Sorted transport? Got those cheaper deals? Sorted your budget? I hope by now you have at least made a start as time flies. Don’t miss out on a great camp by leaving it all to the last minute.
St Georges Day is not far either, hope you are all coming, will be another good turn-out.
Dave Goodrum always said "Look Wide". We in Rushcliffe are always looking for something different to make a difference. Something different, something new.
Whether it’s Cubs at Butlins, Beavers on a train, a County Camp with 800 of us from the District. Whether it be a Forestry Badge, overnight in York Minster, on a narrow boat or Gotham, Bonington & East Leake organising joint activities, we are positive and continue to "Look Wide". As long as we all enjoy our Scouting we can only go one way together, growing and offering our young people those experiences that most of us have had at one time or another in life.
Let’s enjoy the Summer weather, it will arrive soon. Then its poke the fire time, sausages in the pan, the smell of a wood fire and the gnat bites...... Bliss.
Enjoy Scouting In Rushcliffe
Jock From the Chair
Just looking back it’s hard to believe that four years ago Jock was taken on as the temporary District Commissioner and we were looking at the merger that now forms our Rushcliffe District. The rest is history new groups have been formed, some have grown others not as fortunate, but I am pleased to say our growth, as a District, today is still better than the national average.
On a sad note Dave “Gooders” Goodrum, passed away in March, having done almost 40 years in Scouting .Dave was a Scouter though and through and always could be relied upon for his valuable advice and opinion on Scouting matters. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Looking forward we have our annual St Georges Day parade on the 22 April fingers crossed for good weather and good turnout.
Chris Hammond District Chairman
SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT
Rushcliffe District March 7th, 2012. S.A.S. stands for Supporting Active Scouting. At our A.G.M. in February we decided to look back for a short period at our history. So I thought that the new leaders might like to know a bit about us. The group started in 1936 and was called; Bridgford Old Boys. 1946; the name was changed to B.P. Guild (Baden Powell) 1970 we were renamed the Scout Fellowship. 2011 another new name S.A.S. 4 titles in 79 years. So what has changed, not much really, perhaps only our uniforms, we still do exactly what was decided in 1936. We support all sections in all groups in our District when needed, with advice, help and practical things. Night hikes, badge work, the camp site at Gotham, District camps and many other activities. We also help out at some County Events like International Jamborees. Serve on various committees such as finance, appointments and the activities within Rushcliffe. We have a reputation of being the most active S.A.S in the County. I was the first female to join this group and now we are about equal in number to the men. I have kept a record of awards since 2008, 1 axe award, 2x60 years etc. and until today February 29th 2012 over 415 years of service. We have raised over £100 for various charities both here and abroad, B.P. said “Look Wide”. In our change box over 200 books were sent to the Sea Mans Mission Hostel in Hull for their deep sea members to read when ashore, And over 900 balloons for the children’s club run at the Queens Med. Centre, for hospitalised children run by the Sou-Westers Fellowship. So what do we retired leaders and people get out of belonging to this Scout Family. Exhaustion (at times a few more grey hairs) commitments but most of all what we have always been blessed with, fun, laughter and friendship. We are therefore looking forward to many more happy scouting years in what is usually a very happy District. We will see you in Southall in May. Come and talk to us and get the young ones to do so too so that they know who we are and what we do as Scouts. May the sun shine on us and on you in 2012. Brenda Taylor Coordinator Admin. SPRING IS COMING
Spring is on its way. By the middle of February the Hawthorn at Stonepit was coming into leaf, Ladybirds were still active and Long-tailed, Blue and Coal Tits were proclaiming the start of the breeding season. The first day of March and there were a very few violets out and a Peacock butterfly was trying its wings, two weeks later the Chaffinches had the spring feeling, violets were out in profusion and Brimstone, Comma and Peacock butterflies were on show.
Now for the not such good news from 1st April Stonepit site fees will be increasing, but the actual amounts have yet to be decided, we hope you will feel that whatever the amount you will still get good value.
Hollygate on February 4th and it appeared that winter had returned. Was the Brass Monkey Camp on or off? Got a call about 12.30 hrs to say there was no water as the pipes were frozen and should we call the camp off? A few minutes later another call to say the hardworking wardens had managed to unfreeze the pipes enough to get some facilities working, so the camp was back on. Out we went and started to set up camp in reasonable weather, but by 15.00 hrs the snow started falling, were we put off? NO – we carried on. We eventually managed to get a campfire going. (Never in the history of Scouting has it taken so many so long to get a fire alight.) I was ‘nesh’, and never having intended to camp made my way home about 21.30 hrs. From later reports the camp was successful and an unusual experience for many. Thanks to the leaders and wardens for all their hard work. Same time next year? Hollygate and Stonepit are both there to give the outdoor experience to our young people; site staff are always able to give help, advice and training. Please make use of the sites and Staff during the coming year – we never close. As Gooder’s always said ‘Put the OUT in Scouting’ Dave H. 3rd (Friary) West Bridgford Cubs - Climbing High!
"3rd Friary West Bridgford Cubs had a fantastic time at the Nottingham Climbing Centre. We climbed lots and lots of walls, including climbing horizontally across a wall. It was really good fun and all the Cubs had a great time. Cubs in our group are invested in cool places and some new Cubs were invested at the Climbing Centre." Written by Patrick Loughran (Cub) age 9 The Climbing Wall evening was partially funded by money raised from the Armed Forces day in West Bridgford Park last summer. Thanks to everyone that helped out on the Friary stall - there was enough money for a treat! We try to invest in fun places where we can, and this time it was Harry, Harvey, Archie, Marcus, Thomas and Edward who all made their promises and joined Friary Cubs and the World Wide Family of Scouting! Proud parents watched (and some helped with holding ropes - just itching to join in). It was a Fantastic Friary evening!
We are currently recruiting volunteers for a Cubs Assistant Leader (starting June/July). We meet on Monday evenings from 6.30 to 8pm, at Friary Hall, 46 Musters Road, West Bridgford. Please contact Tracy on 07963 208 783 or email [email protected] if you want to know more. A range of other roles are available too, so please just ask! A Beautiful Story
A beautiful story.... Especially for anyone who may be flying in the midst of their own storm right now...
There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments. One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.
"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home.
A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet. When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese.
Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed. The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm.
So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. But the geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realise what it could mean for them.
The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them, and they moved further away. He went into the house and came with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumb trail leading to the barn. They still didn't catch on. Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe. "Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?"
He thought for a moment and realised that they just wouldn't follow a human. "If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud. Then he had an idea. He went into the barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it.
His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn--and one by one the other geese followed it to safety. He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind: "If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"
Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!" Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese--blind, lost, perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realised.
