Group News

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.

NEWS 2007: Autumn Summer Spring 2006: Autumn, Summer, Spring
2005: 12, 11, 10, 09, 07, 06, 05, 04, 03, 02 01, Older: Archive

4th News, Autumn 2006

Sections

Group Scout Leader | Aspen Colony | Birch Colony | Cedar Colony | Anglia Pack | Brownsea Pack | Charterhouse Pack | Purple Troop | Silver Troop | Explorer Unit | Parents and Friends | Fellowship

GROUP SCOUT LEADER

Fred Fletcher

I hope that you all enjoyed your summer break. We are preparing for 2007 as Scouting will be 100 years old, so we are going to celebrate this by having lots of fun.

Several events are being organised for the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts during 2007; as you will appreciate planning for these events has already started. We will need help from the parents to make sure that everything runs smoothly and that all our members have a wonderful time. Whenever we have asked for help in the newsletter the response is usually very poor, so I personally will ask as many parents as possible to help us make our celebrations successful especially for our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, as we want them all (yes - including your child) to have a great time in 2007. Let's all do it together!

Louise Mullins and Paula Evans have now taken over the running of Birch Colony, it may take a little time for Louise and Paula to settle in, but I'm confident that they will do a great job. Many thanks to parents who have supported Louise and Paula during this time, I know that they appreciate it very much. Events coming up during this term :-

I hope to see you all at these forthcoming events.

No I won't say 'Merry Christmas'...oops I've said it!

ASPEN COLONY

Anne Mays (MAYO), Carol Salter (HOLLY)

We have done several wonderful decorations for our notice board including the four seasons of the year, transport and others - when you come down to collect your children have a look at the board, they have really done some very good things.

We have been down to the High Street doing a 'Watch, Look and Listen' evening; then we went into Iceland and bought some ice creams as it was a very hot evening and we all needed cooling down!

An aerial runway was put up by the Explorer Unit, both Holly and I would like to say a big thank you to Albert Short and all the Explorers, it was a great evening. All the Beavers had a wonderful time, some were more brave than others but it didn't matter it was a great experience.

We had a wonderful fun day at Walton Firs. The weather was glorious, all the children were well behaved and I can honestly say that they all enjoyed themselves. It was very hot but there was water provided and a tent to eat our lunch in so all in all it was very successful. After the fun day we had a sleepover, a weird and wonderful experience. The Beavers were all awake at 1am telling ghost stories and making one another laugh, hence they were all like zombies on Sunday and most of them went to bed by 7pm; some of them even had a nap during the day as they were so tired!

We had a lot of fun and thank you to the parents who came down to help with the food. Holly and I are not allowed to do the food and look after the Beavers at the same time, so when we do our next sleepover we shall be looking for master chefs to prepare the dinner and breakfast.

So far this term we seem to be quite organised but please remember if you are on the Rota to turn up as we do not have Louise and Paula anymore as they are now running Birch Colony. Holly and I would like to wish the girls well in their new venture and to thank them so much for all their help with us.

If anyone would like to help on a more regular basis please let us know - not every week, maybe a little extra help once a month would be great as it takes a long time to complete projects with mostly 6 year olds therefore any help would be appreciated.

We had a great evening on 'How to wash your hands properly'. We had a violet ray machine to show where the dirt on our hands remains even though we have washed them. I have to say it was very interesting but also quite disturbing to know that even when hands are washed with soap, germs can still remain.

Lastly we shall be taking in four girls in October. The Scout Association have decided to let Scouting become mixed so the girls will join in with the boys; the programme will remain the same and I'm sure it will work out well.

BIRCH COLONY

Louise Mullins and Paula Evans

The G.S.L. writes on behalf of Louise Mullins and Paula Evans

May I on behalf of the Group welcome Louise and Paula to the 4th Worcester Park, but especially to Birch Colony. These young ladies have started running Birch Colony and by all reports I have received from parents they have started very well and the Beavers seem to be enjoying themselves. May I ask parents to give the girls their support, I'm sure you all will. Many thanks.

CEDAR COLONY

Valerie Street (BADGER)

The G.S.L. writes

At the time of writing these notes for the newsletter our Cedar Beaver Leader Valerie was laid up in Epsom Hospital, I visited Valerie and she told me she was feeling a wee bit better. She showed me the wonderful array of get well cards from every Beaver in the Colony; well done Beavers they cheered Badger up no end.

In the meantime Sally has continued running the Beavers with the help of Alan Avery who very kindly stepped in to help - thank you Sally and Alan.

I hope that by the time you read this Badger will be out of Hospital and on the mend.

