hsn october 2010
DESCRIPTION
The magazine of Scouting in Hampshire.TRANSCRIPT
HSNOctober 2010 www.scouts-hants.org.uk
Hampshire Scoutsthe adventure goes on . . .
EPIC EXPEDITIONS EDITION
THUMBS UP FOR : CANADA, ZAMBIA, PERU, IRELAND
..AND MORE
JOIN USTo join the adventure of Scouting whether as a
Adult or Young person:
Fill in the form at: www.scouts.org.uk
email us at: [email protected]
or phone us on 02380 847847
WELCOMEAfter last months bumper UK camping edition of Hampshire Scout news, this
month we are casting our net a little wider. From building schools in Africa
and South America to exploring the wide open spaces of Canada Hampshire
Explorer Scouts have been far and wide this summer.
Scouts from Itchen North District had an amazing trip to Switzerland, Andover
Explorers went trekking in Peru and Explorers from New Forest West hosted
Scouts from Malawi and then visited the country themselves. Read on and then
take a look at our suggestions for next year.
Hampshire Scouts provides
adventurous activities and personal
development opportunities for
over 16,000 young people aged
6-25, promoting the physical,
intellectual, social and spiritual
well-being of the individual,
helping them achieve their full
potential.
In Scouting, we believe that
young people develop most
when they are ‘learning by
doing,’ when they are given
responsibility, work in teams,
take acceptable risks and
think for themselves.
ABOUT US
Over the next year, we’re going to be introducing a number of new initiatives in Hampshire Scouting – aimed both at deciding where we want to get to, and also helping us to get there.
The first is our County Strategy, which we’ll be formally launching at our County Conference on 6th November and then sharing with hundreds of leaders at iScout on 21st November. This is a short-term strategy which will take us up to 2012. For this we’ve set a simple initial goal - to deliver more adventure, to more young people, through more adults, supported by the County. Supporting this are a set of specific activities which will help us achieve our goal, plus some metrics to know whether we’re making progress. Tim Pike is leading this work, and we’ll value your participation and feedback.
The second is our Youth Council, which will have its first meeting over the weekend of 2nd-3rd October. This will bring together young people aged 13-21 from across Hampshire Scouting to discuss what’s important to them, give feedback on what we’re currently doing, and decide what they’d like Hampshire Scouting to be like in the future. This will help us decide where we want to be going longer-term. Fi Durrant is coordinating the Youth Council, along with a team of Network members.
And the third is our Development Initiative, which is about growing Hampshire Scouting by between 4% and 6% through expansion by Groups and Districts, supported by the Regional Development Service and hopefully
in 2011 a Local Development Officer. Our focus here is going to be around recruiting more adult leaders so we can offer Scouting to more young people – those on the waiting lists, those in urban or rural areas where we’re not as successful, and those in new housing developments. We’re going to be looking at both helping existing Sections to grow, and also opening new Sections and Groups. Gordon Brakewell is chairing the Development Board.
Beyond these we’ll then start looking at our longer-term vision and strategy through a widespread consultation process.
These initiatives will help us as a County both decide where we want to get to, and also which way we should go. Now all we need is the magical cake labelled “Eat me” which will help us grow…
Adam Jollans - Hampshire Scouts County Commissioner
WHERE DO WE WANT TO GET TO ?“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where —“ said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
BEAVER ROADSHOWThe next Beaver Roadshow is in Tadley scout HQ, behind Barclays Bank on 16th October from 10am -12noon. A “pop-along” event, no uniform, to say “Hello” and meet, chat to and catch up with the County team and find out future Beaver events and programme ideas.
6-8 YEARS OLD
100th Elvetham Heath Beavers from Odiham District ‘did their duty’ to the
Community last term with a clean up at the local park and surrounding area. In
just 40 minutes the Beavers filled 8 bin bags with rubbish, despite the fact the
council cleaners had already been there that very day to do the job professionally!
Nearly 30 took part from both Leopard Moth and Tiger Moth Colonies. The
Beavers were grateful to Serco who provided a very comprehensive litter picking
kit comprising garden gloves, a high-vis vest and a set of litter pickers for each
beaver. Each Beaver worked hard and contributed to the ‘recyclable or not’
discussion. They were then rewarded with a play in the park at the end of the hard
but rewarding session.
BEAVERING IN BLACKWATER3rd Farnborough Beavers recently raised £124.65 by completing the Children’s Marathon Challenge for Children with Leukaemia. The challenge we set ourselves was to do 26 jobs around the house and garden for parents and relations for a small fee. Each child received a certificate and depending on how much they raised, they also received the Mr Men Klip’emons. Well done 3rdFarnborough Beavers we are very proud of your achievements.
10th Farnborough Beavers were recently visited by Shimmy, a retired Guide Dog, and his owner Hazel. The Beavers learnt about how a puppy is trained by their‘Puppy Walker’ and all the things they need to learn, like knowing their left from their right, to become a fully fledged Guide Dog.Shimmy was on his best behaviour although I think that had a lot to do with the copious amounts of dog biscuits that the Beavers were allowed to feed him at the end of the evening!Helen Anderson (‘Holly’) BSL,
PROJECT AIRFIX!Airfix put this special pack together to Cubs and Scouts to try out the fantastic world of modelling.
The pack contains 15 1:72 scale Spitfire kits (as seen on James May’s Toy Stories), 18 pots of Humbrol Acrylic paint, 15 tubes of Polystyrene Cement, 6 x packs of assorted brushes, an Airfix Catalogue and leaflets to explain and join the brilliant Airfix Club.
All this for the great price of £39.99 and the p&p is FREE!To order go to: http://www.airfix.com/project-airfix/
Why not take your Pack to Lepe
Country Park near Southampton. 6th
New Forest East Cubs recently held an
evening there and thoroughly enjoyed
themselves messing about by the water.
Sara Wareham said” We offer 1 hour
ranger led activities for £1 per child
including; Pond Dipping, Seashore Safari
(see above pic), Orienteering, Beach Art,
Woodland and Meadow Minibeasts.
We are also happy to help plan and lead
activities on site to contribute towards
any conservation/community badges
including simple practical tasks such as
beach cleaning, tree planting, pruning
etc.. free of charge, both here at Lepe
and also at Lymington Keyhaven Nature
Reserve.Contact Sara Wareham at Lepe Country
Park, Tel; 023 8089 9108, Email; sara.
The Coastal Ranger for the New Forest
offers sea themed activity sessions
at your venue free of charge. Contact
Leanne Atkinson, Tel; 023 8089 9108,
Email: leanne.atkinson@newforestnpa.
gov.uk
8-11 YEARS OLD
Saturday 13th November 2010Waterlooville Community Centre, 1.30pm – 5.00pmEntry fee: £15 per team
Each District may enter one team of six Cubs whose combined ages should add up to no more than 54. I would expect leaders to use their sense of fair play by not entering a team made up of all sixers!
The competition:A theme will be given to the teams at
the start. They will then make a model of their choice related in some way to the theme. Supplies of ‘junk’ will be provided along with glue, sellotape, pens, paint etc.
Teams will gain points based on their teamwork during the competition and the model made.
Teams should arrive between 1.00pm and 1.15pm for registration. We plan to be finished by 5.00pm.
