 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dave Ward has been selected as the Producer for the 2007 Christchurch Scout and Guide Gang Show. Dave has been involved in Gang Shows from an early age and has produced shows before in previous years. Dave takes over from Steve Potter who has stepped down to concentrate on a forthcoming production by Poole and Parkstone Musical Theatre Society, of which he is an active member.
Download the flyer by clicking here
Design
a flowerbed competition
Christchurch Council have kindly donated to us three flower beds (located opposite the Police Station in Barrack Road) to celebrate and advertise Scouting’s centenary in 2007. One flower bed will be used for the scout logo; one will be used for the centenary celebration logo. But what to put in the third bed? That’s where you come in!
A competition to design the third flower bed is now launched with five categories - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and 18+
Remember to keep your design simple so that it can be easily adapted to form a flowerbed.
Designs should be submitted to the District Commissioner on a single sheet of A4 landscape paper or card no later than 31st March 2006.
Please put your name, age, Scout Group, address and telephone number on the back of your entry!Entries will then be judged by a special panel and winners of each category will receive a special certificate and centenary mug. The overall winner will receive a certificate, mug and will get their design made into the flower bed in 2007.
Entries should be sent by post to Centenary Flower Competition, 25 Thorncombe Close, Bournemouth. BH9 3QL.
GOOD LUCK!
 |
YOUR DESIGN HERE |
 |
A new policy has been ratified by the County Executive and takes effect immediately. All in Scouting in Dorset are asked to ensure it's enforcement at all activities and events.
The policy can be downloaded by here.
A new Camp Warden for Braggers Wood has now been appointed. Mike Taylor takes over the role with immediate effect.
Mike has over 20 years experience as an Adult volunteer in Scouting and has fulfilled numerous roles such as Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Assistant Scout Leader and Canoe Instructor. He has been a member of the Camp Staff and has held the post of Assistant Camp Warden for much of that time. Mike's appointment comes at an exciting time for Braggers Wood. A site development plan is currently being implemented and with the Centenary of Scouting coming up in 2007, Mike and his team will be hard at work ensuring that the site is in the best condition possible.
If you can help Mike and the team with their work or would like to know more about Braggers Wood please contact him on 01425 673333.
Fifty years on from the Golden Jubilee of Scouting, old friends are invited to reunite at its Centenary.
The search is on for Scouts and their Leaders who attended the 1957 'Jubilee Jamboree Indaba Moot'. Nearly fifty years on from the historic event held near Sutton Coldfield, a committed team is organising a reunion with a difference.
HQ are seeking to make contact with those young and old who joined together in 1957, whether they were day visitors or those who stayed for the duration, and it's not just people they are trying to trace. We are also appealing to families of those who attended who may have badges, books or souvenirs for a special exhibition at the Jamboree site at Chelmsford, Hylands Park.
Take a look at the following link for more info
http://www.world.scouting2007.org/english/reunion57/index.php
Brockenhurst College are running Skills for Work courses which includes first aid, food hygiene, manual handling - and some, including the first aid appointed person course are free!!
see www.brock.ac.uk/skillsforwork/crsprofs/basic-firstaid.htm or contact 01590 625561 e:mail skillsforwork@brock.ac.uk.
The Records Department at Scout HQ wish to alert all Scout Officials who process the CRB system at District, Area and County levels that there are currently in circulation an unknown number of misprinted and invalid CRB application forms. These "rogue" forms are distinguishable as follows: on the top left of the front page of the application you will see, instead of the name of The Scout Association, the name of a company entitled, LIFESTYLE CARE PLC located in London N12.
Please search your stocks down to Group level for these misprinted forms which were supplied by the CRB and inadvertently distributed by HQ. Please destroy any that are found. Any completed forms received at HQ on the misprinted stationery will be rejected and will need to re-submitted.
