Another success for the 5th Dartford Players with their non-violent ‘Canoe Done It?” mystery, which was well attended as usual. Cast member Darren was the culprit on this occasion having sabotaged the canoe race for financial gain! However, he was rumbled and the only one to gain on the night was our New Hall Fund as the evening raised £469.24.
Thank you to everyone who supported this evening and to the cast and catering team for making it such an enjoyable evening. Continue reading
The 5th Dartford Scouts entered seven teams in this year’s Edinburgh Chase, and with other leaders who were not actually taking part helping support with the logistics and catering. Congratulations to all those taking part and succeeding in this challenging night navigation exercise.
Team 1 – Junior 5th – 07:32 – Lilly, Shea, Jack, Ben Team 65 – Junior 30th – 9:57 – Jessica, Abigail, George, Thomas Team 14 – Senior 4th – 7:12 – Jacob, Jack, Gareth, Matthew Team 32 – Veterans 1st – 06:17 – Jason, Lewis, Mark, Robert Team 30 – Veterans 2nd – 06:50 – Brian, John, Colin, Kevin Team 82 – Veterans 6th – 07:09 – Dave, Darren, Del, Phil Team 46 – Runners 3rd – 05:41- Paul, Andy, Stacey, Gel.
Many thanks to the organiser for laying on this event, I understand that we have several teams already in training for next year event….
Please click here for the full 2013 results.
With a chill in the air more fitting to Winter Camp, 45 members of the 5th Dartford Scout Group ventured again to Thriftwood Scout Campsite in Brentwood for our annual Easter Camp.
Blessed with dry weather and a well stocked wood pile, all the facilities were there for the Scouts and Explorers to put into practice what they had learned over the years and for our prospective Patrol Leaders to accept responsibility and take charge of their patrols.
The theme was ‘Backwoods‘, with all meals being cooked by the Scouts, on an open fire, fueled by wood they cut, split and lit themselves. Other activities included climbing, Tent-peg carving, archery, wide games and fishing, where the largest catch of the day was landed by linking Cub Scout Lauren on her Saturday visit with Harriet.
On this camp a great many lessons were learned by all, but by far the greatest realisation for the Scouts was just how difficult things can be without proper planning and teamwork, especially when the breakfast fairy hasn’t done it all before they wake up 😉
The forms are out and we’re booking for Scouts/Explorers Summer Camp 2013 on a first come, first served basis. The plan is to catch a train on 27th July from Dartford with our bikes (all kit will be on the van) to Dover, travel to Calais, France and then cycle to Gravelines for 8 days of Scouting adventure, before returning on Sunday 4th August. Application forms have been emailed, but you can download one here:[dm]102[/dm]
Once again, The 5th Dartford Scout Group are collecting the Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers, which help us to replace and maintain equipment. This year’s scheme started on 30th January and will run until 22nd May, so a much longer run than last year. The usual collecting box will be just inside the door at the hall for this years vouchers.
Today a fair number of our young members and leaders attended the Dartford Masonic Centre’s craft fair to assist with admissions and the lucky dip. As usual there were some fine vintage cars on display, crafts, gifts, chickens and eggs and welcome refreshments, which helped with the bitter chill. Always a worthwhile event for us to attend as we receive a share of the door towards our new hall fund and on this occasion, we recieved a cheque for £375.00! Additionally, the attending young folk can also get credit towards their Community Challenge and Kent Scout Volunteer Award.
Were you one of the 43 5th Dartford Scouts and Explorers attending WinterCamp2013? If not, this is just some of what you missed! Continue reading
Well as usual, Del & Wendy’s annual 5th Dartford quiz night was a sell out success with the hall packed to capacity and everyone participating. The winning team was headed up by Burne Troop’s Tim Roscoe. We’re pleased to announce that after prizes etc there was a proffit of £297, which will be put to good use within the group. 
Thankyou to everyone who attended and had a great evening and especially to Del and Wendy for hosting the event.
Here’s another track from Johnston ESU’s Matthew Bauckham. The track is a cover version of Chris Rea’s “Candles” – Filmed on the Kent coast and accompanied by dad Pete.
To find out more about Matthew and his music, check out his Facebook page here.
This year’s annual Boxing Day kick about was held at the Glentworth Ex-Services Club on Lowfield Street and despite a low turnout from the Scouts and Explorers there was a good body of leaders, past and present and a few old friends too. A good game was had by all with Paul Boreham coming out as top goal scorer, although both in the wrong goal! A short social was had in the clubhouse after the game and we thank the club most sincerely for allowing us the use of their facilities and hope we will be welcome back next year. Alas no pictures for this event, but then some things are better left only to the memories of those who were there 😉