a n RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT DISTRICT

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1 News RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT DISTRICT Views Editorial Welcome to the Easter edition of News and Views, I was having trouble in the beginning to try to find enough material to fill 12 pages, But after a plea for help Dave Howard helped me out and I managed to find a couple of interesting articles to fill in. I do appreciate the effort put in by the regular subscribers but I would like to be able to get at least 20 pages if possible for every edition. So please when we are ready for the summer edition do your best to subscribe to News and views and make it worthwhile to send it to press. Hope you are all looking forward to St. George s Day; a lot of time and effort has been made to make a good show for Rushcliffe District, so make every effort to attend and make it a bumper turnout. One or two awards are being presented on that day; Alan Hubber will receive the Silver Acorn in recognition of special distinguished service. Looking at Jock s article we see that Rushcliffe District is growing in leaps and bounds. This is I am sure by all the background work that is being done by ADCs and other leaders in the District. So keep up the good work and keep on trekking. Your Editor Ron Berrington a n d Volume 2 Number 3 Easter 2011

2 The D.C. s Spot What a year!!...rushcliffe shows growth for the third year running. So it s THANKS all round. It s taken some time to build the growth up, and now we need to capitalise on it. Don t stop growing! Ensure that your Section is topped up to as many as you can handle. Bring a Friend, ensuring a good link in advance moving between the sections, addressing waiting lists all add to the steady growth. Ensure your Sectional Leadership is strong within your group. Help anyone struggling in your group due to loss of Leaders or losing leaders. Rattle the Cage.. Get something done before it s too late. We have to be on the ball in Rushcliffe and we have the Leaders who are more than capable of making things happen. If you have a spare Leader who wants to run a Pack or Troop give me a call. You never know maybe sometimes a change is just the tonic. If you are enjoying you role then keep doing what you do best keeping this District offering great fun and activities to our Young People. I have a new group preparing to open shortly, maybe a new colony at another. The District team is not sitting still; Emma & Colin are doing a tremendous job with our RAG Assessments. I notice that are requesting those groups not yet done to contact them...please do so, it is worthwhile. The Census figures threw up some blips in membership and we will be dealing with those shortly. If every group shows just 5 more members at Census next year then I think its Party time. I will dream up a growth promotion for next year for fun. Remember your Section is only as good as its Leaders and Programme, numbers speak for themselves. The ADCs have a full programme for the coming year and will issue details well in advance. PLEASE, PLEASE remember to support them all by having just one person or more from your section at their Leaders meetings. It s where you decide what s needed!. Your voice is important. The attendance is getting much better, but still some Sections letting the side down Together we can make it happen. And now for St Georges Day Parade...let s have a great turnout, let s show the Borough how worthwhile Scouting is, let s have a great day

3 out. Uniforms smart, everyone smiling and being together to renew our promises. A big thanks to Alan & Colin for getting the day up and running, it s not been easy, and to Steve for the service and bands. Congratulation too to Alan Hubber who was awarded a Silver Acorn in the St Georges Day Awards, to Mervin our LTM & Caroline our new District Secretary who are to wed. Congratulations also to all those Leaders & Young People who trod the boards in the Nottingham Gang show. We have been busy! So Summer s on its way, please ensure you do as usual and get all your forms etc, ready for your Summer Camps, so that they are both fun & safe. Being a DC means hard work, but it is rewarding when I see both Leaders and Young People achieving. Two awards nights now for Beavers, Leaders, Cubs & now Scouts, have drawn approx 180 Young People and Adults together. Thanks to Mervin & the ADCs. There s another in November so get in your names to Mervin. I know our Explorers are achieving and hope for a Queen Scout or two this year. Scout Leaders...are you inviting the Explorers to your troop in advance of Scouts going up? It will be good to get to know who s who. As DC I m often puzzling things out, so here is something for you to think about: If it s true we are here to help others, what are the other s doing here? Can you cry underwater? How is it that we put a man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on bigger suitcases? Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are flat? Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when you throw a gun at him? Why does a round pizza come in a square box? Why is it that people say they slept like a baby when babies wake up, like, every two hours?. ENOUGH! I hear you shout. Just enjoy your Scouting, I do.! Well most of the time. Oh well, I m off! Jock DC..

4 ASCENSION And if I go While you re still here Know that I live on. Vibrating to a different Measure Behind a thin veil You cannot see through. You will not see me. So you must have faith I wait for the time when We can soar together again Both aware of each other. Until then live your faith And live to it s fullest And when you need me. Just whisper my name In your heart. I will be there.

5 From the Chair Following the earthquake In Japan it appears that we are having more and more natural disasters in the world, whether you believe that this is due to global warming or not it does mean that there are thousand s of people who are experiencing undue hardship. Have your groups every considered getting into touch with Scout groups in disaster areas to see if you can help any way e, g by sending relief parcels. I recently attended the AGM of Deep Sea Scouts, they don t actually meet at the bottom of sea!, but were formed in 1928 to enable young people serving on British Ships to participate in Scouting activities. One of their aims is to provide support to Scout groups please bear this in mind when planning any water activities. Did you know that Nottinghamshire s website is in the top ten of Scout websites, Have you looked at it lately? Don t forget St Georges Day Parade on the 17 th April I am looking forward to a good turnout and hopefully sunny skies. Happy Scouting Chris Hammond District Chairman

6 SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT West Bridgford Scout Fellowship: Held their last Annual General Meeting on February 23 rd 2011 We are now officially RUSHCLIFFE S.A.S. The only difference is the three titles. The following were elected: PRESIDENT N. Nurse CHAIRMAN G. Hasnip MANAGER (Social & Programme) Mrs. J. Baines CO_ORDINATOR (Admin) Mrs. B.L. Taylor CO_ORDINATOR (Finance) Mrs. N. Nurse Do Not Panic. We shall continue to honour our commitment to help, support and advise this district which is now much larger than when we started our in 1932 under the heading Old Boys Association, then we became the B.P. Guild in1946, the Scout Fellowship in the 1970 s and now the S.A.S We are wondering what our next title will be. So we shall still be doing what this group has done for the last 79 years, yet I must point out that contrary to popular belief we do not have any of the original members. By the time you read this we shall have great night out at the Gang Show, prayed and prepared our selves for better weather on April 17 th when we celebrate ST. George (I am the original eternal optimist), and on April 2 nd we shall meet up with our friends in the Deep Sea Scouts who will beholding their Annual General Meeting in West Bridgford. We shall be providing tea, coffee and biscuits for them as we do not want them to go home hungry from Rushcliffe District. I am sure they too will have a great visit to the Gang show. Let us hope they have good weather for the whole weekend. Well spring should have sprung by publication date so I close with the saying by Peter Gibbs on Radio 4, Gardeners Question Time. May the good weather go with you. And with me I hope, your on-going supporter. Brenda

7 DRUGS ARE FOR LOSERS We were just having fun, one of the lads said That were anxiously gathered behind the old bike shed Whilst an ambulance man struggled hard to revive Their friend who was looking more dead than alive He ll live but he'll not be his old self again For the stuff he s been taking has softened his brain Unheeding went warnings about drug abuse With luck he might manage to lace up his shoes Drugs are for losers now bear that in mind If ever you re tempted or feel inclined If you feel you're different and think you can cope That s just the first step on the slippery slope Give them elbow and stay in control That way you're not adding to someone s bankroll I m of the opinion, you won t mind if I m frank It s obvious a user is as thick as a plank Drugs are for losers, a far from cheap thrill You ll end up paying a very large bill They cost more than money in every aspect But you can t put a price on your own selfrespect. Your plans for the future you ll see go awry Whatever your hopes, you can kiss them goodbye Life is for living, yours has hardly begun Drugs are for losers, make sure you re not one.