Nine leaders from Christchurch went back to Gilwell at the beginning of September to take part in the 79th annual Gilwell Reunion. The camp, which is open to all leaders who have gained their Wood Badge gave everyone quality time to spend together, exchange ideas and meet up with friends from around the Country. The theme of this year’s reunion was Hollywood and all 2300 + campers had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of themed activities. The camp fire was held on Saturday evening which was a sight to see. The camp culminated on Sunday afternoon with a mass outdoor Scouts Own service. Reflecting on the event, the DC said "The weekend gave all of us time to re-charge our batteries, have fun and reflect on the achievements of the past year. I hope more leaders from Christchurch will be able to join us in 2006".
The District Cubs have just received their certificates and medals for taking part in the Gimme 5 Challenge. Back in March when they did their annual hike through the New Forest, the Cubs made it a sponsored event and had to collect five specific items along the way - as well as walking five miles. Of the money collected, 25% was kept by the Groups and 75% sent to Headquarters (25% for under privileged Scouting and 50% for the World Wildlife Fund). The Cubs were able to send a cheque for over £600 and got to adopt a Tiger!
The last pack meeting before summer saw Mudeford Cubs having a beach party at Southborne. The evening started with the investiture on the beach of two new Cubs before the highly contested sandcastle competition. Examples included a model of Ministirith from Lord of The Rings as well as some more traditional efforts. This was followed by inter-six Tug-o-War before the Cubs pulled against Leaders and parents. The giant water pistol fight at the end of the evening gave the Cubs their chance to get their own back on Akela although he retaliated by giving out over 100 badges for them to sew on over the summer holidays. Over the last few years Mudeford Cubs have been invested at Braggers Wood, by gas light on a night hike, at the Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Christchurch Police Station and All Saints Church - some have even been invested at TS Orestes!
Will you and your colleagues be ready for the increase in awareness and attractiveness of Scouting as 2007 approaches? What will you do with the additional young people and adults who will be keen to join the movement and come knocking on your door?
In an effort to assist Groups in attracting and retaining more adults to join and support Scouting, the District held a recruitment workshop in July for all Group Scout Leaders and members of the District Team. Lead by two members of staff from Headquarters, the team took a critical look at Scouting in Christchurch and the problems being faced with getting adults to help, but more importantly keeping hold of those that do offer their services. A number of action points were agreed and the DC together with the team will be taking these forward over the next few months. Watch this space!
Ideas include poster drives, production of professional leaflets, presentations and speeches to local clubs, associations and interested parties, greater co-ordination of waiting lists across the District, single point of contact (0800 number?) for all wishing to join Christchurch Scouting, a database of available resources and skills, leadership rotas and the need for greater flexibility to name just a few. The need to accept any offer of help no matter how little or how great was also made clear during the evening.
If you have any ideas that could help or would like to be involved in helping to recruit more adults into Scouting, please contact the District Commissioner, your Group Scout Leader or any member of the Team.
At the beginning of August, 24 Cubs and 8 Leaders set sail for Lyons Copse, North of Gosport, for a week of sea related activities. They visitied ‘Explosions’, an old munitions depot and ‘Fort Nelson’ overlooking Portsmouth harbour. The highlight was a trip organised by the Navy around Portsmouth harbour. Stopping off at the Submarine museum, HMS Victory and Action Stations - a series of hands-on activities which the Cubs thoroughly enjoyed.
The trip around the harbour was more appreciated by the leaders than the Cubs, along with the frigates and destroyers were two aircraft carriers. One of these was HMS Illustrious which was being decommissioned on that day (plans for the Pack to buy it were quickly halted!)
On site activities included building ‘HMS Jumpers’ that was launched with champagne. It then took part in a battle against the pirates. Naval flag recognition, glass painting and origami boats were quieter bases, while a treasure hunt gave the leaders at least 10 minutes peace and quiet.
A very enjoyable week but as every leader who runs a camp knows - very exhausting!
It’s only 15 months until the start of Scouting’s centenary year of celebrations and time to start planning ahead for events and activities that you may wish to take part in. Current plans for celebrations include a County St. George’s Day parade in April, the District Centenary Gang Show in April, a District BBQ and social in May/June, Goose 2007 including the World Sunrise Ceremony in August and the Gilwell Reunion in September.
