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.

Badges - Cyclist Activity Badge

Just to let everyone know that the District Badge Secretary Barbara is back at work processing orders and looks forward to hearing from everyone.

10th Romsey Sioux Cub Scout Pack have now completed the cyclist activity badge. Their ride for the badge took place on  Friday 13 September (unlucky for some!)

They all met up at Horsebridge Station car park, the aim was to cycle part of the Test Way.   Akela Ryan Orgill was a bit dubious as it was raining heavily.   
The Cubs however, were really up to going ahead and cycling in the rain, they all had wet weather gear on.    There were six parents, an Explorer Scout and two leaders ready to take on the rain and mud.    They moved off at six o'clock heading for Stoney Marsh, Jacky had already cycled the route and it was pretty good, mostly gravel and not too much mud.
The Cubs were so excited that any thought of cancelling was not even considered.
On arriving at the car park at Stoney Marsh, there was Tuck brought along by Mohican's Baloo Martyn Blake, in his car of course!   By now the weather was pretty atrocious, raining very heavily.    Everyone had Tuck, then the Cubs were splashing about in the puddles, so  then they made their way back to Horsebridge where muddy cycles and soggy Cubs were dried off as best and then off home.    It appears everyone enjoyed the evening even the Parents and Leaders, at least everyone was still smiling.

Ryan said that everyone including leaders, parents and Cubs deserve two cyclists badges as it was such a filthy evening!  

Jacky who wrote the report gives her apologies for there being no photographs of these  cyclists who braved the weather, but the evening was just too wet to even carry a camera!

Romsey Show 2013

Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the Districts presence at Romsey Show this year.   Just a few photographs to remind those who attended what happened on the day and to those who were not there what they missed!

 Note the orange polo shirts a new addition to those who helped this year

Romsey District Stand

Bertie Beaver taking a well earned rest!

  

The total amount of profit on the assault course this year was £337.26, plus a £2 donation received for some milk and a piece of Kay's delicious flapjack, makes a grand total of £339.26.  This is thought to be the best year ever –  the weather was perhaps a major contributor.

Unfortunately, Romsey District Scouts only took second prize in their category this year – the judges obviously felt they ought to give someone else the joy of remembering to return the trophy in July next year!
                                                  

Those who help at the show also have an opportunity, at some point in the day,  to walk around and look at the other attractions.  James Brace has helped at the Show ever since he was a Beaver Scout and he told us of someone he was delighted to meet.  

"During this years Romsey Show I was fortunate to meet Alex Langlands from Victorian farm and wartime farm. He was there to help judge the horses as he is the president of  one of the working horse groups. His main claim to fame was on the popular Edwardian, Victorian and wartime farm which showed him as a worker in the 3 different ages with Ruth  and Peter who are now making Tudor farm, but without Alex as he needs to do some work at university. When asked what he learnt it was committed to say “ I learnt a lot and I am writing a book on the history of farming”. He also said that he really enjoyed the experience. He was very pleased to have come over and had the rest of the day judging and meeting people."

James Brace.

15^th Romsey scout group

Young Leaders - Investment for the Future

Earlier this month 7 Scout Young Leaders and two Leaders met at the Romsey Scout HQ to start the first part of their formal training programme.

 

There are currently 30 Young Leaders in Romsey which is great and all of them need to be encouraged and supported so that they will have the confidence and ability to lead sections in the future.

Young Leaders are between the ages of 14 and 18, who choose to devote a large proportion of their time in Scouting to service in another section. This can either be with a Beaver Scout Colony, a Cub Scout Pack or a Scout Troop.

The training programme involves 11 modules and 4 missions, the modules of the Young Leaders’ Scheme are designed to cover all aspects of training. They help Young Leaders become aware of, and learn how to deal with, various different facets of leadership within the Scouting Movement. The modules are designed to be flexible and encourage innovation.

“The Young Leaders' Scheme helps Explorer Scouts to develop and grow as individuals” said John Papworth, District Commissioner, ” it allows them to make a valuable contribution to their community and give service to others. The scheme also helps them fulfil the service elements of their awards.

If you want more information about the Young Leaders Scheme or want to know more about Scouting in Romsey, please e mail dc@romseyscouts.org

Scouts get the LEGO treatment

Did you see the Minifigs on Scouting Plus? Here is a special Woodsmoke tableau created in Singapore especially for this blog.  These figures are not wearing a uniform but go to this link and see the special Scouting lego figures.

  

You can order your own miniature  Scout (any section) with official badges and uniform. Just visit the site and place your order direct. Prices for the handmade figures are from £9.99 (optional extras include a group scarf and a base plate to display them on) plus £1.95 postage and packing.      They would make great Christmas presents for members of the family involved in Scouting!

22nd Basingstoke Canal Challenge - Sun 29th September

Romsey District are taking part in this event at the end of September. 

The Basingstoke Canal Challenge is to paddle 2, 6 or 8 miles in the fastest possible time.

The event will start at Colt Hill (Odiham Wharf), Odiham (MR 747516 sheet 186 or Explorer 144) between 9 and 10 a.m. (6 and 8 miles) and 10 a.m. and 10.15 for 2 miles. The event will finish at the same place by 2 p.m.
 
Each entrant will be timed over their chosen distance, and the emphasis is as a personal challenge rather than a race. Both single and double canoes and kayaks are eligible.
The event is organised by the North Hants Water Activities committee, and all competitors are encouraged to seek sponsorship in aid of the charity ‘Accessible Boating’.

After expenses have been deducted all entry fees will be donated to ‘Accessible Boating’ and donations will also be accepted and given to the charity. Last year we raised £621.16 and since 1998 we have raised a total of £9,165.82. 

Certificates will be presented to all those completing the challenge, and a Group trophy will be awarded to the Group having the 4 fastest paddlers over the 6 mile course - based on the elapsed time of their 4th placed paddler - irrespective of the distance paddled by that competitor. The qualifying paddlers must be composed of 1 Adult, 1 Explorer and 2 Scouts; although an Explorer may take the place of an adult, and a Scout may take the place of either an adult or Explorer. Explorer Scouts may be part of the group to which they previously belonged, or now have a relationship.
A special trophy, Paul’s Paddle, will be awarded to the fastest Warranted Scouter over the 6 mile course.
At each distance, medals will be presented to:

• the first three Scouts / Guides (under 15 on the day) paddling a General Purpose canoe
• the first three Explorer Scouts (under 18 on the day) paddling a General Purpose canoe
• and, if different, the first placed boat irrespective of age of paddler or type of boat.

If you have gained BCU 1 star or Paddlepower Passport you could also take part. Contact peterbourne@tinyonline.co.uk for full info

Sing Song and Gardening at Nightingale Lodge

Members from 10th Romsey Group have been very generous with their time and talents over the last few years helping out with odd jobs at Nightingale lodge, Romsey. Which really goes to show that Scouting does help those in the community in a practical and caring way. 

During the school Summer holiday another visit was arranged to go and sing to the residents. The repertoire consisted of a mix of scouting camp fire songs and war-time favourites.  It was great when many of the residents joined in and sang the songs with the Scouts. Afterwards one gentleman came up and shook everyone’s hand to say thank you.

It had been quite difficult to get a group together due to family holidays and other family commitments but Sirl Troop Scouts (who were camping at 10th HQ)  agreed to join the ‘choir’.  Luckily most of them already knew the war-time songs having learnt them as part of school projects about war-time.

A really big thank you to the Scouts who had already visited Nightingale Lodge earlier in the week to do some gardening.  Unfortunately just a few days prior to the visit some of the choir were unable to come due to illness or other commitments, so without the help of the Scouts it would have left an embarrassingly small choir of two Beavers, one cub and three leaders!

Thank you to all the boys who came along and brightened up the day for so many of the elderly residents of Nightingale Lodge.

Climbing Wall now in use

Members of Romsey Lions had a roaring welcome from Scouts of Romsey District when they visited the Dr Peter Centre.

President Mike, pictured half way up the 7 metre high wall, presented a cheque for £500 to Freeya from Kings Somborne Beavers. The cheque was to fund the purchase of sets of climbing equipment for small people to use. The equipment will be used exclusively on the recently installed climbing wall at the Romsey Scouts District Headquarters.

The height and width of the main hall make it an ideal location for a climbing wall and abseiling facility. The wall has 5 ropes and allows up to 5 scouts to use the wall at the same time. There is the option of adding traversing walls to either side of the main wall at a later date.

This was the first time the wall was used since it’s installation in the last week of July. The rest of the Scouts from within the District are anxious to use it and will do so over the coming weeks.

 

And what did the Scouts think?

They said it was t’roariffic!

Does your section or group want to use the climbing wall? 

If so just e.mail  DC@romseyscouts.org.

Romsey Show - Help Required

The Romsey Show is one of the towns and our biggest events. This year it's on Saturday 14th September and again we are running our highly popular assault course.

Lots of help would be appreciated on the day to supervise the course and help take down at the end of the day. If you help you get a ticket to the show and the deal is spend half the day with us and the rest looking round, please arrive between 8am and 10am. You can order your tickets from Liz Holloway next week.

Please let her and David Sutton if you will be attending so we can plan the catering.

If you are a competent assault constructor David would also appreciate your help on the Friday, please contact David for more details.