July 2019

CROYDON DISTRICT

Chairman’s Report Following my contribution to the last issue of Bourne Again I have been asked Bourne Again to make a further contribution to this issue. With a looming deadline and other time constraints I will try and keep things brief.

Reborn District AGM My thanks to all of you who attended the recent District AGM. For a variety of reasons it was not possible to change the format this year but we are already looking at doing something a little bit different next year. For those of you who were unable to join us the reports and accounts are still available on the District website.

In addition to conducting the formal business the evening included an excellent presentation by two Scouts from the 17th Purley who were part of the County contingent who recently visited Normandy ahead of the commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of the D Day landings.

This year we had invited nominations for Red Arrows displaying over - Trooping the Colour 2019 (See separate report) the elected positions on the District Executive Committee. As we didn’t receive any nominations the serving DC Report members were re-elected. However it We certainly have had an action packed spring and early summer period. has subsequently emerged that there may have been some issues with the Representatives from District have visited the D day landing beaches in nomination process and we are looking Normandy just before Easter- codename ‘Operation overlord revisited’. Two scouts at this in order to avoid any problems in from the 17th Purley gave a very moving presentation about the visit at our district future years AGM. Thanks to Chris Dean and his team for organising this very memorable trip 75 years on. We were also joined by Barbara Jones who presented awards to Christie Jordan, Sam and team are progressing well with the plans for camp 2020, so far they Golder, Katherine Carlyle and David have had a positive response from 28 groups in the district. If you have not responded Seaman for going the extra mile in their yet please get in touch with the team so that they can continue finalising the already Scouting. The awards in the form of a well advanced plans. framed certificate were made in memory of Barbara’s late husband Roger Jones Aidan and the rest of the Youth Commissioners team have done an excellent job our former Deputy District setting out the excellent vision for the District Youth Shaped Strategy, which can be Commissioner. (see photo below) downloaded from the District website. www.croydonscouting.org.uk/join / @croydonscouting #SkillsForLife @croydonscouting DC Report Cont: Chair’s Report Cont: This strategy will be implemented across the District. You will all now be aware of how much this will define our future please give them your 100% support.

Bears wood is now fully open again. We have replaced all the mattresses and completely redecorated the accommodation block. We have had a tree and ecology survey undertaken to ensure that we manage and use the site in a responsible way to protect both our members and all the sites flora and fauna. Thanks to Dave, Danny, Shane and Martin for their efforts in upgrading this wonderful Croydon District Scout Council facility.

A number of our Leaders have been awarded their Wood badges over the last couple of months. I also have a Recipients of the first Roger Jones Awards number of service awards to be presented. Please contact me to arrange presentations. District Constitution

I am pleased to say that our District Constitution was Have a great summer I would love to come and visit you at approved at the AGM and will now act as our primary your summer camps, I await your invites! document of governance for the District. This is a “live”

document and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis for Greg Cook approval annually at the District AGM. The current DC Croydon approved version should now be available on the District

website. Tel: 07810 850 046

Email: [email protected] Other Policies The District Executive Committee has recently approved our Financial Management Policy and this should also be available on the District website. The policy clearly explains how the finances and financial matters of the District will be managed along with the processes and procedures that will be followed.

Additionally the District Grant/Loan Application Policy should also now be available on the District website. This policy clearly explains the application process that Groups and Explorer Scout Units etc are expected to follow in the event that they wish to apply for a grant or a loan from the District in support of a specific project.

Congratulations We are currently in the process of finalising our Training Grants Policy. As Leadership, First Aid and Safeguarding We would like to record our training etc is now provided free of charge by the County this policy deals with training grants for the more sincere congratulations to John specialised courses.

