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Wow! Thank you very much for all the feedback we received regarding the last issue of ELP. We hope you can see some improvements and changes. I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New Year holiday but I’m glad to say that we’re up to bigger and better things in Scouting in 2012! We’ve got the Essex Jamboree coming up fast and Rossendale District’s Centenary Year! They’re just two of the major things happening this year! Another thing which we want to happen this year is to get a lot more people involved in Scouting. So if you know anyone who you think would like to receive the county wide famous East Lancs Plus, head over to the ELP website and let us know who! That’s all for now!
Chris Taylor Editor chris.taylor@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk
Happy New Year! I would like to take this opportunity to offer a huge thank you for your time, dedication and support to Scouting in East Lancashire over the past twelve months. Together we‘ve made some great progress and I know you’ve all worked tremendously hard to make this happen. Please also extend my thanks to your family, friends and others who enable you to participate to the extent that you do. But enough of the past let’s look forward now to another exciting year of opportunity; whether it be providing adventurous activities directly for young people, inspiring adults, providing specialist support or looking after the administration, your efforts will make a positive difference to the lives of young people and are greatly appreciat-
Glen
Calder Canoe Centre Calder Canoe Centre is the North West’s premier Coach Development and Training Organisation. It has recently moved to Waddow Hall, near Clitheroe, giving access to a superior environment for Level 1 & 2 UKCC, BCU 1-4* and Outdoor First Aid Training. You can download their flyer here.
New Clitheroe District Commissioner Appointed We're delighted to announce that Ian MacDonald has been offered, and accepted, the role of District Commissioner for Clitheroe District commencing on the 1st January 2012. We know you will join with us in congratulating Ian and support him over the coming months in this new and challenging role. Glen Fendall, County Commissioner, would also like to take this opportunity to thank Fil Ruddock, not only for the excellent way in which she led Clitheroe District for the last six years, but also for continuing to look after the District over the last few months whilst getting to grips with her new role as Deputy County Commissioner. Many of you know Ian - he will do a fantastic job, and will be very good for the District. For those who don't know him - Ian has been a Beaver leader and a GSL at Whalley, he ran BP House in London for a few years, and more recently has been ADC Development in the District. He is also on the County Training team, a member of the Appointments Advisory subcommittee, and a member of the District Exec. He has helped out at Explorers, Scouts and Cubs at various times, and so is well placed to be able to support all the leaders in the District.
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here’s something about Mountain Rescue and the Scouting movement that goes together very well – a love of the outdoors, teamwork, doing something for the community, and of course the odd bit of first aid.
On Thursday 20 October, 3rd Padiham Scouts kindly asked Mountain Rescue to visit their hut and talk to not only the Scouts but parents and anyone else we could find. The audience were full of energy with the usual blend of smiles, good questions and also occasional daft questions. They talked about how Mountain Rescue were all unpaid volunteers, and how they help a wide range of the community. The Scouts watched a short slide show of the MR team up to our tricks in snow and ice and, of course, the fancy stuff like rope rescues.
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Then the fun began as MR let them loose on their equipment. Some Scouts learnt about the noble art of search dogs (some would say it’s a science!) with Bob and Doc. Others found out what fun it was to wrap an older Scout up in an immobilising vacuum mattress and bounce her around on a stretcher. You were a great volunteer Abbey! Finally some of the older Scouts then told us what they knew about first aid, and used some of Mountain Rescue’s vacuum splints to treat a variety of broken limbs. The grand finale was wrapping Simon the Scout Leader in the vacuum mattress for the last photo of the night. A great time was had by all, and we’ve talent spotted a few future MR members too!
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If you think you want to take part in this amazing opportunity, please contact the Media Team (mediateam@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk) or Matt, our YSP Coordinator (matt.blades@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk)
Interested in media? Talking to newspapers? Being on TV? Now’s your chance! We’re looking for young people aged between 10 and 18 to assist the County Media Team by becoming a Young Spokesperson! Giving TV Interviews
Giving Radio Interviews
Writing articles for East Lancs Plus
Going to as many scouting events as you like! If you or your parent(s) or guardian(s) have any questions regarding the YSP scheme, please contact the YSP Coordinator using his email located at the top of this page. You will be given full training and will be working closely with the Web & Media Team along with the YSP Coordinator, Matt.
