First City Camp Is A Huge Success

During the late afternoon of Friday the 2nd May approximately 80 Cubs, 30 Scouts, 9 Explorers backed up by 65 Leaders & Fellowship members descended on the Solent Scout Training Centre at Lyons Copse for our first ever City Camp. Once arrivals had been registered Groups spent their time organising their sites and settling in. This was followed by a well deserved supper of Hot Dogs.
Most people were up bright and early the next day and had had their washes and breakfast ready for Flag Break and the Formal Opening of the camp at 09.15. The Cubs and Scouts then took part in a number of activities which included: Backwoods cooking, Cross the Chasm, Circus Skills, Greasy Pole, Woggle Making, "Field Word Search", Key Fob making, Tent Pitching, Spiders Web obstacle course, Making Knotting boards, Making String and Nail Scout Badges, and a Blind Trail. Whilst this was taking place the Explorers either helped on some of the activities or started to build a 'Fort' that was due to be attacked by the Cubs and Scouts later in the day. A number of Leaders amused themselves by building and testing a Trebuchet which was also used to attack the Explorers' Fort. At the end of the afternoon an almighty battle took place.
On Sunday everyone was up early again and, after a hearty breakfast, were all fell in at 09.15 for Flag Break and a very meaningful Scouts Own. More activities followed which included the ever popular Aerial Runway, Backwoods cooking again, Fire Lighting, Water Rockets, Treasure Hunt, Low rope course and Climbing. At 10.00, about 100 Beavers with 30 leaders and helpers arrived for a Taste of Scouting Fun Day. Their special activities included a Handcraft base, Building a lodge, Backwoods cooking and the very popular Building a Damn in the stream. The Beavers day was finished off by a very enjoyable campfire. Once the Beavers had departed the Main Campfire began for the rest of the campers, it seemed to be enjoyed by all and it was good to see everyone joining in with the Spirit of Scouting. During the campfire leader David Young was presented with his 25 years Service Award.
On Monday the campers awoke to a drizzly morning. After the usual Flag Break the Cubs and Scouts were divided into teams to take part in a number of Fun Challenge bases that were organised and run by the Scout Fellowship - this was very much appreciated by the Leaders as it allowed them to start breaking down their Group camps. Luckily the rain stopped by lunchtime and the sun came out which allowed people to dry their tents off before packing. The formal Camp Closing ceremony started at 14.00 where various people were thanked for their work and some Cubs and Scouts received prizes for various competitions. Thus ended a very successful City Camp.
We must give a very special 'Thank You' to Emma Greentree, ably assisted by her parents, Derek & Lorraine and not forgetting Chloe, who undertook the tremendous task of catering for the whole event. The food was great !

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

Module Validation

Jackie and I have set up two dates to meet anyone who needs any of their modules validated, maybe you do not have a Training Adviser or your training adviser has gone AWOL, whatever.

The dates we have chosen are Tuesday May 20th  6.30pm - 8.00pm and Saturday July 19th 10.00am - 12.00 noon.

Both sessions will be held at the Hilsea HQ.

We hope we can help someone.  Look forward to seeing you there.

Beryl (Local Training Manager- LTM)

News Item dated 30th April 2008

Module Learning (Training)

The following eight enthusiastic new Leaders attended our Module 1 and 3 recently held at the Hilsea HQ.

Thank you to you all for your involvement, we enjoyed your company,
and I am sure your young people
will  get as much fun out of you as we did. We hope to see you to soon
to identify your needs for Module 2.

Beryl (Local Training Manager- LTM)

New City Commissioner for Portsmouth Announced

News Item dated 21st April 2008

On Sunday 20th April approximately 150 members, friends and families of the City of Portsmouth Scouts descended on the Coney Acres Field at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park for a 'Fun Gathering' to celebrate St. George's Day. At about 12noon all members changed into uniform to reaffirm their various Scout Promises - our City Commissioner's Deputy, Bernie Clarke, gave a short, interesting, talk about 'Modern Day Dragons'. During this ceremony a Bar to The Silver Acorn was presented to Ken Parkins by the County Representative - Vanessa Slawson (ACC(Cubs). After these formalities it was out of uniform and time for picnics and barbecues. Many thanks to Neil Miles for, once again, running this enjoyable event.

