From your Editor

At our AGM, your DC mentioned in her notes, her thanks to the many individuals who helped the District along in so many ways. Being one of those mentioned, I was interested to hear her make a plea for those who hadn`t contributed to Look Wide for them to do so. It is, as she said, not necessarily leaders who have to do the work- even Cubs and Beavers, could be encouraged. And I would make mention that we do even hear from Explorer scouts regularly for which I am grateful.

Not that Kath misses out with her notes- even this month, not once but three times, and I haven`t even had to remind her!!

Kath was at recent DC`s meeting and the following dates and events were mentioned;-

Saturday 23rd August, Hadrian are doing a special day including the Baden Powell Walk, is anyone interested in joining Hadrian, in what they are planning?  Please let me know. Concrete numbers will have to be in by July, more info as soon as I get it.

November 22nd  - Northumberland Moot, Move In Move Out theme, all invited.

The AGM was well attended and we welcomed the new County Commissioner , Gwyn who was making only her second appearance at a district AGM. After the formalities we all retired to the upstairs room where some of the ladies had prepared a buffet which we all enjoyed

Smile with Bill

Geordie was an atheist. He was walking through the woods, enjoying the flowers, the birds singing etc. He had been told as a youngster, that all the beauty of the world was for Christians. All of a sudden he heard a rustle in the bushes behind him and he turned to see a big Grizzly bear watching him.

Geordie ran;- and the bear followed him. Then Geordie caught his foot on a tree stump and fell. As he fell he cried out to God to save him. A big flash of lightning came and a loud voice said “Do you think it`s fair that you`ve denied me all your life, and as soon as you`re in trouble, you call for my help”.

Geordie agreed, but then as an afterthought suggested he should make the bear a Christian instead. The voice then said, “That`s a good idea” and Geordie breathed a sigh of relief. He looked round at the bear, and to his amazement saw that he had knelt down, closed his eyes, put its paws together, and said “For what I am about to receive make me truly thankful”

The only way to be sure of catching a train is to miss the one before it (G.K.Chesterton)

Two Interesting topics are to be seen in the latest edition of Scouting magazine. First there is good account of Her Majesty the Queen`s visit to BP House where she was shown around by two Scouts. She was there to unveil a bronze of herself which had been especially commissioned as part of the centenary celebrations. Her Majesty is Patron of the Scout Association and along with other members of the Royal Family takes a close interest in the activities of the movements. Those who have been to Windsor will know that the Duke of Kent is always in attendance there, and takes the salute in the Queen Scouts Parade. More recently, Prince William attended the Jamboree, and was pleased to wear a neckerchief for the occasion.

The other interesting article is one by Peter Baden-Powell, great grandson of the founder, who I had the pleasure of meeting in Alnwick. I think (with a little tongue in cheek), he recalls joining a scout troop, where he wasn`t particularly impressed. He asked the Scoutmaster for some help with one of his badges, and was told by the SM, that with his name, he shouldn`t need help. He then asked to be tested on it, and failed. As a result, he left the Scout Movement and joined the sea cadets.

There is a moral to this story somewhere!!!

News from ‘Chil’

Firstly apologies to Kingston Park for omitting them in my annual report for the AGM, they were present at the County 5 a side footy. There have been no specifically cubby events in May apart from our part in Lookwide Marra. The Marra was fab and brill to see a number of packs there camping – 47th, Central Gosforth All Saints, 82nd, 1St Dinnington or there for the day – Brunton Park . There were some good fancy dress costumes – well done 82nd for role reversals – cubs dressed up as leaders, Lewis dressed up as a Cub – frightingly convincing. Then there was a mouse, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack Sparrow (Jen Heslop) and a mysterious Arab sheik (Brain Smith). Lots of cubs earned gold silver and bronze awards for taking part in lots of challenges and some leaders did too – Helen Langley abseiled and I nervously did the zip wire, as did Frosty. Finally thanks to Central Gosforth for their lovely cooking, and there were some lovely cakes too.

Sarah Haswell

A note from the DC & Chairman

Re- Great North AGM

Thank you all for attending, and a special Thank you to those who provided food, set up and tidied away.

Your support is appreciated.

Kath and Richard

Congratulations from one of our Leaders

" What a fantastic experience the Lookwide Marra camp has been, Cubs and Scouts camped, Beavers visited and everyone has had a wonderful time. The organisation was excellent, the activities were varied, the weather was even good, but most of all the experience was awesome. A lot of hard work has been put into the planning of the camp and this shows, well done to everyone involved Thank you, Carol Preston, AGSL 92nd Newcastle"

Carol