WOODSMOKE
Federation du Scoutisme Europeen (F.S.E)
EUROPEAN SCOUT FEDERATION (British Association)
Issue 113 VOL 1/15
Issue 113 VOL 1/15
Founder member of the Confederation of European Scouts (C.E.S.)
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The European Scout Federation (British Association)
The European Scout Federation (FSE) is a Scout organisation for males and females and is composed of the following sections: Otters, Wolf Cubs, Scouts, Rovers and Rangers. Our organisation keeps to the traditional methods of scouting that the founder Robert Baden-Powell set out in “SCOUTING for BOYS”. We are completely independent of the other British Scouts, (Scout Association, B-P Scouts, British Boy Scouts, Guide Association and other independents). The FSE is not in opposition or rival to the other Scout Organisations in Great Britain or Europe. It is a medium for those who prefer its methods. The Patrol system for example is used for its original purposes, to teach leadership, resourcefulness and obedience. We retain Baden-Powell’s progressive training system of Tenderfoot, Second class and First class badges. It is out opinion that the original tests and uniform provide a unique appeal because they do not favour those youngsters with academic intelligence, sporting skills or plenty of money. The ‘old’ ideas of wood smoke are not necessarily “old hat”. OUR SECTIONS: OTTERS (boys or girls) 5 years to 7 years WOLF CUBS (boys or girls) 7 years to 11 years SCOUTS (boys or girls) 11 years to 16 years ROVERS AND RANGERS (boys or girls) 16 years with no upper limit If you would like to know more about the European Scout Federation please go to the FSE Website www.fse-scouts.eu or write to: European Scout Federation (British Association) Registered Office: c/o Nigel Wright Accounting, Branwell House, Park Lane, Keighley BD21 4QX Or contact your nearest Province Commissioner: Central Province – Derbyshire and Lincolnshire Laura Thompson, Province Commissioner, Tel: 07738981442 East Pennine Province – Yorkshire and Tyneside Joanna Ward, Province Commissioner, Tel: 01924 525152 or 07833490442 Iceni Province – Cambridgeshire Karen Alsop, Province Commissioner, Tel: 01353 741269 West Pennine Province – Lancashire and Cumbria Chris. Woods, Province Commissioner, Tel: 0161 661 3068 or 07432290138 The FSE (British Association) is a member of the Confederation of European Scouts (CES). For more information about the CES log on to www.ces-scout.org
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Page Contents 1. Front Page
2. F.S.E. introduction and contacts
3. Contents
4. YOUR photo’ page
5. New Otter Colony!
6. 6th/15th Lancashire Otters
7. Top Awards – The Wolf Cub Award
8. 1st/2nd Derbyshire Cubs – 2014 in pictures
9. Puzzle page
10. 3rd/4th Derbys. Cubs in “Disneyland” (a.k.a. Woolley Edge!)
11. 6th Lancashire Wolf Cubs
12. The Ash tree
13. The Ash tree (cont.) – Puzzle page answers
14. Our Allotment
15. RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch - Kung Hei Fat Choy!
16. Bits and Bobs from Here and There
17. Origami
18. Fire Station Visit – Zumba Work-out!
19. F.S.E. National Caving Weekend
20. ScoutNet 2015 – Nuremberg,
21. ScoutNet (cont.) & ScoutNet 2016 - Lithuania
22. Sixers and Seconds Weekend – Hesley Wood
23. Leader Training
24. Leader Training (cont.)
25. West Pennine Province Cub Hike
26. Rover/Ranger Reunion - 2015
27. Knights of Ni Rover Crew – Winter projects results
28. St. George’s Day Parade - 2015
29. St. George’s Day Parade (cont.)
30. Perry Dazey – “Gone Home” – 23rd March, 2015
31. Perry Dazey (cont.)
32. Perry Dazey
Issue 112 - Vol 3/14 - is now available on the FSE Website: www.fse-scouts.eu
What’s in store?
Send your articles & photo’s to:
Kevin Smith,
49 Marlfield Street,
MANCHESTER,
M9 4BA.
Don’t just stand there! …
… Send your articles and
photo’s to “Woodsmoke”
NOW!
Not sure what to do next? ...
… Look inside your latest
“Woodsmoke”!
See page 14 See page 15
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Y0UR Photo Page
Send in your photo’s from your Colony, Pack, Troop or Crew night, or events you have
organized or attended, and we will try to print them in a future issue of “Woodsmoke”
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New Otter Colony!
Well, 1st Lancs. has been very busy recently, with the opening of its Otter Colony after over 15 years!
Since opening in February, we have made otter puppets, Red Nose Day cornflake cakes, made lots of
friends, learnt lots of new games and our first 5 Otters have been invested!
The five boys, who have been working hard since our opening night, have been learning all about Otters and
what we do, all about the animal otters and have been very welcoming to our new Otters in our ever growing
Colony. We already have 12 Otters, but I’m sure this will have increased by next week!
I would like to say a quick thank you to my fantastic leaders - Badger, Chris & Nat - for putting up with
my frantic, disjointed plans and always thinking on their feet for new things to do. A huge thank you to
Teapot for letting me steal all of her ideas for nights (and all of her badges, oops!) and finally to Liz
(Farmer Brown) for all the support, resources and plans she has sent over to me.
