sac scouts newsletter
DESCRIPTION
Issue 89 October 2014TRANSCRIPT
From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014
Ed Sciberras is an (ex?) SAC scout who lives in the sunny North of England. He tries to spend
weekends out climbing or on a mountain bike, and having promised Andre that he would write an
article for this newsletter, Ed finally tells us a bit about a weekend spent on Ben Nevis last March.
I was cold. Really cold. And hungry. Fortunately I wasn’t wet as well, so it was all right! Lewis was just
above the crest behind me – just out of sight, but he could feel the rope not moving. “Is everything all
right there?” came the question. “Of course”, I said too quickly, masking my nervousness, “just check-
ing out where the route goes”. “Well there’s only one way you know!” came the reply. Still I pon-
dered.
The journey to this spot on the side of Ben Nevis started off from Wied Babu back home in Malta,
where I had started getting in to rock climbing. Scotland in March four years later and I was facing the
notorious Tower Gap, the last difficulty on the Tower Ridge route with the summit of Ben Nevis practi-
cally in sight! This was the last day of a trip with my climbing club spent on the mountain. We had
been staying at the CIC Hut, which is situated about an hour’s walk from the closest car park high up
on Ben Nevis. This means that you’ve got to carry all your food and supplies in addition to the rest of
your climbing equipment. And it’s all uphill!
The CIC hut - home for the weekend.
sac scouts newsletter
From the Courtyard
feature of the month
WINTER IS COMING
Issue 89
October 2014
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014
What this means is that you’re then only about half an hour’s walk from most of the climbing on Ben Ne-
vis itself. If only the weather permits. We managed one climb on the Friday evening before the weather
closed, leaving us to take our rucksacks out for a stroll in the snow on Saturday! Keen to get something
out of the trip, everybody was hoping for a clean break in the weather for Sunday. And we were in for a
treat.
After a slightly dubious start to the day, we decided that the only safe route would be Tower Ridge, one of
the classic routes on the mountain, which takes you all the way to the summit of Ben Nevis practically
from the doorstep of the hut. After 600m of climbing. We set off in a team of three, myself leading the
way, followed by Lewis and Tim. (Worth pointing out that I was in front simply as I was told in no uncer-
tain terms that being the youngest it was only fitting that I broke trail through all the fresh snow!)
Deep snow for breakfast.
After the first hour or so, we slowly realised that the wind had died down, and this rare orange disc called
The Sun was making an appearance. As some of the photos can attest, the result was absolutely awe-
some. We climbed on, pleased with ourselves for having pressed on, and I’ll let the next couple of photos
speak for themselves. The snow was great (not too mushy, not too hard), the conditions were excellent
and all in all a grand day out. We pressed on, getting closer and closer to the summit
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WINTER IS COMING
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014
Yepp, that's where we go.
Just savouring the view.
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WINTER IS COMING
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014 Fe
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WINTER IS COMING
Finally it was my turn to be in front, within sight of the summit, I had to step through Tower Gap, which is
a little cleft in the ridge, preceded by a narrow ‘saddle’ to get to it. After much pondering and oohing and
aahing, the result wasn’t elegant, but it got me there. One final push, and we were finally on top. And it
was worth it.
You could practically spit at the summit – just Tower Gap in the way. Inset shows one way
of getting there.
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014
Apart from the buzz of having gotten to the highest point on the British Isles, the scene from up there on a
day like that was priceless. You could see for miles the landscape of snow covered peaks as far as the eye
could see, and in the stillness of it all – I could hear the waterfall from the valley below!
A very happy Malteser on the summit of Ben Nevis yey!
After a full day out on the mountain, it was another hour of climbing down to the hut, and then another
hour walk back to the car. After a five hour drive back, I finally got home at two am on Sunday night. The
next morning at the office, I was a barely functioning zombie sitting in front of my computer. As my col-
leagues trickled in and talked about their weekend spent doing DIY round the house, I couldn’t help but
smile. I had been somewhere awesome.
