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The January 2008 edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
Jane White has been selected as the new Producer for the 2008 Gang Show. Jane has been involved in the production of amateur shows for many years and used to be a professional dancer.
Jane is support by a strong team of assistants and all are looking forward to staging a fantastic show in 2008. Take a look at the gangshow pages for more information.
Burton Cubs were treated to a personal training session with AFC Bournemouth Goal Keeper, Neil Moss. Robin and Clare Skitt brought along their friend, Neil, for a Cub meeting based on fitness
and ball skills. Neil gave the Cubs some professional advice and set up some great games for them to practice their new skills. He really enjoyed the sense of fun between the Cubs and was especially
impressed to find out that Burton won this year’s district five a side tournament. Clare said “the Cubs were absolutely gob smacked when Neil arrived as they thought it was just a football themed mufti
evening in return for bringing prizes for the Carnival tombola stall”. Robin added that “it was really special for the cubs to get up close to their hero and it was very nice of Neil to spare time out of his
training schedule to support local scouting in this way”. The evening ended with the Cubs taking penalty shots at Neil and some of them were over the moon when they got one passed him. The idea was
inspired by the Centenary Bring a Friend Badge and as Neil is an ex Christchurch Scouter he was only too pleased to get involved.
Burton Village Carnival
This year the Burton Scout Carnival was headed up
by the Beavers dressed up as Zulu warriors, and to commemorate his meeting with Dinizulu they where led round the route by non other thanBaden Powell himself, aka Group Scout Leader Peter Hayes in disguise. The Cubs marched as time travelling characters from Dr Who and the Scouts organised a demonstration camp with traditional
scouting skills and games. The district Scout Band is also a big attraction and brings people out of their homes and gardens to set the seal on a very real demonstration that Scouting is alive and well in the
community. The annual Scout carnival is a major event for the whole community and all of the money raised goes towards a number of good causes and charities. Organisation is a major undertaking for
the executive committee and leaders working together, with long term and stalwart supporter of the group Emma Kearney leading the team.
Burton trip to Gilwell
Burton Beavers and Cubs paid homage to the home of Scouting when they visited Gilwell Park for the National Beaver and Cub fun day on 16th June. Despite an early start it was a really successful and enjoyable day, with lots of activities such as a fair ground, water slide, Robot Wars, Climbing and abseiling. One of the most popular attractions was the ‘Hot Wheels’ marquee with remote control cars, a mini stunt show and race track, everyone won at least one prize. It was also an opportunity for the young people to reflect on 100 years of scouting when they looked around BP’s caravan, statues and other memorabilia. With Beavers and the Cubs attending from all over the country the young people really benefited from the realisation that Scouting is huge and they have common bond with so many others. The cost of the trip was heavily subsidised by grants obtained by our treasurer Chris Wilcox, who has worked relentlessly to ensure we could organise the day with minimal cost to parents. Committee members such as Chris are often the unsung heroes of scouting and we owe him an enormous thank you !
The September edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
The annual Scout Camping and Skills competition was held at Braggers Wood this weekend. Six teams took part this year and completed various bases, projects and tasks. The winners of the Emlyn Trophy this year were Highcliffe. Somerford secured second place and took home the Ken Hart Memorial Shield. For pictures of the weekend click here.
The District Annual review and AGM took place today at the Royal British Legion in Christchurch and was attending by around 100 members of the District. The guest speaker was John Palmer, The Director of Media and Communications at Headquarters who gave a fantastic speech which was well received by all. A copy of the annual reports book is now available on-line.
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
At a ceremony held today, the 63rd Mayor's Scout was presented with the sash of office. James Mainwaring, a Scout from the Bransgore took over from Somerford Scout Phillippa Old.
James is 15 years old and goes to Highcliffe School. He lists his hobbies as bike riding, playing football and basketball. He enjoys woodwork and graphics and would like to become a Scout Leader. After completing his studies, James plans to work in engineering or car sales.
After over eight years of extensive research and hard work by the District
Archivist, the DC is delighted to announce that "The History of Scouting in
Christchurch" will be on general sale from 15th June.