But what will you be doing ?
The District would like to encourage all Groups to take part in the above events but to also celebrate 100 years of Scouting locally. Perhaps a reunion event for all past and present members of your Group? A community project ? Fundraising? etc etc
If you have any ideas please let the District know as soon as possible so that we can all work together to get the most out of all the events taking place.
The September edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
The ball has started rolling now for the selection process for scouts and
leaders to be a part of the Dorset Contingent to the 2007 Centenary World
Jamboree.
This is a fantastic opportunity for all to be part of what will be the biggest
and best event ever staged by UK Scouting.
Forms are attached for both Scouts (who will be aged 14-17 on July 27th 2007)
and leaders.
Please distribute to all members and colleagues and get those applications in.
Please note that all leader applications must be sent to the DC in the
first instance. If you know of any Scouts who are apply to be part of
the contingent, would you please let the DC know so that he can keep a track on
progress.
Applications forms are available by clicking on the links below
SCOUT APPLICATION FORM LEADER APPLICATION FORM
The annual Scout Camping and Skills competition was held last weekend at Braggers Wood. Nine teams took part this year and completed various bases, projects and tasks in sweltering heat. The winners of the Emlyn Trophy by 97 points were Highcliffe Gannets. Town Wolves secured second place and took home the Ken Hart memorial shield.
The District Annual review and AGM took place today at the Kings Arms Hotel in Christchurch and was attending by around 100 members of the District. The guest speaker was Graham Coulson, The National Commissioner for Development who flew down from Falkirk especially, gave a fantastic speech which was well received by all. A copy of the annual reports book is now available on-line.
It was announced today that Ken Old has been awarded the MBE by Her Majesty the Queen for services to young people in Dorset. Ken has been a stalwart of Scouting in Christchurch for over 50 years as Scout Leader, Group Scout Leader, ADC Scouts and District Commissioner before his retirement in 1999. Ken has remained active in Scouting ever since as a member of our Scout Fellowship, County Child Protection Officer and now Assistant County Commissioner for Programme Support. Look out for a special article in the September edition of Christchurch Capers.
The District Sports Day was held today at Highcliffe School and was attended by many Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from all over the District. Details of winners can be found the Sports Day pages by clicking on the following link - http://www.christchurchscouts.org.uk/archive/sports.htm
At a ceremony held today, the 59th Mayor's Scout was presented with the sash of office. Helen Stevenson, an Explorer Scout takes over from fellow Explorer Scout Scout Beth Allebon. Helen is 15 years old and goes to Twynham School. She lists her hobbies as Drama, Walking, Rowing and Camping. After taking her GCSEs, Helen plans to travel, go to University and become a Primary School Teacher. Helen follows in the family footsteps - her father and two brothers were all Mayor's Scouts too. Helen's mother Lyndsey is the only member of the Stevenson family not to have been a Mayor's Scout so the District Commissioner with the kind permission of the Mayor, presented Mrs Stevenson with a special badge and certificate awarding her the title of "Honorary Mayor's Mum for 2005". In November, Helen will handover the sash to fellow Explorer Scout Tim Root.
The annual St George's Day parade and service was held on Sunday 24th April 2005 and was attended by the Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Susan Spittle and her Escort. The parade started at the Quomps in Christchurch after the Mayor completed a formal inspection of all those on parade including the Scout and Guide Band. After taking the salute in Church Street, the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, leaders and members of the Scout Fellowship and Network went into the Priory Church for a special service, this year organised by the District Explorer Scout Unit. The service began with the blessing of two new flags for the Mudeford Sea Scouts. At the end of the service the Mayor formally handed over the District Colours to members of the Town Scout Group who become duty group for 2005/6. Over 460 members of the Scout movement in Christchurch took part in the parade and service including a record 69% (358) of all youth members.
The issue of co-education (Girls in Scouting) is high on the Agenda of the Association at the moment. Two members of Headquarters staff have agreed to come down and explain more and help us in making the necessary arrangements to ensure co-education provision is available in all sections throughout the District.
