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A news letter of Great North Scouting |
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Closing date for next edition Sunday 23rd October |
October 2005 Edition 1 Issue 5 |
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From Your Editor
My comments last month must have been foreseen, because, reports seemed to flood in and in consequence, we had an unexpected bumper edition- Keep it up because I like to be busy.
I write this as the sun shines gloriously outside, despite the dismal weather forecast of rain and gloom. But what could you expect when you have just visited the District Cub Camp at Dilston. Plenty of activities, plenty of Cubs, and plenty of those sunshiny Cub Smiles and grins. Perhaps we should have more cub camps if they are going to turn the weather upside down. And despite the large numbers of cub scouts, the happy faces of the many leaders helping, says it all. They are having a great time.
I`m keeping my notes short this time, in case there`s rush for space
Bill`s GigglesTwo cowboys were riding across the prairie. An red Indian came riding towards them. The first cowboy raised his hand and said “How” to the Indian. The Indian raised his hand and replied “ How”. The second cowboy said to the first, “ How did you manage to speak to the Indian just like that?” The first one replied “ Oh, it`s easy when you know `How`.
How would you set about getting the weight of a whale? Take it to a Whaleweigh station
Which English King wore the biggest Shoes ? The one with the biggest feet. |
Notes from Richard Brown ACC Scouts
Great news with the launch of the new Caud Marra website. All the information regarding the event and how to register, are available from here. You will find pictures from the last time, faq`s about next time as well as a new forum to register with and leave comments. Go and take a look at http://www.caudmarra.org.uk
Following on from last year we are running the Northumberland County Quizco event again on 11 th November 2005 at Ponteland Scout HQ.19:30 – 22;30. Quizco is a quiz night followed by a disco open to all Scouts. The booking form for the event can be found on the downloads page or by contacting County Office.
http:// www.northumberlandscoutsdownloads.org.uk
Lastly, every year Hawkhirst run a regatta and this year it will be held of 7 th-9th October. The regatta is now just for Sea Scouts and is a fun weekend.
By the time you read this, you will probably already sent in your entries. However it could serve as a reminder to watch out for the next one. Ed.
Congratulations
All Saints’ Cub Scouts Gosforth
Cyclist Badge. Nick Partington Fitness Challenge Jamie Montague Jack Cater-Burlinson
All Saints Beaver Colony Membership Jonathon MackenzieSophie Smith, Philip Christian. Fraser Moore, Ben Procter Thomas Proudfoot Joining in Year 1 Tom Jackson Oliver Smith, Ross McLeod Arthur Thorpe, Ben Chamley, Stephen Parkin, Charlie Moorin Abishek Kamath Joining in Year 2 Tom Jackson, Oliver Smith Animal Friendship Fraser McElvenny Moving on (to Cubs) Tom Jackson Oliver Smith Outdoor Challenge Ross Mcleod Sophie Smith, Arthur Thorpe Philip Christian, Fraser Moore, Ben Chamley, Stephen Parkin, Charlie Moorin, Ben Proctor, Thomas Proudfoot, Abishek Kamath. Faith Fraser Moore, Tom Jackson, Sophie Smith, Charlie Moorin Staged Activity Swimming 1 Charlie Moorin Staged Activity Swimming 2 Charlie Moorin Brunton Park Cub ScoutsChief Scouts Silver Award Sam Crowe James Coulson Nice to see Sam & James has their Silver. Sam, you may remember, had a record number of entries in the Goss. Ed
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West Gosforth Scout Troop
Invested Tom Donaldson Global Challenge Matthew Harrison Luke Hawkins, Lee Kerr, Nigel Lee, Michael Robson, Michael Skelton, Joshua Smith, Craig Summers, John Weightman, Daniel Williams Adventure Challenge Sophie Reynolds, Matthew Fletcher Creative Challenge Joshua Smith Outdoor Challenge Luke Hawkins Hobbies Craig Summers, Jack Melrose John Weightman, Daniel Williams, Michael Robson, Tom Donaldson. Hiker Nigel Lee, Lee Kerr, John Weightman, Daniel Williams, Michael Robson, Michael Skelton, Joshua Smith, Craig Summers, Photographer Daniel Williams John Weightman, Michael Robson, Matthew Fletcher, Lee Kerr Nights Away Level 02 Sophie Reynolds Nights Away Level 03 Nigel Lee, Patrick Reynolds, Luke Hawkins. Nights Away Level 04 Lee Kerr Matthew Harrison, Joshua Smith, Craig Summers, Michael Skelton, Michael Robson, John Weightman. Patrol Leader Matthew Fletcher Assistant Patrol Leader Lee Kerr Lewis Towt, Craig Summers. Last, but not leastChief Scouts Gold AwardsNigel Lee Michael Robson Michael Skelton John Weightman Daniel Williams |
District Explorer Scouts
Navigation and Navigation Activities
Are you planning an expedition or a hike and need to brush up on your mapping skills?
Do you want to know what a GPS is (Global Positioning System) or do you want
to know how to use one?
Are you considering buying a GPS?
Do you want to know what a GPS can't do...?
Have you ever wondered how you might be able to use the latest PC mapping
software that is currently available?
Are you looking to fill a gap in your programme of activities in the coming months?
If you need any assistance to answer any of the above questions then I may
be able to help you out. You can contact me via County Office or give me a
call on 0779 5290378.
Andy Castling (Cas) Great North District Explorer Scout Commissioner
On Monday 19 th September, the group held their AGM in their HQ in Brookvale Ave, Kenton, which was supported by many parents and friends, as well as Kath Tyson (DC) and Liam Walsh (ADC Scouts). The group had had a very good year and their success was mirrored by the fact that some of the parents “volunteered” their services and joined the committee. Many of the Scouts had been working on their Hobbies badge, and the results of their work could be seen in the display of their collections and model making Apart from the expected models of cars and aeroplanes, some unusual pursuits were shown, such as rock and mineral collections and a display of various types of Lighthouses (obviously “ showing the Way”)
West Gosforth Group AGM
The main business being over, we were then treated to an excellent account of their visit to Iceland , by Caroline Emmerson (SL) Lighthouse Model Display
Many badges were then presented to cubs and scouts. but I don`t think that anyone would be offended, if I say the highlight of the evening was the presentation made to five Scouts, of the Chief Scouts Gold awards. In many groups. one would be a success story, but to have five- well- what more could I say but “Sincere Congratulations, well done”
From The District Commissioner
DISTRICT BADGE
Designs are being asked for a District Badge. Please send ideas direst to Kath, before the end of October. The District covers all the west side of the City out to Throckley in the West, Dinnington / Brunswick in the North and Scotswood in the South, in the East we go as far as South Gosforth .
CONGRATULATIONS go to the following, Jackie Morley for getting the 5 year Service Award and Ian Morley for getting the 10 year Service Award, Laury Badcock and Ian Fair on getting their 40 year Service Award and Bill Moon on getting his 50 year Service Award. I have several more Awards to present, more names next month, I like giving Leaders surprises!!
BEAVER LEADERS CHRISTMAS CRAFTS IDEAS, Keep the 13th October clear, the venue will be decided the week prior, once we know how many Adults from the Beaver section are going to attend. If you are interested, please let me know.
DISTRICT CUB CAMP, my sincere thanks to all those 39 Leaders and Parents who worked so well to make a very enjoyable weekend for 114 Cub Scouts. Next year we hope the nights will not be as cold!!
We read about an expedition along the Roman wall last month;- and I commented when we would hear of another expedition. Well, here it is; a bit further than the Roman wall, but very, very exciting
Montagu Troop`s Icelandic AdventureWell, we have done if, our first International experience. After a year`s organizing, fundraising and steadily getting grayer, 11 Scouts and 6 Leaders headed off to Iceland via Newcastle and Stansted Airports on Monday July 18 th and back again via the same places on Wednesday July 27 th. In between we visited Iceland`s capital city Reykjavik, spent 8 days at the Icelandic International Jamboree, visited the Blue Lagoon, and eventually returned with everyone we should have done! Contrary to our expectations, instead of wet, windy and not too warm weather, there was a heat wave for the 10 days we were there so we all come back sun tanned instead of wind swept and rusty. Our Scouts made loads of new friends from Iceland, America, Canada, Norway, Austria, China and UK to name but a few, and I believe e-mail addresses were exchanged and chatting is still going on. Activities included caving, BMXing, abseiling, climbing, raft building, canoeing, hiking, wood carving, fire building, kite flying and 101 ways of getting wet. Everyone had a great time and we each have our own special memories and loads of photographs that will stay with us the rest of our lives. Thank you to all the people who helped us raise the £10000 we needed to make the trip happen, especially Gosforth District Scout Council (now part of Great North), Nestle, the Ward Sub Committees, National Scout Headquarters and our Scouts, their families and friends. Thank you also to Ken Castle without whom the trip wouldn`t have happened and also to the leadership team prepared to give up 10 days of their lives to go to Iceland and enjoy themselves! Here`s to 2007 |
Cub Camp - Dilston 2005
Thursday 22 nd September
I had no doubt that everyone going to Dilston on 23 rd September, were ready and tearing to go. From comments made by many of the leaders, I knew that there was going to be a great turn out, and I hoped for everyone`s sake that the weather would be good them.
I decided to go up to Dilston on the Saturday morning, principally to see how the camp was getting on, but also to see the camp site again and get some photographs
Listening to one of the weather forecasts didn`t give much hope. The least we could expect was showers anywhere, and they could be heavy.
So giving everyone time to get breakfast over, I set off for Dilston on the appointed morning. The morning was beautiful;- the weather forecasters must have had the mid-Atlantic maps open, because he drive up was glorious.
