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District Commissioner Blog October 2014

Well our scouting is very much full steam ahead. I am delighted to welcome Sarah Granger and Rob Wayman to the district team. They have both been appointed as District Cub Scout Leaders and will work along side Pat to provide encouragement and support to the cub section. I am sure everyone will be delighted for them and offer their support.

We are now producing every month a role of honour celebrating our leader’s service and other young person’s awards. If you have any children who gain the Bronze Silver and Gold awards please tell me so we can add them to the roll of honour that we will be producing every month.

The district web site is presently under a thorough review and I hope the new improved site will be up and running for you all very soon. Please remember that the web site is our main vehicle for communication between us all and it acts as the face of our scouting in the community. If you have any group events or those that are held by the district please shout load about them and send some pictures and words to the media team. They look forward to receiving your good news.

The Compass data membership system is now live and we have a lot to do to get our data as it should be. We are doing a clean up operation of our adult data and once that is completed we will be looking to get our young person data recorded on compass. That will be a task that will need to be done by groups and I will be talking to Group Scout Leaders on the time frame for that work and the support and training we will offer them.

Wilverley has a new cooker in the cottage kitchen so you will find that better when you next go there. We are looking over the next few months to make other improvements to the cottage kitchen and we are looking at providing a range of cooking utensils to save you having to take them yourselves.

Our next District sports event is the swimming gala on Saturday 15th November the details are on the website and we really hope that EVERY group will be participating this year. Get your team entered with Graham and please would you tell him who will be acting as marshals on your groups behalf on the evening.

We will be updating our district directory very soon so if you have any changes in your personal details have you moved home changed your email address or telephone number? Please make sure Graham is aware of those so that your information is up to date.

If anyone wishes to talk to me and clarify anything, I am always pleased for you to contact me by email or by phone or in person just ask away.

Yours in Scouting,

Colin Floyd
District Commissioner
07770364711 or colin.floyd@ntlworld.com  

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Explorer Belt: Our Trip to France

In September Alex Manning, Heather Porter and Josh Smith, members of Southampton City Network, spent 11 days in France and Belgium completing the Explorer Belt. The trip involved cycling 440 km, complete with fully laden panniers, along the World War 1 Western Front and aimed to investigate the effect of WW1 on the people and landscapes 100 years on.

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Our trip started in Nieuwpoort, Belgium, which was the coastal end of the front. Nieuwpoort and the surrounding canals were flooded during the war to prevent German flanking so we took a look at where this started. After a night spent in a somewhat dubious, closed campsite near Diksmuide we headed to Ieper (Ypres) to visit the city and attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.

Our third day continued in Ieper at the ‘In Flanders Fields’ museum before heading off to Hill 62 which is home to the Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, a museum with preserved British front line trenches, and the Hill 62 Canadian memorial. We also visited Hill 60 where lots of mining and explosives were used. On day four, fuelled by vast amounts of Haribo, we made our way to Le Touret memorial where we were able to find one of Josh’s relatives amongst the 13,400 British soldiers who are remembered there.

The fifth day of the trip started with a puncture. After sorting that out we headed to Notre Dame de Lorette which is the largest French military cemetery in the World and houses over 40,000 French soldiers. The crosses in the cemetery stretched as far as the eye could see and was truly sobering. We then cycled up the second hill of the day to get to the Vimy Ridge where a memorial to Canadian soldiers sits proud at the top to remember their tunnelling attack on the German front line.

After the long day before we had a more relaxed day and headed to Arras to explore some tunnels which were used by miners from New Zealand. For day seven we headed to Albert via the Newfoundland Memorial park which was a piece of land which had been left after the war and kept as a park to memorialise soldiers from Newfoundland. We moved further into the Somme region as we reached Albert and there was a noticeable increase in the number of cemeteries we saw.

Day eight was spent exploring Albert and the surrounding area. This included a trip to the Thiepval Memorial where we found one of Alex’s relatives, and a visit to a German cemetery. Back in Albert we visited a museum which was in a tunnel under the town and used during both wars as an air raid shelter. On day nine we cycled to Amiens which was the last stop on our trip. The rest of day 9 and 10 were spent exploring Amiens including visits to a library (complete with a very lovely and interesting librarian), the cathedral, Museum de Picardy, and a general wander around the city. The next day we returned back to Southampton feeling tired but successful.

