24th Hastings Scout Group
Annual Report 2007 - 2008
Group Scout Leader's Report
2007 saw the Centenary of World Scouting. Many events took place, which were well publicized in the press and on radio and TV, and as you will see from their report, our Cubs attended the Martlets County Jamboree.
However, this year is equally important to us as a Group, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.
A party is being planned at the HQ on November 29th, to which all past and present members and their families will be invited. We are also arranging for special polo shirts to commemorate the event.
A lot of work has been carried out on the HQ building this year. The electrical systems were completely overhauled, at a cost of nearly £1,000, and new gutters and down pipes were installed. Nearly 800 faulty bricks were replaced by the manufacturers during the Christmas period. We are now looking to improve the heating system in the main hall.
We have once again registered for the Sainsbury’s Active Kids voucher scheme, which runs until early June. Last year we collected over 3,000 vouchers, which enabled us to obtain £100 worth of cricket equipment. Please send in your vouchers so that we can improve on this result this year.
The Cubs and Scouts again joined forces with the Guides to man the Ridge water station for the half marathon.
Our website has moved to a new host; the new address can be found later in this report.
The Group Open Night this year is on Friday 16th May at 7.30 p.m.. All Parents and other supporters are very welcome.
Roger Plumb
Scout Troop
Summer term
This is the time of year when it is easiest to get out and about and enjoy games and activities outside. Simon Bartlett kindly volunteered to help on Troop nights. We played rounders, and had wide games both in St. Helen’s Wood and at the Quarry. We built chariots, but unfortunately never got a chance to use them; we went to the School Farm for an evening fire lighting and cooking sausages and marshmallows on sticks, and we had a bike challenge evening. We went down to the beach at Pett Level for an evening in June, and we built and used an obstacle course. The Patrols each invented and presented an activity for the Open Night, which was a very well attended event.
Summer Camp
Much advance planning came to nothing, when our chosen campsite was suddenly closed two days before we were due to travel, because of the flooding round Gloucester. However, we were lucky to find an extremely good substitute in Boxford Spinney, near Sudbury. Camping was on a field adjacent to the Scout base there; the farmer kindly moved his cows to another field for us, and also helped by transporting our gear from the car park to the field and back again at the end of camp.
The activities were many and varied; the Scouts were able to enjoy grass sledging, BMX bikes, kayaking, abseiling and archery at the camp site, as well as games organized on the field. Off site we had an afternoon in Sudbury for shopping and swimming, and a visit to Kids Klub at Finborough where quad biking, archery, climbing and air rifles were on offer. Horse riding was also arranged, this time at the Finborough stables.
The Scouts cooked many tasty meals on the barbecues, and practised lots of other skills. Dave Rogers ran Pioneer Plus badge for us, which involved constructing a large style over a fence (used for transferring wood and hot water from the adjacent copse), and demolishing a dead tree using blocks and tackle, with the warden’s permission, naturally. We also ran Camp Cook, Camp Cook Plus, QM and QM Plus badges.
2007 was Scout centenary year, and we were privileged to be invited to join the Boxford Scouts for their Sunrise Ceremony at Boxford Church.
Explorer Chris Rogers worked hard supplying the Patrols with hot water, and SPLs Ben De Havilland and Daniel Sanz Sharley helped the Patrols with various tasks as well as carrying out inspection every day.
Among other tasks, Owen Richardson ran the kayaking for us.
Our thanks go to Gordon Edgar, the District Commissioner, for all his help enabling us to camp successfully at such short notice.
Thanks also to Dave Rogers, Chris Pelling, a former Scout of the Troop, who drove the minibus, and helped organise the activities, with his wife Tracey, and Grahame Jordan, who all helped run the camp.
Autumn Term
A lot of new faces joined us in the autumn, and the Troop was soon at full strength again.
We started with a games evening at the HQ, and this was followed by a Patrol challenge night. A treasure hunt, simulated cave rescue, and two other games nights were also held at the HQ.
We spent two evenings on the Emergency aid badge, and one on the fire safety badge. We held a bonfire party at Guestwell, and we visited the Hastings Gang Show. We sent the Scouts out to conduct a chip survey, and we went to Ocean Bowling for an evening. We took part in the District swimming gala at Summerfields, finishing in 3rd place. The term was rounded off with the traditional Christmas Party.
Spring Term
In January we were pleased to welcome Graeme Stoodley and Clair Harvey to help run the Troop. We completed the Fire Safety badge with a second session at the HQ, and a visit to the fire station during half term. More Patrol challenges took place, and we spent an evening building towers out of newspaper; the highest tower was measured at 4.3 metres. We spent two evenings on knots and lashings and constructed pharaoh’s chairs and ballistas. On pancake night various favourite flavourings were produced to accompany the pancakes.
During half term 11 Scouts went to Bowles for an afternoon on the ski slope, learning basic skills and having fun on the sledges.