News Item dated 12th April 2008

Leaders Attend City 'Colony Essentials' Course

Click on above to view larger image

On Saturday 12th April 17 leaders from across the City attended a very successful  'How to Run a Beaver Colony' Course at Hilsea Scout Centre. This course was aimed mainly at new leaders but also as a refresher for all Beaver Leaders, Assistants, Helpers and even GSLs who sometimes have to stand as emergency cover. It could have been called the 'Colony Essentials' Course, where participants got to know what to do and, most importantly, how to enjoy doing it! As always with this type of gathering there was plenty of opportunity to share ideas.
Our grateful thanks go to Mrs Barbara Miles (ACC(Beavers)) together her team of Course Tutors and also to the loyal members of the City Scout Fellowship for giving up yet another Saturday of their valuable time.

City of Portsmouth St. George's Day Award Recipients 2008

Silver Acorn

In recognition of specially distinguished service

Michael J Edwards
Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)

Bar to the Silver Acorn

Richard L Spearing
Assistant District Commissioner, District Scout Fellowship Member, County International Advisor, County Scout Fellowship Chairman.

Kenneth J Parkins
District Cub Scout Leader

Silver Wolf

Nigel N Valette
Group Contact, District Commissioner, District Scout Fellowship Member

Great Fun At City Bumper Beaver Evening

Scouts Take Part In Chess & Draughts Competition

On Saturday 16th February 34 Scouts from 10 different Troops assembled at the Copnor Road Methodist Church Halls to take part in the annual City Chess and Draughts Competition. In the morning everyone played eliminator rounds and during the afternoon the competitors were split into two competitions for each of Chess and Draughts: The 'Cup' - being the main competition and the 'Plate' - for those knocked out of the main competition. The Chess and Draughts games were interspersed refreshment breaks with 'fun games' in the upstairs hall.

Many grateful thanks to our loyal Scout Fellowship who once again provided lunch and snacks throughout the day.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

New Local Scout HQ Opened by Royalty

On the 22nd January HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex opened the new Scout HQ and Community Centre and at Paulsgrove.

The event marked the completion of 7 years of hard work by a large team of people who were determined to replace the wooden community centre which was burnt down by vandals in 2000. The loss left a large swathe of the area without a Scouting presence. The demand was there as the group continue to prove.

On top of a £300,000 grant from the Big Lottery fund, one of the largest on the south coast, the residents raised a further £100,000 to complete the work.

The Prince said "The community has really played a tremendous part in this great achievement and it's an honour to be asked to open this."

See full report from Hampshire Scout News.

1st Portsmouth Cubs Are City Mastermind Champions

On Saturday the 9th February four Packs took part in the City Mastermind competition which was an eliminator for the County competition.
The Cubs had two minutes to answer questions on each of the following subjects: Scouting, Nature & Science and General Knowledge.
When not being questioned the Cubs took part in a Handcraft activity and Fun Games.
The winning Pack were the 1st Portsmouth who will now represent the City at the County Final.

As Akela (Chris) said at the end, "Although the 1st Portsmouth won the event nobody here was a loser - the only losers are those who did not take part".

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

Leader Presented With Woodbadge

Beavers Have Fun at City Dominos Competition

Change of Booking Procedure for Cub Big Day Out

Although we still do not have the booking form Vanessa Slawson (ACC(Cubs)) has requested that all Packs book their places through their District representative even if you are using your own transport. Bookings should be made to District by 31st March 2008.

This event has now been renamed as the Hampshire Cubs Magic Day Out.

PLEASE see this flyer for information: Paultons Flyer

County Roll of Honour

The County Roll of Honour currently sent out to all groups that County have a contact for so it can be put on your notice board. It displays the recipients of the Chief Scouts Bronze award and above. However at present County only get a few entries a month so it tends to go out when they have filled both sides up. We usually do the north of the county on one side and the south on the other but recently the southern entries have been rare. Apologies to anyone who is yet to appear as I have a backlog of paper entries which I need to type into a spreadsheet for the next one.