 

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Endeavour Explorers: Summer Camp 2014

The Triumph of the Few

In January 12 explorers said they wanted to go and the Site was booked. Various reminders were sent out and deadlines were set, but with weeks to go there was little response. It seemed that late booked holidays and other organised activities had scuppered us. To go or not to go – well, we had paid a deposit which we would lose – and the few still wanted to go.

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In the event: 4 explorers; Rozy, Kieran, Faye and Joe; Jake, just about to become a trainee Leader at Ferny Crofts and Amanda, Matt, Geoff and Lin together with Corbin a Beaver Scout, were the ten that went along to Bowling Green Wood in Dorset from the 9th to the 16th August.

The Saturday load up needed some changes in our equipment as we had just heard that the fringes of hurricane Bertha would hit the South Coast that night. The heavy mess tent was preferred.

Lin and I had been there before but everyone else was impressed by the fact that this great campsite would be ours for a week. Thought was given to the layout of the tents given the high westerly winds that were forecast. The site is bounded by woodland which would give shelter but there was evidence that the trees could be blown down in the wind.

Sitting round the fire after a good supper the wind picked up as forecast and we went off to our Tents. It was a wet and windy night but we had good tents well pitched and we didn’t lose any sleep. 

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The morning was windy and rainy but a visit from the resident peacock put us in a good mood. We decided immediately to put the bad weather fall back into action and went to Splashdown at Poole, “fluming” marvellous for the young, but two hours sipping indifferent coffee for the old and responsible. On the way back over Whiteway Hill we stopped at the high view point and saw the Jurassic coast spread before us all the way to Portland Bill. Amanda and Rozy did aerobics on stumps and Joe sat and contemplated.

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Monday was better. Lin and Corbin were arriving and we arranged to meet them at Worth Matravers. I hadn’t said much about where we were going but the reaction when the others saw the big quarry caves cut into the cliff face was amazing. It was a time and a place to explore and they all did. Sitting above a sea still under the influence of hurricane Bertha was awesome. The hunt for ammonite fossils as big as car tyres was great as they clambered over the cliffs and rocky shelves. 

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Tuesday we split: The Macho Brigade went to the Tank Museum while the Primeval went to Monkey World. Both Parties enjoyed their days but it was good to get back to our home at Bowling Green and compare notes whilst we prepared Dinner.

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On Wednesday it was time to hit the beach at Lulworth Cove where most went swimming and all sunbathed. To live up to the English tradition the clouds came over, it started to rain and we became part of the mass exodus from the beach. After lunch some of us returned to visit the Fossil Forest to the east of the Cove.

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That evening we cooked Pizzas on our own recently invented Camp Pizza Oven.

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Thursday and Climbing was on the bill: We chose Hedbury Quarry as it was above the sea which was still a bit frisky. All the climbs there are bolted and most of a high grade but luckily our spot was available right on the edge overlooking the sea and the right grade for our novices. Matt and Jake have recently passed their Walls and Towers and this was a chance for them to extend their experience under my M form. Everyone had a go and some good climbing was done. It was good weather and a good place to be. After the long uphill path back to the Cars we decided everyone needed a treat and headed off to Swanage for a group meal in a Fish and Chip Restaurant.

 

 

Friday, our last full day and it had to be done – Durdle D’or and the swim through the Arch:

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With Kieran our lifeguard in attendance the unit made a Unit swim through and around the arch and then enjoyed a laze and mud bath! on the beach. Meanwhile Joe made friends with a homing pigeon and gave it something to eat and drink.

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That night Jake suggested we cook Hobo style – We prepared our own mix of meat and chopped vegetables seasoned and sauced, wrapped in foil and cooked in the embers. It was delicious.

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The next morning we broke Camp and loaded the cars and trailer. Tidied the site and at a final parade were presented with the Campsite badge by the Warden, our flags were lowered and we left. What a memory!

From the Four: Rozi, Faye, Kieran and Joe: also Jake, Amanda, Matt, Geoff, Lin and “I just can’t wait to be an Explorer” Corbin.

