It all started with a spark in Teds mind; one that we probably all feel…………. We want to help those in need, but where does the money thrown into buckets actually go? Then Ted heard about ShelterBox; an international disaster relief charity that delivers emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people affected by disaster worldwide. In short, ShelterBox is a family shelter and survival essentials in a box. The Collins pack lead the way with young Angus walking to France – he walked continuously whilst on the cross channel ferry, which raised £100. Fra baked her fingers raw making cakes and goodies, which she then sold to work colleagues. The rest of the Collins pack then sold their services to parents for good deeds done in order to take their total to well over £400.
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.
The final total is not yet in, but I’m sure that thanks to your valued contributions we’ve far exceeded the £490 needed to get our ShelterBox off to where it’s needed at the earliest possible date – whatch this space……………
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: 
Tonight not one, but two senior cubs from the Leigh Pack – 5th Dartford Scout Group, James O’Brien and Tom Hannah, met with the mayor, scouting dignataries and 31 other cubs from the district to receive their Chief Scout Silver award certificates. There were many happy faces and proud parents there, but I suspect some of them could have been because of the complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits………… 
As you may remember from Tales of our Birthday Parade, The Leigh Pack sponsored and decorated a Christmas Tree at the Spital Street Methodist Church to raise money for The Ellenor Hospice charity, who assisted with the care of Dick. The boys efforts raised £42.98 in donations -Well done lads, every penny counts. A further collection was made at Christchurch on 16th December, during the Cubs and Beavers District Carol Concert, where we raised a further £125.92, which has brought our total thus far to £162.98.
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.
