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Do you have any budding young reporters in your section that would like to write about their experience of the Chief's visit last month? Do you have any interesting/funny anecdotes about the event or other activities that have taken place recently? Are there any Scouts out there who would like to report on the Night Hike? If yes please send them to me at the address below by the 5th January at the very latest!
I have an idea for the annual review next June and I ask for your help. I need interesting/funny/action photographs of young people taking part in the various events that have been held since May of this year. If you have any that I could use - ones that are no more than a year old, please send them to me with your name and address and I shall copy them and return them back to you. All will become clear (hopefully) at the District's AGM and Annual Review next June.
The Mayor has called on our help again this year to help deliver her goodwill fund gifts. If you can help (you'll need your own transport, or be with someone that does), please meet in full uniform at the Council Chamber (opposite 2 Riversmeet) at 10.30am sharp this Sunday 16th December.
The District Secretary will be sending out the details on the Annual Census to all GSLs within the next few weeks. I hope that we are able to record another good year of growth in Christchurch and prove to all that we ARE the best District in the Country. If you have any questions with regards to the procedure please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Please accept all good wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thankyou all for your efforts this year and I look forward to another great year in 2002.
The Chief Scout made a visit to Christchurch today to formally open the District's new Christchurch Scout Centre. Over 60 guests attended the ceremony including the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Josephine Spencer, Christopher Chope MP, the Chief Executive of Christchurch Borough Council, Michael Turvey and the County Commissioner, Dr James Morton to name but a few.
After the ceremony the Chief went to the Junior and Infants Schools to meet with the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and members of the Scout and Guide Band.
When asked what the Chief's first impression was he said "The atmosphere, it feels so nice to be part of what is obviously a very successful and happy District"
A team from Bransgore Scouts won this years Scout Night Hike. Eagle patrol beat off stiff opposition and came first in the annual event. This year over 7 incident bases were set up along the 8 mile course to test the Scouts on various skills.
Please be advised that the date for the above event has now been changed to WEDNESDAY 17TH APRIL, 6.30pm at the Priory
At a special ceremony held at the Mayor's Parlour this evening, Thomas Coombs from Jumpers Troop became the 52nd Mayor's Scout of Christchurch taking over from Paul Stevenson.
Paul now become Deputy Mayors Scout.
It with great pleasure that I am able to announce another safe arrival! Nicola Haskell - CSL of Town has given birth to a little girl Sophie Jane Haskell arrived at 2.40 am on 5th October 2001 at Bournemouth Hospital weighing in at 6 lb 1oz Both Nicola and Sophie are well. I'm sure that you will all join me in wishing Nicola and Steve all our best wishes.
The annual district swimming gala took place on Saturday 6th October. Mudeford retained the Scout Cup but Highcliffe took the Cub award this year.
The full list of results can be seen below
| Cub Section | Scout Section | Group Relay | Group Fun Event | |||
| Pack | Points | Troop | Points | |||
| 1st Place | Highcliffe | 58 | Mudeford | 86 | Mudeford | Jumpers |
| 2nd Place | Bransgore | 49 | Jumpers | 78 | Bransgore | Mudeford |
| 3rd Place | Town | 46 | Bransgore & Somerford | 48 | Jumpers | Bransgore |
| 4th Place | Jumpers & Mudeford | - | Town | Town | ||
| 5th Place | - | Town | Burton | Burton | ||
| 6th Place | Burton | Highcliffe | Highcliffe | Highcliffe | ||
| 7th Place | Burton | - | - | |||
I have now received details of the two local PRI Information evenings that I told you about in the District Newsletter last week.
BOURNEMOUTH - 20th November
Bournemouth School Main Hall, East Way, Bournemouth 7.00pm
POOLE - 21st November
Dennis Gooding Centre, Layton Road, Parkstone, Poole 7.30pm
Do not worry about wearing uniform to either. All Leaders and Helpers are encouraged to attend either evening.
Following their success in the District Camping Competition this summer, a patrol from Jumpers Scouts beat off some stiff opposition and won the County Banner camping competition this year for the second time in three years.
It with great pleasure that I am able to announce that Anita Penny - GSL of Scoutlink has given birth to a little girl Nicola Anne Penny arrived at 10.41 pm on 27th September 2001 at Bournemouth Hospital weighing in at 7 lb 11oz Both Anita and Nicola are well. I'm sure that you will all join me in wishing Anita and Ian all our best wishes.
The Chief Scout has agreed to formally open the Christchurch Scout Centre. The ceremony is to take place on Saturday 17th November.
