GScouts March 2017

gscouts News and Views for Scouting in Gloucestershire March 2017

Badge Courses: Paddy Langham

paddydj.langham@btopenworld.com

County Administrator: Louise Little

admin@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk Monday to Friday 0930 am - 1.30 pm 01452 814256

County Public Relations Adviser: Cindy Fowler

media@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk

Cranham Scout Centre:

info@scoutcentre.org.uk 1.00 pm-4.00 pm

H.Q. Information Centre

01452 812309

info.centre@scouts.org.uk Monday to Friday 8.00 am—7.00 pm 0345 300 1818 Saturday 9.00 am –12 noon 020 8433 7100

2

gscouts March 2017 Contents Editorial ……………………………………………………………………………………………….4 How to Register for and Log into Compass …………………………….……….………………..5 From the Acting County Commissioner …………………………………………………….…...6-7 Staffing changes ……………………………………………………………………………………..7 County News (Cranham, Youth Commissioners, Archery) ……………………………………...8 Cotswold District ……………………………………………………………………………………...9 “How Come” Bob’s Dinosaurs? ……………………………………………………………...…….10 Bob’s Dinosaurs visit London, December 2016 …………………………...……………….……11 Cotswold Marathon ……………………………………………………..………………..……..12-13 Senned & Quayside Rally, Cardiff ………………………………………………………..……….13 Gloucester District Gang Show ……………………………………………………………………14 Bell Boats Helm Course …………………………………………………………………………….14 Hillwalking ……………………………………………………………………………………………14 Outdoor Specific First Aid Training ………………………………………………………………..14 International Badgers Club Easter Weekend Meeting, woodhouse Park …………………….14 Tristan da Cunha …………………………………………………………………………….....15-19 David Hart R.I.P. …………………………………………………………………………………….20 Madley Environmental Study Centre ……………………………………………………..…...21-22 1st Ruardean Cubs 100 Promise Renewal ………...…………………………………………….23 B-P and Rudyard Kipling …………………………………………………………………………...24 A Way of Teaching the History of Scouting ……………………………………………………...25 Everybody, Anybody, Somebody, Nobody and Someone Else ………………………………..26 Royal Three Counties Show Badge 2017 …………………………………………….…………..27 3

Editorial I have recently been constructing District directories for Cotswold Vale and Stroud & Tetbury Districts, to ease the administration for the DC. I started with the entries in Compass and then sent each Group’s lists to the GSL or a senior Leader for confirmation.

Numerous errors, omissions and additions became apparent. If Compass is to be of any use to anybody, It must be kept up to date. The correctness of personal information is each individual’s responsibility and the website has clear instructions on how to amend the entries. It is the duty of a Leader’s Line manager to amend other information as necessary. If Compass is inaccurate, it is our fault. P.O.R. says: Rule 14.12 Compass Membership System (“Compass”) a. Compass is the official membership system of the Association. b. Compass must contain accurate and up-to-date information on all youth, adult Members and Associate Members of the Association as well as connected individuals such as Executive Committee Members, Occasional Helpers and relevant parents/carers. c. Compass must be used in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and the rules given in Rule 14.11 above. In respect of data stored on Compass, The Scout Association is a Data Controller in common together with Groups, Districts, Counties and Countries and each must ensure that the processing of personal data, for which they are responsible, complies with the Act. d. Adult members are responsible for maintaining their own data e.g. name, address, contact details either directly or via a nominated individual. Certain other data may only be updated/ maintained by authorised persons e.g. roles, training records, permits etc. e. Responsibility for maintaining youth data rests with the leader of the Section(s) to which the young person belongs. f. All membership data should be checked as regularly as possible to ensure it is correct/ factually accurate and must, in any event, be checked on an annual basis. g. All joining information must be either entered directly into compass or recorded using the Association’s official Joining Forms and then be transferred accurately into Compass. h. Members must ensure that any reports from Compass (electronic or hardcopy) are held and stored in compliance with the Data Protection Act and the Rules given in 14.11 above. i. Members must ensure that any reports from Compass (electronic or hardcopy) are destroyed securely as soon as no longer required.

See page 5 for simple instructions on how to log in to Compass and prevent it from deteriorating into a useless record. Rubbish in — rubbish out! ************************* Copy date for the next edition of gscouts will be June 5.

4

************************* Young people have been warned not to buy furniture through e-bay.

They have been told never to accept suites from strangers.

5

From the Acting County Commissioner: County Personnel 

Liz Hodge stepped down as Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Programme at the end

of 2016 – although Liz isn’t running away from the County (as if we would let her!), I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Liz for all her hard work over the years and for the support Liz gave me (and continues to give) since I became Acting County Commissioner (CC) in May 2016. 

Mick Seamarks stepped down as Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Beavers at the

end of 2016 – again Mick isn’t running away but deserves a big thank you for all his support to the Beaver section and the events he has gotten involved with over the years!

