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.

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4th News, Autumn 2007

Fred Fletcher - Group Scout Leader

The Group's Centenary Fun Day held at our H.Q. for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts was, without a doubt, a roaring success. Well done and thank you to Dave Sweetland together with his 'happy band of helpers' for organising the wonderful event.

All the children enjoyed the exciting events that were available to them (and some adults too!). The day finished with a spectacular firework display.

Thank you to the boys and girls and the adults for making it such a lovely day.

Please don't forget to support out Christmas Bazaar and our special Christmas Scouts' Own.

Scouting's Sunrise

On Wednesday 1st August for the first time ever, Scouts from the three Groups in Worcester Park met together - and a unique occasion it was ...!

At 8am across the world on Wednesday 1st August, at the World Jamboree, on Brownsea Island, in cities, on the beach, on top of mountains and in hospital beds, the World's Scouts paused to renew their Scout Promise in celebration of the last 100 Years of Scouting and as a strong, visible sign of commitment to the values of Scouting for the next 100 years. AND WE DID IT IN WORCESTER PARK TOO!

It was actually from 6am when things got going for the three Groups involved - 1st Old Malden, 2nd Cuddington and 4th Worcester Park. Adults from 2nd Cuddington were on Malden Green filling balloons and keeping them under control in little tents. By 7am, the gazebo and stage were going up and the parking cones were out and, from 7.30am, the atmosphere was really getting going as at least 300 people, young and old, gathered an the green, with a purple or white balloon in their hand. We also had people connected to other Groups, like 1st Cuddington and 1st Malden, present as well as those who are Scouts and were just in the area. You could even spy a couple of "Akelas" from many years back!

At precisely 7.52am, the Sunrise Ceremony started, ably led by Explorer Scouts Rebecca England and Sarah Leach from Cuddington, who told us why we were there and introduced the various Groups' flags. Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers were heard Roy Carley (from 4th Worcester Park), Alison Eggitt (from 1st Old Malden) and Will Chipperton (from 2nd Cuddington) telling them about Scouting, its Founder, its history and values.

At 7.58am, 4th Worcester Park Beaver Scout Harry Eates led the Beaver Promise, 2nd Cuddington's Lucy Gosden the Cub Promise and 1st Old Malden Alex Bransgrove the Scout Promise - now bang on 8am! Kevin Scott then led everyone in a short prayer giving thanks for the past, present and future of Scouting in Worcester Park and across the World.

Then, the balloon race - a sign of commitment to Scouting in the future. Our two MCs led a countdown - no, don't let go too early - and then 250 coloured balloons were launched into the early morning blue sky; what a sight as they ascended over the poplar trees! They would travel northwesterly, landing in an arch from Enfield in North London across to Bury St. Edmonds in Suffolk.

What a unique occasion! Everyone really felt they'd been part of something -big" across the World. We were told that if every Scout in the World had participated in the Renewal and it was possible to hold hands in a chain, we would have circled the world 1¾ times. What a powerful statement of youth and what a sign for world peace!

If, in years to came, you can remember that you were on Malden Green to renew your Promise within the Fun, Friendship and Fellowship of 28 million other Scouts, then the occasion was, indeed, a memorable one.

Just to end with some thanks to those in addition to those already mentioned. First, to Karen Bennett and Alison Strange who looked after road safety, Pete Churchill for the PA system, those whose names are unknown but who came from 2nd Cuddington and 4th Worcester Park and looked after things like staging, the balloons, the flags, the printing of the banner. Thanks to Liam Grant, Henry Yellop, David Stanton and Robyn Barrington who held our flags. Finally it was great to work with Martin Gerrard and Fred Fletcher, Group Scout Leaders of the other two Groups. We hope to use this new "tri-Group" relationship to everyone's advantage in the future.

Tim Eggitt, Group Scout Leader, 1st Old Malden

Muster of King's and Queen's Scouts

In this centennial year of Scouting, our Scout County, Greater London South-West organised a "muster" of all King's and Queen's Scouts at King's College School, Wimbledon on 30th September. The afternoon started with an introduction by the County Commissioner, Roger Hurrion, and welcome to the Mayors of three of the five London Boroughs covering the County. Sutton was represented by the Deputy Mayor.

There was an Act of Re-Dedication - a short service and renewal of the Promise. Then a former King's Scout - John Beresford - who gained the badge in the war years during the reign of King George VI - gave an account of what it was to be a King's Scout and what he achieved during those dark years of rationing, persuading folk to give up their clothing coupons so he could get a uniform, for example. More importantly, he explained the requirements of the badge and how he achieved it. Then a current Queen's Scout from Wimbledon gave an account of his achievements including an expedition to Nepal to help build a community centre.

The Mayor of Merton then gave a speech in which he praised the movement for all it has done and is doing. The National Anthem was sung followed by refreshments and a chance to meet friends old and new.

