Today we celebrate 98 years of continuous Scouting at the 5th Dartford Scout group with a parade from our hall to the Spital Street Methodist church, followed by parties and paint-balling. Well done to everyone who attended and especially to our award winners and Harry and Nathan for their reading. Please read on for the GSL’s address and photo’s from the day.

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GSL’s Address….

First of all I would like say thank you to Alan and the members of the church for yet again welcoming us to celebrate our groups 98th birthday.

This afternoon we will continue our celebrations, It was noted last year that holding a party for 70+ children was not only exciting and fun but some what challenging so this year the Beavers will return to our hall for their Birthday party, and the cubs will be meeting at 9th Dartford hall for theirs. I understand that a number of great games have been planned and for the cubs a rather large pizza order has been placed. For the Scouts & Explorers we have arranged Paint-balling at Mayhem, Longfield site.

Once again it has been a busy fun year; the scouts camped at Gilwell in early January, Cubs at Hope Hill, Easter Camp at Thriftwood, Brentwood, national competition for archery and target shooting with medals achieve on both by the group, Beaver fancy dress Halloween party and visits to Pets at Home. The Explorers have been on Segway and flying Microlight with the Scouts and Explorers taking part in our group summer camp at Butcher Coppice – Bournemouth. I would like to thank the Explorers for making a great video which is available on our website and YouTube, which captures the essences of scout camp.

I would like to thank all our leaders for their commitment, hard work and determination that goes to make all this possible.

It is with sadness that this year we have seen the passing of Dr Burne, who the Thursday night scouts are named after. Dr Burne was a lifelong supporter of the 5th Dartford, still writing letters and sharing memories whilst he was in 90’s. In the 1950 he was a trustee and instrumental in replacing the wood hut and building the hall that we current use today.

Recently the daughters of Robert Petts, who was a scout with the 5th Dartford in 1957, have contacted us. His daughters wanted us to have his uniform, which he kept in his wardrobe for all of his adult life. Apparently he had such a great time in scouting he never wanted to forget, hence kept his uniform, badges and note book of his expeditions and camps.

In the pockets are still his: Bob a job card, camp bank, Patrol attendance and subs book, badge certificates for first and second class awards, Programme seller pass for the Queen’s Coronation & note book, ‘The Hackney Scout Song book’ as well as six sheets of grease proof paper-perforated and a piece of string! We will look after this memorabilia with the other 5th Dartford items.

As last year, I asked for nominations from all section leaders for The Mason’s Trophy for the best endeavors from a young member. A special mention to Philpott, Peacock and Edward Beavers Aunty Beaver and Maggie have contacted me stating that you are all so enthusiastic, outstanding and special in your own unique way that they could not choose any one in particular. As the GSL I would like to mention Adam Naskau who performed a parachute jump raising funds for our new hall funds, with some great photos and write up on our web site.

This year one of the Best Endeavors Trophies is presented to Sam from Leigh Pack – Who came to us as a very timid lad but who has grown greatly what with taking part with various cub and Scout events and trying new things. ‘We have seen him grow and become a confident young boy willing to now give everything a try. An example of this is when we visited the Cyclopark and stood at the top of the ramp at the BMX course and he really didn’t want to do it, over came his fear and was so pleased he did. He now has a part in the Orchard Theatre in the Panto. To see this gives great pleasure and more satisfying than to see an arm full of badges.’

The other Best Endeavor Trophy is presented to Gemma from Phillips Pack: ‘Gemma is the one Cub that I know will be there for every Wednesday evening, every group organised event and every district event. She always gives her absolute best in every thing she participates in, with Gemma only 100% is good enough.
Gemma is the Cub that I will always pair with our new starters as she will take time to explain what they need to do and make sure they are joining in and enjoying themselves. She has become one of our youngest Sixers because of her outstanding performance and attitude.’

As a group we are now looking towards our centenary celebrations in 2016, where we are planning a neckerchief and badge, a Family Camp for the whole group and international camp for the Scouts and Explorers and a celebratory dinner.

In the mean time we have a new Kent Air Camp the Dartford District Jamboree and one of our members representing us in the World Jamboree in Japan and we all have lots more scouting to do and enjoy…

Thank you
Paul Boreham