This hardback, professionally printed book consists of 100 pages of full colour
information about all aspects of Scouting in Christchurch from 1907 to 2007. It
contains pictures and information never seen before and is a must have keep sake
celebrating 100 years of Scouting
The book is a limited edition publication of just 500 copies and will be on sale
for just £8 per copy.
To pre-order your copy and ensure you dont miss out, please complete the form
below and send together with payment to the address shown.
Please pass on this information to all your friends, family and Scouting
colleagues.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE HISTORY OF SCOUTING IN CHRISTCHURCH
Name ______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Postcode ___________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________
I would like to pre-order ____________ copies of the special centenary book at
£8 per copy.
I enclose a cheque made payable to "Christchurch District Scout Council" for
£__________.
Send to:-
History Book
c/o Mark Flexman
20 Portfield Close
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 2AH
The April edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
Christchurch District Scout and Guide Band held their annual presentation evening at the Christchurch Scout Centre on Wednesday 10th January. During the evening, the special guests which included the County Commissioner, the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch and representatives from Groups were treated to a selection of musical items from the Band’s current repertoire. Awards were also presented to members in recognition of their progress. The Bandmaster’s Trophy was awarded to Chris Manley who also won Best Percussionist. Will Hoad took away the Best Bugler prize. Runner up percussionists were Jade Newman and Jim Tallant. Robert Paine won the award for attendance and Zoe Mundell and Maria James shared the person who tried hardest award.
The annual Sixers and Seconders Party took place on Saturday 20th January. Around 20 sixers and seconders from around the District attended the event, this year taking place at the Ringwood Raceway. All those who attended (including some of the Leaders) couldn't help but enjoy themselves during the 3 hour party. After the racing the cubs were treated to a buffet before returning home, ensuring of course that the drivers kept to the speed limits!
This year’s annual census recorded a disappointing drop of 24 members overall - 20 of which were young people. The biggest fall was in the Beaver Section whose membership fell by 26 despite the number of adults working within the section increasing by 3. Only two Groups recorded an increase in members this year - both Jumpers and Burton increased their membership by 7 overall. Cubs are holding their own with a small increase and an additional 3 adults. Scout youth membership dropped by just 2 but have lost 8 adults from the section overall. Explorers are doing well with an increase in youth membership by 7 and an additional two adults working in the section. Suffice to say our priority must be to all work together to reverse the decline in membership of the Beaver Section over the next year but not take our eye off the ball with regards to continuing the excellent work taking place in the development of the other sections.
The Scout annual cooking competition was held at the end of January and to misquote "Master Chef" the standard just gets better and better. Six teams took part and the judges had their work cut out deciding a winner. However after much deliberation, and a lot of tasting, the eventual winners were Burton with Mudeford repeating last years position of runners up. County recently introduced a new part to the competition "The best Pudding" and a new trophy for this was presented by Chris Hills prior to her departure to Australia. When a suitable base has been made it will be presented properly to the Highcliffe cooks who won this part of the competition. Burton and Mudeford both represented the District at the County competition two weeks later where Burton again excelled and won. They will represent Dorset at the Region competition at the end of March. Congratulations to all and good luck!
Thought it was time you had an update on the Christchurch Centenary Celebrations Event, after almost 7 months since my last release, many must be wondering what has happened! Once again, I can tell you that the district never ceases to amaze me! How did we get this far without conflict, argument or destruction? Simple really, it’s called "teamwork". The team has grown and just before Christmas we welcomed Graham Pedder to give further enhancement, skill and expertise! Without ALL of the team members, we could not have seen the final event forming, as it has to date. Sponsorship is still coming in and Letters are still going out to secure the final £3,000 to make the event ROCK! There is so much to look forward to…Perhaps you will take the challenge to become the master of the horned bucker? Can you defy the gravity and lock yourself in the saddle defying only death itself? Can you aim for the target to sober the judge? Who can manage to climb the face of adversity? Maybe you are the sharpest shooter of the west? Or are you are more of a high roller? Or perhaps you are more of a crafty builder? Anyway, who said that getting to the top of the ladder was a breeze, I bet Bob never had this trouble! Whatever you fancy trying your hand at, the Christchurch Centenary Celebration will have something for everyone! Remember, this event is free to enter and will provide a day to remember! Please ensure that YOU are starting to spread the word! Every group that has given support, ideas and taken part with the discussions and organisation of this Fabulous Event will receive valuable funds. This is a golden opportunity for Groups of the district to show what scouting is about. NOW is the time to start encouraging your Group Committee Members, Parents and helpers to be involved on the Day! So please don’t wait to be asked, step forward and offer you help – Having got this far, the team needs to know that we have support on the day. To finish, I want to record my thanks to all who have believed in this Event and the time they have given and continue to give! For those who come for the fun, remember it was made possible by those "giving", it has not just been provided!