As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come. Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer: "Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"
- Author unknown
The legend of the First Robin
A small brown bird looked from a tree and saw a Man standing beneath a wooden cross. A crown of thorns encircled His head and cruelly pierced the skin. Moved by His suffering, the little bird followed along with the crowd surrounding the Man, and suddenly swooped down and pulled one of the thorns from the Man’s forehead. The Man lifted His eyes to the bird and whispered a silent “thank you”. As the bird flew on, a drop of blood fell from the thorn and stained his breast a bright crimson. And since that day, the humble robin wears a symbol of his mercy for that suffering Man – our Saviour. COPY DATE – WEDNESDAY 6th JUNE 2012 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) 921 4901 E-Mail: [email protected] Visit us at: www.scoutswestbridgford.co.uk Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number 522469 RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT
DISTRICT News Views a d Volume 3 n Number 4 Summer 2012
Editorial Welcome to the summer edition of News and Views it is the summer edition but it has not been very summery. The cold and windy weather has been mentioned in one or two articles about summer camps one likened it to Glastonbury and in the SAS article it was said that the good weather camps make you appreciate the bad weather ones, and that a scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties (sometimes). News and Views copy date had to be put off for a week due to the fact that I had not received enough input to publish it and I was also waiting for articles on Simon’s Ordination. Also due to illness I decided to take a week’s break to recuperate. In this edition Dave Howard has taken time to write more details about Gooders scouting life. At this time I would like to thank everyone who rallied round to give me enough input to make News and Views a worthwhile publication. I hope you all enjoy reading about what is happening round the
District and I look forward to receiving even more articles for the autumn edition. So keep on trekking and look wide as Gooders would say. Your Editor Ron Berrington
From the Chair
The 3rd AGM has just been held and we welcome two new executive members Victoria Freeman and Michael Beazley.
Someone once said that the definition of a committee was
1 A committee is a dark avenue down which good ideas are lured and quietly strangled
2 A committee takes minutes and wastes hours
I can assure you that this does not apply to the District Executive!
And now an advert
We are looking for a new District Secretary, someone who does not hold a warrant and would enjoy helping the District in this role. There is a fact sheet on Scoutbase and I would be happy to talk through the role with anyone who might be interested. My telephone is 07801657518
Happy Scouting and enjoy the Summer (if it ever arrives!)
Chris Hammond District Chairman
SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT
Rushcliffe District June 2012.
Well I expect like me all members of our group looked forward to a few grey hairs and a lot more free time. As a friend in another S.A.S. group always says “once a scout always a scout”.
So our free time included St. George’s Day, our April meeting, May the Jubilee Camp, District AGM and our own meeting, not to mention all our other times spent supporting different groups within our district, all this makes us glad that you give us such an interesting and busy retirement. Thank you.
Everyone will have their own memories of the Jubilee Camp, mine include seeing so many happy beavers who were provided with lots of suitable activities, one group singing after their dinner “Happy Birthday to the Queen” and then the National Anthem. The first time ever I appreciated a Zoo. What a good idea to take just a few animals to show the children what hens, tortoise, and even a snail look like. I expect like me you have “worse weather” camps than this one but they do make you appreciate the good weather ones and HOME.
So have a successful summer, remember a scout smiles and whistles under all difficulties well sometimes. So we all want to say a big Thank You to the team for all they do, and for keeping us so active and busy.
Brenda and her supporters in the SAS without whose friendship and fun would make my life very dull.
The D.C.’s Spot
Well half a year gone almost, where does time go? Summer is upon us, although with this weather you would never know. But hey-hoe do we care? we are Scouts it’s time for camp and nothing will stop us!. I can only guess the tents have been checked recently and there are enough pegs in each bag? The right poles in the correct tent bag? The correct size groundsheets are ready, and the gas bottles are full! The NAN forms filled and forwarded to Steve Cumberland, unless you are going abroad as HQ now request you speak to Kirsten Rawson our International Advisor 01159523617.From letter to DCs: . International Trips Abroad: With the summer holidays fast approaching, I would like to take the opportunity to gently remind you that all international trips are to be notified to Kirsten Rawson, ACC International - this includes visits by individuals who may be attending Scouting events abroad and not just groups. Once Kirsten is aware the trip is taking place, she will arrange to meet you and provide you with a Visits Abroad pack. She can answer any questions you have and give you advice to help with the preparations for your trip should you require them. Once you have completed the paperwork, it should be returned to Kirsten for signing and processing So, preparation is important. Health forms, medication, home contact with full list of contacts in case of emergency…ALL as important as the right poles with the right tent…BE PREPARED, BE SAFE, ENJOY in the knowledge that you have all you need. Don’t leave it till the last minute. Talking of being prepared, one of our Leaders was at last ordained as a priest. Simon Gillespie ACSL at 9th West Bridgford faced a standing room only cathedral congregation after a “few years of preparation” according to the Bishop and now becomes Father Simon. The 9th provided a guard of honour along with some District members and two members of the 9th took part in the service presenting the symbol of priestly office. CONGRATULATIONS FATHER SIMON and good luck for the future. So preparation IS important. Whether it is for camp or next terms programme, whether it is a fundraising plan or review of subs, getting it ready in advance will prove to be the right way. Have a SAFE and ENJOYABLE camp…I hope to! “Jock” DC..
1st Meadow Covert Scout Group
A very busy past six months for us at Meadow Covert and a rapidly growing group in all sections. In December we held a market stall at the West Bridgford Christmas Light switch on. We gave four patrols £25 each to spend on stock. They each put together a business plan and presented their products to the group, Dragons den style. At the market they had an Apprentice type task to sell their items. All patrols made a profit turning the £100 outlay into £200 and completing their Entrepreneur badges learning about VAT, delivery costs, pricing and sales techniques.
As most we attended the muddy Big Weekend. As our troop always wants to play Dodgeball I undertook attending and completing an official UKDBA Dodgeball coaching course so we now play to the official rules. The troop were offered to represent Nottinghamshire in the national schools competition but were unable to attend. I offered to put on a Dodgeball event at the camp and we had over 1000 players over the Saturday and Sunday. If any groups want to take part in a Local League or a one day competition, let me know and I will happily arrange this. Contact through www.meadowcovert.com
The group have completed activities this year including making Bows and Arrows, Horse riding, Mountain Biking, Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing, communication and circus skills.
Our next camp is coming up fast and will involve the senior scouts working towards their Expedition Challenge and making their own way to the Peak District. We plan to get the kids open fire cooking, building a Monkey Bridge, Hill Walking around the Roaches and cycling the Manifold trail, should be a fun but tiring weekend.
Some scouts are also taking part in the Great Nottinghamshire Bike ride in July. About 10 Scouts covering the 19 miles Community route and a couple attempting the 48 mile challenge course as part of their Cycling plus badge.
We were fortunate to gain two grants this year, one from the Peoples Postcode Lottery to fund a water sport programme to also help our growing Sea Scouts Troop. With this we have purchased 7 kayaks, 6 canoes and a trailer. You may have seen us during community week on BBC news or heard us BBC Radio Nottingham promoting a Grantham Canal clearance we did, using the equipment to remove litter from the canal with beavers, cubs, scouts, sea scouts and parents all helping. The leaders are completing the required permits and training to take the boats further afield. The equipment is available to hire (small charge to cover wear etc.). We have a river trip planned in August on the Norfolk Broads where we’ll be paddling along the river Bure to find out campsite. The second grant was from the CO-OP Community Fund for tables, chairs and a box trailer to help us take our entire group to the Big Weekend.
The next twelve months look like being even more exciting with challenges in the pipeline for a Survival & Bushcraft weekend, a Coast to Coast challenge and much, much more.
Nick Maidment Scout Leader – 1st Meadow Covert
Congratulations to
ACSL Simon Gillespie from all at 9th West Bridgford Scout Group
Simon is better known to most of us as ‘Hathi’ from our cub pack and, despite his cherubic youthful looks, he has been assisting to run the cub pack for around 20 years, so he holds a special place in our hearts. Simon has wanted to become a priest from the time he was 10 years old, the same age as many of the cubs in our cub pack watching at his ordination on St Barnabas’ Day as his childhood dream turned into a reality.