SCRAPHEAP CHALLENGE
GO KART CHALLENGEBy Sue Phelps
Months of badgering the Akela at 1st Lymington and Pennington paid off recently when he took up the challenge of an afternoon of go kart racing with my Pack, 6th New Forest East.
My Cubs and I turned up on a Saturday afternoon and spent 2 hours racing the go karts up and down the park. We had straight relays, obstacle relays and slalom relays with all the Cubs getting to both push and ride in the Karts.
The karts all lined up and the judges went over all of them marking them for paintwork, engineering and overall build quality.
When the races were over and the points had been totalled up we found that a kart from 6th and a kart from 1st had equal points. We thought we could separate them on build quality but they had the same points there too. Frustrated by this we took the usual route and declared them joint winners and each team will hold it for 6 months.
CUBS IN BLACKWATER VALLEYby Rich, Joan & Julie- District Cub Team
Blackwater Valley is a big district, having combined Farnborough & Cove District with Aldershot District in 2000. We currently have 16 Groups, each having one Cub pack. The packs range from having 30+ to just half a dozen Cubs, and most packs have at least one girl now. Similarly, leadership teams range from large, through adequate, to “sometimes struggling”!
We believe we have a very active Cub Section, running about a dozen district Cub events a year, ranging from Mastermind and Indoor Games through to a Campfire, whole-day Cubbing Skills team competition, a Night Hike with “incident bases” and a big Song and Mime competition, on stage in front of a couple of hundred people! Plus full district events such as Sports Day, St George’s Day and a Swimming Gala.
We have a wonderful local resource in Runways End Activity Centre; available for camping, climbing, archery, potholing or just practising lighting fires or tracking, plus District HQ building with indoor hall, several smaller rooms and a permanent
Scout Shop.
Like most districts, I’m sure, there’s the usual problem of “the same old volunteers” to run events, but it all works in the end!
Most packs have at least one camp per year, and we always support our District Camps, every 2 or 3 years.
10-14 YEARS OLD
Scouts from 8th Basingstoke watching the sun go down at the highest point in Great Tower.
COUNTY SIXERS CAMPCalling all Sixers and Seconders who would like to attend the County Camp from 22nd Oct - 24th Oct 2010 in Winchester. You need to be over 9 1/2 and have at least 5 nights away under your belt. The cost will be £20 and this includes all your food and the activities.
Come and find out what activities you will be doing in the Scout section with your Cub friends. You will also meet other Cubs from all over the County and have the chance to take part in the County Sixer’s Forum. Get your leader to book your place now - spaces are limited to 60 Cubs and each pack will need to send a leader. For more details contact [email protected]
NEW FOREST NORTH RAFT RACEThis year Eling Sea Scouts again organised the event at the Testwood lakes. They had been really kind and organised a really sunny, warm early evening for the Troops to arrive, construct and race their rafts.
Thanks must be given to the 4th leader’s,
their exec for organising the event, assisting with the safety boats, the barbeque and snacks during and after the event.
This year the raft race results were upset slightly by one of the land scout teams coming second. The results were :- 1st 4th NFN Eling “B”2nd 1st NFN Lyndhurst3rd 4th NFN Eling “A”
1st LYNDHURST CANOE CAMPThis year 1st Lyndhurst Scouts and Explorers went to Longridge. The scouts spent the week gaining paddle power passport certificates for kayaking. This involved spending 8 sessions on the water using different craft and being competent and confident in the strokes required for the craft. It also required spending time in the water whether it was an intended capsize drill or not.
Our Explorers managed to get some specialised one to one training to help them improve their skills and develop their BCU 2 star skills and their personal confidence. They all thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity in being encouraged to get wet and try to keep your head out of the water.
This year’s day out was different. We all travelled up to London on the train and the tube to visit the Houses of Parliament and meet our MP, Julian Lewis, who joined us in our tour round the house and managed to get us all seats for 15 minutes in the House of Lords to listen to the debate of the day. In the afternoon we went to the Imperial War Museum.
What are we going to do next year to have an even better time than this year?
PIG OUT
Fancy adding some thing different to you event?? Fancy holding an AGM with
a difference.Then we have the answer for you!!
Hire our Hog Roast Machine
£75.00 ( including Gas) £50.00 (if you supply Gas)
Money from hire will go to
Denmark 2011
Further details and [email protected]
CHRIS RYAN IN POMPEYFormer SAS soldier and author Chris Ryan is coming to Portsmouth in November. His last event with us was popular with local Scout Group members. This event is idea for “Dads and Lads” as he will talk about his adventure books for teenagers and also the series he writes for adult readers.
Chris Ryan: The One That Got Away
SAS hero and author Chris Ryan will be talking about a new edition for young adults of the story behind his escape in The One That Got Away. Chris has recently enjoyed huge success with his TV series Strike Back and Elite World Cops.
Saturday 13th November 2010 - 7.30pmRoyal Marines Museum, Eastney Esplanade, PO49PX Ages 11+/adult. Tickets £5
14- 18 YEARS OLD
The Yaks Explorer Unit hiking in Ireland
BANDERLOG EXPLORERSBy Matthew Collins
Last weekend a group of Explorers started the term with a bang, with a visit to Thorpe Park. They had a full day in the park, and got to ride SAW one of the newest rides in the park. Collousus, the world record breaking roller coster. Everybody had a great time, so watch this space next year.
18-25 YEARS OLD
Leaders , Network Scouts and Explorers enjoying the splendours of the Inca trail on the recent HSX
expedition to Peru.
MEDI-EVO MAGICThis year’s Evo was held over the rather wet bank holiday weekend in May, with a medieval theme and the opportunity for Network members to let their hair down. Network members from as far as Essex and Lancashire made the pilgrimage to Ferny Crofts campsite in the New Forest.
Popular activities this year included the introduction of the Trek Cart competition to the weekend, which was fiercely contended by some of the fitter members of the Networks. Sunday afternoon saw members partake in a battle re-enactment in which sub camps had to protect their king, using cardboard weapons and shields. The evening entertainments included a silent disco, as well as party games, bandeoke, live music, and fancy dress. A great weekend was had by all, roll on Inter-Net 2011!
DUCK TAKES TO THE WATERSam Chapman - Soton City Duck Network
In our normal tradition for investiture we headed off to the Isle of Wight. First investiture of the night came on the ferry over (we have to be over water). Moff has been a member on and off for about a year and we thought it was about time we made it all official. He’s wore my Duck shirt as it turns out he never got one…. It’s on the ‘to do’ list.
Next investiture of the night was Kaylee Gauntlet. As an Isle of Wight resident (Network is nothing if not flexible across the boarders) Kaylee met us over there and we invested her on the East/West Cowes chain ferry, in front of a display of rubber ducks. Very fitting.
Since Network doesn’t promote alcoholic drinking, we then went for an architectural tour of some of West Cowes finest public houses.
One Sunday in late July this year saw nine Explorers and two leaders from ‘The YAKS’ (1st Alresford and Cheriton ESU, Rotherfield District) leave New Alresford and set off for a week’s summer expedition to the Republic of Ireland. This destination had been chosen by consensus after the Exec had agreed some criteria (budget, desirable programme etc), researched a range of ideas and presented a shortlist of possible locations to the Unit back during the winter meetings.