Sandy’s plea for help from Leaders aroused my curiosity, so I arranged to participate on Thursday last. I went along with an open mind: Gemma and Ken were delighted. Just to see their little faces light up was a joy! Only two boys were able to attend, so the ratio of 1.5 to 1 was a little luxurious. On the plus side, it made for a relaxed atmosphere in which to learn about the challenges faced by the Scoutlink team. Lee is an established Scout, who rules the roost and arranges places for all at the flag ceremonies, and Ben is a newcomer to the Group. He’s a livewire, full of energy and fun. Together we made gift bags for Mothers’ Day (I was fearing a messy evening, but all was very calm and controlled), and played a series of games, some under the parachute. If you’ve not seen the parachute, it’s a colourful nylon affair, and, with a little creative thinking, all sorts of fun emerges! Rolling a ball under the parachute, calling the name of the intended’target’, was a simple but effective way to help Ben to remember the Leaders’ names. As well as being glad to help, the evening was a great experience- it made me think about how we communicate, persuade, dissuade, encourage creativity. I benefited from being there almost as much as Ben and Lee!I would encourage anyone who can spare an hour on any Tuesday or Thursday to give it a go- you’re assured of a warm welcome, from the Scouts and Leaders alike.
2nd Christchurch Scoutlink have organised the St George's Day Leaders Service and a blessing of Scoutlink' new Union Flag at St Mary's Church, Bransgore on 21 April 2007 at 7.00pm. The service will be conducted by St Mary's new vicar Rev Peter Rickman. All leaders, committee members, helpers welcome.
The Mudeford swimming team managed to pull off some dramatic results in the Plymouth RN Championships during the first week of Feb 2007. Not only did 3 of the 6 member team win through the heats into their finals, but achieved a 2nd (Jack Radford) , 3rd (Alanna Sibbald) and a 4th (Lewis Badley). More points were gained, in both the individual medley relay finals (2nd for U12 and 6th for U14) which was only topped by a 2nd in the Squadron relay final, for the whole team. The icing on the cake came from yet another 2nd placing in the Team Line Throwing event. When the totals were announced, Mudeford were 2nd in the Under 12 section and 2nd overall in the whole Scout section. In both of these, we were only out performed by the Norwich team, who had full representation in all age sections, in addition to having won the event for the last 5 years, and again this year, against the 26 other RN recognised Sea Scout Troops from all over the country. This was an outstanding result for a team who had to call on not one, but two reserves on the day we travelled down, and with two junior members having to compete in the senior team section.The number of Scouts that could not make the event, due either to sickness or availability, suggests, particularly with our two new coaches, that we have an excellent base for future swimming events to come. Our thanks to the team for such a grand effort, and to our coaches for the training and preparation of all the swimmers in the Troop. U12 Junior team: Alanna Sibbald, Jack Radford, Abbie Denison. U14 Senior team: Curtis Badley, Robert Collis, Lewis Badley. Coaches: Michaela Lord, Mandy Thomas
2nd Christchurch Scoutlink have organised the St George's Day Leaders Service and a blessing of Scoutlink' new Union Flag at St Mary's Church, Bransgore on 21 April 2007 at 7.00pm. The service will be conducted by St Mary's new vicar Rev Peter Rickman. All leaders, committee members, helpers welcome.
