A news letter of Great North Scouting

Closing date for next edition

Sunday 24th June

June 2007

Edition 3 Issue 2

Editorial

My little quotes from “Scouting for Boys” are intended to bring attention to that excellent publication, which is in effect our Movements Bible (although many people disagree with it).

There have recently been two programmes on BBC concerning our 100 th anniversary. One was “When we were Scouts” which left a lot to be desired on some of the characters who were chosen for it. The second was “Scouting for Boys” which was fronted by Ian Hislop. His was an excellent programme, and despite the fact that B.P`s book was 100 years old, he led our thoughts to understand, that much of what BP said, is very relevant today. He concluded the hour long programme by giving a Toast to the book.

Bill

LaughWith Bill.

Not been too well recently-like me? It`s still time to LAUGH with Bill, at these quotes

You`re getting old when the girl you smile at, thinks you`re one of her father`s friends (Arthur Murray).

Anyone can get old- all you have to do is live long enough. (Groucho Marx).

You know that you`re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake (Bob Hope)

Old age isn`t so bad when you consider the alternative (John Masefield).

I`m at that age now, where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill (George Burns)

Another Gem from `B.P`s Scouting for Boys

Old Socrates spoke truly when he said, “No man goeth about a more Godly purpose than he who is mindful of the right upbringing not only of his own, but of other men`s children.” B.P.(Preface of Scouting for Boys.)

 

Non-stop, Kath !!!

Remember what I said last month about Kath being pestered by me and others. Well this month, I wouldn`t dare . She is first and foremost a mother as she prepares for the marriage of her youngest son, George. As I write this, George will be married to Sarah, on Friday next ( 25 th May) at Clifton , York .

And George, even though we haven`t seen you for some time, we remember your time in the movement, in Gosforth ,and wish you and Sarah, a lovely wedding day, and a long and happy life together.

Kath, we do excuse you at this happy time from District work;- hope you and Bob have a great day also.

 

Centenary Year Congratulations

 

All Saints Cub Scouts

Chief Scout’s Silver Award – James Myers and Nick Partington

Promise Badge – Chirag Gopinath, Abhishek Kamath

Global Challenge – Fraser Moore, Philip Christian

Creative Challenge – Jonathan MacKenzie

Martial Arts Badge – Sophie Smith, Arthur Thorpe, Abhishek Kamath

Artists Badge - Jonathan MacKenzie

Air Activities – Sean Wrenn, Ben Collerton, Edward Langley, Stephen Hierons, Christopher Hierons, Tom Jackson, Josh Parker, Jamie Butcher, Paul Thompson, Sophie Smith, Jonathan MacKenzie, PhilipChristian, Stephen Parkin

Swimming Level 1 - Sean Wrenn, Jonathan MacKenzie, Abhiskek Kamath,

Swimming Level 2 - Edward Langley, Charlie Moorin, Sophie Smith, Alison Briggs, Tom Jackson, Fraser Moore, Jamie Butcher, Paul Thompson, Thomas Proudfoot, Tony Jiminez

Swimming Level 4 - Stephen Hierons, Christopher Hierons, Jake McDonald, Thomas Moorin, Ben Collerton

Cycling - Stephen Hierons, Christopher Hierons

 

Great North Annual Meeting

Don`t forget this great evening; it should be in your diaries. As last year, it is to be held in British Legion Club on the 12 th June in Jesmond, starting at 7.30 PM .

Everybody has a photographic memory;-it`s just that some don`t have film.

St.Georges Day

It never ceases to amaze me how many ways there are to celebrate a particular event. Our own district had so many ways that they never seem to get reported in full. From various reports we learn of the efforts of groups, while with the district, we had that day at Look Wide camp site, and the fun at Dilston. I was lucky enough to be invited to Benton District where they had many of their old Scouters invited, and presentations of well-deserved awards to long serving scouters.

Perhaps I maybe forgiven however, if I take you out of our county, to Durham Cathedral. I was honoured to conduct a small choir of scouts which I had been training to sing the Scout Hymn in what was a magnificent service.to celebrate not only St Georges Day but also 100 years of Scouting.After the service, all the congregation formed up outside on the Cathedral green in the form of 100, and a photograph was taken of them from high in the Cathedral. Having been ACC for training, I was delighted to meet up again with many of Durham Training Team with who I had connections in the past;- I was even told by one of the guests ladies, that I had trained her in Gosforth Park .

The Chaplain Family

Many will remember Chris and his wife, Elizabeth, with their son Graham, ran the 8th Gosforth. Graham however has suffered a long illness, but Chris has told me that Graham has now received a kidney donation, and is looking well after his operation.