Taylor (past District Chair for District Campsites As you know we are very fortunate to have two District Croydon) on the award of the Campsites namely Bears Wood and Pinewood. In their own way each of these sites are unique and offer different British Empire Medal in the opportunities and experiences. My thanks go to all those individuals who work to manage and maintain these great recently published Queen’s facilities. I am sure that most of you will be aware that recently there have been a number of changes at Bears Birthday honours. This award is Wood. Shawfire who provided activities at the site are no for his services to young people longer operating there and in the short term (with the exception of the assault course) no activities are currently through Scouting. available. Chair’s Report Cont: On a temporary basis the site is being managed directly by representatives from the District Executive Committee and the District Team. Subject to availability the building/dormitory block and the individual campsites are available for booking and are still very much in demand. If Beaver Section Report you haven’t visited the site recently it might be worth The ADCs have again been busy organising our tri-annual taking a look. In the coming months we will be putting programme of District events offered to Beavers in the together an interim Management Committee and District. In April the Music Fun Fest saw nearly 200 expanding the Service Crew for the Centre. Whilst we Beavers enjoying Music themed activities at Bears have already received a number of offers if you are Wood. The Drum workshop provided by One-Drum (who interested in being part of either of the above please do not have drummed for the Queen) was a particular favourite as hesitate to contact me. was the Silent Disco, with tunes spun by our own (ABSL) Membership Fee DJ James Baster. The Beavers made instruments in the Subject to final approval by the District Executive factory, showed off their skill in building dens and took part Committee (at their meeting in July) the Finance Committee in the Poster Assault Course and Rock n' Roll wide have recommended that the District membership fee is games. The absence of the inflatables due to high winds frozen for a further year. This is in accordance with our was not missed and although a bit chilly the weather held declared aim of reducing our surplus and directly out. Camp badges for the Music Fun Fest are now with the supporting the Groups in the process. ADCs for collection (and there are a few left over available for purchase!) International Events On the subject of finances we are also looking at how we In June the sun truly came out for our Challenge Day at can better support individuals who are representing the Frylands. Over 100 Beaver Scouts challenged themselves District as part of a County contingent attending to take part in activities including archery, emergency first international events such as the World Scout Jamboree aid, putting up tents, traversing the climbing wall and they and Eurojam. I will hopefully be in a position to give you managed to complete the excellent orienteering course at more information on this in the next edition of Bourne Frylands. Reported as their favourite was the caving. All Again. Beavers were given instruction and then "caved" to Level 4. The lovely weather added to enjoyment of the day and District Safety Committee Beavers were encouraged to make friends with Beavers Following some concerns raised at our last District from other Colonies. Executive Committee meeting the safety advice/information has been reinstated on the District website. In addition we are looking to relaunch/reform the District Safety Committee. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have an interest or expertise in this area and would like to be part of this committee.

Risk Management Strategy After something of a delayed start I am hoping that we will be able to start working on our District Risk Management Strategy in the coming months. A number of individuals have already indicated that they would like to be part of the working party. Once again if you would like to join us please do not hesitate to contact me.

Group Reports and Accounts

With the AGM season drawing to a conclusion Groups are Plans are afoot for the Beaver Chief Scout Bronze Reward reminded that there is a requirement to submit a copy of Day to Hornby in Margate, already fully booked. It just their annual reports and accounts to the District. These shows that Croydon are helping Beavers to achieve this should be forwarded to John Seaton (Deputy District Chair award in greater numbers all the time! and Chair of the District Finance Committee) within 14 days of their AGM. We are looking forward to seeing more of our Beavers around the District when we can and wish everyone a And Finally As always should you have any queries on any happy and (hopefully) sunny Summer holiday. of the above please do not hesitate to contact me.

Tana Andrew & Franchesca Regards (Joint) ADC Beaver Scouts Dave Rixson (District Chair) Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cub Section Report On the 30th April, 58 cubs from 3 Packs, the 5th S&A, 11th Purley and 17th Purley descended on Frylands Wood to compete for the Mang Trophy. The challenge, set by the 5th S&A, was to build the highest tower using plastic cups. Due to the windy conditions, the Cubs used their initiative and instead of stacking the cups like building blocks, kept the cups stacked together.

Congratulations to the 11th Purley on winning the Trophy and thank you to Brian Young for organising the evening and to Frylands Wood for hosting the event. Who will be the next challenger?

Our second event in the last couple of months was the Chief Scouts Silver Awards day at Pinewood on 12th May. About 36 y/p took part in the day, trying Archery, Climbing and Air Rifle Shooting in the morning before descending on the lake to try kayaking and raft building. I do hope that now they have tried pioneering and the art of tying lashings, they have the opportunity to practice and improve. Some of the raft building resulted in the kids getting very wet. Thank you to all the leaders that helped out on the day, especially Martin Greenwood and his climbing team, Jordan De Saa and Kevin Moynihan on the lake and Tanisha Anderson for taking a lead with the raft building.

Photo’s of the various activities arranged on the CSSA Day

Cub Report Cont: The highlight for 99% of Cubs is going to camp. If you are off to camp over the next few weeks, I hope you all have a great time, and remember, if you’re having fun, the kids will have fun. If you’re not, the kids won’t either.

Mandy, Peter and Jack (Joint) ADC Cub Scouts Email: [email protected]

Scout Section Report Since our successful start to the year, we have held our Archery & Shooting Competition held at Frylands Wood Campsite. This was a totally new event fuelled by suggestion from our youth forums. We had just under 70 scouts competing in - long range archery, short range archery and air rifle shooting. Some of the entrants had not shot before, but still got some very good scores. The long-range archery proved interesting with the windy conditions on the field, but some were still able to get bullseyes. We will be running this event again, but with more capacity including Tomahawk throwing also.

The annual Checkpoint Challenge event took place in May and we were at full capacity for the event with 25 teams entered. As per last year, we did have a couple of practicing teams with the hope of them taking part unaided next year. 1st place went to 28th Croydon Snowdown troop, 2nd place went to 1st Purley B team closely followed by 29th Purley Titanium B team. A massive thank you to Richard & his team for organising such a great event, which we are looking forward to next year!