The ceremony was held on Monday 11th June 2012 at St Barnabas Cathedral in the centre of Nottingham and was attended by the 9th West Bridgford (Holy Spirit) Cub and Scout Troops along with their leaders and many from the district all of whom performed an impressive honour guard for Simon as he entered and left the church together with large numbers of altar servers and priests (approximately 150 in total). The ceremony was carried out by Bishop Malcolm McMahon OP and was an awe inspiring occasion, much of the service was carried out in Latin and there was beautiful music and singing within the cathedral from the choir and congregation.
After the service there was food and drinks followed by spectacular fireworks in the cathedral grounds and many of the elderly priests attending reminisced about their time as a cub & commenting on how fabulous the boys had been – I am not sure any of them had ever been through a scouting honour guard before. The evening was very much enjoyed by all the boys and their families, indeed several cubs have already been asking when they can attend their next ordination.
We all think that Father Simon will make a wonderful priest with his strong sense of duty, his love of the traditional and his caring pastoral abilities. We wish him all the best in his first parish and beyond and would like to thank him for all his support and friendship at 9th West Bridgford, long may it continue Keeping you in our hearts and prayers at this special time.
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love. May you be able to feel and understand how long, how wide and how deep His love really is. Eph.3
SIMON’S ORDINATION Ever since I’ve been involved in Scouting in West Bridgford, arriving here in 1985, I’ve wanted to be a Catholic priest, and this aspiration was realised on Monday 11th June, when Bishop Malcolm McMahon, Bishop of Nottingham, ordained me in Nottingham Cathedral. The usual formation for a Catholic priest takes six years, and so when I graduated from Manchester University in 1997 I began my journey in seminary. For various reasons (I’ve learned it’s not a good idea to fall out with your seminary rector – especially not twice!) I’ve journeyed through three seminaries (in Valladolid, Spain, Chelsea, and most recently Margate) and spent the past year on a parish placement in Lincoln. In-between times I’ve put my legal training to good use in gainful employment, and even managed to buy a house. I’ve also managed to retain my links with Scouting, moving from 9th WB (Holy Spirit) Cub Scouts, to 5th WB (Baptist) Scouts and Venture Scouts, and then taking out a warrant as an ACSL at 9th WB. It’s been a great joy to be involved with the Cub Pack – depending, of course, on where I’ve been based; and also to be involved in various District events, not the least of which being the various Sherwood camps. Along the way I’ve made many friends amongst the Scouts of West Bridgford – now Rushcliffe – and so it was a particular delight to see so many of them present on Monday night, at the Ordination Mass. It was a wonderful celebration, although not for the faint hearted at something over two hours, and with plenty of Latin! The Choir sang beautifully, the Bishop spoke well, and something in the region of 50 Scouts and Scouters in Uniform formed an Honour Guard on the way into and out of the Cathedral – thank you to you all! During the Mass the Bishop announced that I’m to be placed in the parish of St Philip Neri, in Mansfield, as the assistant priest for the next couple of years – and so I hope to be able to continue links with Scouting in Rushcliffe, depending on my timetable there. If you’re ever in Mansfield, do pop in for a cup of tea, you’ll be assured of a warm welcome! Fr) Simon Gillespie – or Hathi to the Cubs
Riding along on the crest of a wave (and showing parents exactly what we can achieve). Before Christmas 2011 I was ‘persuaded’ to look into putting on another Gang Show involving our Scout Group, 1st Langar (Vale of Belvoir), and 1st Barnstone Brownies. When I say another, the last one I organised was in 1991 and the one before that was back in 1961 (I wasn’t involved in that one though; it was before I was even born) and now that the whole thing is over I can see why we waited so long between shows! After looking through hundreds of songs and sketches online and from the D.C.’s stash of material, a final running order was agreed upon and rehearsals began in January 2012. I can’t say that everything went well, I can’t say that items weren’t dropped and new material had to be found, I can’t say the rehearsals weren’t sometimes tortuous and I can’t say that there weren’t several major re-writes of the running order, but in the end we put on what I thought was a good show.
What surprised me though was the reaction from the parents who came to see the show. I get the impression that there were some that were expecting us to fail; ‘I’m not expecting much from that lot!’ ‘Surely it’s only Counties and Districts that put on Gang Shows?’ You must have some parents like that. But without exception, everyone that our Leaders spoke to said that it had been an amazing show that they had really enjoyed and how incredibly well all the children who took part in it had done. One parent was even overheard saying that the show ‘was 10 times better that I expected it to be’.
So, not only did the kids get the experience of taking part in a Gang Show and performing on stage and not only did we manage to raise over £1,000 towards the renovations of the Scout Hut, but we also managed to show our parents that we’re not just a babysitting service, that as a Group we can achieve mighty things if we put our minds to it and that the Leaders here at 1st Langar Scout Group can still manage to surprise a few people with their dedication, ambition and enthusiasm. What I took out of the whole thing was that you shouldn’t be afraid of trying ambitious activities and events, whether you’re a small rural Group like us or a larger Group in a town.
(And it’s always nice if you can prove annoying parents wrong!)Michael Beresford 1st Langar (Vale of Belvoir) Scout Group
Need help with fundraising? Or just want new ideas? Friary ~ 3rd West Bridgford Beaver Section held a 'Sponsored Read Event' recently and with 13 beavers involved we raised £200 and completed our Hobby badge. It was so easy all we had to do was hand out the paperwork and Nichola from Usborne completed the rest! The scheme can also be adapted for the cub and scout section. If you are interested please contact Nichola on [email protected] or 07725 408 718
GOODERS
A few brief memories of Dave Goodrum were recalled in the last issue of News and Views, but on reflection I feel it appropriate to give some more details of his Scouting life.
Dave joined 5th West Bridgford Scouts as a leader in 1971 so had managed to complete 40 years of service.
For most of those years he and I worked closely together sometimes leading and at others following, often going around together to various meetings.
D.G’s input to Scouting covered a wide range of activities:- many Gang Shows both in the District and County organising the band based at 3rd WB. County Air Advisor. County International camps from Newark in 1976 and the following ones at Walesby. (Jubilee 79 and on the phone {landline – no mobiles then} to East Midlands Airport trying to check a flight home for one of the contingents “I’m ringing from the middle of a field, phoning me back will be difficult.”)
1974 and 1977 the driving force behind Amikaro, both weekends putting West Bridgford’s uniformed youth on display in Bridgford Park, not only Scouts and Guides, but the Boys Brigade, various cadet units, etc.
Encouraging County to set up the charity shop then helping run it and inveigling people to be shop assistants.
In 1991 he was appointed District Commissioner holding the office until 1997. During those years he put in motion the move towards the uniting of South East Notts and West Bridgford Districts and was pleased to see the amalgamation take place in 2009.
For all his efforts and enthusiasm the Chief Scout awarded him the Silver Wolf in 2005.
These are just some of my memories, there are many more. (His love of Stonepit for example.)
Gooders always encouraged us to ‘Put the OUT in Scouting’ and to ‘Look Wide’
Dave we will miss you and what some of us thought, were your mad ideas, but which usually turned out to be a success.
Your friend and partner in crime Scouting, Dave H.
DAVE’S DIARY
Copy date again – where does the time go?
April and, of course, St. George’s Day parade; went to the Park to try and leave the car and was pleased to be under cover when the hail came down, no free spaces so decided to be lazy and drive to the Forest Ground where I was on duty. There hadn’t been any hail there. Had fun holding up the traffic while what seemed to be an endless parade made its way in to the ground. It stayed dry during the service; although some of the interesting music variations could have caused a downpour. Towards the end it got rather cold and was glad to dash off to get the flags and saluting base sorted out, thanks to Sutton Bonington for their help. A good crowd watched the parade along the Avenue and this year we stayed dry.