Charlotte Martin – 1st. Lancashire Otter Colony
Did you know … ?
There are 13 species of otter throughout the world. All are either semi-aquatic, aquatic or marine, and
feed on fish and invertebrates. An otter’s home is called a holt or a couch. Male otters are called dogs,
females are called bitches and young ones are called pups. In the F.S.E, a group of Otters is called a
Colony. There are many names for a gathering of otters in the wild, including bevy, family, lodge,
romp (referring to their playful nature) and, when in water, a raft.
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6th/15th Lancashire Otters
0tters from the 6th/15th Lancs. Colony have been carrying out
activities as part of the newly introduced Faith proficiency
badge.
Recently they learnt about Christianity and Judaism, and about
Moses, as he is a religious figure who links the two faiths.
The photographs below show the Otters colouring in religious
symbols, and the final display sheet.
Jumper
6th/15th Lancashire
Otter Colony
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Top Awards – The Wolf Cub Award badge
If you are a Wolf Cub, the highest award you can gain is the Wolf Cub Award.
To achieve this you will need to pass lots of varied, useful and enjoyable tests.
This will take quite some time, and you may find some of the tests more
difficult than others. However, none of them are too difficult, and, if you are
keen enough, it is possible for every Cub to obtain this badge before going up
to the Scout Troop. Quite rightly, you will feel very proud of yourself if you
manage to do so.
There are three stages to gaining this award. First of all you will need to pass all of
the First and Second Star tests.
Then you must pass at least three Wolf Cub proficiency
badges. This should not be too difficult, as there are over
twenty different ones to choose from! However, at least one of the three must be
either the First Aider, Guide, House Orderly or Swimmer badge, shown on the
left.
Finally, you will have to satisfy your Akela that you are doing your very best to
be a really good Wolf Cub.
You don’t have to do these three stages in order … if you want to, you can work
on them all at the same time.
When you go up into the Scout Troop, you can wear the Wolf Cub Award badge on your Scout shirt right
up until you gain the First Class badge, to show all the other Scouts how well you have done in the Pack.
This is Isobelle March, of the 1st/2nd Derbyshire Wolf Cub Pack, being presented with her Wolf Cub Award by Jad. McCormack, the National Commissioner of the F.S.E. (British Association). Issobelle has been a member of the 1st/2nd Derbyshire pack since the age of 7. She is a Sixer, and a true example to the rest of the pack. She has been to Yorkshire Rallies, Wet Camps, Star competitions and much more. I know she will make a fantastic Scout because she always “does her best”, just like all good Wolf Cubs. We wish her all the best for the rest of her Scouting journey. Akela – 1st/2nd Derbyshire Wolf Cub Pack
Did you know … ?
DYB DYB DYB DOB DOB DOB DYB DYB DYB DOB DOB DOB DYB DYB DYB DOB DOB DOB DYB DYB DYB DOB DOB DOB
Wolf cubs are born completely blind and deaf, but with a really good sense of smell, and rely on their mother and other pack members for their wellbeing. The whole pack takes care of, and raises them. Usually 4-6 are born together. This is known as a litter. Cubs in a litter are known as” litter mates”. They are born within a den, which could be a small cave, or a hole dug out of the ground.
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1st/2nd Derbyshire Wolf Cubs – 2014 in pictures
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How many dogs can you find hidden in the picture below?
????? PUZZLE PAGE ?????
Imagine you’re a maggot! Now … see if you are able to eat your way through this pear, starting at the bottom-left arrow, and finishing at the top-right one.
Camp cooking quiz: What is the general rule for putting vegetables in hot and cold water? What does a good cook see is on the fire before starting to eat? How do you steam a pudding in camp? When steaming a pudding, what precautions should be taken with regard to water? How do you make a twist? What should you do to meat before stewing it?
Answers on page 13
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3rd/4th Derbyshire Wolf Cubs in “Disneyland” (a.k.a. Woolley Edge!)
Over the winter period, the Cubs of the 3rd/4th Derbyshire Pack spent a very enjoyable “Disneyland” themed
weekend at Woolley Edge Scout campsite, at Wakefield in Yorkshire.
“Snow White and the seven dwarfs” got the weekend off to a
fantastic start, with a visit to the National Coal Mining museum
for England, which is based at the site of Caphouse Colliery in
Overton, near Wakefield. This included a guided tour of the coal
face, which was reached by descending the mine shaft in the
original steel cage used by generations of miners before them!
The Cubs thought the tour was “amazing”! Akela, however, had
to take their word for it, as she was too scared to go down the
shaft!
The task for the evening was “Finding Nemo”. Firstly, the
cubs made coloured posters using stencils of various marine
creatures, with the notable exception of Nimo. They then
moved outside where the darkness was pierced by multi-
coloured glow sicks, scattered around the grounds to represent
the under-sea world through which the Cubs had to “swim” in
order to try to find Nimo stickers to add to their posters. This
brought a very full and enjoyable day to a close.
Next morning “Frozen” got the 3rd/4th Derbyshire treatment. Each six was given a supply of toilet rolls and
various other bits and pieces with which they had to transform one of their members into Olaf the snowman.
“Peter Pan” was next,
in a wide game which
saw the “Lost Boys”
saving “Wendy” and
Michael” from the evil
“Captain Hook”! Huge
quantities of water were
involved, and most of it
seemed to end up all
over the leaders!