8 1st St. Annes Sutton Bonington Scout Group The 1 st St Anne s Sutton Bonington Scout Group are about to re-start their Explorer Unit and that for the first time, possibly, ever, we will have all 4 sections providing Scouting in Sutton Bonington from age For a small village group Sutton Bonington have made excellent progress in restarting our Beaver Colony in 2010 and now re-starting Explorers in We also have the first Scout Executive Committee to work with the GSL and her leaders since at least 1990! We also now have our first girl join the group, the Scout Leaders daughter, Mollie has joined our Beaver Colony this term. Watch this space, we are just about to start our work with the Regional Development Advisor to now get more adults and children into Scouting in Sutton Bonington. Kind regards Anna Anna Toon (Mrs) GSL 1 st St Annes Sutton Bonington Scout Group

9 THE MARCH FORESTER BADGE COURSE We got together for a Forester Badge course over three Saturdays in March. There were six new course members and nine from the November course, postponed because of snow. This time the weather improved over the three weeks, the first being cold with light drizzle, the second was dry and a bit warmer, but by the third we had a warm Spring day. It was interesting to see how the plants developed over the sessions. Trees were mainly in tight bud at the start, but by week three the elder and hawthorn were showing their young leaves. There were very few violets around to start with, but by the 20th they were well in flower right through the wood. The first week was for the new members and we worked on tree identification and training in the use and care of knives, saws and axes. Several tent pegs and spoons were carved. All the course members were there for the second week when we got down to forestry work, planting and transplanting trees, cutting down dead trees and estimating how old some of the living trees are. Ben Jermy brought his Bodgers lathe and bench vice and let people have a go at turning and shaping. The final week we had a try at hedge planting and laying and having a go at some of the things we wanted to do, including log splitting. All 15 course members were presented with their badge at the end of the course. My sincere thanks to all the leaders who helped on the course, it certainly made running the course a lot easier. Next course will probably be the 8th, 15th and 22nd October (I know 22nd is the first Saturday of half term), but Bonfire night is 5th November and the Great Night Hike is the 12th and by then we are getting too late in the year. The dates will be confirmed later in the year.

10 HILL 60 Remembered I have just recently donated a sweet chestnut tree to our camp site at Gotham. I thought that perhaps members of the District would care to know the origins of this tree. About 10years ago, whilst on a trip to France and Belgium, with our friends Annette and Ralph Todd, we visited the Menen Gate and Ypres(now called Menen). We decided to visit some of the War grave sites which abound in that area. We ended our tour at Hill 60, on what I believe was known as the Ypres salient, from the road it at first appeared to be a ramshackle bar/café with a battered sign saying Hill 60 Museum. Without more ado we went in to be greeted by a group of elderly men sat about talking, smoking and drinking. As we entered the sudden silence was palpable and I m sure I didn t imagine the odd wink and smirk that passed between these elderly locals. However we were genially greeted by mine host who took our entrance money for the museum and we passed through the bar to a fairly run down old shed full of relics, most of them clearly dug up by locals together with many old and harrowing photographs. Following the exhortations of mine host to be careful, we exited the hut into the trench area which was fairly well preserved and very interesting. The area was covered with fairly mature sweet chestnut trees which had shed their fruit all around. Now having a passion for chestnuts, I bent down and put a few into my pocket (I hear and accept your cries of SHAME on YOU ) But I didn t eat them, indeed I forgot about them until we had arrived home and found them in my pocket. Being too small to eat I did the next best thing and planted them in pots, left them in the cold frame. In the Spring, to my surprise and delight, two of them had become small saplings, which I then planted on into large tubs. Time passed and they continued to grow successfully, one has since ended up in the Chzech Republik (which is another story!). I soon came to realise that a fully grown Chestnut tree would be too big for my garden and so I offered it to Dave Howard for Stonepit and he accepted. He came to fetch it whilst I was unwell and in bed with an infection, so I have yet to hear if it has taken to Stonepit Wood. It is fitting I think that a tree whose seed originated at such a site of horror (8000 souls perished there ) should end up at a Scout campsite. For those who would like to know more of Hill 60 you can go to:- http%// or typing Hill60 into your search engine will get you there. I just thought you would like to know! Look Wide! Gooders

11 Cub Scout Five Aside Football Saturday 2nd April saw Rushcliffe's Cub Scout District 5-a-side competition. We took over the three FMAP outdoor football pitches and had two hours of non-stop football games! We had 12 teams in total which meant we were able to run a Premiership, a Championship and a League 1. The winners of the 3 competitions all received medals as a memento of their football skills. The winners were = Premiership and overall winners down to a goal difference - Kinoulton, Championship winners - Keyworth and League 1 winners (which resulted in the need for a very exciting penalty shoot out) - 4th West Bridgford. Well done to all that entered and a big thank you to the referees! The next District Cub event to be planned is the day-trip to the seaside and Butlins... so get your bucket and spades at the ready. Mary ADC Cubs COPY DATE WEDNESDAY 8th JUNE 2011 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) rberrington@btinternet.com Visit us at : Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number

12 News RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT DISTRICT a n d Editorial Views Volume 2 Number 4 Summer 2011 Welcome to the Summer edition of News and Views, still only 12 pages I thought Brenda s appeal would have brought forth more response, but! Thank you Brenda for trying, perhaps autumn s edition will be better when all of the groups have been on their summer camps. Now on a brighter note, Rushcliffe District is doing well with an increase on last year s numbers, and according to an article I read more girls than boys joined the Scouts. From all accounts St. George s Day was another very successful event for Rushcliffe District. So with the District being on the up and up, enjoy your summer camps and keep on trekking. Your Editor Ron Berrington