ANGLIA PACK

Samantha O'Reilly (AKELA)

Anglia & Charterhouse Joint Summer Camp

Well the day dawned bright and very early for us Anglia leaders as we struggled into the minibus on Sunday 30th July to return from Youlbury to 4th WP HQ to collect several very keen, very energetic and very loud cub scouts for this years pack holiday. The day before both Packs' leaders and parents came together to set up camp for the boys.

The final farewells were made as the minibuses rolled out of the HQ gates (yes that was Akela driving the bus!) and the adventure began. With a Narnian theme, this years camp saw the White Witches Wolves, Aslan's Lions and the Scout Patrol (fondly referred to as the Turkish Delights) battle it out for points over a hectic and busy weeks camping activities.

Not wanting to write pages and hoping you will all have benefited from the video produced and shown at Scouts' Own - here are the highlights of camp this year .

Cub Scouts cheering on their favourite sheep in the Sheep racing at Odds Farm. All boys and leaders had a very enjoyable, occasionally sunny and tiring experience and I know all parents will have appreciated their own holiday! A very successful joint venture was enjoyed by all, and a special thank you to Charterhouse Akela - Margaret for being prepared to team up with Anglia Pack! Here's to next year!

BROWNSEA PACK

Les Prescott (KERICK)

Our programme since Easter has been geared to the "out" in Scouting. We had several evenings devoted to training for camping and outdoor skills including tent pitching, fire lighting and cooking, with plenty of outdoor games and wide games. We were also fortunate in being able to use the aerial runway erected by the Explorer Scouts.

We had our weekend training camp at Park Farm, Banstead in May when we learned more about tent care and outdoor scouting skills. We went on a night walk on Saturday night and then on a day hike over Colley Hill on Sunday. It was an enjoyable weekend and was a practice-run for our summer camp.

Campsite

Our summer camp this year was held again at Plum Park in Staffhurst Wood, near Oxted which is owned by Surrey County Council and managed by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. We had a very successful time with 18 boys camping from the Sunday through to Friday evening and we based the camp on the theme of wildlife. The sixes were named Badgers, Foxes, Rabbits and Squirrels and every Cub worked towards his Naturalist badge during the camp. We also worked towards the Navigator, Camper and Adventure badges as well as the Outdoor Challenge and Nights Away awards. The camper and adventure badges involved lighting fires and cooking tea, building bivouacs in the woods, pitching and striking tents and other camp-based activities.

The boys' first job on arrival was to pitch their tents, the leaders having set up the rest of the camp on Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon we made Six signs for the tents and also made badges. In the evening, following Scouts' Own, we went for a torch lit walk through the adjoining woods in the dark and heard a story about "drop-down spiders".

Bird hide

On Monday we visited the Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. We borrowed some binoculars from the warden and then walked through the reserve, visiting the hides and seeing a lot of water birds, including, briefly, a kingfisher.

In the afternoon we constructed bivouacs (shelters) made from natural materials in the woods. Unfortunately, we couldn't test them for their waterproof qualities this year!

Tuesday was the day of our annual visit to Tor Hatch at Shere, a private house, to use the swimming pool in the back garden and the trampoline.

Swimming

After swimming, we had a picnic lunch and then back to camp to cook beef burgers or veggie burgers over open fires.

On Wednesday, we continued working towards our badges and had a go on the aerial runway constructed by Alan and Ben with help from the young leaders which was excellent. In the evening we had a fabulous session with a local Falconer who brought several birds of prey and demonstrated them in flight. Several Cubs wore the special leather glove to allow the birds to land on their hand and pick up a morsel.

Bird of prey

On Thursday we visited the Tandridge Leisure Centre at Oxted for swimming. In the afternoon we had two excellent sessions - one of archery arranged for us by the Surrey Wildlife Trust staff, and then an assault course prepared by the young leaders. Then in the evening we visited Oxted Fire Station. The Cubs were shown the fire engines, then a film about the dangers of arson, then were allowed to clamber back into the fire engines and were driven around the station yard, with sirens sounding! The Cubs then used the hoses which was great fun.

Our last day was Friday and we visited a neighbouring farm where we saw donkeys, quail, ducks and geese and then watched a demonstration of spinning. In the afternoon we visited Woolworths at Oxted to buy presents with left-over pocket money. Friday evening came all too soon, and we welcomed the parents to our camp fire where I was able to present the winning six, Foxes, with their prizes. Well done Foxes Six: Jamie Smart (sixer), Ben O'Byrne (second), Thomas Sharp, William Singer and Luke Adams. Cub of the Camp was Luke Adams, and the Chess Trophy was won by Jamie Smart. Connect 4 champ was Ben O'Byrne.

