District Expedition – to the Lakes we go
By Robin Mair, Team DC
There was an idea…
Way back earlier this year when we first started escaping Covid 19, Team DC launched the idea of running a District Expedition again over the Autumn half term. We contacted various leaders around the district to ask the question and the consensus was yes. During September we opened the opportunities for Explorers and Scouts to apply and were overwhelmed with all 48 spaces being taken up within 5 days.
Over the next couple of months, we held several training sessions and a day hike to see how everyone got on. This is a big step for some first-time attendees, really pushing the boundaries on their comfort zone. The participants were all broken down into Patrols of a maximum of 6 so that when we added 2 adults we were within the correct numbers for groups on the hills.
Off to the lakes
Sunday 24th October came round way too quick and we are all up bright and early to leave for the Lake District. We had not even done 10 miles when one of the minibuses had a double puncture so stopped at Rownhams for a repair. Hopefully this was not a sign of things to come. Monday morning turned out breezy with occasional squally
showers and sunny spells. A mixture of walks were done around Lingmoor Fell and everyone had a great time. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday saw the us succumb to classic Lake District weather. 2 patrols were climbing each day, 2 were caving and 4 were out walking. On Wednesday and Thursday, the climbing ended up being indoors. The caving continued and walking happened; not necessarily as high as we would have liked to get the participants due to the weather.
On Friday morning due to 2 adults succumbing to a positive lateral flow test the decision was taken to bring everyone home a day early. Flash bang wallop and another excellent week was over. All participants had a fantastic time even though the weather was not as kind as it has been in the past.
A massive thank you has to go to the organising team and all the leaders for giving up another week of your time for such a wonderful adventure.
World Scout Jamboree & Project 23
Following the selection weekend, we have great news; 17 young people have been selected for Project 23 and 16 young people for the World Scout Jamboree.
Nearly all groups and units have at least one representative attending these events. Congratulations to all of them on making the selection.
Totton Santa Run
Totton Santa Run is Sunday 12th December. There is still plenty of time to register and join hundreds of Santa’s at the start line. Please come along and support this fantastic community event.
Once again, the Christmas Fayre is being held at the finish line. It’s a perfect chance to pick up a gift for a friend and win prizes from the raffle and competitions. Plus, you’ll be supporting a range of local stall holders and your local Scout group giving young people skills for life.
See you there. www.tottonsantarun.co.uk
Copythorne Christmas Market
Saturday, 4 December 2021 From 13:00-20:00
So, to quote Noddy “IT’S CHRISTMAS”
Last year the group planned their first Christmas market, but had to cancel, so they are trying again this year.
The plan is:
13:00 – 17:00 Craft stalls, children’s rides, meet the Big Man (only good people can apply), BBQ, games and more.
17:00 – 18:00 Torchlight parade.
18:00 – 20:00 Carols and campfire.
Sponsored Silence
The Cubs from 6th Netley Marsh Rufus Cubs recently held a 20-minute sponsored silence during one of their pack meetings. They chose to support the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity which supports families who have a child aged 0-18 years old with a life threatening or terminal illness. It also counted towards their Our World challenge Badge finding out and helping another charity.
During the 20-minute silence they sat and read their own book or did different word searches and other puzzles. Once all the monies had been collected in an amazing £637.00 had been raised by the 27 Cubs, this certainly made Sue (Chil) – Cub Leader and the Leadership team very proud of their achievement.
Young Leaders
By Steven Osborn, Young Leaders team
I’m getting out and about presenting Young Leader Belt Buckles and mission patches that are due.
I have awarded Missions 1-3 to Stephen Howard of 5th Testwood Blackwater Beavers and Missions 1-4 and the Belt Buckle to Joseph Hague of 1st Lyndhurst Cubs.
Huge congratulations to them both.
YouShape Awards
By Steven Osborn, Beaver Scout Leader at 5th Testwood
The 5th Testwood Beavers have earned their YouShape central awards. We believe we are the first in the district to do so (at least Keith hasn’t given any others to anybody else yet!)
They earned them by telling us what they enjoyed at Beavers, what they wanted to do and seeing their suggestions slowly being implemented. From the little things like food being part of the activities at Beavers and which rides to ride at Paulton’s Park to the bigger things like adventures for next term.
Well done to them all.
Find out more about the award at this post on our website.
Lyndhurst Bonfire and Fireworks Display
Friday 5th November saw the annual Lyndhurst bonfire and fireworks display return to the recreation ground. This is a joint effort between the Lyndhurst Scout Group and the Lyndhurst youth football club. The aim is to provide a cheap, safe option for all the family to attend and have a fun evening.
The hot drinks, burgers and hotdogs were very popular and so were the sparklers. A really fun evening and a huge thank you to everyone that helped to pull this together and help on the night.
Everyone agreed the fireworks were fantastic and the bonfire was huge.
Team DC – Tasks & Responsibilities Distribution
Attached is an update version of ‘who does what’ on Team DC as some things have changed recently. Please keep it as a handy reminder.
NAN Forms – An Update for Nights Away Permit Holders
A reminder for all permit holders:
- To complete a NAN form follow this link to the Scouts website page on the Nights Away Permit scheme. From here scroll down, below the grey boxes is a section called Forms and Resources. The current Form NAN is stored there. It is important that this is the form that is used. Headquarters regularly review the forms and carry out updates, sometimes these updates are not always notified.
- Alongside the NAN form there should be a set of risk assessments that link into the activities being completed during the event.
- These should be attached and sent along with the Form NAN to the [email protected] email account.
Important First Response Reminder
Just a reminder that all leaders need to get their first aid in date by the end of January and is mandatory for Face-to-Face Scouting. County are still running online Module 10A courses and drop in Module 10B. All dates on the Hampshire Scouts Adult training website.
There is a full course with e-learning then face to face happening on Thursday 18th November between 7.30pm to 10pm hosted by Southampton City district. Email Nico Chart (e-learning must be completed prior to attending)
Plus, two full face to face courses (with no e-learning) with plenty of space for those who don’t want online. There is one in Winchester on Saturday 27th November (9.30am to 4.30pm) and one in Portsmouth on Sunday 28th November (9.30am to 4.30pm). The booking form for both of these is available here.
If your first aid has expired or due to expire, please sign up as soon as possible. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
District Diary
Updated version of the District Diary is available, don’t forget to send new events for inclusion please.
Tails of the New Forest
It would be great to include more news from across the wider district, I am sure things are happening which can be shared. Please send your news, with pictures if you have them, to [email protected], the plan is to produce Tails on a monthly basis if enough articles are supplied.
Lynn, Ian, Kevin, Robin & Ryan
Team DC – New Forest