Sitting here in the North of England writing this in my dinosaur pyjamas, steaming cup of tea, rain outside
and temperatures well within the range which I would call ‘cold’ I can’t help but look forward to the next
season of mountain action. Most of the time you’d be cold and generally miserable, but for those mo-
ments at the top…I will take the cold. Looking outside, winter is coming.
Fe
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014
The view on the way down. All photos were taken by either Tim Hakim or Lewis Preston –
all credit to them for the scenes.
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014 G
SL’s
n
ote
Ninety-Eight
Last 16th October was our Group's Official 98th birthday. I am sure that this must have gone un-
noticed by most of you but we are doing our best to ensure that the 100th anniversary will not
go unnoticed in two years time. A special committee will be set up to organise the events to cele-
brate this event in order to ensure that we celebrate 100 years of continued and uninterrupted
service.
HQ update
Some of you may be wondering what has happened to the planned works at our HQ. I assure all
members and parents that we are doing our best to get things done properly and November will
be a busy month where progress will be registered in the courtyard. The project for the new roof
is being planned for next January if we manage to secure enough funds to get the project started
and finished at one go as we cannot afford to start stop this initiative based on funds generated.
Activities
Settling down after summer camp took some time and things and equipment are finally back in
place although our HQ never seems to be in order for some reason or another.
A number of activities have taken place this month and I am sure you will read about them in the
following pages. We are also currently planning our usual annual trip to Gozo for the Bulwark
Shield on November 8th to the 9th. Scouts and Ventures will be participating in a two day expe-
dition around Gozo where they will get to actually implement the scouting skills they learn during
the year.
A number of Rovers will be also participating in the Remembrance parade in Floriana on Novem-
ber 9th representing our Group as part of the Scout Association of Malta Contingent.
Annual General Meeting
We are planning to organise our annual general meeting for parents and members during Janu-
ary 2015. The date will be confirmed in the near future. In the meantime we encourage all mem-
bers to get their uniforms ready by then. Please ask your respective section leaders about what
you should buy and from where you should get it.
Thanks
Finally, I would like to thanks parents for all the support and assistance they give us during the
year be it financial or by being there when needed. You make our scouting life easier and
strengthen our determination to carry on.
GSL’s note
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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etera
ns
Hiking is definitely the ‘pezzo forte’ of our Scout Group. This month’s newsletter surely is proof of that. So
there is no surprise in reading that decades after having moved on from the Group ,our Ex-Scouts are still
fond of this activity. Ex VSL Alexander Borg explains why these fully grown adults left the perfect comfort
of their sofas to brave the elements in good company and tradition.
We don’t physically carry the official SAC banner, since most of us are no longer an official part of the
Group. Our uniforms have long faded and are lying somewhere in a drawer filled with scouting memora-
bilia. It is highly unlikely that any of us can get into the scouting kit that we used to wear during parades
and activities when we were in our teens and twenties! However, we do consider ourselves St Aloysius
Scouts, and that’s what we call ourselves when friends, relatives and colleagues wonder why we leave the
comfort of our homes every October to go on our yearly expedition to Gozo. We are the ex-cubs, scouts,
ventures and rovers, and I like to call us “SAC Veterans”. And the SAC banner is still proudly fluttering in
our hearts.
We’ve kept this going, without gaps, since we were an active part of the group in the late 90s. Living
abroad, work and family commitments have not stopped us from attending. Every October we hike
around Gozo for 4 days and 3 nights, camping at a few expertly selected spots which, by now, we know
very well. The route varies slightly each year. Sounds repetitive? Not at all! Each year brings new experi-
ences. We always meet some interesting characters. And who can ever get bored of the Gozitan country-
side and villages? Especially when the hot weather has turned milder and the fields don that lush green
coating that is breath-taking to look at.
Day 1: Near Hondoq ir-Rummien. From left to right, Mark Cassola, Stephen Coppini, Vladimiro Comodini
(seated), Alexander Borg, Trevor Schembri, Stephen Spiteri Staines (seated). Note the remains of yester-
day’s meal in the foreground!
