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It is with great pleasure that I announce that I have appointed a new District Chairman with effect from 1st January 2003. Dennis Hughes will take over from Richard Whiteside who has stepped down to take over as County Secretary. Dennis has been involved in Scouting for a number of years and in recent times has been Group Chairman and member of the Group Executive Committee at Bransgore. I look forward to working with Dennis and hope that you will all join me in wishing him well as he takes on this new challenge.
A reminder that the next All Scouters meeting will take place on Thursday 16th January starting at 7.30pm prompt at the CSC. There will be two short presentations before the sectional meetings. Gemma Latham and Vicki Ward will be talking about Scoutlink and Ian Penny will then follow to bring you all up to date with the new Explorer Section. Please take try to make sure that all leaders and helpers attend. As always an invitation is extended to anyone who would like to attend. Teas and Coffees will be served from 7.20pm.
I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your hard work this year and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year..
A team from Bransgore Scouts won this years Scout Night Hike. The patrol beat off stiff opposition and came first by just two points 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. Eight patrols took part despite the recent wet weather and a good time was had by all!
Bransgore Cubs won this years District 5-a-side competition held at New Milton Leisure Centre after blazing through the rounds and winning matches against teams from all seven packs in the District. Mudeford Cubs were runners up. Congratulations to all involved for another successful event.
The District Commissioner Mark Flexman and his wife Jo are delighted to anounce the birth of their daughter Sophie Louise Flexman who arrived at 10.12 am on Wednesday 23rd October 2002 at Poole Hospital Maternity Unit weighing in at 8 lb 6½ oz. Both Jo and Sophie are doing very well.
For the first time in many years, a District Night Hike for adult members was held in the New Forest. Organised by the Venture Scouts, the event proved a big hit for those that took part. Only five groups entered a team and of those only three took part which was a shame but a good time was had by all. Winners were a team from Highcliffe, followed closely by Jumpers and then Town. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to the organisers. Lets hope it can become an annual fun event for the adults in the District.
The annual district swimming gala took place on Saturday 5th October. Mudeford retained the Scout Cup. Bransgore and Highcliffe shared first place and both 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 | Troop | |||||
| 1st Place | Bransgore | Mudeford | Bransgore | Mudeford | ||
| 2nd Place | Highcliffe (1st=) |
Bransgore | Somerford | Bransgore | ||
| 3rd Place | Jumpers | Highcliffe | Mudeford | Highcliffe | ||
| 4th Place | Mudeford (3rd=) |
Jumpers | ||||
| 5th Place | Town | Somerford | ||||
| 6th Place | Burton | Burton | ||||
The leaders race was won by Nicky Layman (District Explorer Scout Leader) with Kath Carter (Assistant Beaver Leader) coming second.
The local launch of the details of the new programme took place on Sunday 26th May at Christchurch Junior School, Clarendon Road. The event was attended by over 150 leaders, helpers and supporters from all over the District as well as members from neighbouring districts in the County.
The new programme details were well received by all and all sections in Christchurch should now be working on getting their young members working on the new badges and activities over the next few months. Support is available from your sectional ADC or any member of the District Team. If you need help please ask!
At the launch, details of the new sectional brands were also received. Each section now has it’s own unique logo and sub-brand and these are shown on the left of the page. Headquarters have produced many outstanding new publications and although some problems have been experienced with delivery and availability of these new resources, all orders should be completed in the near future.
Unfortunately over the summer Simon Pitcher indicated his intention to step down as ADC (Scouts) and District Explorer Scout Commissioner (DESC) at the end of the year due to pressures of work. Simon will however stay in Scouting and has agreed to consider becoming an Assistant Explorer Scout Leader. Simon will be replaced as DESC by Ian Penny who is returning to Christchurch in the new year after stepping down as ACC Programme Support. Ian will initially also be responsible for the Scout Section until a replacement ADC Scouts can be found. Nicky Layman joins the Explorer team as Explorer Scout Leader and Chris Root joins as Young Leaders Unit Leader. Philip Davies has also agreed to join the team in the role of Assistant Explorer Scout Leader.
With all these changes taking place and due to other circumstances beyond the District’s control, it has been impossible to complete the necessary background work to enable Explorer Scouting to start in September as originally planned. However, all the Explorer team are working hard to complete the work and Explorers will be launched at a special ceremony to be held in January. A special information evening is planned in November for all prospective members and their Parents. This meeting will give them an opportunity to meet the leadership team and find out what Explorer Scouting is all about. For the young people themselves, a special activity taster evening is being planned for October.
Details of all these events and future activities will be sent to all 14 to 18 year olds and their Parents directly. Contact details will be taken from the 2002 census so if you know of any other members (or indeed anyone aged 14 +) who you think would like to be involved, please let Nicky Layman have the contact information.
