The Area Newsletter Issue 116 Winter 2012

THE CATVOG

COURIER

i.SCOUT...

Brave Dragons ESU @Bravedragons@BearGrylls at @UrbanAdventure2 "Scouts all over are an inspiration" thanks Bear. :) #bearintheair pic.twitter.com/wxoxrk5h

Karen Palmer I would like to thank everyone who arranged the Urban Adventure, I had a great time and in the words of 1 of my Beavers it was AWESOME

Outdoor Activity Weekend at St Fagans and Barry #BearInTheAir

It is heartening to know that we have Leaders in CATVOG who are willing to volunteer and give up their time and share their skills to inspire a new generation.

Our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, attended the events and added to the enjoyment and sense of occasion.

I am sure that this has been a memorable experience that we will all remember for years to come. Richard Edwards Area Commissioner

A big thank you to every one for the organisation and the provision of activities at our recent CATVOG Outdoor Adventure Weekend held at Barry and St Fagans.

We are all very grateful to all those who helped to organise these events in general and Steve Holmes (Event Leader Urban Adventure), Chris Parsons (Event Leader Barry), Kay Holmes, Julian Jordan, Neil Wicks and Keith Williams in particular. Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience quality Scouting activities as part of their everyday adventure.

Explorer Belt Expedition Japan 2014An Explorer Belt Expedition to Japan in 2014 is being run by Birmingham Scouts and we are opening the event up to anyone who wants to come (not just our county).

The dates for the Explorer Belt Expedition is between the 1st August to 17th August 2014.

We have envisaged that the cost per person will be in the region of £1300 to £1600. This will include; flights, travel insurance, food, t-shirt, all pre and post expedition activities and pre expedition weekend. There is a lot of financial support available and the Core team are willing to help you with fundraising ideas etc.

The Explorer Belt is open to Explorer Scouts 16+ and all Scout Network members. To take part in the expedition you must be born between 14th August 1989 and the 4th August 1998.

If Leaders or Network members who have already gained their Explorer Belt want to come on the expedi-tion, they are more than welcome and activities during the 10 day expedition will be put on for them as well as the pre and post tours that everyone can do.

More information on this international expedition, and forms of interest can be found at www.explorejapan2014.com. If anyone wishes to take part they must express an interest by the 1st July 2013, but the sooner the better.

If you have any questions you want to ask please do. You can email me at mail@explorejapan2014.com or phone me on 07720 520 668

Yours in Scouting

Paul Leddy - Explore Japan 2014

East & South Scout Network Launches

So far we have undertaken a photo challenge across Cardiff with nineteen different challenges such as underwater and on a number 50 bus!

Are you interested in joining our adventure?? We can do anything from abseiling to zorbing including Duke of Edin-burgh and Queen Scout Award with also the possibility of an explorer belt in the future!

Network is the last and oldest section in Scouting’s Youth Programme. It’s open to all 18-25 year olds within the association, and provides endless opportunities for its members.

Network is flexible, and once you are a member of one Network, you are automatically a member of all Networks across the UK! If you go away to university, through your local Network you can contact your nearest Network to Uni and continue your Networking whilst you’re there.

Our next event is ice skating at Winter Wonderland and then a meal on the 15th December, look forward to seeing you there!

Free feel to contact me (Matty) on 07769756743 or matt@eastandsouth.org.uk

2001 2003 2006 2013???

Area website reviewThe Area website was first created in the year 2000, back when pages were simple with super slow internet connections. Over the years; the speed and technology of the internet has increased significantly and we turned from having a basic website in 2003 to a new website in 2006 full of information, photos and forums. Since then, the way we access the internet has changed with the development of mobile phone access and tablets.

The Area is looking at the feasability of developing a new website, making things simpler in the process, reducing duplicated content and improve access. What we would like to know is what you as the users would like to see on the new website? Please let us know if you have any suggestions or know of an examples of a good Scouting website by emailing comms@catvog.org

We have had a very successful few months with Leader training at Miskin and Manager’s Training at the Hub.

Our Leader training took a slightly different format this year, as participants took part in a hike as part of Module 17. It also involved some incidents of 1st response to see how they responded. We also had a games night this year which included games like darts, snakes and ladders, all the good old games. Great fun was had by everyone.

The Manager’s course this year went really well. We were joined by 3 participants from Radnor and 1 from Mid Glam. The feedback has been fantastic. We are at present working on changing the training that we offer in CATVOG for next year, so watch out for information. There will also be new training coming in the New Year on Safety (nothing to do with Safeguarding) and Executive training. More information will be relayed when we know more.

