District News 2006

6th December 2006

Design a badge competition

As part of next years celebration Braggers Wood is going in partnership with the District to create a blanket badge to mark the Centenary of Scouting and the District Centenary Camp in May. All Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers are invited to design a badge and a special panel of Judges will choose the best design to be made into the blanket badge.

The badge design must include a deer/stag’s head (as featured in the Braggers Wood logo) and the words “Christchurch District”, “Braggers Wood” and “100 years of Scouting”. It must be either 80mm round or 80mm square and consist of no more than 5 different colours.

Time is tight!

All designs must be returned to the District Commissioner by 31st January and must include your name, age and scout group on the back of the design.

The winner will have their design turned into the Centenary Badge and prizes will also be awarded to the two runners up.

16th November 2006

Scoutlink Coffee Morning

Scoutlink are having a coffee morning/afternoon in Mayors Parlour on 25th November. Please click on the link below to view the flyer. Please print off and put up in your headquarters. An invitation is also extended to all friends and family.

Scoutlink Coffee Morning Flyer

30th September 2006

Flowerbed Winner

James Kay, a Cub Scout from Mudeford has won the 2007 Design a flowerbed competition. He was named as overall winner by the Mayor of Christchurch at a special presentation evening at the Mayor’s Parlour on 5th May. His design was chosen from over 50 entries by the Mayor, Councillor Josephine Spencer; the Chief Executive of Christchurch Council, Mr Mike Turvey and Carina Gallacher, Parks Officer at the Council. James was presented with a framed certificate signed by the Mayor and the District Commissioner and a special Centenary mug. His design will be made into a flowerbed (ooposite Christchurch Police Station in Barrack Road) next Spring. Other winners who were also presented with a certificate and mug were Jacob-Lee Haine from Town who won the Beaver section and Stephen Boyes from Bransgore who won the Scout section. Ricard Da-Rocha, Sam Coates, George Collins, Peter Knight and Daniel Shutler were all finalists and went home with a special framed certificate.

County St. George's Day Parade

Advance notice that there will not be a St. George’s Day Parade in Christchurch next year. Instead, all members are invited to a special County Parade and Service which is to be held at Maumbury Rings in Dorchester on Sunday 22nd April. More details to follow.

Centenary Camp

This special Camp will be held at Braggers Wood from 25th to 28th May 2007. All members are strongly encouraged to attend what promised to be THE bext camping experience ever. Events include candlelight opening ceremony, fireworks, celebration BBQ, campfire, it’s a knockout, activities for all sections and much much more. Further details to follow.

Christchurch Centenary Celebrations by Des Whitney

The Scouting of Christchurch District never ceases to amaze me. So much is achieved throughout the years, yet we never demonstrate the strengths that are more than plentiful to those other than the Youngsters. Maybe that's what we're here for, but is it enough? Parents deliver their kids to Troup nights and send them to camp, with little more than a goodbye. My sons struggle to tell me what they did of an evening, yet they can't wait to get back the following week. I consider myself fortunate enough to understand the efforts that are put in, because I went through the movement and still have the chance to be involved.

Next year the 100 Year Celebrations will bring memories and opportunities to many of the Youngsters. Some will be fortunate enough to attend the Camps and other exciting activities being planned for them. Although there will be others that will miss these opportunities. Having said this, they don't have to miss out on all of the Celebrations though!

The Christchurch Centenary Celebration will be held on Christchurch Quay on 14th July 2007. The event will bring opportunities for Groups of the District to demonstrate their strengths, promote their achievements, compete in inter-group challenges and fun based activities. The day is planned to bring involvement for all ages; whether they're currently a member of the district or an outsider looking in. The kids will not have to pay to attend; they can take part as part of a group. It is a golden opportunity for Groups of the district to show what scouting is about.

The Christchurch Centenary Celebration continues to take shape and the Team Spirit grows continuously within the Organising Teams. We recognise the fact that the Section Leaders throughout the district will almost certainly have skills that could be used to enhance the event, as would the Committee Members and helpers of our Groups too. It's not too late to step forward with your suggestions, although time is running out. We will shortly be finalising the event structure to enable information to be shared with the Groups taking part. Those within the district that have accepted this event for what it is - a great event that brings benefit to those of the district that have made this possible - will help show the sense of belonging found between "True Scouting Members". Without the team I have supporting this, we would not have got this far - With ALL of the groups on board (and we still have to encourage a couple to help) then Christchurch can be certain of a fantastic day!

