December 2010 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! CHIEF SCOUT’S GOLD AWARD (all levels) and Duke of Edinburgh's Awards will be met by the District. Get them from the Shop and sign the special register of awards.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Well done to: • Ryan Dakin • Michael Darlington • Matthew Duley • Charlie Lane • Tom Sweetnam • James Wilkinson (all of 1st Malpas) • Peter Francis • Luke Goldsmith • Peter O'Donoghue (all of 18th Chester) • Matthew Groome • William Taylor • Daisy Taylor • Alex Thornton (all of 40th Chester) who received their special Chief Scout's Gold Award certificates from Wayne Bulpitt, UK Chief Commissioner on 21 November. Others who earned the award could have been there too but Groups need to register them when we send out the information. Maybe next year?
Many thanks to all those who took part in Remembrance Sunday services on 14 November.
GONE HOME
Fergus Hunter, of 1st Sandstone Cubs, lost his battle against cancer and passed away on 25 November. We send our condolences to Fergus’s family and friends and to the 1st Sandstone.
The booking form for the 2011 Cheshire Hike, with full guidance, is available on the County web site: http://www.cheshire-scouts.org.uk/
CONGRATULATIONS On 3 November at the ceremony at Chester Cathedral, the University of Chester conferred on Eric Plenderleath an honorary degree of Master of Arts, in recognition of his services as a local Councillor, a member of the Gateway Theatre Board - as well as his other community service, including to Scouting.
BADGES FOR AWARDS
Congratulations Eric, well done and well deserved!
CHESHIRE HIKE
In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that in future the cost of uniform badges for Chief Scout's Awards
JOIN THE ADVENTURE THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION CHESTER AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL District Centre: adjacent Westlea County Primary School Weston Grove Chester CH2 1QJ E: enquiries@chesterscouts.org.uk T: 01244 398635 W: www.chesterscouts.org.uk/ Facebook: http://groups.to/chesterscouts/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/@ChesterScouts Registered charity no. 511406
BIG SOCIETY BANK The primary focus of the Big Society Bank will be to fund youth projects, the junior children's minister has confirmed. Speaking at the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services’ annual conference, Tim Loughton said that he has won the battle within government to keep the majority of funds, estimated to be in the region of £400m, for projects that would benefit young people. "I was absolutely clear that primary focus of the Big Society Bank should be youth and that is going to be its primary objective," said Loughton. He added that the government hoped to have the bank up and running by June and it will fund both national and local projects. Money will be made available as grants, social loans and social impact bonds. In July, Prime Minister David Cameron raised concerns within the youth sector by saying that the money would be used to fund a wide range of charity projects. The previous government had pledged that youth programmes would be the chief beneficiary of money held in unclaimed assets when it introduced the Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act in late 2008. But Loughton added that the youth sector needed to become smarter about the way it works and called for more organisations to consider mergers. "There are somewhere in the region of 73,000 charities involved with children and young people in this country. I think we need to have consolidation in the sector so that we have some big hitters and a very strong voice for young people," he said. He also called on the youth sector to make better use of existing facilities in the community such as children’s centres. "We have a fantastic network of children’s centres that aren't used in the evening and at weekends," said Loughton. "There will be a severe squeeze on capital funding and we’re not going to be able to build as many youth facilities as we would have liked. We have to use the facilities that we already have better and smarter." The coalition will try to tackle the negative portrayal of young people in the media and wider society as well, he added. "Governments in the past have focused on the negative stuff about young people, such as antisocial behaviour," he said. "I’m going to start with the positive agenda about young people because they do a hell of a lot of good that goes unnoticed and unrecognised."
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
electronically. Please pass on the information to those who do not have Internet access. You can always download the latest (and some earlier) versions from: •
the News and Events www.chesterscouts.org.uk
pages
of
or from: •
http://issuu.com/chesterscouts
WITHOUT YOU WE COULDN’T... Scouting Ambassador and top satirist, Ian Hislop, has launched a new film made by four Scouts this summer that showcases what Scouting looks like in their local community.
Scouting: This is our Story premiered at an annual reception in London to say thank you to Scouting’s supporters and funders, whose generous donations and continued support helps thousands of children and young people to take part in everyday adventure. On hand to offer their own Scouting stories was a team of 14 young people who will be travelling to the World Scout Jamboree next year in Sweden as part of the UK Contingent. Go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjgUxxoixZs to watch the film As the credits rolled, Hislop’s reaction said it all. ‘Well, that was irritatingly good, wasn’t it? It’s better than anything I’ve ever produced.’ Jay, 15, was one of the young film-makers and enjoyed the experience. He said, ‘I knew the project would look good on my CV but I also wanted to learn more about how a film is made. It was challenging at times. For example it was starting to get dark when it came to Unit nights and filming wasn’t that that easy. The most enjoyable bit for me was how the Unit came together to help me film everything that I needed.’ During the evening guests were invited to think about how they could further support Scouting across four areas: • • • •
Development programmes to grow Scouting locally Educational programmes to develop the skills of young people Development of adventurous activities such as caving, abseiling and archery Capital projects designed to give more young people access to everyday adventure.