If you would like it to have your young people listed on it then you need to send the names in to me at the County Office: county.administrator@scouts-hants.org.uk

If you are able to put the items in excel in 3 columns I would be grateful. The columns are: Name, Group and Award.

Thank you to those districts who always send in entries. You know who you are!

Retired Cub Leaders Awarded Medals - Snippet From The Pompey Area Catholic Times

73rd Portsmouth Take Swimming Gala Honours

City Cross Country Races

On Saturday 3rd November 36 Cub Scouts from 8 different Packs and 31 Scouts from 7 different Troops gathered at Hilsea Lines for the annual Cubs and Scouts Cross Country Races. It was a beautiful sunny, warm morning and the event was well supported by parents. Cross Country being a team event each Pack or Troop were allowed to enter two teams of up to six runners each. The score of the first four runners in each team counted towards their score. The results are as shown below:

As usual on these occasions we have to thank our Scout Fellowship for not only running the event but also for providing the runners with well deserved refreshment.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

Cubs Have A Bashing Time At Conkers

On Saturday 6th October 42 Cubs from 12 different Packs took part in the annual Cubs Conker Competition at Hilsea Scout Centre. The competition was won by a Cub Scout from the 43rd Portsmouth Cub Pack.
Well done to all who took part and a special thank you to the Leaders who helped to run the event.
Once again we have to thank our loyal Fellowship members who provided squash and biscuits for the youngsters and tea and coffee for the leaders.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

City Take Over The Mountbatten Centre For The Day

On Sunday 30th September the City Cubs and Scouts descended on the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth. The first event in the morning was for the Cub Section to complete their Scouting Centenary challenge to walk 100 miles. This was very quickly completed by each cub walking 1 mile around the track - in actual fact the cubs beat the challenge because 102 cubs took part which meant that they completed 102 miles - well done cubs!

When the walk was completed the cubs had the opportunity to try to gain their Athlete's Activity Badge - 55 cubs were successful and got their badges.
During the afternoon the Scout Section had a chance to attempt the Scouts Athlete's Badge  - 27 badges were presented to Scouts during the afternoon.

Very many congratulations to all the Cubs and Scouts who gained their Athlete's Badges and a very special thank-you to all of the Leaders and Scout Fellowship members who gave up their Sunday to help with the organising and scoring.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

Sixers Have A Super Camp

On the evening of Friday 14th September, 18 Cub Sixers (or older Cubs) arrived at Sandy Acres Campsite, Shedfield for a weekend camp. Many special activities and games were provided including: Archery, Bucket Cricket, Wide Games, Fire Lighting, Cooking Twists, Rifle Shooting, a Night Hike, Various Training Bases and a huge Campfire.

All the cubs thought the camp was great fun. The weather was very kind to them even if it was a little chilly at night.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

Beavers Have Fun On Treasure Trail

On Saturday 15th September 84 Beavers (and their Leaders) from 10 different Colonies descended on Upperford Car Park to begin this year's Treasure Trail. As they arrived each Colony was given a route map with instructions - they then set off, at ten minute intervals, for an activity hike through the woods. On arriving at the end of the hike they found themselves at the private Woodend Campsite where they had some free time to play in the field. When all of the Colonies had completed the hike very tasty Hot Dogs and other snacks were served around the campfire circle. Later in the afternoon the Beavers had to hunt for different coloured pieces of wool hidden in the woods. At 3pm parents arrived to take home some very happy but tired Beaver Scouts.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

73rd Portsmouth Beavers Hold A Family Camp

Over the weekend of the 6th, 7th and 8th of July 10 Beaver Families from the 73^rd Portsmouth Colony joined together for a Family Camp at Sandy Acres. The weather was brilliant.

On Saturday they tested their skills at archery, got wet with water rockets, engraved leather coasters, made twists, to name a few activities. After dinner they enjoyed a camp fire and then played a huge game of rounders.

Click on thumbnail to view larger image

On Sunday more games were played and before the rain finally came everyone managed to get their tents down.

