gscouts News and Views for Scouting in Gloucestershire September 2015
Scuba Open Water Weekends May 2015 Five Scouts achieved the PADI Open Water Scuba Diver qualification
Badge Courses: Paddy Langham
paddydj.langham@btopenworld.com
County Administrator: Louise Little
admin@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk 0930 am-1.30 pm
01452 814256
County Public Relations Adviser: Cindy Fowler
media@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk
Cranham Scout Centre: Mary Large
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 0845 300 1818 Saturday 9.00 am –12 midday 020 8433 7100
County Executive Committee Changes Following, the County AGM held on 20th September 2015, I am pleased to announce the following changes to the County Executive Committee:
Joan Goldsmith has stood down as Chairman and has been replaced by Stephen Lake. Stephen is Dean of Gloucester, responsible for Gloucester Cathedral which welcomes over 300,000 visitors a year. He is a Queens Scout and has always been involved in Scouting. He has just concluded a five year term as a National Trustee of the Scout Association. Stephen has been a Leader in each section at various times, a District Chairman, an Assistant County Commissioner and County Chaplain. He has chaired the Headquarters and County Appointments Committees. Stephen is committed to Vision 2018 and the constant development of the Movement for all young people. An Explorer Scout Unit has just been established at the cathedral.
Members elected to the Executive Committee are Adam Griffiths, Ann Haseler, Colin Steward, Noel Hopes and Peter Aldridge.
Members nominated by the County Commissioner are Dave Hall, Tony Dover, Joan Goldsmith and Lauren Greening (Gloucestershire’s Youth Commissioner). David Goldsmith has offered to take on the role of Chairman of the County Appointments Advisory Committee, a role previously held by Stephen Lake. I am very pleased to welcome the new trustees to the Committee and and am most grateful to those who have offered to return. We have some challenging decisions to make. Please keep in touch with them and support them in this important role. Best wishes to you all.
Paul Paul D. Trott County Commissioner
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gscouts September 2015 Contents County Appointments ………………………………………………………………………………….4 Outward Bound Bursary-funded course ……………………………………………………………..4 Editorial ………………………………………………………………………………………………...6 Stroud and Tetbury District …………………………………………………………………………...6 County Mountain Activities – Hillwalking Assessment options …………….……………...……..7 Survival Skills Weekend ……………………………………………………………………………….8 Mountain Activities Long Weekend ………………………………………………………………….8 Scuba Open Water Weekend …………………….………………………………………….……….9 Discover Scuba Diving …………………………………………………………………………….....10 Helping other people ………………………………………………………………………………….11 Haarlem Practice Camp ………………………………………………………….…………………..11 Haarlem Jamborette ……………………………………………………………………………….....12 Nautical Skills Weekend report …………………………………………………………………..….13 County Air Rifle Shooting Competition ……………………………………………………………...13 Gloucestershire County Multi-activity weekend ………………………………………………...….14 Ten Tors 2016 …………………………………………………………………………………...…….14 Flight Path ……………………………………………………………………………………………...15 A mountain hike helps in the classroom — Bear Grylls ………………………………….…….....16 An OS Rebus …………………………………………………………………………………………..18 An OS Rebus — Answers ……………………………………………………………..………’…….19 Seniors Texting Code ………………………………………………………………………………...19 Gloucestershire Adult Training ……………………………………………………………………....20 GSL Training …………………………………………………………………………………………..21 Chief Scout’s Awards Evenings ……………………………………………………………………..21 County Cub Centenary Camp …………………………………………………………………….....22 I’m a Leader …………………………………………………………………………………………...23 ************************* The first T-shirt was aimed at bachelors who couldn’t sew on buttons 3
County Appointments I would like to announce two County Appointments that have been made recently.
