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The monthly newsletter of the 4th Worcester Park Scout Group January 2003Sections
Keith DalyGROUP SCOUT LEADERSubscriptionsAll parents should have received a letter informing them of the new subscription of £30 per term starting from this month (January 2003). The letter also explains the reasons why the increase in subscriptions has proved necessary. In a nutshell the increase is due on the one hand to rising costs particularly insurance, HQ maintenance, the new training programme and running the vehicles. On the other hand it is becoming harder to get support for fund raising and other sources of income e.g. grants have all but dried up. If any parent wishes to know more about the way the Group is funded and how it spends its money they are free to examine the accounts and ask questions at the Group AGM. RecyclingThe Group had been collecting and selling newspaper for many years as a means of raising funds. When the council recycling schemes came in the Group adopted the paper and bottle recycling bins at what is now the Waitrose car park. In return for keeping the site clean and tidy and for informing the council when emptying was necessary, the Group received an income from the paper and bottles. The task of keeping the site clean and tidy has been an onerous one but the Group feels it has done a very good job and has earned the income. A number of people have helped to keep it tidy but two members have been at the forefront firstly Jack Grey who masterminded an original team of people and then Geoff Morris who virtually single-handedly has kept the site clean for the past years. The Group also received a charter award for its efforts towards recycling. Despite our efforts we have now been told that as a cost cutting exercise the London Borough of Sutton intends to drop the adopt a bank scheme from the end of this financial year. The banks will continue but the revenue will go to the borough. The problem is that the borough will have to employ someone to keep the sites tidy which will probably cost more that the income generated or will leave the sites filthy. There has been no consultation on this decision and once again the current administration is depriving the voluntary sector of much needed funds. They have already slashed grants and even refuse to issue us with ' wheelie' bins. Given the lack of consultation we would like to encourage members, parents, and supporters of the Group to write to the Borough expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. Letters can be sent to: The Chief Executive Copies should be sent to: Councillor Colin Hall, Lead Councillor for Waste It is also suggested you write to our Local MP, Paul Burstow. He started the
scheme when he was a councillor back in 1989 and will undoubtedly be interested
in its demise. Sutton & Cheam MP Or 312-314 High Street Please do make the effort; one letter from you may make £1000 per annum for the Group. New YearThe next year will be a challenging one for the Group as we get to grips with the new age groups and the new programme. In order to do this successfully we have to find a number of replacement and additional leaders. If anyone can help either himself or herself or know of anyone who might help please let me or any leader know. On behalf of the Group may I wish all our readers a very happy, healthy, and successful New Year. ASPEN COLONYAnne Mays (MAYO) Carol Salter (HOLLY)Although this is our report for November, I think we forgot to mention that we made some wonderful lanterns for Halloween in October - they all looked great. November was so busy. Firstly we would like to say thank you to Fred for helping Holly while I was away, that's the second time he has stepped in to help us. A big 'thank you' also to Philip Crisp and his mum and day for bringing down their snakes for the Beavers to see and hold. They were thrilled to see them so close although I have to say a couple of us were a bit cautious. We had a brilliant District campfire down at our HQ, the rain stayed away and it was quite mild. The food was good, the campfire very successful but the entertainment was BRILLIANT. Thank you, Paul Green, see what you can do once you have been an Aspen Beaver or any Beaver, come to that. The Bazaar was a great success and we would like to say 'thank you' to everyone who came down and to everyone who sent down gifts for