SAC VETERANS EXPEDITION
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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The route is planned weeks before, and Stephen Spiteri Staines sends us a Google Maps route by e-mail.
We team up as “buddies”… groups of 2 or 3 people who share the weight of tents and food, share the
same pots and stove, and prepare their own menus. Buddies are also established ahead of the event, al-
though most of us stick to the same group, like a marriage which has stood the test of time.
This year, we met on Thursday 30th October and took the ferry to Mgarr. The “advance party” consisted of
Trevor Schembri, Mark Cassola, Alex Borg and Stephen Coppini. According to the metaphorical coin flip
from a few weeks before, we started walking anti-clockwise along the coast. Our first night was in a field
near Hondoq ir-Rummien. We waited for the “kaccatturi” to stop their infernal massacre, and then
pitched our tents and cooked our meals. We were later joined by Vladimiro Comodini and Stephen Spiteri
Staines. Short spells of rain did not dampen our spirits, although there was a respectable downpour dur-
ing the night.
Day 2: Leaving Ramla. From left to right: Stephen Coppini, Vincent Micallef, Stephen Spiteri Staines, Mark
Cassola, Alexander Borg, Reuben Xuereb, Andrea Gera de Petri, Johann Bellizzi. Behold the view!
The following day we walked through Qala and Nadur to reach our “secret” campsite at Ramla. Ruben
Xuereb and Andrea Gera de Petri joined us at Nadur, while Johann Bellizzi met us at Ramla. Vincent Mi-
callef, Mark Busuttil and Kevin Alamango came to swell our ranks during the night. The weather was kind
and we had no nasty encounters. The perennial threat is from “kaccatturi” and farmers who claim to own
the land we’re camping on…we do our best to keep a low profile! A massive campfire kept us warm
throughout the night. Johann Bellizzi gave us a professional fire juggling display.
SAC VETERANS EXPEDITION
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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Saturday morning breakfast was soon followed by an arduous climb up to Calypso cave. Then followed a
most pleasant walk to Marsalforn. We stopped at a restaurant to pig out on pizza. Hiking is hard work and
we need the calories! The final leg of the day was a most scenic walk along the Qbajjar coastline on our
way to camp in the shadow of the Gordan lighthouse. Although there was the threat of wind, which can
ruin plans as much as heavy rain, the weather had settled down nicely and the evening was most enjoy-
able. And in case you’re wondering what a bunch of 40-plus-year-olds do in the middle of a field in pitch
darkness…well, we just do what all scouts do – we cook, eat, compete on who cooks the best meal, joke,
chat, play music, sing and feel pretty grateful for the company of friends and beautiful surroundings.
Day 3: Tal-Gordan campsite. Boys will be boys. From left to right: Trevor Schembri, Mark Cassola, Reuben
Xuereb, Alexander Borg (lying down), Stephen Coppini, Vladimiro Comodini, Vincent Micallef, Andrea Gera
de Petri, Johann Bellizzi
The early hours of Sunday morning brought the inevitable “kaccattur” who came to complain about our
presence on “his” land. We followed our well-rehearsed script, said sorry and we’re leaving soon, thank
you. We made our way to Mgarr Harbour, and parted. And that was it for this year. We had families,
work and a shower to get back to, and some us had a flight to catch over the next few days to take us
back to our overseas homes. But we took back memories of a wonderful expedition, embellished by great
weather and a good catching up with old friends. I will conclude by saying to younger scouts that I wish
your time in scouting proves to be an opportunity to form everlasting bonds with friends, as it has for us.
Never let the pressures of work and study take this away from you, and cherish every moment you spend
with your fellow scouts. If you do so, although life may take you in unexpected directions, you will never
fail to look back at these times as a precious gift.
