City Newsletter

Greetings From The Editor

Well so far it has been a fantastic year for Scouting in Portsmouth where we have seen our numbers grow, our activities expand and our enthusiasm hit new heights. But 2007 is not over yet I hear you say and nor are the challenges ahead. To keep our numbers growing we need more activities and challenges. Coming up for Cubs, Scouts and Explorers in November is the City Cross Country Races and the Swimming Gala. Then in December the whole City will meet up as one in a gathering to celebrate the end of The Scouting Centenary year. (Details are below).

Yet at times we cannot help but feeling that our enthusiasm could be greater, that we should be doing more . . . if only we could. Rest assured whatever you are doing for Scouting in Portsmouth, big or small, it is so much appreciated. You may not get that pat on the back very often, that little well done, or even a bouquet of flowers but you deserve it. So next time you meet up with other

leaders and colleagues do not forget to say thank you to them as I am saying it to you now . . . if nothing else it will make us all smile . . . Thank you.

Celebration For The Centenary Of Scouting

On Thursday 6^th December at 6:30 pm there will be a multi faith gathering of the movement, family and friends at St Mary’s Church, Fratton. Let this be your last event to attend for the 2007 celebrations. It is an opportunity to hear from some of our young people about their thoughts of this year. We need some of our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders to participate in the presentation. If you feel you, or members of your Group, would like to be a part of this then please contact Richard Spearing: richard.spearing@virgin.net.

Important Warrant & Training Issues
From The Appointments Committee Secretary

I have had a very large quantity of CRB applications this year but very few have been followed up with Adult Application Forms. May I make it very clear that if a person has only been CRB cleared, he or she should only be giving very occasional assistance, or perhaps coming in for a very short period each week to do things like running a tuck shop.

CRB clearance is also required for Group Executive Committee Officers. If a person is regularly involved working with young people then he or she must submit an Adult Application Form and attend an Appointment Committee interview. They must also attend at least training modules 1 and 3 and complete an agreed personal learning plan if becoming more than a Section Assistant (helper). Are you sure all of your current leaders new and old hands have all been cleared for working in Scouting in Portsmouth? If not please get the forms from me and I will action them.

Please also be reminded that when your warrant come up for renewal (they run for 5 years) then irrespective of how long you have been in Scouting, you will be expected to be in possession of a Wood Badge and a First Response First Aid Certificate. Training for people who have been in Scouting for some time would be absolutely minimal and full details can be obtained from Jackie Auckland-Jones or Beryl Young. First Response First Aid applications can be made to Maureen Locke. Sorry to nag but these issues are seen to be very important.

Ron Jacobs

Box Trailer For Use

Bob Miles has a box trailer which he is happy to let Scouting borrow. Perhaps a donation for maintenance is a good idea. Contact Bob on bob.miles@talktalk.net.

City Social Event

Following last months advice that there is to be a social event for all adults in Scouting in Portsmouth to be arranged, I can inform that at this stage it is hoped that a barn dance, with plough-mans, with a bar, is what you want !!! This will be in the early part of 2008. Look out for the date and further details soon.

Group Contacts E-mail Addresses

Ken Parkins, our web site organizer, is getting requests for an e-mail address from people who are interested in obtaining details of Groups. Can I therefore ask that each Group contacts Ken with a name and e-mail address which he can pass on to those who seek such information.

Gala Day 2008

A Bookings has been made for 28^th June 2008 at Langstone Junior School for next years event. Please place this in your diaries and pray for some dry weather.

Pumpkins Turn Out To Be Long & Green

Gala Day 2007, having been cancelled due to the weather, did not deter our plant stall seller. Having been given lots of small pumpkin plants to sell and keeping them all in her hallway, she decided to give them to Beavers and Cubs to grow for Halloween. However, they did not turn out to be orange and round but long and green. When one young Beaver asked why he could not cut out a face in his pumpkin his mum had to explain that it was a courgette. Many thanks to Jean Moore. Well it made us all laugh Jean.

Organisational Structure

In last months Newsletter we detailed the progress made on the restructure and we promised to let you know the names of new appointments within the City. The chart attached puts the names in the frames. . .

Additionally existing Assistant City Commissioners will be included within Activities and Resources and continue to organise events along with the Fellowship and others. Special mention must also be made to Ken George who has done so much to get the City to this point. Ken is to continue as a keen Fellowship member at this time. Neil Miles will continue with the Explorer Commissioners role until this vacancy is filled. Those of you who are interested should apply to the City Commissioner. It is a very important time for Explorers in the City with the review of Explorers now taking place with the aim of shaping its future. So now would be a fantastic time to take on this task. Please support this new initiative which will help Scouting in the City of Portsmouth grow and prosper.

Scouting Music Hits

A song called “Scout Life “written and performed by local Scouts and performed at the World Jamboree and H007 you can now listen and sing along to. Visit ‘youtube’ and search for Hampshire Pecans. Happy listening.