31st August 2006

Christchurch Capers

The September edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers

18th June 2005

Emlyn Trophy

The annual Scout Camping and Skills competition was held 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 were Somerford. Highcliffe secured second place and took home the Ken Hart memorial shield.

16th June 2006

District AGM

The District Annual review and AGM took place today at the Royal British Legion in Christchurch and was attending by around 70 members of the District. The guest speaker was Tim Kidd, The Chairman of the Adults in Scouting Working Group at Headquarters who travelled down from Oxford especially, gave a fantastic speech which was well received by all. A copy of the annual reports book is now available on-line.

12th June 2006

Gang Show Challenge Day - 8th July

Due to circumstances beyond our control, it is with regret that it has been necessary to cancel the Gang Show Challenge Day due to be held on Saturday 8th July.

10th June 2006

Sports Day

The District Sports Day was held today at The Grange 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

18th May 2006

Mayor's Scout

At a ceremony held today, the 61st Mayor's Scout was presented with the sash of office. Robert Paines, an Explorer Scout from the Mudeford Explorer Scout Unit takes over from fellow Explorer Scout Scout Tim Root. Robert is 16 years old and goes to Bournemouth School. He lists his hobbies as Sailing, playing the clarinet and being a member of the Christchurch Youth Council. After completing his studies, Robert plans to become a teacher or a research scientist.

2nd May 2006

What do you think?

The District Team is keen to hear your views on various subjects to help develop and improve Scouting in Christchurch. Below is a link to a questionnaire containing a number of questions that you are asked to respond to. There is also a link from the District's web site.

A version of this survey was first carried out in 2001. Five years on, we are keen to hear your views again. Please do find some time to fill out this questionnaire and return to the District Team.

http://www.christchurchscouts.org.uk/dist%20questionnaire%202006.doc

Please return the questionnaire by 31st May 2006
 
By e-mail to     info@christchurchscouts.org.uk
 
By post to      Christchurch Questionnaire, 25 Thorncombe Close, Muscliffe, Bournemouth. BH9 3QL
 
By hand to     your GSL, or any member of the District Team

Please encourage all your colleagues in Scouting to complete.

18th April 2006

St George's Day adult service of rededication

11th April 2006

Call for photos

The District Commissioner is asking for help again this year. He is seeking photos of scouting activities for April 2005 to March 2006.

Do you have any photos of Christchurch Scouting events, in any form, that he could borrow/use please for use at the District AGM in June. They will be returned to you.

If you can help please either e-mail them to mflexman@christchurchscouts.org.uk or post them to 25 Thorncombe Close, Muscliffe, Bournemouth, BH9 3QL.
by the end of May.

22nd March 2006

Christchurch Capers

The April edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers

New Mayor's Scout

Explorer Scout Robert Paines has been chosen to take over from Tim Root as the next Mayor’s Scout. Robert is 16 years old and goes to Bournemouth School. He will serve as Mayor’s Scout for six months. Robert will be presented with his sash of office by the Mayor at a special ceremony to be held on 18th May.

Sunday March 5th ‘Mad March Hare 20’ by Peter Hayes

As part of my build-up to my seventh London Marathon, I competed in this road race, starting and finishing at our hut in Martin’s Hill Lane. It took 2hrs 51 minutes to complete the 20 miles, and delivering the mail on Monday was a painful business, but preparation for the big day is almost complete. My target time is 4 hours, which would be close to matching my previous best for the London. Successful or not, I promise to supply another report for ‘Capers’…

Braggers Wood update

Over the winter months we have been very busy carrying out site improvements these being:

Manner Lodge - The exterior has been completely covered with UPVC cladding with wire netting below to allow air circulation. The interior has been painted and a number of modifications made including main hall and corridor carpeted in carpet tiles and convector heaters fitted, kitchen tiled and extractor hood fitted plus several others.

Shower / Toilet Block- A contractor has screed and tiled the floor and we have completely painted the interior and made a number of improvements.

Abseiling & Climbing Tower - The bottom platform has been replaced and the main face has been stripped and new boarding fitted and sealed with rocks refitted.

