1ST CHORLEYWOOD SCOUT GROUP March/April 2010 Newsletter
Congratulations to Richard Veal on receiving his Silver Acorn Award for distinguished service to scouts. Richard has now moved on to District and I would like thank him on your behalf for all his work with the Chorleywood Scout Group. We wish him well in his new role. Richard has sent us this message.
“ Thank you to all the scouts, leaders, and parents that offered their thanks and best wishes to me as I departed 1st Chorleywood at the end of February to take up a role at District – Local Training Manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time – almost eight years – with you and hope that you continue to thrive under new leadership.” (Richard Veal)
This edition of the newsletter concentrates mainly on those activities available to those in the scout sections. Scouting is all about the great out doors and yes the weather is improving although I don’t want to tempt fate by saying that summer is here. It was great to see that scouts from all three scout troops, explorers, leaders and helpers enjoyed the annual scout Easter expedition and I thank Paul and Llewellyn for their reports.
Scouts is also about joining in and taking part in competitions with other local scout groups. Chorleywood have been successful in winning both the district cooking competition and the first aid challenge Thank you Richard and Ian for your reports. (Pat Cunnings)
Easter Expedition Report 1 - Paul Sutton - 22 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders enjoyed three days in the Brecon Beacons as spring finally arrived. We started by dropping off three explorers – Phil R, Jake P and Michael W – who had planned their own three day expedition, carrying all their kit, to cover 50 miles. The rest of us enjoyed an interesting walk exploring the industrial landscape above Blanavon.
The next day the younger ones practised their navigation in a day of mixed weather on the peaks above Llangorse Lake. The older ones completed one of the ridges of the Black Mountains after ascending Table Mountain. Thursday was absolutely perfect with clear blue skies meaning we could see for miles and warm weather with all members – including the Explorers on expedition – making an ascent of Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales and walking back to our bunkhouse which enjoyed fantastic views of the mountain. Special mention to James, Joe and Thomas who ascended the North ridge and completed a long walk with Paul. A great group and a comfortable bunkhouse made for a very enjoyable three day trip. Thanks to Morag Watkins for her organization.
Easter Expedition Report 2 - Llewellyn Watkins Every time you have been walking in the mountains and are slowly recovering from a cold wet day with blistered feet, some old walker will delight in telling you how they had fantastic weather, could see for miles, and didn't even break sweat. Well this trip was exactly that - perfect weather, good walks over Pen y Fan and Table Mountain, excellent accommodation, and wonderful food. Morag and Paul had discovered the Held bunkhouse just outside Brecon on the internet and the scenery was stupendous. The walking groups worked well and everyone came back with an enormous smile on their faces, a slight stiffness, and a great sense of satisfaction. Each duty team cooked a good wholesome breakfast and an appetising evening meal that was quickly eaten before the best part of the day - bed. You have been warned - everyone who went on this trip is likely to start their conversations for many years with anecdotes about the weather in 2010!
Scouts Cooking Competition
In January four members of Chess troop won the district cooking competition, judged as usual by local chef Michael Duffy. They then went on to the County event in February where the team (Sarah Dunkerton, Sarah Hazell, Beth Naylor-Smith, and Magnus Speirs) came a creditable 7th out of eleven teams. The theme this year was “World Cup” and no doubt our master chefs were aided a little by the insight available from Sarah D’s mum who is South African. Well done to all four and special thanks to Mrs D for taking all the cooking equipment home afterwards and putting it through her dishwasher. (Richard Veal)
Scouts and First Aid Challenge
Four Scouts took part in the First Aid Challenge organised by Ricky and Chorleywood St John Ambulance. The team came first in three out of the four incidents and won the overall competition, congratulations to Aimee, Lucy, Rowan and Jacob. (Ian Ashley).
Bike Auction Saturday 24th April Yes we have again managed to secure the amazing Martin Clarkson as out auctioneer. Don’t forget to come along in the morning if you want to sell your bike or scooter. If you are looking for a new bike be there at 2pm for the start of the auction. Bargains are always to be had. We would of course appreciate parental help with this event and details are attached to this newsletter.
St George’s Day Sunday 25th April This year the District St George’s Day celebration will take place at Rickmansworth School. There will be more information from your section leader but I understand that children/young people need to be at the school, in full smartly presented uniform, by 2-40pm for a 3-00pm start. (Newsletter Editor Pat Cunnings 01923 283745)
Dates for your Diary Saturday 24th April Bike Auction Scout HQ Green Street Chorleywood
Sunday 25th April St George’s Day – Rickmansworth School