This is indeed an exciting time for Christchurch and Ian, Nicky, Chris, Simon and Philip deserve everyone’s full support while they work hard to make Explorers the success it deserves to be.
Richard Whiteside, this month announced his intention to stand down as District Chairman at the end of the year. Richard has been involved with Scouting in Christchurch for many years and has held the post of District Chairman since 1999. Richard leaves to take on the challenging role of County Secretary and the District wish him all the very best in his new job in Scouting. Richard does not intend to leave the District completely and will continue as a member of the District Fellowship and carry on supporting Scouting in Christchurch as much as he can. The District Commissioner has now begun the task of finding a replacement for Richard and will announce his successor in the next few months.
If you have any photographs, press cuttings, log books or any other items of Scouting interest, please contact us so that they may be kept, copied or recorded and kept in our local Scout archives and not lost forever. See archives page on http://www.christchurchscouts.org.uk/Archives.htm
Mudeford Beavers went to Bournemouth Football Club for the day on 2nd March, to watch Bournemouth v Peterborough. We arrived at 11am at Dean Court, first we were shown around the flash new stadium. It was impressive to see what improvements they had made to the stadium. After the tour the Beavers received an hour and a half training session with the youth squad, they had to practice all kinds of soccer skills and ball control. All the Beavers then got a burger and chips for lunch with a drink and a chocolate bar. After feeding time the match started. The Beavers cheered their best for Bournemouth, a Peterborough player got sent off, but still Bournemouth unfortunately lost the match. Despite this it was a fabulous day that everybody enjoyed.
Interviews for the next two Mayor’s Scouts took place at the Christchurch Scout Centre on Thursday 18th April. Oliver Maidment from Jumpers was selected to be Mayor’s Scout from 8th May until 13th November. Michael Pursey, also from Jumpers will then take over until 7th May 2003. Congratulations to both Scouts. Scout Leaders are asked to note the date of the next round of selection interviews which will take place on Thursday 20th March starting at 7pm at the CSC. Scouts and Scout Leaders are asked to nominate at least one Scout from their Troop who are deemed worthy to hold the office of Mayor’s Scout. Scouts are selected based on many attributes including their appearance, attitude and local knowledge.
The Chief Executive of the Scout Association, Mr Derek Twine made a quick visit to Christchurch on 12th June to be guest speaker at the District AGM at the Kings Arms Hotel.
The Scout District Emlyn Competition took place from 14th to 16th June with 10 Patrols taking part. The eventual winners were a Patrol from Somerford with Burton taking the Composite shield. Congratulations to all concerned for a very successful competition.
Janet Campbell has been appointed as the new Gang Show chairman. Janet, the ex-Guide Divisonal Commissioner replaces Brett Jones who is now Cub Leader of Jumpers. Thanks to Brett for many years of sterling service. We wish Janet all the best in her new role.
Auditions for the 2003 Gang Show will be held at the Christchurch Scout Centre at the following times…
Scouts and Guides Sunday 17th November 5:30 – 7:30
Cubs, Ventures, Rangers, Leaders, Fellowship Sunday 24th November 2:30 – 4:00
If you are unable to attend your allotted audition, then please let me know and we will arrange an alternative. Also, if you would like further information then please don’t hesitate to contact me.
The show dates for 2003 are 22/23rd April (Dress Rehearsals) 24-26th April (performances).
To be in the show you must be available for all these dates, plus Sunday afternoons for rehearsals. I look forward to seeing you there. Steve Potter (Producer) Tel: (01202) 474297 e-mail: gangshow@spotter.screaming.net
The District Sports Day was held on 13th June and was attended by many Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from all over the District. Details of winners can be found on a new page on the District website - http://www.christchurchscouts.org.uk/sports.htm
This summer has seen very big improvements at Somerford’s HQ. After some two years of hard fundraising and some very generous grants, some £9500 has been spent replacing the fencing and gates to the property and the laying of a brand new tarmacced driveway and surrounding areas. This has been achieved with some very hard work by the committee and leadership team and will offer a much better looking facility at Somerford. The Group is now be looking to make internal improvements and hopes to add a new entrance lobby by next summer.
Following many months of fundraising, the final countdown has begun. In a few months time the Scouts and Leaders selected to attend the World Jamboree will be jetting off to Thailand for the experience of a lifetime. Good luck to you all - have a great time. Many thanks on behalf of the District to all those who have helped to raise over £13,000 to get them there. Well Done! We all look forward to hearing about your adventures when you return.