More details to follow shortly
There is to be a local County PRI Information evening on Tuesday 20th November in Bournemouth. This evening will bring everyone up to date on the latest developments of PRI. It will not cover the content of the programme as this will not be released until March of next year. Further details of the evening will follow in due course but in the mean time I would encourage everyone to make a note in their diary of the date. For those unable to make this evening, there will be another presentation in Poole on Wednesday 21st November. As far as Christchurch goes, the District Team do not plan to implement PRI until at least next August/Sept so please continue to plan your annual programme as normal.
Last year we all did extremely well in helping to increase the number of young people enjoying Scouting in Christchurch. However I want us all to continue to do what we can to reach out to those who are currently missing out on enjoying this great game we call Scouting. Are there other ways that we could deliver Scouting around the area? Did you know that most young people do not move onto the next section because it meets on a different night? Do you pass on details of meeting nights of the other groups in Christchurch to ensure that the young person does not miss out? If not, why not? And please remember that if you need any support get in touch with the District team. Remember we are here to help - use us!
If you need to contact the DC by telephone please only do so between 7pm and 9pm Mondays to Fridays. You will get through to an answer machine. However, please do leave a message and he shall try to return your call within 24 hours. The DC is also available by e-mail on mflexman@christchurchscouts.org.uk again he shall try to respond within 24 hours.
Reading the responses to the Questionnaire that was circulated earlier in the year, it became clear that most of you wanted an event just for you. Many of you also requested training and support on the basics of Scouting such as camping skills, ceremonies, map and compass etc. You also requested more social events. Taking on board all of these, the District Team are organising a Leaders Fun Weekend to take place at Braggers Wood from 17th to 19th May 2002. It is hoped (pending sponsorship and donations) that the event will be free of charge. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy yourselves! If you want to stay overnight you should bring along your own camping equipment. Food will be available at a reasonable cost from the on-site Cafe or of course you could bring your own. The weekend is aimed at our adult members. However spouses are also very welcome. Those leaders with young children of their own are also welcome to bring them along too. Friday night will be a ‘do you own thing’ night for those staying the whole weekend. Saturday morning will be full of fun events - the things you arrange for the youngsters and always wish you could have a go at - well nows your chance! Saturday afternoon will give you a chance to learn new skills. There will be displays and presentations from the National Activity Governing Bodies such as GNAS, NSRA, BCU. You’ll also pick up some programme ideas and support material. Saturday evening will end with a BBQ and social. Sunday morning will be more fun events and activity sessions. The ADCs will have further details when more plans are finalised. If there are specific activities that you would like to do please let us know. If you are interested in coming please let any member of the District Team know now so that we can get things organised.
Both Dot Haynes (GSL of Somerford) and Peter Andrews (ADC Beavers) retired this month after serving a combined total of nearly 50 years as Leaders. Many thanks to both of you for all your efforts and we wish you a happy retirement from warranted service. However, we all look forward to carrying on working with you in other areas of Scouting in Christchurch for many more years to come. You don’t get away that easily! A warm welcome to Keith Latham who has joined the District Team as ADC (Beavers) from Bransgore Group, and to Dennis Miller who has taken over as GSL of Somerford. We know that you will both do a stirling job and look forward to working with you.
The summer break has seen a lot of work taking place at the CSC. A false ceiling with new lighting has now been installed. This has made a huge improvement on the acoustics of the main hall. The loft area has been boarded and shelving is to be installed to provide further storage space for Gang Show small props and costumes as well as for the Band. The management committee continues to work on developing the building. If you have any suggestions or comments please contact the District Chairman. The building is available for evening and weekend bookings (subject to availability). Further information is available from Phil Old on 01202 474042 or by e-mail at cscbookings@christchurchscouts.org.uk
The Jamboree Committee continue to work hard to help get our eight Scouts to Thailand. Future events include:-
Casino Night - to be held at Hurn Sports and Social Club, Hurn Bridge, Christchurch on Friday 19 October. Tickets are £5 each with professional tables and croupiers.
Ladies Night - to be held at the Kings Arms Hotel on Friday 9 November, where all ladies are invited to enjoy an evening of pampering themselves with displays and exhibitions of clothing, make up and beauty products. Entrance tickets cost £2.00.
Contact the Jamboree committee for tickets on Bransgore (01425) 673273 or by e-mail to sla@brock.ac.uk
The 2nd Christchurch (Scoutlink) Group formed in 1991 for children with special needs celebrated it's 10th birthday this weekend by holding a camp at Braggers Wood with a special birthday party and BBQ on the Sunday afternoon. The Group also left it's mark on the camp site by planting 10 oak trees. The County Commissioner Dr James Morton started the proceedings by planting the first tree followed by the District Commissioner Mark Flexman. The remaining eight trees were planted by the families of those who were on camp. The trees were grown from acorns by the members themselves and will hopefully put into life the words of the Founder Baden-Powell - "from little acorns, oak trees grow". Mrs Anita Penny, Group Scout Leader and founding leader of Scoutlink received her 10 year service certificate from the County Commissioner.