Eight Queen's Scouts (Michael Wellman, David Prescott, Les Prescott, Patrick Jacobs, Steve Western, Andy Root, Andy Poynter, Carl Presswood) from the 4th Worcester Park were present. The Deputy Mayor made a point of speaking to us as she apparently used to live in Worcester Park. Kingston & Malden Scout Band played for us to end the afternoon. We're not sure of the numbers attending, but the hall at King's College was full, and it was surprising to see the significant number attending who were King's Scouts, in other words, gained the award before 1952, over 55 years ago!

ASPEN COLONY - Anne Mays (MAYO) Carol Salter (HOLLY)

Firstly Holly and I would like to say many congratulations to Tom Newman who used to help us at Beavers for doing so well in his exams.WELL DONE.

Well September has been and gone and before we say anymore Holly and I would both like to thank the parents who stayed and helped at our Group Fun Day. It was lovely to see you all helping in one way and another. I think the children enjoyed themselves. The firework display was great and I think most will agree that the day was a great success.

On the 1st December it is our Christmas Bazaar and we need to raise as much money as possible therefore we shall be asking for some help - not all day or all week, just give some of your time when you can. We will be sending out letters for things that we need shortly. The Beavers will probably run the big Tombola stall on the stage again so all three Colonies will be looking for unwanted gifts or soaps etc.

On Sunday 28th October we shall be going to Westcroft for an activity afternoon, I believe the time will be from 3.30 - 6pm.

On Sunday 25th November we will be at the Phoenix Centre from 3.30 - 5.45 for tea and magic tricks.

Thursday 6th December brings the St Nicholas Service in St Nicholas Church, St Nicholas Way, Sutton (the small church in the graveyard) from 6 - 7pm. A £1 donation is asked for in aid of underprivileged children's scouting accommodation in this country.

Finally we have several new children in this term so I would like to say hello and welcome to Oscar Anscomb, Zakaria Azizi, Carter Buckman, Alana Harrison, Nicholas O'Keefe, Matthew Wood and Thomas Greenhead.

Thank you to all the parents who help us on a regular basis, long may it continue and just to let you know the children are all doing well with their activity badges.

BIRCH COLONY - Louise Mullings Fred Fletcher

As most of you will know, Louise and I are running Birch Colony. I am very happy to say that most Beavers were able to attend on Wednesday evenings.

The Colony has been busy learning about healthy eating and also the Health and Fitness Badge. Both these badge courses have been organised by Louise.

By the time you read this newsletter we will have taken part in a Halloween party where we all frightened each other!

At the Bazaar we will be assisting the other colonies with the 'Big Beaver Tombola'. Hope to see you there.

CEDAR COLONY - Valerie Street (BADGER)

No report this term.

ANGLIA PACK - Samantha O'Reilly (AKELA)

No report this term

BROWNSEA PACK - Les Prescott (KERICK)

This is my last newsletter contribution for Brownsea Pack because, as you may know, Ben Alembick took over as Leader in September and we wish him well as the new Akela. My special thanks to all the leadership team who treated me to a Chinese meal and gave me two lovely photo-montages which depicted many scenes over the last 40-odd years that I've been connected with the Pack. Actually, I'm not leaving, as I'll be helping Ben as his assistant (at his request!)

In the summer we had several evenings devoted to training for camping and outdoor skills including tent pitching, firelighting and cooking, with plenty of outdoor games and wide games. We attended the District Centenary Camp at Walton Firs for the day and had a great time (in the rain!) We entered the District Matball Competition at Carew Manor and did really well. Thanks to Harry for training the Cubs for this.

We've also been to Nonsuch Park for rounders while the Summer Fair was being set up - and at the Fair we ran the coconut shy. Our thanks to the parents who helped us on that day - much appreciated. The Group Centenary Fun Day was a great success, thanks to the organisers, in particular Margaret - Akela from Charterhouse. Brownsea ran the parachute game (thanks to Graham Hickman for helping), and Connect 4 and also ran the campfire. The evening ended with a firework display - thanks to Dave Sweetland for this.

Once again this year, Oxted was the venue for our annual summer camp. This year, we undertook to complete several badges, including a new Cub badge - Astronomer. We therefore based the camp upon this theme and the sixes were named Jupiter, Mars and Saturn. We also worked towards the Global Conservation, Mapreader, 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 walk through the adjoining woods in the dark.

On Monday we visited the British Wildlife Centre at Lingfield. There were many indigenous species of wildlife to see including snakes and deer, and the centre specialises in treating injured animals which are, if possible, reintroduced into the wild. In the afternoon we constructed bivouacs (shelters) made from natural materials in the woods. Owing to the wonderful weather we were experiencing, we were able to test them for their waterproof qualities! In the evening we had our first practice camp fire.