Archery Range - We have had to put this out of action as we have been advised by a Scouting National Activities Advisor (Archery) that the range does not conform to Scouting Association Safety Standards. Plans are well in hand for this to be rectified and hopefully to be in operation by the end of April at the latest

We have a number of other projects which we are aiming to have underway within the next few months which along with completed projects have well and truly improved the facilities and appearance of the site. Bookings are coming in very well and we now looking forward to a successful year and while we currently have a number of dedicated helpers it would be most helpful to have some additional help especially during busy times. If you are able yourself or know of anyone who could spare some time to help at the site in any capacity, please either give Mike Taylor, Camp Warden a ring on 01202 499240 or email braggers@christchurchscouts.org.uk

First Aid Winners

A team from Somerford Scouts have won this year’s Letchford Trophy Competition - the first time since 1974! Six teams took part in the all day event at Braggers Wood on Sunday 12th March. In the morning the teams were given instruction of basic first aid techniques and were then put to the test in a series of 7 bases in the afternoon. Somerford won with a total of 228 points, beating Burton with 204 and Jumpers with 203. Congratulations to the team for winning back the trophy after 32 years!

Jumpers Cubs return to Hogwarts by Brett and Sue Jones

  This February our Cubs enjoyed their third term at Hogwarts School for wizardry (and Scouting). Our weekend camp at Braggers wood was a themed camped based on the Harry Potter story. The leaders (including two new explorer helpers as prefects George and Fred) decorated the site to give it the Hogwarts theme. Our activities included broomstick making, potions, lantern making, web design, treasure hunt, dealing with fear, a joke shop, "who wants the key to Gringotts Bank?", Quidditch and of course the traditional Banquet. For those that haven’t been there lately Manner Lodge is looking very smart having been decorated inside and out. All had a great time and although the weather was cold (especially round the camp fire), it kept dry. Despite Professor Snape’s (Brian Davies) prediction that certain Cubs (sorry pupils) would turn a nasty colour during the week, they all looked the same as ever the following week and were full of their weekend of fun!

Gang Show

Christchurch Gang Show committee has been looking forward to the challenge of 2007 and our next Regent Centre show. As it is the Centenary year the show has to be a huge success. We are hoping that we will have good support from everyone in Christchurch to enable us to give all who take part an experience they will cherish and remember all their lives!

The committee has invited some of our younger members to kick-start our preparations for 2007 with some new ideas for us all. So – we have a Performance workshop on Saturday April 8th – see the poster! Open to all, it’s a free day to come and have some fun and get the feel of working and exploring ideas with others.

Then – Saturday 8th July will be ‘Gang Show Challenge Day’! This ‘challenge’ will consist of putting together a mini show in one day, ready to perform it on the same evening! Watch out for more information on that nearer the date!

These two events will lead us into the start of rehearsals for our 2007 show in October. The Producer for that show is Dave Ward. Whatever your interests, then please do consider helping Gang Show 2006/7. Scenery, costumes, make-up, music, publicity – we need you all! Come along and have some fun!

Calling all cyclists

The Mayor of Christchurch has organised a sponsored bike ride to take place on Saturday 22nd April in aid of her charity to raise money for a community bus. The ride is split into five different stages. Cyclists can chose to complete any/all of them. The total distance (if you complete all stages) is 25 miles. If you would like to take part, please contact the District Commissioner on 01202 267593 or by e-mail to mflexman@christchurchscouts.org.uk who will be more than pleased to send an information and sponsorship form to you.

CSC New Booking Arrangements

With immediate effect, if you would like to make a booking to use the Christchurch Scout Centre, please get in touch with the new Centre Manager Mr Gordon Paget who can be contacted on (01202) 486546.

Burton launch new centre plans

At a special meeting held at Burton HQ on Saturday 18th March, members of the Group were presented with their Environment Award badges by Parish Council Leader Mrs Judy Jamieson MBE. Afterwards, a scheme for the development of a new Village Centre was launched by parish councillor Colin Jamieson. Burton Parish Council, Burton Scouts and AFC Burton hope to replace the existing dilapidated Scout hut and outdated football pavilion with new amenities that could be used by all groups in the village. Robin Skitt, from Burton Scouts, said: "This is a great opportunity to bring together different elements of the village in a common aim of developing community facilities for Burton at the start of the 21st century."