SAC VETERANS EXPEDITION
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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ack
Written by Rikki-Tikki-Tavi—Joanna Camilleri Ellul
Cleaning of Cub room
During the month of October cub leaders decided to give the Cub Room a thorough cleaning and reor-
ganisation. The storage cupboards were emptied and several things which were not needed were thrown
away, while things which are still needed were stored away neatly while an inventory was drawn up. All
the books which were found in the cub room were placed in a new unit with glass doors and these will
eventually be sorted and organised logically. Other items which do not belong to the Cub section were
either stored in the other cupboards or storage areas in the room or given to their respective sections.
The files with the documents, application forms, past circulars and resources of the Cub section have also
been revised and updated.
Work on the Cub Room is expected to continue in the coming weeks so that it may once again be used by
the Cubs now that the winter months are drawing in.
Cubs Halloween Party
On Wednesday 29th October the Cub section had
their annual Halloween party organised at the SAC
Headquarters.
Cubs were invited to attend in their Halloween cos-
tumes and cubs turned up in a variety of scary cos-
tumes including zombies, ghosts, skeletons, vam-
pires and wizards.
The party consisted of a variety of Halloween-
themed games and activities. The cubs were divided
into different groups and once the party started
each group could participate in any of the games or
activities that were available. The games and activi-
ties included eyeball throwing, shrinking island,
wrap the mummy, witch washing, Halloween cor-
ners, Halloween ship racing, and climb the web. The
cubs also had an activity of trick or treat. The cubs
also had a food station where they could eat and
drink between taking part in the various activities.
Accompanying the there were fantastic muffins and
cakes prepared specially for the occasion by some
parents.
CUBS HALLOWEEN PARTY
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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Chocolate making was definitely the highlight of the event. Cubs
were given the opportunity to make chocolates by pouring
melted chocolate into Halloween themed moulds after which
they were given the opportunity to decorate the chocolates
once they had cooled down.
At the end of the party the cubs were given a pack to take with
them with the chocolate moulds they had made.
We would like to thank all the people including parents, friends
and Rovers who offered their help on the day so that this even
could be a success.
CUBS HALLOWEEN PARTY
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From the
Courtyard
Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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Operation Bulwark Shield, our annual 2 day expedition in Gozo was this year postponed due to the freak
‘Medi-cane’ or Mediterranean hurricane which struck the island with terribly strong winds and storms.
Keeping in mind the Scout Association’s
policies of risk assessment and basing on
inconclusive weather reports, it was un-
fortunately decided to postpone the ex-
pedition, which is considered to be the
highlight of the scouting year for the
Troop, to a later date this or next year.
Waiting till the last minute to decide the
fate of the activity, the decision was
taken at 6am on the day after having
established that although Gozo Channel
would be operational, the trip across to
Gozo would have been very uncomfort-
able if not dangerous.
Notwithstanding all this, the major factor which led to this decision was the number of dropouts on the
eve of the event. Whilst we completely understand the concerns for safety, one must also appreciate that
as a scout group we always keep the safety of our members and leaders at the highest point of impor-
tance while balancing it out with adventure, fun and learning.
At the same time, scouts must also understand that even though this expedition might sound like a daunt-
ing feat, hiding away from it will not make life any easier. On the contrary, participating in certain ‘hard‘
activities will strengthen your endurance and character and prepare you for life’s real challenges, which
you can’t choose not to attend!
BULWARK POSTPONED
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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nit
As the fields start getting greener and the days get
cooler, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday af-
ternoon than in the countryside away from the ur-
ban areas we spend our lives in.
With this in mind, our AVSL Isaac took us on a hike in
one of the most remote areas of the island. This hike
started and finished at the Paradise Bay car park and
took us around the tip of Malta’s ‘tail’.
From the photos one can see that this was a very ad-
venturous walk in an area seldom visited by people.
In the first part of our trek, under the cliffs we had to
climb over, under and in between huge boulders, we
found a sizeable natural rain water pond and some
interesting rock formations. No wildlife was seen un-
fortunately, although we did find a few skeletons of
dead birds. We carried on until we reached the sea
and figured out that the only way out was to head
up. Fortunately, close by there was a way out so we
climbed up towards a rock cut staircase which must
have been used by fishermen in times gone by.