I would like to thank the District Scout Team (Richard, Yorkie, Dawn, Kaye, Claire & Inshan) for all the time & effort that they have put in this year with a lot of our events growing and requiring us to increase spaces by 20-30% for events. This shows that we are running an engaging, fun and youth led programme. Thanks of course to the Scout Leaders who have supported our events and helped us when needed.

Jordan De Saa ADC Scouts Email: [email protected] Explorer Section Report We are coming out of exam season which always has a Network Section Report serious impact on the Explorer Section with unpredictable It’s been a busy few months for Network, we’ve been out attendance and very low numbers from Easter through to and about taking part in some more adventurous activities. June, making programme maintenance difficult. However We had an enjoyable evening trying to beat the buzzer at all Units have continued to meet each week providing Oxygen, we’ve played crazy golf and tested our skills on some exciting activities. the driving range and more recently we took a trip to Frylands for some rifle shooting. We also took some time The most notable was our trip to Normandy with after our round of golf to renew our promise and we are in ‘Operation Overload Revisited’ to visit the D-Day beaches the process of planning our annual camp to Gilwell and to remember those who fell 75 years ago. We spent 5 Reunion in September. days visiting the Beaches, Cemeteries and Towns affected during the D Day offensive. Everyone found the trip We were very honoured to have 3 Networkers attend the moving and exciting in equal measure (please see separate Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May, this is the report on the trip) second year running that Network members have been given this opportunity. Five Croydon Explorers have been recognised in the Deputy Lieutenant’s Award Certificate Scheme. These are Nathan Begley and Sam McGuire from Croham Valley and Young Leaders Toby Danielson, Laura Howett and Joseph Starling and all will attend the Mayor’s Parlour on 17th July to receive their Certificates.

In May Falcons celebrated their first birthday in their new format and followed this up with a camp in Sussex later in the month. Members from Pinewood Seahorses ESU attended Trooping the colour in June, again there is an article later in the newsletter.

We have also had great pleasure in celebrating the achievements of some of our members, Heather and Aidan on their 5 year service awards and Emily on her wood badge and commissioners commendation. We are especially proud of Heather and Daniel who have been awarded the Deputy Lieutenants Certificate which will be presented to them in July by the worshipful, Mayor of Croydon in a special ceremony on 17th July 2019.

There are a number of members who are working hard to finish some top awards including Queen Scout and Gold Duke of Edinburgh, we are looking forward to being able to

present these before the end of the year. We are looking forward to Gilwell 24 with 63 from

Croydon attending over the weekend of 12-14 July and all We are always looking to welcome new members, we busy preparing for our summer expeditions with Units meet monthly on the last Tuesday of the month, we are camping in Cornwall and Snowdonia. also on Snapchat, Twitter and Facebook.

Richard Goad (DESC) Cari-ann Bailey – Croydon Network Commissioner Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Youth Commissioner Report District Chaplain Report It has been another busy month for the Youth As District Chaplain I am available to support any members Commissioner team. We are very excited to announce that from Croydon District in offering pastoral care and I am the District Youth Shaped Strategy has been agreed by the also here to support our Leadership teams with running District Executive and was finally launched to be rolled out faith related programmes and badges in their Group in the wider District. Please make sure you are Sections. implementing the strategy in your everyday Scouting! Please remember that the Scout Association is an open Team YC have been busy visiting Group AGM’s and and inclusive values based Movement. We welcome attending various events throughout the District. Despite members from different faiths and those with no faith. having a broken arm, Emily participated in the London There are a number of variations to the Scout Promise to (walk/run) Westminster Vitality Mile, representing Croydon reflect the range of faiths, beliefs and nationalities in the and the Youth Commissioner team. Aidan continues to UK within Scouting. All members should choose the work hard with the Eurojam Contingent and Megan and version of the Promise which best reflects their own Jake, continue to develop their Youth Commissioner skills personal beliefs. with their Woodbadge training. Both Aidan and Emily ran bases on Checkpoint Challenge, a fantastic opportunity to If I can help to support you in any way, please do not watch the young people test their map reading skills! hesitate to contact me.

Revd. Andy Dovey District Chaplain Email: [email protected] Mobile: 07527 818816

District Safety Committee The District Safety Committee exists to offer help and advice to Scout Groups in the District on their statutory responsibility under Health & Safety Legislation and duty of care for safety of persons using their premises.

Upon request we can arrange to carry out a Safety Audit of We continue to look forward to visiting more Groups and love all Group / District premises and provide a report with of the Youth Shaped work going on in the District – please keep recommendations for improvement where necessary. it up! If you want any support from the Youth Commissioners please do not hesitate to contact us. There are a number of very useful and helpful documents that are available on the District website. The link is Emily, Aidan, Megan & Jake shown below. Many of these like the Group Health & Croydon Youth Commissioners Email: [email protected] Safety Policy and Group Safety Logbook are designed specifically to help you if you do not already have these as Group documents.

http://www.croydonscouting.org.uk/leaders- area/safety/

We are also looking to strengthen the current committee and if you could help support the District Safety Committee and or have some Health & Safety training or similar background (e.g. NEBOSH or Membership of IOSH) or perhaps a workplace appointment or responsibility we would be very pleased to hear from you.