This meeting will take place at 7.30pm sharp at Christchurch Scout Centre, Beauchamp Place, off Reid Street on Thursday 14th April.
This meeting is open to ALL leaders, sectional assistants, helpers, committee members and any other interested parties. Please ensure that all those in your Group and Section are aware of the meeting and I urge you to strongly encourage them to attend. After the meeting, the normal sectional district meetings will take place.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN BEAUCHAMP PLACE. The access road to the CSC and Town HQ must be kept clear at all times for emergency vehicle access. Parking spaces are available in the front of G & B Plumbing in the industrial park.
The funeral will be at Christchurch Baptist Church on 6th April at 12.00 noon and then the committal will be at Woodland Burial Ground at Walkford and light refreshments after at Hope House for those who'd like this.
It is with sadness that we report the passing of Laurie Chick yesterday (Tuesday) evening following his recent illness, no further news at this stage but details on funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.
Laurie has been involved in Scouting since 1970. He has been a cub leader and assistant cub leader with Mudeford, and after his retirement in 2000, joined the District Fellowship. Laurie was also an active member of the Gang Show.
He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to have known him.
Interviews for the next two Mayor’s Scouts took place at the Christchurch Scout Centre on Thursday 17th March. Helen Stevenson from the District Explorer Scout Unit was selected to be Mayor’s Scout from 4th May until 2nd November. Tim Root, also from the Explorer Unit will then take over until 3rd May 2006. Congratulations to both of you.
2006 interviews will take place on Thursday 16th March 2006 starting at 7pm
at the CSC.
The April edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
Mudeford Scouts continued their recent srun of successes by winning the Dorset County Cooking Competition. They represented the County at the regional competition which was held on 13th March and Mudeford came a very credible second. Well done guys!
At a special ceremony held at Hobourne Caravan Park on Friday 11th March, ten awards were presented to citizens of Christchurch for outstanding contributions to the Borough. Although not a catergory winner, Laurie Chick was awarded a cerificate of commendation and was a runner up in the Volunteer of the Year category. His certificate was collected by Rob Maskell who was accompanied by Ron Barcham at the ceremony. Unfortuantely Laurie was unable to attend as he remains in hospital following his recent illness. The District extends it’s congratulations and warmest wishes to Laurie.
The annual Cub scrapstore challenge took place in February and teams from each of the District’s Cub packs took part. Teams were asked to design and build a Theme Park for a marble. After a closely fought contest, Bransgore Cubs took home the trophy, gaining extra points for the length of time the marble spent on the ride!
Mudeford Scouts cooked up a banquest fit for a King at the annual District Cooking Competition held in January. Just beating stiff opposition from teams from across the District, Mudeford now represent Christchurch in the forthcoming County competition.
Mudeford Scouts continued their winning streak recently when they won a closely faught contest in this years Scout 5 a side football competition. They beat a team from Highcliffe 2-1 on penalities after a scoreless but thrilling final.
The continued hard work and efforts of all our adult volunteers has meant that our District membership has topped the 700 mark for the first time in many years. A full breakdown of this year’s figures is shown below..
The Beaver section continues to be of some concern showing a further decline in youth membership. However the number of adults working within the section remains at 17. Two Colony’s (Burton and Somerford) report an increase in youth membership this year. Adult to young person ratio is currently at 1:6.9.
The Cub section continues to grow, following the trend of the last three years. The number of adults working within the section has also increased to 27 this year. Adult to Young Person ratio is currently at 1:6.8.
