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This page provides access to current and past copies of the the monthly newsletter of the 4th Worcester Park Scout Group
plus other reports relating to life at the 4th. The Friends
of the Fourth page has copies of their own section's newsletter.
4th News, August/September 2004
Sections
Keith Daly
GROUP SCOUT LEADER
Fete
My thanks to all who helped in any way with the fete which I understand was
excellent. My thanks to the P & F committee for their efforts and in
particular to Mandy Caulder for masterminding the fete for the second year
running. I am delighted to announce that Mandy was awarded a Thanks Badge by the
Scout Movernent for her contribution to the Group.
Cedar Colony
Anne Price who has been running Cedar Colony since the start of this year has
to leave at the end of this term as she is expecting a baby in October. I would
like to thank Anne for stepping in at a very crucial time and keeping the Colony
going so well. We also wish her well and hope all goes well with the baby.
I am delighted to announce that Valerie Street has agreed to become the leader
of the Colony from the new term in September. Valerie has been helping for some
tune and I am confident she will make an excellent leader. I am also delighted
to announce that Chanel Short will be joining the leader team. Chanel is married
to Albert Short who is a leader with the Explorer Unit.
JJB
There is very good news from our twin group, the JJB in Apeldoorn Holland.
Their new headquarters, which has been adapted from an existing building and
replaces their old building destroyed by arson, is nearing completion. They are
going to officially open the building on the 18th September and it is hoped some
members of the 4th will be able to attend the opening.
Anyone wishing to look at any photographs of the work on the building can do
so by accessing www.gert-boks.nl/~jjb
Camps
All three Cub packs will be going off to Camp over the next few weeks. May I
take this opportunity to wish them all a very enjoyable and safe camp. On behalf
of the boys and their parents may I thank all those leaders and helpers who are
giving up their time and leave from work in many cases to ensure the boys have a
wonderful and memorable time.
ASPEN COLONY
Anne Mays (MAYO), Carol Salter (HOLLY)
This month has been quite busy, we are working towards some badges therefore
we have a lot to achieve before the end of term.
We have been on an observation walk down Worcester Park High Street to see what
we might see. We had to find the nearest telephone box - letterbox - paper shop
- post office etc. We also had to find the Police Station and find out the bus
routes that run down the High Street. It was quite interesting listening to
their views on their findings though I'm not quite sure if we were all in the
same place but it went well anyway so we stopped at Waitrose and bought some
lollies and ice creams and as it was a hot day they all went down very well.
We would like to say Thank You to Sheila Kinton for helping out on 14th June as
I was away. The boys made sandwiches and then took them to the park and ate
them. I am told it was very enjoyable.
We have made a street map of the High Street showing all the things we saw, we
did some drawing, cutting out and colouring and then stuck them on the map. At
the moment it is still in the hall.
We have seven boys who have now received their scarves and we hope they will be
happy with us - they are Luke Adams, Gavin Eade, James Mason, Henry Mullins,
Jack Newton, Andy Villabona and Matthew Wall.
Finally we have made some super biscuit faces which I'm sure you parents must
have seen, weren't they great? A lot of time and effort went into making them so
we hope you enjoyed them.
We would like to thank Tom and Philip for their continued help and to the
parents who have all now joined the Parent Rota.
SUNDAY 19th DECEMBER - PLEASE PUT THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDER, ASPEN COLONY ARE
RUNNING THE CHRISTMAS SCOUTS' OWN SERVICE AND ALL THE BOYS WILL BE INVOLVED. WE
WILL ALL BE ON THE STAGE DOING SOMETHING. NOT SURE WHAT YET!
We would like to thank everyone who either contributed to the Summer Fair or
attended and to those who did both an even bigger thank you.
Scouts' Own on Sunday saw us saying a very sad farewell to Jake Jukes, we hope
he will be happy in Anglia Pack.
When many of the boys go up into Cubs they do very well and before you know it
they are moving on to Scouts. There is so much they can achieve down at 4th
Worcester Park so if you as parents are at any time approached for help please
try to oblige as it takes a lot of time and effort to keep this Group on the
move; quite often we need a little extra help and really it's not too much to
ask.