First Nicola Hewlett, who will be known to many as one of our County Trainers and a former Cub Scout Leader, has agreed to take on the role of Local Training Manager with responsibility for Cotswold District. Nicola is keen to make contact with any Leaders who need help in completing their adult training, so please drop her a line at nichewlett@talktalk.net. Secondly, I am pleased to announce that Lauren Greening has been appointed as Gloucestershire’s first County Youth Commissioner. Lauren is well known as the Chair of Gloucestershire Scout Network, as well as serving as a Beaver Scout and Explorer Scout Leader. Lauren will be working with me to ensure that the views and perspectives of all our young members are given pride of place in our planning and decision-making. I am delighted that Lauren has agreed to take on this role and I look forward to working with her. Paul D.. Trott County Commissioner
Nominations required for the Gloucestershire Constabulary and Gloucestershire Outward Bound Association 2016 bursary-funded course With the support of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gloucestershire, the next Outward Bound (bursary-funded) course will run from the 8th of February to the 12th of February 2016, at The Outward Bound Centre, Aberdovey, Wales. The aim of the Outward Bound Bursary is to provide an opportunity for young people to develop their potential and to recognise the positive contribution many of them make to their communities. The Association and the Constabulary are committed to promoting equality and diversity, though nominations should include young people: Aged between 13 and 18 years old and reasonably fit. Who have shown great commitment or courage by setting up or running local youth/ community activities or dealing with a serious or long-term situation. Who have shown leadership potential in peer groups/community and provide positive behaviours acting as role models. Who are at risk of being socially excluded or may lack appropriate adult support and have low self-esteem and little confidence. Who will participate in a selection process. However please note the course is not designed to reward offending or be seen as part of a diversion programme. 4
This year, with additional financial support, 30 places are available and you are invited to submit nominations, using the forms from your DC, to be returned by Friday 24th October 2015. You may nominate more than one young person, though if you submit multiple nominations please place them in order of preference. Obviously not all young people will be selected for participation. Last year over 45 nominations were received, and the young person will need to be prepared to take part in adventurous and sometimes strenuous activities and make new friends, as they may be the only one selected to take part from a particular setting. It is very important that both forms, entitled Nomination and Evaluation (available from your DC), are completed and returned to myself by Friday 23rd October 2015. (details include: Full name, DOB, address, contact number/mobile numbers, e-mail address, reasons why you believe them to be suitable and deserving for this course, accurate pen portrait of the nominee). As this initially forms part of the selection process, please write as much detail on the young person as you can – also particularly keen to increase numbers with girls, as last year, within our group of 20, only 5 girls took part. Evaluations will be requested pre- to post-course and your support on completing these forms is appreciated in our future funding. Further information about the courses or the centre, please use the below links: www.outwardbound.org.uk/schools-a-colleges/our-courses.html www.outwardbound.org.uk/schools-a-colleges/course-venues.html Nominees should also be made aware of the structure, nature of activities as well as The Outward Bound Trust policy on Fitness, smoking/mobile phones (pg 4 - pdf) http://www.outwardbound.org.uk/images/pdf/schools/pre-course-information.pdf If you have any further questions or wish to have more information please don’t hesitate to contact me either by e-mail or direct phone line. Please forward all completed forms as shown: PC Nicki Dannatt, Co-ordinator Outward Bound Police Bursary Scheme, Gloucestershire Constabulary, C/O Public Protection Unit, 1 Waterwells, Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, GL2 2AN. Email: Nicola.dannatt@gloucestershire.pnn.police.uk Nicki Dannatt Police Constable 1447 Scheme Co-ordinator Child Sexual Exploitation Unit – Public Protection Bureau Gloucestershire Constabulary County Police Headquarters l No 1 Waterwells| Waterwells Drive | Quedgeley l GL2 2AN Personal - 01452 753284 | Group (01452) 752037 | Force Control Room - 101 www.gloucestershire.police.uk
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Editorial Louise Little, County Administrator, is considering setting up a campsite directory on the website – tried and tested places that people may not have heard of.
She is asking for
people to send in suggestions, hopefully accompanied with photos. This could be within Gloucestershire and beyond. (See inside front cover for contact details).
Stroud & Tetbury District
Stroud & Tetbury District has 17 Groups and 3 Explorer Units. Its District Headquarters is a large hall with an area for small camps at Leonard Stanley. The District Campsite at Pennwood can accommodate up to 75 campers and has a log cabin suitable for indoor activities. Their early badge depicts a mill wheel, representing the processing of wool on the River Frome at Stroud, and two dolphins, the symbol of Tetbury. The current design adds a representation of the river and the Stroudwater Navigation and also a small red rectangle. This last is a reminder of the red cloth manufactured in Stroud for the uniforms of 18th- and 19th-century British soldiers. A similarly-textured green baize for covering snooker and card tables is still produced in the town. Dolphins first appear as a symbol of Tetbury in the mid-17th century. A trade token dated 1669 depicts two, though their origin remains a mystery. However, there is a speculation that they featured in the livery badges worn by servants of the Berkeley family, who formerly owned Tetbury, though they are not found in their official coat of arms. The name Stroud comes from an Old English word meaning ‘marshy land overgrown with brushwood’. Halfway up the side of the valley to the south of Stroud is a small collection of houses called Thrupp — and, not far south of that, another called Far Thrupp! At the Phoenix Iron Works at Thrupp, In 1830, Edwin Budding made the world’s first lawnmower, which is now in the museum in Stroud. Tetbury originated as the borough, or manor, near Tette’s monastery. Tette was a sister of the 7th-century King Ine of Wessex and was the Abbess of Wimborne, who must have had jurisdiction over a monastery here. ************************* Apparently cricket is becoming popular in Wales. There is a slight change in the rules for games west of Offa’s Dyke. You can be out LLBW. 6