Many happy returns!
I'd like to clarify the matter of the positioning of badges on the new Uniform. Basically - they go in exactly the same place as they do now. HOWEVER, there is an embossed logo on the right arm where existing Group, District and County badges should go. HQ have said that these badges should be placed immediately below the embossed logo.
"THUMBS UP" FOR NEW TRAINING PROGRAMME
There's cause for celebration, after over 1,000 adults in Scouting who took part in the pilot of a new Child Protection Awareness Programme gave it the resounding THUMBS UP! As a result the Programme 'Keeping Children Safe' has become available for general use, meaning that you can now be part of this success story too! Produced in conjunction with other national youth organisations and the NSPCC, 'Keeping Children Safe' is designed for anyone who comes into contact with children through their work or leisure activities. This short programme works by getting individuals to understand the unique role they play in keeping children safe from harm.
As one participant who recently completed the programme commented: "We found the programme modules excellent as they give information on such a serious and vital matter in an easy to read way and the essential points are stressed. They make people realise how important a role youth workers play in Child Protection and also how important it is for the organisation's guidelines to be observed. I personally feel that this should be compulsory for all who work with young people".
What participants like about 'Keeping Children Safe'
If you are interested in participating or know others who may be, contact the Scout Information Centre for further information and registration details. Tel: 0845 300 1818 E-mail: info.centre@scout.org.uk Website: http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/support/train/kcs.htm
The annual Scout Emlyn Trophy competition was held again this weekend at Braggers Wood. The Camp tests patrols of up to six Scouts in their camping, leadership and teamwork skills. A record 11 patrols took part this year with Somerford being unique in having their entire troop take part. Jumpers Eagles soured to victory again in the main competition and go on to represent the District in the County Competition. Bransgore Merlins won the composite cup (for teams made up of members from two or more different patrols).
| Position | Patrol | Points | |
| 1st Place | Emlyn Trophy | Jumpers Eagles | 566.5 |
| 2nd Place | The Ken Hart Trophy | Somerford Seagulls | 507 |
| 3rd Place | Bransgore Falcons | 490.5 | |
| 1st Place | The Composite Cup | Bransgore Merlins | 523.5 |
The District Sports Day combined with the Scout Section Athletes badge day was held today at Twynham School. The event was well attended despite the cold weather.
Jumpers Beavers won the Beaver section trophy, Jumpers Cubs won the Cub section trophy and Somerford Scouts won the Scout section trophy.
Congratulations to all who took part.
Braggers Wood will re-open for business on Monday 14th May 2001.
Having been closed since February due to the Foot and Mouth crisis it is a great relief to the District that the activity centre can re-open.
At a meeting of the Headquarters Management Committee, it was agreed that the District's New Headquarters should be named the
Christchurch Scout Centre
with immediate effect.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, the District AGM will now be held on Wednesday 20th June at 7.30pm at the Kings Arms Hotel, Bridge Street, Christchurch.
At a special ceremony held at the Mayor's Parlour this evening, Paul Stevenson became the 51st Mayor's Scout of Christchurch taking over from his brother Dan.
Dan now become Deputy Mayors Scout.
Due to the ongoing Foot and Mouth situation and the continued closure of Braggers Wood, it has been decided to postpone the Leaders Fun Day planned to take place on 12th May.
Work continues on the new Headquarters. Projects in the pipeline include the installation of a false ceiling to help improve the acoustics, the provision of a storeroom on the 1st floor for the band and the fitting out of the loft space for storage. The old headquarters will probably be demolished during the middle of May. The HQ Management Committee continues to work hard to make sure that we have a building fit for Scouting in the 21st Century. The official opening ceremony will take place in the Autumn.
The HQ Management Committee are looking for a name for the New Headquarters that may be used generally but also in any correspondence with regards to lettings etc
We came up with a number of suggestions but thought it better to ask the wider community.
Therefore I open up the debate to you all and all those people (young members as well as the adults) with whom you have contact to come up with any suggestions.
Time limit - you have until the end of April 2001.
Please pass on your suggestions to the District Commissioner
Are you interested in gaining/renewing an authorisation to enable you to take Young People walking on the hills, moors or mountains ?
Headquarters released details of a new authorisation scheme at the beginning of this month and if you want to know what it is all about then please come to a briefing session at District Headquarters starting at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th April.
You will get to hear the details and be able to take away copies of the latest fact-sheets and forms.
Uniform will not be required. Refreshments will be provided.