By Simon Morley
November is a time of reflection and remembrance for many Scouters across the UK. Most groups take part or hold a remembrance parade or meeting to remember fallen protectors, friends, family and innocent people caught up in the worlds conflicts. I would like to share with you some information of an event that happens each year in Nelson. An event where a small contingent usually of about 5 children and 2 leaders lay a wreath in a solemn and thought provoking service. The service is very simple but extremely emotional at the same time. A wreath is laid, a silence is honoured before the small contingent marches off again. But why? It may surprise you that Nelson is the home of a unique Scouting war memorial to commemorate the huge losses of Scouters from the Nelson area during WW1. During the first World War their was no such thing as Army Cadets, SeaCadets or Air Cadets. The only well established movement for young boys was Scouting. Scouting prepared many boys for adulthood and also carried out many vital roles during the war, inclusive of ARP (Air Raid Precautions), Messengers, Aid runners were just a few of our Jobs. In recognition of the many Scouts of Nelson who gave their life (both young and old) during the war the townsfolk erected the Nelson Scout memorial.
s The memorial inscription reads
“To the glorious memory of the Nelson Scouts who fell in the Great War.”
You are more than welcome to join us next year in this service and lay a wreath on behalf of yourselves or your group. Help us to remember our fellow Scouts and honour our worldwide family’s great sacrifice.
I hope to see you next year.
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So when you lower your flag, or wear your poppy so red, You say those lovely words going through your head,
s ‘For your tomorrow we gave our today’, Please then spare a pleasant thought, For those poor Scouters few,
Their selfless mind, their good intent, To keep honest, upright and true.
No reward sought for, No payment received, Just doing their scouting duty, A duty we all obey.
What length some people go to for that small good deed each day! AMEN
Poem and article by Simon Morley, The Scout Association Faiths and Beliefs team.
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Father Christmas, once again, found time in his busy schedule to visit us at Bowley. His visit was a great success which would not have been possible without the help of lots of Santa’s helpers. On his behalf I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU. This year over 700 boys and girls experienced the magic of the event plus an adult or two! 12 groups took part in this years design a sticker competition. A winner was chosen from each group, the overall winner was Jasmine Barnett from 1st Mellor Brook Brownies.
Thanks must also go to: • Asda for donating all the oranges (800). • Morrison’s for donating the bread for staff meals. • Tesco for donating the crisps for staff meals. • Dolphins Bakery for making the biscuits and mince pies • Bright Lights UK for supplying the lights.
Police Community Challenge Award There have been mixed reports of the Police Community Challenge Award; St Matthews with Holy Trinity Scout Group in Burnley wanted to share their experiences and reactions from the Scouts who took part with their Community Police. St Matthew’s with Holy Trinity Scout Group in Burnley has a Troop of approximately 24 Scouts, and they have just completed their challenge award. “This was one of the best pieces of
work I have done with the Troop for a long time and the Scouts have loved it” said Skip. “I emailed in to the Police Corporate Development Unit after seeing their article in the Scouting Magazine and they put me in touch with our Local Community Officers, from there they planned and organised everything it was a dream come true!” The Community Beat Officers went into the Scout hut to talk to the Scouts about opportunist burglars, and what they look for. On a separate night they took Scouts out into their immediate community to look for crime opportunities whether it be on cars or on homes. “I felt like a criminal looking for a car to break into” said one Scout who later went home to talk to his parents about car crime and vandalism. “ Rogue Callers need to be stopped as they always target the elderly and vulnerable ” said another Scout after hearing what happened to an elderly lady nearby.