Chris Meadows has taken on the role of DCC Scouting Operations – which means he has a responsibility for managing the team that supports Programme across the County. Chris will be building a few teams to support sections, activities, events and such like. Chris can be emailed at dcc.scoutingops@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk Chris Langham and Ben Klinkenberg (Benk) have both taken on the role of ACC International, with Chris leading on the global programme and Benk focussing on trips abroad. Dave L’Oste Brown, who has held the post of ACC International for a number of years, will gradually handover as the team becomes more comfortable with the administration. They can be reached at acc.international@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk.

Districts 

Bruce Warden stepped down as District Commissioner (DC) for Gloucester District on the

31 December. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Bruce for his hard work in developing Gloucester during the two years he was in post. Michelle Vaughan has been appointed as Acting DC, and Barry Smith is leading the Search Team for a new DC. 

We welcome Tony Dale as the new DC for North Cotswold, when he takes over on 1

March 2017, I’d like to thank all those involved in the Search process but particularly Chris Langham for leading the Team. With a new DC coming in, I need to say a big thank you to Stephen Perry who has led the North Cotswold District for almost 10 years now, especially given the warm welcome and words of advice he gave me, when I took on my Acting role!

A number of Districts have recently appointed Youth Commissioners, and they will have been very busy working over the last few weeks as February is #YouShape! Alex Jenkins was appointed as District Youth Commissioner (DYC) for Cotswold Vale in November. Jordan Randall was appointed in January as DYC for Cheltenham and Matt Dann has been 6

appointed as Deputy DYC for Cheltenham.

Around the County 

Gloucestershire has been selected as a beacon County for the relaunch of the Scouts of

the World Award (SOWA); this is a WOSM (World Organisation of Scout Movements) award that is for Network age range only. This is a really exciting development for the County and will give our members first access to the really rare award. Chris Meadows and Benk attended the training course a few weekends ago, so expect a few announcements soon!

Cranham Scout Centre continues to flourish under Andy and Mairead, who have recently accepted a permanent contract as the joint centre managers. Tom Harding has taken over as Chairman of the Cranham Management Sub-Committee from Dave Hall.

With all the exciting things happening and enthusiastic people I've met over the last few months 2017 will be a fantastic year for Scouting in Gloucestershire!

As always if you have any questions or comments please get in touch with me cc@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk.

Yours In Scouting Lewis Dangerfield

Staffing Changes Following a thorough review of Cranham Scout Centre, unfortunately it has been necessary to discontinue with the post of Centre Administrator, currently held by Mary Large. Mary will therefore no longer be employed after 26th March – she is currently on gardening leave. Mary has worked at Cranham for just over eight years and therefore is known to many of you, particularly if you have visited or stayed at Cranham.

We wish her well for the future. ************************* When Baby Balloon was little, he slept in bed with Mummy Balloon and Daddy Balloon.

One day, when he had grown into a big boy, he tried to get into bed with Mummy and Daddy but there wasn’t enough room. He let some of the air out of Mummy Balloon, but still couldn’t squeeze in. He let some of the air out of Daddy Balloon but even then couldn’t get in.

So he let some of the air out of himself.

Afterwards Daddy Balloon was very cross with him and said “You’ve let your mother down, you’ve let me down, but what is worse, you’ve let yourself down.”

7

County News Cranham After Pete's departure it's been a busy time at Cranham Scout Centre with lots of changes. Andy and Mairead were appointed last year as joint Centre managers and have made some great improvements already.

As a bit of background, Andy comes from an activity management background.

He has run different outdoor centres both in Devon, Wales and France and had been working in the Outdoor education world since leaving school. He is a keen Canoeist and is a nature guru.

Mairead has run chalets, hotels and outdoor centres in both the UK and abroad. Since meeting on a ski season, they have mainly worked together in similar roles. They have moved to Cranham from Devon, so are fairly new to the area. Mairead grew up in France and is a keen skier. Both are really excited about their time at Cranham.

Why not consider Cranham for your next camp?

Youth Commissioners Currently we have three Youth Commissioners appointed (with a few more in the pipeline!)  Gloucester District YC - Kat Turner  Forest of Dean District YC - Holly Payne  Cotswold Vale District YC - Alex Jenkins If you have any questions or need any support, please don't hesitate to get in touch youth.commissioner@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk

Archery We have been made aware that some Archery Kit that has been stolen within the County. A total of 8 Compound bows (2 Diamond, 2 Genesis, 2 Mini-Genesis, 1 Genesis Pro and 1 Hoyt Rucus with Spot Hog rest plus a selection of sights and scopes). Also a 10-Bow Pack of 'Arrows' adapted kit which is used for the School Games. If anybody is offered any of this kit please let us know.

************************* A Gloucestershirer Cub Pack was visiting their local Fire Station. A Firefighter held up a smoke alarm and asked if any of them knew what it was.

One Sixer said “Yes. It’s how my Mum knows when dinner’s ready.”

8

Cotswold District This District is to be found in the south west of the County bordering Wiltshire to the south and Oxfordshire to the east. It was originally called ‘Cirencester, Fairford and District‘ but underwent a name change in October 2005. Since the District badge was unnamed there was no necessity for any other action than to amend the District name.

