Today representatives from all sections of the 5th Dartford Scout Group attended a St George’s Day service in full smart uniform with the other groups in the Dartford District. We assembled in Central Park at 10:45 for the 11:00 service and then paraded around the town @ 11:40.
Thankyou to everyone who made the effort to attend this important service and to all the supporters who lined the streets to cheer us on.
Ted ‘Cougar’ Essex stepped in to lead the group in the parade as GSL Paul ran the London Marathon to raise money for the EllenorLions Hospice, which he did in @ 4 1/2 hrs . Paul had challenged all sections to try and match his 26.2 mile effort in what ever way they could.
Each cub in the Collins and Leigh Cub Packs ran 2 laps of the park and 8 members of the Earley Scout Troop walked the 8 miles from Greenhithe back to the hall along the Thames.
Please forward any photo’s taken for our archive to me at jason@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk; Photo’s should ideally be 600 x 800 resolution. You’ll find a good Microsoft power tool for XP in our downloads section, which will do this for you.
The first ever sleepover for the 5th Dartford scout group’s Philpott Beaver colony was held tonight at 1st 
Dartford Scout Hall. 6 Beavers arrived at 15:30 for an evening themed around Dr Who, where the young people made their own T.A.R.D.I.S and got a surprise visit from “The Master” aka GSL Paul Boreham in disguise. Hot cross buns were cooked by the young adventurers over a camp fire; they prepared and peeled their own vegetables to eat with dinner and even did the washing up afterwards, albeit under duress. There were games and fun aplenty with a sleeping bag race at 06:30 and the event finished at 09:30, with the youngsters begging the question “When can we do it again?” Well Aunty Beaver, will it be soon? Do keep us posted.
Tonight, 2 of our Philpott Beavers, pictured with Aunty Beaver, were awarded their Chief-Scout bronze awards. Alas Bear Grylls couldn’t be there on the night, but everyone at the 5th Dartford Scout Group are exceptionally pleased with these two young members for working toward and achieving the highest accreditation a Beaver Scout can achieve – well done. 
GSL Paul heard how well the Collins pack had done and wanted to jump on the bandwagon to boost the monies already raised. A plan for a Karaoke-Disco was hatched and came to fruition with a great turnout consisting of faces old and for just £2 an adult and a quid-a-kid. Maggie organised a well stocked raffle with some fab prizes and the decks were managed by Stu, Fra, Dibs and Adam.
Today saw members from all sections of the 5th Dartford Scout Group enter in to the annual Dartford district cross country run. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to turn up on a wet and windy day and a very well done to everyone who ran. The group scores are now in and attached below, but as far as the 5th Dartford scout’s group are concerned, this is how we did: 
Members of all sections met @ 10am at the hall to parade the short distance to the Spital Street Methodist Church to celebrate and give thanks for the 93 years of scouting at the 5th Dartford Scout Group. As usual, the regular congregation were very welcoming and the Revd Tim Crome gave an entertaining and thought provoking service during which Dan Ketley of the Earley Scout Troop gave two readings. At the end of the service, GSL Paul Boreham took time to thank the congregation and Revd Crome for their hospitality and all sections, leaders and helpers for their efforts throughout the year, which had been difficult with the sad passing of GSL Dick Medcalf, who had bravely fought illness for some time. There was one exception however, in that there had been no mention of the Collins Pack or its leaders. Had Paul forgotten the efforts put in by Ted, Sarah, Zara and co or was there something else afoot? After a short pause, Paul surprised the congregation with a “This is your life” style prentation, which thanked and honoured Ted “Cougar” Essex for his achievements during his 40 years of tireless service to scouting leadership. Ted was clearly moved and said just a few words in thanks and reflection as he was presented with a fine tankard and “With Thanks” badge to mark the occasion.
Beavers from Peacock and Philpott colonies attended a district presentation at Stone today to receive their Chief Scout Bronze Award. 