Also during the weekend, some of the Cubs hosted a party at which they fed the rest of the Pack, as part of
the House Orderly proficiency badge, whilst others completed the Athlete badge.
All in all, a Magical Weekend with Magical Cubs!
Akela – 3rd/4th Derbyshire Wolf Cub Pack.
Hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s off to work we go!
Hooray! … we found Nemo!
Our very own special Olafs!
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6th Lancashire Wolf Cubs
At one of their meetings, the girls decided that they would like to design emblems for their sixes. By
coincidence this fell line with a reshuffle of sixes in order to increase them from three to four, brought about
by an increase in Pack membership. It was felt that this activity would help the girls to bond, and to work
together in their new teams. The brief was that all members of each six should have some input into the
design, and do some of the work to produce it.
The leaders were
happily surprised
that, in the three
weeks period in
which the design
and production
of the emblems
took place, there
was a real buzz!
All the emblems
have now been
attached to the
boxes for each
six, and the girls
love using them
at their weekly
meetings, which
is nice to see.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Other recent meetings have been devoted to doing the 1st Star
“Tidiness” and the 2nd Star “Know your district” tests.
Having decided that
they would like to
do their “Know
your district” test,
our 2nd Star Cubs
first of all discussed
what they thought
they needed to wear for this activity, and re-enforced what they
knew about road safety. Then, one Pack meeting night, they set
off, accompanied by Raksha and Mowgli and armed with a local
map, to see where they could find various important places and
items of use, such as post boxes and public telephones.
They thoroughly enjoyed being given the opportunity to go outside, and of being treated like “senior” Cubs!
We are pleased to say that all the girls passed this test.
Akela – 6th Lancashire Wolf Cub Pack
1st Star “Tidiness”
Green Six
Red Six
Yellow Six
Blue Six
2nd Star “Know your district” ….
all dressed up for the occasion!
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The Ash Tree
Test 7 of the 2nd Class badge requires a Scout to “be able to
point out and name six British trees, and know their burning
properties”. The British Association of the F.S.E. is passionate
about practicing traditional Scouting which means that, when-
ever possible, cooking on camp is done over wood fires. This
is, therefore, a very useful and important test, especially when
it comes to choosing a campsite. By knowing which trees grow
on or near the site, you will have a good idea as to the standard
of fire you can expect to have to cook on, whether you need to
adjust your menu or if you might have to source an alternative
supply of fire wood. If you are undecided between two or more
campsites, the type of trees growing on each could well be the
deciding factor.
When it comes to burning properties, the Ash tree is by far the
best. It provides both flame, for quick or medium cooking, and
heat, for longer cooking times. The wood is solid and burns
steadily, giving good embers, and it burns almost as well when
still green, as, even in this state, it has a low moisture content.
In addition, it splits very easily with an axe.
The Ash is a graceful tree which can grow to over 30 metres
(100 feet) in height. Its distinguishing features are:-
Bark: This is smooth and light grey in colour. With age it
becomes ridged and fissured. The colour is thought to have
given rise to its common name.
Buds: These are very distinctive. They are hard and matt black
in colour, with one bud on the tip and the others in alternative
pairs down the branches.
Flowers and fruit: The flowers are small, purple and tassel-like,
and appear before the leaves. They can be male, female (or
both!). The females become catkins, which grow into the fruits.
These are called keys. They hang in large bunches and each has
a single, 2-3 cms. long blade with a seed at the stalk end. The
blades have a slight twist which, when they fall, makes then spin
in the wind. This gives rise to their popular name “spinners”.
Leaves: The Ash leaf is not single but compound, consisting of a central stem down which are pairs of
leaflets, with a single one at the top. The leaflets are lance shaped with slightly toothed edges. The Ash tree
has a bit of a rough deal, as its leaves are usually the last to appear in the spring and the first to fall in the
autumn!
Did you know … ?
The oldest tree in the world is thought to be the “Methuselah Tree” in the White mountains of
California. It is more than 4,800 years old! This bristlecone pine was discovered in 1957 by
Arizona scientist Edmund Schulman, and has survived the Bronze, Iron and Dark Ages! It
was named after the biblical figure, Methuselah, who was said to have lived for 969 years.
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The Ash Tree (cont.)
Below is an old poem about wood-burning and a
short rhyme which may help you to remember
the burning properties of some of our more
common trees:-
Beech-wood fires burn bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year.
Store your beech for Christmastide
With new-cut holly laid beside.
Chestnut’s only good, they say,
If for years it’s stored away.
Birch and fir-wood burn too fast,
Blaze too bright and do not last.
Flames from larch will shoot up high.
Dangerously the sparks will fly.
But ash-wood green and ash-wood brown
Are fit for a Queen with a golden crown.
Oaken logs, if dry and old,
Keep away the winter’s cold.
Poplar gives a bitter smoke,
Fills your eyes and makes you choke.
Elm-wood burns like church yard mould.
Even the very flames are cold.
It is by the Irish said,
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread.
Apple-wood will scent the room.
Pear-wood smells like flowers in bloom.
But ash-wood wet and ash-wood dry
A King may warm his slippers by.
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These hardwoods burn both well and slowly
Ash, beech, hawthorn, oak and holly.