In common with most other Gloucestershire District badges, it was designed by the late Keith Robinson (a former DC and long time International Badgers Club member #963). This unnamed badge features a phoenix rising from the flames and is a symbol that has long been associated with the Roman town of Cirencester or Corinium. Two Cotswold rivers flow through the town, as well as the disputed source of the Thames, all of which are represented by the blue wavy line below the phoenix. Beneath this is to be found a woolsack, shears and crossed crooks which reflect the importance of the wool trade for which this part of the country is famous. The design is on a bottle green background with similar coloured binding, as are most of the Gloucestershire District badges. The badge was issued in September 1985 as a single bound variety with the badge going ‘double’ in November 1992.

Currently (2015) the District has six Scout Groups, these being 1st Cirencester, 1st Fairford, 1st Lechlade, 1st South Cerney, 2nd Cirencester ( Stratton) and Deer Park ( Kemble). In addition it has two Explorer Scout Units, Coln Saxon (1st Fairford) and Churn Valley (1st Cirencester) and had a total census figure (youth and leaders ) of 373 for this year.

9

How Come Bob’s Dinosaurs?

Wonderful story with sadness.

10th All Saints’ became the base for Bob’s Dinosaurs ESU in January 2009, at the old Civil Defence building in Pittville Park, Cheltenham. Two soldier parents were asked to run this new Unit, Major Richard Angove and Sergeant Sandy Campbell.

Dr. Bob Lyle was one of the founders of 10th All Saints’ move from the Church to the new base more than twenty five years earlier. A past District Commissioner of Cheltenham and County Commissioner of Gloucestershire., Dr. Bob had a really good sense of fun! He presented the Unit with a cast of a Dinosaur’s footprint (made by himself).

There you have it! Bob’s Dinosaurs.

Major Angove was killed in a car accident in November 2011. In May 2011 Leader Alex Wright’s manslaughter trial was completed, after his death in September 2008.

I joined Sandy in July 2012, preparing for the first Richard Angove Memorial 60K Triathlon.

The third Richard Angove and Alex Wright Memorial 60K Triathlon was cancelled/postponed last year. We hope to gain this back in the future.

Prrestbury is mourning a giant of the community following the death of Dr Bob Lyle. Dr Lyle, who used to run the village's GP practice at Tatchley House, died in September 2008, aged 82.

His family received hundreds of letters from people in Prestbury who knew him. Dr Lyle's widow, Barbara, 83, said: "We've had so many letters saying that he was a real friend, that he was so gentle and understanding, that he gave wise counsel, and he was helpful and humorous."

As well as working as a doctor from 1953 until retirement in 2000, Dr Lyle was active in the community. He was churchwarden for St Mary's Church, Chairman of Prestbury United Charities, a Governor of St Mary's School in Bouncer's Lane and held a number of posts in the Scout movement, including Cheltenham District and Gloucestershire County Commissioner, and more latterly Cheltenham District President.

Mrs Lyle said: "The Venture Scouts used to meet in a room above the garage here and they called him the Prestbury Troop’s “Honorary Surgeon".

Dr Lyle's daughter, Anthea, 57, said: "He always liked to be usefully employed, and he liked to give his time to other people."

Dr Lyle was a keen woodturner and loved to walk in the countryside around Cheltenham.

Anthea said he was a great teaser. She said: "Every April Fool's Day he'd think up some plausible ruse and fool us. One day he had us three children all queuing up jittering because we thought we had to have flu jabs."

Friend John Fogarty, who runs the Bakery Stores in Prestbury, said: "I'm devastated, and the whole village is upset."

Born in Maidstone in Kent in 1925, Dr Lyle completed his medical training at St Mary's Hospital in London and served in the Royal Navy.

After working in Stow-on-the-Wold, he took over the surgery at Tatchley House, on the corner of Prestbury Road and New Barn Lane. He was made an MBE in 1983.

He is survived by his widow Barbara, children Anthea, Nigel and David and ten grandchildren .

Shelley Wright

10

Bob’s Dinosaurs visit London, December 2016 Seventeen travelled to London in early December 2016. They descended on Richmond, Waterloo, Westminster Bridge, Covent Garden, Regent Street, Hamleys, Camden Market, Leicester Square, Pizza Express, M & M Store, The Eye and, this year ,"The Gherkin". On Sunday morning they spent an hour out on the Thames.

Unlike most Venture Scouts, this chap is able to remain completely stationary for long periods. Is his name Long John Silver?

The Dinosaurs in a pickle by The Gherkin.

What happens to Venture Scout Leaders if they get left behind.

11

Cotswold Marathon

Senior Trophy and Guest Trophy Winners Well — what a weekend! Travelled down to Gloucester to complete the Cotswold Marathon, 30 miles night hike, up and down several valleys and hills! Completed it in 11 hours and 56 minutes and actually walked 31.3 miles!?!? Thanks to Damien and James for saying yes to this challenge. I think it paid off as we won two trophies!

Woo, hoo!! Thanks to all the volunteers and organisers of the event as it wouldn’t be able to happen. Also thanks to Andrew who drove us down and back, so we didn’t have to risk travelling home!