Will be held on Friday 15th June commencing at 7.30pm at Royal British Legion, Bargates, Christchurch
Instead of a "Bring a Friend" activity, why not hold a "Bring a Parent" activity to encourage more adult support and help with your section?
Preparing for a camp to celebrate the second century of scouting, 8th Christchurch (Burton) Scout group have been given financial help by BT.
Through various activities, such as bag packing and a race night, the group has already raised half the £2000 it needs. Now BT has weighed in with a donation of £150 through the BT Community Champions award scheme. Scout leader Robin Skitt, One IT’s head of risk and governance, who successfully applied for the award, said: "This extra boost from BT makes a huge difference towards making this aspiration a reality."
Robin added that the camp will have a full programme of activities including climbing, archery, sailing, canoeing, power boating, gliding and amateur radio.
There will also be a special sunrise ceremony on 1 August when every Scout will mark the centenary and look to the past, present and future of Scouting. To commemorate the moment for the world, the same kudu horn that Baden Powell blew on that very first morning will once again be blown at 8.00am on Brownsea Island.
The aim is to have every Beaver, Cub and Scout in Dorset at the Buddens camp site for the sunrise ceremony with television links to Brownsea Island. The cost of attending this camp is going to be in the region of £200 per person. Said Robin: "We would like to ensure that every member of our group, regardless of finances, age, ability or special needs, has an equal chance of attending and reaping the benefits of this event."
The group has also used a BT sponsored programme of games, adventurous activities and creative challenges to intuitively improve the way the children communicate with each other.
"This success proves the value of communication and is a great testimony to the life changing work that the BT Community Champions scheme enables," said Robin.
"I would like to thank BT Community Champions on behalf of everyone involved with 8th Christchurch (Burton) Scout Group.
Sally Francis, a member of the work management team at Bournemouth, has two children in the 8th Christchurch cubs section – Thomas 10 and Lewis 8.
She said: "They always have a busy and funpacked agenda with plenty opportunities to earn badges, including trips out and of course ‘Cub Camps’. Every week they learn something new, be it a skill like cooking, or safety at home or out and about, or about the world around us. Also, there is a strong emphasis on respecting each other and working as a team. It never ceases to amaze me how much the time and dedication the leaders and helpers devote in organising and entertaining the boys. Scouting is an excellent organisation in which to help our young people grow and learn in a fun and exciting environment,"
Added Robin: "Volunteering in Scouting is fun and rewarding and I would encourage everyone to take a look at what it can offer. I can assure everyone that they will learn new skills, rediscover adventure, make new friends, spend more time with their children if they are a Scout and give something back to the community.
"I personally, have learnt many new skills that have made me a better parent and also improved my effectiveness at work. Everyone has something to give and anyone who cares about the future could make a huge difference by volunteering with your local group."
Please don't forget to send in your news items, notices of fundraising events or any other material for the next edition of Capers which is due out in April to me as soon as possible
WANTED
5 A SIDE FOOTBALL TEAMS
What: Three structured football leagues each game lasting 20 mins
When: Thursday Nights (every two out of three)
Game time slots between 7pm & 11pm
Where: Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre
Contact: Dan Stone
Two Riversmeet Football Coordinator
(01202) 477987
Happy New Year to all. All the very best wishes for a happy, healthy and exciting 2007.
The January edition of Christchurch Capers is available now. Follow the link to get your electronic colour edition. Click here for Capers
For the fourth year running, the 1st Christchurch (Town) Cubs have prepared shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child to send to less fortunate children across the world. This year we managed a record 8 shoeboxes, which were received by David Hewitt on behalf of the Rotary Club, who told us that our boxes are heading off to Montenegro where we are sure they will be greatly appreciated. It must be noted that each Cub provided something to go in a shoe box and for most of them that is on top of boxes they have prepared at school or in other organisations. Well done Cubs, I am very proud of you all.
