Rapid Recipes: Turkey dinner in a 'tater

                     


Just in case you are still deciding on what to have for your Christmas Dinner!

A Very Happy Christmas from WOODSMOKE 500

Festive Evening

A few photographs from last nights festivities, if you were unable to attend you will see what you missed, but if you were there, this will remind you of the fun everyone had!

Amanda and the Network team serving 'hot drinks' - a big cheer to them for all their hard work.   

Members from the Romsey Opportunity Group were asked to attend the evening and they gave a brief summary of what the group does.  Everyone was invited to make a donation to the organisation who help pre-school children that have special needs. Many of these children have, over the years, gone on to join the Scouting Movement and benefited from its inclusive policy of welcoming all.

A certain person was first in the queue! Or was he the last?!

Then Santa arrived - he was obviously having a bad hair day!

And his elves - drinking on duty?!

 

Singing Carols around a camp fire - where else? Thank you Baloo.

What did you think of this evening?  It was a new idea and a way to get everyone together to enjoy Christmas Festivities in a relaxed and informal way.  Please comment below if you wish.

Gingerbread Men!

Don't forget tonight 6 pm at the Dr Peter Centre for some Christmas Festivities including these.......

Thank you members of Network, look forward to eating one of these little chaps later on today!

Another Scouting Poster

Isn't it exciting to be a part of this "Life Changing Adventure?"

Instead of buying your child a boring old ipad

for Christmas get them a stick.......................

                                         Rebecca Smithers writes in the Guardian yesterday

Parents are now being asked to consider a low-tech alternative – to root around in the back garden and give their children a stick or a stone instead, in place of the latest smartphone, and to swap "screen time" for "wild time".

The Wild Network  (please watch the film on the website) wants to drag youngsters off the sofa and get them interested in nature and outdoor play.

The network has therefore drawn up an "alternative Christmas list for kids" that suggests a stick makes a brilliant gift. Sticks, it helpfully suggests for baffled parents, are "easy to pick up, perform a thousand different uses and can be thrown away as easily as you found it. Great for helping with imaginary games, playing Pooh sticks, building things."
Think that may be a tad tricky to wrap? Then what about a smooth stone "which can be skimmed or carved" or a pair of wellington boots for "jumping in puddles, wading through streams, walking along muddy lanes".

A National Trust spokesman said: "Technology has a role to play in all of our lives but so does time spent in nature and playing outdoors – whether that's a local park, green space or a trip to the country."

The Wild Network was founded in September this year and members include the National Trust, Play England, the Scouts,  the National Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens, Play England, RSPB, NHS Trusts, schools, playgroups, local authorities and outdoor centres. They have all signed up to encourage children to spend time outside.  New Research has shown that children spend an average of 4.5 hours a day looking at electronic screens.
  
What do you think of the idea of not giving children the latest technology? How do you think it would go down in your family if a child was given a stick or a stone for Christmas? Please comment on this blog and share your thoughts.
 How to comment - click on to the word "no comments" (unless you are not the first and then it will say comments) - directly underneath and a box will appear for you to write your comment in - please put your name afterwards, it will not be published immediately as all comments are moderated

Christmas Scout Shopping - Advent Giveaway

It is only the 1st of December and there is still plenty of time for Christmas shopping.
Have you thought of looking at the Scout Shop?
There are some great gift ideas, check it out today!

Or if you are a Facebook member then you have a chance of being a prize winner from 1st -24th December on their Advent Giveaway. Just click here  there is a super one-off i.SCOUT hooded body warmer in red, size medium to be won today, but be quick you only have until midnight!

What will be the giveaway tomorrow?  Keep checking!

What people really think of Scouting

Latest data out today via a great info graphic that is just made to share ............

 

Click on the image for a clearer view 

 

Kings Somborne Christmas Party

Kings Somborne Scouts are running a Christmas event at the Kings Somborne Village Hall on Saturday 7th December from 8pm.