If you need any help or support, please do not hesitate to make contact with me.

Tony Grogan Mob: 07958 614 283 Tel: 01959 523649

Email: [email protected] Croydon’s own Agony Aunt (A dash of humour, reality and positive support)

Dear Samantha,

I hear lots of children near our headquarters and see lots of potential volunteers, but they don’t seem to be scouts. Could you please provide us with a large poster for our local bus stop to encourage them to join?

Mrs. Nan Brodie

Dear Nan, Its always good to have an attractive sign for your meeting place, but there are better ways to attract members and volunteers than posters. However we feel that if you are running an exciting youth shaped programme and getting everyone involved make sure you shout about it and get out and about in your local area. Take the bus to an activity or send the scouts to get the camp shopping in uniform, more people will notice you than notice a poster! Don’t be afraid to tell any strangers who ask to contact me at [email protected] if they want to find out more.

A great way to be visible is to undertake a community impact project. The Scouts have just announced new Million Hands partners [https://beta.scouts.org.uk/community] to help get you started, but you don’t have to choose one of these topics and you don’t even need to have hands! You can use the staged community impact badges to encourage young people to participate. I heard that the 1st Croydon even got some Beaver Scouts to stage 3 before they moved up to Cubs!

Remember to report your community impact to the Scouts HQ as they want to know where the most community impact is taking place. If you’ve got something that Samantha may be able to help with, why not email [email protected] - your question could be answered in the next edition of Bourne Again.

Mobile Climbing Wall The season is well under way, actually over half way through already!!! We have already done training days for instructors, school fetes as a recruitment tool, public events for PR & recruitment, youth events with scouts, guides & cadets from around the borough and our evening bookable sessions at Pinewood.

The wall has been back to the manufacturers in Lancashire for its annual service & “MOT” where it was given its all clear and had a total re-route of the climbing holds to freshen it up for the young people who say “this is easy, I did this last year” – NO you didn’t, it’s all changed!!!!

Yet again I have to say a huge thank you to all the instructors who keep giving of their time to make this all happen. By the time you read this we will have had over 1000 climbers attempting over 3000 ascents. Yet again a testament to how valuable this asset has been, and continues to be, to Croydon Scouting.

Onwards and UPWARDS!!!

Martin Greenwood SAS Unit Manager (Mobile Climbing Wall) Email: [email protected]

may be able to organise a course for you (it will be opened District Training Report to others too). Paul’s details are [email protected] Congratulations to Finally a plea, if a leader in your Group leaves scouting or the following 6 changes their role from a section leader to sectional people whom have assistant or occasional helper please ensure you update completed their Compass as soon as possible – this will ensure that the formal training and training advisors take them off their lists and don’t contact completed their them – I had one who came back saying they had left wood badges in the before Christmas! recent months, up to

the end of May: If anyone would like to see me regarding any training Derek Harper ACSL matters, please contact me and we can arrange a meeting. 28th Croydon; Steve Jon Slade (District Training Manager/ADC Adult Support) Cushman ASL 28th Croydon; Emily Cruttenden Youth [email protected] 020 8680 2258 Commissioner District; Cath Andrews ACSL 29th Purley;

Barry Edrupt ASL 5th S & A; Andy Sparkes SL 1st Nights Away Assessors Coulsdon. Although not strictly under the District Training Advisors

remit, I am pleased to advise that following a Congratulations, and welcome to the following 12 new reorganisation the District now has 5 Nights Away leaders who have completed their Getting Started training Assessors as follows: modules, have also been to the appointment committee, and now have full appointments, up to the end of May : Beavers, Cubs and Scouts Jack Delaney ACSL 29th Purley; Michelle Bukaczewska ASL 63rd Croydon; Pawel Blasata ABSL 44th Croydon;  Martin Greenwood Antony Rendle ASL 29th Croydon; Josie Goddard ACSL 7th  Margaret Tyler Purley; Rachel Nottage ACSL 1st Coulsdon; Tia Daley ASL  Nick Smith 44th Croydon; Louise Green ABSL 5th S & A; Maggie  Jon Slade Luckhurst ASL 6th Croydon; Dee Bartells ABSL 26th Croydon; Morgan Flanagan ASL 17th Purley; Pez Brown Explorers & Lightweight ASL 63rd Croydon  Richard Goad

Training Courses If you are going camping, and are the permit holder, please The training diary for the remainder of 2019 is in this issue ensure you check the validity well in advance (it usually links to of the newsletter. Please book on courses as soon as you your first aid expiry date) and contact one of the above asap. can. Although there are 132 leaders currently in training in Croydon at the moment the turnout at courses this year so far has not been great with only 8 at “Outdoor Scouting” in May, when over 80 in the District need to do it. If for whatever reason you book on a course and at the last minute cannot make it, please ensure you notify the organiser (or me) – at the Outdoor Scouting course 4 people did not turn up and only 1 contacted me!