Bablake Network

This cracking bunch of our Explorer Scouts completed the Cotswold Marathon Gold route (30 miles) in 11hrs 9mins.

Cracking job guys, Well Done!!

Chloe & Ant Hall (Cotswold Vale District)

12

Javelin ESU Fantastic dedication from an Explorer.

Last night I spent sat on a checkpoint for the Cotswold Marathon, a 10-, 20-, and 30-mile overnight walk around Gloucestershire. This was what was left of an Explorer from Southampton’s hiking boot after 17 miles. His determination and high spirits kept him going, despite having no sole to his boot. He left our checkpoint with a carrier bag around what was left. Phil Hallett, you should be proud of them all, coming this far from home with no practice on the route..

Chris Lodwig and the others

Scouts support the Sennedd & Quayside Rally, a mass paddle on February14th across Cardiff Bay, organised to support an online petition calling for a bill to establish public rights to access land and water for outdoor activities.

13

Gloucester Gang Show The cast and crew of Gloucester Gang Show 2017 have been working really hard to put together another fantastic show to impress their audiences. For those on stage it really helps them to shine brighter seeing people there to appreciate their talents. The show is running a discounted ticket offer for Scouts of £6.50 per Young Person and £8.50 per Adult, available for all shows apart from Saturday Evening.

More information at glosgangshow.co.uk

Bell Boats Helm Course Bell boats are vessels that can carry between 8 and 12 people and are very stable. We are excited to be able to offer a one-day course to teach you the basics and provide the opportunity to gain a permit in this unusual activity. Courses are running on the 25th March, 1st April and the 22nd April and will cost £50.

For more information on bell boating, see www.scouts.org.uk — Members’ Resources. To book please email Andy Train (atrain1@btinternet.com). If you have any questions please email Shelley

Hillwalking The County Mountain Activities Team has organised a number of adult training opportunities.

13-15th October 2017 - T2 Permit hillwalking training weekend Lake District National Park.

17th-19th Nov. 2017 - Hillwalking Permit assessment weekend in Snowdonia National Park.

Registering an interest in hillwalking training and assessment - if you are looking to take young people in Scouting into the hills and mountains and do not currently hold a permit, then we would like to hear from you. For further details please contact Glenn Hemsley (hillwalking@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk).

Outdoor Specific First Aid Training The County Mountain Activities Team is looking to organise another Remote Emergency Care (REC) Level 2 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course, using the same First Aid Trainer as Dartmoor Mountain Rescue Team. If you would be interested, then please contact Glenn Hemsley (hillwalking@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk).

The International Badgers Club will be holding a long weekend meeting over Easter - 14th-17th April at Woodhouse Park, Almondsbury. Thousands of Scout and Guide badges from all over the World for sale or swop — or just come and admire them!

Visitors welcome.

14

Tristan da Cunha

In the last two editions of gscouts we looked at Ascension Island and St Helena. These two isolated islands are linked with Tristan da Cunha as British Overseas Territories. Often called ‘The Lonely Island', Tristan da Cunha is the remotest inhabited island on earth. It was discovered 510 years ago by the Portuguese navigator, Tristão d'Acunho, who named it after himself. It was first surveyed by the crew of the French frigate, L'Heure du Berger, in 1767, and was frequently visited by sealers and whalers in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Fresh water was available from a large waterfall and a lake near the north coast.

Tristan, less than eight miles across, lies at 37° 05' S, about as far below the Equator as Lisbon is north of it. It is 2318 miles south of Ascension Island, 1240 miles from St. Helena, and 1736 miles west of Cape Town. It sits in the band of the Roaring Forties, with its changeable and sometimes violent weather.

There is a small settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, on a plain in the north. The population of 256 own 100 cars, although the only road is just under four miles long!

The island is the tip of an ancient volcano on the east side of the mid-Atlantic ridge, rising over 2,000 feet from the sea bed to the top of Queen Mary’s Peak 6765 feet above sea level. The islands are subject to earthquakes, with a cliff section in one place slipping 230 feet.

Sir Ernest Shackleton, the great Antarctic explorer, died in South Georgia in January 1922. After burying him there, his ship, the Norwegian sealer Quest set course north for Tristan da Cunha and on May 20th 1922 anchored in a small bay, which was renamed in her honour. The crew were entertained for five days by the 300 or so inhabitants of one of the most remote islands in the world, originally settled by six British Colonists.