A big Thank You to Mandy for organising the 2004 Fete!
BIRCH COLONY
Anne Richardson (MAPLE)
For our first meeting in June, the Beavers did a 'Treasure Hunt' on the
field, we have also made ice cream sundaes, and had a games evening. Sheila's
daughter, Sally, visited to tell us about her work as a Hospital
Physiotherapist, and to let us try out some of the exercise she recommends to
help her patients recover from illness and injury. Many thanks to her for an
evening that was great fun as well as being informative.
Ciaran Mohr and Robert Hughes have now been invested and two new boys have
stared coming, Sam North and Connor Hampstead. We hope they will enjoy their
time with us.
Stuart Grigg, Edward Yelf and Mark Dawson have all received their Bronze Awards
and Moving On Badges; we wish them well in Brownsea Pack.
Edward also received his Buddy Badge for introducing Ciaran, and Lewis Webb was
awarded his Animal Friend Badge.
Many thanks to Les and the other leaders and boys of Brownsea Pack for stepping
in and doing the July Scouts' Own for us. I've been swamped by work and other
commitments and I'm afraid that having to Scouts' Own as well would have been
the last straw, so I'm very grateful that Brownsea were able to help out. Thanks
also to Sheila and Sarah for being a great support over the last few months.
CEDAR COLONY
Anne Price
No news this month.
ANGLIA PACK
Brenda Hunt (AKELA)
Well done to both teams who played in the District Matball Competition, boys
you all did very well and Congratulations to Brownsea the Winners!
We sold programmes for the Fete, in fact we sold about 100; some of the boys
seem to have the gift of the gab and charmed our neighbours to buy lots…..
well done boys. Thank you to all the parents who donated gifts towards our stall
and to Mandy Caulder for organising it.
We finished off the month with a trip to Wallington County Grammar School where
the games department arranged a Fitness Evening, it was fun and the Cubs behaved
well. Edward was our "Super Cub" managing a magnificent level 10 in
the bleep test.
The highlight of the month was our day trip to Gilwell Park where the weather
was kind and we all had great fun on lots of activities - these included
fairground rides, fishing, bouncy castles, handy crafts and many more.
BROWNSEA PACK
Les Prescott (KERICK)
We won the District Matball Competition! Well done to our team: Joss Newman,
Jason Keehn, Joel Bastable, Elliot Williams, Rhys Mohr, Charlie King, Ben
Purahoo and Michael Cornish. And thanks to our team coach - Harry Dunne.
We'd spent the previous meeting practising Matball interspersed with other
games. We've also learned about lighting wood fires and then cooking sausages
over them - accompanied by a photographer from the local Guardian!
On the evening before the fete, one of our Cub Dads - Kevin Mohr - talked about
endangered species in his job as a Customs and Excise Officer. He brought down
some confiscated specimens including crocodile and snakeskins, coral samples,
ivory items made from elephant tusks. Our thanks to Mr Mohr for giving up his
time.
Thanks also to those who helped at the fete - especially Mrs Dunne, Mrs Keehn
and Sheila Kinton who helped at our stall, but also everyone else who helped in
any way. It was our turn again to run the Scouts' Own on the day after the fete,
and thanks to our team who took part so well.
Congratulations to Charlie King and Matthew Bowers on gaining the Global
Challenge, and to William Jackson on gaining his Sixer's stripes.
We now look forward to our summer camp.
CHARTERHOUSE PACK
Margaret Pennington (AKELA)
Dear friends conspired to remind me I had a very major birthday milestone -
what a lovely time I had (it's worth getting old).
After that brief interlude of calm no one's feet had time to touch the ground.
One Saturday we met with the rest of the District as we had been invited to a
Fun Day at Walton Firs Camp Site. We were collected by a double decker bus and
transported to the campsite. Lots and lots of activities were laid on for our
entertainment and a lovely day out (which included Baloo supervising the cooking
of our BBQ hotdogs) was had by all and finished with a huge campfire. The
following day we had a further invitation, this time from the Group, for the AGM.