Softwoods flare up quick and fine
Birch, fir, hazel, larch and pine.
Elm and willow you’ll regret
Chestnut green and sycamore wet.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Answers to the puzzles on page 9:
Camp cooking quiz:
Vegs’ which grow underground go in cold water; those growing above ground
go in hot water
Washing-up water
Place a small Dixie with the pudding in
inside a larger one partially filled with
water
Keep boiling water to hand to refill the
outer Dixie
Make dough from flour, salt and water. Roll this into a long “snake” then twine it
round a warmed green stick. Hold over
red embers until brown.
Brown it for a while in a frying pan.
Perfect match: D and G
How many dogs: 13
Cub Wet Camp
June 12th – 14th
Details from Hazel – 7th/8th Cambs
Scout Wet Camp
July 3rd – 5th
Details from Hazel – 7th/8th Cambs
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Our Allotment
Last August our Gran, who is a member of 2nd & 5th Lancs. Parents and Friends Association, attended an
open day at the local allotments. During a conversation with plot holders, she was offered a plot free of
charge for our Groups, to help teach children about growing things and nature.
Over the winter months we helped the PFA to clear the plot and make it safe for Cubs and Scouts to start
work. We obtained a second hand greenhouse, had a small tool shed donated, and made raised beds. While
we were clearing the jungle of a plot we uncovered a small pond. We made it a little bigger and covered it
with safety net. It is now home to tadpoles!
The girl Cubs got busy making a bug hotel, separating and potting up strawberry plants to over- winter in the
greenhouse, and planting various vegetable seeds.
One Saturday recently, we had a working party made up of Cubs and Scouts who worked very hard, filling
the raised beds with soil, erecting a flag pole (just waiting for a flag!),building a compost bin and planting
the various vegetables and fruits that were ready, (see list below). Originally everybody was asked if they
could give an hour of their time to help but nobody wanted to go home, and, before we knew it, what should
have been an hour turned into four! We now have a gardening club every couple of weeks, and also spend
some meeting nights up there. Hopefully later in the year we will be enjoying the fruits of our labour; maybe
some of it in time for summer camp!
Some of what we planted:
Carrots, swedes, lettuces, onions (spring/red/white), radishes, potatoes, sprouts, tomatoes etc……..
By Carl and Ewan Shepherd - 5th Lancs. Scouts and Cubs
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RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRD WATCH
3rd/4th Derbyshire Cubs have taken part in RSPB “Big Garden
Bird Watch” for the past few years. This year 5th/6th Derbyshire
took part too.
We made fat balls with fat, nuts, cornflakes, sultanas....we all got
really messy and sticky!
During a January weekend we all encouraged the birds with our
fat balls, and reported the birds that visited our gardens in
Chesterfield and Edale.
Maybe next year other Cub Packs might like to join us in the
“Big Garden Bird Watch” and we could report to “Woodsmoke”
the birds that visited gardens in Yorkshire, Manchester,
Cambridge or any of the other Provinces.
*****************************************************************
KUNG HEI FAT CHOY! - CHINESE NEW YEAR 2015
Chinese New Year is a very important holiday in China. It is also called the Spring Festival because it marks
the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Chinese calendar.
On Chinese New Year the themes of happiness, wealth and long life are celebrated. Families get together,
special foods are eaten, fireworks lit and children receive money in lucky red envelopes. The red symbolises
good luck. The celebrations end with the lantern festival and dragon parade.
We at 3rd/4th and 5th/6th Derbyshire celebrated Chinese New
Year by dressing in Chinese costume, wishing each other Kung
Hei Fat Choy! (Happy New Year!) and eating a ‘Chinese
banquet’ (thanks Haribo!) with chop sticks. All the cubs
received lucky red envelopes which had gold coins inside and
amazing dragons were made by all.
A lantern making
competition then
took place, so we
could bring an
end to our great
Chinese New Year celebration with a lantern and dragon
parade!!!
Akela – 3rd/4th and 5th/6th Derbyshire Wolf Cub Packs.
**************************************
“Big Bird Watch” presentation
We dressed in Chinese costume …
… and we made Chinese lanterns.
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Bits and Bobs from Here and There
After an absence of many years, the
Badge Department is very pleased to
announce that the East Pennine
Province badge is once again available
from stock.
5th/6th Derbyshire Cubs have an origami
night
(See also the next page)
1st / 2nd Cambridgeshire Scouts BBQ Burra’ and Sirius planned an afternoon where we could
do our tree recognition and Julian could do his
tenderfoot tracking.
The whole Troop met at the Church and split into pairs
to follow the trail that Burra’ had laid. After that we
walked around the Churchyard to identify the trees
that were growing there.
The Vicar had kindly agreed to let us have a barbeque
at the end of the Churchyard, so we cooked sausages
and bacon for tea. Hercules and Pegasus Patrols
1st/2nd Derbyshire Cubs celebrate B-P’s
birthday.
National Otter Visit – 2015
Sunday 7th July
“Big Sheep Little Cow” Farm Attraction –
Beadale
Contact Liz Wood for more details
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Origami
Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures. Below are a couple of
examples, sent in by 5th/6th Derbyshire Cubs, you may want to have a go at.