The start of the adventure involved a long car journey with a departure time of 0630 – a rude awakening for many of the teenagers who had been enjoying summer lie-ins till mid
morning (or later!). With the help of a ‘full English’ en route, spirits soon started to rise and excitement grew as we drove through Wales and boarded the Ferry from Holyhead to Dublin.
Once off-loaded on the other side, it was a short 20 minute drive to Larch Hill - Scouting Ireland’s National Campsite on the outskirts of Dublin and the perfect location for exploring Eire. The pitch assigned was spacious, secluded, level (thank goodness) and, with a stunning view of the Wicklow Mountains, nothing short of perfect. A long day travelling by land and sea ended with a ten o’clock supper of ‘spag bol’.
YAKS IN IRELAND
ALL AROUND THE WORLDThis summer Hampshire Scouts have been globe-trotting on an epic scale with expeditions to Canada, Ireland, Malawai, Zambia and two expeditions to Peru. Find out what they have been up to in the next few pages and then
start planning your own international adventure for next summer .
Monday was our day to sort out our site (pioneering a decent flagpole) and to enjoy the on-site climbing wall. The Explorers each managed to achieve his (or her) personal goal and they even persuaded their acrophobic leaders to give it a go. The highlight was undoubtedly one of the expert climbers in the group scaling the wall in a very impressive 10 seconds.
A day out in Dublin on Tuesday was finished off with a fantastic trip round the “Guinness Storehouse”, Ireland’s No1 tourist attraction in the heart of the St James’ Gate Brewery. Although the ‘free pint’ at the end was not available to the under-18s, a small taster of ten day old ‘fresh’ was well received by all. The floor devoted to the history of Guinness marketing was very popular, with favourite TV ads, posters and beer mats revisited.
Next day we switched from ‘town’ to ‘country’ as we set off south into the heart of Eire. Our destination was the medieval monastic settlement at Glendalough, a beautiful backdrop to a good day’s hiking around the two lakes – hilltop ridge on one side and shoreside path on the other. Thursday was spent at the coast in the seaside town of Bray combining a traditional seafront with a beautiful beach (complete with lifeguards to satisfy POR) which tempted most of the group to test their (cold-water) swimming skills.
Our last full day on Friday was our only rainy day (1 in 5 was not bad!) but that didn’t stop us enjoying some grass sledging on the slopes around the campsite. We also organised a 6-aside football completion drawing in cubs, scouts and guides from across the campsite – damp, but good fun and a chance to get to know our ‘hosts’, as most of the other groups on site were from Eire.
It would be nice to round off with a report of an uneventful trip home, but
unfortunately one of our cars had a few problems on the way back, so after some help from Green Flag we finally made it back about 4 hours late at 3 a.m. Overall it was a great trip. Interesting and just a bit different, a good chance to enjoy the camping experience without an overcrowded programme and too much travel.
We would definitely recommend Larch Hill to other groups (www.larchhill.org) – a good site & facilities with a really friendly (mostly volunteer) staff ably led by the site manager, James Usher, who could not have been more helpful and welcoming.
INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP Saturday 6TH NOVEMBER 2010
This will be the 14th Annual Workshop which brings together persons interested in creating awareness of the world around us and undertaking international activities at home and abroad as part of the Global section of the Scout programme. This is a networking event which will also involve those who have and those who intend to travel.
The venue as usual will be the United Reformed Church, London Road, Basingstoke from 10.00 until 16.00 which is within easy walking distance of Basingstoke station through the shopping centre and just around the corner from the Haymarket theatre.
The cost will be £10 per person which includes lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments. A comprehensive folder of information will also be available. To register your interest and reserve your place(s), please email [email protected] giving your group and contact details. Of interest to older Scouts, Explorers, Networkers and Guides
By Sophie, Mike, Ollie, Katie, Ethan, Richard, Matt, Steph and the team
Into the wilderness - After night one in Calgary, home of the 18th Calgary Scouts, the oldest unit in the city, and a very impressive train set we headed up to Sundance Lodge, our home for the next five nights. With day three came our first gentle hike of the trip, up Ribbon Creek towards Ribbon Lake, a round trip of 10kms. Although some of the kids were tired, all the Explorers made it up and back again.
The Plague - After an eventful morning of clearing up sick and counting the ill stricken among us, the healthy explorers took a stroll down to the river behind the campsite. A few of the more brave and crazy explorers waded across the freezing cold river – it was glacier melt off!! By the end of the walk a few more campers were down with the bug!
Flake out - On the way to the bear and wolf sanctuaries, we were amazed to see a Brown Bear on the side of the road which was brilliant, as we hadn’t even reached the sanctuary yet. We finally arrived and went up the ski lift to see Boo the bear. We were quite fortunate as he was awake but felt a bit sorry for him because he is not allowed a mate. We saw some amazing views, some chipmunks and then went to the Wolf Sanctuary where we could watch them in their own space.
White Water Weeners - Today the brave explorer scouts went white water rafting. They got very wet whilst surfing the rapids, jumping off rocks, and body surfing down the waves. Luckily they were kitted out to the max with wetsuits,
PFDs (personal floatation devices) and ‘booties’ as the Canadian instructors called them. Come dinner time, tension had built up in camp as rice fell off burners, and Sean discovered that the sausages on sticks that he had just put on the fire to cook were covered in a plastic. We whipped them off, stripped them down and returned them to the fire. Everyone enjoyed the steak, what was left of the rice and the vegetables and Sophie and Katie took a special likening to the sausages on sticks.
Out of the Wilderness - Today we left Sundance Lodge (doing a happy little dance) and the kids stomped the Skogan Pass across foothills (ascending and descending 650 meters, reaching 2055 meters above sea level) into Deadman Flats. Then it was a short transfer to Canmore and the slightly more comfortable Bear Hostel. First Nations - Thursday was the first of our two days learning the culture of the First Nations. First on the agenda was moccasin making from moose hide which was very fiddly but everyone was pleased with the result. Brenda, our instructor, took us on a walk through the woods to show us some bush medicine. Did you know that chewed up rose leaves can stop the itching of insect bites?
DRAGONS & GLADIATORS EXPLORE CANADA
Ha Ling Peak and a Little Ramble - Today, six of the group ploughed up the ‘easiest’ mountain ascent in the Canmore area. In total we climbed over 700 meters and reached an attitude 2407 meters. So whilst those ‘bigger’ explorers went up the rhino horn-shaped mountain, the others took a hike along Grotto Canyon. With Ollie being the designated navigator, we almost gave up hope. But being the amazing explorer he is, he managed to direct us correctly to the waterfall. Which was pretty spectacular. After filling our bellies, we headed back to the hostel.
Bushcraft With Dave - We took the 1 and a half hour trip to a ranch in Cochrane where we met Brenda’s husband, Dave. He explained how some plants have medicinal properties, such as dandelions. We also made string out of Stinging Nettles and rope out of grass, which we tested for strength with a tug of war. Then came lunch! Brenda gave us a stick and a “smokie” each, we were also given a type of dough called Bannock which we pasted onto our weeners, and cooked over the fire. Dave then showed us how to make whistles out of aluminium drinks cans. Cue a lot of annoying whistling from annoying Explorers.
