2009-12-16 – District Beaver & Cub Carol Service

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.

2009-12-06 – Birthday Parade and Activities

happy_birthday_presentsMembers 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.

 IMGP1644

With formalities over, the colours were paraded back to HQ, to eat lunch and prepare for the afternoons activities.  A party was laid on for the Beavers and Cubs, whist the Scouts and Explores who had attended the church service and parade, were taken to the Chatham Ski & Snowboard Centre for a taster session in ski or boarding followed by Toboggan/Cresta run and snow-tubing. 

Everyone had a fantastic time as the following pictures & video show.


2009-12-05 – Chief Scout Gold Presentation

gold-awardThree 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.

2009-12-04 – Chief Scout Gold Award

gold-awardTonight 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. 

DSC07343a