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

On Wednesday morning, we rose very early and set off for Lingfield again to meet up with the 1st Lingfield & Dormansland Scout Group to join them in their Centenary Sunrise Ceremony. We all gathered at the top of a hill at the local nature reserve overlooking Lingfield to join in the ceremony with the Lingfield Group and simultaneously with many other Groups and Districts nationwide (and at local time worldwide). Our hosts then prepared a breakfast of hot dogs and a drink for us all.

On our return to camp we continued working towards our badges including a Global Conservation badge session with the local Countryside Ranger who we helped to re-locate tree guards around young trees growing in the woods to prevent rabbit and squirrel damage. In the evening we had a go on the aerial runway constructed by Ben and Alan, followed by our second practice camp fire.

On Thursday we visited the Tandridge Leisure Centre at Oxted for swimming. In the afternoon we had our camp sports including further sessions on the aerial runway, followed by field games and then a wide game.

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 we were able to present the winning six, Saturn, with their prizes. Well done Saturn Six: William Singer (sixer), Matthew Coates (second), Jack Rosenthal and Ciaran Mohr. Cub of the Camp was Ciaran Mohr, and the Chess Trophy was won by Jack Rosenthal. Connect 4 champ was Scott Marshall.

Our 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 and Alex.

We've invested five into the Pack since the last newsletter: Simon Hickman, Jacques Pinchard, Harry Johnston, Ewan McCann and Theo Hunt. At the October Scouts' Own, William Singer and Aaron Prince went up to Silver Troop, and Thomas Sharp and David Nosworthy to Purple Troop. We wish them well in their scouting.

Dates for your diary:

CHARTERHOUSE PACK - Margaret Pennington (AKELA)

No report this term

PURPLE TROOP - Alan Avery (SCOUT LEADER)

After Easter we went to North Wales and stayed in an old cotton mill - one mile north of Bethesda. We climbed a mountain called Tryfan which is 3000 feet high and is in places a hands and knees job! We completed a navigation walk from one of the highest waterfalls in Wales (Aber Falls) back to the mill and climbed Snowdon by two routes - one the easy route and the other being the difficult route over an arête - or ridge. We went over to Anglesey (where the sun always shines) to an army indoor rock climbing centre with 40 foot (13 metre) climbs. For North Wales the weather was superb - I did not expect to need sun barrier cream.

Can I extend my thanks to Leigh the Explorer Leader and Kevin and Julian both parents who both discovered how exceptional their fitness levels were!

At the end of July Purple Troop went on a joint camp with both the 1st and 9th Cheam at a place called Graffham which is in the shadow of the South Downs in Sussex. I was the only Leader from Purple, there was one from 9th Cheam and 8 or 9 leaders from 1st Cheam! The 1st Cheam Leader - Gary - ran the camp very successfully and I was certainly made to feel very welcome.

We covered cycle-X, canoeing, aerial runway, using bivouacs for one night, pioneering, shooting, archery and all the usual camp antics.

It was marred a little by two days of rain which just sat on the surface of the field and I could understand a few of the lads being a bit down as it was a mud bath; but you always remember the wet ones!

SILVER TROOP - Paul Green (SCOUT LEADER)

No report this term.

PARENTS & FRIENDS - Kevin Mohr (CHAIRMAN)

Please support our imminent Fundraising especially the bazaar on 1st December - check what your child's section needs you to do.

FELLOWSHIP - Peter Phillips (CHAIRMAN)

The Fellowship has flourished during the summer months, and has followed its published programme, with one exception. The walk on Headley Heath was cancelled because of the terrible weather and the muddy state of the heath. Fortunately the pub where we planned to have lunch was not flooded and did not have a leaky roof, so overall not too much was lost. Well done, Alan.

In similar vein, many members attended the Sunrise ceremony enthusiastically, safe in the knowledge that one of our number had, with great ingenuity, arranged for us to take over a nearby café where we enjoyed a "full English". Well done, John. And also our own Teflon Kid managed to slip out of his parking fine, with just a little luck.

Our first in house event since April saw a quiz held on 30th August, and arranged by Mary and Sheila Y. This proved to be the success that we had all anticipated and proved to be a serious test of our memories and knowledge of otherwise useless facts. Thank you ladies. Keep practising your ice-skating for next year please.

We have continued to help at all the Group events, and with many other little jobs that need to be done.

QUARTER MASTER NEWS - Andy Marshall (AQM)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian Yearly (QM), Geoff Morris (AQM) and the Brownsea parents, who helped build and run a very successful Arial Runway for the centenary fun day.

GROUP CHAIRMAN - Ray Hammett

An Apology

It has been brought to my attention that a comment in our last newsletter has caused offence and distress to one of our Scouting parents. We very much regret that the article was printed without our realising that an ill-considered remark would be so upsetting.

On behalf of the 4th Worcester Park Scout Group I would like to apologise for this unfortunate mistake and the upset that it has caused to the family concerned.