13 The D.C. s Spot I have to say I'm feeling guilty. Due to holidays, camps, more camps, AGM's, and a very busy time planning various Sectional events both ADC's and GSL's have not met for some while. Individually ADC's have been busy, Ena and her team with camps and Aeronautical Badges, along with myself, Nic with the Beavers Express & Mary with Cubs to Butlins. Alan is warming up for his night hike and we have the Armed Forces Day coming up too. Geoff continues to drive forward Explorers. As DC, I have meetings with Mayors office, Inner Wheel, Great Central Railway, new CCs and a host of AGMS. So although Rushcliffe is once again offering exciting programmes, I feel guilt in not meeting together. So having shared my guilt over a cup of coffee with Pat I will be arranging a GSL & ADC team Get Together after the Summer Holidays.. watch this space!!. And now: A big thank you to All the Beaver Leaders who all but 3 Colonies have filled the Birthday Express. Brilliant!! A big thank you too to those Cub Leaders who have filled 2 coaches already for Butlins. Brilliant!! A big thank you to those supporting the Armed Forces Day. A big thank you to everyone in the District whether Leaders, helpers, Committee, Exec.. WE ARE DOING VERY WELL TOGETHER. Anyone opening a new section?...cropwell (who along with some Friary Scouts) slept in York Minster recently,have opened another Beaver Colony and have something else in the pipeline. 3rd WB Friary are in the process of boosting their numbers and I know we are addressing waiting lists across the Beaver Colonies. So its all go for growth!. Keep your end up as they

14 say, don't let your group slip, there's so much fun we can offer young people. Chief Scout s coming soon. You have seen the County event advertised a good day out for all. New CC's covering the County, new ACC's arriving soon...it's a refreshing time. SO,COME ON...Let's prepare for the future, GSL's step back and check, IS ALL OK?...do we need an MOT before the return after the holidays?. Are we doing enough to sign up occasional helpers? are we getting parents involved?, are we getting new blood on our committees...or are we just poddling along?...will we grow? Could we open a new section? Do we have the need for a new section? Do we need more funds in our kitty? Is it time to spend some?!... Get together with your Leaders, and discuss. Any new ideas? Be Positive and you will reap the rewards. Good Luck...Rushcliffe is moving forward!!. Have a ball, and again, THANK YOU ALL for making my role easier. Jock DC.

15 From the Chair Wow - another very successful St George s Day parade, the sun shone the event passed without incident, my thanks to all involved. As Gordon Asher, deputy Lord Lieutenant of Nottingham, commented it was a first class event and one the District should be proud of, I agree. Scouting in the UK has grown for the sixth year, with our District playing its part in the rise in numbers. Interestingly 4,342 girls joined the Scouts last year! Good luck to our seven Scouters representing the District at the 22 nd World Jamboree in Sweden I am sure that a good time will had by all and look forward to hearing about their experience. A saying: Whoever said Where there s smoke there s fire was in all likelihood never a Scoutmaster Chris Hammond District Chairman

16 SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT Hello, Is there anyone out there? Apart from the D.C. the Chairman, the Editor and the Stonepit Team, news of groups and their activities are virtually non-existent, apart from news of the 9 th WB. Who sent in news from time to time to cheer us up? There must be a badge in either the Scout or Cub Handbook for Journalism, Correspondent or Writer. Yes we are all interested in your activities and what is happening in our District, this is the way new ideas are spread, so get the young ones putting pen to paper, ing or whatever. I know our hard working Editors would be pleased. As for us, we welcomed the Deep Sea Scouts to West Bridgford where they held their AGM in April, they visited the Gang Show which they really enjoyed, enjoyed the light refreshments we supplied, and renewed friendships made long ago. Of course we were there for St. George on a day of sun and warmth. One Scouts Dad said to me, You must not only be proud of the young ones, you must be proud of yourselves for giving them the chance to learn life-necessary skills, happiness and the satisfaction of helping others. Someone said WHY NOT, this makes for an interesting life, so a bright idea may not work out, just DO IT. Brenda

17 1 st RADCLIFFE S SCOUT CAMP Thought you might like to know about 1st Radcliffe's Scout camp last week at Beaudesert Campsite. It was a lovely spot, on the edge of Cannock Chase - really well run campsite with excellent facilities. The Scouts did all the usual 'camp' things and planned, shopped for and produced some great meals, all cooked on wood, which culminated in a 'Masterchef' style competition. The Leaders were astounded at the level of culinary excellence! As it was school holidays, the campsite had provided some extra activities and we enjoyed archery and crazy golf tournaments and a very exciting pedal go-kart grand prix. Competitive spirit was high, especially in the latter with highly organised pit stops and Leaders fulfilling dreams of being formula one Ferrari drivers! The Scouts also enjoyed a film and disco arranged by the campsite. After a damp start the weather was good and we also enjoyed a farm tour and some walking in lovely countryside. Evenings were spent playing wide games and dodging midges! A great week was had by all and by the end we all felt we knew each other better - a positive thing to take forward in the Troop and surely what going on camp is all about. And the tents came down dry - hooray! Kate Ward (GSL Radcliffe on Trent)

18 WHATS BEEN UP SINCE LAST TIME? It doesn t seem long since our editor was chasing us for the last edition of News and Views, so what have I been doing between then and now? St. George s Day parade on the 17 th April and the weather was fine and sunny. Had an invite to attend as a Vice-President, but had to refuse as I was in my role as a member of Scout Active Support, helping get ready at Forest Ground, showing people to their seats and then, with the help of Gotham Explorers, setting up the saluting base. I was particularly pleased to meet Gordon Asher, former County Commissioner, who I hadn t seen for a number of years. Considering it was the start of the school Easter Holiday the turnout was reasonable, let s try to make it even bigger next year. The next event, on 15 th May was a walk round Stonepit Wood for the South Notts Wildlife Trust. Light drizzle at the site in the morning, but apparently fairly heavy rain elsewhere, which may have put people off there were only five. The afternoon was fine and dry and we spent about 2 hours walking round the site looking at (and trying to identify) flowers, trees, fungi and insects. The next weekend was the District Scout Camp at Hollygate. The weather was warm and dry on the Friday and Saturday, a heavy downpour about 3 am Sunday was followed by canvasdamping showers during the morning, but clearing enough to get the tents down dry in the afternoon. We managed to successfully try out the new 4m x 8m party tent (available for hire). The Scouts went out on cycle rides on Saturday and most of them exceeded how far they thought they could ride. Meanwhile I had the difficult job of staying on site to keep an eye on things

19 while sitting in the sun, reading my book and doing a quick check of the inside of my eyelids. Saturday evening saw the traditional campfire, several of the Scouts lead various items, special praise to the Scout who lead The Button Factory, I feel sure he will be leading campfires in the future. On Sunday it was time for activities, Archery, Assault Course and Bicycle Obstacle Course before packing up and going home at 4 o clock. Ena s thought for Sunday was SAY THANK YOU. So thank you to the Scouts for taking part. Thank you to all the leaders for their hard work, organising their groups, helping run activities and feeding Ena, Dickie and me. Thank you to Ena for running the event and Dickie for wardening the site and keeping us supplied with tea and coffee. Keep up the good work; I know there are several camps coming up. May your canvas be dry when you strike camp. Hollygate and Stonepit are waiting to be used. Come along and put the OUT in Scouting. Dave.

