Tonight, Beavers and cubs from all over the district attended a Carol Service hosted by the 5th Dartford Scout Group at Christchurch. Tom from Leigh Pack had the honnor of leading the colours whilst bearing and presenting the District Standard. The story of the Nativity and prayers the boys had written themselves were read out in fine voice and a fair sprinkling of Christmas Carols were also sung enthusiastically. Mick and Angela from district made presentations to the cub packs who had attended every district event and a collection was made to the Ellenor Hospice, which is the 5th Dartford Scout Group’s chosen charity for this year.
I suspect this is now the last post of the year, so it just remains for me to wish everyone at the 5th Dartford Scout Group, their families and friends a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
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 was set the task of breaking patrols and reforming as three groups to prepare a two course menu with provided ingredients and menu. The challenge was that much more difficult as the only source of heat was from a Trangia camping stove. The menu was not traditional camping fair, but the challenge was more to test teamwork and the ability to follow instructions than to simply warm up some beans. 
and notwithstanding a couple of spillages, the results were all quite good. The overall winners on the night was Billy’s team who scored highest on matching the brief, presentation and taste, but well done to all for thier effort and an especially big thanks to Dave for all the washing up…….
Today saw members from all sections participate in the sale of tickets for the 5th Dartford Scout Group Christmas Raffle. For most, the day started at 09:00 and ended at 17:00 with each section putting in
two hours to sell as many raffle tickets to shoppers at the Crayford branch of Sainsbury’s as possible. As always however, Maggie and Jim were there earlier to set up and remained there right until the end to clear down too.
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.