Barbara Miles

City Hold Annual General Meeting

On Monday 11th June about 60 people attended the City of Portsmouth Scout Council's Annual General Meeting at Hilsea Scout Centre. Our guest of honour was the County Chairman, Mr Tony Chambers. The meeting followed the familiar agenda for such a meeting - thankfully our current Chairman (Mr. Joe Harbour) and Secretary (Mrs. Gail Adams) agreed to continue but sadly our long standing Treasurer (Mr. Haydn Milligan) had decided to retire. After giving his final Financial report the Treasurer was presented with a gift by the Chairman in appreciation for all that he has done for the City. The meeting then unanimously agreed to the appointment of Liz Burford as our new Treasurer.

Hayden accepting a gift from Joe. Click on thumbnail to view larger image

Various section and district reports were presented and approved. Selected highlights were:

• Special thanks given to Mr. Ron Tweed for all the work and support that he has given to Scouting in the Paulsgrove area.
• The District team have completed their review and 'health checks' of each Group. There is plenty to do as a result but it is very clear that Scouting is strong in Portsmouth.
• The recent SE Hants camp was a huge success - although it was wet and windy the feedback from the 'kids' was that it was brilliant!
• The History of Scouting exhibition is now running at the City museum - very favourable reports have been received such as 'great' , 'impressive'
• A new Explorer Unit, known as the 'Trafalgar Unit' has recently started in the Fratton area.
• Sadly our City Commissioner (Mr. Nigel Valette) announced his intention to stand down at next year's AGM.

A very enjoyable speech was then given by the County Chairman relating, amongst other things, how he spent his boyhood days as a member of the 54th Portsmouth Scout Group. In appreciation of his time as a Scout in Portsmouth he then made a personal donation of, a much needed, digital projector to the City. This was accepted by our DCC Adult Support (Jackie Auckland-Jones).
 

Jackie accepting the projector from Tony. Click on thumbnail to view larger image

Four people were then presented with Service Awards:

• Robert Stewart - Certificate for 10 years' service.
• Sheila Castellano - The Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration for completing 40 years' service.
• Tony Fitzgerald - The Medal of Merit for outstanding service while holding adult appointments.
• Ron Jacobs - The Silver Wolf; the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout, awarded for service of the most exceptional nature.

Bob accepting his certificate from Nigel. Click on thumbnail to view larger image	Sheila accepting her Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration from Nigel. Click on thumbnail to view larger image	Tony accepting his Medal or Merit from Tony. Click on thumbnail to view larger image	Ron accepting his Silver Wolf from Tony. Click on thumbnail to view larger image

News Item dated: 20th May 2007

61st Beavers Win Sports Afternoon at Mayfield School

On the afternoon of Saturday 19th May, 69 Beavers from 8 Colonies took part in the Annual Beaver Sports Afternoon at Mayfield School. Thankfully this year the weather was kind to them which helped everyone have a great time. The various events included: 25m run, 50m run, Tunnel Ball, Egg & Spoon, 50m relay, 25m relay, Throwing and Catching balls in buckets and finally a Water race. There were also races for Leaders and Parents. The winning Colony were from the 61st Portsmouth Group. Well done to them and to all Beavers who took part in a very friendly and sportsmanlike manner.

A great big thank you to the members of the City of Portsmouth Scout Fellowship who helped out in many ways - especially on a Cup Final afternoon.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.

City St. George's Day Event - 22nd April 2007

On Sunday 22nd April approximately 150 members, friends and families of the City of Portsmouth Scouts descended on the Cannonball Field at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park for a 'Fun Gathering' to celebrate St. George's Day. At about 1pm all members changed into uniform tops in to reaffirm their various Scout Promises - during this ceremony a Leader Warrant for Deputy City Commissioner (Group Support) was presented to Mr Mike Read by our City Commissioner Mr Nigel Valette. After these formalities it was out of uniform and time for picnics and barbecues. Many thanks to Neil Miles and his 'clan' for running this enjoyable event.

To see pictures of this event visit our Picture Gallery.