20 EMERGENCY. WHAT DO I DO? The article below recently appeared in the Notts-Scouts Communication May It was circulated by County Office to everyone with an address in the County so some of you may not have received it. Any Group not having sufficient copies of the Purple Card please contact Merv Squires stating number of cards required on m.squires3@ntlworld.com or phone The Purple Card has a space to insert Contact Details:.. Please insert Jock s (DC) phone numbers in this space. MIR & In Touch We have discontinued the County Major Incident Response system (MIR) that has been used in the County for many years. The main reason for this is that the In Touch system, which has replaced home contacts procedure, includes details of who to contact in an emergency. This is not in line with our MIR. To avoid any confusion we have discontinued the MIR. If you do have an emergency follow the In Touch purple card procedure. The County Team will continue to support DCs in the event of a major incident.

21 1 st CROPWELL BISHSOP SCOUTS SLEEP OVER About 12 weeks ago our troop wrote to the Dean of York Minster to ask if we could sleep over night in the Minster and he said yes so last weekend the 28th to the 30th May we had a trip to York. We went by train from Newark Northgate to York on the Saturday and walked to the International Youth Hostel in York. Saturday afternoon was spent investigating York City center and watching and participating with the street artists, then back to the Youth Hostel for dinner. After breakfast on the Sunday the troop walked with their full packs to the Minster and spent time walking the walls and doing brass rubbing's, with a visit to York art gallery in the afternoon to see the latest David Hockney painting and other exhibits. A small group of friends from the Friary Scout Troop then joined us for the sleep over. The troop then took part in evensong in the Minster followed by a super fish and chip supper at Drakes Restaurant, the troop returned to the Minster and sorted their sleeping arrangements in the Knave and the Chapter House, before bedding down for the night the Minster Police took us all for a tour of the crypt and then when all were safely settled in the leaders were taken up to the roof of the Minster for a tour of the gallery's still wearing their pyjamas and we could still hear Jock Shaw snoring from right up in the roof. On the Monday morning the troop then took all the gear to the National Railway museum and went on a general tour especially as the Flying Scotsman was being piped in, we caught the train back to Newark and was noticeable that by this time there were a few tired people see photo. Just to say that the Minster Police were absolutely brilliant and made the whole experience most enjoyable. Steve Heffernan Scout Leader, Mick Beazley Assistant Scout leader, Richard O'Hara section leader

22 SCOUTS AERONAUTICS BADGE On the evening of Friday 27th May the first practical session of the Scouts aeronautics badge took place. The venue was the Darlton Gliding Club near Tuxford in North Nottinghamshire and it was organised by Emma Shepherd (DSL). We received a very warm welcome from all concerned, and after a very comprehensive training session in the clubhouse, while the parents were polishing their gliding skills in the air, we got face-to-face with the gliders in the hanger! Then... out to the airfield. As the clouds cleared and the wind dropped, the Scouts took to the air! "Have you ever used a parachute before?" was a mildly concerning question from the instructors, but without hesitation, it was "Stand clear!" and off they went. The sun began to set, the temperature cooled and so the kettle was fired up and the chocolate was sold! On landing, the Scouts ran over to us with cries of, "That was brilliant" and, "Can we have another go please?" Some did take the opportunity to stay on and have a second flight. The rest of us returned to the clubhouse to express our thanks and receive our certificates and badges. A brilliant evening spent in super company and what an opportunity for both scouts, parents and the Gliding Club. This series of Gliding experiences is now fully booked, but please contact Emma Shepherd or Colin Howard to express an interest in future sessions. Colin Howard District Scout Leader

23 Wood Fires Beechwood fires are bright and clear, If the logs are kept a year. Chestnuts only good they say, If for long is stored away. Birch and fir logs burn too fast, Blaze up bright and do not last. It is by the Irish said, Hawthorne makes the sweetest bread. Elmwood burns like churchyard mould, E en the very flames are cold. Popular gives a bitter smoke, Fills your eyes and makes you choke. Applewood will scent your room, With an incense like perfume. Oak and maple if dry and old, Keep away the winter cold. But ASHWOOD wet or ASHWOOD dry, A King shall warm his slippers by. COPY DATE WEDNESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER 2011 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) rberrington@btinternet.com Visit us at : Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number

24 RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT DISTRICT News Views a n Editorial d Volume 3 Number 1 Autumn 2011 Welcome to the Autumn edition of News and Views and the start of a New Scout Year. It seems that regardless of the inclement weather we have had this summer, the groups in the District have soldiered on, and I have received some good reports of their activities. The numbers in the District are increasing and 1 st Meadow Covert has opened a new Sea Scout Troop. Everything in the District is on the up and up, enjoy your Autumn/Winter activities, and keep on trekking. Your Editor Ron Berrington

25 The D.C. s Spot That s the way to do it Hospital for one Scout in Kanderstag phone calls made, parents informed, Gilwell informed, DC aware, paperwork complete. Then, 200 Cubs running late EVERY LEADER phoned either their home contact or parents and we returned with not one complaint! What more can you ask for?...excellent Leadership in both cases!!...brilliant! Please remember, it could happen to you!!!...are you fully prepared? Have you the correct numbers to ring?, Purple Card?, home contact or parents/carers numbers when going to Camp or day tripping?. Always BE PREPARED!!. Good to see Cubs enjoying themselves having a fun day out at Butlins. Good one Mary! Getting 200 of us through Sheila s Café in an hour with Sausage, chips and beans all round and Leaders tucking into Fish, chips & peas was a sight to be seen!! Sticks of Rock all round and only 1 reached for the plastic bag on the way home, not on my coach though. We are all back now after the summer holidays with new recruits, and others moving up through the Section. I do hope our Programmes are exciting over the next term. Are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Are we still clearing our waiting lists? Let me know if you are having trouble placing young people or if you have spaces, we can try and accommodate. Leadership. Are you seeking new Leaders to join you? You are? Good, if someone should move on, do you have anyone to cover or take their place? It s so important to ask, to get parents involved and to continue to seek new Leaders. Explorers are at Farndon this weekend as I write, I m sure they will have a good time! Talking of water. I had a lady whose son has recently joined Sea Cadets contact me. When offering her help