Best wishes Graham for a continuation of a successful recovery.

Around the Groups

All SaintsCub Scouts

Long, long ago the cubs were invited to visit a flying club: -they saw the police helicopter and spoke to the pilot; they even sat at the controls of a plane.

Then in March, we decided that most of the cubs that had been lucky enough to go on the trip would be in danger of moving to sea scouts if we didn’t hurry up and finish the Air Activities badge. The remaining parts of the programme were planned by one of my cubs on the basis that he knew far more about aircraft than Akela did: he had a fiendishly difficult Sudplano for us to tackle and we sent paper planes flying all around the church hall.

We are now exploring the historic byways of Gosforth. Two more of my cubs told us all about heraldry, surprisingly enough; the cubs were very interested in learning about the Newcastle United Shield and also in designing their own, and very appropriately, Nick and James were presented with their Chief Scout’s Award at a special St Georges’ Church Parade at All Saints’ Church.

The last few weeks we’ve been learning cycling skills with British Cycling coaches and practiced all our new found proficiency on a very blustery cycle ride along the banks of the River Tyne, with some distinctly dodgy historic tales narrated by Akela on the way.

Report by Helen Langley CSL

Tall Ships Weekend – Gosforth Sea Scouts (27 th – 29 th April)

Another sailing weekend was organised on board the 22 metre Bermudan ketch called Faramir. 12 scouts and 2 leaders met with the ship at the Royal Quays marina on the Friday evening. After initial introductions everyone got stuck in getting things ready for the weekend: food was unpacked and stored, bunks were allocated, the lads were organised into watches,and the crew explained how to operate things in the galley and the heads (toilets).

After an early Saturday morning start and a good breakfast, the ship was prepared and we left the marina. Once into the Tyne and after lots of winding the ropes used to hoist the sails, we were under way and were soon out on the open seas. We headed south with good visibility, a light wind and a gentle swell (the waves were not that big).

All was fine until … Some say it was because we were sailing too close to Sunderland , others say that it was because of the big breakfast. Whatever it was, both scouts and leaders began feeling queasy;- most scouts were being sick over the side) and were busy trying to locate their sea-sick pills.

It was soon decided that most people were definitely not having fun. So, we went about and headed back for the Tyne . People soon recovered in the quieter waters of the river and we cruised all the way up to the Millenium Bridge on Newcastle City quayside. We later sailed back to Royal Quays where we moored for the night.

On Sunday – having had a lighter breakfast – we decided to stay on the river and the scouts were put through their paces by having to continually gybe and go about (a lot of rope pulling and teamwork to get the ship zig-zagging up and down the river). Once again, we moored back at Royal Quays where the lads were given an opportunity to impress everyone with their ‘pulling’ a small dinghy around the marina. The rowing, combined with many other activities, (learning parts of the boat, ropework, distress signals, weather forecasts etc.) enabled the scouts to get their RYA Competent Crew certificates which were awarded to them as part of the final farewell to Faramir and her crew

Congratulations go to Dean Worthington who was nominated best crew member and many thanks go to Brian Smith (Sea Scout Leader) for organising the weekend and to the Cirdan Trust (especially Faramir’s crew: Diggory, Penny and Kate) for providing us with an enjoyable sailing experience.

( Visit our website ( www.centralgosforthscoutgroup.co.uk) to see pictures taken over the weekend.)

The ship is owned by the Cirdan Sailing Trust which specialises in enabling groups of young people to experience the challenge and adventure of life at sea – see www.cirdansailing.com.

Report by Bob Shuttle

Jamboree on the Trail - JOTT

On Saturday 12 th May, the Simonside area of Northumberland was invaded by a group of Gosforth Sea Scouts and 82nd Newcastle Scouts as they came to together to commemorate JOTT (Jamboree on the Trail).

Split into several small groups, the young people worked very well together and many displayed fine examples of good map reading. The weather was generally good to us with a light drizzle throughout which was more refreshing than drenching.

Unfortunately mist dampened what would have been a fantastic view from the top of Simonside, however this was a comfort for one leader who appreciated not being able to see the significant drop to the ground below. The hike was followed by a heartily deserved BBQ and those that still had the energy played a couple of wide games. The impressive JOTT badge (see picture) was distributed to all participants and since the hike lasted over 4 hours the Scouts will also be awarded their Hikes Away badge.

Many thanks to all who assisted during this activity and we look forward to planning next year’s adventure.

For further information about JOTT, see the website http://jott.org/

(A very good informative website- Nice to see two groups working together Ed)

Cate Watson - SL 82 nd Newcastle

Brian Smith - SL Gosforth Sea Scouts