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As ‘homework’ the scouts had to talk to their family members about opportunist burglars and rogue callers to make them aware just how easy it is for valuables to be taken from their homes and cars and how, just by taking a few simple steps, crime can be stopped. As an example to the troop the Police arranged for a “snatch and grab” incident to occur and an opportunist made off with Skip’s camera. The troop then had to identify the criminal and report on what he was wearing, within minutes of it happening people mis-remembering what happened and had conflicting views on what was worn by the thief. This was what the police were trying to highlight, to write down and identifying or distinguishing features of the incident. Luckily Skip’s camera was retrieved and all was well! Want to see more photos? Go to www.elscouts.org.uk/spccdp
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For the project element of the Award the Troop to spent a full day with the Police. The Scouts got to see many aspects of police work including riot police, crime scene investigation, crowd surveillance, traffic cops and their “Gucci” cars as well as trying on all kinds of police uniforms, using handcuffs and batons on each other, finger print recording, marking their mobile phones with UV pens and some also brought in their bikes to be engraved. Skip was also breathalysed (negative reading) as well as having a police report done and a vehicle check, again disappointingly (to the Scouts) no traffic offenses showed up. “I liked using the cameras in the van and sitting in the back of the riot van where all the captured villains sit” enthused one younger Scout; others liked the Crime Scene where they had to investigate what had happened and interview the victim. Others preferred sitting in the police car and pressing all the sirens. All in all it was a fantastic piece of work with both the Scouts and the Community Police, who later came in to the Groups’ Award Evening and Presented the Scouts with the Police Community Challenge Award Badge; the officers said it has been very worthwhile piece of work for them as the feel they are now connected to the younger people of the area.
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If this is a piece of work you would like to do with your troop contact Christopher Brookes, Local Policing Unit, Corporate Development at Lancashire Constabulary HQ on christopher.brooks@lancashire.pnn.police.uk He will send your details to your local community officers who will talk through what work they could do with the troop with you.
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Ian MacDonald DC Clitheroe
I met Ian at his second home in Whalley, the 51 coffee shop, and over Tuna Panini and coffee we talked about his journey so far in scouting, what motivates him to continue and tried to pry out of him some of his ideas for his new role in Clitheroe District. For many of you Ian’s smiling face will be a familiar sight, whether it has been as part of the County training team, as duty warden at Bowley or as a member of the Active Support team. What is amazing is that it was only seven and half short years ago that Ian joined the Scouting Movement as a Beaver Leader in Whalley. Apart from his more recent roles that have made him a well known figure throughout the County, Ian has also worked for HQ running Baden Powell House in London and currently sits on the National Scout Council.
Ian Macdonald is the newly appointed District Commissioner of Clitheroe and he was kind enough to take some time out his busy schedule to meet me and allow the Scouting community of East Lancashire to get to know him a bit better.
the core. Growing up, Ian had his first experience of the Scouting movement when he became a cub in Oswaldtwistle, however he left the movement before moving on to Scouts due to the time commitment required for him to undertake his training for judo. His passion and dedication to judo paid off as he achieved his black belt in the sport and was the British Judo Champion for 2 years running between the ages of 14 and 16. This level of dedication to sports helps us understand the tenacity with which Ian approaches all his roles in scouting and in part helped explain why his inspirations as a child growing up were Neil Adams, the then World Judo Champion and Ian Botham from the cricketing world.
for the World Scouting Jamboree in 2006. This meal brought together 60 Chief Scouts from around the World at Baden Powell House for a formal dinner. Ian was left to host this event and ensure that the whole experience ran like clockwork.
Ian was however quick to point out that whilst this might have been one of the most memorable moments in scouting the achievement he is most proud of is the continued success of the Explorer Unit Whalley, which he founded just 2 years ago. The Unit has grown steadily and now boasts 42 explorers who, so far between them, have 9 platinum awards and are on the track for the first of the unit to achieve their diamond awards this year. Although retired and giving over 20 hours a week to With so much scouting Scouting in East Lancashire he experience crammed in doesn’t lose sight of spending relatively few years of time with his three children Scouting Ian had to think for who are 16, 12 and 11. I don’t a moment about his most think it will be any surprise to Having been born in memorable experiences. In learn that all three are inWrexham, Ian moved to Lancashire as a small boy and the end Ian chose running the volved in either scouting or Head of Contingent dinner guides. claims to be Lancastrian to 12
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Moving away from scouting for a short time, I stranded Ian on a desert island with only a book and a piece of music for company. Ian chose for his reading material the classic by Gavin Maxwell “Ring of Brightwater” which describes his experiences of raising an otter (Mijbil) he brought back from Iraq to live with him on the west coast of Scotland. In terms of music this was much harder as Ian has an eclectic taste but he finally settled on the well-known classic of “Jerusalem”. Following his escape from the desert island, I discovered Ian would most like to visit the islands of New Zealand, mainly, he explained, to enjoy the scenery and the access to the wide range of activities. Finally during this part of the conversation Ian revealed that after visiting New Zealand the one activity he would like to do is to go and watch the orcas and whales off the coast of Canada.