26 at Sea Scouts her sons told her in no uncertain terms they didn t want Mum helping at Sea Cadets. Knowing that Lady Bay had just had a leader give notice of finishing Christmas due to work commitments, within 24hrs of me ringing, Elaine Clarke GSL had made contact and got her replacement. Meadow Covert (suffering Leadership at Cub Section) same thing, GSL Nick Raines makes contact and has new helper within 24 hours. At Friary, GSL & Anne Bremner of the Friary drop in centre find new ASL. So give it a try!! Just ask there are people out there wanting to volunteer! Lesson to be learnt is to make contact and sort quickly, doesn t keep anyone waiting. County Camp next year at Southwell Race Course. I have asked Alan Hubber and his Activities team to co-ordinate on behalf of our District. Already I know of 6 groups supporting this event through a questionnaire to GSLs I put out recently. (still more to reply of course).we are asked to camp as a District Sub camp, so I know Alan and his team will come up with some in house entertainment like Colin & Emma s talent show last District Camp. I m sure we at Rushcliffe are in for some fun. And don t forget Beavers can camp overnight too!!...alan will give you all details as soon as the team are ready. I m booking my place! Jamboree: They had a good time! they had rain, but didn t care, they had the honour of lifting the Jamboree flags at 7am, they all got back safely. Their contingent Leader tells me the Rushcliffe lot were a joy. They were reliable, helpful, and mature members of the team. We will await their presentations later when they have done the County needs. So to sum up our Summer from the DC Spot:

27 New Leaders found, Safe Camping with correct action taken, fun on the water, fun at the seaside, new Sea Scout troop opened, new group opening (see next DC newsletter), old Cub Pack re-opening, Explorer Unit opened with new Explorer unit on the cards. GSL/ADC meeting in October, Sectional Leaders meetings in full swing. 250 Beavers on a train, 200 Cubs to seaside, Scouts gliding and sailing, Explorers on the water too, and I m at a Frog Race this weekend, haven t done that for years! Quiet Summer?... not in Rushcliffe!! Enjoy your Scouting Jock

28 From the Chair Welcome to another term, as they say, following the summer break when the Beavers visited Ruddington Country Park and the Cubs went to Butlins. The 22 nd World Jamboree ended just how it began with a downpour of rain and outpouring of joy and friendship I am looking forward to hearing how our Scouts got on and seeing their presentations in the near future. For those older Scouts, Leaders and Parents can you remember when you were a child looking forward to Christmas and opening the present that contained the Annual of your favourite comic, magazine e.g. Beano Eagle Jackie New Musical express etc. Great news the Scouting Adventure Annual is back and can be ordered now from Scout Shops. Over the next three weeks Scouts are being given the opportunity to meet 40 MPs to talk about a number of issues including perceptions of young people. Hopefully the MPs will be proactive rather than just nodding and agreeing! We will wait and see. Chris Hammond District Chairman

29 SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT We have as usual been busy since the last edition was published. Helping out at various groups, with various sections. The Stonepit two have been busy at Stonepit, we have attended various groups AGM s and have enjoyed every one of these activities. Forces day at Bridgford Park saw 5 of us serving tea and coffee from 11.30am two members eventually leaving at 9.30 a day of fun, friendship, nice weather and even catching up with some of our old scouts and cubs. These take a bit of recognising too. 4 members attended the Fellowship Friendship camp near Louth catching up with news from various areas. Then 3 of us were to be found at Ruddington with the District Beavers and enjoying a train ride with them, those that I saw were well-behaved, well done leaders. August saw 16 of us enjoying a step back in time, having a meal on steam train which ran from Loughborough to Leicester North and back again. The meal was excellent, an inspection of the cramped area called the kitchen, and the main ingredients of the day were fun, food and noise. Having enjoyed some lovely and not so lovely weather this summer, hasn t really made us feel like settling down to autumn, indoor activities and dark nights, but as we tell the children All good things come to an end. Well that s another half truth we tell them along with Santa, Rudolph etc. etc. etc. Scouting, fun and friendship and love do go on I m pleased to say and may it continue to bring joy and happiness to us all whatever our age. From: All the members S.A.S. who like Peter Pan Never Grow up and do believe in Santa. Brenda

30 THE RUGGED CROSS The Baptist Church on the corner of Musters Road and Melton Road in West Bridgford has been rejuvenated over the last few months. Earlier in the year Trevor Turney, a member of the Church and Scout Active Support, being very involved with the refurbishment was asked to make a cross approximately 9ft high from natural materials. With the help of the Stonepit Campsite team a suitable sycamore tree was found. Trevor then set to work to take the bark off, assemble it. He finished it off with a decorative square lashing round the cross arm and upright. The Campsite team asked if a plaque could be made dedicating the Cross to the memory of members of the 5th West Bridgford (Baptist) Scout Group this was done and the plaque is mounted on the organ casing near the cross. On 3 rd September Members of the Scout Active support unit joined members of the congregation and other guests for a tour of the Church, tea and cakes and an act of worship to celebrate the completion of the work. We were very impressed with the transformation. All the pews have been removed and replaced by chairs with light wood frames and purple upholstery. The large cast iron radiators have gone replaced by under-floor heating and the walls are now decorated in cream and purple very effective. We wish that the members of the Church, and all who worship with them, peace, joy and inspiration as they look at the rugged cross and contemplate in the peaceful surroundings. Dave H

31 The Oaks Campsite In the first week of the summer holidays, 9th West Bridgford Scout troop descended on The Oaks Campsite, Leicestershire for a week of fun and activity based round a Scandinavian theme. Tent Groups were Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark and we enjoyed many adventurous activities, as well as Scandinavian crafts, cooking and a Finnish wife carrying championship. Thank You to Karen, Rebecca, Arun, Heidi, Anthony & Michael for all your help. These are the Scout s reports :-... At Climbing and abseiling we had a couple of goes climbing up the wall and then we abseiled down a different wall. Some people scaled it very fast and some people were very slow and found it harder than others Seb Channell... One of our activities was grass sledging. We started by climbing up a huge hill with the boards, then as one Scout pushed another off downhill in the sledge, we zoomed down. This proved to be great fun and I really enjoyed myself. Brilliant camp!! Varun Lobo... One of the activities was to do the chef badge, so all of us that went on camp did some cooking. We all made jam, gingerbread house and some lovely cake. Our group made vegetable chilli,

32 which was very yummy. All the food we had on camp was very nice and it was all cooked properly. Some people enjoyed it that much that they went up for second platefuls. Once we were all finished most plates were empty. When everybody was finished, groups took it in turns to wash up. Jessica Newbold... On summer camp we did an obstacle course carrying a very heavy wife around. It was easy so I didn t struggle at all, but I did not win. We made the wives at home before camp. It took me about 25 minutes to make it. Jack Carter... Rifle shooting at summer camp was great fun. We shot at targets to compete for a high score. Then we aimed at cans to try and get 2p sweets. Finally we shot balloons for a bit of fun. All in all, rifle shooting was a brilliant activity that I really enjoyed. Edward Heywood... The assault course was amazing. There were many obstacles, some easy, some hard. Lots of them involved climbing up and over things or going through tunnels Alastair Tough