My grateful thanks to all who helped in any way towards organising and setting up camp, and in particular the leaders at camp: Sheila, Sally, John, Eric, Margret, Alan, Ben, Michael, Harry, Daniel and Chris. My thanks also to Dan and Jane Finn for helping us out at the last minute with transporting equipment.

This autumn we'll be undertaking lots more exciting Pack meetings, and we'll be taking part in the Group's entertainment for the Senior Residents - take a note of the date - 3.00pm on Sunday 10th December.

Dates for your diary:

CHARTERHOUSE PACK

Margaret Pennington (AKELA)

Summer Term

On a lovely May Bank Holiday we 'flew the flag' for the 4th by turning up in uniform and supporting the Lions Rotary Club. It was a long day but the organisers were very grateful to the boys for working hard.

As a thank you treat we had an outing to visit the district while they were camping at Walton Firs. We spent the day playing games and finished up with a campfire before returning home very late at night.

On a glorious June Saturday we joined Anglia and Brownsea for a day helping the Surrey Rangers to complete our Environmental Award. Our day flew by with lots to see and do. Thank you to Les for organising this for us.

Thank you to those of you who rearranged your lives to help at the Summer Fete after the date was changed to allow the youngsters in the Group to attend a County organised fun day. Although the day was very hot our base was under a tree with a gentle breeze flowing through to keep everyone comfortable. We did have a lot of fun and were then ready to help at the fete the following week.

After July Scouts' Own we joined Anglia and Brownsea at Beverly School to hold or own Matball Challenge as none of the packs could manage a late date change arranged by the District. After a hard fought challenge Brownsea won the shield - well done to them and thanks to Sam for organising it.

At the end of July on a glorious Sunday we set off for Camp with Anglia Pack to Youlbury in Oxfordshire. Sam kindly offered to write up Camp and I am very grateful to her - I had a good time. This will be my last newsletter where I mention boys doing activities as in the Autumn term girls are joining us in the pack.

PURPLE TROOP

Alan Avery (Scout Leader)

No news

SILVER TROOP

Paul Green (Scout Leader)

I would firstly like to welcome some new faces to the Troop; Tom Smythe, Jack Howard and Lewis Slinger have all joined us from Anglia Pack. Adam Potter has also joined us and has been introduced by Rory Glazier. Well done boys, I hope you enjoy yourselves and take full advantage of all the opportunities.

The winter term has already provided a wealth of activities for the Scouts. Many of them have already achieved their water sports badge following our dives with the "Aquanaut" team from Kingston. The scouts also got to play with the underwater scooters and toys whilst at the pool. While half the Scouts were diving the other half went shooting with Leslie Button and his team from 1st North Sutton. My thanks to all the leaders involved for helping me to sort out the logistics and the lack of a van!

With a Halloween party and heavy involvement in Gang Show it has been busy and need I say that Christmas is nearly here. We are not sure on our last outing of the term and will be open to the sensible suggestions from the Scouts for what they would like to do. Anyone that is able to assist with the Christmas bazaar on the 25th November please let myself or Mike O'Donnell know ASAP.

We have also conducted a highly scientific survey which found that out of the six fast food shops in Worcester Park, The Ocean Fish bar provided the finest chips. The chips were measured by the scouts (and leaders) for temperature, sogginess, greasiness, cost and amount of time to be served.

We will be cooking again towards the end of the term and providing all the equipment for the Scouts to cook a marvellous meal fit for a scout leader. I am not sure who the guinea pig will be yet but we might invite some parents or the GSL down.

The Scouts will also be finishing their DIY badge towards the end of the year and we are awaiting a visit from PS Andy Passingham from the safer neighbourhoods' team for our area. There is also a rumour that two dog handlers and their dogs might be joining us one night.

EXPLORER UNIT

Albert Short (Explorer Scout Leader)

Throughout this year, we have been out and about on night hikes, one of which being over at Oxshot sandbowl, where we practiced our night navigation. We are preparing to enter four or five teams into the County orienteering competition in November. The lads are slowly working out how to use a map and compass to find their way around (-scouting's not what it used to be!)

We did not meet over the summer period, but once we were back, our first duties were to elect our new committee. I am pleased to say our new chairman is Dave Marston, our secretary is Tom Newman, treasurer is Ben Oxley, and our den warden is Richard Attwel. We wish them luck with the extra responsibility of running the Explorer Unit evenings.