The Scout section appears to be picking itself up after two years of decline. Three more adults are now working within the section this year. The adult to young person ratio is currently at 1:4.9
Scouting in Christchurch continues to be successful and in generally good shape. There are of course areas where further support is needed particularly in the younger sections. Waiting lists are now showing signs of reducing. Congratulations to all and THANKYOU for all that you do for the youth of Christchurch.
| 2001 | 00/01 | 2002 | 01/02 | 2003 | 02/03 | 2004 | 03/04 | 2005 | 04/05 | |
| Town | 87 | +3 | 72 | -15 | 70 | -2 | 67 | -3 | 80 | +13 |
| Scoutlink | 14 | +1 | 17 | +3 | 16 | -1 | 15 | -1 | 11 | -4 |
| Jumpers | 100 | +2 | 90 | -10 | 74 | -16 | 87 | +13 | 86 | -1 |
| Highcliffe | 65 | +2 | 68 | +3 | 74 | +6 | 55 | -19 | 60 | +5 |
| Bransgore | 94 | -5 | 92 | -2 | 89 | -3 | 90 | +1 | 92 | +2 |
| Burton | 74 | +8 | 78 | +4 | 75 | -3 | 65 | -10 | 72 | +7 |
| Mudeford | 115 | +8 | 114 | -1 | 100 | -14 | 107 | +7 | 113 | +6 |
| Somerford | 60 | +6 | 51 | -9 | 45 | -6 | 55 | +10 | 63 | +8 |
| District Fellowship | 31 | +18 | 47 | +16 | 34 | -13 | 30 | -4 | 30 | ----- |
| District Team | 14 | -9 | 15 | +1 | 36 | +21 | 44 | +8 | 45 | +1 |
| All Beavers | 145 | ----- | 149 | +4 | 156 | +7 | 127 | -29 | 118 | -9 |
| All Cubs | 169 | +8 | 148 | -21 | 150 | +2 | 163 | +13 | 186 | +23 |
| All Scouts | 158 | +22 | 167 | +9 | 145 | -22 | 143 | -2 | 161 | +18 |
| All Explorers | 50 | +50 | 73 | +23 | 55 | -18 | ||||
| All Adults | 142 | +10 | 152 | +10 | 158 | +6 | 182 | +24 | 187 | +5 |
| All Youth | 511 | +23 | 492 | -19 | 505 | +13 | 506 | +1 | 520 | +14 |
| Total | 653 | +33 | 644 | -9 | 663 | +19 | 688 | +25 | 707 | +19 |
The Christchurch District Scout Fellowship had the honour of attending the first Carol Service to be held in the newly completed High Cross Church in Amethyst Road, Somerford recently. The members made the service the subject of their December monthly meeting. The Fellowship members, joined by the District Commissioner, Mark Flexman, the County Commissioner, Dr James Morton and the Assistant County Commissioner for Fellowship, Jim Davis, filled the church together with members of the local congregation for a programme of carols, readings and prayers led by the minister, the Reverand Frank Beattie. In welcoming the Fellowhip the Minister, an ex naval chaplain, expressed his gratitude to Alan Jones, a Fellowship member, for his splendid work in creating the new liturgical furniture in American white ash. After the service everyone enjoyed mice pies, tea and coffee. High Cross Church is to serve the United Reformed Church and Anglican congregations under both the Minister and the Vicar of Christchurch, the Reverand canon Hugh Williams. The Church’s dedication has been set for Saturday 29th January 2005 at 3.00pm when the Bishop of Winchester and the moderator of the Wessex Synod of the URC will lead the worship and thanksgiving.
We now have had one leader complete his training totally in the new system! Well done to Richard Ashdown from Mudeford. Leaders in transistion need to attempt to complete any outstanding training in 2005. If you are a leader in transistion please contact Sharon Gale our Local Training Manager as soon as possible to look at ways of you completing training. This doesn’t mean you will have to necessarily go on a course as Sharon is happy to do one to ones and validations if appropiate (Sharon will be contacting GSL’s shortly). We have had approx 20 leaders complete module 1 and 3 but they now need to book on courses. If this is you please either contact your Training Adviser or Sharon Gale as soon as possible as some courses for 2005 are already fully booked. If anyone willing to become a Training Adviser please contact either the District Commissioner or Sharon - we need your help.
Last term 36 Cub scouts from 3rd Christchurch ‘Jumpers’ Scout group and their leaders, decided that they would like to gain their ‘Caring challenge badge ‘. The new programme comes up with the idea of a Cardboard City sleepover as a good way of raising money for funds. We decided to run with the idea but to raise the money for homeless young people instead of for ourselves.