Gloucester County Mountain Activities — Hillwalking Assessment options The following are the options offered by the Gloucestershire County Mountain Activities Advisers for those wishing to undertake an assessment for a Hillwalking permit, in order to take Scouting groups above 500m into T1 and T2 Terrain. Weekend (A1) – Location: Dartmoor The goal of this weekend is to provide assessment of those wanting to obtain a Summer T1 Leadership permit. It will include assessment of navigational skills to WGLA standard (covering navigation at night) and lightweight camping in remote locations. Weekend (A2) – Location: North Wales / Lake District The goal of this weekend is to provide assessment of those wanting to obtain a T1 and T2 Summer Leadership permit. It will include assessment of navigational skills to ML(S) standard (covering navigation at night), lightweight camping in remote locations, and the use of a rope in steep terrain. Weekend (S1) – Location: Dartmoor The goal of this weekend is to provide an assessment of those wanting to obtain a Summer T1 Supervisory permit. Candidates should already hold a T1 Leadership permit. Weekend (S2) – Location: North Wales / Lake District / Dartmoor The goal of this weekend is to provide an assessment of those wanting to obtain a Summer T2 Supervisory permit. Candidates should already hold a T2 Leadership permit. Winter (T1/T2)/Supervisory permits The Gloucestershire County Mountain Activities Advisers are currently not able to offer assessments for Winter permits, unless relevant NGB awards are held (ML(W) or above). We can however facilitate assessment for winter permits using resources out of the County for those wishing to be assessed. Restrictions The goal of the assessments conducted by the Gloucestershire County Mountain Activities Advisers is to ensure leaders are appropriately skilled and qualified to take Scouting Groups into T1/T2 terrain safely and provide Scouting youth with a quality experience in the mountains. However, we recognise that not all leaders will meet the full requirements and therefore offer the use of restrictions, in accordance with current Scouting policy, to limit permit recommendations to match candidate capabilities, to ensure a safe Scouting experience is held by all. Granting of Permits Please note that in accordance with current Scouting policy, the Gloucestershire County Mountain Activities Advisors, following assessment, only provide a recommendation for a permit to be granted. Final authority of granting of an activities permit rests with the candidates’ District Commissioner.
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Survival Skills Weekend A total of eighty Scouts and Explorers attended this year’s course. Most of them were on the Novice Course and spent Saturday learning the various skills they needed. These ranged from knife safety (before they were issued with a knife), first aid, cooking, shelter-building and fires. On Saturday night they slept out in the woods under tarps. This year’s course was blessed with good weather; it only rained briefly just as the Scouts were starting to build their bivvies on Sunday, and it made sure they put a great deal of effort into building them. They were also given a demonstration of rabbit-skinning by Chris Langham, before being given their own rabbits to skin. They then retired to their bivvies to cook them and other food without the aid of anything apart from their knives.
to improve their skills.
Monday saw the Scouts happy to have enjoyed a dry night. At the closing parade they were all presented with their Survival Skills badge. The Advanced Survival and Bushcraft and Survival courses took place deep in the woods. All those on these courses had already completed the Novice Course and had returned. The ultimate experience is the NABO course. Three Explorers spent the weekend ‘surviving’ with very basic kit and food. They had just what they stood up in, plus a knife and means of lighting a fire. They had to find most of their food for themselves and build their own shelter. Many thanks to the excellent team who ran the weekend, especially Neil Roberts, Chris Langham, Nigel Woodall and Andy Sargeant, the course leaders. A big thank you too to Major Tom Wills, our County Vice-President, who lets us use his estate at Miserden Park, an ideal location.
Mountain Activities Long Weekend Friday evening a group of Scouts & Explorers from around Gloucestershire, set off from Shurdington to Coniston in the Lake District. They stopped off half way for fish & chips, arriving at John Ruskin School in Coniston town, late in the evening. Those who woke early enough were able to see a stunning view of the mountain peaks visible from the school. Unfortunately it soon clouded over and blocked the view. We split into two groups and headed towards the top of 'Old Man of Coniston', one group via the old mines, the other via Levers Hawes. As the day went on the weather got worse, with cold winds and rain. Group 1 were forced to change plans and take a more sheltered route back to Coniston town. Group 2 managed to get to the summit, but did not stop long, as the rain had turned to snow, which came in sideways and was collecting in drifts at our feet. Both groups made it back to the school for warm showers and a hearty meal. On the Sunday the weather was only slightly better, but both groups still went out and did some navigation and training during walks on the sheltered parts of the mountains. Sunday evening four Explorer Scouts went out with Antony to get some night navigation training, and soon found out how much harder it is to get around when you can see very little. All four had fun showing that they had very good compass and map-reading skills. Monday morning we all cleared up and packed the minibus, stopped off in Morecombe to eat a packed lunch, and back home in time for tea, having enjoyed the week-end. Antony Hall 8