We spent an evening in London with the Sutton Division Rangers, on a guided ghost walk through the city's darkest and most haunted alleyways. We also had an enjoyable quiz evening with the Rangers, where we found out that the lads were particularly bad at keeping the answers to themselves!

The next few weeks see us continuing to practice our map work skills, as well as running wide games, maintenance evenings, bike rides, archery sessions and much more.!

PARENTS & FRIENDS

Kevin Mohr (CHAIRMAN)

After a successful summer fete we all took a well earned rest over the summer (if looking after the kids can be considered as such) and thanks to the various sections who took our "little treasures" away to camp!

All that is except for Ailie, who was busy sorting out the Big Band Night, which took place in early September. This proved a success again, with the weather dry, the Band clear, the bar staff brilliant (Steve and myself if you were wondering), and the crowd happy. We did not make as much as last year however the event was a success. We have shown a profit of nearly £350.

The two Autumn Jumble Sales have also taken place. Again they have proved successful, with a profit of around £800. A big thank you for all those volunteers who helped, especially those who were there for the first time.

Next up is the Firework Display on Saturday 4 November. Children get in free, but have to bring an Adult along, who will have to pay £5.00.

This is followed by the Grand Auction on Saturday 11 November. Help to set this up is always welcome.

As it is raining as I type this, it looks like autumn is finally putting in an appearance. It needs to get a move on, as it will soon be the Christmas season and that must be winter! That leads nicely on to the final big event of the year, the Christmas Bazaar, which takes place on Saturday 25 November. Mike O'Donnell will be happy to hear from anyone that can help for ½ an hour, either with the setting up or the actual event itself.

As I explained at the October Scouts' Own, we are missing contacts from some of the sections. A parent from Aspen Colony has volunteered to be a contact - thank you very much. That just leaves Birch and Cedar Colonies and Anglia Pack. All you will have to do is act as our contact to get information to parents in the section. You do not have to attend any meetings, although you would be made very welcome if you did.

If any parent from these sections is willing to act as our contact please let me know.

FELLOWSHIP

Graham Smith

The Fellowship's "summer season" of outdoor events started on Thursday, 25th May with Alan Hedger leading our intrepid band on a walk around Headley Heath and the Walton-On-The-Hill area. There had been torrential rain over the two previous days but the day of our walk proved fine - but so very wet and muddy underfoot. The walk ended at the Cock Inn, Headley, where we enjoyed a very good pub lunch.

Sunday, 4th June saw Mary Root leading a small band of Fellowship members around the Howell Hill Nature Reserve to see specimens of various local flora.

Our annual BBQ took place on the 22nd June, our hosts again being John and Bridget Green. There was an excellent attendance and we were again lucky with a fine sunny evening - a most enjoyable social event - and our thanks were expressed to John and Bridget for their hospitality. A part of the contribution to the cost of the evening was donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital. I also thank those who helped to set up the tentage for the event and those who took it all down again a couple of days later.

In July, on the 27th we once again thanked Peter Cornish for his generosity in providing his cabin cruiser for an evening on the river. Most of those attending arrived at the Albany riverside pub at Thames Ditton during one of the most violent thunderstorms we had experienced for a very long time, with local roads deep in water following the torrential downpour.

By the time we had finished our meal at the pub the storm had passed and we were then able to enjoy "cruising down the river" on Peter's boat.

On Saturday, 19th August, a small party of Fellowship members "turned to" and laid a new carpet in the Den - a job successfully completed.

Our August event, on the 31st took us to the Wimbledon Tennis Museum and a tour of the whole complex. It proved a most interesting visit and I think we were all surprised at how much there was to see.

With regard to Group activities during the early summer, the Fellowship gave its traditional assistance at the Jumble Sales, AGM and the Summer Fete. And, of course, the table tennis enthusiasts continued their Wednesday morning sessions without any break.

We return indoors for our September meeting with "Another Countdown" whilst on the 26th October Ron Kinton will be showing a Jamboree film (replacing the talk originally to be given by Geoffrey Moir who, due to failing health, had to withdraw). The following evening a party of us are going to the GLSW Gang Show at the Secombe Centre.

In November we look forward to an illustrated talk by Alan Avery, entitled "A Visit to Peru", whilst in December there will be the traditional Christmas Eve Service in the Den starting at 7.30pm.

Finally, reverting to Group activities, there is the Grand Auction on Saturday, 11th November, Remembrance Sunday on the 12th and the Christmas Bazaar on the 25th November. There will be Fellowship participation in all of these events in some form or the other.

Information for Spring 2007 Newsletter to be with Fred Fletcher by Monday 8th January 2007