A Day Of Sheer Exercise - We split into 2 groups, one group doing Canoeing in the morning, and the other doing Mountain Biking in the morning, swapping after lunch. The Canadian Canoeing consisted of a pleasant paddle around a lake getting nicely sunburnt. The instructors set a challenge - to get to the bottom of the lake, whilst wearing your PFD’s. Whoever could, got a prize and Mim, being the fish she is, managed to do it, and won a bar of chocolate, which she ate with obvious pride. Yum Yum. We Wet Wet - Jam packed day full of kayaking fun! The day started with a session on one of the Digrassi lakes where we brushed up on our paddle strokes in preparation for the paddle down the river later that afternoon. After practicing some capsizing procedures we
set off for an afternoon on moving water. We paddled down the river through some minor rapids, surfed on waves, learnt C and S turns through eddies and body surfed.
The Explorers Went Over The Mountain- Today was the cable car ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff. After the spectacular views in the 8 minute ride up, there was the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. We then took a short walk to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and Sanson’s Peak Meteorlogical Station. Feeling let down by the hot springs which were more like a swimming pool, we travelled into Banff Town Centre, where everyone shopped till they dropped
We did the tower, museum and zoo on Friday. Then yesterday morning we enjoyed a traditional Canadian breakfast before heading to the airport (via Walmart) and then home.
The time is 10:30 GMT and I’m tapping in this update from Tadley. A huge thank you should go to all the leaders for making this expedition possible and I think everyone had a great time.
18 Scouts from across Hampshire
returned home after an epic adventure
in the mountainous, Cusco region of
Peru, their first time below a height of
3,000m above sea level in six weeks!
The young people have spent time
working to construct buildings at a local
orphanage, taking in the breathtaking
scenery of Machu Picchu and the Inca
trail, as well as, white water rafting
down the mighty Vilcanota River.
The expedition, led by HSX members,
was two years in the planning and
a huge logistical operation involving
fundraising for the materials to help to
construct the orphanage buildings.
Becky Rowe 18, from Eastleigh said
“This has been a trip I will never
forget. Looking down on the ruins of a
civilisation that lived a thousand years
ago, will be something I’ll never forget
- it almost beats the look on the face of
the children at the orphanage when we
fixed their football nets!”
The Peru expedition began in Cusco
where the team took the opportunity to
acclimatise and settle into the country
which they would be calling home for
the next month and a half. The team
spent two weeks constructing a new
building for an orphanage, Azul Wasi,
near the town of Oropesa.
Finishing off the building with electric
blue window frames, the team
continued towards the famous Inca-
trail, losing contact with the outside
world for seven days whilst they
trekked towards the wonder of the
world that is Machu Picchu. After a
3.30am start on the 1st September, the
team arrived at the Sun Gate for dawn
for a view over the ancient ruins. Not
even the morning fog could dampen the
team’s spirit after days of trekking to
the historic site.
Returning to modern civilisation, the
team were greeted by the welcoming
sight of the local hot springs, taking
the opportunity to explore the town
further and relax after the adventure of
a lifetime.
Want to know more? Visit www.hsx.org.
uk to read the team’s blog and to find
out about getting involved.
INCA-REDIBLE PERUVIAN ADVENTURE!
THE ADVENTURE GOES ON!By Joe Doherty
So one day back from Peru and we were already on Radio Solent at 7:30am. Me, Doug and Katie Bass went to the station this morning to be interviewed by Julian Clegg who asked us lots of questions like, what was the orphanage like, has the experience changed us, what was the journey like, how was food and accommodation. We were quite nervous before we went in but as soon as we started talking we felt really relaxed and enjoyed the experience. It was something we will never forget and definitely a great story to tell especially for Katie who had to go straight to college for her first day!
A week later and we were on Radio 1 with Fern Cotton! She interviewed me and Katie live at 10:45 am, she asked us
for advice on what to expect on the trail and what things she should be packing on the trail. We had a great time talking to her and especially loved the questions about eating Guinea pigs and where to go to the loo on the trail!
Joe, Doug and Katie being interviewed by Julian Clegg on Radio Solent when they returned.
We started with a mammoth set of three plane journeys that took over 24 hours, taking us through Houston and Lima to finish in Cusco, Peru. We then spent a few days acclimatising to the high altitude of 3200m by sightseeing in the city, white water rafting and going on a pony trek in the area around Cusco. This brought us to beginning the Inca Trail. We walked the classic trail – a four day long hike that took us up and down three mountain passes and past many spectacular Inca ruins. The trail was what many of us looked forward to most on the expedition, and it definitely lived up to expectations. The first day was a relatively flat walk following the Urubamba River along it’s valley from our starting point at Pakakuchu to our first campsite. Nevertheless, it was still a long days walking and it was great to get to the campsite and not have to set up our tents – this was done by our porters before we got there.
One of the other massive perks of having porters was the great food cooked for us.
Each day we would be woken up by cups of MANZILLA tea, followed by a breakfast that included, at different times, fresh fruit, porridge, pancakes and even a whole birthday cake! We would then start walking, leaving the porters to pack up the tents, jog past us, and then set up and cook a three course lunch, complete with mess tent, tablecloth and many more cups of tea. This would then be repeated for dinner, with our tents being set up for us again.Day two then began at an unfortunate half five in the morning, albeit with a good cup of tea. It was one of the hardest days of the trek, with a climb of over 1500m to the Huarmiwanusca, or Dead Womans, pass which towered at 4200m. This took past lunch and into the afternoon, traversing through some nice forestland and up many, many, many inca steps. The effort expended to reach the top did make the views seem even more spectacular, including a great view of Mount Veronica, and the walk down the other side to the next campsite was even more rewarding.The third day began again at half five, and was by far the
ANDOVER EXPLORE PERU
After two years
of planning and
fundraising, Andover
District Explorer
Scouts recently
undertook a long
awaited expedition
to Peru. A total of
fourteen scouts, aged
fifteen to twenty-two,
and four leaders took
part on what proved
to be a great trip of
17 days, involving
helping out at a
Peruvian school for
disabled children,
walking the Inca Trail,
white water rafting
and horse riding.
By Jack Struthers
most spectacular on the trek. It began with a short (few hundred metres) climb to the Runccuracay Pass, which presented absolutely amazing views of the surrounding mountain ranges. We then walked down into the valley below, stopping off at some Inca ruins and then for lunch, before walking up the other side along a great bit of Inca path that hugged the mountain with a deadly drop always on the outer edge. This took us to the most amazing campsite I’ve ever stayed at, aptly named the ‘City of the Clouds’. Situated near the top of the Phuyupatamarca mountain at 3600m, it was into the cloudline and surrounded by massive drops.
The fourth and final day was mainly downhill through the jungle to the 50 inca steps up to the sun gate, which had a great view of Macchu Picchu. From there it was a quick walk to the Macchu Picchu’s main entrance, were we took a bus to the hostel we were staying in for the night in the town below, Aguas Calientes.The next day was for sightseeing around Macchu Picchu and then travelling back to Cusco in the afternoon. A few of us decided that we would also like to climb the mountain behind Macchu Picchu, Huayna Picchu. Unfortunately, only two hundred tourists a day are allowed on the mountain, and the tickets are given out on a first come first serve basis. This meant we needed to get up at two and then hike up the mountain to Macchu Picchu’s main entrance before everyone else. As the gates allowing us to walk up the mountain didn’t open until half four, there ensued a race to the top, up old Inca Steps. The atmosphere at the start was electrifying, and looking down on the way up to see hundreds of lights snaking behind me through the darkness is a sight I will never forget. The climb up Huayna Picchu was just as cool, with some really steep steps and dizzyingly high drops adding to the awesome views of Macchu Picchu down below.