To make our communications quicker and to reduce paper use, we only send our monthly News for Chester Scouting
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
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AWARDS FOR GOOD SERVICE Congratulations to those who have recently received awards: Silver Acorn His Grace the Duke of Westminster – District President Bar to the Award for Merit Eric Plenderleath – District Vice President Christine Owens – CSL 18th Chester (St Mary’s), DCSL Award for Merit Dave Evans – ADC (Adult Support) Bev Hall – BSL 1st Christleton David Mullock – ESL Dewa ESU
We hope you understand our decision and are not too disappointed as we focus all our efforts on developing and running the biggest and best Giant Sleepover we have ever had in 2012. We would love to hear your ideas about how to make it the biggest and best event ever! As soon as we can we will confirm the exact date for the Giant Sleepover 2012 event ready for you to register your interest. In the meantime look out for our newsletters where we will tell you about all the exciting plans as they evolve while sharing exciting activities for you to take part in on the run up to the next Giant Sleepover.
ALTON TOWERS Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service Steve Allen – ESL Maverick ESU Kristine Bertinat - BSL 48th Chester (St Columba’s) Charlotte Churchill – District Skills Instructor, District Appointments Advisory Committee Vicki Courtney – ACSL Cestrian Dawn Steaton – CSL 8th Chester Vicky Taker – SL 8th Chester, District Badge Secretary and Scout Shop Manager John Wolfendale, GSL 1st Upton by Chester Paul Wright – ACSL Cestrian
GET WELL SOON Best wishes to Jenny Challinor (8th Chester) who has been on the sick list, for a speedy recovery.
GIANT NEWS FROM THE GIANT SLEEPOVER Firstly, a GIANT THANK YOU to all the Groups who have taken part in The Giant Sleepover over the past seven years. Your support and the personal relationships we have developed over that time enable our event to continue to grow both in numbers and depth with every year that passes. We have our sights well and truly set on the Olympic year of 2012 and want to see The Giant Sleepover grow to Olympic proportions - bigger and better than ever before. More participants, more friendships, more fun and bumper fundraising!
Back on 23 October, on a cold crisp early start fifteen Explorer Scouts from around the District set off to Alton Towers for a Halloween treat. After a short journey in the Malpas mini bus we arrived safe and sound, but a little shaken due to the huge number of people queuing to get in. After such an early start for a long day, we managed to meet up with members from across the County at the gate, more by luck than planning. We all agreed to meet up at lunch time for a group photo at Oblivion, as it was time for some very quick investitures (very quick as the drop takes only a few seconds). The day was drawn to a close with some fun and games and one last ride on the runaway train, (a ride for kids but so much fun for all). We have put the date in the District Explorer diary for 2011 and if there are enough advance takers for the day, we will look at arranging a coach, both making the day cheaper and more fun (always better with a big group of party monsters). Simon Ashton District Explorer Scout Commissioner Commissioner
The eyes of the world will be on the UK, with hundreds of community events taking place and we intend for The Giant Sleepover to be a major event in that calendar. It is going to take dedicated planning and time to make the 2012 bumper sleepover possible and so having considered feedback from our groups and spoken to our partners we have taken the decision that there will not be an official Giant Sleepover event in 2011. Don’t think that we will be disappearing though, support materials, online activities and updates will still be appearing on our website and we will still be keeping in touch with our regular email newsletters.
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
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CHIEF SCOUT’S SERVICE AWARDS Congratulations and thanks to the latest recipients of service awards:
The team came third out of the eight Districts who took part! The County Gala was won by North West Cheshire. Christopher Hooper (pictured) from the18th Chester won two Gold Medals for the 9 Year old Breaststroke and Backstroke.
15 years Well done all! Jason Clarke
5th Blacon
5 years Andrew Jones
1st Waverton
Simon Ashton
DESC
Chris Arner
1st Upton
LEADERS’ WEEKEND IN THE LAKES The Leaders’ weekend went very well – the weather after the storms earlier in the week was good enough for plenty of activities: ascending Coniston Old Man, a lower level walk, shopping in Bowness and Ambleside, a cruise on Windermere, fireworks, Remembrance Sunday in the camp chapel – and lots we‘ve forgotten! There was also plenty of good food and drink at Cartmel Lodge at Great Tower Activity Centre. This was a revival for our Centenary year of similar weekends run by the District in the past. Shall we do it again? Many thanks to Keith Harding for all the planning and to all those who took part - and mucked in throughout the weekend. Thanks also to Great Tower for their hospitality.