Those of us who sat through the business of the day were very well rewarded by
an excellent lunch catered for by the Fellowship.
The Tuesday night was given over to a fiercely fought Matball competition in
Cheam Park. The boys skilfully played other district teams within their league
and won through to the quarterfinals. They only lost in extra time when the sun
came out low in the sky straight into their eyes; their playing was excellent so
it could only have been an "act of God".
On that Wednesday we therefore had a Quarter Party as a very well deserved
treat, but only after they had gone out programme selling.
Sunday 20th saw us down in the field at HQ early as the boys had been busy
collecting sponsors to raise money for Children with Leukaemia. It spite of the
rain boys and parents turned up - boys to complete their sponsorship challenges
and parents to set up a cocktail bar. As it was so cold and wet they were also
kind enough to lay on hot drinks. There was a lovely atmosphere and the sun came
out so that when everyone had cooked their own BBQ there was a chance to sit
down in comfort to enjoy food and drink - very civilised. It then rained again,
but the boys all managed their challenge.
Our garden after two weeks of extremely hard work on the part of the parents now
looks very beautiful. They have done us proud.
Last Wednesday while the boys were having a games night, their parents were
there again working towards making the Tombola stall look very professional,
ready for the Fete on Saturday.
At the Summer Fete the boys turned up trumps yet again by bringing their
parents, brothers, sisters and various members of their extended families down
to help run stalls and to spent money!£! While parents were otherwise engaged
the Cubs joined in the Tug-of-War competition with great gusto.
During the day each six, with very little help, took turns at running the
Putting side show and we were all very, very proud when at the close of business
£25 was handed in. The future of the Group cannot be in any doubt whilst we
have such dedicated boys and parents; well done to you all! An extra special
well done goes to those who were also down during the week before, setting up
stalls and on the day, clearing up long after most people had departed.
At this point I could say "Well at least next month won't be as busy"
- but it will be. Ian and Kay (Bagheera and Rama) have now finished all that
training that took so much of their time. We are very grateful to them both for
all the extra effort they put in. This means they are "Raring to go"
and we have more excitements to look forward to.
PURPLE TROOP
Alan Avery (Scout Leader)
We had a pleasant cycle ride along the River Thames making use of the cycle
ramps "en Route".
I was sad to see only 4 lads at the Scouts' Own recently - when invested you
make your promise part of which says "I promise to do my best, to do my
duty to God and the Queen". Whilst I cannot and do not expect 100%
attendance- if everyone turned up 75% of the time? I had 14 attend the Water
Weekend plus Silver Troop joined with us and maybe next year we will have a
Scouts' Own at this event and get you all up early!! The Water Weekend again was
very successful and thanks to Paul and Steph, Julian Caulder for their
assistance and Jo for yet again catering.
SILVER TROOP
Paul Green (Scout Leader)
During the last month the Troop has been mainly concerned with fete
preparations, which included selling programmes in many of the local roads. We
raised nearly £100 towards the fete profit. Well done to all the boys who
helped with this. We also organised, set up and ran the Burger and Chip Stall at
the fete. Unfortunately Steph and I were unable to attend (the first time in
years for me). My thanks to Neal Oxley for taking on the running of the stall
and to Jo, Paul, Albert and Jacki for their help. Thanks also to all the boys
who helped on the Friday night and on the Saturday.
Six boys attended the District Water weekend at Thames Young Mariners along with
boys from Purple Troop. Jo did a marvellous job cooking and Alan Avery organised
the boys. The rest of the leaders went along to help and everybody had a good
time on the water. Despite the weather I still managed to end up with sunburn as
well as loosing my glasses.
The Troop was once again involved in helping with the Cub fun evening where we
helped with the monkey bridge and with taking it down. The boys worked very hard
and we had the whole thing taken down and stored away within an hour. Well done
boys and thanks.
EXPLORER UNIT
Alan Avery (Explorer Scout Leader)
I am pleased to say we won the District Explorers Handball competition up at
the 8th Cheam.
The 8th Cheam leaders took us rock climbing to Stone Farm near East Grinstead
and thanks to Pat Jacobs for driving the minibus whilst I was at the Water
Weekend.