The next event was The Big Weekend, which became known as The Big Wet and Muddy Weekend. The advance party of Alan, Emma, Trevor and I were out at Southwell on the Thursday with no problem getting on to site. Our original sub-camp location was water logged and we had to move next door, but even then we had our own lake. This meant we had to completely redesign the layout which called for some head scratching and nifty use of the tape measure. Trevor and his tin tent kept us supplied with tea and coffee. Friday was dry during the day and we managed to complete the preparation of the site ready for the hordes arriving. It got rather chaotic with access made difficult because of the mud and the many changes to the layout throughout the site. Apparently Southwell was grid- locked during the evening.
Saturday was mainly dry and the Scouts made the most of the activities and enjoyed themselves. On Sunday the sun came out and the Sub-camp Olympics, arranged by Becky and Colin supported by 40+ leaders and supporters (including members of West Bridgford SASu), were very well received both by Sub- Camp members and County Staff. Tig had arranged a build a chariot and race it challenge for the Explorer Scouts, which made an exciting end to the morning with only a few minor injuries. Some of the groups had to leave on Sunday afternoon and managed to get their canvas down dry. The forecast for later Monday morning was for rain so we also took down any canvas we could manage without.
Monday dawned dry and while the Scouts went off to do their thing, we left the canvas up as long as we dare and then had a mad dash to get it all down and packed away before the rain came, fortunately it held off longer than forecast. Apart from a few problems early on the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers seemed to have a good time, which of course, was our aim.
Thanks to the young people for taking part, the leaders and supporters for giving up their weekend and the District and County teams for planning and execution.
The middle of May and the District AGM came round, this year at Tollerton Methodist Church Hall, a reasonable turnout with refreshments provided by the West Bridgford Scout Active Support Unit. We were pleased to welcome Ralph Todd, former leader at the 6th West Bridgford until ill health forced him to retire, but still a keen supporter of Scouting. Ralph lives just across the road from the hall and, in his wheelchair, gave a good impression of a formula 1 driver in his eagerness to join us.
Hollygate and Stonepit are looking in very good shape; don’t forget to use the sites.
The Guides held a big Jubilee celebration using a number of sites round the County of which Hollygate was one; this meant an early start for volunteers on Sunday 27th to sort out car parking for Guides being dropped off and, at the end of the day, being picked up. Fortunately it was a hot, sunny day.
And finally a talk on ‘How to grow old disgracefully’ at the SASu meeting and although most of us have been practising for many years there were some useful tips and a lot of laughs.
Apart from the odd few gatherings mentioned above a fairly quiet time then!
Nottingham
Gang Show 2013 Auditions
Theatre Royal, Nottingham Monday 11th March 2013 to Saturday 16th March 2013
<><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Senior Cast Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network Guides, Senior Section Leaders
Sunday 16th September 2012 Nottingham Girls High School Arboretum Street, Nottingham 11.00am – 3.00pm OR Tuesday 18th September 2012 Nottingham Girls High School Arboretum Street, Nottingham 7.00pm – 9.00pm <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Junior Cast Cub Scouts and Brownies (Must be aged 8 years by 11th March 2013) Sunday 14th October 2012 Nottingham Girls High School Arboretum Street, Nottingham 10.30am - 12.30pm Everyone stays for the whole session Tales from Southwell racecourse Over the May bank holiday 3,500 explorers, scouts and cubs from across Nottinghamshire took over Southwell racecourse for The Big Weekend Camp. Over 50 young people across all sections made up the Keyworth contingent. They were supported by several leaders and a catering team made up of parent helpers. Despite the rain sodden week leading up to the camp the weather proved thankfully dry. Wellies though were a necessity, as parts of the site resembled the muddier aspects of Glastonbury. A varied and extensive array of activities was available throughout the weekend. Adventurous types could try climbing, BMX biking, sledging and this being Nottingham archery. For those wanting something more chilled there were a huge number of craft activities. Campers could try their hand at glass and wood engraving; drum making and designing hovercrafts to name but a few. Several scouts also took the opportunity to hone their DJ skills by hosting slots on the camp radio broadcasts. We also witnessed our explorer group build, decorate and race a chariot (and come 1st in the race). In the evenings cubs had the opportunity to watch a film and if not exhausted, watch the live bands on the main stage. Did you know Lady Gaga played a one-off gig at Southwell race course? The cubs also helped towards setting a world record for the largest communal breakfast; over 3000 people will take some beating! The camp provided a great environment for the cubs to enjoy freedom and independence in a safe setting. Unsurprisingly, given all the activities on offer, cubs and leaders returned home exhausted, but full of tales about their achievements and ability to survive unseasonably cold May weather whilst camping under canvas! Graham Blakey ACSL 1st Keyworth B pack cubs
1st Meadow Covert Community Week Project
I suppose the start of this project goes back to February with a simple e-mail between leaders in the Group asking if anyone is interested in doing a community week project and ideas of what to do...little did we know back then how big things would get.
From that e-mail and thoughts of the recent purchases of canoes and kayaks from the Peoples Postcode Lottery funding, what better idea then to get on the water, and so the idea came to clear out the section of Grantham canal in Gamston and the footpaths surrounding. Contact was made and meetings were had with British Waterways, the council helped with equipment, the text funding number was sorted, the mycharitypage online donation site was up and running, everything was coming together nicely and thanks to a postman who kindly offered to help, we were able to deliver hundreds of leaflets out to the community letting them know about out project.
Then the call came from Scout Association to help us with advertising our project....would we be interested in going to BBC radio Nottingham for an interview? Most definitely! So an early Monday morning, the week before our project, two Scouts and a Leader go to the BBC building for their interview all feeling a little nervous, wondering who would be listening and hoping we don’t say anything embarrassing! Thankfully it was a success and we could all tick that off as a great experience.
Finally the weekend of the project arrives and an early Saturday morning begins at the Scout Hut. Loaded up all our equipment and off we went to Grantham Canal and what a day it was! The sun was shining and the rubbish started coming in. A bike, a scooter and a huge bundle of papers were pulled out of the water, along with a few unmentionables! The Beavers, Cubs, Scouts were having a great day in the canoes, who knew litter picking could be so much fun, even with the horrendous smell. Then the coconuts started coming out...why so many coconuts were in the water is any ones guess!
Next the call from Matt Rooney, he is on his way with an East Midlands Today camera crew, and we’re going to be on TV!
The end of the first day was fast approaching and just as we were all getting tired and achy, one of the Beaver Leader’s cheers us all up by falling out of his kayak.
The Sunday soon comes round and off to the water we go again. Another hard day was done.
So the weekend was over, we were all rather dirty and the smell was pretty bad, but what a success it had been. So many bags of rubbish were collected and the area was looking fantastic. Members of the public were telling us what a fantastic job we had done. A fantastic worthwhile weekend that none of us will forget
Jennifer
If you haven’t already heard. It’s set for Saturday 13th October this year
Two routes this year as we have so many people interested but there are still spaces. Usual incident bases including a food base.
If you are interested contact Alan Hubber for details at [email protected] or 0115 846 3096
Or miss out!