33 At archery we had 6 shots at the target, then another 6 shots, after that we had a competition with 3 shots. It was very enjoyable. Daniel Vipond... At the Black Hole you had to find troll parts in a dark maze and bring them to the exit. Sean Burrows... Capture the flag was very fun. It was like bulldogs but with tags and 2 flags. When you got tagged you had to go back to your flag and get a new tag. It was lots of fun. James Macarthur... The mountain Boards are very fun as we found out on summer camp. On board the mountain boards you have to lean forward and backward to turn, and it s on a hill so that helps you go really fast. Lots of people fall off but it doesn t hurt because you wear safety equipment. Alastair Tough

34 NEW SEA SCOUT TROOP I'm a Leader at 1st Meadow Covert Scout Group in Edwalton. Something to add to the newsletter... we have just opened a new Sea Scout Troop. Nick and Maria, who run the Monday night Troop gained so many numbers by the end of last term, that we decided to open another Troop as we were running out of spaces for Cubs moving up. Matt and myself, who helped with the Monday night have taken this new Troop on. It was Matt's idea to run this as a Sea Scout Troop to open up something different in Rushcliffe District. We have spaces left and wonder if other Groups would want to let there waiting lists know about the Troop. We have a website up and running Jen S.A.S. All enjoyed our usual barbeque at 120 Melton Road, Stanton on the Wolds on Saturday 10 September with sunny weather. The barbeque has been held at Stanton from 1999 and only one time have we had to move indoors because of rain, and then just for the last hour or so. We now look forward to our winter programme with speakers on Wednesday 26 October and Wednesday 30 November with our Christmas Social on Wednesday 14 December. Do please come and join us. Janet, SASU Manager

35 9 th West Bridgford (Holy Spirit) Cub Scout Pack: Spotlight on Water The Pack learned about water and sanitation through song and then performed a concert. They also kept a Water Diary at home to see how much water they used. They had decided on a small charge for each use of water, depending on the amounts used. The amounts collected for the two activities were then sent to Water Aid who help to provide access to clean water and improve sanitation. Altogether we raised Akela We did a concert last week on Monday. Lots of parents came to see us all sing. We all sang songs about water and it was fun. When we finished singing we all got a drink and a cake. Before we did the concert we were practising the sings that we sang in the concert and learning about water. We sang songs like Turn on the tap and Save our water. I really enjoyed the concert. Michael We had a concert last week, which was all about water. We had to donate money to water and by using water, 10p for a bath, 5p for a shower. Over a period of a week each Cub kept a water diary. The songs we did at the concert were Living and learning, H 2 O, I walk to the stream. Conrad We did a concert where we sang songs about saving water to help poor people. After that we had some cakes where we had to pay for them and the money went to Water Aid. At home we had to put money into a jar for how much water we used. Then, we watched a video where we learned that people had to travel far to get water (water that wasn t clean). We really enjoyed helping Water Aid and we hope that the poor will soon have clean water. Altogether we raised My favourite song was Sun up in the morning. It was about getting through the day. Dylan

36 We had a water chart. We wrote how much water we used. Every time we used it we wrote it down. The more water we used the more we paid. We got altogether Water Aid helps by providing water for people in the poor countries. We practised songs to do with water for a concert. We donate the concert money to Water Aid. The songs were Turn on the tap, Save our water, Sun up in the morning, and many more. I enjoyed the songs. My favourite song is Turn on the tap. I enjoyed it. Vincenzo I

37 SURVIVED AT STONEPIT! The Weekend of 24 th to 26 th June was the survival camp at Stonepit. Matthew and Luke from Ashlea Scouts, with Sarah as Leader, took on service work as part of their D of E award and arrived on the Thursday to help get ready. We had warm sunny weather on both Thursday and Friday, but then it started to rain as the Scouts arrived about 6.00 p.m. Fortunately the rain was not too heavy and things soon got moving. During the night there was a squall with a burst of heavy rain and a strong wind, Ashlea s gazebo makes quite a good kite, sailing right across the field, luckily none of the other tents were damaged, but one or two let some water in. The rest of the weekend was fine and dry. The Scouts were kept busy plucking chickens and pigeons, skinning rabbits, honing their navigation skills and building bivvies as well as cooking on open fires. Good fun and a great learning experience for all. Matt, Luke and Sarah stayed over to the Monday to finish clearing up it was very helpful having their assistance over the weekend. - By the way it was the first time for many years I had actually camped at the site. The following weekend July March and I returned the help by going to camp with Ashlea at Hollygate - another good weekend. A thunderstorm and heavy rain meant that, after several frantic phone calls, the 4 th West Bridgford s AGM at Stonepit went ahead in early July and, as the warden forecast, the evening turned out dry and warm, as usual there was a very good turnout of parents and supporters. An excellent campfire was led by the older Scouts and Young leaders, followed by hot dogs for all. People were enjoying themselves so much I threatened to lock the gates at hrs. and not let any cars out till the following Thursday. Eventually they all left. Why not hold your AGM at Stonepit or Hollygate next year?

38 The rest of the summer at Stonepit has been busy, a Brownie Revels and 5 sessions for 6-9 year olds from the Greenfields Community School in the Meadows were a few of the many visitors. I already have some bookings for Wild life seems to have been more in evidence this year, Toads, Grasshoppers, Gatekeeper Butterflies, Bumble Bee and Wasps nests have all been noticed for the first time. More Brown Argus Butterflies than last year were seen, although there seem to have been fewer Dragonflies. Hares were also much in evidence, but fewer rabbits. Most of the usual inhabitants were spotted during the year. i.e. Brimstone, Orange Tip, Comma, Peacock Speckled Wood, Green Veined White Butterflies, St. Marks Flies and Ladybirds and many other insects, spiders and assorted plants. I was pleased to find a small patch of wild strawberries, which I had not seen for many years. What a wealth of nature we have on site! I seem to make a new discovery every time I go. I am looking forward to seeing you at the Forester Badge Course and Night Hike and hoping to survive both. Keep going OUT! - The sites are there for you. Dave H

39 Church Cross The West Bridgford Baptist Church has had a major renovation all the pews taken out under floor heated installed and decorated through out. Our minister, Rev. Chris Ellis, ask me if I would make a new cross for the front of the sanctuary He asked for it to be nine foot high but not made from plane timber some thing a bit more rustic, ok I said. This is where I called on David Howard and Nigel (TIG) Nurse, both very involved in looking after Stone Pit camp site with lots of trees, we selected a sycamore, my camper van was used to transport it home where I removed all the bark then down to Church and erected it looks great, light timber against a purple wall. A brass plaque is mounted which says. Trevor Turney SASU The cross is made from a sycamore tree donated by Rushcliffe District Scouts In memory of members of the 5th West Bridgford (Baptist) Scout Group