Scuba Open Water Weekend The annual PADI Open Water Scuba Diver qualification course ran over two weekends in May and proved to be quite demanding on everybody involved. Due to the nature of the course the number of participants is always low and this year’s course with five Scouts trying for the qualification was the largest for a few years. It was also the first year with a new syllabus and we weren’t sure how it would work. The youngsters gathered on Friday 15th May and were despatched to Highworth for two hours of technical training in the pool, where they showed that they were going to be a force to be reckoned with, with a lot of skill already evident. Disaster struck overnight with the Leader in charge (me) going down with a sudden attack of labrynthitis, which would come and go throughout the weekend. The dive school hurriedly rearranged the Saturday morning session and an instructor arrived at our base at Fairford Scout HQ to deliver the theory lessons, instead of us travelling to the dive school in Swindon. The pool session at Wroughton went ahead as planned in the afternoon, when the youngsters were put through their endurance test – swimming 200 metres non-stop followed by 10 minutes treading water, which they all passed. However, Sunday at the Cromhall Dive Centre was regrettably cancelled following a risk assessment of continuing safe-leader cover for the youngsters. The second weekend was due 29th – 31st May and an additional day was now anticipated to be required to replace the aborted Sunday of the first weekend. Our relationship with the dive school is excellent and they understand that we have rules to abide by, just as we accept that they have their rules to comply with, and the dive team assigned to our course set about looking how they could recover the lost time and allow our youngsters to qualify on the second weekend, as originally planned. Friday 29th now had an early start to give us an additional pool session at Highworth, whilst Saturday’s schedule was completely recast. The dive team came to Fairford and the Scouts now did some of their qualifying surface skills in the Fairford lake rather than at Cromhall – we had now recovered most of the lost time. Following their dives they were again subject to theory lessons at Fairford, but this time it was followed by two exams (each with a minimum required pass mark of 75%). The lowest score across the piece was 80% so they all passed comfortably. This took until 7pm! The Sunday dawned with the weather as anticipated – wet and windy. The Scouts were up at 6 am and we were on the road to Cromhall by 8 am. The weather eased as we travelled and the rest of the day was to prove to be very cold but dry. The first of the two scheduled dives took place at 10.30 am – and by 11 am we were looking at four out of five probably failing the course, as the Scouts encountered all sorts of difficulties. However they showed real determination and refused to give up or let the problems beat them, and by 3 pm the dive instructors had passed all of them. A fantastic result and proof that all obstacles can be overcome with the right attitude and some (genuinely) encouraging and reassuring words from the leaders and instructors from time to time. Newly qualified and looking forward to further scuba outings are: Jack Anderson
1st Woodmancote
Tara McEvoy-Wilding
Deer Park Kemble
Archie McGhee
Staunton & Corse
Freddie McGhee
Staunton & Corse
Isaac Powell
Deer Park Kemble
A great group to work with and I’m really looking forward to seeing them on future events and courses – they are all a real asset to Scouting in Gloucestershire. Derek Newman ************************* Why do Scuba divers always fall backwards off their boats? 9 still be in their boats. I they fell forwards, they’d
Discover Scuba Diving June proved to be a busy but successful month for Discover Scuba Diving (what used to be called the Try-Dive). A large booking from the Severnside Troop resulted in an additional DSD session being arranged for 13th June. Eventually twelve participants (including two Leaders) took part, including one from Worcester taking up a spare place. We also had our first Cub Scout doing his Bubblemaker to use up another available slot. A very positive experience was enjoyed by all. Feedback from our Worcester friend was obviously positive, as more from his Troop descended on our session booked on 27 th. All participants completing the sessions also gained their section’s Water Activities Badge. Feedback from the last two DSDs, and from anecdotal evidence elsewhere in the County, suggests that another Open Water course may need to be run this year. That’s great to see such a positive reaction. There are minimum numbers required by the Dive School (who are willing to run another course for us). If anybody is interested (no commitment at this time), please contact me db.newman@btinternet.com, so that I can gauge whether it is feasible to run again this year – if we do, it will be September/October time before the season closes for winter Participants were (13th June) Rowan Cockin
Severnside
Karen Hayes (L)
Severnside
Laurie Hayes
Severnside
Thomas Hayes (C)
Severnside (Bubblemaker)
Bradley Hayward
Severnside
Darrell Maton (L)
Severnside
Ethan Maton
Severnside
Sabian Maton
Severnside
Josh Millin
Severnside
Oliver Morris
Severnside
Toby Walton
Severnside
Ewan Bell
Deer Park Kemble
Claire Edgson (L)
Worcestershire Activate SAS
Robert Edgson (L)
Worcestershire Activate SAS
Joseph Weiss
Ruardean
Jon Edgson
3rd Worcester
Tom Hislop
3rd Worcester
Ryan Moroney
3rd Worcester
Harry Nelson
3rd Worcester
Edward Smith
3rd Worcester 10
Derek Newman
Helping Other People Young people from Randwick Scout Group spent an evening at Waitrose helping to collect donations for Foodbank. They were a credit to the Scout Group, confidently approaching customers to give out leaflets and to thank them for their donations. Jackie Smith from Foodbank said afterwards: “We had an amazing response from the shoppers and I'm sure that was all down to the way your young people engaged with them. I was so impressed with how polite they all were and quite determined not to let anyone get past them without being given a leaflet! It was really nice to see how most people would stop and listen to what they had to say and I noticed how several of the shoppers wanted to give their donation to the Cub who had spoken to them on the way in, rather than just put it in the trolley, so they clearly appreciated the personal approach.”