First Aid A number of courses have already been arranged and the link to book the courses is https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/paul-green-15037998248

Please note that there are no longer refresher courses available only full day courses – this new rule came in from

April

If a Group has a number of people who need a course if #SkillsForLife you can provide a venue contact Paul Green direct and he 2019 Training Courses

THE NAME IN BOLD IS AS PER YOUR TRAINING PLAN, BUT IF DATE HAS AN * TO BOOK ONTO THE COURSE YOU WILL STILL NEED TO BOOK ONTO BOTH MODULES

Sept 22 Sun* PROGRAMME PLANNING (Modules 12 & 2a and parts of 7 & 19) 22nd Wimbledon Arthur Road, , KT3 6LX 9.45 am – 4.30pm

Oct 5 Sat Introduction to Residential Experiences (module 16) 3rd Hampton 59 Percy Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 2JT 9.45 am – 1.30pm

Oct 12 Sat* INTERNATIONAL & RUNNING SAFE ACTIVITIES (Modules 19 & 17) Sutton Scout HQ 72 Woodcote Road, Wallington, SM6 0LY 10:00am – 4.30pm

Oct 19 Sat OUTDOOR SCOUTING (Modules 16 & 17 and parts of 11) Sutton Scout HQ 72 Woodcote Road, Wallington, SM6 0LY 9.30 am – 4.30pm

Nov 17 Sun* RECRUITMENT (Modules 13 & 15) 22nd Wimbledon Arthur Road, Motspur Park, KT3 6LX 10:00am – 4.30pm

Nov 24 Sun PROGRAMME PLANNING (Modules 12 &12a and parts of 7 & 19) 1st Hook HQ 29 Greenways, Esher KT10 0QH 9.45 am – 4.30pm

Dec 1 Sun SCOUTING ESSENTIALS (Modules 5, 6, 8&9 and parts of 7, 11 & 19) 1st Wallington 30 Ruskin Road, Carshalton, SM5 3DE 9.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.

Module 38 – you must attend both dates (23 March and 5 -7 April)

*You need to complete a county application form and send in a week before the course date

Bookings

All courses not highlighted – GLSWscouts.org.uk Highlighted Courses i.e. Scouting Essentials & Outdoor Scouting – suttonscouts.org.uk

Special Report - Operation Overload (Revisited)

Between the 11th and the 15th April 2019, we as the Greater London South West Scouts, took part in an international camp in Normandy, in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-day. This trip was not only a unique opportunity to meet new scouts from around the world but also to teach us about the historical events which took place on the five famous beaches starting the battle that defeated the Nazis. Some of the sites we would be seeing were: Utah beach museum & marshes, the Normandy American cemetery, Pointe du Hoc ranger monument and many others.

At 4am on Thursday 11th, which some say was far too early in the morning, we gathered at our meeting point where we packed all of the kit onto the coach, waved goodbye to our families and departed. We then faced a 2-hour drive to the ferry in Dover, during which we met scouts from other places such as: Richmond, Surrey, Sutton, Wimbledon & Wandle and Kingston. Next, we boarded the ferry to Calais, after which we visited our first sights in Normandy; Pegasus Bridge, the River Seine and finally, after seven and a half hours of heavy going traveling, we arrived at the campsite (which was situation in Caen) - our home for the next four nights.

The following day, we awoke at 7:30, breakfasting at 8am – well, most of us, at least! We then embarked on our first proper trip of our stay, which was to Sainte-Mere-Eglise, where we gazed in awe at the spectacular model of a parachutist (who had been unfortunate enough to have his parachute caught on one of the spires during the D-day landings) on the church. Taking a tip from one of our leaders, we all made a trip to the local biscuit factory, where a significant amount of us purchased treats intended for our families, though many of them did not survive the remaining three days and long journey home!

On Saturday we dressed smartly, in our full Scout uniforms, and set off to Bayeux for a ceremony at the Normandy British cemetery. Scouts from Wakefield and America came together, and we learnt a bit more of the history of D-day, sang the British National Anthem then somewhat failed to sing the French one. After the ceremony had ended, we were allowed to explore the graves. During this time, we discovered a personal message on a stone, which told us that the soldier had also been a King Scout!

The next day, we went to a German cemetery – what a difference to the British one! Instead of graves that remind you of bravery, victories and loyalty, these were a cold grey, eroded and up to five names were engraved on each 12inch stone. They reminded us that, sadly, not everyone was so lucky in the war as our British soldiers. We then went on to see the Mulberry artificial harbours at Juno and Gold beach, where we learnt that these beaches were originally named after types of fish! Later on we attended Messengers of Peace dinner and campfire, which was hosted (and had been organised by) the BSA (Boy Scouts of America). Many will agree that this was the best part of the trip; first, we enjoyed a delicious paella which even the pickiest loved, before walking around and meeting Scouts from all over the world; from countries such as: America, Italy, Germany, Canada and the Netherlands, to name a few. We swapped scarves and badges and made memories everyone would treasure. Soon the campfire was lit and we all sang campfire songs while rubbing our hands together to keep warm.

