 |
A news letter of Great North Scouting |
 |
|---|
Closing date for next edition Sunday 24th Sept |
September 2006 Edition 2 Issue 4 |
|---|
From Your Editor
Where has this year gone ? September already. Have you been in a garden center recently?
Plants, and garden produce have disappeared, and in their place are Christmas gifts and all the baubles and paraphernalia, that goes with it. And also the reminder that (at the time of writing) there are only 85 shopping days to Christmas. That means there are only 93 days to the start of our centenary year. So with a good summer behind us, we should be fit and ready this autumn to get off to a flying start.
From the amount of news that has come in, Great North Scouting has had a great year; reports across all the sections of our movement show that Scouting is in great shape and raring to go. Your D.C has obviously had a good restful break, and despite having just recently returned from a holiday in a mountainous country, she is ready to tackle the mountain of work.
I have had a peek at some of the things that Scouting HQ are preparing for 2007, and if you access to the internet, it is worth a few minutes of your time.
I apologise elsewhere for some of the reports which had disappeared temporarily into the ether. But despite these, there has been a wealth of news from you, so thanks a lot for that.
Keep up the good work,- and lets have bumper editions of Look Wide every month
Read, think and laugh with Bill.
Why has a milking stool only got three legs?. The cows have the “Udder”one!
Still on the farm. Did you hear about the cow, who found and munched through a complete packet of oxo cubes.? It made a complete laughing stock of herself.
What have Alexander the Great, and Winnie the Pooh got in common ?
They both have the same middle name.
I met a man the other day, who was walking about with a newt on his shoulder. When I asked him why it was there, he said it was his pet, and went with him everywhere. He told me that he called his pet “Tiny”. I said that was a funny name for a pet. “Not so” said the man, “ you see, he is My Newt (Minute)"
Anyone can get old- all you have to do is live long enough (Groucho Marx)
O Marian Hall O
It was with a great feeling of sadness, that we learned of the death of Marian during the Summer Recess. Marian had fought with her illness over a number of years. Despite her suffering she worked hard for the success of West Gosforth group, which included for much of the time, Newbiggin Hall Group. She will be greatly missed by all who worked with her.
DC`s Report
It is with great sadness that I start off this article reminding Leaders and young People of the untimely death of Marion Hall, the Group Scout Leader at West Gosforth . Marion had a long struggle with illness these last few years, a struggle which she bore with a great dignity, never allowing the symptoms she suffered from, to affect what she did especially with respect to Scouting and holidays. She touched many lives, and we should be grateful for those positive influences she had on young people and adults alike. Marion will be sadly missed, and our thoughts go to her brother and sister and their families. My thanks to all those who managed to attend her funeral
We also heard of the death in Scotland , of Mary McLauchlan. Mary was the wife of Martin, who was the Sea Scout Leader in the 4th Gosforth (Oaklands) Sea Scout Troop. Mary supported all of the activities of the Troop, attended all their summer camps etc, and I am sure will be remembered by many Explorer Scouts. Our sympathy also extends to Martin
New Appointments.
I am delighted to announce that I have appointed another District Beaver Scout Leader, Chris Hudson, who is going to work with Wendy in the Beaver Scout Section. I am also delighted to announce that Vince Mackell is changing role, from District Scouter to Assistant District Commissioner (Scout Fellowship), this is a new challenge for Vince. There are changes in the rulings on Scout Fellowships, and it is hoped that the one we are forming will be a skills based one, where people with specific skills will be able to show any Section within the District new skills, that maybe the individual Leaders do not have. Watch Lookwide for further information.
Kingston Park Scout Group is 25 years old, and at its AGM Stephen and Aileen were presented with a beautiful gift of crystal glasses and wine, to commemorate the fact that they have been Scouting in Kingston Park since day 1. Congratulations to you both.
Congratulations to the following:
Gosforth Explorer Scouts and Leaders for attending a County Arranged Climbing Course and getting a qualification.
Laura Smith on being awarded her Chief Scout`s Gold Award. She was a member of Central Gosforth Sea Scout Troop.
Cate Watson and Dave Donisthorpe for being awarded their Wood Badges.
Kevin Futers for being awarded a 5 year certificate
Stephen Barnes, (Griffin Explorer Scout Leader) who embarked on a challenge with work raising money for a Cancer Charity........Stephen will you let us know exactly what you did in next month`s Lookwide? Thank you.
Your Group Scout Leader or Group Contact has been sent information regarding Car Seats, Fire Safety and Sectional Ratios during the holiday period. Please make yourself very aware of this information . The Car seat one mainly affects the Beaver and Cub Scout Sections, but it is Government Legislation, please do not fall foul of the new rules. Ignorance of them is not acceptable by the Police.