Mencap - get together training courses by Vicki Ward, Scoutlink Explorer Scout Leader

You may have read an article in the Scouting Magazine about the new Mencap course available for youth organisation leaders and helpers, to make their organisation more inclusive for young people aged 5-16 years old that have a learning disability.

The Get Together course is funded by the Blue Peter Appeal, and is designed to help children and young people with a learning disability go to their local out-of-school club. The Get Together training provides the opportunity for leadership teams to develop their knowledge and abilities in supporting young people with learning disabilities. This course is available for current leaders and helpers and potential new adult helpers.

I have just completed the trainer’s course for this, and in September will be sending out information to Groups with details of the first set of courses available.

If anyone requires any more information about this course, please contact me, by email/phone (in District directory) or www.mencap.org.uk/gettogether for more details.

Cubs and Scouts go walkies

The annual District Cub Hike took place on 11th March with over 168 Cubs, friends, parents and supporters taking part. Starting off from Oakley, just outside Burley in chilly but dry weather, the Groups set off on their hike, stopping near Anderwood for a welcome cup of soup provided by members of the Fellowship. After completing the hike of just under seven miles, the Cubs were presented with their certificates. The Scouts followed suit with a Night Hike on Saturday 18th March but in slightly less inviting weather! In a biting wind, 12 teams set off from Wilverley Plain for the annual competition of night time navigation, bases and challenges. The event was organised by Town Group this year with support from scout leaders from across the District, explorer scouts and members of the County scout network.

First Aid Courses

Provisional dates for a 1st Response Course have been set as follows: Wednesday 10th and Wednesday 17th May – both at Braggers Wood. Time 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Cost is £25 each A minimum of 16 participants is required to run the course. If your present certificate is due to expire or you do not already hold a certificate then this is for you. Please let Brian Davies know if you wish to take part in the course by the 23rd April at the latest.

23rd January 2006

District membership breaks new records!

Christchurch continues to break new membership records this year with total membership hitting 722, the highest ever recorded. Congratulations and thanks to all the adults working both within their sections and supporting the Groups and District. Your efforts ARE changing the lives of more and more Young People in Christchurch for the better and you should be proud of all your achievements this year.

The Beaver section begins to reverse the decline in membership with a massive increase of 38 this year. Thanks in part to the opening of a new Colony in Highcliffe. The number of adults working within the section remains at 17. All Colony’s report either an increase in membership or remain the same. The Beaver waiting list increases by 9 to 35 across the District. Adult to young person ratio is increases to at 1:9.

The Cub section predictably sees an unprecedented decline in membership following the loss of numbers in the Beaver section over the past two years. The number of adults working within the section has decreased by three but the Adult to Young Person ratio remains at 1:7. Cub waiting list is down by 6 to just 8.

The Scout section continues to grow with four new adults working in the section. Four Troops record an overall increase in Scouts. The adult to young person ratio remains at around 1:5. Scout waiting list is down by 6 to just 1.

Explorer decline is slowing, three new adults are now working in the section and plans are being implemented to reverse the recent decline in membership.

The graphs show that Scouting in Christchurch continues to be successful and in good shape. There are of course areas where further support is needed particularly in the Cub and Explorer sections. Congratulations to all and THANKYOU for all that you do for the youth of Christchurch.

They just keep on winning!

The cooking teams from Mudeford and Highcliffe went on to the County Competition on 22nd January where Mudeford won with 171 points with Highcliffe coming second with 170 points! Well done to both teams for a fantastic result.

16th January 2006

New Cooking Champions

The annual District Scout Cooking Competition was held yesterday at Ann's Lodge in Bransgore. Five teams from across the District attended, creating magnificent three course meals form just £15, all cooked in camp conditions on just two gas rings! The winners (shown in the picture top left) were a team from Highcliffe who go forward to the County Competition next week. Mudeford (winners for the last three years) were placed second and also go on to the County Competition.

1st January 2006

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all. All the very best wishes for a happy, healthy and exciting 2006.