The rest of our time in Peru was then spent with our community project back
at Cusco. We had raised money for a Peruvian charity called Manos Unidas while back at England, and so it was to their school, Camino Nuevo, that we went to work. The school is an independent school for disabled children, who have a hard life in Peru with many still believing them to be a curse on their family. As a result, many get abandoned and taken to orphanages, or left locked away inside their house. The charity Manos Unidas gives these children an education, regardless of their background, and tries to get them integrated into society. While at the school we did mainly decorative work; including painting, varnishing benches and re-concreting some of the floor. We also completed a big Mural on one of the walls for them to remember us by, on which all of the children that go through the school can add their handprint.
We weren’t only working but also had time to help out with some of the classes and get to know some of the children at the school. We also had the chance to visit a Peruvian orphanage, where I met a 17 year old with cerebal palsy who’s moving to his own place in a month, sings in a band and added me on facebook. It was an eye opener for most of us.We had some time in Lima to explore the city and then another mammoth journey back home.
All in all, it was a great trip- the experience of a lifetime- and something I will never forget.
I can’t believe it’s all over! After 18 months of planning, fundraising and training, my 31 day adventure in Zambia is behind me, as I wait to board our final flight from Nairobi back to London. Twenty nine Scouts and Guides from Hampshire, Surrey and further afield, sitting on the terminal floor, sharing memories or quietly thinking about what we had achieved.
We’d left behind a fabulous legacy for the people of Siavonga Province in Southern Zambia, on the banks of Lake Kariba; a school, medical centre and teacher accommodation for a cluster of fishing villages, whose nearest school used to be 8kms away through the bush. Now over 400 children only have a short walk to school each day, and can receive the education they so desperately want.As a group, we had raised over £27000 to pay for the construction, as well as the £2500 each for our own travel and accommodation. Two expatriates, Ben Cutner and Al Pennycook, had overseen the construction of the shell, before we arrived in Siavonga via a short stopover in Lusaka. The whole of the local population turned out to greet us, and we partied long into the African darkness, meeting the school management committee, local scouts who would join
us on the project and of course, the hundreds of children, who watched in amazement as our camp of 43 identical tents went up on the rocky ground next to the building.
While the small team of local builders completed the more technical building jobs, we started to get the school ready for the handover. We learned skills we had only ever imagined and found muscles previously unknown. Metre after metre of crazy paving floors and paths had to be laid, pointed, cleaned and burnished. 1000s of litres of water for concrete had to be fetched from the lake, drinking water from an hotel, fresh food from the local market and bulk food and building materials from Lusaka, four hours away. We broke stones for concrete, mixed cement, plastered walls, built swings and play equipment, dug footings and of course, in good Scout tradition, painted, and painted and painted. All the time we had to look after ourselves, sharing the washing up, craving a shower at the end of the day, even in the 4 litres of water allowed and washing our clothes in bowls on the floor. Women from the village helped with the cooking; having to kill chickens first was a novelty! The diet became monotonous; everything was boiled, bread was usually
CRAZY PAVING, BOILED CHICKEN AND ELEPHANTS.By Flic Wright
just crumbs and chapattis were common occurrences, but celebratory meals of spit-roasted goat and freshwater crayfish were highlights, as was the visit by the Salvation Army Choir.
After some very late nights, working by torchlight, we had finished and the day for handover dawned. Some last minute touches to the handprint tree and we were done, just as the guests assembled. In a moving ceremony, Julian Sore handed over the school to the local community. On our last day we gave the first lessons to the local children, who gazed in amazement at the paintings on the wall. Some of the group received Scouting awards; Julian presented me with a certificate featuring an elephant, marking the end of my Queen’s Scout Award.
We said our sad farewells to the local Scouts who had lived and worked with us, to the women of the village who will run the school and to the delightful local children.
Our final week in Zambia saw us enjoying some well earned rest, half-decent beds, luke-warm showers, and hotel food. We travelled to Livingstone, wondered at the magnificent Victoria Falls and watched the sun come up over the bush whilst on Safari. Some of the group braved the rapids on the Zambezi River, others met and patted lions, while I opted for a helicopter trip over Victoria Falls and an elephant safari
– how could I forget sitting on the knee of a five ton elephant in the cool dawn, dropping handfuls of peanuts into its ever ready trunk?My thanks go to Jools and the other leaders for making it happen and to my new friends on the expedition for their friendship and laughter.
MALAWI ADVENTURE
Explorer Scouts from Poulner near Ringwood in New Forest West District visited Malawi this summer having hosted a number of Malawian Explorer Scouts earlier in the summer. More in next month’s issue.
ZAMBIAN TIMESBy Lee Craven
Adventures, challenges, hard work but rewarding outcomes, fun times and friendships on a month-long Expedition to Zambia. The six Hampshire Explorer and Network Scouts - Flick Wright, Bryony Cleall, Jono, Ed, Andrew and Lee Craven and Expedition leader Jools Sore joined with other Scouts and Guides and Leaders from Southern England had a very interesting and adventurous summer.
For two years prior to the expedition, as part of the training weekends, we did lots of projects like community work, digging ditches, clearing ground and mixing cement. At the beginning, I didn’t know anyone and I gradually got to know all 26 people really well.
The people of Zambia are very religious,
serious about education and working for a living, but like to have fun dancing and singing. They were very welcoming to us and performed celebration dances.
I made loads of new friends, learnt how rewarding it can be helping others and the Zambian people proved that having very little is no barrier to happiness.
The Expedition leader, Jools Sore said what the team achieved in a month was amazing! The school was named “Katulumba” (meaning “We are Thankful” in Tonga). Previously, the village of approximately 400 families had no name and the villagers have now decided to call the village Katulumba too, which will be a lasting memory.
The expedition and school recieved lots of press coverage and were in the Zambian national press and on National TV ZNBC! On their return, the Expedition was also featured on BBC South today!
By Richard Spearing
During the Summer I had the fortune to attend part of the Boy Scouts of America Centenary celebrations, which were held at the army base of Fort A.P.Hill in Virginia.
With 40,000 on site and day visitors adding to that number, it really was a big operation. It is usual for the “National” as it is often called, to be held every four years falling between the World Jamborees but because 2010 was the Centenary, a five-year period has elapsed since the last one.
Boys came from all over the United States as well as those attached to Groups operating on Foreign bases such as the Far East and Europe. In addition to this, troops came from other Countries like Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Canada and one troop of combined English/Scottish scouts.
Activities for participants were many and varied with Rifle Shooting, Archery, Water Sports, Mountain Boarding, BMX, Swimming, Buckshot (Shotgun) Shooting and Climbing to name just some. There was also a whole area devoted to Merit Badges (Proficiency to you and me) where participants could take part in
activities of every Merit Badge in their scheme. Especially popular with the Scouts were Carving Slides (we call them Woggles), Leathercraft, Model Aircraft, Electronics, Computing and Modelling.