One of the successes of the Camp were the Swedish Candles which Amanda had brought along as prepared logs with slots cut down into them. With a few embers dropped on the top they caught light and burnt down into the log for an hour or two. We cooked on them and also boiled a few Kettles. Thanks to Scouting Magazines Get Active Booklet.

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Volunteers Needed – 12th October

On Sunday the 12th of October, Graham Meering is coordinating a County event at Ferny Crofts for approximately 80 young carers from thoughout Hampshire. He is looking for leaders to run planned bases, people to help as greeters/guides and young leaders/Network or explorers to act as mentors working with the youngsters on the activities.

Are you free on the day and willing to help? He is looking for leaders to run planned bases, people to help as greeters/guides, young Leaders/Network or explorers to act as mentors working with the youngsters on the activities.

The day will run 10 am to 3.30 pm but it would be helpful to be there at 9.30. If you are interested, please contact g.meering@sky.com.

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District Commissioner Blog September 2014

Congratulations to the 1st Stags for winning the County Emlyn scouting skills competition. Well done and congratulations to Andy and his team of Leaders at the 1st Scout Troop. “Be very proud”.

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Let’s all shout load how good we are!!

We have a lot to be proud of in our scouting, having been in post for three years it is timely to note the achievements we have all made together.

In no particular order:

  • Very supportive District Executive Council
  • Adult recruitment on the up.
  • Over 800 members in Southampton a record high.
  • Wilverley camp site greatly improved
  • Adult Training Greatly improved.
  • Support to Groups greatly improved.
  • All groups are full, thriving and looking forward with enthusiasm.
  • A much improved media, communication and district web site.
  • All district events and camps have improved.
  • Our young Leader trainees continue to support our scouting well.
  • A great number of bronze, silver and gold Chief Scout award winners. Quality scouting.
  • Growing help & support from our Active Support Unit.
  • Lots of additional adventurous activities taking place.

Scout Association Compass Membership System Data.

I spoke of this last month but for those that did not read it then, please note the launch of the new scout data base has been delayed for a few weeks whilst they fine tune the system. It will be opened for business very soon. When that happens we will have to major task of making sure all our young people are safely and accurately recorded on the system. You are being asked by Graham to tell him how you presently keep those confidential records. Further updates will be given out over the next few weeks.

If you keep your records on OSM there will be a day when that information will be transferred to compass so please make sure what records you have in OSM are correct.

Going forward it will be each group and section leader’s responsibility to make sure that the Compass data is up to date. That is a big job so groups may look to assign someone to take on that work on all the section leader’s behalf. It is your decision. I will be talking more to Group Scout Leaders at our next meeting which is being held on Wednesday 8th October at Bevious Town School at 7.30pm.

I Challenge you all. I would like many more Parents to be asked to get involved the more we have the more fun it would be for us. I challenge all of you to ask one person to get involved. I often get told that Parents would help if they were asked.

District Sports Swimming Gala

The District are holding its annual swimming gala at the Quays on Saturday 15th November so for those of you that are sports representatives please get in touch with me or Graham Meering and offer to get involved.

District Directory September 2014

We will be updating our district directory very soon so if you have any changes in your group please make sure Graham is aware of those so that your group information is up to date.

If anyone wishes to talk to me and clarify anything, I am always pleased for you to contact me by email or by phone or in person just ask away.

Yours in Scouting,

Colin Floyd,
District Commissioner,
Mob Tel 07770364711 or colin.floyd@ntlworld.com

 

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S.S. “Shieldhall” – Autumn Training Day (Alongside) for Hampshire Scouts – Saturday 11th October 2014

There are places available for Hampshire scouts…

The day will follow the now well established format of starting with a colour ceremony on the boat-deck aft at 10.00 followed by six training modules set about different parts of the ship which all participants will experience during the course of the day finishing with the lowering of the colours at 16.00. The six training modules referred to willl cover a) the bridge scenario, how a ship is navigated / steered, compass, radar, signals, etc., b) introduction to an Admiralty chart, how to plot a course., c) working with heavy ropes on the forward deck, heave a line, a few useful knots, etc., d) the rescue RIB on the water, boat / water safety, steer a Fig 8 course etc., e) the fire scenario, hazards, extinguishers, B.A. equipment, run out hoses, etc., f) tour of the machinery spaces, learn how steam is raised and the ship is propelled / steered. In the event of inclement weather wet weather gear will be req’d for activities about the deck – participants wil also need a packed lunch., drinks, cocolate bars, crisps, ice cream and the like are available to purchase and our shop will be open over the 45 min. lunch time period.