WINTER HIKING
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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Once we reached the top of the cliff, the view was breathtaking (or maybe we had lost our breath on our
way up!) so we stopped to have our packed lunches to regain those calories we had used up. Following
the trail ahead of us, we walked on towards Qammiegh Point. Along the way we observed various illegal
manmade dwellings and wondered at how smart these people are, to build their little houses in such a
beautiful and peaceful place.
Next, we lounged along the road towards the Red Tower however this was boring, so instead, upon reach-
ing one of the wartime pillboxes on the ridge, we cut down into the valley through the countryside and
followed some farmers’ paths in a general direction towards Paradise Bay car park which we could see up
ahead. Soon enough we got there and the hike was brought to an end. We all headed off to the nearest
ice-cream kiosk to celebrate the day’s event which, although being a relatively short hike and activity was
thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and also proved to be somewhat educational for most of us who
had never visited this part of the island.
Andre Brincat—VSL
WINTER HIKING
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From the
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Issue 89
October 2014 Fro
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LAN PARTY 2.0—Liam Curmi De Gray
The Rover committee planned to have our yearly Lan Party. After our great experience first time round
(and annihilation by a specific person) it was decided to give it another go. This time round we included an
extra game instead of just one. The second game of instalment was called Flatout 2 which is not your typi-
cal racing car game. Sure, it included races but the fun of it was that we could totally destroy each other’s
cars. We ended up playing mostly derby which is the game setting where last man standing wins. The
races were pointless because it was the first two competing for first place whilst the others were a lap be-
hind. Sadly we only played a total of three hours of this game.
The majority of people who came only wanted to play our last year’s game which was Call of Duty 2. This
is where people started getting serious, improvising tactics, being a total annoying camper, teamwork and
just being a noob (Gaming term where you have no idea how to play and just get destroyed by the other
team). We kept on playing this game for a total of nine hours filled with rage inducing curse word and the
typical gloating where one team completely walks their way to victory. Call of Duty 2 has many different
types of game mode, there are; Free-for-all , where it’s every man’s for himself killing everyone as much
as they can. Team Deathmatch, where two teams compete each other and win who kills the most. Finally,
Search and Destroy where there are two teams and the only way to win is that you manage to kill every-
one in that round or else manage to plant a bomb in the specific place and allow it to detonate. It’s a De-
fence versus Aggressive game, where one team has the bomb and try and detonate it while the defending
team try and kill all the aggressive team. Even a 3 – 1 match was close with our reining superior Lewis with
his fully decked up gaming computer versus 3 laptops.
Like last time, we stayed in the Troop room to have our party on. The people who showed up were David,
Matthew (Meli) , Liam , Lewis , Albert , Simon and Emma doing her own weaving hobby. We all met at HQ
at 9am and people came later till 9;30pm , a total of twelve hours playing ,swearing and piss breaks. Like
last time it was very enjoyable and I hope we do another one soon. But not COD 2 , I’m getting pretty sick
of that from our last Lan party.
ST MARTIN’S COLLEGE RAFTING—Albert Galea
The St. Martin’s Raft-Building activity has become something of a tradition for our group as time and time
again we have been asked to organise this fun day out for the new St. Martin’s sixth-formers. This year
was no different. Our plan was to arrive there, organise some simple command tasks as ice-breakers and
then to split the group up into 2 teams and assist them in building a raft each.
Sadly, due to transportation issues, our planning got thrown into turmoil and we had to scrap the com-
mand tasks from the programme. Instead we built only the rafts which were made up of 4 barrels one
either end, connected in between by 2 joint 4 metre spars. This hence created a surface area big enough
for the majority of the big group to fit onto.
The rafts were launched at around 11:30am and even though a lot of the students took to the water, eve-
rybody still had great fun!
ROVERS REPORTING..