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Fire Station Visit
The 5th Lancashire Scout troop recently visited Blackley fire station, as part of the Fire-fighter proficiency
badge. The troop met at 7.00pm. on a Friday evening, and was given a tour of the station by an on-duty
officer who explained about how the station operates on a day to day basis, and how they open up some
rooms to the public for meetings and conferences.
After touring the station and seeing the different rooms, it was time to look at the fire engines and all of the
equipment. We even had a test run of an emergency log report – the printed report of an emergency and its
location, which the officer tears off the machine prior to everyone jumping into the fire engine. The Scouts
were also shown how to test breathing apparatus, and even got to try it on! … that tank’s not too heavy is it
Tom? Next we were offered a go on the fire hoses … naturally, we said yes! Each Scout got to have a go
and then came the question … which one was going to be the first to get wet?!? James? …. no …Luke? …
nope! … I wonder who!
The Scouts really enjoyed the visit, which was followed up with a “Bob Downing quiz” to see what they
could remember, whilst waiting outside to be picked up. Our thanks go to Blackley fire station for having us
there for the evening.
Chris. Woods – SM 5th Lancashire Scout Troop
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Zumba work-out!
The 2nd/5th Lancashire PFA recently organised an over 16s
Zumba night, which was attended by Rangers, Rovers and
parents from the West Pennine Province, and was a great
success.
The event was hosted by Keri (Inca Crew), and if you say
Zumba is easy … book a session with Keri and you’ll soon
change your mind!
Everyone fully enjoyed the evening, with £96 being raised
from a small entrance fee and a football card.
Thanks to the PFA (Pat and Lisa) for arranging things, and a big “BRAVO” to Keri for running the session.
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F.S.E. National Caving Weekend
The 5th Lancashire Scouts attended the caving activity at
Fawber Farm at the end of March and, despite the bad
weather, really enjoyed the weekend. The nine Scouts
(James B, Louis, Athar, Luke, Tom, Owen, Kevin, James
S, Niall, Chris. and Andrew) went down two caves and,
even with the fast flowing water, managed to complete
then both. However, five Scouts did come out of the cave
missing wellies! In everyone’s favour, though, they did
manage to carry off the pink onesie trend very well,
despite the snug fit of some of them! … not mentioning
any names … well, maybe just Niall (ha ha)!
Chris. Woods – SM 5th Lancs.
The caving weekend was also attended by Scouts from the 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th Derbyshire, and the 1st/2nd
Yorkshire Scout Troops, as shown below.
***************************************************************************************
Scouts from the 1st Cumberland Troop have also been engaging in a spot of speleology, on a separately
arranged activity.
***************************************************************************************
Did you know … ?
The deepest cave in the U.K. is Ogof Ffynnon Ddu in Wales. It is 308m. (1010ft.) deep, with 50km (31
miles) of passages.
The longest cave system in the U.K. is the Three Counties System in North Yorkshire, with 86.6km.
(53.8 miles) of connecting passageways.
The largest cave chamber in the U.K. is a sea cave on the north side of Calder’s Geo in Shetland. It is
over 20m (66ft) tall, with a floor area of around 5600sq. m. (60,000sq. ft.).
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ScoutNet 2015 – Nuremberg, Germany
Brian, Kevin and I travelled from Stansted to Nuremberg for ScoutNet 2015. We arrived early evening and after a short walk from the Bahnhof to the Scout House, where we were staying for
the first night, we went in search of some local fayre. We found a small traditional restaurant and sampled the local Nuremberg sausages with homemade potato salad, delicious! We took a short walk around the town centre and made our way back to the Scout House.
The following morning we went in search of breakfast and, more importantly, a Cake shop. Successful on both counts! We explored the medieval town centre, buying some of the local gingerbread, and then back to the U Bahn for our short journey to Hardthohe, for ScoutNet 2015. 48
(mainly young!) delegates, representing U.K,The Netherlands, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Russia, attended this year’s event.
After everyone arrived we were divided into teams and it was back to the U Bahn to carry out a number of tasks in Furth, apparently the most boring place in Germany.
Tasks included asking 10 people what they liked and didn't like about the town, to take a photo with various groups of people, e.g. a man with a dog, a mother and child and two best friends. My team's most successful task was the one where we had to sing a Scout song with a group of people. Wouter found a nice man who led us to the local Cub pack and they were kind enough to invite us to join their meeting and sing with them.
Friday, Kevin and I visited the Nuremberg Nazi Rally grounds and documentation Centre and Brian joined the group visiting the documentation centre of the Nuremberg trials. Both very thought provoking and interesting.
Alex and Dan from Derbyshire arrive Friday evening to boost the U.K. numbers.
Saturday we separated into groups to discuss European Youth Policies and how our organisations are linked to that. It sounds boring but along with finding out about the other organisations it gave us all of the opportunity to learn a few words of each other’s language.
We spent an evening presenting our organisations, tasting traditional food and learning traditional campfire songs. Younger participants decided to have an impromptu party while the older ones chatted in the quiet area. Sunday the teams travelled to Nuremberg for a city game and for some of us, the opportunity to find more cake shops and ice cream parlours. We weren’t disappointed!