At a ceremony held earlier this month, the 53rd Mayor's Scout was presented with the sash of office. Oliver Maidment, a Scout from Jumpers takes over from fellow Jumpers Scout Thomas Coombs. Oliver is also Drum major of the District's Scout and Guide Band. In November, Oliver will had over the sash to Michael Pursey, also from Jumpers. Congratulations to all of you.
The special Leaders Fun Weekend took place from 17th - 19th May and proved a great success. All those who attended had a great time and even learnt some new skills and went away with lots of new programme ideas. The Mayor and her Escort Cllr Josephine Spencer and Mr Kenneth Spencer took time in their busy schedule to visit the camp and took part in the Camp Fire. They also took in a short tour of Braggers Wood and were very impressed with the facilities and the amount of effort that had been put into organising the special camp.
Will another one be held next year? Wait and see!
Yesterday the District received full details of the new programme at a special launch presented by the County Team. 125 Leaders and Helpers attended from all over the County. 72% of Christchurch's warranted leaders attended. Those of you who couldn't make it, please ensure that you speak to your colleagues, GSL or ADC to get all the information you need.
All Groups now have all the material necessary to implement the new programme with each having three special order forms for the programme material. Remember to send them to Scout Shops by the end of June to take advantage of the special discount offers.
Should you have any questions regarding the new programme please get in touch with your Group Scout Leader, ADC or the DC.
The new 2002 directory will be printed and distributed to all groups via the GSL towards the end of June.
Your chance to join our 100 club, last year we gave away over £1300 of prizes. For £12 you are entered into 12 monthly draws starting on 1st May and you have a chance to win £25, £10 or £5 every single month until 1st April 2003. You’ve got to be in it to win it!!!! Forms from Richard Stevenson
APRIL 27TH 10am – 4pm Mayors Parlour Open Day
See pictures and artefacts of Christchurch Past, with coffees, lunches and afternoon tea can be purchased. Also your chance to have your heirlooms and treasures valued by professional valuer from House & Son, for a mere £1 per item. No entry charge for the Mayor’s Parlour From 7.00 pm to 8.30pm, an evening of good music and fine wine. A trio of professional singers will give a recital, in the intimate atmosphere of the Mayor’s Parlour, in addition you will be able to partake of wine and canapés, and peruse the “Christchurch Past” display, tickets (including refreshments) cost £5
MAY 4th Sing a long Movie Night.
Mudeford Woods Community Centre Come along and watch clips from the movies and sing along with songs from such movie classics as Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Grease and Rocky Horror Picture Show. Words supplied. Fancy Dress optional, prize for best costume or accessory. Hot supper included and Bar available. Tickets from Sandy Latham
July 12 Poole and Parkstone Operatic Socieity concert Twynham School (provisional)
A chance to see the esteemed P & P singers and support Thailand. Details from Sandy Latham PS We had a great time at our race night in March, raising over £450 for our Scouts and everyone had a really good time. Thanks to all who supported us. To date we have raised over £10,000 towards Scouts fees, we still have a way to go, but thanks to all who have helped us for the last 18 months, only 6 months more to go.
Date for your diary:- Saturday 14th September Buddens Camp Site Open to all young members details to follow
The regional launch of the new programme took place on 2nd March at Exeter University. The County Team are now preparing for the District launches. Ours will be on Sunday 26th May at Christchurch Junior School, Clarendon Road. All leaders will receive a personal invitation shortly. GSLs and members of the District Team are continuing to work behind the scenes on how best to implement Explorer Scouts within Christchurch. This work will continue over the next few months. Watch this space. If in the meantime you have any questions, concerns or comments regarding the new programme or sections please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the District Team or your GSL.
The County Guide Commissioner Chris Gabb and Twynham Division Commissioner Janet Campbell are both coming to the end of their terms of office at the end of March. They have both requested that instead of a collection for gifts they would prefer to have a fund raising event in the form of an American Square Dance Evening. The cost will be £5 to cover the cost of the hall, the caller and a ploughman’s supper. All profits will go to the Division International Fund. Alison Warren, a Highcliffe Guide Leader has been selected to lead a party of Guides to Thailand in December 2002. American Square Dance Friday 26th April Highcliffe Methodist Church Hall Tickets available from Fran Taylor - 01202 473206 Gill Aslett - 01202 485363
This years District Annual Review and AGM will be held at 7.30pm at the Kings Arms Hotel, Bridge Street, Christchurch on Wednesday 21st June. Formal invitations will be sent out in May. Guest speaker will be Mr. Derek Twine, Chief Executive of The Scout Association. All members and their partners are welcome.