Craig Wright International Event & Jamboree Experience

At 7pm on Friday 20^th July, I got on the coach with 35 other Explorers and Scouts for the long journey to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland, finally arriving at about 4pm on Saturday. Our rooms gave a magnificent view of the Swiss Alps and the glacial river that ran through the site. We spent four days in Kandersteg doing a whole range of activities, including a hike to the bottom of a glacier, going 2100m up the Stockhorn Mountain and sampling the cuisine in the mountain top café, rock climbing and white water rafting. Even though I was nervous about the rafting, I had a great time going through the rapids, getting very wet in the process! Definitely my favourite activity!

We also took part in an international evening, with our Contingent performing a dance routine to the Scissor Sisters song, “I don’t feel like dancing”. We had a chance to talk to the people from the other countries and it surprised me how friendly everyone was. On our penultimate evening, we were treated to a traditional Swiss meal – cheese fondue! We were told that once we ran out of bread or cheese, we had to take the pot, ring a bell and yodel to replenish our food . We all had fun because of the cheerful atmosphere and the many different yodelling styles. Having bought all our souvenirs on the last day, we made another 23 hour coach trip to the Jamboree site at Hylands Park, Essex. Having been registered and given our Jamboree I.D tags and neckerchiefs, our experience of the 21^st World Scout Jamboree had officially begun!

Walking through the main gate, we passed under the 159 flags representing all the countries at the Jamboree. The site was so large it took us half an hour to walk to our camping sub camp, Oasis, which was right next to the main arena where all the key ceremonies and events would be put on by the Jamboree cast throughout the course of the Jamboree. It was a challenge to pitch 40 tents, 2 dining shelters and a store tent in an area 10m by 15m!

In the first 2 days, the only people on site were from the U.K and then once the U.K. Scout contingents had helped the other participants set up camp, making it the 3^rd largest city in Essex, all 40,000 participants went to the Opening Ceremony. This included Prince Harry flying in by helicopter, the Centenary flag arriving by parachute jump and all the 159 country flags being paraded into the arena. Traditional style performances from representatives from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland then welcomed our visitors from across the globe to the Jamboree. One of the key events was the Scouting Sunrise, where all 28 million members of the Scout Movement around the World renewed their Promise at 8am. local time to celebrate the Centenary of Scouting.

We also visited Gilwell Park to learn about the history of Scouting and Aquaville and Terraville – two huge areas where each country represented at the Jamboree had an area for activities, games or a food tent. We also visited “Splash”, doing loads of water based activities including kayaking, bell boating and raft building.

On the last day of the Jamboree, there was the closing ceremony – a huge party with a number of areas with side shows you could watch, like circus skills, a band and a mountain boarding show. At the end, there was the ceremonial passing over of the Jamboree flag from the U.K to Sweden for the 2011 World Scout Jamboree, a variety of shows from a number of different countries and finally, an absolutely awesome fireworks display for the finale.

One of the highlights of my whole Jamboree experience was meeting and talking to our Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, who was really cool and eccentric and really easy to get on with. The thing that I liked most about the Jamboree was that everyone was so friendly and you could walk up to anyone, Scout or Leader and start talking with them. This included people from warring countries talking and getting along like best of friends.

At the end of the Jamboree, I felt sad about leaving because I had made so many new friends and had a really great time. It was a truly unforgettable experience and I am glad that I put my name down to go. If I had the chance, I would definitely go to the next World Scout Jamboree in Sweden. I would like to thank all of you who gave me support and helped me to raise the funds (including the scout council and the pirates ESU), as it allowed me to go on this phenomenal, once in a lifetime event.

Craig Wright
Flaming Blue Gallibaggers (Hampshire Contingent)
21^st World Scout Jamboree

Explorers Plan Poland Project

Calling all Explorers who will be aged over 16 by August 2008 and all Network members. Do you want a fantastic challenge? Then join the Explorer Belt trip of a lifetime to Krakow, Southern Poland. Included in the event will be a 10 day 100 mile expedition. 10 mini challenges with a main project which will bring our different cultures together interacting with the local people. There will also be some lavish activities including white water rafting.

The 18 day event has a total cost of £650, raising this being only a small part of the challenge for those taking part. If you want to know more then contact Ian Porter email ian.porter@scouts-hants.org.uk.

City Card Competition

The winners of this month’s competition are Nat Hockey, Beaver with 5^th Portsmouth and Matthew Lewis, Cub with 62^nd Portsmouth. James Lister of the 48^th did not include his age or section so please have another go this month James and add the details needed to take part and who knows you could be a winner. As could any other Beaver, Cub or Scout who visits our web site and searches to answer our monthly competition question. Come on you leaders remind your kids to use their cards and seek out what is going on in The City of Portsmouth Scouting wise. They will know how to explore our web site, find out what is going on and win prizes.

Leaders First Aid Course

Alan Scott & Maureen Locke are running a 1^st Response Course on Sunday 25^th November between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Hilsea Scout Centre, The Ridings, Gatcombe Park. Leaders needing to do a Refresher Course should come along at 10:00 am on the same day. Refresher Course is 2 hours from 10:00 am to midday. Bring a packed lunch and drinks will be provided. Phone Maureen Locke on 023 9278 6009 to book your place.

Newsletter Information

Copy date for items to appear in the December issue should be with the editor by 20^th November at the latest Martin Phillips:- email scoutnewsletter@gmail.com or details as City Directory.

	The City Newsletter
	November 2007
	Volume 7 Issue 2	Christmas is Coming