We will also be offering a Module 29 (Presenting Skills) in the New Year. We have various members who have offered to take on presenting 1st response and other modules. We are looking for anybody who may be interested in helping out with presenting modules or joining the team in any capacity of any kind. So if you are interested please get in touch:training@cavog.org you will be very welcome. In February the Welsh Scout Council event will include Manager training and workshops of various kinds. Workshops will be included for Training Advisers, Young leaders and more. Anybody interested in attending the TA workshops should let Denis Hunt know.

Area Training Update

Macmillan Cancer Care Coffee MorningFor the first time we organised a Coffee Morning for Mac-millan Cancer Care. The Hub was booked and invites sent out to as many people as possible to join us! Sadly, the nominated day was a Friday so many people were at work but the event was still a success. We managed to raise £170.00 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

The coffee was flowing and plenty of yummy cakes were available. Many people donated raffle prizes and cakes because they were unable to attend the event - thanks to them and all who did turn up on the day.

Next year we hope to hold the event on a Saturday which will allow more people to join us.

This was a true example of Scouting ‘helping others’ - I am certain that we all know someone who has been affected by Cancer and Macmil-lan Cancer Care certainly deserves our support!

If you wish to be involved in future events please contact:Sue Ryan by emailingScoutshop@catvog.org

Cub Scout Silver Award Presentation EveningAt the end of October 40 Cub Scouts from 12 Cub Scout Packs from around the Area desended on ScoutBase in order to receive their Chief Scout's Silver Award Certificate.

Leaders from each Pack joined us and there were lots of Parents there too in fact almost 100 people.

After the Presentations had taken place it was ‘thank you’s’ all round to everyone who had helped make the evening such a success and, hopefully, one to remember for those Cub Scouts who have achieved the highest award possible in the Pack. After the Presentations had taken place there was plenty of tea, coffee and squash flowing together with lots of 'choccy' biscuits!

The Packs who took part were Llanishen and Lisvane, 61st Cardiff, 1st Pentwyn, 3rd Llanishen, 29th Cardiff Kingfishers, 1st Llandough and Cogan, 1st St Mellons, 1st Rhiwbina, 1st Penarth, 29th Cardiff Kestrels, 15th Penarth and the 77th Cardiff.

Congratulations to everyone!!

The evening started with Dom Winfield leading a sing song with EVERYONE joining in! A couple of skits brought laughter to the Hall. After Dom calmed everyone down it was time for the 'serious' part of the evening - the Presentation of Certificates. Congratulations to everyone!! Each Cub received the official Silver Award Certificate and also a Certificate signed by the Chief Commissioner of Wales, Jill Goster.

Swimming Gala 2013

The Area Swimming Gala heat will be held on

Sunday 24th February 2013 at Penarth Leisure

Centre between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

The Final will take place on Sunday 17th March

2013 again at Penarth Leisure Centre, between

3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Booking Forms and Rules are available on the

Events pages of the Area website and hard

copies can be obtained via the Area Office.

Closing Date for applications is

Friday 1st February 2013.

Meet our new ambassadorInspirational adversity champion, Phil Packer MBE, has become Scouting's newest ambassador.

Despite a severe spinal injury while serving on active duty as a serviceman, Phil continues to push himself to the limit and be an inspiration to others.

Overcoming adversity and demonstrating that adventurous Scouting spirit, Phil has taken on some inspiring personal challenges including parachuting, mountain climbing and several marathons so far.

Phil commented on receiving the new appointment: “I am honoured to accept the appointment and role of Scouting ambassador. I have seen firsthand throughout the UK how The Scout Association helps young people achieve their full potential in life”

Scout Community WeekBack in June, groups across the UK took on a range of projects for our groundbreaking fundraising initiative, Scout Community Week. All that effort really paid off and the campaign proved to be an enormous success. Scouts made a real difference to local communities and raised vital funds too. As such we're pleased to announce that Scout Community Week will return in 2013, running from 3-9 June.

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013!Another year full of fun, adventure and activities is almost over. We’ll soon be preparing our annual report for the next AGM so we’ll be on the lookout for photographs you’ve taken.

These can be sent to us or uploaded to the Area’s Flickr Account. Contact: comms@catvog.org

On August 18th a group made up of Explorer Scouts, Network Scouts and a core team of Leaders began the long coach journey to Wiltz International Scout Centre in Lux-embourg. Our aim: to walk at least 160km (100 miles) to our final desti-nation, Sint-Joris-Weert in Belgium, resulting in completion of our expe-dition portion of the Explorer Belt.

The first two days gave us opportu-nity to get to know each other, as the group were mixed between those from Cardiff and the Vale, Penarth and Nuneaton. Not many of us knew each other prior to this experience.