Haarlem Practice Camp This took place over the first weekend in July up at Cranham and was an opportunity for all the participants from Gloucestershire to meet together and get to know one another and all the Leaders. There are four Scout patrols and seven Explorer Scout patrols - so the first task was to get to know the patrol members while setting up camp together for the weekend. Each patrol will camp independently at Haarlem, working as a team, looking after their own equipment and camping area, and cooking their own meals, plus feeding at least one Leader for each meal. So getting on together and testing out all the equipment that we will be taking was all important. The weather was fine and sunny for most of the camp, with a heavy downpour on Friday night after the Scouts had gone to bed. This was just what we wanted to test out the tents and look for leaks. The second downpour on Sunday afternoon was less welcome, as it meant a lot of wet tents to dry out ! During the weekend, we also had a lot of fun with some great activities that included archery, rifle shooting, orienteering, a challenge course, hikes, and pioneering, as well as some bases on food hygiene and speaking Dutch. They even got to sew their contingent badge onto their uniforms. Saturday night was rounded off with a terrific campfire, with the usual silly songs and stunts – great fun ! All in all - a great weekend, where we all made new friends and now can’t wait for the real thing. 11
Haarlem Jamborette A total of 93 Scouts, Explorers and Leaders, enjoyed a fantastic ten days at the Haarlem Jamborette near Amsterdam. The journey there proved ‘interesting’: we left Shurdington at four in the morning and travelled to Dover, where there was a long wait due to industrial action. This actually worked to our benefit as we arrived on site at the tail end of the worst storm since 1911. Camp was quickly set up in a break in the rain. The poor weather continued for several days but did not dampen our spirits. The Scouts and Explorers camped as eleven separate patrols, all cooking for themselves, but inviting Leaders to eat with them for the evening meal. Breakfast and lunch were ham and cheese (or cheese and ham) but the evening meal was much more nteresting. We were in sub camp ‘Reddington Harbour’ and all wore something red for the opening ceremony on the first evening. The wet weather was a problem but did not dampen our spirits. Each day started with flag break in our sub camp. David, one of our Explorers, played his trumpet for this. This was when birthdays were celebrated. We had seven during the camp. There was a varied eight-day programme which included activities both on and off site. The hikes day gave a choice of routes from 8 to 40K. The 40K hike was called ‘The Punisher’, but that did not put the Explorers off and we entered three teams. including one that set a record time. Scott even did this hike in his wheelchair. Other highlights were trips to the Nemo Science Centre in Amsterdam and the Walibi World Theme Park. During the camp we met up with Scouts from many different countries including Holland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Israel, Canada, Ireland and even Scotland. On the Sunday came the Open Day, when we were invaded by members of the public, who came in great numbers. We laid on pub games such as quoits and shove-ha’penny, cakemaking in a cardboard oven and a space-hopper tournament. Our ‘Friendsheep Award’ wristbands were very popular and we made friends with many Scouts giving them out. We also hosted ‘Glos Hour’ on the Jambo Radio station, when Joe, one of our Explorers, did his own programme. The camp ended with a closing ceremony and a spectacular firework display. Then, sadly, it was time to return home, via the Channel Tunnel this time. The next Jamborette is in 2019 and we are already looking forward to it. If you want to know more about our adventures, look at the Jamborette website or visit YouTube. 12
Nautical Skills Weekend A total of nine Scouts plus leaders travelled to Richmond for a great weekend rowing on the River Thames. They stayed in the Richmond Scouts’ new HQ in a quiet corner near the centre of Richmond and enjoyed the facilities of their new building, complete with camp beds and a dishwasher in the galley. Friday evening everyone settled in and the course began on Saturday morning, under the centre's excellent team of instructors. The morning was spent learning how to row, and after everyone had been fitted out with life jackets, it was time to go out on the river. Our first boat was Merlin, an eight-oared gig. This gave the Scouts the chance to practise their skills at rowing and following the commands of the coxswain. Everyone had the chance to row and control the boat. In the afternoon we had the chance to go out in two powered craft, an inboard and an outboard. Once again the Scouts took control of the boats. Saturday evening saw a meal cooked by the Scouts. On Sunday came the highlight of the weekend: a chance to go out in Jubilant, a royal barge that actually belongs to the Queen. It has eight oars and a cabin fit for the Queen. The Scouts rowed up to Teddington Lock on a really beautiful stretch of the river. After lunch they rowed back. The trip was carefully planned, so that we went with the tide in both directions, making it an easier row. Everyone gained both their nautical Skills 3 badge and also the nationally-recognised 'Explore Rowing' award.