We resumed with the Festival nights. The Patrols select a country and spend an evening designing and making appropriate costumes. On the following Friday they cook a meal from that country’s cuisine.
On March 14th Stuart Waters led a night hike for the Scouts near Salehurst. This was followed by supper, a “sleepover”, and breakfast at the HQ.
Badges and Awards
William Bartlett won the Bish Byrom badge shield. Chief Scout’s Awards were gained by Chris Rogers, Robert Joy, Oscar Rogers, and Nick Pelling; Ben De Havilland, who qualified last year, Chris and Oscar attended a presentation ceremony at Lewes Town Hall organized by County in November.
Challenges were gained as follows: Adventure 8, Creative 2, Expedition 5; Fitness 1; Outdoor 2; Outdoor Plus 8.
Staged badges:
Emergency aid stage 2 - 2,
Emergency aid stage 3 - 18;
Hikes Away stage 1 – 15;
Nights Away - many;
Swimmer stage 5 -1.
Activity badges:
Camp Cook Plus 5; Camper 1, Fire Safety 14; Quartermaster 3, Quartermaster Plus 3, Survival skills 2, Snow sports 1.
Roger Plumb
Cub Pack
The Cub Pack had a very busy year celebrating the centenary of Scouting, with the highlight of 2007 being our week at Martlets Jamboree, the East Sussex County camp at Laughton near Ringmer. Many thanks to all who helped with our fund-raising; we managed to raise half the cost of the camp for the 7 Cubs who came.
We camped with Northiam Cubs and Scouts, representing Canada within the Americas sub-camp. For most Cubs 7 nights away was their longest stay away from home so far, and the week was full of exciting activities and visits, we were busy the whole time! There were themed activity zones on site, as well as a day visit to the World Jamboree in Essex, an amazing experience where we met Scouts from all over the world. The site was larger than many cities, with every sort of tent, swap-sites, shops, cafés and things to do. The Cubs tried out foreign languages and swapped badges and smiles all day! We couldn’t stop singing the “Jambo!” song for the Jamboree. Sadly we only had one day there!
On Wednesday 1st August, we were up early for the Sunrise Ceremony (along with Scouts all over the World) broadcast live from Martlets by BBC and ITV news crews.
The whole day was an enormous party, for all 1000 campers and hundreds more day guests. We had a free fun fair, circus and all sorts of displays to watch and try, including Morris dancing, dog agility, eagles and falcons. The day finished with a hog-roast dinner together.
All 7 of our Cubs earned the Gold Martlets badge – the highest level for this Jamboree.
Another Cub event of 2007 was taking part in the District Inter-Pack Challenge; we
had to work out a puzzle at 10 checkpoints as we followed a treasure hunt around Hastings. Our team worked really well together and had a great (if damp) day discovering our home town.
William completed his Chief Scout’s Silver Award and attended a special District ceremony in St. Clement’s Caves with other Cubs who had earned the highest award for Cub Scouts.
In September we held our own weekend camp at Guestling, with Cubs spending one night under canvas, and the next in the woods in their own bivouacs: shelters made of sticks and other natural materials. Skills learned and practised included fire-lighting and cooking, tracking, building the bivouacs and making other things. All gained the Outdoor Challenge badge and most also earned their Camper badge. Thanks to the parents who helped out.
October was a busy month as Scouting was the theme of Hastings Week and we attended events all over town, including the opening ceremony parade and flag-raising at Hastings Castle. The Cubs dressed as WWII evacuees for the Old Town street party, and enjoyed a taste of cakes made from authentic “rations”. We shared bonfire celebrations with the Beavers and Scouts in November, again out at Guestwell, with a lot of parents and other family members who came along.
Also in November was our trip to the Gang Show at the White Rock Theatre, when we all cheered for Joseph – our only Cub in the show this time, but he was awarded the Best Cub certificate so we were all very proud!
The District Swimming Gala was well attended in early December, and our team took part in every event, earning an excellent score. A number of 24th Cubs were placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their events, and all showed they really can “Do Our Best!” Again we had great support from families who came to cheer the Cub swimmers along.
We finished 2007 with our Christmas party, celebrating the end of a very busy year!
Already it looks like 2008 will be almost as action-packed for the Cub Pack.
So far Miguel and Luke have completed the Chief Scout’s Silver Award, and they and Arran have moved on to Scouts. The other 10-year-old Cubs are working towards their top badges too.
The whole Pack has worked towards the Scientist’s badge, and made some interesting and useful creations, including a periscope, a pin-hole camera and a real exploding volcano!
In early March, the Sixers and Seconders had a weekend away with the others in the District. We spend a day exploring Chatham Dockyard and the historic ships and exhibits. We went inside a submarine, and found out how rope is made. The Cubs completed some leadership training, learning how to plan activities for others, and how to work in teams with different sorts of people. Well done William, Miguel, Brooklyn and Luke for all the good work that weekend. We stayed in a Scout hall in Chatham, and also found time for 10-pin bowling, a visit to McDonalds, and a ride on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway on the way home.