The FUN aspect of Scouting was also very much in evidence with among others, a Derby Race event using inflatable horses to “ride”.
The next National will be held in 2013 on a brand new site up in the mountains of West Virginia. Why don’t you think about getting a troop together and flying off to Washington DC for a couple of weeks?
BSA - 100 YEARS
This is your last chance to take part in this fantastic trip. The few places left are filling up fast so don’t delay.
To join us complete and return the attached slip with your deposit of £99 as soon as possible.
We are flying from Heathrow to Copenhagen on the 29th July and back on the 8th August. During this time we will be camping at Næsbycentret – Denmark’s international Scout campsite on the island of Zealand. The campsite will be full of international visitors and we will also be visiting the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.
There are a number of activities planned both on and off site including visits to Copenhagen and other tourist attractions and a variety of other activities on site.The total cost for the trip is £999 which includes the £99 deposit. Included in the cost are a number of training camps and contingent days, Denmark 2011 International Neckerchief and badge, kit bag and more! We even supply the tents for you to sleep in (though you do have to put them up).
The organising team have arranged a number of fund-raising events to help you reach that total, some of our participants expect to pay the whole cost through fund-raising.
Visit our website:http://denmark2011.org.uk
LEADER WANTED FOR AFRICA 2012 EXPEDITIONBy: Julian Sore
Did you ever want to help lead an expedition to Africa? I am looking for a Male leader to join a leader team, planning an expedition to Africa in 2012. Following on from the success of Zambia 2010, I am putting together a leader team for another expedition to Africa in 2012.
The expedition will be for approx 4.5 weeks, during the summer of 2012. The expedition will take Scouts and Guides (aged 14-18) to Africa, to undertake a major community project and adventure activities.
Major decisions have not yet been taken on this expedition, and therefore this is a good time to join. One of the first decisions will be which country we go to!
I already have a full allocation of female leaders, and therefore, I am looking for just one male leader to complete the leader team.
Leaders should be1. Members of the Scout Association2. Aged between 22 and 533. Be able to have the time off in Summer 2012, and time to cover the 7 or 8 training weekends4. Be prepared to undertake a full and active role in the planning and organisation of such an expedition.5. Be able to attend a leader weekend in October.
GOING ABROADIf you are thinking of organising a Scout trip abroad please get in touch with the County International Team as early as possible. As well as being a requirement of POR to send form TA to ACC International, the team has a wealth of experience of trips abroad and can save you a lot of time and effort in your preparations.
Contact us at:[email protected]
COUNTY DIARYDate Event For Venue Contact
October
1st YL Training Weekend YL Cricket camp Paul Shutt3rd Caving Day S+E Priddy Green Andy Clifton8th Essential Bushcraft
CampE Cricket camp Paul Shutt
8th HSMT Hillwalking training
L South Wales http://hsmt.info/index.htm
10th Regional DC+GSL day DC+GSL Stoke Poges Gilwell
16th Beaver Roadshow North BSL TBC Teresa Ginn
17th Fellowships in Hampshire Mtg
F St Wilfid's Church, Cowplain
Richard Spearing
19th Regatta Meeting S+E 13th Soton HQ David Chadwick21st Heritage meeting All Win' Tennis
ClubRon Dear
22nd Sedan Chair N Herdfordshire Ray Noice31st Caving Day S+E Priddy Green Andy Clifton
31st Kudu E+N West of Hants Romsey Pirates
November
6th County Conference DC+DCh Hedge End County Office
7th Cubs ADC, DCSL meeting
CSL Vanessa Slawson
12th HSMT Hillwalking training
L South Wales http://hsmt.info/index.htm
13th Christmas Wonderland B Paultons Park Teresa Ginn
13th Scrapheap Challenge C Waterlooville Vanessa Slawson
16th CEC Meeting CEC Dovetail C'Ford County Office
19th PL Training weekend S Lyons Copse Dominic Howell21st i Scout Conference L Thornden
C'FordCounty Office
December
31st New Year Camp + workshop
N TBC Ray Noice
2011
28th Jan YL Training Weekend YL Cricket camp Paul Shutt4th Feb NSRA rifle Leader
trainingL Ferny Crofts John Dohoo
22nd April Cty Explorer Camp E Ferny Crofts Paul Shutt
COUNTY DIARYDate Event For Venue Contact25th June Ferny Crofts open day All Ferny Crofts Ferny Crofts
1st July NSRA rifle Leader training
L Ferny Crofts John Dohoo
1st July Trek Cart S+E+N+L Paul Shutt
23rd July Inter-net 2011 N Newbury Neil O'Sullivan
27th July WSJ E Sweden Ian Porter29th July Denmark 2011 E Denmark Paul Shutt
B Beavers N Network DCh District ChairsC Cubs ALL Everyone Hopefully the rest
of the abbreviations should be clear.
S Scouts L LeadersE Explorers YL Young Leaders
Let us know about County Events that are happening so they can be included
in the lists above.
IN NEXT MONTHS HSNMore on Poulners Malawi exchange adventure.
Crondall Explorers fantastic trip to Finland.
Emlyn camping competition report and pictures.
A report on the launch of the Youth Council.
GIVE US YOUR CAMPSITE RECOMMENDATIONSIn a future issue of HSN we are planning a big feature on places to take your Cubs, Scouts and Explorers Camping. So contact us with your recommended camp sites in Hampshire and beyond. If your HQ can be used for sleepovers or Pack holidays let us know so we can let others know and the same goes for activity centres, farmers fields and anywhere else you think is ace.
HSN is edited by Tim Palmer at the County Office and Printed by Russ Parke MBE.
E-News Snippets Winter Skills Mountaineering experience (possible Gold Residential)
Over 18 and hill walking experience neededHampshire Scouts Mountaineering Team have also now released the date for their Winter Skills Week of 22-29 January 2011 in Scotland. For full details please visit the following link http://hsmt.info/winter2011.htm The week is open to Scout Network and adults who have Summer hillwalking experience and wish to extend their skills to Winter walking. Please circulate widely to Scout Network and adults.
GNAS Course
The Hampshire Scout Archery Club are running a GNAS Community Archery Leader Course over two weekends 9-10 October and 23-24 October 2010. This qualification is the standard in which those leading archery activities should have reached as per POR 9.36. For full details on venue, costs and booking please contact Tim Beeching from the Hampshire Scout Archery Club on either 01329 318519 or email him at [email protected]
High Ropes ConsultationAs part of the rolling review of the governance of activities within Scouting we have just launched a consultation on the way we manage and operate high ropes activities. This consultation is based on all the comments and thoughts we have received on this subject so far. You can find the full consultation at www.scouts.org.uk/documents/activitiesx/high_ropes_consultation.pdf along with a link to let us know your thoughts.
This is not a closed consultation so feel free to pass to anyone else you think may have thoughts to add. The aim is to make
sure we know exactly how any proposed changes will affect these activities within Scouting to ensure any changes improve the way this is offered for all.
The deadline for feedback is 31 October 2010. We look forward to receiving your thoughts.