We ran the Swing Boats at the Fete again, very successful and popular and it was
nice to have a beverage with a couple of ex-Venture Scouts.
PARENTS & FRIENDS
Richard Marston (Chairman)
Summer Fete
A message from our 2004 Summer Fete manager:
"Another wonderful Summer Fete. Well the weather held - just, and what a
lovely day.
The teams of helpers yet again pulled it off with another Summer Fete with its
country feel and family day out. Thank you to every one of you for your
continued support.
On a personal note - I will miss you all and think of you in 2005 - hopefully
the weather will be kind to you." Mandy
This was the second fete that Mandy has run for us and as she is moving home it
will also be her last. My thanks to Mandy for the huge amount of time and effort
she has given to the Group and congratulations on being awarded the Scout
Association's Thanks Badge at our last Scout's Own in recognition of her service
to Scouting.
Jumble Sales
If you are looking for some bargains be sure to put Saturdays 7th and 9th
October 2004 in your diary.
We are still looking for someone to provide a deputy to Ray to assist in the
running of our jumbles, please contact Ray or myself if you feel you can help.
Thanks to the small band of people buying via the Group web site, with little
effort, and no personal cost, they raised £41.33 from Amazon during the second
quarter of 2004.
How are we doing?
At the time of writing the final figures for the Fete are not available but I
expect the figure to be in excess of £2,500. This leaves us with a total profit
of around £6,000 towards our target of £8,500.
Contact
I am pleased to receive any comments, suggestions and offers of help by email
to "p-and-f" at "4wp.org.uk" or by telephone on 020 8337
2641.
FELLOWSHIP
Graham Smith
On Thursday, 10th June, seventeen Fellowship members boarded the newly
acquired minibus and, with Brian Yardley at the wheel, made the journey round
the M25 and thence to Gilwell Park. Some of us had never been to Gilwell before
but those who had (in most cases many years ago) remarked on how much it seemed
to have changed over the years. We were fortunate to have had a gloriously sunny
day and an exceptionally good guide, Pat Styles the Association's Assistant
Archivist.
Our visit commenced with coffee and hearing about the history of Gilwell and, in
particular, the magnificent White House. Pat then took us on a tour of the house
after which we had a very good lunch in the restaurant.
After lunch we had a tour of the campsites, and the various outbuildings were
explained to us. Before we departed for home, after what had been a most
enjoyable and interesting visit, a presentation was made by the Fellowship to
the Gilwell Library as a memento of our visit.
Our grateful thanks are due to Peter Kinton who arranged our visit.
Sunday 13th June saw the Fellowship once again displaying certain of their
culinary skills(!) at the BBQ following the AGM. All seemed to go well and, from
comments made, everyone seemed to have enjoyed it. My thanks, and those of
Chairman Ray and GSL Keith go to all members who helped and served in one way or
another.
Our June meeting took the form of a 'Boules' evening organised by Colin Barnard.
As last year, Colin had arranged the "pitches" on the Field and
although attendance was a little down this year (holidays and a certain football
match contributed to this no doubt!) a fun evening was had by all.
Fellowship members were well to the fore in the five evenings preceding the
Group's Summer Fete on Saturday, 3rd July, setting up the monkey bridge, the
shelters and tentage under the guidance of Brian Yearley. Saturday itself proved
to be a very blustery day, but mercifully the rain, apart from a couple of brief
showers during the morning and early afternoon, held off. The Fete proved to be
a great success and thanks go to the many Fellowship members who contributed in
any way to the success.
Sunday, 4th July was Brownsea Pack's turn to arrange Scout's Own, for which
there was a very good attendance at a very well run service.
Our next "meeting" is the BBQ, again generously hosted by John and
Bridget Green on Thursday 29th July at their home and we look forward to a very
pleasant social evening.
Our August event is a visit to the RHS gardens at Wisley for the musical evening
on Tuesday 17th.
Details will be made available at the BBQ evening.
Information for August / September 2004 Newsletter to be with
Keith Daly by Monday 13th September
This page was last updated on 03 October 2004
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