the tombola. In between all of this we have started our Beaver log books and we have been working hard on our activity for the Senior Residents' Party. It really is important that the boys attend functions like this, as it is a time for the boys to be able to give something back. Finally, we have now invested Jake Dukes and he has received his scarf. We hope he will be happy with us. With December now under way life begins to get quite hectic and then we start all over again in January. BIRCH COLONYAnne Richardson (MAPLE)No news item this month. CEDAR COLONYValerie Clarkson (CHIPMUNK)The highlight of the last month has to be our sleepover. We had 16 boys in total sleeping over, 3 of them past Beavers, now Cubs. We hope you had a good report back from the boys. We had a full weekend; we went to Boxhill on Saturday afternoon and then came back to take part in the District campfire. Approximately 150 District Beavers and associated Leaders attended. In the evening we went to Kingston to see the lights then back to McDonalds for fries and shakes. Then to bed, up in the morning for other activities and ready for home at 11am. I have to say the biggest 'thank you' of all time to the entire Hutton family, without whom we would not have been able to have the sleepover. Jo, Carol Salter and myself stayed the 24 hours. Graham Hutton drove us to Boxhill and in the evening. Graham Dyke drove the other mini bus to Boxhill whilst Herbert MacCready drove the 2nd minibus in the evening. Many, many thanks to everyone who helped; Jack Francis' mother came down on the Sunday morning to help us through. Thirteen boys have now gained their 'nights away' badge and nine boys have gained the outdoor badge. These are the first proper badges that Beavers have been able to work for and gain, and we are very proud that so many have gained two badges so soon. Paul Green came down and not only ran the entire District campfire, but also brought in the wood the night before to let it dry out. Paul was brilliant and all our boys had a great time. Many thanks to Paul for doing such a brilliant job. Jefferson Buckeridge's mother came down another Friday and started the 'Faith' badge with the boys, so hopefully after Christmas we will complete this badge, which will enable the older boys to complete their 'Chief Scouts' award. For our last meeting we took the Colony down to the Hogsmill to have a meal. Many thanks again to Graham Dyke for driving the mini bus and to Joshua Peel's mother for coming to eat with us. It was good to see so many Cedar parents at the Christmas bazaar, lots working and lots spending their money. Well done to all of you. Jo and I would like to take this time to wish you all the very best for 2003 and to thank you for all the help that you have given us during 2002. ANGLIA PACKBrenda Hunt (AKELA)We have had a very mixed month; singing around the campfire, swimming and making Christmas decorations to brighten up our board. The boys all seem to love singing - our biggest problem is trying to shut them up. We also had a showing of our camp film - brings it all back, doesn't it boys? - roll on August 2003. Thank you to all parents who attended and also boys who brought wine for the bazaar. Happy New Year to you all from all the Anglia Pack Leaders. BROWNSEA PACKLes Prescott (KERICK) ACSLOur young leaders - Ben and Michael - ran a night wide game for us in Nonsuch Park. The bases were well and truly overcome by opposing teams in a very enjoyable game. Our Leatherhead connections came in useful again one evening when two ex-Cub Leaders from there ran an evening for us using pasta as the theme. Thanks very much to Sheena and Hazel for running the evening for us. We ran the bottle stall at the Bazaar and thanks to Sheila Kinton - Bagheera from Birch Colony - for running the stall for us with the help of parents. In preparation for the Senior Residents' Christmas Party and other seasonal events at Headquarters we made "stained glass windows" from coloured tissue paper and these now adorn the windows at HQ. We held our parents' evening where we ran typical games followed by John's digital photo presentation of summer camp and then our video of the camp. Thanks very much to the parents who helped us with the refreshments and to all the parents who came to support us. Congratulations to the following boys on gaining badges: Joining In badge (3rd year) - Sam Brown, Grant