 

The event is aimed at adults and older children (16 and above) as a way of having a fun night out whilst raising some much needed funds for improving the scout hut in this, their one hundredth year in the village. 

 

This is a new fundraising initiative by the scout group so your support at this evening would be much appreciated. 

 

Why not get a group together to kick-start the festive season with local band ‘Broadband’ and enjoy some mulled wine, minced pies a licenced bar, dancing and hopefully some more surprises along the way.

 

Tickets are £10 and available by e mailing kingssomborne@romseyscouts.org

 

 

 

6th Lockerley visit to Climbing Wall

Last Thursday evening saw 6^th Lockerley Romsey Cubs and Scouts swarming all over the new Climbing Wall at the Dr Peter Centre.    Some Scouts had climbed before but for most of the young people this was their first taste of  scaling up a wall and then abseiling down.  But they soon got the hang of it!  For some it was particularly challenging as height isn’t everyone’s thing but with lots of encouragement from one another and shouted advice from the floor, all the Cubs and Scouts managed to make several climbs up of increasing difficulty and of course abseiling down.  

It was particularly memorable for three of our scouts, Callum Wright, Henry Baker and Josh Cole as two of them were invested into the Scout section, hanging from the ropes half way up the wall while one was sat on top of the wall. 

Leaders of course had to show their mettle with our Assistant Cub Leader dangling from a rope during the investitures and the rest of us sneaking in a cautious abseil – relying on our District Commissioner to let us down gently.  Even the GSL and the Group Chairman managed to put their life in the DC’s hands.

6^th Lockerley had an awesome evening and a big thank you to DC,John Papworth, Scout Leader,John Heagren and young Leader, James Manning for making that possible.               

Now can we possibly fit a traverse climbing wall somewhere outside our own HQ ....we wonder?

1st World Scout Education Congress

A two day congress has just ended in Hong Kong which brought together leading Scout figures from the six Regions that make up World Scouting - to discuss their experiences and expertise in the Youth Programme and to debate Adult Resources in the 200 countries and territories where Scouting currently exists.

Mind Map

Just one quote from the congress "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire"

The Mission of Scouting is to contribute to the education of young people, through a value system based on the Scout Promise and Law to help build a better world where people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.  

And it is up to us as leaders, helpers, parents and supporters of the Scout Movement to help in this task of educating our young people through our various groups and sections.

Please look at the mind map (sorry could not make it any bigger but click on image for a clearer view) and see what you make of the world in which we live in today as seen through the eyes of those attending the congress.  

If you want to catch up on some of the highlights of the congress please click here

Family items found in Jumble

10th Romsey held a Jumble Sale last weekend at their HQ and it was very successful, many thanks to all who helped.

During the sale though items came to light that obviously were treasured by a family.

Do you recognise the surname TEECE?  Was that the name of one of your ancestors, possibly a lady who died at the age of 90 years in 2001?

Some photographs and letters were found among the items donated for the Jumble Sale.  They may be someone's treasured memories which were 'donated' by mistake.

We would like to reunite them with their owner if possible.  If your in-laws, friends or neighbours donated jumble please  ask if the photos belong to them.

If you do recognise the name or can help trace who the items belong to then e.mail romseywoodsmoke@googlemail.com
 

Chief Scouts Presentation Evening

Tuesday 19 November The Council Chamber in Romsey Town Hall was packed for this twice yearly presentation of certificates to Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers for their achievements.
 
ADC(Cubs) Janice Waterman opened the evening welcoming The Town Mayor Mr Ian Richards, CC Adam Jollans, DC John Papworth, Head Teachers, Parents, Grand Parents.
 
A Beaver is required to gain 6 Challenge badges leading to the presentation of The Bronze Award.  Cubs are also required to gain 6 Challenge badges plus one optional challenge leading to The Silver Award.
 
Scouts are required to gain 8 or 9 Challenge badges before receiving the Gold Award.
ADC(Beavers) read out the citations of achievement of all the recipients while The Mayor presented the Certificates.
 
Robin Taylor-Milton DESC then spoke about Explorer Scouts , there were three who had completed the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.   Joe Hutchings, Seb Ollingslager and Sam Wolstencroft each talked about their Expedition on The Purbeck Hills which had been very wet, boggy and windy, they enjoyed their cooked breakfasts before setting off each morning.   They enjoyed the comradeship and had enjoyed the challenge very much.

The Mayor then commented on the achievements and of when he had done his Out of Bounds Course in the Brecon Beacons, commenting on how proud we are of the young people of Romsey enjoying exciting Scouting.
CC Adam then said a few words The Hobbitt and adventures that make you late for tea.   Always be prepared for anything that you are trying to achieve, if you have planned well, the friendship and camaraderie will win through.   He congratulated and wished the
recipients good luck in the future.
The DC concluded the evening thanking everyone for coming along to receive their awards.   John also thanked all the Leaders and Parents for all they had done to encourage the young people to gain their awards.

There was a standing ovation for all the recipients from everyone present.
The Mayor signed all the certificates to round off the evening.
Thanks to the service team for laying on the refreshments.
 

Scout Community Week

  2014

It may be getting near to Christmas but it is also time to start planning for next years exciting Scouting activities.  

Scout Community Week which takes place from 2-8 June 2014, not only gives us the opportunity to bond with the local community and raise essentials funds for local Scouting, but it’s a chance to promote and champion all the inspiring things we do during the other 51 weeks of the year.

Scout Community week supported by B&Q is our biggest UK-wide fundraising and awareness event of the year 

Why take part?

1. It's a chance to learn and share new skills with people living or working on your doorstep.
2. Provides an opportunity to tackle real issues with the community
3. It helps build our Scouts confidence by making them feel proud of achieving things for others
4. Scout Community Week can help build new relationships which can continue long after Community Week
5. It teaches our young people that we all have a role to play in improving the areas in which we live
6. Your project could also help you work towards a number of other badges
7. Fundraising for your Group has never been easier. This year Groups keep 100% of the money they raise in order to support local Scouting

Look here for more details and find out how B & Q can help with your project and register today!

Scouting gets the Royal Approval

Lots of good press this week for Scouting .............read all about it!

We have even got into Marie Claire (a monthly women's magazine) but you men can have a quick peep here !  Kate Middleton Duchess of Cambridge talks about her work with the Scout Association.

Scouting is also central to a new initiative being launched by Prince Charles to increase youth social action read about it here.

 Prince Charles is also proud of his daughter-in-law who is helping to swell the ranks of much needed Scout volunteers.  He says she is inspirational read all about it here.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Prince Charles said: ‘I need hardly say that I am particularly delighted that my daughter-in-law has helped to swell the ranks of much-needed Scout volunteers.

Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544937/kate-middleton-why-this-royal-thinks-she-s-an-inspiration.html#gy5zrBkUazCpxixJ.99

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Prince Charles said: ‘I need hardly say that I am particularly delighted that my daughter-in-law has helped to swell the ranks of much-needed Scout volunteers.

Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544937/kate-middleton-why-this-royal-thinks-she-s-an-inspiration.html#gy5zrBkUazCpxixJ.99

tp://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity/544937/kate-middleton-why-this-royal-thinks-she-s-an-inspiration.html#gy5zrBkUazCpxixJ.99

Christmas lights - thank you

Hearty thanks to the stalwarts from Romsey Scouts, who braved the rain and the cold to get the lights up before the Winter Carnival and switch on, which is scheduled to happen on Saturday 23^rd November. 

We must thank all those members of the public who thanked us as they passed – one very kind pedestrian even holding the bottom of a ladder for us, when we were very stretched. 

We came very close to having John Evans (GSL at 15^th) as a permanent part of the display when the loom just wasn’t long enough to reach the socket!

                                                        Two new recruits

Scouting is inclusive!

On Wednesday 6th November there was an all Inclusive Empowerment Fayre at the Crossfield Hall Romsey. The event for service users and their carers was also attended by Vanessa from Hampshire Scouts and Portia, Ali and John from Romsey's special needs advisory group (SNAG).

There weren't many people expressing an interest in joining Scouts but all those that were there are now aware that Scouting is inclusive and available to both boys and girls.

Useful contacts were made with other exhibitors, so the day was worthwhile and we will be attending other similar events in the future.

There is a badge to symbolise inclusive Scouting?  Does anyone wear this on their uniform in Romsey District?

And talking of badges, this Tuesday 19th November at Romsey Town Hall many youngsters from Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will be receiving their Chief Scouts Awards.

(you can comment on this blog, but as comments are moderated they will not appear straight away)

Remembrance Day

You could make Scouting history by designing a permanent memorial to remember all who have given service to Scouting and honour members who have suffered through conflict.
The Scouting Memorial project, set up by a team of volunteers from Birmingham Scout County, is a fundraising drive to create a Scouting Memorial in Staffordshire at the National Memorial Arboretum, the UK’s year-round centre of remembrance.  Details including a design brief can be found here, the competition closes on 6th December.
Anyone that is involved or affiliated with scouting can enter, whether you are a young person, leader, parent, supporter or ex-member, we want this to be a truly inclusive project.

Kings Somborne Remembers

On Remembrance Sunday the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders from Kings Somborne were joined at the war memorial on the green outside the church by members of the local British Legion, 25 members of the Army Air Corp from Middle Wallop and members of the public.

It was a moving ceremony which took place in fine sunny weather.

After the two minutes silence most people attended the church service; it was a memorable day

Many hundreds of Romsey Scouts across the District paid their respects yesterday in Romsey and the surrounding villages.

Remembrance Sunday

Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. On this day people across the nation pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Service men and women. 

 
This morning in North Baddesley the uniformed organisations including 15th North Baddesley Scout Group, joined with the people of the village at the war memorial outside St. John the Baptist Church. There the names of those who died in the two World Wars and came from the village were read out. During the two minutes silence we also brought before God all service men and women who are still involved in conflicts in the world and the families who wait for their safe return.

The 21st Nursling and Rownhams Scout Group attended their local Remembrance Service 

at St John's Church in  Rownhams. Although it was a cold but bright morning, over 60 members
of the group were there with each section represented by at least 20
children. All were really well behaved and looked very smart.   Members
of the congregation commented on how good it was to see the young
people attending as well as saying that they were a credit to the
Scouting Movement.
 
Well done to all the leader team for such an impressive display of Scouting.
 

Romsey's junior mace bearer, our Explorer Morgan, introducing a toast at today's town hall Remembrance day reception

  10th Romsey parading this morning

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Scouting Royalty Wed

 

As the bride's father said in his speech, he doubted that Baden-Powell had a dating agency in mind when he first set up the Scouts - but when Alan Digby and Andrea ('Flossie') Newbitt married at St. John's Church , Rownhams, on October 11th, it was hard to avoid the conclusion that intentionally or not it was functioning as exactly that.

The bride and groom first met at a 21st Romsey |(Nursling & Rownhams) Scout event lost in the mists of time (but which probably involved mud) and since then they have both served as Junior Macebearer to the appropriate Town Mayor of Romsey, and travelled to Scout Camps far and wide, with Flossie attending the World Jamboree in Chile and Alan still helping lead Suisse Adventures as well as the many trips to Wales.

 

Alan's late father, Peter Digby, needs no introduction in these pages, and Flossie's father David was for 5 years Chairman of the 21st; while Sue (Newbitt) and Laura (formerly Digby) and Dave Hedges have supported the 21st in many ways, from PR through to fundraising and the famed Senior Citizens' Christmas Party.

Best Men were Nick Williams, a friend of Alan's from university days, and Ben Goddard, whom many will remember from Scout and Venture Camps. His and Sian's daughters, Florence and Beatrice, were adorable flower girls (and Sian made the cake!)

Scouting and non-Scouting friends joined the happy couple and their proud families at Rhinefield House for a reception for 80 guests, followed on the Saturday by an 'afterparty' chez Newbitt for a further 60. The bride and groom honeymooned in Barbados where some activities such as sea-kayaking and sailing were probably the only reminder of those earlier camps.

Now it's back to business as usual as they settle back into work at the MoD site at Abbeywood, near Filton in Bristol where they now live. 

Many Congratulations to the happy couple.

Christmas Lights Appeal for Help

On Saturday 2^nd November, John Evans, John Pragnell, John Stevens and John P’s friend Terry made a start on putting up the Romsey Christmas lights. Progress was slow because a malicious fairy had re organised everything since last Christmas. Several bulbs needed replacing, mainly green ones, and lights tested; which is difficult in day light.

The switch on is Sat 23^rd November, which doesn’t give us much time to finish the installation.

The donation that the Scouts/Fire Service Benevolent Fund received last year was again reduced by Romsey Chamber of Commerce, without discussion and agreement; which we were no happy about. Romsey District Scouts have the Scouting money for 2012 which should be distributed of over the next few days.

Romsey Town Council have now taken over running of the Christmas Lights and have confirmed that donations to volunteer organisations will be restored to the originally agreed levels.

If you are free next Saturday and the following Saturday and Sunday to help put up the lights, your help would be greatly appreciated. Not only can you raise money for your Group but it’s also good fun and visitors to Romsey like to see Scouts working in the community.

Updates will be on the Christmas lights page of the District website, password available from John Evans.

Hope to see you soon! Please do pass on this message to anyone else who may be willing to help.

Roman Cub Camp!

Over the week end 4-6 October 1st Romsey Cub Pack spent their pack holiday at Butchers Coppice camp site in Bournemouth. Three leaders went down early on Friday to sort gear etc as there was a very busy programme planned for the week end,.

'Roman cub camp' was the theme.   After settling the Cubs in they made pottery Gods, Romans were attracted to Greek mythology.

After supper they watched a film before lights out.

Saturday was hectic, with bread making and while this was left in a warm place to rise it was off to Roman soldier training on the agility course for an hour.   This kept their energy levels in check.   After putting the bread in the oven to bake, the Cubs then made mosaic's, there were some very good designs achieved.  After lunch it was off to another outside challenge 'low games' lots of challenges, balancing, team building and viaduct building.   This was really good fun which all the Cubs and Leaders alike enjoyed.   Back in the hall we had 'tuck' then it was time for necklaces and head dresses  from pasta,pipe cleaners and crepe paper, once again the Cubs came up trumps.   Then it was free time for the Cubs to do activities of their choice.    After dinner it was time for camp fire lighting and marshmallows followed by camp fire songs led by Tim. Supper followed by the film and lights out.

Sunday came all to soon with another busy day.   Catapult building and making swords and shields for the battle after lunch.There was full kit inspection then 'tuck'.   Fortunately the archery instructor came a bit later than scheduled.  11am all the Cubs left the hall while a leader cleared up the paint and put gear away.

After lunch the long awaited battle of the catapults on the main recreation area.  Tim and Steve had made the water bombs ready for the fight.   Everyone dressed as Roman soldiers , fortunately the aiming was not always on target so the expected drenching everyone would get did not happen.   The Parents had been invited to arrive at 2pm so that they could be our audience.

Back in the hall everyone helped for final tuck and cups of tea or coffee with some lovely cake baked by the Parents.

Butchers Coppice caters for every activity imaginable so there was plenty to do all the time.   No, not one game of football, unbelievable! 

This was a great camp Steve and Donna organised with a lot of thought going into all the activities.   Jacky, Anita and Tim were the other leaders.   The Cubs were great most of the time (teamwork) was the key, with Leaders and Cubs working together after all the meals doing the washing up and clearing away.   The Cubs seemed to enjoy washing up with fortunately no water all over the floor.   Cubs are already asking when the next camp is.

A truly GREAT camp, well done Steve and Donna 1 Romsey Cub Leaders

School Enjoy Scout Activities

Friday 4^th October was a day to remember for the staff and pupils of Kings Somborne Church of England School. Scouts, Leaders and helpers from the Romsey District team set up the type of activities that Scouts, Cubs or Beavers might experience during their camps or weekly meetings.

In the field behind the school the Scouts set up four activities and each of the year group took it in turns to try most, if not all of the activities. Even the occasional rain shower didn’t dampen anyone's fun

The most popular activity was the rope bridge a 7 metre long bridge that forms part if Romsey District’s popular assault course. All bar one of the 120 pupils successfully crossed the bridge, as did some of the teachers. Decorating a wooden book mark was also popular as was the junior archery equipment. The equipment has small bows and arrows with large rubber suckers on the end are especially designed to be used by young people and allow them to have their first experience of archery

Equally as popular was the fire lighting demonstration which also included marsh mellow cooking. Pupils were able to roast a marsh mellow over the hot embers of a well established fire. Once the marsh mellow was golden brown and just starting to melt, it was placed between two chocolate biscuits creating a warm and satisfying snack, especial when eaten during one of those intermittent showers.

Some of the pupils were already members of the Scouting but it is hopeful that more children will now want to join after experiencing these activities. The aim was to also encourage more adult help.

For more information about Kings Somborne Scouts, how to join the Group or how you can help e mail kingssomborne@romseyscouts.org.

Recovering " Lost Ground" at Kings Somborne

There have been more developments since this blog post.

Claire Walls, Retail Business Manager at The Southern Co-operative’s Stockbridge store and her team of colleagues were back at the Kings Somborne Scout HQ the other day.

They found an area of overgrown waste ground between the shed and the Southern boundary of the site which the current Scout leaders didn’t know was there.

So on Wednesday 25^th September Claire, Fiona, Jack and Eliot joined Cub leader Janice,  John (District Chairman) with the aim of recovering the “lost” ground. It took most of the day to clear the nettles, brambles and bushes but in the end, as you can see from the photograph, a significant area of the site was recovered. 

 

Plans for new toilets and kitchen are in hand and fundraising for this project will start in the Autumn.
 

At the moment the Cubs and Beavers are improving the sites facilities for wildlife by creating a bugs hotel and compost heap. They are also building a key hole garden and would like large plastic bottles and sand to create the garden. Please contact the Scouts if you are able to donate bottles or sand.

For more information about the development plan for the Group or Scouting in Kings Somborne and the surrounding area please contact kingssomborne@romseyscouts.org.

Test Valley Walk Completed

He did it!

District Chairman John Stevens completed the Test Way Walk from Stockbridge to Romsey. He completed the 11 mile walk in 4 hours and 35 minutes on Saturday; due to family commitment John couldn’t do the Sunday like everyone else.

“I’m glad I did all the practise over the past few days including undertaking the whole walk last Monday with Paul and Toffee, said John, it meant that I completed the walk with very few aches and pains. It also helped that we had dropped some water off near Kimbridge before the start of the walk so I had to carry less water and hence less weight.

So far John has raised £118 on behalf of the District special needs adviser group (SNAG).

“My thanks to everyone who has supported me,” John added, “and if anyone else want to sponsor and support the great work that SNAG do my just giving page is www.justgiving.com/John-Stevens9.”

Congratulation to everyone who took part in Sundays sponsored walk, if you didn’t perhaps you would like to have a good next year.

Here are those who were known to have taken part in this years walk.

 

John Donovan, for Kings Somborne

 

Ryan and Ben Orgil for Woodley

 

Three mums walking for Kings Somborne

 

The McCann family

 

Claire Sutton and Fiona West.

 

The next walk is Sunday 12th October 2014.

"No One Chooses to live in a Box"

Scouts who attended Digger's Day sleep out in July were (apart from the boxes they slept in)  given small cardboard boxes to collect spare change for New Forest Night stop.  These boxes have now been collected in and below is a letter of thanks from NFNS.

Dear Sarah,

Thank you so much for being our first ever community group for our ‘No one chooses to sleep in a box’ campaign. I appreciate your efforts in co-ordinating this within Romsey DSL and after receiving the many bags and boxes of coins from my volunteer Hilary, who collected them from you this week, I am delighted to tell you that you have raised £157.79 towards helping homeless young people in the New Forest. Thank you so much and please do pass on my thanks to all those involved. I hope they will be encouraged about the difference they have made.

I hope we meet again one day and until then,

Kindest regards

Jude

Well done Romsey Scouts for thinking outside the box

 and helping those who sleep inside a box

Quiz Night - Saturday 19th October

IF YOU ENJOY QUIZZES

THEN COME TO THE DISTRICT QUIZ NIGHT

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY BY 12TH OCTOBER SO GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER TODAY - OR JOIN AN EXISTING TEAM BY E.MAILING CLAIRE

Scouting Stalwart "Goes Home"

Last week Scouting received the sad news that Frank Aburrow had passed away following his battle with cancer. Or as the Scouts say, Frank has “gone home”

Frank had been a committed leader at 9th Romsey (West Wellow) for many years and had also been involved in Scouting across the District and County. 

  

Frank came to Scouting via a chance meeting with Roy Farmers, a former County Commissioner for Hampshire. Shortly afterwards Frank took out his first appointment as Assistant Scout Leader with 2nd New Forest North (Stanley’s Own) Scout Group.

Once Frank had helped establish Stanley’s Own he moved to 17th Itchen South (Sholing St. Francis) where he provided universal support to help young people get the most out of their time in Scouting. Frank enjoyed developing the Scouts experience with archery, air rifle shooting and fishing, as well as teaching them excellent housekeeping and camp craft.

In 2006, Frank felt it was time to move nearer to his home in Eling and joined the leadership team at 9th Romsey (West Wellow). As well as helping at a Group level Frank helped across the District at any event he was asked to participate in. He was known for producing exceptional scouting programmes which were both exciting and enthused the Scouts. He believed in empowering young people and allowing them to experience the freedom to learn by trying new things.

As a qualified archery instructor Frank has over the years run sessions not only for the Scouting movement but also for schools and underprivileged children. After he retired, Frank spent most of his time committed to Scouting. He enjoyed pottering around and liked nothing more than to spend a few hours repairing rope ends or even days preparing the equipment for summer camp.

Despite his illness Frank remained steadfast in his commitment to Scouting. He was insistent on reviewing summer camp programmes and ensuring equipment was maintained and ready for use as well as providing advice and guidance to many leaders including tips for rafting, bridge building and summer camp activities.

Frank had given more than 20 years service to Scouting and in 2011 he truly deserved the  Silver Acorn award for his exceptional service.

Franks funeral is to be held on Wednesday 2nd October, 1.30pm at Netley Marsh church.

Test Way Walk

John Stevens (District Chairman)  is going to take part in the Test Way Walk which this year is taking place on Sunday 6th October.  However, John will be walking on Saturday 5th October as family commitments prevent him walking on the Sunday.

This is an annual event organised by Romsey Rotary Club for those who wish to raise money for a charity by taking part in a sponsored walk.   

John is walking from Stockbridge to Romsey to raise money for SNAG, Romsey District's Special Needs Advisory Group.

 
His just giving page is http://www.justgiving.com/John-Stevens9
and he would welcome sponsors.