40 Gilwell We paid our usual visit to Gilwell this year from Friday 2 nd September to Sunday 4 th September and met up with Deep Sea Scouting friends always a pleasure when we have a really good time, lots of talking, eating etc. Peter and Maureen Foot were there (some of you knew Peter as a Scout Fellowship Member when he lived in West Bridgford). There was the usual barbeque on the Saturday evening, then some of us attended a talk about BP during the lst. World War by the Scouting historian Colin Walker. Colin is an excellent speaker, full of historical BP details. The weekend finished with the usual Scouts Own Service which is normally held outdoors but with the inclement weather about to descend upon Gilwell it was decided to hold it in The Lid, a huge indoor hangar type building. The service was taken by a mix of young and older Scouting members. Whilst back in The White House for a cuppa before we departed on our journeys home, we talked with Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner and then an American, Gerry Mak from the 1 st /2 nd Horley Group. Gerry happened to mention that he had a friend who lived in West Bridgford, Dr Karim Meru. We have met Dr Karim who attended one of our SASU meetings in 2009 a small world indeed but not unusual when we know that Scouting is worldwide. Janet and Charles All enjoyed our usual barbeque at 120 Melton Road, Stanton on the Wolds on Saturday 10 September with sunny weather. The barbeque has been held at Stanton from 1999 and only one time have we had to move indoors because of rain, and then just for the last hour or so. We now look forward to our winter programme with speakers on Wednesday 26 October and Wednesday 30 November with our Christmas Social on Wednesday 14 December. Do please come and join us Janet, SASU Manager

41 ADULT LEADER TRAINING For the information of all Leaders who are in the process of completing their WoodBadge Training. Training Advisers have now been allocated to Groups in the District as per the below list. Please use these Training Advisers as your first port of call but if you have any difficulties contact Merv Squires. GROUP TRAINING ADVISER 1 st Bingham Merve Squires 1 st Cotgrave Chris Keast 2 nd Cotgrave Sarah Withers 2 nd East Leake Anna Toon 1 st Cropwell Bishop Becky Shaw 1 st Gotham Anna Toon 1 st Keyworth Paul Stanley 1 st Kinoulton Ena Scott 1 st Lady Bay Mel Widdowson 1 st Langar Chris Keast 1 st Meadow Covert Clare Deeming 1 st Radcliffe on Trent Steve Day 1 st Ruddington Sarah Withers 1 st Shelford and East Bridgford Ian Noble 1 st Sutton Bonnington Paul Stanley 1 st Tollerton Ena Scott 1 st /2 nd West Bridgford Merv Squires 3 rd West Bridgford Pat Shepherd 4 th West Bridgford Pauline Olivant 9 th West Bridgford Alan Hubber Explorer Scouts Geoff Briggs

42 Child s Love A weary mother returned from the store, Lugging groceries through the kitchen door. Awaiting her arrival was her 8-year-old son, Anxious to relate what his younger brother had done. "While I was out playing and Dad was on a call, T.J. took his crayons and wrote on the wall! It's on the new paper you just hung in the den. I told him you'd be mad at having to do it again." She let out a moan and furrowed her brow, "Where is your little brother right now?" She emptied her arms and with a purposeful stride, She marched to his closet where he had gone to hide. She called his full name as she entered his room. He trembled with fear - he knew that meant doom! For the next ten minutes, she ranted and raved About the expensive wallpaper and how she had saved. Lamenting all the work it would take to repair, She condemned his actions and total lack of care. The more she scolded, the madder she got, Then stomped from his room, totally distraught! She headed for the den to confirm her fears. When she saw the wall, her eyes flooded with tears. The message she read pierced her soul with a dart. It said, "I love Mommy," surrounded by a heart. Well, the wallpaper remained, just as she found it, With an empty picture frame hung to surround it. A reminder to her, and indeed to all, Take time to read the handwriting on the wall.

43 Thanks Caroline and Merv wish to thank everyone in the District for the cards and messages received on the occasion of their marriage. Special thanks to Jock Strap and the Committee for issuing the District Wedding Permit. We trust our short Honeymoon did not interfere with the running of the District. Many thanks. Caroline and Merv COPY DATE WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER 2011 Your Editorial Team was : Ron Berrington and Sam Tebbutt (0115) rberrington@btinternet.com Visit us at : Rushcliffe Scout Council Registered as a Charity, Number

44 RUSHCLIFFE SCOUT News DISTRICT a n Views d Volume 3 Number 2 Christmas 2011 Editorial A warm welcome to the Christmas edition of News and Views. Looking back to the achievements of the Rushcliffe District in the past years. A lot has been achieved since the formation of the District, the census numbers have increased, new groups and new sections have been formed. The latest one being the 11 th West Bridgford (Sameed) Group. We welcome them aboard and may you have many happy years in scouting. The time now is to look forward to a new year in Rushcliffe and to improve on our achievements. May I wish all of you a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. Keep up the good work and keep on trekking. Your Editor Ron Berrington

45 The D.C. s Spot DC CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Another year almost gone. It s time for us all to take a well-deserved festive break with our families. As a District we have once again provided an exciting year for our young people. With census coming up I m pretty sure we will see us growing again. Our new group will open January 9 th.that s the 11 th West Bridgford (Tahweed) and open group, part of a Muslim project in Nottinghamshire. Bobbers Mill in the City opened a similar group a couple of months ago. Earlier in the year I asked GSL s if it was possible to add just 5 new members to their groups over a year. Some have achieved that. Some have waiting lists to accommodate, some opening or re-opening new sections, some just full. Either way, our Leadership team deserve due thanks for their efforts in keeping Rushcliffe moving in the right direction. The Mayor commented on the achievement of the young people at the recent awards ceremony, and the West Bridgford Explorer Unit again attending the War Memorial. So what? You may ask. 30 odd Explorers who turned up smartly in uniform, for just a half hour service, deserve a special mention. It is these teenagers who will one day become Leaders and perpetuate the Act of Remembrance for today s younger generation. Like so many Sections attending their own services, who Remembered those who gave up their lives, shows that Scouting has values. I m proud to be in Scouting. So with Christmas upon us, may I as your DC, Thank EVERYONE for making Scouting in Rushcliffe the fun and enjoyment it is. For achievement of young people and for the patience, time and effort given by all May I wish you and your families A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