Hamilton, Michael Cornish, Joel Bastable, Ryan Moore. Photographer: - Jonathan Cornish, Michael Cornish, Jack Stevenson, Nathan Dunne. Well done Cubs. CHARTERHOUSE PACKMargaret Pennington (AKELA)We started the month with a marvelous firework evening at HQ - well done to Fred and all his helpers. Throughout the month, the boys have been making gifts, cards and calendars for their parents and for the Pack stall at the Bazaar. There were lots and lots of things for them to make and I am grateful to 'the team' and to Sam's mum, Sue, Pat and her sister, and to Mary who kindly came along to help the boys learn new crafts. One Friday, we were invited to join Silver Troop for a report of their camp and a campfire. Although we did not have many representatives from the boys in the Pack, those of us who did attend had an excellent and entertaining evening. Thanks to all at Silver Troop. The Sixers and Seconders were invited by the District to attend an Outdoor Challenge day. So one Sunday, we set off in a drizzle to travel to Bentley Copse campsite near Shere. By the time we got there the weather had dried up. Ian and Richard took the boys round an activity on the site before everyone set off to walk to Pitch Hill (not very far away - Kay and I went in the minibus). The hill itself was very steep but the walk up rewarded us with wonderful views for us to enjoy while eating lunch. After lunch, the boys were split into teams and had to go around various challenges, which included cooking a bacon sandwich backwoods style. Unfortunately the mist closing in meant we had to come home about ½ hour early, but sympathetic parents welcomed us back - it had rained all day in Worcester Park, we had lovely dry weather. The month ended with the Bazaar, which I don't need to mention to you. As you know it was very successful and as parents you may have a pat on the back for your wonderful support - well done all of you. As I reflect over the last 12 months, I realise that we have so much to be thankful for; all of the boys in the Pack have had so many opportunities for a full mixture of the modern and the traditional in Scouting, ranging from our truly magical and memorable holiday to Disneyland, Paris to back-to-basics camp at Youlbury. The gratitude of the boys and myself has to go to the adults who support the Pack week in week out, ensuring that the boys have a happy and safe range of activities from games evenings to badge work and award challenges. We are also privileged that members of the wider Group family come along to help on special projects: Ron K, Mary R and Margaret W help produce a very colourful front garden to the building; Peter Kinton teaches us local history; Graham S helps the boys understand practical DIY and Keith trains map readers. The District team has organised various events throughout the year which, though exhausting to take part in, make life so much easier for me - all we have to do is turn up and let the boys enjoy all that is on offer. With our wonderfully supportive parents, we have managed to support every Group endeavour. It really is a wonderful tribute to you. PURPLE TROOPAlan Avery (Scout Leader)The last couple of months has seen us doing the usual Scouting activities. We had a firework wide game and cake decorating run by Richard Blackwell, who is now working in the French Alps - sounds good! Ricky Reino, William Stephenson, Tom Dalton and James Reino have gained the Hillwalker, Adventure and Outdoor Challenges. Jack Chasty and Chris Jenkins have also gained the Hillwalker. These badges have been gained by simply doing the programme. A reminder - Mountain Camp after Easter and Summer Camp at Whitsun. SILVER TROOPPaul Green (Scout Leader) - report by Steph JonesNo news item this month. EXPLORER SCOUTSAlan Avery (Explorer Scout Leader)We have been to Laser quest, been orienteering and had a Mexican evening. My thanks to those who manned the bouncy castle at the bazaar. We were hoping to have a weekend in North Wales, but the bases were booked up so I will run one in the New Year. I will run the usual Mountain Camp after Easter and you will be advised of the Expedition dates very shortly. It was good to see a decent number of Explorer/Venture Scouts at the last Scouts' Own - part of the Promise is 'Duty to God'. Well done Phil Wicks and Chris Stocker on gaining their Queen's Scout Award - the top training award and richly deserved by both.