Monday we all travelled back to Nuremberg for the journey home to
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ScoutNet 2015 (cont.) our respective Countries. Everyone had lunch together and as Brian, Kevin and I had a later flight, after farewells we went in search of more cake. The whole experience was very enjoyable and it was great to see everyone once more, with promises to meet again in Lithuania next year. Karen Alsop – 1st/2nd Cambridgeshire. es to meet again next year, in Lithuania. Karen Alsop – 1st/2nd Cambridgeshire
ScoutNet 2016
The Russian Scouts from Visaginas, Lithuania, together with the German Scout Association Pfadfinderbund Weltenbummler e. V, are inviting you and your organizations to the ScoutNet 2016 annual meeting! ScoutNet is an independent Network of Scout Associations from different European Countries. The annual meeting's aim is to enhance international exchange between leaders of scouting groups, fostering common activities and creating international learning opportunities. Date: 05 – 09 March 2016 Place: Visaginas, Lithuania (youth centre or similar) Target group: Rover Scouts from the age of 16 years and Scout Leaders Topic: Work on Scouting as a youth lead movement in different countries, exchange of experience and best practice, sightseeing, singing and fun. Funding towards travel costs may be available. This is being applied for. Further details will be sent once they are arranged. If you are interested in travelling to Lithuania next year please contact: [email protected]
22
Sixes and Seconds weekend - Hesley Wood
44 Cubs from Cambridge/Edale/Chesterfield/Dewsbury/Middleton/Manchester, attended the weekend and
enjoyed an excellent programme. This was set by Amanda and Suzzy, and it included 6 bases (Fire
lighting/Flag/Knotting/Camp Fire sketch/song), working in a six and orienteering.
The Cubs mixed well together and it’s hoped have made lasting friendships.
Campfire on Saturday night went well, with each team singing a
song and Andrew leading us all in “Everywhere we go, people
always ask us where we come from” – "mighty FSE- could be
heard all over the site! So that everyone could see and hear the
sketches, we went inside and the Cubs gave great performances.
On Sunday we had
Scouts own run by
Christine Gardner
which finished with
a action song- all
joining in with full voice. Then more games and activities and,
after lunch, packing up with flag down and home.
Jad and Charlotte worked hard in the kitchen with a band of
helpers and the washing up team were kept on their toes! All
other leaders helping in any way they could.
This weekend could be called the Ladybird camp-
infestation of ladybirds in bedrooms- not good
when you have cubs not wanting to share with
them! We managed though, with 3 cubs sharing
rooms and leaving our dotty friends on their own.
Ann Dakin – 6th/15th Lancashire
CONGRATULATIONS …..
to Joanna Ward and Nick Brabiner on the
arrival of baby Theo.
23
Your assistance is needed. Do you have a
framed Wood Badge photo’ similar to the one
in this article? If so, can you get in touch with
Tony Ward, with a view to getting it scanned,
so we can add it to the training archive?
My PTC
I think the weekend went
very well. There were
between 10-15 people all
taking part, and everyone
seemed to enjoy it a lot.
We did many different
activities, to put ourselves
in the shoes of the Scouts
we are training, including
coming up with a variety
of games, and taking part,
as “Scouts”, in games run
by the training team. It
was a top weekend, and I
made lots of new friends.
I was very pleased all-in -
all, with the results of the
weekend, and am looking
forward to taking part in
future PTC training, to
get a better understanding
of how Rovering works
like Scouting.
Nick Brabiner
Congratulations to all those who took part and helped with the Wood Badge Practical. The camp took place at Woolley campsite over the Easter holidays 3rd to 6th April 2015. The participants have now embarked on their final parts and a study paper has already been submitted from one of the participants! For those of you who missed out, don’t despair - the online booking system for training is already up and running for the next events. Courses available are; PTC for Rovers, PTC for all other sections and a Wood Badge Practical. Just go online and book your place. When there are enough to run a course, a minimum of 12, then we will be in touch with dates and a possible venue. The details for those wanting to complete the hike part will be sent out soon. Tony Ward - HQ Commissioner Leader Training
24
Leader Training (cont.)
Wood Badge Practical - Woolley
Over the bank holiday weekend, 10 Leaders made
up 2 Patrols to partake in the Practical Camp as part
of our leader training. Similarly to the PTC, we had
a series of talks throughout the weekend all
together, and focus groups where you only looked at
section specific to the course you opted to do.
In between talks we set up a camp and lived the
weekend as a Scout. We stayed in Nijers, cooked on
fire, did lots of pioneering and brushed up on our
knots, splicing and whippings thanks to our STAs
(Spare Time Activities).
We underwent thorough inspections throughout the day, checking everything was safe, clean, usable and
practical, even our swinging table. We also had a competition meal, wide game, full kit inspection, games
and a camp fire.
At the camp fire, the two Patrols where asked to lead half each and have a sketch prepared. To most leaders
(certainly all Otter leaders) delight, Elspeth taught us all a new Camp Fire song, with actions! You should all
be very excited to hear it at the next Camp Fire!
Thankfully everybody passed and both Purple Foxes and Blue Falcons where joint winners. Good Luck to
everyone with their papers, and thank you to the training team for putting on the weekend. Oh, and thanks
for letting me use your hammock Phil. I have now purchased one and it will be up at Yorkshire Rally!