COPY DATE – WEDNESDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2012 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) 921 4901 E-Mail: [email protected] Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number 522469
RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT
DISTRICT News Views a d Volume 4 n Number 1 Autumn 2012
Editorial
Welcome to the autumn edition of News and Views and the start of a New Scout Year. Sorry for the delay I have been waiting for input which never materialised. I did not receive one report from any of the groups, so I have had to fill in with other items, this was probably due to the change of my email address, and my email address is [email protected] Now that the summer season has passed and apart fr om a very wet one I trust that a good year was had by you all. According to Jock’s report it seems that as a District we are doing very well. I also agree with Chris Hammond’s remarks about the Queens Diamond Jubilee and both the Olympic and Para Olympic games. I would be pleased to receive any reports on these and any other camping information in the next edition of News and Views.
Have a good New Scout Year and keep on trekking.
Your Editor Ron Berrington
. The D.C.’s Spot
Summers over, the new term is upon us and already people are planning in advance. Trips for Beavers, Night Hikes, Exec meetings, Awards Nights, Training courses, Sectional programmes and more. If it’s going to be enjoyed, then the best way is always “in advance”. Thinking why “in advance”?, ….well if its “in advance” everyone can plan together, everyone then knows exactly what’s happening and when, everyone has time to organise themselves in order to provide both fun and an experience for our young people. I’ve just returned from camp in Wales and due to advance planning I’ve had the satisfaction of seeing 18 “young” Scouts all doing what I did as a Scout…climb Mount Snowdon safely and without any problems. Next year when someone asks “What did you do for your birthday last year?” one Scout can answer “I spent my 13th birthday on top of a mountain!” she won’t forget. Those young people can go to school shortly and relate their experience. How many in the class have walked up Snowdon? not many I guess. To give these young people the experience, “advance planning” meant finding qualified leaders…we had them in the District. We asked” in advance”, they gave their time to support this activity. We needed more Leaders to help out. We had them in the County & District; they took time off to help out. So beside the Leaders of Cropwell Bishop, thanks to Steve Day, Simon, Luke, Pothead, Jayne & Gary for giving 18 young people an experience they will remember for the rest of their life. Of course it took more planning. Correct kit, maps, routes, food, transport etc., etc., but it was so easy on the day, as it was all done “in advance”. Each day of the camp saw activities all planned “in advance”. We had a ball…. Speedboats, Ffestiniog railway, copper mines, cooking competitions, camp fires, beaches, cinemas, games nights, big prizes, fish chips and more, and two weeks back the kids are still talking of their camp. I can’t say more than it was all down to “advance planning”. Programming should be done “together” whether a camp, a term programme, a group trip. Carry out your tasks efficiently. You should all be involved in your group, because everyone can then share in the satisfaction that event was a success and everyone can benefit in the knowledge that you have played you’re part in a young person’s life. Here’s to the new term, enjoy yourselves and enjoy what you do. Keep safe, (you should by now have the new purple cards that arrived with your Scouting Magazine), and remember to always send your NAN forms to Pothead “in advance”. Now for something different: Food for thought: 1. What is the speed of darkness? 2. If it’s true that we are here to help others, what are the other’s doing here? 3. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? 4. Do married people live longer than single ones or does it only seem longer? 5. Why do they use sterilised needles for death by lethal injection? Strange world out there.
See you all soon, somewhere. Enjoy Scouting, one day you will know it’s all been worthwhile.
“Jock” DC.. From the Chair
September – the month which marks the start of our new Scouting calendar : the month when your new executive committee meets in lively and sometimes heated discussion to reflect on the past and plan for the future.
When our editor asked me for my contribution to News & Views I though back to a memorable summer , apart from the bad weather, we have celebrated the Queens Diamond Jubilee, and both the Olympic and Para Olympics all which brought the nation together as one.
You may have been fortunate to attend any of the events why not write a piece to News & Views on your experience. Let’s hear from you.
Happy Scouting
Chris Hammond District Chairman SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT Rushcliffe District September 2012
Guess what. We have managed to have a social gathering this year, we seem to have very few of these some years but this one took us down the River Trent on one of the pleasure boats where we all enjoyed an excellent meal on the only fine day that week. April showers seem to forget that April has long gone.
Our next chatting day will be in September at our B.B.Q. which will have gone by the time you read this.
However our new programme is now available from Janet; please join us anytime we have some talk which appeals to you. This applies to young leaders as well.
To all leaders, whatever age they may be just remember that we all wish you a happy and successful Scouting New Year.
I would add that sometimes we all feel 100 sometimes a teenager, the grey hairs and the 100 years days are some of the privileges we enjoy as members of this great District.
Brenda and her Happy Group
Thanks for the hospitality! The fact that we in the 1st Adderbury Scout Troop (North Oxfordshire District, Oxfordshire) pay occasional visits to stay at Stonepit Wood Camp Site is all down to the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak. Back then we were due to spend our summer camp week in a farm field in North Yorkshire. Just three weeks before we were due to arrive the disease had reached within five miles of our site and so we took the decision to make alternative plans. Hence my random calls around the country that led me to David Howard who just happened to have a vacancy at Stonepit Wood. Hence began our regular visits every five years. When we find a venue we like we stick with it and add it to our rota. It makes planning activities and games that much easier when you know the site. Stonepit Wood is ideal for us: it has a great wood for fire fuel, backwoods activities and games; the patrols can exist on their own (we are very traditional with old style Scout tents and patrols cooking meals over wood fires in their own patrol areas); it’s ideally located close to some great activities. The site is also of the size whereby one Troop can take the whole area - we do like to be able to do our own thing without having to worry about our neighbours. Off site this year we visited Sherwood Forest for Segway rides, quad biking, biking and laser tag. We also spent a brilliant day at the National Waterspouts Centre sailing, kayaking, knee boarding and trying their assault course. On site activities included a treasure hunt around the wealth of little footpaths in the area and initiative tests including using our home made ballista. Your DC Jock arrived to see this in operation. He also brought with him the heaviest rain storm we saw all week – but we won’t hold that against him! We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Stonepit Wood and not even Tesco messing up every one of our on-site deliveries or the extremely hungry midges could dull the enthusiasm with which our Scouts gushed out the stories of their week away to their parents. So many thanks for the hospitality, for a great little site, and to the small team who keep such a great resource going. We are so predictable David has already confirmed our booking for 2017 before I had chance to ask! Andy Green Scout Leader
SIMNEL CAKE
Bury in Lancashire claims to have originated the simnel cake, but so does Devizes and Shrewsbury, and doubtless there are many others. One tale is of Simon and Nellie who finding themselves with a rich Christmas cake left over at the beginning of Lent wondered how to preserve it in the weeks that they were forbidden to eat it. Nellie encased it in a flour and water dough and decided that boiled hard all the air would be excluded. Her husband said, “Bake it” she said, “boil it” and a fight followed. One of the children suggested a compromise “Boil it then bake it brown”. So it became known as the cake of “Family Harmony”, named after both of them Sim-Nel. Who knows a better tale?
Certainly the Bakers of Bury were making simnel cakes long ago. An advert 1868 read the Muffin and Simnel Shoppe; strong girl wanted for work in the simnel bake house the advert also stated that the firm was started 1700 by a Mr. Hutchinson. These Bury bakers certainly had the skill. When Queen Victoria’s son, later King Edward was married in 1863 they had the idea of making the largest simnel cake ever made. It was nine feet round and weighed seventy pounds. The traditional Simnel cake is a very rich fruitcake covered in marzipan and usually decorated with rabbits or flowers. Was it the marzipan covering that gave rise to the flour and water casing story of Simon and Nellie, or did the marzipan covering come first?
MORE SCIENCE FOR CUBS
Some people can tell the time from the sun but I have never been able to make out the numbers.
We say the cause of perfume disappearing is evaporation. Evaporation gets blamed for a lot of things people forget to put the top on.
To most people solutions mean finding the answers but to chemists solutions are things that are still mixed up.
Look at a drop of water under a microscope and we can see there are twice as many H’s as O’s.
Clouds are high flying fog.
I am not sure how clouds are formed but clouds know how to do it and that is what is important.
Clouds just keep circling the earth around and around. There is not much else they can do.
Rain is known as soft water. Hard water is hail.
In some rocks you can find the fossil footprints of fishes.
A monsoon is a French gentleman. Facts of Life
“Dad, can I ask you something?” said my ten year old one night “keep it simple son” said I, “For I am not erudite School days as I remember were a long way from entrancing We concentrated mainly on three R’s and country dancing Algebra, for instance, was no problem in the least I thought it was a country somewhere in the Middle East Biology, as I recall, wasn’t part of our format Even our headmaster hadn’t heard of words like that.” “It’s nothing academic” said the apple of my eye “Just a little something that I would like to clarify I think it’s time you told me” he went with great aplomb Words I’d hoped I’d never hear “Where do I come from?” He didn’t bat an eyelid whilst I felt my face go red Not yet in long trousers, sex had reared its ugly head “I did ask mum this morning but she’s got too much to do She thought it might be better if I came and spoke to you” It isn’t very often that I find myself dumbstruck Also a little peeved the way my wife had passed the buck I ummed and aahed a little to cover my unease As I tried to bring to memory all abut the birds and bees My knowledge on the subject suddenly was minuscule I thought that nowadays this sort of thing was taught at school?” This needed careful handling; I must choose my words with care I never felt so tongue-tied as I did right then and there He stood there looking at me with a frown upon his face I could tell from his expression I was nowhere near first base Then all at once he brightened as I thought that all was lost “Oh dad you are a duffer, it seems our lines are crossed At school we’re on a project” (he could scarce contain his mirth) “I need to know my origin for my two-pennyworth My best mate comes from Sheffield, as does his brother Tom The other pal’s from Birmingham, so, where do I come from?” A HAPPY NEW SCOUTING YEAR
September already, where does the time go, and the start of a new Scouting year, so a Happy New Year to you all.
During the Summer Stonepit we were almost able to offer swimming and canoeing as on site activities as it has been so wet. A number of visits and camps were cancelled because of the standing water; however, other events went ahead culminating in the 1st Adderbury Scouts coming for a week - their third visit. (See the article and have a look at their website).
During the next few weeks we have several bookings including the Forester Badge course on three Saturdays in November, but there is still the opportunity to come along and use the site.
Wildlife at the site has not been much in evidence, very few hares, rabbits or butterflies, but from the end of July a fair number of Dragonflies have been scouring the field for food.
Following a conversation with one of our leaders I am slowly scanning copies of News and Views from 1973 onwards, at the time of writing this I am up to 1995 so only another 17 years to go! They will then be an easily referenced record of part of the history of the old West Bridgford District and our great new Rushcliffe District.
For your amusement have a look at the cartoons by Gooders reproduced from the Summer 1995 N & V 60th Jubilee edition, most of them are most appropriate for this Summer
As DG always said LOOK WIDE and put the OUT in ScOUTing. Dave H.
COPY DATE – WEDNESDAY 5th DECEMBER 2012 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) 921 4901 E-Mail:[email protected] Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number 522469
RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT
DISTRICT News Views a d Volume 4 n Number 2 Christmas 2012
Editorial
My dear friends in scouting welcome once again to the Christmas edition of News and Views.
Everything in the District is going along fine. We should be proud of our leaders for their dedication, the long list of awards speak for themselves. Honour, Loyal, Helpful, Brotherly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Smiling, Thrifty, Clean in body and mind. I bet that rings a bell with many a pre 1968 scouter.
Christmas is the time to do our best and to help others who are not as fortunate as us. By now everyone will know that Jock is relinquishing his role as D.C. and I am sure we all know of the dedication and hard work he has done as D.C. and we wish him good luck in whatever capacity of scouting he does in the future. To the rest of you don’t rest on your laurels. Have a merry Christmas and happy and prosperous New Year, and keep on trekking.
Your Editor Ron Berrington
. The D.C.’s Spot Well another year nearly over and the Christmas lights on Central Avenue have been switched on as I write. The last three weekends have been hectic to say the least. Thursford’s brilliant Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk, my Grandson’s christening in Newcastle, and a 40th in Manchester. All I need for Christmas is a sofa, scotch and feet up, but I’ve the family for Christmas, so it’s Christmas paper, turkeys and everything it brings. But do you know I can’t wait. Family at Christmas…you can’t beat it! Just spare a moment to think just how many people will be alone this Christmas? How many of those still cleaning up the flood damage, re-building from the gales in USA, living in bomb damaged homes, sharing a meagre bowl of maize or with no money to enjoy a Christmas. We are so lucky! Explorer Scouts in Carlton have again sent shoe boxes loaded with goodies to needy families. Just shoe boxes filled with old discarded toys and clothing in time for just a few to have a good Christmas. Didn’t take long to do and very welcomed. Maybe something to consider at your group next year? Shelford & East Bridgford group each year hold a “Wrinklies Party” .They invite and entertain the older folk of surrounding villages and throw a Christmas party. Just two ideas for you to consider for next year maybe in order to perhaps give someone a Happy Christmas who might not be able to enjoy as we do. Census time is upon us and will Rushcliffe show growth once again? Well it won’t be for trying. We have been working behind the scenes. Mervin and I have met many times discussing ways in trying to support our Leaders through training and it’s paying off. The County tells us nearly 100 Wood Badges have been awarded in the year to date…How many of those are from Rushcliffe? 800 validations have been made in the last 12 months...500 of those are from Rushcliffe! Recently Mervin and our PTA’s visited East Leake en masse with excellent results and are off to Gotham next (see DC Newsletter).So if you’ve training to do, we are there to support. I think Mervin’s off to a home visit for training a GSL feet up after an operation, and that was the GSLs request! Excellent. The Get Together in January has over 100 signed on as I write (end of Nov) and more coming in .I hope you have booked in?...still time!! So like Christmas in the Bible, we too have a Census to carry out and taxes (well subscriptions) to be paid. Our wise men and women plan for St Georges Day, I know of one leader expecting and, well I’m off to the wilderness soon stepping down as your DC. It’s Christmas and its family time. We’ve all something to celebrate, whatever religion. Our friendships, our teamwork, our groups, our sections, our achievements, our love of all things Scouting. But most of all, our families!!...we have much to celebrate...I do, it’s my Mother’s Birthday Christmas Day!!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL from your DC “Jock”
From the Chair
It’s that time of year, a time for celebrations, a time for reflections and taking stock.
There are many celebrations around this time of year: Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year, Birthdays to name but a few. And as we move to the gate of the year we can pause for a moment to reflect on the old year and to look forward to the New Year with fresh hope for the future.
It is with sadness that we see Jock retire on April but I look forward to finding a replacement. If you are aware of a suitable candidate then please refer to my letter enclosed
Till we meet again may I wish you all the compliments of the season, and in the words of a famous Irish comedian and raconteur... “May your God go with you!”
Chris Hammond
SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT Rushcliffe District December 2012
We started our New Year in September with our annual B.B.Q. held at Stanton, thanks to Janet and Charlie we had an enjoyable time and they had organised a nice sunny Saturday for us.
October saw us all enjoying a slide show of National Trust Gardens starting in the south and working up to home.
Remembrance Sunday was attended by us in various parts of our District like Bingham, Stanton and Musters Road where we pleased to see a good number of 9th scouts with us and a great turnout of Explorers.
We do realise that some groups Church Parades do not fit in time wise in West Bridgford but I do know that they do mostly attend their Church and the 4th attend the War Memorial after their church service with church members.
So that is all my news this time but I end with the good wishes of us all, including some of our members who due to ill health can no longer take an active part but miss the “out” in scouting.
Just make sure 2013 is full of fun, laughter and interest for you as well as the young members of Rushcliffe District.
Brenda
1st Keyworth Cubs at Stonepit
It was interesting to read in Keyworth News, which we distribute on Melton Road in Stanton, about the Keyworth Cub Scout A Pack’s highlight of the year which was their camp at Hollygate site enjoyed by 15 cubs (and their bulging kit bags) from Friday until Sunday. Their activities included making hats with the best use of local nature, rockets out of fizzy water bottles, bicycle pumps and homemade wooden launch pads – one of which went into orbit, never to be seen again, and the rest flew above the trees in great explosions of water, much to everyone’s delight. For dinner on the Saturday evening the cubs had to cook army ration packs over camp fires, then find 160 glow sticks scattered around the campsite which were displayed outside their tents, before campfire songs and stories.
The Scouts and Guides in Keyworth are again this year delivering Christmas Mail to Keyworth and Stanton for just 20p – quite a consideration when even a 2nd class stamp is now 50p.
SMILE:-
A Mother was teaching her three year old the Lord’s Prayer at bedtime. Her daughter would repeat the words after her. One night the little girl said she wanted to say it all by herself and she got it right, until the very end when she said “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from e.mail.”
Janet Baines
Sand Castles and Fireworks It was back at Easter when Karen and I first decided to combine our activity groups at Scouts and start work on the Expedition Challenge. We started off with 13 Scouts who (after much discussion) we split up into 3 groups. Their first task... to organize and undertake a day trip in their groups, using at least 2 buses, or bus and train. After many weeks of planning, the resulting day trips were varied; one group went to Water Meadows, a second group to the Workhouse at Southwell, and the third group to Drayton Manor Park by train. They made all the arrangements themselves, travelled independently (staying in touch with leaders by regular texts). Everything went really well and we moved onto the next stage, working on their necessary skills and planning their final 2 day exploration. Their challenge... travel by bus and train (with at least 1 change of train for the group that had already travelled by train for their day trip), camp overnight at a Scout campsite and complete an investigation of some sort. This was where things got interesting/ challenging/ frustrating. Trying to agree dates when all of one group, plus myself and Karen for back up, were available, agreeing where they wanted to go, Scouts wanting to change groups or drop out of the challenge. At last (with a slight switch round and a couple of extra Scouts roped in to replace ones who had dropped out) we had 2 weekends in the diary for October/ November and a third one postponed until next April/ May. Let the fun begin!!! October half term, car packed to the roof, Karen, Emma and myself were off to provide support and back up for the first group. Alex, Rebecca and Jack were off to Norfolk. With instructions to text us after completing each stage of their journey, they caught the train to Norwich, then bus and a short walk (with all their kit) to Great Hautbois campsite, where we met up with them. They had certainly booked a lovely camp site, very friendly staff and free use of a shelter on both the Scouts' part of the site and on our bit of the site (ours even had electricity and tables and chairs, etc. The Scouts' one was more basic but still very useful). They got their tents pitched, cooked their evening meal and spent the evening enjoying themselves and exploring the site. Next morning the hard work began (for them!!) They had set themselves an early departure time as they had planned to catch 2 buses to Mundersley to spend some time on the beach before returning to Nottingham. It was a steep learning curve for them as they realised how long it takes to get packed away. Eventually they set off (catching a later bus) and we finished packing away our stuff (in much less of a rush) and then set off by car to meet them at the seaside. By the time they arrived at Mundersley, we were already on the beach (laughing at the crazy people going in the sea ((it was very cold)) and making a start on our fabulous sand castle. They arrived with a rush of enthusiasm. Rebecca went in the sea, and they tried to build a better sand castle than ours... and when that failed they tried (unsuccessfully) to sabotage ours. Because of time constraints they only got about an hour at Mundersley before setting off to catch 2 buses and a train back to Nottingham. We adjourned to a warm cafe for hot cups of tea before starting the drive home. Back home, final text from each of the Scouts to say they had arrived home safely. A great 2 days. Ten days later, and we were off again. Varun, Conor, Sean and Daniel were off by train and bus to Squirrel Wood campsite at Burghwallis, Doncaster, for bonfire weekend activities. Again, they had to text us at regular intervals on the journey and we met them at the camp site early afternoon. They got their tents pitched and got organized, then went to do some of the available on site activities (there were lots of things they could do that were included in the price of the weekend). Then back to their site to cook evening meal before the bonfire and firework display. Again it was a lovely site (though very muddy after all the recent rain) very friendly and definitely one to use again. In the morning they had rather more time to pack away than the previous group, so they took their time and also enjoyed the opportunity to relax and enjoy the site. At last it was time to go and they set off with their full rucksacks to walk to the bus stop. We loaded the car, waited for their text to say they were on the bus and then set off to drive home. Final text to say they had arrived home. Another successful trip. We are so proud of all the Scouts who completed these expeditions. They did incredibly well, and we look forward to the final groups' expedition next year (to Whitby). So would we do it again... ? Yes definitely, (but not yet, it was a lot of effort) They all gained a lot out of it and feedback from parents has been very encouraging. Well done to all of you. Margaret Walker & Karen Duncan 9th West Bridgford (Holy Spirit) Scouts CHRISTMAS GIGGLES FROM DC:
Message on an answering machine: If you want to buy Marijuana, press the hash key..’ Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly.They lit a fire in the craft,it sank,proving once and for all that you can’t have your kayak and heat it too. They get worse!! Our Ice Cream Man was found lying on the floor of his van covered in hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself. Anyway, I went to my butchers the other day and bet him £50 that he couldn’t reach the meat off the top shelf. And he said “No,the steaks are too high!” He said to me “Can you tell me what a man from Corsica is called?” I said “Course I can”. The butchers assistant came round in hospital last week after a serious accident and shouted “Doctor,Doctor, I can’t feel my legs!”.The Doctor replied “I know you can’t I’ve cut your arm’s off”.He also said to the Doc that he couldn’t stop singing The Green Green Grass Of Home. Doc said it sounds like Tom Jones syndrome.The butchers assistant asked “Is it common?” Doc replied “It’s not unusual”.The man in the next bed told the Doctor that he couldn’t pronounce his F’s,T’s and H’s and the Doc said “Well you can’t say fairer than that then”. I went visiting my Doctor and he said “ I haven’t seen you for a long time”,I replied ”I know,Ive been ill” . It’s not all bad,somebody actualy complimented me on my driving today.They left a little note on the windscreen.It said ‘Parking Fine’ So that was nice. I ate a ploughmans lunch yesterday,he wasn’t very happy. I bought some HP sauce too, it’s costing me 6p a month for the next 2 years. On that note, I’m off to get ready for Christmas and wrap some presents. By the way I saw a Genie yesterday shaking badly, I said to him “I think youv’e lost your bottle”. Well,you’ve got to have a laugh…..My Dentist the other day said “Say Aaah”.I said “Why?”,he said “My dogs died” Ok.Ok I’m going…and don’t send your Christmas Cracker Jokes to me again!! Happy Thingie
INCIDENT HIKE 13th. OCTOBER 2012 - RESULTS
Scores out of 110 Posn
Bravo 11 Tollerton Scouts A Bravo 10 1st R o T Scouts 96 86.8% S1 Bravo 9 Bravo 8 Keyworth Scouts A 81 73.2% Bravo 7 1st Meadow Covert Scouts A 81 73.6% Bravo 6 Keyworth ExS B 82 74.5% Bravo 5 1st Meadow Covert Scouts B 87 78.6% S3 Bravo 4 1st Shel & EB Scouts A 62 56.4% Bravo 3 2nd East Leake ExS A 109 98.6% Ex1 Bravo 2 1st Shel & EB Scouts B 91 82.7% S2 Bravo 1 2nd East Leake ExS B 80 72.7% Ex2
Scores out of 110 Posn Alpha 12 4th WB A 80 72.7% Alpha 11 2nd Cotgrave 83 75.0% Alpha 10 1st R o T Scouts 71 64.1% Alpha 9 4th WB B 57 51.8% Alpha 8 2nd East Leake Scouts A 73 66.4% Alpha 7 Tollerton Scouts A 85 76.8% S4 Alpha 6 9th WB A 45 40.5% Alpha 5 2nd East Leake Scouts B 63 57.3% Alpha 4 9th WB B 63 57.3% Alpha 3 1st/ 2nd WB A 57 51.4% Alpha 2 9th WB C 45 40.9% Alpha 1 1st/ 2nd WB B 68 61.8%
Welcome to the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
If only!
We were fortunate with the weather for the night hike in October, a clear dry night and not too cold, although standing around in the middle of Cotgrave cooled the feet quite effectively.
Congratulations to all the teams that took part, particularly those who managed to stay on course. Thanks to the Hollygate site team for hospitality and the people manning the check points for all their efforts.
The Forester Badge course at Stonepit on three weekends in November has been completed. 15 Scouts took part and were all awarded the badge on the 24th. They all said they had enjoyed themselves and had learnt a lot. We managed to work round the weather, the 3rd started with drizzle and the first session was held in the Storm Hut, but by the time we set out to do the practical sessions it had cleared and the sun came out. They identified trees, learnt to use forestry tools, particularly knife, saw and axe and did some woodcraft. The 17th was quite pleasant with sun most of the time. The programme included hedge surveys, tree felling, determining the age of trees and learning about woodland management. Having seen the weather forecast for the 24th the programme was quickly rearranged to do hedge laying, woodcraft and planting before moving into the hut, as the rain started, to learn more about hedges and receive their badges.
Thanks to the dedicated team of leaders who gave up their Saturdays to help run the course.
Instead of the field drying out a bit it is now wetter than ever and I wonder if it will dry out before the Spring.
Have an enjoyable Christmas and a happy 2013, keep up the Scouting and don’t forget the OUT part. The camp sites are open for business and I am sure both sites will soon be looking for some help in getting the sites sorted out for the rest of the year.
See you at the leaders’ meeting on the 20th.
Dave Howard
Things to celebrate!
Duke of Edinburgh's Award - Gotham BATS ESU
As Explorer Scout Leader, I have to give a big cheer to our first 5 Gold DofE Award recipients!! Whoop!
Our first (well def' first since I took on the Explorer Unit) Gold group of 3 Explorers and our Beaver Scout Leader and Assistant Beaver Leader carried out their Gold expedition amongst the Yorkshire Dales back in the summer of 2010. They chose for their 'project' to study the difference that having type 1 Diabetes played on doing such a gruelling 4 day expedition. Needless to say that they succeeded and were praised by both their expedition assessor (Phil Rone from Yorkshire DofE panel) and our DESC Geoff Briggs who received their presentation. In fact Geoff said it was one of the best he had ever seen! Each of the walkers volunteered to have their blood sugar levels measured throughout one of the 4 days and then compared to Mark's - Mark being the one with the condition.
Mark Howard (ABSL) and Jenny Howick (now Mrs. Howard - BSL) were the first to receive their Awards! Followed by Jo Billin, Ben Anderson and Charlie Howick (all now Network Scouts).
Having watched the Explorers grow in maturity through their time with the BATS, it gives me great pride to have been part of their journey. To see them achieve the Gold Award is something else. I would like to thank everyone who assisted them through the sections! You know who you are (hopefully!)
Gotham Scout Hall
As some in the District will know, 1st Gotham Scout Group bought their Scout Hut and land back in the summer of 2010. We did this with the very generous help of the Scout Association in the form of a Loan of £60,000. Ouch. The loan was taken out on a Ten year repayment period and at a very favourable interest rate.
We are VERY pleased to say that as of 1st January 2012 we had paid off £25,000 already, and if our predictions are correct we should be paying off another £10,000 this month!
Which means that in less than 3 years we have paid off £35,000 - well on our way to clearing the debt in 6 years.
This has not been easy and could never have happened without a lot of hard work from the Exec, Leaders and Parents of the Group - and I have to mention the young members too! Well done to all of us!
ALSO
Dates for your diary 2013
July 6 2013 - Gotham Barn Dance (watch this space for any date change)
Mid-late Sept 2013 - Gotham (Scouts) Beer Festival - advance warning for this one, apologies to those who received notice of this year's too late. Check www.gothambeerfest.co.uk for details. Site will be updated shortly. Jason COPY DATES FOR 2013
Summer Wednesday 6th June
Autumn Wednesday 11th September
Christmas Wednesday 4th December
COPY DATE – WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH 2013 Your Editorial Team was: Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) 921 4901 E-Mail:[email protected] Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number 522469
Friday 7th December 2012 Dear Colleagues,
District Commissioner – RUSHCLIFFE
Following conversations with Jock Shaw our District Commissioner and Matt Rooney the County Commissioner, I am pleased to confirm that the search has now commenced to appoint a new District Commissioner.
The role of District Commissioner will provide leadership and direction to Scouting in Rushcliffe; therefore we are looking at a volunteer with management and leadership experience who wants to support Scouting. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others is what we are seeking for our next District Commissioner in addition to the ability to develop and implement a long term strategy. We will also consider joint or team applications to support those who wish to volunteer flexibly.
The purpose of this note is to seek your support in bringing this role to the notice of anyone you think may be suitable to become a District Commissioner. You may wish to nominate someone or you may wish to self-nominate if you feel you have the qualities and enthusiasm to become our next District Commissioner.
A nomination form, role description and nomination pack can be supplied through myself, which should be completed and returned by 12 January 2013 and it is currently anticipated that the interviews for this role will be conducted in mid January. I am leading the search process and completed nominations should be returned for my attention. Electronically these can be sent to [email protected] or by post marked ‘FAO C Hammond District Chairman Rushcliffe Scouts 24 Glenmore Road West Bridgford Nottingham NG2 6GH. If you have any queries or would like to discuss your application please contact my home number 0115 9235253 or mobile 07801657518
All nominations will be on a strictly private and confidential basis.
This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future direction of Scouting in Rushcliffe, so please circulate this information to all members of the District and Group Scout Councils and encourage potential applicants who meet the requirements of the role, to apply.
Thanks in anticipation of your help and thank you for the support you give to Scouting.
Chris Hammond District Chairman Rushcliffe District Scouts