15

Earlier in the year Baden-Powell had made provision for the Scout Group on the island, sending a signed photograph to its Scout Master, Rev. Rodgers, who was also the Minister and senior British Representative on the island. His wife Rose later wrote The Lonely Island, in which she records: “The great events on the second and the third days of the Quest's visit were the presentation of the Troop flag, specially given for the Tristan da Cunha Troop by the Chief Scout, and the erection of the wireless pole. The Scouts were paraded outside the School House with my husband in Scout kit at their head, with Commander Wild present and myself as A.S.M. P/L James Marr of the 1st Aberdeen, had been specially selected by Shackleton to be part of the crew on his expedition in Quest. The addition of a Boy Scout to his crew would attract press publicity and capture the public imagination. Scout Marr presented the flag, which was received by the Patrol Leader, Donald Glass, on behalf of Scouting, and after the boys had given the salute and had been dismissed, Marr came up with us to the parsonage and had a meal of damper bread and tea. We had a pleasant talk on Scouting and other matters. He was in Highland dress as a Scottish Scout Patrol Leader, and the Tristan folk, who had never seen the kilt, were much impressed. Scout Marr is a big, hefty fellow, and his fine manly style was a great help to our lads, and he must have been a valuable asset to the Quest’’s crew."

Thanks to James Marr's own book, we have his own description of the event: “I

accomplished the ceremony in due form: regretting that I lacked the ability to deliver an

inspiring speech; and then after it was all over - after I had inspected the Scouts...I endeavoured to tell them what Scouting really meant.”

A number of the photos of this event and Scouting on Tristan are shown on their stamp issues, first introduced in 1950 (these now form the island's principal source of revenue!). The 50th anniversary of the event in 1972 was marked by the issue of a set of stamps of artist's drawings, based on the photographs taken at the time with Marr.

The 75th anniversary of Scouting 1982 set shows the troop in camp.

There is also a 2007 Scout Centenary set showing more Scout photos, despite Scouting having closed down sometime in the 1980s. The date is not clear but the SL of the 1st Ascension Island visited them around that time There are mentions of the troop in ‘HQ Gazette’, the forerunner of ‘The Scouter’, from 1921.

Four years after the Quest’s visit, the RRS Discovery called, followed by a string of cruise ships. In 1936,The Daily Telegraph of London reported the population of the island was 167 16

individuals, with 185 cattle and 42 horses.

In 1942 a weather station was constructed, the island labourers being paid in supplies, such as wood, paint and tea, as money had not been introduced. In the next ten years the island had a resident doctor, teacher, factory manager, agriculturist and Public Works Department official.

Earth tremors and rock falls began to disturb islanders from 6 August 1961. On 10 October 1961, the eruption of Queen Mary's Peak forced the evacuation of the entire population. The Administrator decided to evacuate the islanders who were taken to the Cape. All domestic and farm animals had to be left behind. Because of South Africa’s strict apartheid laws, the Islanders decided to go onwards to England. They were settled in an old Royal Air Force camp near Calshot, Hampshire.

In 1962, the Royal Society mounted an expedition to investigate the eruption. Although volcanic activity was still in evidence, only one house had been destroyed by cinders landing on the roof. It appeared that some of the houses had been looted and the door of the safe in the Post Office had been prized open. Many of the domestic animals had fared Tristan da Cunha in 2013, as seen well, but the dogs and cats had reverted to the wild, and the

from the International Space Station

dogs in particular had devastated the island’s sheep population. It was considered that the volcanic activity had diminished sufficiently to allow the islanders to return. England was experiencing a severe winter and the Tristanians were being pestered by journalists and medical research teams. There were concerns, which turned out to be unfounded, about the size of the gene pool (there were only seven surnames until 1986, presently there are 80 families with nine surnames). Almost all of them wanted to go home. The Tristan Development Company in Capetown was anxious to re-establish its profitable crawfish cannery despite the factory having been completely destroyed by a lava flow.

Two hundred and sixty-eight people had been evacuated from Tristan in 1961, fourteen elected to stay behind in England. The harbour was rebuilt in 1965 and the crawfish industry thrived. The island now has a grocery store, a radio station, a café, a video shop and a swimming pool. Television became available in 2001, offering just the BFBS programmes for the Falkland Islands. A mail ship, the RMS St. Helena, calls once a year, bringing mail, canned food, videos, books, magazines, medical items and occasionally a visitor! However, this service is likely to be withdrawn in the very near future and the islanders will have to rely on irregular visits by fishing and research ships.

John Morton (with acknowledgement to Tony Dunn, DDC France & Iberia (British Scouting Overseas), Scouting Milestones, Wikipedia, etc.)

17

From THE SCOUTER - August, 1943 SCOUTING ON TRISTAN DA CUNHA by Edward Tristan Rogers, S.M. 93rd Leicester (Mr. Rogers was born on the island of Tristan da Cunha, where his father was Governor and Group-Scoutmaster for several years. Mr. Rogers came back to this country to college, and was training for the priesthood when the war began. He became S.M. of the 93rd Leicester but is now serving as a volunteer in the Army. He hopes to go back to Tristan after the war.)

If you look at a large map of the world you will find three tiny dots in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean almost midway between South Africa and South America. The largest island represented by these dots, and the only inhabited one, is the loneliest island in the British Empire, and is distinguished for the fact that every boy of suitable age on it is a Scout.

Scouts of Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha is very isolated, the nearest inhabited land, St. Helena, being 1,300 miles away to the North.

It is out of the regular shipping routes and the islanders think they are extremely lucky if the mail boat arrives once a year.

