After this weekends County training course for Leaders and Explorers, I would like to welcome Jason, Kay, Andy and Darren as newly qualified instructors to our Climbing team. Also Keith and Stu have successfully been re-assessed with Chris Furlong being reassessed and upgraded his Explorer Rope Leader to a full climbing & abseiling permit.
Paul Boreham (GSL)
Members of all sections met at the hall at 10am prompt to parade the short distance to the Spital Street Methodist Church to celebrate and give thanks for the 94 years of scouting at the 5th Dartford Scout Group. As usual, the regular congregation were very welcoming and the Rev’d Tim Crome gave a thoroughly entertaining, interactive and thought provoking service and notably informal in his new Christmas jumper, which differed somewhat from the usual blue tunic to which we had become accustomed ;O)
During the service, we had readings from two scouts. The first; Phil Mason of the Earley Troop read from Psalm 72 – What sort of King? The second reading came from Ben Hodges of the Burne Troop, who did an outstanding job having been substituted at the last minute. Ben’s reading was from Matthew 3: 1-6 – Let us all become monks! Following this second reading, Tim offered a challenge to all to take a short vow of silence, perhaps just 5 minutes to reflect and think about what’s really important.
We were suitably impressed when it was time for the Offertory, with our young members digging deeply and with enthusiasm to contribute and help towards the church’s running costs.
GSL Paul Boreham spoke of how the group has grown recently with the formation of new sections Edwards Beavers and Phillips Cubs and how new leaders have risen to the challenge and stepped up from assisting roles to lead the new sections. In addition to giving thanks to the uniformed leaders of all sections, Paul took time to give thanks to the non uniformed helpers and instructors to whom the group is indebted, but none more so than Jim Lilleycrop who Paul publicly recognised with a small token of the group’s appreciation.
Once Paul had finished his address, Ted “Cougar” Essex announced to the congregation that both GSL Paul Boreham and AGSL Lyn Medcalfe had recently been awarded the Order of Merritt for their commitment to scouting, which they had modestly kept under their hats. Congratulations to you both.
Once the formalities were over, the colours were paraded back to base and the celebrations began. Read the other posts to see what we got up to……….
Many thanks to Tim, the congregation and the officers of the church for making us so welcome once again.
Today, 42 of the older members of the 5th Dartford Scout group made their way to the AMF bowling centre in Gravesend for an afternoon of Ten-pin bowling as part of the Group’s 94th birthday celebrations. Each bowler played 3 games (a series) and there were competitions for under 18’s in the following categories: Lowest scoring single game, most misses overall, most spares picked up & most strikes, which will all be rewarded with a bar of chocolate, but the main competition is all about high scores, so there are Bronze, Silver and Gold medals to be awarded for both the highest single game and the highest series and yet more chocolate. Below are the medals table and the final scores.
Congratulations to medal winners Adam, Lewes, Harry Z and Harry H.
Many thanks for all that attended the raffle ticket selling on Saturday at Sainsburys at Crayford, an excellent turn out by the sections produced excellent results with all tickets being sold and over £700 being raised on the day.
There were many good comments too on how well the boys were turned out with smart uniforms.
Can we also ensure any outstanding books or sold stubs and money be returned not later than Friday 10th December to ensure all are entered in the Grand-Draw, which will take place on 16th December 2010.
Maggie Lilleycrop.
Prize list….
1st Hamper (See picture) – value approx £60
2nd Six bottles – £25
3rd Sweets – £18
4th Christmas cake – £12
5th Christmas crackers – £10
6th Christmas pudding – £5
In the past 12 months, Scouting in the UK has experienced its largest growth in over 50 years. This in part is no doubt due to the new exciting role model the asociation has found in new Chief Scout Bear Gryll’s, but locally the 5th Dartford Scout group has started two new sections because of the public demand to be part of Our Adventure. It’s not too late to join us as a Beaver or Cub, but places are limited so please act quick.
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The 5th Dartford Scout Group were proud to see so many members make the effort to turn out smartly for today’s remembrance service at the Dartford war memorial and parade thereafter; and to all of you we thank you for the respect you have shown as you did us proud.
It was a glorious, blue-sky, autumnal morning and we were fortunate to have so many parents and supporters line the streets to chear and applaud us as we paraded proudly around the town centre, which made it all the more worthwhile.
Once again, Thankyou to all who represented us and to Mr Taddei for the photos.
The day started at Crayford Station at 11:40 for the 11:48 Cannon Street service followed by a short walk to catch the return of the Lord Mayor’s Parade. The party had grown in number from last year to a staggering 28 including leaders and thankfully, the weather was on our side with dry sky’s and little wind. The scouts cheered well and the theme of the day seemed to be to get as many vehicles, which ranged from potato harvesters to 1930’s AA motorcycles and Tanks to open top buses, to toot their horns in exchange for their cheers. There were many hi-5’s exchanged with the procession and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.
After the parade, we made our way to the Bank of England museum, which is not usually open at the weekend, to check the daily rate of gold (13kg/28lb for only £236,056.00 – £20,000 cheaper than last year), lift an ingot, use the facilities and thaw a little before making our way to the Southbank for the start of the fireworks, which we missed out on last year due to bad weather.
Once we reached the Southbank, we made our way to a point just beyond the OXO tower to find a suitable spot directly opposite the launch barge, which gave us a fantastic view of the excellent display.
A most enjoyable day out was had by all for only the cost of a £2.00 travel card, which represents excellent value for anyone’s money.
Many thanks again to Keith for planning the day and ensuring we all kept to schedule.
Many thanks to Dave for ensuring we have a Poppy appeal donation box and a plentiful supply of Poppies, located next to the badge box at the 5th Dartford Scouts Group hall. Please feel free to give most generously and encourage our younger members too, so that our living veterans and their families can live with the dignity they have earned and those who have given their lives in service can be honoured and remembered.
Please don’t forget that wearing the poppy is a visible sign that a scout is respectful and fully understands what it symbolises.
This year, Rembrance Sunday falls on Sunday 14th November and all of our scouts, without exception, are expected to attend the service and parade in full and smart uniform.