Kath Tyson DC
Congratulations
West Gosforth Scout Troop Invested. - James Higgins. Joel Purvis Promotions - Senior PL - Patrick Reynolds, Matthew Harrison Outdoor Challenge - Adam Summers, Cory Parker, Philip Dryburgh, Lawrence Herbert Scott Towt, Dominic Millet, Sophie Reynolds, Esther Smith, Rachael Donaldson, Tom Donaldson, Katherine Fletcher, Sophie Daniels, Joel Purvis, James Higgins Adventure Challenge - Aidan Millet, Jack Melrose, Esther Smith, Tom Donaldson Outdoor Plus - Lee Kerr,Joshua Smith, Craig Summers. Matthew Harrison, Patrick Reynold Survival Skills - Patrick Reynolds, Matthew Harrison, Lewis Towt, Joshua Smith Expedition Challenge - Patrick Reynolds, Matthew Harrison, Joshua Smith Camper - Matthew Harrison, Patrick Reynolds, Joshua Smith Photographer - Katherine Fletcher, Sophie Reynolds Swimmer 05 - Esther Smith, Joshua Smith. Creative Challenge - Cory Parker, Scott Towt, Esther Smith, Dominic Millet, Sophie Reynolds, Rachael Donaldson, Tom Donaldson, Katherine Fletcher, Sophie Daniels Nights Away 01 - Sophie Daniels, Rachael Donaldson, Katherine Fletcher, Joel Purvis, Nights Away 02 - Philip Dryburgh, Esther Smith, Cory Parker, Rachael Donaldson, Katherine Fletcher James Higgins Musician 02 - Esther Smith Nights Away 03 - Lawrence Herbert, Matthew Fletcher, Dominic Millet, Lewis Towt, Jack Melrose, Tom Donaldson, Scott Towt,Sophie Reynolds, Esther Smith Chief Scout Gold Award - Matthew Harrison, Patrick Reynold Report by Caroline Emmerson SL |
I know everyone will be delighted at this report from West Gosforth , in particular the two Gold Awards. These were gained over the summer term so dear Marian Hall would still have been with us as GSL- she would have been very proud of them all. ED Cub Scouts from Kingston Park Pack . Invested - Luke Jordan Fitness Challenge- Stephen Duck Global Challenge - Jonathan Robson Jonathon Robson, Mark Burns Chief Scouts Silver Award- Robert Mole Nicholas Whitbread, Luke Jordan, Daniel Jordan, Jonathon Robson
Central Gosforth Middle School Beavers Animal Friend Badge - Fenwick Sewell, Hilton Sewell Investiture - Sam Watson Creative Badge - Sam Watson Report by Veronica Mackell |
Note from Richard Brown(ACC Scouts)
A quick update to let you know that the booking form in available for the PL`s camp in October from the County Office. Also a little reminder that the booking form for the Foresters Badge is also available- both from my downloads page
Email, Richard@1stkilllingworth.org.uk
Downloads:
http://www.northumberlandscoutsdownloads.org .uk
Web Page:
http:// northumberlandscouts.org
Richard Brown
The Computer Again
It is often said, when errors occur, “Its `s the computers fault”. Many a time, it is the operators fault. So when I say that a number of items for LookWide disappeared in the ether, it may be either. Whichever it is, I apologise most sincerely for the delay that some leaders have experienced with some articles.They haven`t been deliberately left out. I always acknowledge receipt of news, so if you don`t hear from me, please let me know, preferably by phone call, in case –“it is the computers fault”. I hope that I have picked up the strays, and with any luck, they are all here- albeit a little late.( Ed)
Central Gosforth Sea Scouts (June news) A big thank-you to Paul Henderson for once again organizing the County Activity Weekend. 13 Sea Scouts from Gosforth along with 27 other scouts and explorers from around the County enjoyed excellent weather for the two days. We went hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, crate stacking and pole climbing. In the evening there was a quiz.The food was as copious and beautifully prepared by the Tynemouth chefs, Heather and Simon, including a birthday cake for Callum. Thanks also to Paul Collins for coming along to help. I think he may even have enjoyed himself. Sunday involved an emotion return to the legendary “Lewis`s Hill” and amazingly, no-body fell down it this year. (July News) Gosforth Sea Scouts have been getting into the World Cup spirit by have a trip to the Newcastle United Football Academy on the eve of the tournament.They had a guided tour of the facility and then got to play on the pitches. We also had a World Cup quiz which saw a fierce battle in the final with a narrow 3-2 victory to Thomas Raynor. Some of our senior scouts also had a great trip out on mountain bikes along the Derwent Valley and then exploring Chopwell Woods.Thanks to Cas for that, they all enjpyed it and immensely improved their off-road riding skills Reports by Brian Smith |
|---|
25 th Newcastle ( June News) I received the Medal of Merit on Thursday 20 th April at a ceremony at Morpeth County Hall. What a great honour I was and what a lovely evening. My mother and my 2 Assistant Cub Leaders ( Helen Byers and Christine Lawson) were there too. I felt very honoured to revieve this award. I started the Pack in 1973, and have there ever since. I love it!! I was delighted to share this occasion with one of my Cubs now receiving his Queen Scout Award. I am very proud of Daniel Lawson who is an Assistant Scout Leader at the 74 th with Malcolm Landreth who ALSO was receiving an Award- Bar to the Silver Acorn. Well done Great North. Thanks to Kath Tyson for arranging this momentous event! Report by a delighted Angela Ryan. Angela—the joy in your voice comes through in this report and the pride in sharing it with others.Congratulations |