County Air Rifle Shooting Competition
EXPLORERS
Shooter 1
Score Shooter 2
Score Scooter 3
Score Total
Black Sheep
Josh Williams
403878 Lauren Bartlett 494695 James Bloxham
404787
260
Devil’s Chimney
Matt Connole
454186 Huw Alibone
373572 Jack Galfin
424082
240
1st Woodmancote A Mark Platt
454489 James Platt
444690 Drew Baxter
344276
255
38th Longlevens
Tom Price
444589 Ben Kemp
364177 Luke Blandford
433982
248
1st Upton
Robert Bartlett 433881 Jack Bennett
334578 Josh Robbins
394584
243
SCOUTS
1st Woodmancote B Adam Maher
443781 Sam Moore
374178 George Cresswell 413172 231
1st Hatherley
394382 Oliver Hunt
394281 Emily Hunt
Ryan Teo
Well done to Black Sheep and 1st Woodmancote, who won their class 13
313364 227
Gloucestershire County Multi Activity Weekend, 20th-22nd November 2015, Snowdonia !!!Adults only!!! The Gloucestershire County Mountain Activities Team are organising a multi-activity weekend. Based at the Old School Lodge Activity Base in Snowdonia (http://www.oldschoollodge.org.uk/ - yes ! in en suite rooms), we are looking to provide a range of activities including climbing, mountain biking, hillwalking, canoeing, kayaking, skiing, archery and shooting. The aim of the weekend is for adult leaders across Gloucestershire to come together to participate during the two days in something they already have a permit in, or try something different, mix and match, join up with fellow unit leaders or make new friends. The key aspect being to just have fun together! Then, after an exhausting and exciting day, unwind with other Leaders over a good evening meal and refreshments to plan how we could put together a similar type of weekend for Scouts and Explorers across Gloucestershire in 2016. If this is something that interests you, please contact Glenn Hemsley (details below). Deposits of ÂŁ30 to cover the cost of the accommodation booking are required by the 31 st August. Final cost will be ÂŁ50 plus transport costs (options include car share/own transport/ scout minibus). Ten Tors 2016 The County Mountain Activities Team have started to think about supporting county entries into the Ten Tors in 2016. Team entries have to be in by mid September 2015. Last year Stroud & Tetbury District put a team of 16-year-olds in for the 45-mile distance, but despite having a large team it ended up folding due to other commitments, and the fact that the Ten Tors weekend was the weekend before exam week in Gloucestershire and parents became worried about the impact it would have on their children. This year we are looking to support a county team (or district teams) for the 35-mile distance which is open to Explorers who are 14- and 15-years-old at the beginning of May 2016, to avoid the exam clash. Obviously Ten Tors participation is something that cannot be taken lightly, and requires both a time and cost commitment from the participants, as there is quite a bit of mandatory training that has to be undertaken before the weekend itself, all of which is required to be in remote wild country. The County Mountain Activities team will endeavour to establish a schedule of training events to ensure participants are fully trained. If you are an Explorer Leader or Explorer and are interested in finding out more about participating in the Ten Tors event please contact Glenn Hemsley (details below). We will provide a presentation evening to both interested leaders, explorers and their parents to provide more details about what it is all about. The date of the Ten Tors 2016 is 6-8th May 2016. Further details can be found on the Ten Tors Website: http://www.tentors.org.uk . It would be a real achievement to have a team from Gloucestershire Scouts in the Ten Tors next year. Glenn Hemsley 01452 616970 07870 542596 medusan@gmail.com Gloucestershire Scout County Mountain Activities Adviser. 14
Flight Path A large part of Gloucestershire lies under, or within earshot of, Airway Green 1, which runs from Dover to Brecon and onwards via Strumble Head in Pembrokeshire to southern Ireland and the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the traffic from Europe and London to the United States takes a more north-westerly route via Northern Ireland or the Hebrides, to follow the Great Circle track (the shortest distance). However, depending on the en route forecast winds, quite a lot passes over our county. For my birthday, my son bought me a tablet and, for the princely sum of £2.49, I added the Flight Radar 24 app. I am able to identify the overflights, the airline, their points of departure and destination, their flight level and speed. One morning last June, I monitored the flights across Cotswold Vale District for 64 minutes and was able to log 34 flights, probably involving some 10,000 passengers. There were, of course, a number of flights out of Heathrow, usually climbing through flight level 260 (26,000 feet) on the way to their initial cruising level of between 30,000 and 33,000 feet. Of interest was BA1, the luxury businessman’s flight out of London City Airport. This effectively replaces Concorde. London City Airport has only a short runway and it is not possible to take off with enough fuel to get to New York direct, so the flight routes through Shannon in southern Ireland. The extra time it takes to make this short refuelling stop is offset by the very short distance from Canary Wharf to the airport (far less than trekking out to Heathrow) and a reduced check-in time. Perhaps of greater interest were the numerous overflights originating on the Continent or headed eastwards beyond London. Delta Airlines 47 was coming from Amsterdam en route to J.F. Kennedy, New York, United Airlines 105 from Munich to Chicago, Air Berlin from Düsseldorf to Miami and KLM 723 from Amsterdam to Havana. Going the other way were United Airlines 98 from Washington to Kuwait (the longest scheduled sector of those I observed at 11 hours 30 minutes) and Lufthansa 8231 from Los Angeles to Frankfurt (11 hours). I learned some geography too, when I identified RyanAir FR 8822 from Shannon to Kaunas, which I discovered to be 140 miles south of Riga in Latvia. It would be interesting to know what made this sector a commercial proposition — unless Kaunas is designated by RyanAir as Riga South Airport and the passengers go the rest of the way by bus! Perhaps Cheltenham and North Cotswold Districts may be too far north for people there to be aware of all this traffic, but in the other Gloucestershire Districts the sound of jet airliners passing overhead is no doubt a frequent occurrence (not loud enough to be unpleasant, I trust). I hope this short account has made it rather more interesting. 15