The future programme is going to accommodate the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and this and the Scout Awards can run side by side. Good Luck to Gary Heron attending the World jamboree in Thailand. PARENTS & FRIENDSRichard Marston (Chairman)Budget 2003With increasing costs and a programme of improvements to facilities and equipment at HQ, the amount of money required to fund the Group will increase significantly next year. I have therefore offered, on the parents' behalf, to increase the Parents and Friends' contribution to Group funds from £8,000 in 2002 to £8,500 in 2003. Making the commitment was the easy bit, now it's up to us parents, and friends, to raise the money! How are we doing?At the time of writing, the figures from the Christmas Bazaar are not available. If it makes a similar profit to previous years we should be able to reach the agreed £8,000 contribution to Group funds for 2002. From the 1st January 2003 the numbers will be back to zero with a new target of £8,500 to raise. Recent EventsAuctionFurther to last month's report I can now advise a profit of around £780 which is in line with expectations. Christmas Bazaar'It was obvious that a lot of time and effort had gone into the event. Our grandchildren loved it'. A local couple, who I had never met before, made this comment to me on the evening after the Bazaar. A lot of effort does go into this large event so it is very good to receive such comments unprompted. On behalf of all the parents I would like to thank Jenny for managing it and her large team of parents, friends, fellowship and Scouters for their help in preparing and running it. It was encouraging that a good number of new parents came forward to help; it made all the difference and enabled us to get cleared up in record time. The money is still being counted so watch this space to see how much was raised for the Group. Coming SoonBeetle Drive Saturday January 25th 9:30. Have you 'beetled'? If not your life is incomplete. This is a fun evening for all the family, give it a try. Jumble Sales Saturday February 8th and 15th. Bargains galore. A shortage of helpers at the last Jumble Sale put unreasonable pressure on the 'maturing' core of Jumble Sale helpers. A contribution of a few hours from some more new parents will help to spread the load, increase the income and reduce the average age significantly. Please contact me as detailed below.
PlanningBy popular demand it has been decided that the unallocated slot in the 2003 diary will be a Bingo evening. The exact format is to be decided, but put the evening of Saturday 12th April in your diary now. An additional event is being considered to help relieve the winter blues. A wine tasting evening has been proposed - any views or suggestions? If you have been to one before and have some ideas and/or contacts please let me know. InternetAs mentioned last month, up-to-date details of events, meetings and fundraising are now available on the group Web site www.4wp.org.uk. At the time of writing the number of visits to the site ('hits') was approaching 300 - have you been there yet? Recent additions have included a section for the 'Friends of the Fourth' and a page to enable you to register and update your e-mail address. The link to amazon.co.uk has already started to produce funds for the Group so please make use of it to generate commission at no extra cost to you. Please remember you will only benefit the Group if you enter Amazon via the special links provided. Comments or suggestions?I welcome, and need, your comments and suggestions. Your views enable us to schedule events you want to attend, and improve existing events. Please contact me via p-and-f(at)4wp.org.uk. FELLOWSHIPGraham SmithAs a result of prior commitments, there were more apologies for absences that there were those attending the Fellowship meeting on the 31st October. Nevertheless, there were lively discussions on Group events, both in the recent past and the immediate future, including the jumble sales held a couple of weeks previously whilst Ray Hammett, Group Chairman, reported a disappointing turn-out generally for the work morning on the 20th October. It so happened that Brian Yearley had retired from business on the day of our meeting and it was therefore a great pleasure to have been able to wish him and Sheila a long and happy retirement on their special day. The table tennis group benefit from a new member as well! The supply of home made cakes for the stall to be manned by Fellowship ladies at the Christmas Bazaar was discussed, as were the transport arrangements to be made for the Senior Residents' Party on the 8th December. The final subject during the business part of the evening was the annual Fellowship Dinner. It was agreed that the venue would again be the Kingswood Arms and the date, Thursday, 30th January 2003. Mary agreed to book 'The Study' and to obtain sample menus. With business concluded, we then all enjoyed a Beetle Drive arranged by Ray and Joan Hammett - a most lively hour or so enjoyed by all present - some early confusion adding to the fun! Our thanks were expressed to Ray and Joan. It now only remains for me to wish all our Fellowship members, and indeed all members of the Group, a very happy and peaceful New Year. UNIFORM SHOPThis is run at the 4th Ewell Headquarters on the London Road, near to the Organ Inn (now Jim Thompson's). They are open from 6.30 - 8.00pm on Wednesday evenings, selling official 'Scout Shops' uniform of good quality at competitive prices. Tell them where you come from as our Group benefits from the trading discount when you shop there.
Information for February 2003 Newsletter to be with Keith Daly by Monday 13th January
This page was last updated on 22 May 2003 |