| 82 nd Newcastle Scout Group (July News) On the afternoon of Saturday 6 th May, 32 young people from the 82 nd Newcastle Scout Group, along with parents and leaders ventured to Kingston Park to see the final Guiness Premiership match of the season. The weather was slightly dubious but excitement prevailed, endorsed with the highly anticipated first start for Jonny Wilkinson following injury last November The opponents were Leeds Tykes and as every one got in a position to watch, the buzz in the Stadium was electric. Six young people ( 2 Beavers, 2 Cubs. and 2 Scouts) had the honour of participating in the guard of honour which involved waving flags as both teams ran out on to the pitch. At half time the group was presented with a signed match ball which will be raffled at a later date. The final score was 56-19 to the Falcons. The weather held out and the group left the ground in high spirits. I have to mention the ASL Helen had a particularly good day: she received a hug from the great Jonny Wilkinson (and has the photo to prove it). A memory I am sure she will cherish for a long time. Report by Cate Watson SL |
West Gosforth ; Montagu Troop.
ongratulations to Senior Patrol Leaders Matthew Harrison and Patrick Reynolds, who have gained the Chief Scout Gold Awards. As part of the Challenge, both undertook to complete the Survival Skills Badge. Matthew elected to work with the Cub Scout pack and has enjoyed it so much he wants to become an Explorer Scout Young Leader in September. Patrick organized and ran the Expedition Challenge; he too wants to continue in Scouting and hopes to join the Griffin unit in September. Pirates Camp Kielder . Kath Ivens and her team organized an excellent event, and our party of 46 had an absolutely wonderful time completeing a range of land and water activities based on a pirate theme. If anyone is looking for a camp with that little bit extra, I would recommend this one every time. Troop Camp Dilston Over the weekend of 23- 25 April we held our first Troop Camp. Previously we have always been camping with Cubs or other scouts, but this time we went it alone. Basically most of our younger members of the Troop camped, cooled, chopped, kept fires going & generally looked after themselves, while four of the older members completed their survival skills badge by camping overnight in their own shelter & cooking backwoods style. Two of the four were doing this as part of Chief Scout Gold Award. Thanks to Sam from the the 82 nd who put so much work into helping us contruct the bridge and Michael Millet who kept the kitchen tent and supplies in immaculate order. The only problem I have is that the Scouts want to do I again. Expedition Challenge. Three scouts went out , over the 1 st and 2 nd July on the first expedition not organized by the Scout Team. Patrick Reynolds took on the Leadership Role. He and friends Matthew Harrison and Joshua Smith hopped on the train to Corbridge, hiked to Dilston, camped overnight, and then hiked back to Hexham for the train back to Newcastle . All three were awarded their Expedition Challenge badge and Patrick became our eighth person in the West Gosforth Hall of fame to achieve this Chief Scout God Award |
Central Gosforth Middle School Beavers The Beavers had a World Cup Competition which was played by each Beaver Scout for a world cup team ( blow Football) The winner was Alexander Dickinson (representing the Czech Republic and the runner up was Findlay Green ( representing Spain ) Report by Veronica Mackell |
Hello, I am Joe Lindsey, one of the Gosforth explorer scouts. Over the past month, the Gosforth Explorer Scouts have been engaging in many activities. On one weekend in late June, some of us took part in some rock climbing training at Corby Crags. As many of us are doing Rock climbing for our Physical activity section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, this was a useful opportunity to learn or refresh skills such as setting up climbs or belaying. We also managed to fit in a bit of climbing as well. Then, on the 15th and 16th of June at Dilston campsite the group acted as a support team for the Brunton Park Cub Scouts Group, who are undertaking their adventure award. First of all, we taught them the game of Ultimate Frisbee, which is best described as non-contact American football with a frisbee, which I am sure the cubs enjoyed. We then showed the cubs basic map skills such as taking a bearing and recognising map features. They then used these new skills to navigate a mini expedition. We were supposed to have had lunch by this point but it was still cooking in a pit fire and wasn't ready until about four hours after we had put it in. We also found time to construct a bucking bronco out of some old tyres and rope which was, to say the least, pretty lethal! The following morning we showed the cubs different cooking fires, including a trench fire to cook some