The Brownsea and Cerne Unit cloth embroidered badges are about 10 x 7 cms in size and are available at £2.50p each. The Dorset metal pin badge is about 4 x 3 cms, has Dorset 100,Jamboree and Scout World membership and other symbols on it and is available at £3.50p each. There has been a brisk market on EBay with many selling overseas for over £20! If you would like to purchase any (or all) of them, please contact Richard Ashdown, ASL Mudeford Sea Scout Group
richard@mudefordseascouts.org.uk.2nd Christchurch (Scoutlink) held a very successful Quiz evening in September, raising over £100 pounds, and everyone had a really enjoyable time. Brian Davies stepped into the breach and acted as Quizmaster with only a weeks notice, and we were really grateful for that. Scoutlink hope to make this an annual event (giving Brian a years notice this time) and hope to see more of you there next year. The winning team were the Labels. Sadly we had to say farewell to Danny McGrath who is of to Ireland. Danny has been with Scoutlink for many years, and has provided support to the Scout Leaders, and an ideal role model to the Scouts. He and his mum have fund raised for Scoutlink numerous times, most recently swimming around Brownsea Island. We will miss Danny and wish him well in his new life.
Christchurch Scouts were invited by the Royal British Legion to join them at the Remembrance Day Service and Parade through Christchurch on 12th November. Next year it is hoped to have as many Groups as possible represented in the parade.
In celebration of the Beaver’s 20th Birthday, a special fun day was held at Moors Valley Country Park on 24th September. It’s a shame the leaders cant do as they are told and keep their hands in while riding on the train! Over 100 Beavers attended the event and a good time was had by all.
On Behalf of Braggers Wood Dave Tickner made an application to the Woodland Trust to be included in one of the 100 sites that they are planting trees and hedgerow plants in to make Centenary groves to mark the Centenary of Scouting.
I am pleased to announce that this application has been accepted and we are being sponsored by the Woodland Trust to plant 2,000 Trees/Hedgerow plants at Braggers. As the Woodland Trust wishes to promote the countryside and the regeneration of native woodlands and hedgerows amongst the youth of today they stipulate that these trees and hedge plants must be planted by Young People with the help of adults. We are asking for the help of all Groups in the District to bring all Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to plant at least one plant. The Woodland Trust will be supplying material that all sections can use to make projects of this and the activities will count towards awards and badges.
The planting will take place on April 12th
, 13th, 14th and 15th inclusive and we ask for as much support as we can get to make a success of this activity. We are hoping to invite several dignitaries on Saturday 14th to plant a tree and invite the press to promote Christchurch District, Braggers Wood and 100 years of Scouting.Please keep theses dates free and include the activity in your plans for 2007 and help make it the success that it should be.
This year for our autumn camp the cubs and scouts joined forces to visit the Isle of Wight and go to the adventure centre run by PGL called Little Canada. 32 cubs and scouts waited for the ferry at 5pm Friday 3rd November. Having finally said good bye to all the mums and dad’s we started our journey. Little Canada is run on similar lines to all the PGL centres, cabins (log cabins here) for 4 to 6 young people and bigger cabins for the leaders. Food is plentiful and the instructors are well capable of dealing with any issues youngsters can throw at them!!
The cubs and scouts enjoyed a whole series of activities including go-carts, low ropes, swimming, aeroball and team games designed to get the teams working together The Scouts also enjoyed climbing and high ropes (you wouldn’t get me on top of that pole !!) Some of the scouts really fought through there fears and did incredibly well. We left late Sunday afternoon with parents waiting at 5.30pm
While this is not the cheapest weekend camp (£75 including transport) it was certainly we worth the money and with a little fund raising we reduced the cost per head. We all enjoyed the camp and we have had very good feedback for the cubs and scouts, so we can thoroughly recommend the experience.
Somerford and Burton continued their annual tradition of Christmas Shows in December and delighted friends, families and supporters with their talents. Somerford held three performances of their show, the third including an interval serving of Christmas lunch to the senior citizens of Somerford. Burton performed a one of spectacular which included Christmas Carols and an alternative rendition of the 12 days of Christmas with audience participation!
The Cub section took a visit to Brownsea Island to celebrate 90 years of Cub Scouting on 16th September. Over 100 cubs took the trip over to enjoy activities including nature trails, viking camps and pottery making. The day ended on the site of the original camp with a birthday picnic, the cutting of the cake and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".