The Cubs worked hard at the Half-Marathon water station again in March, braving frozen fingers to ensure the runners keep refreshed. Again parent helpers made a lot of difference – thank you all!
In April there is the District 5-a-side football tournament, followed closely by the St. George’s Day parade and service, which always has a good turnout by 24th Cubs.
In May this year we will be taking part in the 3-night District Cub Camp near Rye, which will have a Normans and Saxons theme, and will include a visit to Dover Castle. The Cubs are looking forward to this already, and we will be preparing for it in advance by making costumes and equipment for the camp. There will be a chance to try all sorts of activities and to make new friends and meet old ones.
We have now got a fairly high average age in our Cub Pack, as the group have moved up together and now most of the Cubs are 9 or 10. With many moving on to Scouts this year, we need to recruit a new young Pack of 8 or 9 year olds, which is why we are organising “bring a friend” events at the moment to help new children experience Cubs.
However, we are still in urgent need of more regular adult help. Tom Green, our brilliant Young Leader who does so much for the Pack, will be off to University in the autumn, and as some of you already know I will need to take a maternity break from the summer too. So if you or someone you know may be able to help run the Cub Pack on Thursday evenings, please contact us. Training is available and there is a lot of support and advice within the Group and the District. It can be great fun, and I hope you will help us keep the Pack going and growing into the next year.
Acorn Clayton CSL
Beaver Colony
During the year our Colony has had a busy and exciting programme.
Several treasure hunts took place; we went on picnics; sailed our boats, which the Beavers had made, in the park; went on nature hikes – looking at our environment and recycling; and went night walking with torches.
We had several outings – to the local fire station, and down to the beach where we explored the rocks.
We held a variety of themed evenings: Ancient Egypt – making mummies and being them; let’s go flying – making and flying kites; an assault course - keeping fit; and making music – making the instruments and playing them.
During cooking evenings we made fruit smoothies, pizzas, cakes, and biscuits.
The Beavers played many games – here are a few: tag, races, team games (Welly throwing, football and statues).
We had several parties – a barbecue, where the Beavers enjoyed a campfire; Halloween, with apple bobbing, and doughnut catching; and a Christmas Party with a variety of games – pass the parcel, find the sweets, etc.
The group did a lot of badge work - Outdoor Challenge, Friendship Challenge, Adventure, Animal Friend, Explore, Health and Fitness, Emergency Aid, Information Technology, Swimming.
The Beavers enjoyed an evening with the Cubs and Scouts at Guestwell, where the Group had a November 5th bonfire party.
At present we have 10 Beavers.
I would like to thank Sue Tutt, Sue Smith, and William, for their support in running the Colony.
Ann Pope (Green Beaver)
Summary of Annual Accounts for the year ending 29th February 2008
We show online a summary of our accounts. For a copy of the
full accounts, please contact us at our e-mail address.
| Receipts |
| Balances at 1st March
2007 |
|
£ |
£ |
| Cash |
50.00 |
|
| Bank Account Current |
5064.18 |
|
| Bank Account Reserve |
236.07 |
5350.25 |
| |
| Interest received |
7.17 |
7.17 |
| Fund raising |
| Sale of CDs |
24.00 |
|
| Toner Recycling |
98.12 |
|
| Fun Run |
55.00 |
|
| Cycle ride |
170.50 |
|
| Bag packing |
413.70 |
|
| Bonfire Party |
65.00 |
826.32 |
| Rent of HQ |
| Guides |
300.00 |
|
| Rangers |
90.00 |
|
| Explorers |
200.00 |
|
| Others |
115.00 |
705.00 |
|
|
|
| Subscriptions |
| Beavers |
722.50 |
|
| Cubs |
828.16 |
|
| Scouts |
2071.80 |
3622.46 |
| Sundry Receipts |
| Donations |
456.65 |
|
| Scout Shop Discount |
60.77 |
|
| Income Tax Repayment |
- |
517.42 |
| |
|
|
| |
11118.62 | |
| Payments |
|
£ |
£ |
| HQ Insurance |
1472.70 |
|
| Membership fees |
1125.00 |
|
| Utilities |
540.60 |
|
| HQ Expenses |
1975.03 |
5113.33 |
| Activities (Net) |
| Scout Summer Camp |
1197.23 |
|
| Cub Camps |
(207.61) |
|
| Other Cub/Scout Activities |
1615.02 |
|
| Beaver Activities |
- |
|
| Badge and Uniform purchases |
62.30 |
2666.94 |
|
| Other expenses |
| Equipment |
24.00 |
|
| Admin |
- |
24.00 |
| |
|
|
| Balances at 29th February 2008 |
|
£ |
£ |
| Cash |
50.00 |
|
| Bank Account Current |
3021.11 |
|
| Bank Account Reserve |
243.24 |
3314.35 |
| |
|
|
| |
11118.62 |
| |
|
| |