Our first two days included route planning, packing and removing items from rucksacks, a trip to Lux-embourg City and a walk into Wiltz to enjoy a local pool, where many of us entertained the locals by diving in formation into the pool and causing a splash down the slide!

We developed a new language dur-ing this trip compromising of words such as ‘le douche’ (we really need a shower and that was the best one ever!) and ho-ho (Home hospitality) which some groups found easier than others, some lucky enough to get a lot of food and houses to sleep in and others not so lucky. Each day we had to complete a diary logging any route changes, distance travelled and how we felt each day. At the top of each page a quote was provided by the core team, my personal favourite being “It’s not so important who starts but who finishes it.”

In order to successfully achieve the expedition portion of the Ex-plorer Belt all groups were required to complete 14 challenges and a major project during the 10 days. These challenges included making a Belgian Bun, making a note of war memorials during the 10 days, making a quote and morale to sum up each day, tracking how the feet of all team members progressed during the trip and so many other interest-ing ideas which each group had to complete in any way they could on the expedition.

We could not plan for these chal-lenges as they were handed to us minutes before the core team left us. Finding the final destination was exciting and concluded with decora-tions, happy core team members and relieved participants; although the core team had to remain on edge for a further day as team seven could not arrive until the fol-lowing morning as they departed a day later. The last day involved a trip into Leuven to sample local food and beverages, sing some songs and a tour of a brewery, then being treated to a three course meal. Giving us a chance to swap stories and experi-ences and be awarded our certifi-cates from the Core team.

The next goal to be awarded our Explorer Belt is to create a presenta-tion and present it to family, friends, the core team, leaders and those who supported us. I am positive all participants will be honoured to wear their belts with pride. The experience of the Explorer Belt expedition wasn’t what any of us expected. It was a journey not just physically, but mentally. Dealing with 60 euros per person for the 10 day expedition, a new challenge, a different language, currency and living in very close confinements with people we either didn’t know much about or didn’t know at all. We had blisters, bites, antibiotics, electric shocks, clothes that won’t stay on due to weight loss, hip bursitis and a fracture, but I’m sure we have all made friends for life and I’m sure many reunions will be on the cards. On behalf of the Explorer Belt Lux-embourg and Belgium 2012 partici-pants, we would like to thank our core team Julian Jordan the Expe-dition Leader, Ruth Jordan, Doug Shorter, Myra Shorter, Rob Morse, Sarah Ballett, Susan Evans, Martin Evans, Tom Ind and Jon Ellard. Who without them this experience would not have been possible. Thanks also goes to those who at-tended our fundraising events and those who provided us with grants towards the cost of the expedition. Even after the event many of us would jump at the chance to do this again and definitely recommend it to others. Many of us believed once we got to Luxembourg that we would fail, but none of us did and we all came through it smiling, even if we all did smell a bit!

Stacie-Mai Pemberton

Explorer Belt - Luxembourg & Belgium

Congratulations to Iain Mullett, Assistant leader of First Penarth (PADSAC) who correctly answered the question “What is the literal translation of the German word ‘Berghaus’?” The answer being “Mountain House”. Over 60 people submitted the correct answer and Iain was recently presented with his prize, a Berghaus Torridon rucksack, with an RRP of £80 by James Setters, Assistant Manager of Cotswold Outdoors. Iain said he was “chuffed to bits” on receiving his prize. Remember Cotswold Outdoors offer 15% Discount for all Scouts and 20% Discount for all Scout Leaders on production of your membership card or neckerchief.

Berghaus Rucksack Winner

We’ve teamed up with Boulders to offer the chance of winning a family Taster climbing session – a privately instructed session for a group of up to 4 people. (prize value £80) To be in a with a chance of winning, answer the question below and email it to the Area Communications Team comms@catvog.org by Thursday 31st January.

The competition question is: How long is a family climbing Taster session at Boulders climbing centre in Cardiff? After the closing deadline, Boulders marketing manager will randomly select a winner who replied with the correct answer.

Boulders Climbing St Catherine’s Business Park, Pengam Road, Cardiff CF24 2R Call us on 02920 484880 - www.bouldersclimbingcentre.co.uk

Win a climbing taster session

St Brides Beaver Scout ColonyI spent a very pleasant evening at St Brides Beavers recenty making salt-dough candy canes to hang from Christmas trees. Once the excitement of the activity had died down at the end of the meeting I had the pleasure of investing Steve Riddout into the World Wide Family of Scouting as the Beaver Leader. He then invested one of the Beavers. I answered a few general questions about Scouting & when asked “how many Scouts are there in the World Wide Family of Scouts, then ?” I answered "About 34 million". As contemplation of this enormous number sunk in, one Beaver piped up, "so that's 34 million ….. and 2 now!" That Beaver will go far ! A huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in supporting in the background and hands on with the St Brides Beavers project ..........16 young people are very grateful....hopefully we can progress with Cubs next year.