vegetable kebabs. We also had a game of Ultimate frisbee, Cubs vs Explorers but unfortunately, despite the cubs having 3x as many players as us, their skills hadn't yet progressed to match ours. Finally, the cubs got to go in the stream after racing rafts they had made, to cap off an enjoyable weekend for all. Most recently, four of the explorers, including myself, undertook a gruelling 3 day, 2 night, 50km trek along Hadrian’s wall for our practice expedition of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which I still have the blisters and sun burn from. Despite this, it gave us good preparation and experience for the real expedition, which will take place on the last weekend of August. We now know what walking with a two and a half stone pack is like and we are definitely going to try and cut down weight for the real expedition. We are also going to the Lake District to climb Napes Needle, 120 years after it was first climbed. To see photos and videos of these and other activities in the group, visit our website at www.gosforthexplorers.blogs.com
Thanks a lot for an excellent article Joe- the very first from an Explorer Scout. There are however, many folk without access to the web, and who may not even wish to have access. A personalized report, such as yours will make excellent reading for them. Congratulations to all who help on an excellent website—Ed. |
An interesting email from Samuel Robinson Subject: Explorer Belt Hi Guys, I am writing this email from Ronda, we are all doing fine and are currently on day 7 of 10. It has been between 30 and 35 degrees since we got here. We have done some very hard walking and the heat really doesn’t help. Anyway hope everyone in ok and having fun. Oh nearly forgot just to prove that international scout friendship is still alive in Spain . We meet some Spanish scouts and have spent two days camping and eating with them for free. We made them hash which they loved only problem was they don`t sell corn beef over there so we have to walk 3km to the nearest village (all up hill) to buy fresh pork from the slaughter house as well as all the ingredients for 55 people. They were very kind though. Will show pictures when I get home. See you all soon. |
| A First for Lookwide. Delighted to hear from the Fenham Explorers
Just wanted to let you know about a couple of things that Fenham Explorers have done this summer. 1. 7 of them, myself and my 3 month old daughter went to GILWELL 24 which was 24 hours of activities at Gilwell on July 8th. It was fantastic and they took part in all sorts of activities like a high ropes course, climbing, quasar, go-carting and loads more - imagine how many activities you could do in 24 solid hours!! I was disappointed to hear when I got up the next morning that they had 2 hours sleep between 4 and 6 am - they let me down!! I've attached a photo of them with my daughter who also had a fab weekend and really enjoyed camping. 2. Three explorers from my unit and two network members from the district went to Italy to attend ROVERWAY, an international event for 16 - 25 years olds in Scouting. On the trip they did a 5 day hike in the Italian Alps over to France and back. They also saw folk dancing and visited small villages along the way. At the camp they took part in workshops from different nationalities who were attending the event and went to the global development village. Afterwards 4 of the group travelled together to Florence and Rome . The group did all their own fundraising and planned everything themselves from the flights to the equipment they would need - I'm really very proud of them. They had a fantastic time and were really sad to come home. Thanks go to those who supported them by buying 'SCOUT AND PROUD' t-shirts at the AGM. Report from Vix Wallis We hear a lot about “catching them young”, but I think this must be the record--- three month old and she has already got an AGM and a camp on her record. Many thanks for this report Vix—Ed |
Newbiggin Hall and Westerhope Cubs held a joint camp this year at Kielder (Hawkhirst). The theme of the camp was Pirates and we had some very very scarey pirates on show. A couple of the Parents even travelled up from Newcastle in costume, wonder what the drivers in the other cars thought... Anyway all of our Cubs had a really great time even if the weather and midges tried to disrupt the programme. Wide games in a pitch black forest add another dimension to what the leaders need to worry about, but we should have known that Cubs can see in the dark even if leaders can't. On the Saturday the Cubs did crate stacking and rafting as well as a treasure hunt and as Akela Jimmy and Iain pointed out they can ask questions and try to get hints but Pirates do lie. Sunday was finished off with pole climbing and the Assault course. All in all the joint camp was a huge success thanks to all the Leaders and Parent volunteers and of course each and every Cub (and odd Beaver) who threw themselves into the weekend wholeheartedly.
Report from Jimmy Gibbons. I hope none of the helpers threw themselves into the water when they walked the plank. Sounds as if they all had a great time. Ed |