My father went to the island as Missionary-Governor in 1922, and during his period of office I was born on the island. One of his first actions was to found a Scout Troop. This at first consisted of one Patrol named the Penguins, after the golden-crested birds which come up to the island rookeries every September to lay their eggs.

We were fortunately able to build one of the island-cottages as our headquarters. This was a one-storey building. Assisted by their fathers, the boys built up three walls with the soft stone from the mountain-side, the slope itself forming the back of our den. The roof was thatched with tussock grass. We left holes in the wall facing the sea for doors and windows.

Here we had some difficulty, as there was no glass or wood to be obtained on the island.

Some of the boys went down to the beach and gathered numerous bits of driftwood of all sizes and shapes. These were pieced together to form a door, and a bent nail and a piece of string provided the means of keeping it shut. We had enough driftwood over to make a wooden shutter for the window. The duty Scouts took this out every morning and put it back again at night.

We furnished our den very simply with a wooden table, a bench and a large sea-chest in which we stored our equipment. When we had built a large, open stone fireplace, the den was ready for decoration and use. A halyard was put up for a Union Jack. Our Troop Flag, which was given by the late Chief Scout and presented to us by Scout Marr, of the Quest, occupied one corner, a Patrol screen another comer, and round the walls were pictures clipped out of various newspapers and magazines which showed some Scouting activity.

Our programme was naturally very varied. The boys soon passed their Tenderfoot badges and got on to their Second Class. The Saturday afternoon programmes were very popular, and the Troop had so many applications for membership that after the first year every boy on the island who was of suitable age had joined, and we were able to form two additional Patrols.

The boys, who came to the meeting in their ordinary clothes before obtaining their uniform, 18

always reminded me of Napoleon, as they wore tight, long, white knee-breeches and white stockings. Our Scouts used to make their own moccasins from the hide of a bullock or donkey.

They painted these, and sewed them together with grass. The only trouble was that these had to be worn wet, and very soon wore out on the rocks.

When the Troop got bigger we formed a Sea Scout Patrol. Three boys built their own boats by stretching canvas over a wooden frame; they soon became excellent seamen.

Our first camp was held at Easter, early in the year. We spent most of the time exploring the caves on Inaccessible Island, sleeping in these at night. Later on in the summer we had many more camps. At the summer camp, a midnight torchlight climb and hike up the mountain was one of the most popular events.

Tracking and stalking were two of the activities the boys of the island were keen on. One of the parents presented a trophy for the Inter-Patrol first-aid competition. Mapping was another activity which the boys liked. The maps which they made would seem a little curious to the reader, as the island names are very unusual, e.g. “the ridge where the goat jumped off” and “the beach where the parson landed his things”.

The boys were very pleased once when one of the Scouts spotted a warship bringing stores and mail, and received a reply to his semaphore message of welcome. The arrival of a ship was such a rare event that it was a time for holiday. The isolation made some serious difficulties for the Troop, which, however, we overcame in true Scouting fashion. The first was the difficulty of equipment. If we ordered something by return of post, it was three years before we received an answer. Secondly, stores of food, etc., had to be severely rationed. But the boys soon learned to improvise, and when they had to wash without soap, wood-ash rubbed over their hands was an effective substitute. When we ran out of matches at camp, each Patrol took it in turns to keep their fire alight all night, so that the others could light their cooking-fires in the morning.

We once played a wide-game — prospecting for gold. This was very real, as Tristan was once the home of pirates, and tradition has it that they buried their treasure in the bushes close to the waterfall. But even by taking compass directions and estimating distances and checking them as we followed the map, we were unable to find the treasure, so it is still there to-day, if anyone likes to go and find it. Perhaps it is because Tristan has no money or shops, and business is done by barter, that the people do not bother to spend their time hunting for the buried treasure.

Naturally our scope for proficiency badges is very small in such a tiny place away from civilisation. For example, boys who have never seen a bicycle do not need a Cyclist’s badge.

One of my happiest experiences just before the war was to have a visit from Donald Glass, the first Patrol Leader of the Penguins, who had worked his passage to this country via Cape Town and New York to take a post in London.

In the past unfortunately the Tristan Troop has not been able to see much of other Scouts, as the nearest Troop is 1,560 miles away, but they have sent messages to the World Jamborees and received messages from brother Scouts all over the world.

To-day they are doing war work and national service of various kinds. Like many other Troops, they have lost their Scoutmaster through the war, but the Troop is carrying on. Tristan has the spirit of Scouting, and one day I hope to return to help kindle it afresh.

19

David Hart 1938 - 2017 Former Scout District Chairman David passed away on the 6th January 2017; his funeral took place on the 24th January.

Scouting was represented at the service by Leaders and friends from the Forest of Dean and Romford Scout Districts He started Scouting first as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader in 1956 in Romford and then Cub Scout Leader and continued with the Group as Group Scout leader before being appointed District Cub Scout Leader. David then joined the District as Assistant District Commissioner, before his appointment as District Secretary from June 1977 to August 1989, when he took on the role of District Commissioner until June 1998.