people realise that they can smile. I get the feeling make a difference if they want Clitheroe District is in good hands and that we should to as an adventure. expect Ian to continue to Ian’s new role, however, deliver this role in the same means he has to take a small way he has approached all his step back from the front line roles; with commitment, good roles to help support adults humour and a willingness to moving forward in scouting do his best. I wish him the best and enable them to make a of luck and every success for difference to the young the future. people involved in scouting. With this in mind I asked Ian what he would change in scouting today. His answer was that the best thing that could happen to scouting would be if the internal politics in the movement could Written by Edward BurneyCumming be reduced, after all we are all trying to achieve the same outcomes. Ian is hopeful in his new role that he can have a positive impact on achieving Would you like to be this goal. So far, he says, it has interviewed for our been everything he hoped it would be although there is a “A day in the life lot to do and lots to learn. This of…” section or do led me onto looking forward you think you have a to 2012 and asking Ian about story to tell? his plans for Clitheroe District. Then get in touch As you would expect Ian with the county media It became apparent that Ian wasn’t keen to share his vision has much that he would like of his role with the team in team via elp@eastlancashirescuts.org.uk to do with his life and this Clitheroe District before and we’ll see what we raised the question as to why seeing it print, however, he Ian remains in scouting. The was willing to share that he can do! answer, I think, won’t come as intends to be adult support a surprise. For Ian, scouting led and feels that it is provides an opportunity to attention to detail and make a difference to young planning that will be the key people and to help them to success in his new role. realise that they are capable After my lunch with Ian I felt I of changing the world. It is had got to know a bit more this that keeps scouting fresh about the man behind the and exciting and seeing young 13
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Everyone knows that one of the hardest things to do in Scouting is to attract new young people to join or to attract new adult volunteers. This year East Lancashire is making a concerted effort to raise the profile of scouting in the region with a series of seven events across the county specifically designed to improve the profile of scouting and to attract new members and volunteers. The campaign will end with two days of events at Bowley, the County Campsite, where non-members can come along and have a go at some of the activities our scouts take part in on a regular basis. These seven events and 2 days of activities will form the basis of an integrated media and local publicity campaign over the next 6 months which has been kicked off with HRH Duchess of Cambridge announcing that she will be volunteering to help with Beaver and Cubs on an occasional basis. The ultimate aim is to grow the youth membership in East Lancashire by adding 75 new young people and recruiting 20 new adult volunteers. The campaign is being supported by The Freemason’s Grand Charity which has enabled this series of events to take place. In order for these events to be successful the central team needs existing volunteers to support their own town centre events and if possible to be involved in half day over the 2 days of activities in April. District Commissioners are co-ordinating volunteers for their areas and a training day is taking place on 14 January for those people who feel they might be able to attend more than one town centre event. Ian Macdonald is taking the lead with Glen Fendall in organising the event so please contact them in the first instance for more information. The key dates are: • 4 February 2012 – Pendle (Asda Colne) • 11 February 2012 – Accrington • 03 March 2012 – Blackburn • 10 March 2012 – Clitheroe • 17 March 2012 – Rossendale Tesco (Rawtenstall) • 24 March 2012 – Darwen • 31 March 2012 – Burnley Bandstand • 28/29 April 2012 – Bowley Activity Weekend
One of the most enduring images in scouting is the Scout Badges which are earned by all sections for successfully completing a range of challenges.
In conjunction with “Taste the Adventure” we are launching a competition to design a new badge to be worn by those who are new and join the movement. The badge will be in two parts and needs to represent the idea of adventure and friendship. The idea is that for those young people who attend the activity weekend will receive one half of the badge on the day and the second half of the badge will be awarded to the new member when they attend their first meeting. Those young people who help out during the campaign will receive both halves of the badge as recognition of the work they have put into the project. Ultimately the intention is that this badge will be used in East Lancashire when existing members introduce new young people into the organisation. The competition is open to all sections and the template for all entries along with rules and closing date will be on the County website before the end of January.