On our last full day, we went to Omaha beach and museum; it was amazing, looking around and trying to imagine what it must have been like all those 75 years ago. Just looking at the artefacts made us think to ourselves: what a privilege to be able to see, close up, all of these well-preserved items from such a monumental period of time. The views out to sea were picturesque but let’s just say that didn’t last long as we were soon back at camp, facing our biggest challenge yet: cleaning the toilets! After finishing this we entered the communal area for the last meal we’d share in this space in Normandy, and ate dinner, which included crisp, freshly baked baguettes – a French speciality. Yum! Afterwards, we finished watching The Longest Day (a film about Operation Overlord which we had started a couple of nights previously.)

Then, on Monday 15th we began the long journey back to England and arrived in South Croydon for around 6pm, exhausted and somewhat on a sugar-high after overdosing on sweets we’d bought ourselves, but all in one piece and thoroughly relieved to be back on familiar ground!

What a huge adventure this had been - Explorers, Scouts and Leaders all worked together and enjoyed this great trip, though it had been mainly down to the exceptional skills of the leaders, of course. We’d developed new friendships with fellow scouts, become more aware about worldly affairs after long chats about politics and other such matters in spare time, increased our knowledge of D-day, and experienced new things such as: ‘French toilets’ (holes in the ground), having to eat what you were given, sleeping six in a five-man tent and so many more. This was a fantastic opportunity and a great way to commemorate and remember the D-day landings, meet new scouts, and learn a bit of history, and I’m sure that everybody took something away from this camp. Lastly, I’m sure we would all like to thank the organisers and leaders for this amazing opportunity of a lifetime.

If you were to ask anyone who went on this trip if they’d go again, it is almost guaranteed that everyone would instantly reply ‘YES’!

Written by Emily Bickerstaffe and Julia Thorneloe from 17th Purley Scouts

Special Report - Trooping the Colour 2019 After an early start at East Croydon 7.30am we were on our way to watch The Queen's Birthday Parade aka Trooping the Colour. We were fortunate enough to be given last minute tickets to watch from the Youth section, we took 3 Explorer Scouts from Pinewood Seahorses and 2 Scouts from 5th and Addington plus 3 Leaders.

Just after 8am and we were checking in under Admiralty Arch and were escorted across The Mall to the youth section, close to Horse Guards Parade. We joined young people from a wide variety of uniformed organisations including Girl Guiding, Boys and Girls Brigade and many other Scouts.

We had a fantastic view as the Guards marched past, led by their regimental bands before the Household Cavalry heralded the arrival of HM The Queen in her carriage. For around an hour the spectacle unfolded on the Parade Ground as each Regiment paraded past The Queen who took the salute and The Grenadier Guards Tripped their regimental colours.

The cavalcade then came back past us, preceded by The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery; who were off to prepare for the traditional Birthday Gun Salute in . Once HM The Queen had passed by, the youth section members led the walk down The Mall to Buckingham Palace where the Royal Family came out on the balcony to acknowledge the crowds and watch the RAF fly past culminating in The Red Arrows. Once the crowds had dispersed, we wandered to Trafalgar Square where an Eid celebration was taking place and on to Covent Garden for some free time.

A fabulous day for all involved and great to be part of our nation's proud pomp and ceremony. Happy Birthday Ma'am from Croydon Scouting.

Special Report - Air Activity Day On Sunday 14th April, I was very fortunate to do an air activity which was organised by the scout troop.