Although David moved to the Forest of Dean with his wife Beryl, they both maintained their link with Romford, first with their membership of the Scout Fellowship in Romford and then, in January 2000, David was appointed Honorary District Vice President.

On moving to the Forest of Dean in David was appointed District Chairman in June 1998. David brought a lot of experience and a needed fresh eye to the District and was a great support to the DC and the Executive Committee. In 2010 he joined the appointments panel as Chairman before retiring in 2015.

The Scout Association recognised his Scouting contribution over the many years by the award of the Medal of Merit in 1971 followed by the Silver Acorn in 1982 and the Chief Scout awarded him the Silver Wolf in 1997 for his further outstanding contribution to Scouting. He was also the holder of the 50-years Long Service award.

Both the Forest and Romford and all his Scouting friends near and far have lost a valued friend.

Our thoughts and condolences go Beryl and family especially at this time of the year.

20

21

22

CUBS 100 PROMISE RENEWAL ON 16 DECEMBER 2016

1st Ruardean Cubs (Royal Forest of Dean District) had a lovely evening at Lydbrook Church on 16/12/16 for their 100-year Promise renewal. We took part in the Church's annual Christmas tree festival by decorating a tree called Cubs 100.

Each Cub and Leader made decorations which had a Scouting theme; we also tried to colourco-ordinate it with our red and white neckerchief.

The District Commissioner, Gary Law, was invited and invested 5 new Cubs and 3 Leaders (2 Cub and 1 Scout); he then presented the whole pack with the badges they had earned during the last term.

Each Cub then made a wooden Scout symbol decoration to take home and place on their own tree

23

B-P and Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) from An Official History of Scouting, published by Hamlyn It is probable that the 26-year-old B-P and the 18-year-old Rudyard Kipling met for the first time at the Central Museum, Lahore, in 1883, when B-P was on leave visiting his half-brother. Both Kipling and B-P were involved with the Simla Amateur Dramatic Club at different times, but it was Kipling's friendship with, and admiration for, Lord Roberts that kept him in touch with Baden -Powell throughout B-P's career. Both Kipling and B-P later supported Lord Roberts's creation of the National Service League B-P met Kipling again in South Africa in 1900 and 1906. Kipling was writing the Just So Stories, including the separately published 'The Tabu Tale' about a little girl whose father teaches her to scout. B-P discussed with Kipling his idea for turning Aids to Scouting for NCOs and Men into a book for 'civilian use'. Kipling supported B-P's new movement and was happy to allow B-P to quote from his poetry, his books and his journalistic reports on military matters. Kipling's Kim is quoted more than once in Scouting for Boys, and many excerpts from his work appear in The Scout magazine. Kipling was invited to attend various Scout events in Britain, and he wrote the 'Boy Scouts' Patrol Song’ for the 1909 Crystal Palace Rally. B-P had invited Kipling's son, John, to join one of the earliest Scout camps (Buckler's Hard), and when John went 'missing, believed killed' at the Battle of Loos in September 1915, B-P sent a letter of condolence.

Each 'Bite' of the Wolf Cub's Handbook revolves around a Mowgli story from Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Kipling's tolerance of B-P's treatment of his work shows the extent of his approval of the cause. Writing to B-P to congratulate him on his barony, Kipling applauded the way in which B-P had 'changed the outlook of Young England in the last 12 years'.

Kipling was later made honorary Commissioner of Wolf Cubs. In turn, he created the Land and Sea Tales for Scouts and Guides (1923), compiled from previously published short stories and poems and some specially written pieces. 'His Gift’ is a story about an overweight and unmotivated boy who discovers a new and important talent at Scout camp. It showed, with uncanny perception, that Scouting was valuable for even the most unlikely and unathletic people.

Why Science teachers should not be given playground duty 24

A Way of Teaching the History of Scouting Shelley Wright sent in the following from Ken Gaskill, a Leader in Bradford: Getting the history across to our kids is something I try and make fun. Thought this might be of use. I have used it at District events as well.

I play musical statues. I don’t do it as a knock-out game; instead I do it as a team game. The team that freezes the best gets the point. The team with the most points at the end is the winner. I use this song that I put together. Over time, and having sung it on various occasions, it gives the basics. It is a case of drip feeding. I use it across Beavers and Cubs. I also put it up on the screen. The song gives the history of Scouting. Granted, I play the guitar which helps. It goes to the tune of The Battle Hymn of the Republic Chorus And now we’re all going Scouting, And now we’re all going Scouting, And now we’re all going Scouting — Our journey has begun.

1. Baden Powell was the hero of the siege of Mafeking.

He and his young scouts kept the people safe within.

Then in 1900, when the army entered in, they all went marching on.

2. In 1907, Baden Powell led a camp. They went to Brownsea Island and they lived out on the land.

They played, they sang and learnt woodcraft and had a lot of fun and they all went marching on.

3. In 1908, Baden Powell sold his book, “Scouting for Boys” was the title that he took.

There were 60,000 Scouts by the end of that year and they all went marching on.