The winner will see their design turned into a new badge to be worn on the uniform throughout East Lancashire.
More information about the “Taste the Adventure” initiative will become available on the East Lancashire Scouts website (www.eastlancashirescouts.org.uk) and for people outside the movement, there is a brand new website supporting Taste the Adventure and it’s events.
Do you want to have the experience of a lifetime? The Essex International Jamboree (EIJ) 2012 is a fun packed week of adventure where every day you'll do something new and exciting. From adventurous activities, fun arts and crafts, learning and development games and projects as well as events that run into the night. Over half of the places reserved by East Lancs are already booked, so if you are a Scout or Explorer make sure you return your forms and deposit by 12th January so you don't miss out! Forms can be found on the county website or by contacting Alaina Norris (Unit Leader) on clear_oxygen@hotmail.co.uk
Have you visited the brand new East Lancs TV yet? No? Well get a move on! We want your comments! If you (or anyone you know) has a video or slideshow that they think shows scouting in a good light, please let us know and their video could be featured on the front page of East Lancs TV! Email: mediateam@eastlancashirescouts.org www.elscouts.org.uk/tv
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For eight days, and seven nights, you’ll be staying in indoor accommodation at the De Kluis Scout Campsite - around ten miles from Brussels, on the edge of the vast Meerdaal Forest, which covers more than 1,300 hectares, providing impressive and ideal surroundings for discovering the best of Belgian Scouting.
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Trip includes... Return transport, via Eurostar and Virgin Trains, leaving from Manchester Full board, indoor accommodation at De Kluis (Sint-Joris-Weert). 35 hectares of the impressive Meerdaal Forest to explore Cycling Outdoor sports and activities Rafting And much, much more
In addition, we're planning on a number of off-site visits including Chocolate Museum, Cathedral and the markets in Brussels. Date: 18th August 2013 to 25th August 2013 Cost: £385*
Booking for the trip will open in January 2012 and if you would like to be notified when bookings are being taken, please email Simon Morley via simon.morley@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk * see website for details
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Surrounded by hills and moorland Burnley has some amazing countryside to experience. As a scout there is no better way to getting to grips with this ever changing landscape than to walk through it and there is no better way to walk through it than by taking part in the Border 7 Challenge Hike. This annual Challenge Hike takes in up to 35 miles to spectacular countryside as teams are faced with the challenge of a timed hike to designated check points, free to choose their route, the teams cross the countryside in a bid to win their age group. Teams are free to choose the distance they take on with awards being given for 10 miles, 20 miles and 35 miles. The whole event is supported by a dedicated team of stewards who volunteer their time to man the checkpoints and ensure that there is a steaming cup of tea waiting at the end of the challenge. In addition to the team of Scout volunteers, the local Mountain Rescue Team also support the walk ensuring that everyone arrives safe and well at the end of their chosen adventure. This event has always been extremely popular with teams competing from both within the County and also from neighbouring Counties. Teams that take part have found the challenge hike is a great way to build team spirit with the group and many use it as an opportunity to raise money for good causes or to help fund their own groups.
If you think you are up for the Challenge and can muster a team of at least 4 young people aged over 10 then you can join the adventure which begins this year on 06 May at 07:30 and entries need to be submitted as soon as possible. Full rules and application forms are available from the East Lancashire website.
So—what did you think of this issue if ELP? We’d love to hear your comments in the usual way (elp@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk). If you have news which you want to appear on the county news page, just drop an email to elp.newsdesk@eastlancashirescouts.org.uk and if you have a story or article that you want us to publish, please send it to the media team or to the ELP team! Before we go… here are a list of ELP Submission dates until the end of 2012 and each issue of ELP will be sent out on the first Monday of every other month.
Issue Month
Final Date of Submissions
March/April 2012
20th February, 2012
May/June 2012
21st May, 2012
July/August 2012
18th June, 2012
September/October 2012
20th August, 2012
November/December 2012
22nd October, 2012