Charlotte (Purple Foxes) – 6th/15th Lancs
Participants at the PTC held at Chesterfield
25
West Pennine Province Cub Hike
On the 19th April the WPP Cub hike took place! Cubs from 6th/15th and 2nd and 5th Lancashire met at St.
John Fisher Church after mass, where 6th/15th Lancs’ new Otter flag was kindly blessed by Father Tadge.
Outside church, the hike began! Some very excited Cubs lined
up in pairs, waiting for the shout to start the hike! The Cubs
(with leaders too!) walked through part of the Boarshaw
Clough, to get the main road, where we crossed over to the
opening of Hopwood woods. We walked in the woods, up to
the back of Hopwood College Farm area, where we could see
the farm animals (the Cubs found the pigs very amusing!) then
walking back through the woods a different way to find
ourselves in Boarshaw Clough again, heading back for church.
During the hike, the Cubs had a snack break, played a very
competitive game of Magpie and had some group pictures –
with some very cheesy smiles! Along the hike, the Cubs had
the task of spotting anything about nature, and each Cub could win a token if they could tell a leader a fact
about what they saw. At the end, the Cub with the most tokens won a prize! On the way back before getting
to Boarshaw Clough, most of the Cubs decided they needed the toilet, which led to a long line of Cubs
outside Akela’s house, each using the bathroom!
After this, on getting back to church, the Cubs had hot dogs and homemade vegetable soup, made by Akela
(Jean Ball), waiting for them for lunch. This was kindly served up to the Cubs by Denise and Richard Early
and Yasmin (Peter Rabbit).
A big BRAVO and thank-you to Akela for organising the event! I think it’s safe to say everybody had a
good day – especially considering the weather was on our side! And a Bravo as well, to all the other leaders
for helping on the day.
Alex Hallsworth (Mowgli ) - 6th/15th Lancs.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Have you ever played .. Whirling Jackstay?
A Scout with a weighted rope (Jackstay) of
about 3m. (9ft.) in length, is tethered by the
ankle to a stake, on a short rope.
A number of objects are scattered around him
within a radius of about 3m. (9ft.)
The tethered Scout whirls the jackstay in a
circle, at about knee high, whilst the rest of the
players try to retrieve objects, one at a time,
without being struck by the jackstay.
Once hit, a Scout must drop out. The winner is
the last one standing, or the one with most
objects.
26
Rover/Ranger Reunion – 2015 … Crew Roots
Well, firstly a very big thank you to all crews for attending, especially our friends from Germany and The Netherlands. I would also like to give a massive thank you to the kitchen staff (Carl, Jad and Pete) who gave us a lifetime of food in a short space of time! I can safely say nobody was hungry, and maybe next time we’ll cut back on the cakes!
The object of the main theme for the weekend was to take people back to their Crew’s roots, so everyone was split into four “new” Rover Crews, and each was asked to come up with such things as a Crew name, a logo and a jingle. Some of the Crews designed amazing logos, and came up with great Crew jingles … and some just went to the pub! I think one highlight was seeing the look on the landlord’s face, when we over-packed his pub on the Friday night. It was really nice to sit down and have a good catch-up with everyone. And then the costumes for the Saturday night disco were brilliant. It was fascinating to see how each Crew was able to portray itself. All in all, I think the whole weekend was very good. I hope that everyone who came enjoyed it as much as the Seminoles enjoyed planning and running it. It is hoped that our crew will be running more events in the future, and we trust we can only get better at it!
Blue Whale
27
Knights of Ni Rover Crew
Brian and Karen have been the only members of the Knights of Ni Rover Crew since 2007. They
were eventually joined by Frances in 2010 for a few events, but during the past 6 months the
Rover Crew membership has increased by 100%. Tom,
Billy and Daniel joined and for the first time for several
years the Crew took part in the Rover Winter Projects.
Karen took charge of the Crew Family tree. Frances and
Brian concentrated on the
Belt Buckle and Tom, Billy
and Daniel on the Cotswold
Way.
Frances and Brian decided
that due to limited resources they would create a silicon mould and
make chocolate buckles. Two moulds were made and enough
buckles, using various types of chocolate, were made to give to the
other Crews at the conference.
Tom, Billy and Daniel planned the route that we would take to
travel The Cotswold Way and because of time constraints, we only
spent a Sunday visiting landmarks along the route. They then
created a presentation to show at the Conference.
All members of the Crew played a part in all of the projects and were pleased with their efforts.
This has encouraged them to look forward to next year’s projects.
Knights of Ni
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rover/Ranger Winter Projects – 2014/15 Results
Crew name Impeesa Pynot Buccaneer Inca Navajo Knights of Ni Seminole
Scout Craft 54 44.5 22.1 - 52 -
Hobbies 36.2 48 41 64.9 40.8 34
National Affairs 59 36 12 - 37 57
Total 149.2 128.5 75.1 64.9 129.8 91
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
28
St. George’s Day parade – 2015
This year’s parade was hosted by the West Pennine Province, and was held in Blackley, North Manchester.
The service took place at St. Andrew’s church, home to the 2nd and 5th Lancashire Scout Groups, and was
conducted by the Reverend Ian Fellows.