Activities Office | The Scout Association020 8433 7157Gilwell Park | Chingford | London | E4 [email protected] | www.scouts.org.uk/activities
Pulling Course. There will be a Pulling Courses at 25th Northam’s base in Southampton on the days of 9th & 10th October 2010. It will commence at 9.30 each day and finish around 4.30pm. This course is non residential and there will be a £10.00 fee per head to cover any costs. Participants will need boating kit as there will be practical sessions each day. Packed lunch will be required but hot drinks will be provided. Please ask them to e-mail [email protected] if interested as numbers are limited. Joan VealCounty Pulling Assessor
Hayward Fund Application
Applications have started arriving for grants from the Mrs W Hayward fund, which is available for projects in Groups and Districts that will provide an adventurous opportunity for young people or deliver numerical growth of adults or young people. To access the application form please go to: http://www.scouts-hants.org.uk/Portal/index.php?module=Pagesetter&tid=22&filter=DownloadType^sub^113&cv=113
News WantedSending a press release out? Please include us in your email. Got a good news item? Please send it to us for inclusion.HSN is edited by Tim Palmer in the County Office and printed by Russ Parke MBE.
Deadline: 20th of each month to:[email protected] County Office, Ferny Crofts, Beaulieu Rd, Beaulieu, Hampshire, SO42 7YQ Tel: 02380 847847
Gilwell Reunion
A big thank you to the teams from Ferny Crofts and Inter-Net who ran bases on Saturday up at Gilwell Reunion, and it was great to see how much interest there was in both topics.
Hello to the leaders from Fareham, Lymington, Waterlooville and Winchester who tracked me down at Gilwell, either on the Kandersteg stand or around the site, and introduced themselves - great to talk with you all.
Wayne drops in
We were delighted on Saturday to welcome to Hampshire Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner, and his wife Julie, Bailiwick Commissioner of Guernsey. Wayne started as a Cub Scout in 1st Warsash and is a Hampshire Queen’s Scout. During a busy day, Wayne and Julie
.................
- visited the Emyln Camping Competition at Foxlease, which Wayne’s patrol won back in 1979
- chatted with Scouts building shelters at the Scout Survival Skills Weekend at Pinsents- lunched with Jamboree participants and leaders- learnt new skills at the Leaders Skills Day at Lyons Copse- met with the Inter-Net core team to learn about our big Network event in 2011- opened the newly rebuilt and eco-friendly 1st Clanfield Scout HQ
Many thanks to everyone who hosted Wayne’s visit. Wayne and Julie said that they had a fantastic time, and asked me to pass on their appreciation to the organisers for making the day such a success.
Alex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme, visited the Solent Scout Regatta and our Scout Activity Centre at Ferny Crofts.
British Red Cross – Practical First Aid Certificate.
This 14 hour course is sufficient for NGB qualifications e.g. for ML and Level 2 Coach. It also allows you to teach Scouts up to Emergency Aid level 4 and teach first response, providing you have the Scout presenting awards.
Part 1 – First Response – next one 7 Nov 2010 at Poulner HQ, Ringwood 0930 – 1600. (if you cannot attend this, there may be an alternative Red Cross course)Part 2 – Practical First Aid top up day – Sun 21 November 0900 – 1700. Location TBA, probably Romsey or Winchester.
The cost of the course is £50.00 inc VAT and includes the most up to date first aid manual and 3 year certificate.Those doing the award for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can apply for up to £30.00 from the Lord Lieutenant’s fund to support the cost.If you wish to attend, please let me know
and I will book you a place.
I need the following to book a place:NameGroup or District or County / positionPhone numberEmail address (if different to one being used) to send joining instructions to.Thanks a million
Responses to MIKE BAXTER [email protected]
Congratulations...to Dragons and Gladiators Units from Basingstoke East and Silchester on completing a very successful expedition to Canada - read all about it at http://explorers-canada2010.blogspot.com/
to the HSX Peru expedition on completing the Inca Trail, reaching the Sun Gate at Macchu Picchu, and meeting up with Cusco Scouts - see their reports at http://hsx.org.uk/
to the DofE Gold team from HEAT ESU on completing their expedition in the Peak District - fantastic achievement
Very well done to the Open Gold D of E Team from HEAT ESU who completed their four day 50 mile Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award last weekend in the Peak District. Congratulations to Katie Roe, Bede West, Marc Preston, Craig Warren and Helen Coyte. Thanks to Richard Thompson and the other people who have helped with the training, as well as Richard Coughlan who assessed the expedition. We plan to repeat this again in 2010/11 – watch this space for more information.
Congratulations and well done to the 3rd Hayling Scout Group leadership team and group executive as they open a fourth Scout Troop on Hayling Island, also ‘good luck’ to the three new Cub Scout packs opening in the City of Portsmouth - from David Stemp. ACC.
..to the 13th Itchen North Scouts who overcame some very big challenges and ran an extremely successful expedition to Switzerland this summer. Thanks to Nick Thompson, Ang Dicks and all the leaders for enabling the Scouts to have such a fantastic time, and to Karen Fry and Louise Smith from Itchen North District and also Peter Moody our County Chairman for supporting them. At their presentation to parents on Saturday night it was obvious that the Troop and Group are a credit to Scouting and are well supported by parents.
...to the HSX Peru expedition who have returned safely after six weeks of hiking the Inca Trail, meeting Peruvian Scouts, and helping rebuild an orphanage. They did a great presentation on Saturday evening at Winchester, and Katie, Doug and Joe also appeared live this morning on Radio Solent. A big thankyou also to Dave, Phil, Bram and Alex for leading the expedition.
...to Andover Explorers for a great report on an amazing expedition to Peru
....to Josh Cleall on being presented with his Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award
Thank you to the 53 Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer Leaders and Network members who attended and took part in the trial Leaders Skills Day and social weekend. The feedback told the ACC section team that this is just what many Leaders wanted, with a few fixes to make it even better. One has already emailed to say “I would just like to personally thank you and the rest of the Hampshire team for putting on a superb weekend, personally I have managed to take away heaps of useful information and new skills that I would have found difficult to obtain elsewhere.”
The DofE Test Valley award presentations takes place on 20th October 2010 at Romsey School.
Romsey Explorer Scouts have 3 Bronze Awards for presentation.Andover Explorer Scouts have 11 Bronze Awards, 5 Silver Awards and 1 Gold Award – really well done – this is the most of any District within Scouting
....and to Sue Hoon, Doris and Brian Barden, and all at 1st Clanfield for completing the rebuilding of their Scout HQ four years after their previous hall was destroyed by fire See pic below.
Welcome ...to Donna Kerrigan, who will be taking over from Ray Noice as Director of Youth Programme on 6th November and will be responsible for supporting the ACC (Sections). Donna is currently UK Adviser for Adult Training, and is also currently one of Hampshire’s Safeguarding Awareness Coordinators.
...to Richard Merefield, who is taking on an additional role as caretaker District Commissioner for Waterlooville. Richard continues as City Commissioner for Portsmouth, and is of course a former County Commissioner.
TA GET TOGETHERSBy Martin Rudd
Once again we are running a series of the popular Training Adviser Events.
These events are open to Training Advisers and Local Training Managers as well as District Commissioners, District
Chairs and anyone who has an interest in Adult Training in Scouting.
