As well as the weather being kind to us, this year’s St George’s day parade was a fantastic day to show how large and successful scouting is in Dartford. As a group, the 5th Dartford Scout Group paraded all nine sections, with it being the first time that the two new sections (Phillips Cubs & Edward’s Beavers) have paraded with us. Despite it being Mother’s Day we had a good turnout, 109 members parading out of our total membership of 196. Thank you to all who attended and in such full smart uniform.
A few special mentions goes to the Edward’s Beavers who made their own flag once we realised that the newly ordered flag would not be delivered in time, as well to Connor of the Earley Troop who stood up and accepted the challenge of performing the main reading at short notice.
Scout Association recognition: Assistant Group Scout Leader Lyn Medaclf was presented with the Scout Association ‘Medal of Merit’ which is awarded for outstanding service with keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period. Lyn has been at the centre of the Group for more years than I can remember; actively leading cub packs and instrumental in fundraising tens of thousands of pounds for our climbing wall and up keep of our headquarters. Our congratulation and best wishes goes to our previous scout leader of Earley Troop, John White (aka Captain Carrot) who is still an active support member in the Thanet area who has been awarded the Silver Acorn and will receive at Windsor at the national scouting St George’s celebration. The Silver Acorn is awarded to individuals who has provided more than 20 years service, which is recognised as especially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
It is only a few occasions in the year that all nine sections meet together with them meeting on different evenings: Monday being Johnston Explorers, Wednesday Edward’s Colony & Phillips Pack, Thursday Philpott Colony, Collins Pack and Burne Troop, Friday Peacock Colony, Leigh Pack and Earley Troop. So it was a great opportunity to have a group photo for our current fundraising activities for 777. We will ensure to send a copy to Malcolm and Alex sending our best wishes for their preparation on their endeavour which we will be invited to get involved with in the very near future.
Please pencil in your diaries the next few group activities: Family Camp 27-30 June, District Carnival 11th June & our AGM/Open day 19th June.
Paul
GSL 5th Dartford Scouts
Editors Footnote…………….. Modest as he is, Paul ommitted to mention that he was also awarded the Medal of Merit and on behalf of everyone at the 5th – Congratulations and thankyou to you both.
We are now finishing week 4 of our conditioning training and I can feel that my general level of fitness has greatly improved. After the initial few weeks my hands have hardened and the blisters now all but gone. The rows have switched tempo from near hour long sessions to short sharp sprints of around 10 minutes. Although the monotony has gone the average time per 500 meters has dropped considerably meaning a faster pace and harder pulls. This is now compounded by the addition of sets. So each row has to be completed several times at the same pace. I have been adding extra training is to give a bit of variety, with a few steady runs and cycle training. I completed a 28 mile cycle today in 1 hour 20 minutes, giving an average speed of 21 mph. It is good to hear news of how the fundraising is going back home, as it gives me inspiration when digging deep to put the miles in during meal breaks and after work.
