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:
6-7 1st place group 5th Philpott Beaver Colony
7-8 3rd place group 5th Philpott Beaver Colony
8-9 1st place group 5th Collins Cub Pack
9-10 2nd place group 5th Collins Cub Pack
10-10 ½ 2nd place individual 5th Leigh Cub Pack
10 ½–12 1st place group 5th Burne Scout Troop
12-14 3rd place group 5th Earley Scout Troop
[dm]33[/dm]
Today 13 members of the 5th Dartford Scout Groups’ Earley Troop, 4 leaders and family members visited Biggin Hill airport on a trip arranged by Keith Furlong. We were shown around some of the airport including private planes, simulators and historic WWII buildings and bunkers by Air Scout leader Alan Piper and his knowledgeable colleagues. Alas the day did not have enough hours to see and do everything we would have liked, so all being well another visit can be arranged in the not too distant future.
Today the Falcon Patrol from the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s Earley Troop went bowling at the AMF Centre in Gravesend. The trip was arranged as a reward for winning the last Patrol Challenge, where points were gained for attendance, presentation, scouting challenges and games. Alas 2 members were unable to attend, but everyone there had a great time and I’m sure the Falcons will try just as hard in the current challenge to claim another reward, but the competition is hotting up already. Jack (top centre) pipped George (below centre) to win the match by just 1 pin. Well done chaps.
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.
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.