We are holding the 2010 events on the following dates:
Tuesday 2nd November - Pauline’s Lodge, Cricket Camp, Pylands Lane, Bursledon. SO31 1BH (map ref: SU 493112) Thurs 4th November - Hook Scout HQ, Raven
Road, Hook. RG27 9HH (map ref:SU 723539) Thurs 11th November - Copythorne Scout HQ, A31 Romsey Road, Off Junction 1 M27. SO40 2PB (map ref: SU 307147) All evenings will start at 8.00 pm and finish at 10.00 pm (or earlier). Coffee/tea and biscuits will be served upon arrival.
Please register your attendance with Phill Pegg, County Training Administrator on [email protected].
ACTIVITIES INFO
Activity Permit UpdatesBy: Mark Langdown
There has been changes to the Adventurous Activity Permits in caving, sailing, wind surfing & dragon boating. There has also been some changes to the permit assessment checklists for scuba diving, caving and mountain biking. Any permits currently held in these activities are still valid until they expire. Any renewals or fresh permit applications in the mentioned activities must be as per the below changes.
As part of the rolling review of the governance of activities within Scouting we have just launched updates and improvements within a number of activities. Details of each of these can be found at www.scouts-hants.org.uk
Hillwalking ConsultationBy: Mark Langdown
HQ have just launched a consultation on the way we manage and operate hillwalking, particularly with regard to terrain definitions, group sizes and technical terrain not properly covered by the hillwalking permit scheme. This consultation is based on all the comments and thoughts HQ have received on this subject so far. You can find the full consultation at www.scouts.org.uk/documents/activitiesx/hillwalking_consultation.pdf along with a link to let HQ
know your thoughts.
This is not a closed consultation so feel free to pass to anyone else you think may have thoughts to add. The aim is to make sure we know exactly how any proposed changes will affect these activities within Scouting to ensure any changes improve the way this is offered for all.
The deadline for feedback is 31 October 2010.
High Ropes Consultation
As part of the rolling review of the governance of activities within Scouting we have just launched a consultation on the way we manage and operate high ropes activities. This consultation is based on all the comments and thoughts we have received on this subject so far. You can find the full consultation at www.scouts.org.uk/documents/activitiesx/high_ropes_consultation.pdf along with a link to let us know your thoughts.
This is not a closed consultation so feel free to pass to anyone else you think may have thoughts to add. The aim is to make
TRY ORIENTEERINGSouthern Navigators is a local club covering West Surrey and North East Hampshire and we would like to invite you to come along to one of our events.
Orienteering is a timed sport where competitors of all ages and abilities navigate their way, at their own pace, around a course marked on a special map.
SN and Guildford Orienteers run a Saturday series incorporating a junior league from September through to April each year. These events attract a large number of juniors running independently or for their school or college team. Each event has a range of courses so that adults and children, novices and experienced competitors can each follow a course that suits their ability.
More information from:www.southernnavigators.com
Linda CairnsCoach
sure we know exactly how any proposed changes will affect these activities within Scouting to ensure any changes improve the way this is offered for all.
The deadline for feedback is 31 October 2010. We look forward to receiving your thoughts.
Activities Office | The Scout Association020 8433 7157Gilwell Park | Chingford | London | E4 [email protected] | www.scouts.org.uk/activities
FUNDING UPDATE
E.ON Sustainable Energy Fund
This fund supports the implementation of sustainable energy projects within community buildings. Community groups, charities and not-for-profit organisations that benefit education groups, vulnerable people or people in fuel poverty can apply for grants of up to £20,000.The next deadline for new applications is 8 October 2010.For further information contact [email protected] or visit the website at www.eon-uk.com/about/2688.aspx
Community Sustainable Energy Programme
This is a Big Lottery funded programme run by BRE, which supports community-based organisations to install micro-generation technologies. There are two types of grant available:Grants for studies investigating the feasibility of installing any combination of listed microgeneration technologies (maximum grant £5,000 or 75% of the cost) andGrants for the purchase and installation of any combination of solar photovoltaics, solar thermal hot water, wind turbines, heat pumps, wood pellet stoves, wood fuelled boiler systems or micro-hydro turbines (maximum grant £50,000 or 50% of the project cost)The last deadline date for these grants is 29 October 2010.For further information call the helpline on 0845-3671671 or visit their website www.communitysustainable.org.uk
Esmee Fairbairn Foundation
This is one of the largest of the grant-giving foundations. Their main fund responds to requests
Aiming high grants
Dear Scout Leaders,
Just want to make sure that you are all aware of the funding that is available to support setting up activities for disabled young people. I know Jane Stocker has had conversations with many of you (thanks Jane) and that others of you are already supporting funding applications (many thanks).
We now have much greater freedom to offer funding to any after school, evening, holiday, weekend activity providers to help them set up activities which are inclusive. Please look out for the Inspiring You Inclusion Resource Pack, which has been sent to you, which includes details and forms for the funding available. Further information can also be found on www.hants.gov.uk/aiminghigh.
We still have over £500,000 of funding on offer, all of which must be used for activities running prior to the 31st March 2011 or we’ll lose it! This funding can be used for training, staffing, resources, marketing and more. We would appreciate any help you can provide with promoting this opportunity to local activity providers. The application forms are quick and easy to fill in, the panel meets weekly
to approve applications and to provide helpful feedback for any that may require changes so that they can be approved. The sooner we can get this funding committed, the less likely we are to lose it and the more opportunities we can provide across Hampshire for disabled young people and their families.To request further copies of the resource pack/invite for funding letters & forms please email [email protected].
We fully appreciate any help you can give.Best wishes,
Kaz White Recreational Activities Inclusion Officer (Disabled Children & Young People) Hampshire County Council
[email protected] Tel: 01962 846833
for support across their key areas of interest; cultural life of the UK, education and learning, the natural environment and enabling disadvantaged people to participate more fully in society. They also have 4 specific funding strands; o Biodiversityo Foodo Museum and Heritage Collectionso New Approaches to LearningGrants range in size from a few thousand up to hundreds of thousands.Further details of each of the strands is on their website www.esmeefairbairn.org.ukFor further information telephone 020-78123700, e-mail [email protected] or visit the website.
NEXT MEETINGThe date of the next meeting is Thursday 21st October, 1pm at Winchester Tennis Club. The meeting dates after that (all in 2011) will be Thursday 3rd March, Thursday 19th May and Thursday 20th October, venue(s) to be advised.
NEXT MEETINGA meeting of the representatives of the Scout Fellowships in Hampshire will be held on Sunday October 17th at 14.00 hrs at St. Wilfrid’s Church Hall, Padnell Road, Cowplain. PO8 8DZ. This is followed by our Annual Service at 3pm in the Church
WEBSITE OF THE MONTH: www.8theastleighscouts.org.ukLet me know if you have a fantastic website which I haven’t found yet.
Bookings and Information on 02380 845092
EX-HIRE BIKES FOR SALEFerny Crofts are selling their ex-hire bikes from 2009.20’’ Frame 26” wheel Mountain bikes from £10-£2514’’ Frame 26” whell mountain bike (Child) from £10-£2520’’ Wheel size small child’s mountain bikes from £5-15Contact Josh or Phil at Ferny crofts on 02380845092Or [email protected]
23rd - 30th July