During February three Leaders from Christchurch fought hard to keep alive Christchurch’s reputation (which reputation is open to discussion!) by attending a GCA (GSL/Commssioner/Administrator) course at Gilwell Park. The five day course was enjoyed by all and Keith Latham (ADC Beavers), Brian Davies (ADC Adult Training) and Dennis Miller (GSL Somerford) are now keen to put their new skills into action before gaining their Wood Badges.
Detailed information on this years St George’s Day Parade has been sent to all Section Leaders, Fellowship, Band, Guide Commissioner and District Team. The inspection by the Mayor will start at 2.20pm at the Quomps, and the service will begin at the Priory at 3pm. If wet (like last year!) all members will be aksed to meet at the Priory (a decision will be made by the DC at 2pm on whether to cancel the parade).
It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the sad news that Tommy Jeans passed away early yesterday morning. Tommy was born on 25th June 1925 and at the age of 22 took out his first warrant as Assistant Scout Master with the 1st Christchurch (Town) Scout Group. After holding warrants as SM, GSL, ACSL, AGSL and District Cub Scout Leader with the same group. He retired in 1985 and immediately joined the District Fellowship, a relationship that would make him busier than ever! An active member of the movement Tommy was always involved with various activities and over the years became infamous for his dressing up as a dame in the Gang Show. Tommy will be sadly missed and I hope that you all join me in passing on our thoughts to his family and friends at this sad time.
Unfortunately after last years rise in membership, this year we have seen a slight fall. Lets all pull together this year and make sure that the young people in our areas don't lose out on the opportunities that Scouting has to offer.
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 | 2002 | 01/02 | |
| Town | 65 | -30 | 84 | +19 | 87 | +3 | 72 | -15 |
| Scoutlink | 15 | ----- | 13 | -2 | 14 | +1 | 17 | +3 |
| Jumpers | 102 | +10 | 98 | -4 | 100 | +2 | 90 | -10 |
| Highcliffe | 78 | -14 | 63 | -13 | 65 | +2 | 68 | +3 |
| Bransgore | 100 | +3 | 99 | -1 | 94 | -5 | 92 | -2 |
| Burton | 82 | +4 | 66 | -16 | 74 | +8 | 78 | +4 |
| Mudeford | 110 | -3 | 107 | -3 | 115 | +8 | 114 | -1 |
| Somerford | 49 | +6 | 54 | +5 | 60 | +6 | 51 | -9 |
| District Fellowships | 12 | +1 | 13 | +1 | 31 | +18 | 47 | +16 |
| District Team | 20 | -2 | 23 | +3 | 14 | -9 | 15 | +1 |
| All Beavers | 145 | -10 | 145 | ----- | 145 | ----- | 149 | +4 |
| All Cubs | 179 | -18 | 161 | -18 | 169 | +8 | 148 | -21 |
| All Scouts | 146 | -9 | 136 | -10 | 158 | +22 | 167 | +9 |
| All Ventures | 45 | +27 | 46 | +1 | 39 | -7 | 28 | -11 |
| All Adults | 118 | ----- | 132 | +14 | 142 | +10 | 152 | +10 |
| Total | 633 | -10 | 620 | -13 | 653 | +33 | 644 | -9 |
Need an extra pair of hands to help run an activity? Would you like someone to run a badge course for you? The District Fellowship are a band of volunteers who are willing to help you out. Give Derek Blake a call on 01202 777469.
Work continues on the Leaders Fun Weekend (now to be called AWACS 2002) which will 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 disco. 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, kareoke and quiz night. Sunday morning will be more fun events and activity sessions. We need to know if you would be interested in attending. If you will be visiting, camping overnight or popping in to one of the sessions, could you please let a member of the District team know as soon as possible..
Our District Camp site - Braggers Wood is now critically short of helpers and activity instructors. Help is needed to keep the site in tip top condition and Canoeing Instructors are desparately needed to help run activities for campers during the summer. If you feel you can help in any way or know someone that can. Please get in touch with the DC or with Phil Old, the Camp Warden.
Fancy a break from the normal section meeting? Why not have a musical evening? The District’s Scout and Guide Band and are more than willing to come down to your section meeting and spend time talking about the band’s activities and giving your youngsters a go at playing various instruments. Give Roger Milton, the Bandmaster a call to arrange an evening on (01202) 484635.
Hopefully most of you attended the PRI Information evenings last November. The next stage is the regional and local launches of the new programme and training materials. The local launches will be held during April and May and ours will be on Sunday 26th May. The venue will be in Christchurch. More details to follow shortly. GSLs and members of the District Team are now tasked with consulting with all Leaders regarding the constitution of the Explorer Scout section. We are also now looking for possible Explorer Scout Leaders so if you fancy working with the new 14-18 age group then please get in touch with your GSL or a member of the District Team..