Quite amazingly the cost is just £17.50 / young participant with no charge made for accompanying adults / leaders who may like to sit in on the training modules and to make things easy places may be reserved by the simple expedient of an e-mail to myself with payment by cash or cheque (not credit card) at the top of the gangway when coming aboard on the day. More information and a good selection of pictures from previous training days are availabe on our web-site which is www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk If any further information is req’d then please do not hesitate to ask.

Many thanks in anticipation of your usual full and kind support,

Yours “aye”

Richard Jarvis

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Website and Newsletter Update

First of all, we have a “thank you and goodbye” to share. We are very grateful to Mike Johnson who has been our Web Manager for the last year and has done a huge amount of work revamping our website and raising the standards of our media and communications. Mike has been given the chance to run a pub in London and has already made the move. Do drop in to The Gazebo at Kingston-upon-Thames if you are passing! We wish Mike all the best and no doubt we will see him around in the scouting world.

We are also grateful to Ollie Bills (ABSL at the 29th) who has stepped up to become our new Web Master. Ollie brings a wealth of IT and communication skills and will continue the great work that Mike has been doing. Feel free to send kind comments and suggestions to sotoncityscouts@yahoo.com.

You should regularly visit our website southamptoncityscouts.co.uk to check the latest news and events information. We also send out an email newsletter “Left Handshake” on the 1st of each month with a short summary of each article and links to the website. All leaders and helpers in the District are welcome to submit articles by sending them to sotoncityscouts@yahoo.com for consideration. Everyone likes to see information about forthcoming events and pictures/reports of recent events. It is also okay to send us links to items on your own group websites that might be of wider interest around the District.

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Quiz Night Event in Aid of Jamboree 2015

Quiz Evening

Fundraising for Scout international experiences in 2015.

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At 11th Headquarters (Kentish Road, Shirley)

26th April 2014 7-10 pm

Cost £3 Adults, £2 Children, £10 Family (2+2)

There will also be a raffle and refreshments available for purchase.

Tickets are available from:

Owen Budd, Kieran Brackley, Rozy Toomer or Colin Floyd (DC)
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Cross Country Event 2014

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Southampton City District Sports Committee

invite you  to participate in the 

 
Cross Country Event 2014 at the Sports Centre
2nd March 2014 at 10.00 am
 
Come and have some fun and support your group.

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Southampton Scout To Speak In Front Of Queen At Televised Jubilee Event

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The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the royal family, are attending the Diamond Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving on Tuesday morning. The service is being broadcast on BBC One.

Caitlin, a top Scouting achiever, was recently awarded the highest award possible by the movement – the Queen’s Scout award – at a ceremony in Windsor.

She helped out in her community and went on a three-week expedition across north Wales to walk, sail, camp and climb with young people from around the world.

Caitlin said: “I’ve been in Scouting for nearly seven years now, starting off in Hoosiders Explorer Scout unit in Penrith.

“I’d always been jealous of my brother going off to do fun and exciting camps and once or twice I’d been able to tag along as my parents were both occasional helpers.

“Scouting has given me the opportunity to climb mountains, canoe rivers and walk many miles with a huge smile on my face for the whole journey. Scouting has given me that optimism and energy.”

Caitlin is a member of the Scout Network as well as an assistant Scout leader at home. She is also an assistant Explorer Scout leader in Southampton, where she is at university studying French and Spanish.

She said: “It seems bizarre now to think that I’d barely speak up in meetings when I first joined Scouting. Yet when I went to Windsor to collect the Queen’s Scout award, there I was speaking in front of hundreds.

“I went from being shy and quiet to being the loud one bringing all the others out of their shells. I’ve been pushed to be a better person than I thought I could be and I appreciate all the support I’ve had.

“To have been invited to be part of the jubilee thanksgiving service is just beyond my wildest dreams – and all thanks to Scouting.”

First published at 14:11, Friday, 01 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk