Someries News January 2002

Future editions of the County Digest will not be sent out on general distribution. The next & subsequent editions will be available on the County Scout web site: www.bedfordshirescouts.org.uk It would be interesting to get a "feed back" from Scouters and friends who receive Someries District Newsletter as to whether they would access the web to read the County Digest? Or for that matter would they look up the www to read Someries News? It would also be interesting to know how many have access to a PC? It could be argued that everyone will have shortly, when the computer system has been set up and is working in the District Headquarters. This should be by the end of January 2002.

With Christmas and the New Year just a memory, thoughts must now be directed to planning and arranging scout camps. Please remember to send, in good time, your PC form to the District Commissioner.

As in previous years Someries District Swimming gala was held at the Bath Road centre in Luton. The event took place on Saturday 24th November 2001. The Beaver Scouts, Cubs, Scouts and Venture Scouts provided a wealth of entertainment to all the parents friends and leaders who came along to cheer and support them. It would also be appropriate to thank everyone who helped with the organisation and those dedicated Leaders and friends who assisted on the day. See the link for full results.

Our thanks to the District Venture Scout Unit for organising the service and also for providing this report.

The District Carol Service took place at St. Anne's Church, Crawley Green Road on December 9th 2001. The service which had been organised by the District Venture Scout Unit, included all the traditional parts of the normal carol service along with an original interpretation of the nativity called the "Naughty Nativity." The cast list comprised members of the District Team who appeared as: Joseph, Mary, Angel Gabriel, and as shepherds, Also in the cast were leaders from 1st Scouts, 2nd Scouts, 7th Air Scouts, 16th Cubs and Scouts, 19th Beavers, 24th Cubs and Scouts, as well as the Venture Scouts. The play had a twist as past meets present with a few alterations and extra characters. In the Venture Scout play, Joseph was more like Bob the Builder and Gabriel stole the show with his performance entering playing his horn and delivering his lines to the right character........ eventually! Also in the star line up a guest appearance from Baden Powell or someone of a similar age in an old scout uniform being followed by Tommy Cooper and Captain Hook look-alikes. The attendance for the service was overwhelming leading to a dash to find more seating for one and all. This led to a large collection to donate to the Keech Cottage Children's Hospice. Presentations included the awarding of Wood Beads for completion of training as well as for 5 years and 10 years service. Five Scouts from 24th Someries received their patrol activity award. The Unit has been asked to pass on the sincere thanks of the Womens Royal Volunteer Service (WRVS) for all the toys donated at the service. These toys will be distributed to needy families in the Luton community. The Venture Unit would like to thank everyone who attended, for their support and donations; they hope that you all enjoyed their view of Christmas and they would like to thank all involved for their ongoing support to the Unit.

A number of new appointments have just been made. We welcome to Someries Scout District two helpers and two leaders.

The District Beaver Scout Leader provided this report on the Beaver Scout Section: All District Colonies are flourishing and in many cases there are waiting lists for youngsters to join. The collage/craft competition was held at the District Headquarters in November. Due to the very high standard of workmanship the District Chairman, had great difficulty in choosing the best. However a decision had to be made, and eventually a collage made by Beavers from 16th Someries was selected and by a very narrow margin won the event. The District New Years Beaver party was held on Saturday 19th January, with nearly one hundred Beaver Scouts attending. "Smartie Artie" kept the Beavers well entertained during the afternoon.

Congratulations to David and Judith who now have a baby son James, born prematurely on 27th December and progressing well: to Andrew and Julie who now have twins, born on 8th January 2002. Sam and Lisa are also progressing well. Spring weekend away to Wells Somerset. Any interest? We will discuss this at our next meeting on February 5th. Dennis Humphries. I'm sad to report that Dennis died peacefully on 5th January at Luton and Dunstable Hospital. The funeral service was held at All Saints Parish Church, Shaftesbury Road, Beech Hill on Friday January 18th at 11.00am. Donations to the Scout Holiday Homes Trust are welcome:- c/o Neville Funeral Service, Luton. We have shared many jovial occasions with Pam and Dennis and his departing will be felt by us all.

In view of the changes to proficiency badges, it is necessary that District badge stocks be kept to a minimum District Badge Secretary asks that Leaders who are working on badges with small or large groups of Cubs or Scouts, place their orders for badges well in advance. Otherwise there may be difficulties in obtaining the required number of badges. Jubilee badges are to be paid for when ordered. The Badge Secretary was pleased to say how encouraged she was with the quantity of sales outside the District

SOMERIES SCOUT DISTRICT

NEEDS ADULT VOLUNTEERS

TO HELP IN ALL SECTIONS !

Contacts: bja@goodchild4956.fsnet.co.uk

djlowe@ntlworld.com

There is still a need to recruit more adults to help in all Sections in Groups throughout the District. If you know of anyone who can assist in any way please get in touch with your GSL or the DistrictCommissioner.

Beaver Scout sweatshirts sizes 26inch and 28inch are now in stock. Cub Scout 36inch sweatshirts are not available yet.Orders for scarves are taking much longer than they used to. Allow ten weeks for them to be delivered to Someries District Scout shop.

District six-aside football competition will be held on Saturday February 9th. from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. at the Luton Regional Sports Centre. District Cooking Competition will be held at Someries District Scout Headquarters on April 27th., 2.00pm until 4.00. The theme this year is Chinese. The cooking will be assessed on:- quality, presentation, hygiene, teamwork, table decoration, and even washing up.

The last year has been a busy one for training and this year promises to be busier with the new programme for adult training and young people. Someries leaders are now on the whole up-to-date with their training and nine leaders received their Woodbadge in December. Well done to you all. As most of you know by now, for all you Woodbadge holders, there is an additional day's training eg. equal opportunities, the review process. Talk to your GSL's and apply in the usual way. In 2001 the following number of leaders successfully completed courses: Introduction to Scouting: Seven Leaders Introduction to Section: Seven Leaders Activity Leadership: Four Leaders Section Leadership: Seven Leaders Woodbadge: Eleven Leaders

District Headquarters Bookings. Please contact HQ booking secretary 01582 720435

SOMERIES DISTRICT SCOUT HEADQUARTERS

A SUPER VENUE FOR YOUR PARTY OR CELEBRATION

To book Ross Park please contact the

Booking Secretary 01582 720435

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