46 From the Chair At this time of year it is customary to reflect on some of the highlights from the past year, 25 years of Beavers, an excellent and well organized World Jamboree, our own an successful St Georges Day Parade, many camps and trips organized by the District and by your own Scout troops the list goes on. New Troops start, others fall by the wayside, Leaders come and go, nothing new here. Certainly from my point of view I am fortunate that most of the issues occurring in the District seem to be resolved without my involvement which is a credit to all involved. Executive meetings seem to getting shorter! On behalf of the District I would like to wish all those involved in Scouting in the District a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, not forgetting that whilst, at this time of year we are involved with the hype and excitement of Christmas, there are many who are less fortunate than ourselves. Chris Hammond District Chairman

47 SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT We have as usual been busy since the last edition was published. Helping out at various groups, with various sections. The stonepit two have been busy at Stonepit, we have attended various groups AGM s and have enjoyed every one of these activities. Forces Day at Bridgford Park saw 5 of us serving tea and coffee from 11.30am two members eventually leaving at 9.30pm, a day of fun, friendship, nice weather and even catching up with some of our old scouts and cubs. These take a bit of recognising too. 4 members attended the Fellowship Friendship camp near Louth catching up with news from various areas. Then 3 of us were to be found at Ruddington with the District Beavers and enjoying a train ride with them, those that I saw were well-behaved, welldone leaders. August saw 16 of us enjoying a step back in time, having a meal on steam train which ran from Loughborough to Leicester North and back again. The meal was excellent, an inspection of the cramped area called the kitchen, and the main ingredients of the day were fun, food and noise. Having enjoyed some lovely and not so lovely weather this summer, hasn t really made us feel like settling down to autumn, indoor activities and dark nights, but as we tell the children All good things come to an end. Well that s another half truth we tell them along with Santa, Rudolph etc. etc. etc. Scouting, fun and friendship and love do go on I m pleased to say and may it continue to bring joy and happiness to us all whatever our age. From: All the members S.A.S. who like Peter Pan Never Grow up and do believe in Santa. Brenda

48 SCOUT ADULT TRAINING The County Training Team are providing a series of Amalgamated Training around the County. The courses will cover modules 5 to 19 (excluding modules 10,16 and 18) in one or two sessions. These courses are primarily aimed at those leaders who have completed 3 years service in a leader role and not yet completed their Wood Badge Training. The courses planned for Rushcliffe District will be held at Tollerton Scout HQ on 10 th March 2012 (Modules 5 9) and 16 th September 2012 (Modules 11 19, excluding 16 and 18). Together with our District Training Advisers I have planned to bring all leaders unto date with their training by March DON T PANIC THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL HAVE TO ATTEND A COURSE. Simply contact your training adviser and have the knowledge you already possess VALIDATED, it s painless I assure you. If you have any problems with regard to your training please contact your Training Adviser or me. Merv Local Training Manager.

49 District Night Hike This year s event was again blessed with dry weather and glorious near full moon, so no need for torches most of the time although someone didn t tell the Scouts! Saturday 22 nd October saw a total of 20 teams from 11 different groups meet at Hollygate to walk a choice of two routes with almost everyone staying over at Hollygate until Sunday morning. My thanks to the twenty plus leaders who helped staff the various bases for up to seven hours! A few teams got mislaid, some sorted themselves out and some we found and put on the right route. We counted them all out and counted the same number back in at the finish outside Cropwell Bishop before a short bus journey back to Hollygate. Alan Hubber RUSHCLIFFE DISTRICT SCOUTS Registered Charity No

50 ADULT LEADER TRAINING For the information of all Leaders who are in the process of completing their Wood Badge Training. Training Advisers have now been allocated to Groups in the District as per the below list. Please use these Training Advisers as your first port of call but if you have any difficulties contact Merv Squires. GROUP TRAINING ADVISER DATE OF REVIEW 1 st Bingham Francis Meylan (1.2.11) 1 st Cotgrave Chris Keast (6.5.12) 2 nd Cotgrave Sarah Withers ( ) 2 nd East Leake Anna Toon ( ) 1 st Cropwell Bishop Merv Squires (1.2.12) 1 st Gotham Anna Toon ( ) 1 st Keyworth Paul Stanley (1.2.13) 1 st Kinoulton Ena Scott ( ) 1 st Lady Bay Mel Widdowson (1.2.13) 1 st Langar Chris Keast (6.5.12) 1 st Meadow Covert Clare Deeming ( ) 1 st Radcliffe on Trent Steve Day (1.2.13) 1 st Ruddington Sarah Withers ( ) 1 st Shelford and East Bridgford Ian Noble ( ) 1 st Sutton Bonnington Paul Stanley (1.2.13) 1 st Tollerton Ena Scott ( ) 1 st /2 nd West Bridgford Merv Squires (1.2.12) 3 rd West Bridgford Pat Shepherd (2.4.12) 4 th West Bridgford Pauline Olivant ( ) 9 th West Bridgford Alan Hubber ( ) Explorer Scouts Geoff Briggs ( ) District Pat Shepherd (2.4.12)

51 NOTES FROM STONEPIT After a quiet August things picked up again in September. We had 2 camps in September and another 2 in October; a number of groups (not all Scouts) used the site in the evening or during the day. October saw another Forester Badge course with 14 Scouts learning about tree identification, use of forestry tools, managing woodland and hedges, woodcraft and hedge-laying. Ben Jermy set up his bodger s lathe and other woodcraft tools and the Scouts were able to have a go at wood-turning, most managed to make a spoon. Following on from an idea picked up earlier in the year and an article in Scouting magazine we made some char-cloth and charcoal. We found pure cotton cloth (old tea towels and cotton denim) worked well, but cloth with a synthetic content fell to pieces. For the charcoal Ash, Sycamore and Willow twigs were tried with variable results. It was still too dry for hedge and tree planting, although we managed to plant a few pot grown trees and some hawthorn left over from last winter. The final practical session was hedge-laying and a good length of hedge was laid. My thanks to all the leaders who helped on the course, without their support the course could not be run. The team may be running another course towards the end of 2012 keep a look out for details. Wild life continues to thrive and since the last News and Views Harlequin Ladybirds, both lava and adults have been found and reported to the Harlequin Ladybird Survey. Other Ladybirds

52 were still very much in evidence, notably the Seven Spot. In the middle of November there was a Red Admiral flying in the wood. I paid a visit to the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Entomological Society forum at Brackenhurst in November and had an interesting couple of hours discussing insects seen at Stonepit and getting some of the more difficult species identified. Several of the exhibitors said they would like to explore the site, so we may have some visitors next Spring and Summer. All in all it has been a particularly busy year right from the beginning of March through to the end of December. Please come and visit us in 2012 for just part of a day or several nights camping and don t forget the campsite team are there to help. For bookings or assistance please get in touch with me on (0115) or by david.howard100@virgin.net A Happy Outdoor New Year to you all. Dave H. GIB TAYLOR It is with regret we report the passing of Gib on 8 th November. Gib was a stalwart, but retiring, supporter of 3 rd West Bridgford particularly behind the scenes of the Group shows