There was an excellent turnout, with virtually all our Groups being represented and, even by the F.S.E.’s
exacting standards, the smartness of uniform was exemplary and something everyone taking part can be
justifiably proud of. Despite a slightly cool edge to the breeze, the parade was blessed with wall-to-wall
sunshine on both the outward and return marches. It was kept from harm by a great team of traffic marshals,
and (more or less!) instep, thanks to the services of the Blackley Band, which also accompanied the hymns
during the church service.
In church, Ian’s sermon was extremely good, being both amusing and easy for even the youngest members
of the congregation to understand. It centred around a somewhat pungent coil of rope (hand made by Ian
himself, in a Derbyshire cave … but that’s another story!), The gist of the tale was that flimsy strands of
flax, by themselves, are easily blown away. However, when they combine to form a rope, they create a
strong and long lasting unit; useful to themselves and also to others. This reflects perfectly our Scouting
organisation. During the proceedings, National Commissioner, Jad. McCormack, presented long service
awards to Ann Dakin (35yrs.) and John Crisp, who joins a unique and (dare I say it!) highly distinguished
group, being only the fourth member of the F.S.E. to receive the 50 yrs. Ribbon. In a reversal of roles, Jad.
himself was then presented with the 25yrs award, by H.Q. Rover Commissioner, Anthony Gouldthorp (AJ)
Before the parade was finally dismissed, the National Commissioner presented the shield for the smartest
Group. This was even more difficult to choose than usual, but the decision was unanimous, and dererved
CONGRATULATIONS go to 1st/2nd Derbyshire. Refreshments were then provided by the 2nd and 5th
Lancs, PFA, in the church hall, and eagerly consumed before everyone departed for home.
CONGRATULATIONS should also be given to WPP Province Commissioner.’ Chris. Woods. This was
the first major national parade he has had to organise, and the fact that it went off so smoothly is testament
to the thought and hard work he put into it.
29
St. George’s Day Parade – 2015 (cont.)
30
----------------------------------------------------------------
Perry Dazey March 23rd - 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Essex Scout Troop – Canal Boat
Day
21st February – 2015
(Our last weekend trip with Perry)
Our Patrol Leaders and Seconds had the offer of a day trip on a canal boat, to learn about this form of
transport.
We left Great Chesterford for the journey to Harlow Mill, where we embarked on our trip along the river
Stour.
The voyage lasted for six hours during which all the boys helped with the lock gates. They also all had a turn
at piloting the vessel (some more successfully than others!)
A good day was had by all, helped in no small measure by a supply of pizza and salad for lunch! This was
shared with the captain and crew, who were showing us the ropes
Woody
31
Goodbye and thank you!
Perry’s funeral was held at Great Chesterford
church on 17th April. He was Scout leader of the
Great Chesterford scouts for 50 years, and
numerous old Boy Scouts and Cubs joined the
mourners who filled every inch of the church and
spilled out into the churchyard. The numerous
emails and messages received by his family
following his passing show just how highly
thought of Perry was, for his work in the village,
and in the wider community.
Like Perry, the service was somewhat
unconventional and reflected the many aspects of
his life. It began with the coffin entering the church to the strains of Native American music to reflect his
links to the Sioux Tribe through his great grandmother. The vicar was assisted by a German Dominican
Monk, Father Wolfgang Sieffert, a loyal friend of many years, having met through scouting.
As well as a lifelong member of the Scouts in England, he was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America,
where he was a member of The Order of the Arrow – in this he had been awarded their highest honour,
that of Vigil. The foundation of The Order of the Arrow is modelled after the Delaware Indian Tribe. This
again reflected his nationality of birth. Fellow senior Scouts assembled from London, Brighton, Norfolk,
Denmark and many other destinations. They performed a short ceremony for The Order of the Arrow, where
an arrow was snapped to symbolise the end of strife and the beginning of peace, and a sash was placed over
the coffin, a very fitting tribute to Perry.
Not only did Perry give his Scouts all the usual experiences, he also taught them how fortunate they were to
have healthy lives by organising, amongst many other activities,wheelchair walks with disabled children.
As one final act of tribute, the present Group of Great Chesterford Scouts and Cubs formed a Guard of
Honour on the route to the grave. Each boy bravely stood to attention and held a salute as the coffin and
mourners passed through. On reaching the grave the family found a row of wild flowers picked by the boys,
and placed as their own floral tribute.
The mourners congregated at the Chesterford Community Centre to celebrate the life of Perry with endless
fond tales and memories. Still wishing to convey their feelings, the Cubs and Scouts chalked messages on
the steps of the Scout Hut and added another floral tribute of wild flowers. Their last Goodbye.
Woody - 1st. Great Chesterford Scout Group
I think there are many reasons why Perry’s untimely passing has affected our community so strongly. Each individual will have their own personal reasons for their sorrow. For me, as a forty-something parent, I think he represented something very important from my childhood.He reminded me of an era when people just did stuff for each other. He put his time and passion into our kids and their discovery of a multitude of fun things to do. In the present, where so often acts seem to be done for the benefit of one’s “profile”, Perry just got on with it with absolutely no fuss what so ever. He did these things for a very long time, and became very good at it. I have three sons, who have all learned from him. I will be eternally grateful, and I’m deeply sorry I never made enough time in my “incredibly important and busy schedule” to just say “Thank you, Perry” more often. A grateful parent – 1st. Essex Scout Group
32
Perry Dazey March 23rd - 2015