Tonight with the grateful help of Gary Missions, each of the Earley Troop patrols constructed and rode a hovercraft powered by an electric leaf blower.
This activity was the brainchild of Keith Furlong and was quite possibly one of the most successful evenings for some time, with everyone having a great time, despite the dust clouds.
This activity was made possible with the loan of the leaf blowers and scrounging of other supplies like Ply-board, staples, DPC sheeting and gaffer tape and the cost to the group was amazingly less than £12. In order to run this activity again, perhaps at short notice, it would be great to have a leaf blower or two in the stores, so if you once bought one on a whim and it just sits in the shed, still in its box – why not donate it to the 5th Dartford Scout Group, where we will make use of it.
If you can help, please email me at Jason@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk
Even us leaders had a go – weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee………….
Three of our scouts – Dan Ketley and Gareth Furlong of the Earley Troop and Josh Goodes of Burne Troop, attended a district ceremony at Holy Trinty Church in Margate. There were 50 Scouts/Sea scouts in total from all round Kent, with certificates presented by Wayne Bulpitt, the UK Chief Commissioner of The Scout Assocation. Well done lads, you’ve done us proud and set a an excellent example for next years patrol leaders and future scouts alike.
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.
Tonight the Early Troop were proud to witness Gareth Furlong and Dan Ketley receive their Chief Scout Gold awards from District Commissioner – Angela Rainey. The Chief Scout Gold award is the highest accreditation a scout can be awarded and during her presentation, the District Commissioner advised that on average only 20 scouts in the whole district will receive this award. On behalf of the Earley Troop and all sections of the 5th Dartford Scout Group – Well done chaps, you’re setting a great example. 
Seventeen scouts from both Burne and Earley troop participated in the Climbing Badge day. The morning was spent learning about the equipment, knots & anchors, clothing and environment, helmets and harnesses, bouldering, belaying and climbing calls and practicing these in preparation for the afternoon session where each had to complete four separate climbs an abseil as well as demonstration the knowledge they had gained from the morning sessions. Congratulations to all the scouts that passed and many thanks to the instructors who gave their time to make the day possible. The badges are on order with the district badge secretary and will be presented at a troop evening once we have received them.
Tonight, the 5th Dartford Scout Group fielded two teams into the District Scout quiz, one from the Earley Troop and one from Burne Troop. Each team consisted of 6 scouts, with 6 scout teams in total and a 7th team made up with one leader from each of the scouting teams. Both of our teams were placed with Burne comming in third and Earley taking second place behind 9th Dartford. By all accounts it was an enjoyable evening with good old competative scouting spirit. 
Tonight the Earley Troop set of on their 2nd night navigation of 2009 and this route, recommended by Jim Lilleycrop, followed the historic London Loop. Departing Crayford Station @ 20:00, each patrol set off at 10 minute intervals armed with glow-sticks, torches, a map, compass, a set of headings and a good sence of humour.