4. In 1910, Scouts was full of boys and girls. But some folks were shocked, and they got in quite a twirl.

But BP had the answer, and he started Guides for girls and they all went marching on.

5. The Wolf Cubs was formed in 1916. Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”, provided their theme.

The Cub Scouts have adventures and will always “Be Prepared” and they all go marching on.

6. In 1976, girls could join the Venture Scouts. Then in 1990, they were coming to the Scouts.

In 2007, it was Scouts for girls and boys and they all went marching on.

7. In 1986, Beavers came to join the fun; they opened lots of Colonies, - it was Scouting for the young.

Scouting is a Movement that was made for boys and girls and they all go marching on.

25

Everybody, Anybody, Somebody, Nobody and Someone Else Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it, and Anybody could have done it. But in the end Nobody always ended up completing the task.

When Nobody did it, Somebody was angry because it was Everybody's job, but Everybody thought that Somebody would do it instead. Now Nobody realized that Nobody would do it, so consequently Everybody blamed Somebody, when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.

Now, as you may have guessed, these four were active, busy people, but what they accomplished was a shame and Everybody knew it. You see Everybody had a good idea, but Everybody thought Somebody would follow it through. However Somebody thought Anybody would deal with it and Anybody thought Everybody should do it. So Nobody ended up working on it...

Now one day a contest was announced. Everybody thought Anybody could win the prize: Anybody thought Somebody would win, and Somebody thought Everybody would get a prize.

Nobody worked very hard, thus Nobody won the prize!

All these people worked at a firm and at this firm worked Someone Else. Now the four were greatly saddened to learn of the death of one of the most valuable members - Someone Else.

Someone Else’s passing created a vacancy that would be difficult to fill. He had been around for years and for every one of those years, he did far more than a normal person's share of work.

Whenever Anybody mentioned leadership, Somebody always looked to this wonderful person for inspiration and results: "Someone Else can do that job!"

When there was a job to do, a need to be filled or a need for leadership, one name always came up........Someone Else. Everyone knew Someone else was the largest giver of time and money.

Whenever there was a financial need, Everybody, Anybody and Somebody always assumed that Someone Else would make up the difference. Now Someone Else was gone, and the friends all wondered what they would do. No longer could they utter the words "Let Someone Else do it".

If it is going to be done, one of them will have to do it....and I guess most of the time it will be Nobody.

26

Royal Three Counties Show Occasional Badge 2017 After the success of the Royal Three Counties Show Occasional Badge in 2016, the Three Counties Agricultural Society is pleased to announce that the initiative will return for 2017. The Royal Three Counties Show will run on the 16-18th June 2017 at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern. The opportunity is available for all Scout Sections, as well as being open to the Girl Guiding Community.

Participation in the free badge includes pre-booked free admission to the show, with a discounted ticket available to parents/guardians.

The aim of this badge (which can be worn on uniforms for up to 12 months from the show) is to celebrate and learn what the countryside has to offer to people of all ages and backgrounds. To this end, the badge can be gained by: Attending The Royal Three Counties Show one day between the 16th and 18th June 2017. Admission is free providing you pre-book.

Going to a number of events/stands/areas while at the show as per the badge criteria (which will be released shortly).

Reporting back on some of what you have learnt and seen at the show as per the badge criteria. The badge criteria are currently being created for the three different age groups.

Further details of the Royal Three Counties Show can be found on their website at: www.threecounties.co.uk/threecounties The Occasional Badges will be available for Leaders pre-booked to pick up at the show from the Showground Office - to be presented to young people at a normal section meeting after the remainder of the badge has been completed.

Typically we expect Colonies, Packs and Troops to attend as a unit; with one overall Leader and one more Leader per 6 Beavers, 8 Cubs or 12 Scouts (as per POR). These Leaders (including Young Leaders) in uniform will be offered free pre-booked tickets to the show. In addition, one parent per child will be offered a discounted pre-booked ticket at ÂŁ15.00 to enter the show. The showground offers free parking to all that attend (with special parking for mini-bus and similar transport). All ticket applications should be submitted by the Beaver/ Cub/Scout Leader and sent in one transaction to Tessa Warby at showsupport@threecounties.co.uk or alternatively sent by post to Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW. Applications must be received by 1st June 2017 for the 2017 show and you will need to provide a mobile contact number for emergencies during your attendance. For more information please contact Tessa Warby at: showsupport@threecounties.co.uk . The Three Counties Showground in Malvern (postcode WR13 6NW) is a large, safe site and well signposted from motorways and main roads in the area. However the roads are likely to be busy on show days - so please allow plenty of time to get to the showground. The showground includes a lost children and items stand (in case of problems) and has plenty of toilet and refreshment facilities. When you pre-book your tickets you'll also be provided with details of a meeting point. We hope that you'll consider taking your Beaver Colony, Cub Pack or Scout Troop to this unique event and get your young people to gain this Occasional Badge!

27

gscouts is edited by John Morton editor@gscouts.org.uk 01453 452159

Please send contributions, news and pictures to: magazine@gscouts.org.uk

For information visit gscouts.org.uk or phone the County Office 01452 812309

28