When I got out of my car, I was greeted with “ Hi Bill” from a cheery gang show scout.
Then I met leaders who were just as cheerful, and eventually reached the large marquee. Cubs and Leaders were everywhere, all doing exciting things, - making models with bonny coloured straws, making “hover craft”, cooking going on in another smaller marquee, cubs dancing and singing with a most energetic instructor, who I understand came from the Sage at Gateshead, a football match, a cricket match, lots of other cubs and leaders sitting in the sun with their various projects, and the weather- although with an autumn nip in the air, was perfect. Dilston was at its very best.
The whole atmosphere made me very nostalgic that I wasn`t part of the team. At the same time, I came away happy and contented that the movement was in very good shape, with good leaders, all doing an excellent job. The youngsters were happy (despite a very cold night), and keen to get on with their projects- a great pity that some groups were not represented.
Congratulations to the organizing leaders; they did a fantastic job, and I`m glad if my grumbling about the weather, made the weather man see sense. There may be more news about Dilston Camp next month. Bill Moon- Ed
Round the Groups |
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Chief Scouts Gold Awards It`s not too often we hear from Scout troops in the district, and even less often we hear of Chief Scouts awards. So when, as we have now, we hear of FIVE ( Yes- F I V E )boys in one Scout group ,who have made this exalted grade, we should shout about it. This is what the public should hear about-, so we here we go with this excellent news. Report from Caroline Emmerson SL, West Gosforth TroopOn Monday, 19 th September, it was a very proud moment when Montagu Troop had the following five Scouts added to West Gosforth`s Chief Scout Gold Award Recipients role of honour;- * Nigel Lee
Over the last year these five have worked very hard to gain the ultimate Scouting honour available to Scouts in a Scout Troop. For the activity part of the personal challenge of the award they gained their Hiker badge or undertook the BCU kayak 1 Star. For the Leadership aspect of the award, they were asked to undertake the leadership of two hikes, the first in May was to Hadrian`s Wall area, the second in June was to Fontburn Reservoir. During their task they learned about what it takes to lead. The undertook risk assessments, route planning, transport arrangements, devised kit lists, consent forms, and made home contact arrangements. They then ran and reviewed each hike all in accordance with POR. They discovered that leadership can be tough, because you are ( a) responsible and (b) you also have to do the boring bits because there is no one else to do them for you. For the commitment aspect of the award, they were involved in the fundraising aspects of out trip to Iceland . Each sold raffle tickets, raised sponsorship money and worked very hard on the Entertainers evening that we held to make funds. During this process it was noticeable that all of them matured and grew in undertaking the tasks asked of them. We are all very proud of them and as the move on to their next section, we send our congratulations and good wishes with them. Here`s hoping that one day we may hear of some of them becoming Queen Scout Award holders. WELL DONE Lads! Two years time is the 100 th anniversary of Scouting-, time enough to gain that coveted award. From what I saw of them at the annual meeting of the group on 19 th September, they are very capable young men, and I hope that I will be able to report that success as well—Ed |
All Saints Cub Pack We have just held a joint meeting with the Central Middle School Cubs were we practiced putting up tents- or was it practicing how many cubs can you fit in a single tent at camp. Either way, a riotous evening was concluded with the cubs cooking hot dogs on a camp fire. |
West Gosforth Scout Group Over the weekend of 16-18 September, a number of the group undertook training for the British Canoe Union Kayaking 1 Star. We spent most of the days togged up in wet suits, trying to persuade our kayaks to go in a straight line. Our instructors Kim and Terry were patient and informative and after an excellent course, 11 of us passed. Group Scout Leader Maria Hall, was responsible for recording and photographing the event Those who passed were Cub Scouts- Liam Hasson, Matthew Twohig and Alexander Gregor Scouts- Patrick Reynolds. Sophie Reynolds, Matthew Fletcher, Michael Robson, Joshua Smith and John Weightman Leaders Caroline Emmerson, Tim Hogan |
Looking for a Job, Good Pay and decent prospects?
Just to keep you happy!! While of holiday at Wanlockhead in Scotland , I visited the old lead mine works which is now a museum. In the café, the menu had on the back, a copy of a vacancy notice, from the industrial past. Here it is
Wanted; Girl
Aged ; 10 years
For Company farm work to keep cows,
help with kitchen and dairy.
Fetch water and messages, spin and sew
To work hours as required
Easter Sunday off
£1-10s-0d yearly, plus keep
Good references required
Apply to Mine Manager
It`s interesting to see that good references are required for a 10 year old girl, and that
£1-10-0 for a whole year would include a day off on Easter Sunday.
Likewise, an 8 year old boy would be expected to work 60 hours a week for 12 pence, and he could have unpaid holiday of 2 days per year.( and he would have to in to collect his pay)
( He wouldn`t have time to go to the Cubs) .Those were the good old days weren`t they?