Christchurch Capers

The January edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers

Action Gran takes to the skies

Janet Taylor certainly makes the most of life. She has overcome a fear of heights to climb the 13,500 feet of South-East Asia’s highest peak, Mt Kinabalu in North Borneo, last year. The globe-trotting grandmother from Highcliffe will also be heading off to darkest Africa to do trekking and tracking mountain gorillas in Uganda. But before then Janet took an easier route - a 15,000 feet parachute drop from the skies over the Devon-Somerset border. Janet certainly made the most of her maiden skydive in July last year to cross another achievement off her list of lifetime experiences and raise money for her grandson Harry Boyle’s Scout Group.Harry is a member of the 20th Christchurch (Somerford) Scouts which desperately needs funds to revamp its headquarters off Mallory Close."They are so hard-working but so short of money," said Janet, who often takes Harry to his Scout meetings."I see what goes on and how much they struggle, but what they achieve is amazing and I wanted to help." She came up with the sponsored skydive after Harry’s mother, Julie Anne, did a parachute jump to celebrate her 40th birthday. Janet said: "I have always said I can swim but I can’t fly. I don’t like heights and I don’t like flying, but I try to do something exciting every so often." Group Scout leader Dennis Miller said: "All we ever ask of families is to put in what time and effort they can, as and when they can. "Some help for an hour, others join our committee, Janet jumps out of an aeroplane!""The group hopes to use the money she raises to help the refurbishment scheme we have planned for our headquarters." After completing external works including a new driveway, fencing and gates, the Scout group, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2004, is turning its attention to the inside of the building, with plans for two new disabled toilets, new entrance doors and more development inside.

Cub and Beaver Scout Anniversary

In 2006 Cubs Scouts celebrate their 90th anniversary and Beaver Scouts celebrate their 20th Anniversary. To celebrate both milestones, Headquarters have released anniversary badges and woggles. Woggles cost £2 each and badges just £1. Both can be obtained online from the Outdoors scout shop at http://www.scouting.outdoors.ltd.uk/acatalog/

World Centenary Official Uniform Badge launched

The official uniform badge to celebrate the World Centenary which will be worn on all sections of scout uniforms, not just in the U.K but around the World had now been launched. This is an officially authorised uniform badge which can be worn from today until the end of 2007. Size is 7.8cm x 6cm. The badge costs just £1 each and can be obtained online from Outdoors at www.scouting.outdoors.ltd.uk/acatalog/

Jean Stuart National Commissioner (Cub Scouts) is looking to recruit a number of forward thinking and dynamic individuals to help support the Cub Scout Section across the UK. Jean is particularly interested to hear from people with experience or an interest in website content, writing, developing Cub Scouting. These roles are all voluntary and for varying periods of time, depending upon the task. Successful applicants will be required to work closely with Jean, other volunteers and Headquarters’ staff. If you or somebody you know is interested in being a member of her support team you can obtain an application form from Janet Edwards on 0208 4337151 or janet.edwards@scout.org.uk.

Fellowship Day by David Stevens

If you were near the science museum one Friday evening in November, you might have been worried when 25 Aliens climbed out of a coach protected by 6 spacemen (and space women).But no need to worry it was only Jumpers Cubs taking the world by storm. The science museum offers sleepovers to youth groups, about once a month based on different themes.- This time it was Aliens. The museum suggested that groups might want to dress up – so we did !! We had to arrive at 7pm and after signing in, the staff provided wall to wall activities for about 300 young people based on the Alien theme. Making Alien gunge and making flying saucers etc. By 11pm the Cubs (and leaders) were ready for bed, so we all curled up between the exhibits for a few hours. Saturday we started all again with more activities and the imax cinema. When the museum finally opened to the public we had all had a fantastic adventure and learnt a lot in the process. Jumpers would recommend the trip to any groups, not the cheapest weekend away but certainly worth the money !

A team from Town Beavers won the annual poster competition which was held on Thursdday 22nd September. Six colonies took part. They then went on to win the County Competition on 8th October. Well done and many congratulations!

The District went football crazy in November when the annual Cub and Scout 5 a side football competitions were held at the 2 Riversmeet Leisure centre. Jumpers won the Cub competition on 12th November after beating Bransgore in a thrilling penalty shoot out in the inal. Highclife won the Scout competition on 20th November beating Jumpers 3-2.

110 leaders and Beavers descended on Braggers Wood on Sunday 25th September to take part in a District Fun Day. After playing games and taking part in various activities provided by each Colony and the District Fellowship, the day ended with a camp fire and was enjoyed by all who took part.

A team from Town Cubs won the annual quiz which was held on Thursday 22nd September. Teams for all Packs took part.

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