Alan Wilding Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts)
SCOUT COUNTY SWIMMING GALA Adam Boggiano, Tom Bamber and Brandon Hone of Cestrian and Liam and Alex Southall from 48th Chester represented Chester. They had great team spirit, and great attitude - made 10 out of 11 finals. Well done to them! Charly Hillier Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)
www.chesterscouts.org.uk/
CUB SWIMMING GALAS http://groups.to/chesterscouts/ On 3 November seven Cub Packs entered nine teams in the District Gala. The winners were 1st Malpas Team A (pictured) and the Runners Up were Guilden Sutton. On 27 November, Cubs from 1st Malpas, 1st Guilden Sutton, 1st Tarporley (Portal), 1st Farndon and 18th Chester formed the team to represent Chester and District at the County Swimming Gala in Woolston.
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
http://twitter.com/@ChesterScouts
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DISTRICT DIARY 2010 – CENTENARY OF SCOUTING IN CHESTER 2 December –District Leaders’ Meeting (General) and Safeguarding training 4 December - First Response, Weston Grove 9 December - Centenary Carol Service, Chester Cathedral 16 December – Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove December – District Cheshire Hike Practices
2011 6 January – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 12 January - Young Leaders Module A, Weston Grove 15/16 January – Beaver Scout IT Activity Badge Stage 1, Weston Grove 21/23 January - Explorer Canal Boat weekend, Preston Brook 22 January - District Cub Scout Craft Competition January/February - District Cheshire Hike Practices 3 February – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 5 February - GSLs and DCs Day, Ribby Hall 20 February - Media Development Workshop, Weston Grove 22-26 February - Gang Show, Catholic High School 3 March – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 5 March – Beaver trip to Science Museum, Manchester 12 March - County Cub Scout Craft Competition 13 March – District Award Presentations 16 March - Young Leaders Module A, Weston Grove 17 March - Scouts District Bowling Competition 24 March – Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove 7 April – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 9/10 April – Cheshire Hike 16 April – St George’s Day celebration 16 April - County Dinner 30 April/2 May - Elysium: Explorer Challenge Camp, with Hollyoaks Network 30 April/1 May - Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition training 5 May – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 7 May - Beaver Barbie Bash, Huntington 14 May – Jamboree on the Trail 21 May - District Cub Scout Totem Pole Competition 2 June – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 7 June – County AGM, Chester 9 June – District AGM 16 June - Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove 17/19 June - Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition assessment 25 June - Beeston Hike for Beavers
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
7 July – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 30 July/12 August - KISC 2011, Kandersteg International Scout Centre 1 September – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 22 September - Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove 6 October – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 14/16 October – Jamboree on the Air/Jamboree on the Internet 3 November – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 13 November – Remembrance Day 1 December – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) District Leaders’ Meetings: first Thursday in each month (except August) 8 pm (Section meetings alternate with general meetings) District Core Team (DC, District Chair, ADCs, DESC and Active Support Manager; also attended by the Local Training Manager): second Thursday in each month (except August) District Executive Committee: third Thursday in each month (except August) District Appointments Approval Meeting: last Thursday in each month (except August and December) Chester Scout Fellowship Active Support Unit: first Tuesday of each month (for further details email activesupport@chesterscouts.org.uk) Adult Training Modules: check the separate listing and registration form
CAROL SERVICE Our carol service takes place in the Cathedral on Thursday 9 December starting at 7.00 pm (we shall have finished the service by 8.00 pm). We hope that we shall see as many of you all as possible for this final District event of our centenary year. There will be traditional carols and readings with music provided by Colin Parfitt (our Gang Show musical director).
FRIENDSHIP PASSPORT Welcome to the Friendship Passport – an exciting new partnership between Save the Children and The Scout Association. Get involved and this year you can take your Beaver, Cub and Scout sections on a journey with Save the Children to India through eight exciting themes of activities and games - all from the comfort of your meeting place! International Commissioner at The Scout Association, Nigel Hailey commends the partnership: "The Friendship Passport is a fun and imaginative way to deliver the global zone in the programme. We talk about being part of a Global Movement – this will really help us to understand another country and also give a real practical meaning to 'helping other people' in our Promise. Have fun with the activities, do let us know how you get on, and tell us about your Friendship Funday – who knows, I may drop in!" All
the
resources
you
need
are
right
here
at
http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/assets/php/scouts-register.php
(just follow the links in the download menu). Make sure you register to receive your welcome pack which includes a colour copy of the resource and the stickers for the passports. Join in the fun!
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