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.

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Today 11 Scouts and 4 Explorers accompanied by 4 leaders from the 5th Dartford Scout Group participated in a Power Kiting session run by the Kent Scouts Air Activities Team.  The weather was not ideal for this activity, with rain forecast and low wind speeds, but it was agreed that we’d try our luck and have a go regardless as we’d been looking forward to the activity and were eager to get stuck in. 

The team of knowledgeable instructors were excellent and within a very short time had our novice flyers at a competent and confident level.  As it turned out the heavy rain stayed away and for the most part, the wind was adequate.  Alas, there was not enough sustained wind for the buggies on this occasion, but then there’s always another time, which I suspect will be as well attended as today’s session.

Below are a few pictures, which show clearly how much fun was had by all on this excellent activity.

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NSRA Bisley – 34th National Scout Air Rifle Championships 15-17/10/10

WOW – What an experience!

That’s the only way I can start this blog………….

This was my first opportunity to take the lead role in a 5^th Dartford Scout camp, which also had representation from the 9^th in the form of familiar faces Jessica and Becky and for the first time Henry who was joined by his father Reg.

Notwithstanding the van suffering a broken gear linkage, we arrived as scheduled and unloaded our kit in the six allocated pitches in the middle of the Sergeant’s Mess field. Typically, it bucketed down as we finalised the setting up of camp, but that soon cleared and we awoke on Saturday to a mostly dry and sunny day, which if a little windy, was not too cold.

Sunday however, was a different kettle of fish, with overnight temperatures dropping well below zero, leaving ice all over the tents, which soon thawed out in the Sunday sunshine.  The competition was, as usual, organised with military precision, with @ 800 competitors of varying ability shooting side by side in the Knockout, 6yd Rifles, 6yd pistols and Field Targets, which form the main competition within the Lord Roberts Centre.  Many of the older scouts and leaders also took part in the Summer Biathlon, Advanced Field Targets, Small Bore and Full Bore at the 300 meter line on the Century Range.  There are also other events which take place, but are in the “own gun” categories, where the standards are exceptional.

To fill the spare time between details, there was also the oppertunity for the scouts to join in on JOTI and JOTA (Jamboree on the Internet/Air) as a facility had been provided for scouts to work towards their Global Challenge.  There was also a challenging archery range and hockey matches on the first floor which could be spectated.

After a most welcome visit and assessment by District Commissioner Angela Rainey, accompanied by husband Nigel, who gave the nod of appreciation to Karen’s pasta sauce and the baked apple pie and custard; I can confirm that the planning, paperwork and camp setup were found to be in good order and after a brief interview Angela granted my night’s away permit – so I can do it all again on my own credentials.

Alas there was no furniture brought home to decorate our awards shelf this year, but the 5^th Dartford Scout Group firmly believe in providing a full and well balanced programme, where target shooting forms only part of it, although we fully appreciate the opportunity to stand alongside and compete against the skilled members of National Scout Air Rifle Team who represent British scouting at international level.

I’d like to thank and acknowledge the extensive help and experience of existing N/A permit holder Dave Monteith; the expertise of Tilley lamp guru Keith Furlong; Karen Hannah, who cooked and served an excellent selection of balanced and nutritious food over long rolling services in order to meet all the shooters detail times.  In fact, all leaders and parents on camp are owed my thanks for all their help in making this camp a success.

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Please forward any pictures taken at the camp to media@5thdartfordscouts.org.uk for inclusion in our galleries.

So who’s ready for Bisley 2011?

Jason

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