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| What’s Coming Up?
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| What’s been happening?
Welcome to Edition 48 of Tails of the New Forest. We hope you’re enjoying the Easter long weekend because from the looks of our What’s been happening section, you’ve all been super busy! As we head into nicer weather, we are reminded that Scouts gives us, and so many of our young people, a place to belong. Thank you for helping make that happen.
What’s coming up?
As our sections begin to plan for the summer term ahead and all the outdoor adventures it brings, what’s coming up? Event organisers – don’t forget to let us know by emailing [email protected].
St. George’s Day
It’s close! The first all district St. George’s Day celebration takes place in Lyndhurst in three weeks time. Details on the district website and from your section leaders.
Chameleon Camp
Ferny Croft’s special event for young people with additional needs is right around the corner on Sunday 19th April. Find out the full details below and on their website.
Donkey Derby
It is six weeks out from the Donkey Derby in Totton, delivered through a partnership between 4th Eling Sea Scouts and 5th Testwood Scouts.
It all kicks off on Saturday 16th May at Eling Recreation Ground in Totton, but you’ll start seeing both groups out selling programmes in the weeks ahead and setting up the mammoth event site in the days beforehand. Make sure you’re following their page and instagram, not only for the funny posts including donkeys hatching from eggs and an escapee capybara, but also opportunities to help out (do email the team now if you’re around to help).
Looking further ahead:
- Fawn Trophy for Beavers, 9th May
- Donkey Derby, 16th May
- Stanley’s Own Band ‘Music from the Movies’ concert, 16th May
- District Team Meeting, 20th May
- Scouts Expedition Challenge, May TBC
- GLV and Group Chair support days, 9th May, 6th June and 13th June
- Young Leader B-K weekend at Lyndhurst, 19th-20th September
Reminders, opportunities and notices
PAME cover renewed
The District’s funding of Scout Personal Accident and Medical Expenses insurance for Non-Member Helpers and Supporters continues for another year. All Explorer leaders and Group Lead Volunteer have been sent the certificates, do let us know if you need it and haven’t received it.
Fundraising update and opportunities for Jamboree and Project 27
Donna, our District Chair, has given everyone heading abroad for the World Scout Jamboree or Project 27 next summer an update on what support the district can give, and a list of events you can fundraise at and support hubs for more information and guidance.
Read it in full, and any updates that might be added, on our website. Happy fundraising!
Supporting your Young Leaders: a session for leaders
The Hampshire team are providing a one-stop session giving a comprehensive overview of the entire Young Leader Scheme, covering all modules and missions, how the programme fits within sections, and the expectations and opportunities available to Young Leaders. Whether you’re new to the scheme or looking for a refresher, this workshop will help you feel confident in your role.
It’s on Sunday 12th April 2026, between 1- 5pm at Cricket Camp again. Booking and more info: https://bookwhen.com/youngleadertraining
Heritage Fest
Hampshire Scout Heritage are running their most ambitious event yet. Details below and on the County website:
Can you help 5th Testwood find Trustees?
The 5th Testwood Scouts in Totton have their AGM coming up (which they posted about on their Facebook page and with details on their website).
However, they are actively looking for trustees ahead of that meeting, including a Chair of the Trustee Board and Treasurer, following a two month search that has so far not yielded results.
If you can help, or know others who would perfectly fit the role, you can direct them to find out more and apply at scouts.org.uk:
Chair of the Board of Trustees: Volunteer at scouts.org.uk.
Group Treasurer: Volunteer at scouts.org.uk.
Trustee: Volunteer at scouts.org.uk.
What’s been happening?
Squirrels celebrate 5 years with fantastic sleepover
Squirrels from across the district came together at Copythorne for the New Forest District Sleepover this March. This year the theme was ‘5’, to celebrate 5 years of Squirrels.
Read the full story from Peter (Rabbit) on our website.
Fire calls for Fordingbridge
Every Scout loves a good visit to the local Fire station. Fact. Check out the pictures from 1st Fordingbridge’s recent visit:
Sandleheath take on a big nature conservation project
Managing a landscape to prevent over-growth and provide habitat for nightjars, not bad for a day’s work! Good job Sandleheath!
Bravo Peter!
A massive congratulations to Peter from 4th Eling, who has been supporting from behind the scenes and has recently helped the group through some challenges. He has rightfully been presented a commendation award from Robin!
Mud Run creating a mess
Several of our Scouts from across the District (and a few leaders too) could be found at Ferny Crofts this month taking part in their ever mucky Mud Run through the woods and with a light sprinkling of paint too at the finish line. Here are some pictures that Fordingbridge shared with us all:
Stanley’s Own band livening up Totton market
Stanley’s Own Scout and Guide band were out for the spring, the first of many events to come in the following months:
Talented team from New Forest help teach skills to Hampshire
A shout out to the many volunteers from the district who led, supported and taught some amazing skills to volunteers from across Hampshire at the recent County Skills weekend. Those tasty backwoods cooking recipes look amazing from Waz!
Scout Active Support update
The Active Support Unit have been – well – active! This year alone they helped at the Reindeer Trophy in January before on the 28th January we had a very pleasant lunch at the The Three Lions, Stuckton, Nr Fordingbridge. Thanks to Roger for organising it.
On 22 February we had a successful Founders Day Afternoon Tea at Copythorne but would have liked to have seen more people from the District attending. It was originally meant to have been held at Sandleheath, but there was some concern about getting there due to the flooding around the area. We saw more people at the All Leaders Meeting in March, providing refreshments for everyone.
It would be nice to see a few more people join the Unit, perhaps those that have recently decided to stand down from the their role but still have an interest in helping. We have social activities, actively help local Scouting events and offer support when asked.
A place to belong: giving back to the community, and trying new things
We love these four posts from 1st Fordingbridge because they sum up so well what we do in Scouts. Across different ages you can see a place to belong, you see skills being learned, and a community being served. It doesn’t matter what age you are, the Scouts has a place for you.
Remember you can stay up to date with what’s going on on our Facebook page (/newforestscouts) or Instagram (@newforestscouts). Plus if you’re a volunteer you can be part of the Facebook group for members too. Do remember to share your stories with us throughout the month so we can share them directly and keep having great Scouting adventures.
Robin and Kevin.
Send your news and items for the next edition of Tails at the end of April before the end of the 26th to [email protected].