John Morton
A mountain hike helps in the classroom—Bear Grylls Daily Telegraph, 29 June 2015 The self-belief that comes from conquering the great outdoors is a lesson that all young people should learn. Do you know what I remember from school? It wasn't the hours spent in the classroom, useful though they were. It was the things we did in our spare time: building tree houses in the woods of the school grounds; making a raft out of an old bathtub to sail down the River Thames. I was lucky enough to be at Eton, an incredible school. The best thing about it was that they always believed in empowerment and giving you freedom if you proved you could be trusted. When I earned my second dan black belt in karate, I got to train in Japan. In my youth I also helped establish the school mountaineering club, which is still going today. These were the things I was proud of as a young boy trying to find my way in a big school. So it’s nothing new to me to learn that, according to a new report published today, the kind of positive, practical, adventurous and creative activities I was able to enjoy at school, and what we offer in the Scouts - what might be called informal education - can make all the difference in bringing out the best In young people. I’m not talking about swapping text books for tents, or pencils for penknives. It’s not as simple as that. But it’s clear from my own experience as much as anything - that a mix of formal and non-formal education is a powerful combination and delivers huge benefits to those children who need it most. Today's report from the Demos think-tank is called Learning By Doing and it shows, for example, that children at state schools feel they are missing out on the informal learning activities enjoyed by their counterparts at fee-paying schools. It’s even worse for children on free school meals, who have significantly fewer opportunities to take part in outdoor or community activities. These children are also twice as likely as their classmates to think that school is a waste of time I’ve seen this myself when working with young people: kids who do not have the advantages and opportunities as their better-off peers so often get trapped in a cycle of low attainment and low self-esteem. Invariably, they have incredible talents and gifts that go unrecognised. I once met a little girl called Polly, who, at the beginning of a Scout meeting, wouldn’t so much as stand on an upturned crate without turning white with fear. By mid-morning, we’d helped her ascend 20 feet up a climbing tower, and by the end of the day she was helping others to do the same. 16
Scouts can do so much to help children like Polly and others who don’t have the advantages I had as a schoolboy - accessing activities like canoeing and climbing, as well as taking part in community projects that will change their outlook, helping them develop vital character skills such as independence, resilience and leadership, and improving their academic performance at the same time. This last has been highlighted by the economist James Heckman, who found that character traits can have a bigger impact on academic grades than measures of IQ. Partnerships between schools and the Scouting movement are starting to happen. We know there is support from teachers: polling shows that 72 per cent would support non-formal learning being embedded into the curriculum, although some 89 per cent of teachers don’t feel there is currently sufficient space in the timetable for this to happen. This needs to change. I’ve taken kids up mountains and across moors. Some of them want to give up and go home. But when you encourage them and give them belief in themselves, it’s amazing what they can do. These are the real break-through moments, when they realise what they’re capable of if they try. Factor in time for activities and expeditions like this, then bring that back to the classroom, and you have a child who looks at the world and their studies in a completely different, more positive way. So I’m calling for a change in the way we educate our young people. Let’s champion character education alongside the curriculum. What a child learns outside the classroom counts for just as much as what goes on inside it. (Learning By Doing is published by Demos) *************************
International Badgers Club If any of you is interested in collecting Scout badges or memorabilia, there will be a meeting of the International Badgers Club in Bristol on Sunday, 29th November, at the HQ of the 229th Bristol, Raynes Road, Ashton (by Bristol City Football Stadium). welcome.
Further details from Malcolm Smith
Non-members
miff’smith@blueyonder.co.uk or Edwin
Bessant edwin.bessant’@gmail.com The IKEA store on Calle Me Falta un Tornillo (‘I’ve Got a Screw Loose Street) in Valladolid, Spain, is hard to find, because people keep stealing the street signs. (1411 qi Facts) 17
An OS Rebus liked to go for a
One day he went to a
and travelled to visit a
which passed over a
and under an
and went up a
been used as a
beside a
.
.
.
Below him were some
Just down the road was an old
which had
. Next morning he visited a
with a
. He crossed a
and a
at a
on the edge of an
and a
through a
He joined an
. He stopped to eat some sandwiches
and
He stayed the night in a
and next to it were some
.
and a
. To his left he could see a
.
. When he reached a
..
. He soon reached a
In the distance he could see a
and a
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.
and under an
he turned left across a
at a
.
before entering a
,a
.
He took a
, passed a
. He was very good at map reading. Are you?
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An OS Rebus—the answers: Cliff Marsh liked to go for a walk. One day he went to a bus station and travelled to visit a National Trust property.