Regards, Simon MiskinDistrict Commissioner - Vale District

The National Service of Remembrance for Wales

A big thank you to the members of the 14th Cardiff (The Lord Mayors Own) Scout Troop who provided an escort for the Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cardiff at this year’s National Service of Remembrance for Wales. This national event held at the National War Memorial, in Cathays Park, Cardiff provided an important opportunity for Cardiff and Wales to remember those who fought and died in two World Wars and in other conflicts around the world to secure the peace and freedom that we enjoy today.

This fast-moving and ever-popular show, staged by members of the Scout and Guide movements, made a welcoming return to stage. This year the Cardiff Scout & Guide Gang Show presented:- "The Magic Walking Stick," at the New Theatre, Cardiff. Those who attended the Gang Show were able to follow the escapades of over 120 talented South Wales youngsters as they experienced many adventures after discovering a Magic Walking Stick. Each cast member had to successfully audition for a place, and once in the cast had to learn over 25 musical numbers, and accompany-ing choreography that "wow'd" the audience. There were over 70 speaking parts in the show.

The 80th Anniversary of the Gang Show is in 2012. In 1932 Ralph Reader, a Rover Scout was asked to put on a Scout based variety show to help raise funds.

The show was performed in November 1932 at the Scala Theatre in Central London and the Gang Show tradition was born! Since then, Gang Shows have been performed by Scout and Guide groups all over the world, and this year marks the 80th Anniversary.

The very first Cardiff Gang Show was performed in the New Theatre in November 1973 and Ralph Reader actually joined the cast on stage for the finale! Next year will see Cardiff Scout and Guide Gang Show celebrating its 40th year (and its 23rd show in the New Theatre!)

Clair Davies said: “We thought that the energy, enthusiasm and sheer professionalism of the entire cast was splendid” “It is heartening to see so many young people having such a wonderful time on stage and delivering a show of such high calibre, particulary as I know for many it was their first time on a professional stage” “Best show ever- Wish I had been in it!” are just some of the audience comments.

If you had the opportunity to see the show this year then we hope you enjoyed it, but if you did not get to see us this time, make sure you book your tickets for next time! Or why not get involved with the show..... on stage, making costumes, stage crew, set building etc etc.....We would love to welcome you to the Gang. To find out more, just email us at cardiffgangshow@hotmail.co.uk"

Richard Edwards, Area Commissioner for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan said: "This year the Gang Show was as varied and entertaining as ever. A large team of adults behind the scenes and a band of great musicians ably support a cast of young people; the result was a glittering evening's entertain-ment which highlighted the consid-erable talents of the Area's Scouts and Guides. A massive thanks goes to all cast and crew of the show for putting on another fantastic show!" Well done all!

Gangshow 2012

Editor: Gareth Johnsc/o The Hub

CATVOG ScoutsMaitland Street

Gabalfa, CF14 3JUe-mail: comms@catvog.org

Submission deadline for the Spring Courier is: Sunday 24th March 2013

Lord Mayors Own Presentation Evening

The annual Lord Mayor's Own presentation was hosted by the Council of the City and County of Cardiff and took place at Cardiff County Hall in September. The presentation evening recognised the achieve-ment of the young people throughout Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan who have during the past year gained Scouting’s highest Awards within their age group and section.

During the evening, we gained an insight into their achievements and the high personal standards they have attained. These awards require a level of determination and effort that reflect both the personality and character of the individual.

In total there were 27 Chief Scout's Gold, 33 Chief Scout's Platinum, 7 Chief Scout's Diamond and 8 Queen's Scout Awards gained.

Congratulations and well done to all youngsters nominated.

Free bike standsTo help encourage more people to cycle, Cardiff Council is giving away up to four free cycle stands plus free delivery to organisations in locations where cycle parking is needed – workplaces, leisure facilities or amenities open to the public.

To apply, download the council’s Application pack available from the news pages on the Area website.

Successful organisations will receive their free cycle stands but will need to undertake their own installation. Rumney Scouts are were recently successful with their application so why not apply to have some stands at your hall?

For details contact: 029 2087 3722

All the Best for Scout Post 2012

1st Barry Sea Scouts prepare for a deluge of cards

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

We wish you a

Happy and PeacefulChristmas and New Year

See you in 2013!

The season of Scout Post is here once again, a valuable source of income for the Area and individual groups

A real big thank you to everone who gets involved.

If you have any photographs taken during during Scout Post,

please email them to comms@catvog.org