The Letchford Trophy competition was held today. Teams of Scouts had to demonstrate their knowledge in dealing with injuries such as nosebleeds, burns, resucitation and head wounds. The winners were a team from Jumpers. Congratulations and well done!
Further to my telephone conversations with GSLs and ADCs last evening, please be informed that with immediate effect and until further notice I have taken the decision to BAN ALL COUNTRYSIDE ACTIVITIES.
The ban will remain in force until you receive notification from the DC.
Braggers Wood is closed for ALL activities until firther notice.
In light of this the District Team has decided to cancel the following District activities:-
Venture Night Hike - Saturday 10th March
Beaver Challenge Badge Day - Saturday 10th March
Cub Hike - Saturday 17th March
The District Cub Handicraft competition was held today. The winners were a team from Mudeford who now go onto the County Final! Well Done!
Please be advised that the annual All Scouters Church Service (for all adult leaders, helpers and committee members) will this year be held at St. George's Church, Jumpers starting at 6pm on Saturday 7th April.
The District Over 13's football competition was held today. The winners were the same team from Mudeford who won the Under 13 competition! Well Done!
Mudeford Troop seem to be doing amazingly well with competitions at the moment. They came second by just one point at the County Cooking Competition and go on with the winners to the regional finals in Gloucester. Congratulations!
The District Under 13's football competition was held today. The winners were a team from Mudeford. Well Done!
We now have 23 more young people enjoying their Scouting in Christchurch than this time last year. We also have the highest membership for six years. This is fantastic news and a credit to all the Leaders and Helpers in the District. Congratulations and THANKYOU for all your hardwork
The breakdown of membership figures for the various groups and totals for the District is shown below with comparisons against previous years.
| 1999 | 98/99 | 2000 | 99/00 | 2001 | 00/01 | |
| Town | 65 | -30 | 84 | +19 | 87 | +3 |
| Scoutlink | 15 | ----- | 13 | -2 | 14 | +1 |
| Jumpers | 102 | +10 | 98 | -4 | 100 | +2 |
| Highcliffe | 78 | -14 | 63 | -13 | 65 | +2 |
| Bransgore | 100 | +3 | 99 | -1 | 94 | -5 |
| Burton | 82 | +4 | 66 | -16 | 74 | +8 |
| Mudeford | 110 | -3 | 107 | -3 | 115 | +8 |
| Somerford | 49 | +6 | 54 | +5 | 60 | +6 |
| District Fellowships | 12 | +1 | 13 | +1 | 31 | +18 |
| District Team | 20 | -2 | 23 | +3 | 14 | -9 |
| All Beavers | 145 | -10 | 145 | ----- | 145 | ----- |
| All Cubs | 179 | -18 | 161 | -18 | 169 | +8 |
| All Scouts | 146 | -9 | 136 | -10 | 158 | +22 |
| All Ventures | 45 | +27 | 46 | +1 | 39 | -7 |
| All Adults | 118 | ----- | 132 | +14 | 142 | +10 |
| Total | 633 | -10 | 620 | -13 | 653 | +33 |
Following a close contest held at the District Headquarters, a team from Mudeford Scouts managed to please the judge's pallet enough to win the cooking competition and go on to represent the District at the forthcoming County competition.
Teams of 4 Scouts were given £15 to create a three course meal for four people to be cooked on a standard two ring gas cooker. The starter had to include mushrooms, the main course had to include chicken or quorn and the sweet had to include chocolate and double cream. Marks were awarded for hygiene, team work, presentation and taste. Other teams taking part were Bransgore, Scoutlink and Highcliffe.
It is with pleasure that the following appointments are announced:
With immediate effect David Stevens takes on the role of District Public Relations Officer and Stuart MacFarlane returns to the role of Chairman of Braggers Wood.
With effect from 1st February Brian Davies takes on the role of ADC (Adult Training). He is currently an ASL with Jumpers.
Contact details can be found in the current District Directory.
Please follow the link below for the latest information from HQ regarding the results of the Uniform review
http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq-info/uniform/index.htm
When you organise activities for the members of your section do you ever think to yourself "I wish I could have a go". Well now's your chance! The District are organising a Leader's Fun Day to be held at Braggers Wood on Saturday 12th May. Open to anyone in the District aged 18 and above it is your opportunity to have a go at abseiling, archery, pioneering, orienteering and much more. It's your chance to ask "how do you do that?" There will be a skills swop shop where you can trade ideas and knowledge with other Leaders in the District. The whole day will finish with a social event in the evening. At only £2 per person it's THE event of 2001 that you just can't miss! Further details will be available at the District PRI Briefings (see below) or from any ADC.
Headquarters have just released details of our new logo. Details are available from the HQ website at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq-info/image/ and will be sent direct to all GSLs. You can of course contact the Information Centre at Gilwell Park as well.