It was a four seater plane and everyone wanted to sit at the front, so we did rock, paper, scissors shoot and I won, but I was a bit nervous to sit at the front. As the plane went fast I laid back and was amazed to see the view from the top and then the pilot told me ‘you can steer the plane’. I was so scared that I had control of the plane because I had never flown a plane before. When we reached the ground I was so happy to feel the soft grass, but I certainly wanted to do it again. Quresh from the 17th Purley Scout Troop Special Report intricacies of the architecture, I was humbled. And finally, walking away and through the gates I was filled with the Queen’s Garden Party 2019 gushing memories of the day’s events. by Ellen Tilbury (19th Purley) It is an experience that I am likely never to forget or repeat, A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be given the and it could not have been made possible without opportunity to represent London Scouting by volunteering Scouting, which has had such an integral role in my life. at the Queens Garden Party. Therefore, I would like to take a moment to thank the 19th I arrived with a freshly ironed uniform, excited and ready Purley Scout Group, for all the wonderful experiences and for the day ahead. There were around 15 other volunteers memories that they have given me, and the ones they have from the London area, including a few others from yet to give me. I will always be grateful for both them and Croydon. We were briefly prepped on what to say and the opportunity to sip tea with the Queen! how to act, and then I was given my position on Hyde Park Ellen Tilbury Corner Gate collecting tickets. The variety of guests that piled through were fashioned in vibrate colours and fabrics – despite the miserable weather – and all were eager to be a part of the celebrations. Special Report 44th Croydon Air Scout Group I was then allowed a few hours to stroll about the gardens, On 23rd June we set off to Kent for our new adventure being treated like any other guest. I enjoyed tea and finger which was to take part in flying in a microlight, yes a sandwiches, as well as tubs of ice cream (the strawberry microlight! Everyone was really excited but also quite was my favourite) and got the pleasure of speaking with scared when they found out that they would be flying up many of the attendees. Most notably perhaps, was the to nearly 3,000 feet! However, after their individual 15 delightful Princess Beatrice with whom I shared a lovely minute flight sitting behind the pilot, everyone’s thumbs conversation, discussing my role in Scouting as well as the were up and they all wanted to go up again! If only there had been time. 11 Scouts and leaders completed this exhilarating experience including a scout from the 67th Croydon Scout Group who joined us too. Wow! Wow! Wow!

presentation of Scouting within the media. I also got the pleasure of seeing up close and personal the Duke of Kent as well as the handsome Prince Harry – who I even managed to sneak a SELFIE with!

After that, it was our job to stand at the gate and see all the guests out, smiling and waving at the satisfied attendees. After the majority of guests had left, I stole myself for a moment to take one final look at the now empty gardens and only then appreciated their grandeur and art. With the party at a close, it was time to head back inside to gather our belongings and leave.

Walking through the golden halls, ordained with oil paintings and decadent chandeliers, I was overwhelmed by the beauty and grace of the iconic British landmark. Standing in the courtyard, surrounded completely by the Special Report - 19th Purley Summer Camp

46 children, Leaders and parent helpers stayed at Downe Scout Adventure from Saturday 25th to Tuesday 28th May.

We stayed in their tented village which was amazing as meant we only had to bring the food. It had a fully equipped kitchen and dining shelter and bell tents with mats and storage boxes provided in each. The children took part in lots of activities including archery, tomahawk throwing and grass sledging. For every single beaver this was their first night away so we were so proud of them all. All children were able to gain not only their nights always badge but also their personal challenge award, adventure challenge and outdoor challenge. A few beavers who have just moved up to cubs also completed their final parts for their bronze award which were presented to them on the last morning. It was great to see the children develop over the weekend, facing new fears, their improvement in challenging themselves since our last camp and watching the older ones help the younger ones.

Lots of fun was had by all and we are looking forward to CroyCamp 2020!!

Liz O’Brien Group Scout Leader (19th Purley)

Gruffy Fair (5-a-side football tournament) After 9 years of hard work and commitment by Elaine Cauthery our Cub Scout Leader and 5 a side team manager, the 19th Purley lifted the trophy at this year’s Gruffy fair.

Our A and B team both won their semi finals so played each other in the final which was nice for us as a Group but bit of competition for the children. The A team were the eventual winners with the B team showing great sportsmanship. Thank you for the 16th Purley for putting on another great Gruffy fair.

The Editor:- For information: The Gruffy Fair is organised and run by 16th Purley Scout Group. The Group have been running the Gruffy Fair for nearly 50 years. In fact the fair held this year was their 48 annual event. The Croydon Mobile Climbing Wall as well as the 5-a-side Annual Football Tournament were both very popular activities and despite the changeable weather, the fair proved to be a very successful and enjoyable day. Special Report – 17th Purley Cubs

The 17th Purley Cubs returned to Blackland Farm in May for their annual pack camp. Leaders Pete and Mark, assisted by an invaluable team of adults, Young Leaders and Scouts, put together a full programme of activities over 4 days. Blending old and new scouting activities the programme included pioneering, orienteering and fire lighting alongside canoeing, grass sledging, water sliding and climbing. This year the Beavers also joined them for a day of activities with some of them staying in a patrol tent overnight (a first for the 17th Purley Beavers).

The rules of the camp included keep smiling, have a go and have fun; the Cubs took these rules on board and every day pushed themselves to try something new and learn new skills. Everyone had a great time and by the final campfire sing song it started to sink in that this was the last night…this didn’t mean an end to the fun however. The Cubs woke up on the final morning to be welcomed by a sloth, panda, dinosaur, Luigi and Mario. Cubs and adults alike enjoyed every moment of the camp and are already looking forward to the next one. #skillsforlife #friendsforlife #memoriesforlife

Special Report – 30th Purley Jambowlree The scene was set for a glorious evening of competitive bowling for the World Scouting Jambowlree to find out who is the “king pin”. 14 Bukhari Scouts and 12 Hathi Cubs joined the Leaders and some parent volunteers at TenPin Valley Park Croydon for an hour of excitement. The Scouts had a tough task as the rules did not permit the rail to be up for them while the Cubs had the benefit of safety. The boys did a great job and despite a few balls hitting the gully the games were played in true sporting manner.

Congratulations to Bukhari Scout Aarez Khan for his Scout and overall top score of 97 and joint top score of 94 for Hathi Cubs Abdullah Rehman and Adam Chanawala.

Scout - Aarez Khan Cub – Abdullah Rehman Cub – Adam Chanawala

Then came the girls with Beaver, Amelia Khan coming top with a sensational score of 127. Next was Raksha Cub Pack, Yosr Saber who came in just under 90 with 87 points. Finally, Zaytoun Scouts highest score without the side rails helping them keep out of the gutters was Farah Dina with 63. A big thank you to all the Leaders who joined as well as parent helpers who make these events possible and of course the Worldwide Scout Ten Pin Association.

. District PR Committee

The new District PR committee met in March 2019. We reviewed the printed material available to support Groups and Scouting in Croydon and these have now been redesigned and reprinted and reflect the new Scout brand. We have a selection of A4 double sided leaflets that fold into a convenient pocket size, as well a range of specific A5 Adult / volunteer leaflets and A6 volunteer postcards.

Supplies of the printed resources are available upon request to the PR Committee. The branded gazebo’s are still available and we will look at the rebranding in due course. Any request to borrow any of the PR equipment, or for supplies of the new printed materials please email: [email protected]

District Website: www.croydonscouting.org.uk

County Website: www.glswscouts.org.uk

Headquarters Website: www.scouts.org.uk

CROYDON SCOUTING OFFERING #SkillsForLife Collaborations - YOU London Sunday 2nd June 2019 saw Croydon hold its 4th Annual YOU Competition in the Grounds at Royal Russell School. South Croydon. This is an annual event held to bring representatives from all YOU organisations today to enjoy a day of fun, activity and finish the day with a splendid BBQ provided by Royal Russell School. Local guest visitors during the day were the Mayor of Croydon, a number of Croydon Ward Councillors and Sarah Jones (MP) who presented the pin badges at the end of the day.

Croydon Scouting operated the mobile climbing wall during the day and 17th Purley represented the District and ran a team challenge activity base.

The YOU Competition concept is that all organisations provide a participant team and an activity base. The teams are mixed together and given a coloured tee shirts to indicate the new team and then proceed to complete each activity base in a type of round robin competition.

General News Members from our Pinewood Explorer Unit and their Leaders recently attended and completed a special course of Mental Health First Aid Training #SkillsForLife

7 Explorer Scouts / Network members from Croydon were nominated to each receive a Deputy Lieutenant Award Certificates as part of our collaboration within YOU London and these are being presented at the Town Hall in Croydon on 17th July 2019 with their families present. The awards will be presented by the Mayor of Croydon - Hamayan Kabir, and the Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon – Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD DL VR

Community Impact  We have had two Croydon Groups visiting the Town Hall, in Croydon. Learning about the history of Croydon and meeting the New Mayor Humayan Kabir.  A local Scout Group have been working with the Friends of Grangewood Park in to help clear the gardens and pond and cleaning up the mosaic area, which is now protected by a fence funded by the local Councillors and the Community Ward Funds.  Croydon Beavers and Cubs out playing short cricket, before collecting litter and installing ‘dog poo’ bag dispensers (made from plastic drink bottles at Lloyds Park).  Another one of our Croydon Scout Groups in partnership with a local public house held their annual family and music festival in Shirley in Croydon. All the traditional summer fete stalls, including splat the rat, bungee run, cake stall as well as beat the goal keeper, coconut shy and face painting. This was a truly fun filled family day and held in aid of the Charity Teenage Cancer Trust. https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/  The Croydon climbing wall has been in action several times over the last couple of months visiting local community fetes / or supporting School Fete’s providing an exciting activity attraction for the young people in Croydon. The mobile climbing will be at the Old Coulsdon Village Fair on 6th July, Christchurch Primary School towards the end of July, the Thornton Heath Festival early September and our season finishing with the Community Day on 28th September 2019.

Water Activities Any enquiries for water activities at either Pinewood Scout Centre or at Norwood Lakes should be directed to George Campbell on email: [email protected]

Bears Wood Camp Site The campsite is fully open for business although no organised activities are currently being offered. Potential site activities are being reviewed at present and plans are in place and will develop over the coming weeks and months, however the site is primarily a camping site and is looking the best .

An immeasurable amount of work has been carried out over the last few weeks and the site is looking good and well worth a visit. If you wish to make enquiries to use Bears Wood Camp Site please email: [email protected]

Pinewood Scout Centre Generally the site is very busy at present with many regular and new enquiries and bookings coming through. The Mobile Climbing Wall has also been offering weekday evening sessions (by arrangement) for Groups and Sections and this has proved very successful for the 2nd year running.

If you wish to make enquiries to use the Pinewood Scout Centre, please email: [email protected]