He took a footpath which passed over a footbridge and under an
aqueduct. When he reached a railway station, he turned left across a level crossing and under an electricity power line. He joined an unfenced road and went up a very steep hill. He soon reached a triangulation pillar at a viewpoint. In the distance he could see a disused lighthouse and a shingle beach He stopped to eat some sandwiches at a picnic site. To his left he could see a windmill and a mast. Below him were some buildings and a church with a tower. He stayed the night at a Youth Hostel on the edge of an orchard and next to it were some glasshouses. Just down the road was an old cutting which had been used as a landfill site. Next morning he visited a nature reserve. a garden beside a lake and a golf course with a clubhouse. He took a bridleway through a coniferous wood. He crossed a county boundary, passed a battlefield and a milestone before entering a public house. He was very good at map-reading. Are you?
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE Course Date Time
Adult Training
Course Course Name
Duration Location
Booking
4.10.15
09:00 GS
Getting Started (1,2,3 & SAF)
All Day Puckrup Hall
IP
4.10.15
09:00 GS
Getting Started (1,2,3 & SAF)
7:00 Hrs Cheltenham District HQ AJ
5.10.15
19:30 3
Tools for the Role (Section Leaders)
1:30 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
5.10.15
19:30 2
Personal Learning Plan
Murray Hall
AT
6.10.15
19:00 1
Essential Information
2:00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
7.10.15
19.30 4
Tools for the Role (Managers)
2:00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
12.10.15
19:30 SAF
Safeguarding
2:30 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
17.10.15
09:00 FRR
First Response Refresher
3.30 Hrs Murray Hall
SJ
27.10.15
19:30 VAL
Validation Session
2:00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
14.11.15
13:00 FRR
First Response Refresher
3.30 Hrs Murray Hall
SJ
16.11.15
19:30 SAF
Safeguarding
2:30 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
17.11.15
19:00 1
Essential Information
2:00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
18..11.15
19:30
Personal Learning
Murray Hall
AT
18.11.15
19.30 3
Tools for the Role (Section Leaders)
1.30 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
23.11.15
19.30 VAL
Validation Session
2.00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
28.11.15
09.00 23
Safety for Managers And Supporters 2.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
28.11.15
09.00 Unit 1
5/8/9 Fundamentals, Skills of
7.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
Overnight accommodation for Course 2.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
Leadership, Working with Adults 28.11.15
22.00 OA
Attendees 29.11.15
09.00 BFA
Breakfast for Course Attendees
29.11.15
09.00 Unit 2
11/13 Administration, Growing the
Cranham
TA
7.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
3.30 Hrs Cranham
TA
Section 29.11.15
14.00 25
Assessing Learning
15.12.15
19.30 02
Personal Learning Plan
15.12.15
19.30 03
Tools for the Role (Section Leaders)
1.30 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
16.12.15
19.00 01
Essential Information
2.00 Hrs Murray Hall
AT
19.12.15
09.00 FR
First Response
6.00 Hrs Murray Hall
SJ
30.1.16
09.00 Unit 3 16/19 Intro to Residential Experiences, 7.00 Hrs Cranham
Murray Hall
20
AT
TA
31.1.16
09.00 Unit 4 7/14/15 Scouting for All, Supporting Young People, Promoting Positive Behaviour
7.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
9.4.16
0900 Unit 5 12A/12B/17/18 Delivering a Quality
7.00 Hrs Shurdington
TA
Programme, Programme Planning, Running Safe Activities, Practical Skills 10.4.16
09.00 Unit 1 5/8/9 Fundamentals, Skill of Leadership, Working with Adults
7.00 Hrs Shurdington
TA
14.5.16
09.00 Unit 2 11/13 Administration, Growing the Section
7.00 Hrs Eastcombe
TA
15.5.16
09.00 Unit 3 16/19 Intro to Residential Experiences, 7.00 Hrs Eastcombe International
TA
24.9.16
09.00 Unit 4 7/14/15 Scouting for All, Supporting Young People, Promoting Positive Behaviour
7.00 Hrs Newent
TA
25.9.16
09.00 Unit 5 12A/12B/17/18 Delivering a Quality 7.00 Hrs Newent Programme, Programme Planning, Running Safe Activities, Practical Skills
TA
19.11.16 09.00 Unit 1 5/8/9 Fundamentals, Skills of Leadership, Working with Adults
7.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
20.11.16 09.00 Unit 2 11/13 Administration, Growing the Section
7.00 Hrs Cranham
TA
Bookings to: TA training .admin@gscouts.org.uk
IP theianpalmer@gmail.com
AJ alanjayh@virginmedia.com
AT andy.r.tucker@googlemail.com
SJ simon.judith@blueyonder.co.uk
GSL Training The South West Regional Development Service is providing two workshops for GSLs and those involved with managing a Scout Group. GSL Essentials day on the 26th September and a Practical Managers Day on the 7th November. More information is available at everydayadventure.org.uk/gslsupport.
Chief Scout’s Awards Evenings The County Awards Evenings will take place at Dean Close School, Cheltenham on the 4th & 11th November. Please can all leaders send the names of anyone who has achieved their Gold, Platinum or Diamond Chief Scout’s Award, their Bronze and Silver D of E Award or the Young Leader Belt Buckle and ILM to Louise in the County Office — admin@gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk *************************
As a North Korean said, when he was asked what he thought of his Government — ”Can’t complain.” 21
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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
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