We had a speaker , a gentleman called Andrew Miles from Quay Foyer visit our group and talk to the Cubs about homelessness and sadly how some unfortunate young people find themselves in this situation. The Cubs at this stage we felt didn’t really and truly grasp the situation as there was the huge excitement of sleeping in a box with all their mates the following Saturday evening!!. Also questions like “Do we have to wash and clean our teeth?” met with a different response to when they are at camp and was received much more favourably!!
So Saturday 20th November at 7pm, 33 Cubs arrived each carrying a cardboard box, blanket & cuddly toy. Not a clean pair of pants or wash bag in sight! We started the evening with street graffiti drawings with chalk on black paper which we mounted on the walls to create the mood & set the scene. The boxes were sent to the ‘city dump’ and the blankets & cuddly toys to the ‘Night Shelter’ until later. We ran a tight programme of street games bases to start with simple 10 minute games in small groups like ‘Hopscotch’, Jacks with stones, marbles, penny rolling and a newspaper game. All simple but enjoyable. After soup and a roll from the soup kitchen we played cardboard box games- racing up and down the hall in a big box like a Hamster in a wheel, our ADC Cubs was just as fast as any Cub!!
Pizza Hut supplied us with empty boxes which became another great game to see how many boxes a team could carry stacked one on top of another. One Six managed all 24 boxes. At 11pm when the cubs were as tired as we could possibly hope for we let the Cubs set up their cities and add graffiti to their boxes. Then following a cup of cocoa sat around on old dustbin with a flicker flame inside quietly before crawling into our boxes.
It was a bitterly cold evening, even though we were in a hut. The blanket and our clothes just about kept us warm and the floor was very hard. The cubs settled down reasonably quickly but although asleep tossed and turned and generally did not have a good night rest. Neither did the Leaders! At 6.30am the first Cub awoke. By 7.30am they tucked into a full breakfast of cereal, fruit juice and full cooked breakfast, followed by doughnuts left over from the night before!! We then all sat down as a group in a circle and talked about how we felt.
Most of the boys now had a very different perspective of homelessness as they had been cold and uncomfortable and had not slept well. Also we thought about how this would feel without any friends. The sponsorship money came back thick and fast and we also held a “bring and buy” evening to top it up. We raised a staggering £650 and will be presenting the residents of the Quay foyer with an entertainment system for their residents lounge just in time for Christmas..
Please be advised of new appointments made by County. Contact details will be available shortly via the County Web site at http://www.dorsetscouts.org.uk
County Commissioner James Morton
Deputy County Commissioner (Activities) Colin Simpson
Deputy County Commissioner (Support) Hilary Stroud
ACC Land Activities Andy Young
ACC Fellowship Jim Davis
ACC Programme Support Ken Old
County Scout Network Commissioner Neil Haskell
County Training Manager Melvin Stroud
Local Training Managers Jackie Gregory Sharon Gale Clive Farley Malcolm Brown Joe Merefield
International Adviser & County Scouter Terry Gorman
Events Co-ordinator & County Scouter & Buddens Booking Secretary Charles Davis
County Beaver Scout Leader Sharon Wells
County Cub Scout Leader tba
County Scout Leader tba
County Explorer Scout Leader Steve Diment
Water Activities Adviser Nigel Chapman
Air Activities Adviser Chris Chappell
Duke of Edinburgh Adviser John Hancock
Equipment Adviser Brian Young
Creative Adviser tba
Adult Support Adviser tba
County Child Protection & Special Needs Adviser Jean Joyce
Buddens Operations Manager Phil Ventham
Grants & Fundraising Adviser tba
Media Managers Jennifer Pearce & Bournemouth University
District Commissioners Designate for New Districts starting 1st. April 2005
East Dorset Mike Parkes
Poole Geoff Dennis
West Dorset & Sherborne Steve Collier
Happy New Year to all. All the very best wishes for a happy, healthy and exciting 2005.
The January edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers