Bishop’s Stortford and District

News Letter September 2010

Welcome Back!
I hope you all had a great summer and a big thank Long Service Awards
you for all the hard work that went into the
numerous Camps that went ahead around the John Ireland 50 Years
District over the summer months. I know there are
even more planned…… Jeanette Atfield 30 Years

Stuart Jacobs 30 Years

Congratulations Chris Atfield 25 Years

National Awards Gary Swift 20 Years

Sue Byford 20 Years

Sam Payne Award for Merit
Sue Bibby 15 Years
Sue Bibby Award for Merit
Martin Knowles 10 Years
Pat Neville Honorary Scouter
Maureen Hargrave 10 Years

District Beaver Team Wood Badges

Wendy Cub Scout Leader –
Hazel Mead has now stepped down as Assistant Hollingsworth 1st Sawbridgeworth
District Commissioner (ADC) Beavers. She has
Lesley Calder Assistant Scout Leader –
been a hugely important and hardworking part of
1st Bishop’s Stortford & Hockerill
the District team and has helped expand out
Stuart Jacobs Group Scout Leader –
Beaver numbers from 97 in 2001 to 208 in number
1st Thorley
now! A massive achievement. So – a big thank
Peter Tearse Assistant Cub Scout Leader –
you to Hazel for all her efforts over the years in
1st Michael’s Mead
this role and her support to all the Beaver Leaders
Ian Le Grove Group Scout Leader -
– both new and experienced.
1st St. Michael’s Mead
However life does go on and I am pleased to A big congratulations to you all – your dedication and
announce the new District Beaver team ably led by commitment is really appreciated
Wendy Claxton (ADC) with her 2 new team
members – Jackie Williamson (District Beaver I’d also like to thank the TAs that have helped support
Leader) & Debbie Rawding (Assistant District you in achieving your wood badges – Greg Stewart, John
Beaver Leader) – a thank you to you all for Henson, Sue Byford & Emily Stewart
accepting this challenge!

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

District Development Day 9th October

Time: 9.45am for a 10am start Programme
finishing at 3pm
There will be 8 Bases run on the day:-
Venue: St. Mary’s School, Windhill, BS

BBQ Lunch & Refreshments will be provided 1. Pioneering plus knots and lashings(Basic and
foc more advanced sessions)

All Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Unit 2. Tent Pitching

Assistants, Occasional Helpers, Exec.
3. Map Reading/ Orienteering/ GeoCaching
Members and Parents are invited to attend
4. Lamps & Stoves/ Outdoor Cooking
Each of these bases will be run by some of the most
experienced Leaders in the District and the content is 5. Craft Ideas
based on Leaders’ feedback over the last few months.
6. Challenging Behaviour/ Child Protection/ In
There will be the opportunity to choose which bases Touch
you wish to sign up for – you will be able to attend 3
or 4. 7. Planning a Balanced Programme

Please confirm your attendance to help us plan the 8. Nights’ Away Permit/ Activity Authorisations
day (incl. catering!) as follows:-

Beavers – Wendy Claxton

(wendywoozle@btinternet.com )

Cubs – Ken Gordon

(ken@jkl2000.co.uk)

Scouts – Max Streets

(maxstreets51@yahoo.co.uk)

Explorers – Nigel Reed

(Nigel.reedbs@ntlworld.com)

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

District Awards for 2011 Welcome

I would like to welcome some new Leaders to the
There have been some changes to the Award District and to acknowledge those that have agreed
categories for next year. to take on new responsibilities:

The aim is to encourage and recognise our young

people and our Leaders throughout the District. The
award categories will be as follows:- Jenni White ABSL 1st BS & Hockerill
Steve Edwards ASL Silver Leys
st
1. Overall Group Growth John Hills ABSL 1 Much Hadham
2. New Sections Jackie Jones AESL District
3. Beaver of the Year Lyn Bashford Unit District
4. Cub Scout of the Year Assistant
5. Scout of the Year Keith Lambert ASL 1st BS & Hockerill
6. Explorer of the Year Jilly Campbell AESL District
7. Young Leader Drew Eves AESL District
8. Interesting Programme Adrian Gale ACSL St. Michael’s Mead
9. Leader of the Year Hilary ACSL 10th BS
10. Team of the Year McSweeney
11. Non Uniformed Leader Mile King ESL District
12. Challenging Weekend Away Catherine ABSL St. Michael’s Mead 30
13. Best Inter Group Activity Ndimukum
14. DC Award Darren Stock ACSL Silver Leys 25
10
These categories have been agreed with the input
from a number of GSLs and Leaders from around the District Team
District.

Although we won’t be asking for nominations until The District Team are here to support you all as
early 2011, it would be great if you could start Leaders whether you are new to Scouting or more
thinking about who you might like to nominate and experienced Leaders.
why.
A contact list is included this time so you will know
New Website who to contact if you have any queries, frustration or
just need some help in your particular Group or
Our website has been re-designed, please take the Section.
time to have a look. Feedback welcomed, especially
ideas for content. Also included are some discussion Please do ask for help if and when you need it! That’s
forums please have a look and register with an email what we’re here for!
address to take part.
Fiona
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk District Commissioner

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Remembrance Sunday District Team

Remembrance Sunday falls on the 14th November this Fiona Bishop District Commisioner
year and there will be parades in Much Hadham, John Henson Deputy District Commisioner
Sawbridgeworth & Bishop’s Stortford. I believe one Wendy Claxton Assistant District Commisioner
Section is intending to take their youngsters to the Beavers
Cenotaph in London. Ken Gordon Assistant District Commisioner
Cubs
This is an important occasion – the older generation Max Streets Assistant District Commisioner
in particular really appreciates the respect shown by Scouts
our young people. It will be great to have a big Nigel Reed District Explorer Scout
turnout at all 3 war memorials. Details can be Commisioner
obtained, as follows:- Alexander District Network Chairman
Ratcliffe
Much Hadham – Dave Rouse 07774 854515 Tim Payne Nights Away Advisor – Scouts
Sawbridgeworth – David Mead 01279 724503 Sue Byford Nights Away Advisor – Cubs
Bishop’s Stortford – Max Streets 01279 653584 Kate Reed District Appointments Secretary
Veronica Local Training Manager
Dewey
Geoff Markwell District Chairman
Donations Please Pat Markwell District Secretary
Ray Jones District Treasurer
5 very nice retro green handled glass tankards with Mike Thorpe Appointments Committee
scout emblem and dated 1909 - 1969" plus Bishop's Chairman
Stortford and District.
Scout Shop Specials
Offers - proceeds to go to the District Charities

Books available from the District Scout Shop

Beaver Scout Games £6.00

Cub Scout Games £6.00
Scout Games £6.00
Scouting Skills £9.99
Scout Handbook £8.00
175 Best Camp Games £10.00
Mac King’s Campfire £6.95
Magic
Nights Away 2010 Guide £8.50
Young Leaders £8.00
Essentials
History of Scouting £10.00
Also available a new selection of Trophies!

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Dates for your diary….

September October
Contact Contact
Mike
13 District Scout Meeting Max Streets 4 Appointments Advisory Committee
Thorpe
Veronica District Development Day Fiona
16 Getting Started 9
Dewey 10am – 3pm Bishop
Veronica
22 District Cub Meeting Ken Gordon 14 Getting Started
Dewey
22 GSL Meeting Fiona Bishop 15/17 Peak Assault Nigel Reed
Fiona
21 District Team Meeting
Bishop

November December
Contact Contact
1 Appointments Advisory Committee Mike Thorpe 2 District Executive Committee Geoff Markwell
6 First Aid Training Julie Thorpe Waitrose – Scouts/ Explorers
4
Packing
13 District Beavers’ Torch & Wellie Wendy
6 District Explorers’ Dinner Nigel Reed
Claxton
BS, Sawbo &
14 Remembrance Day Parades Much 6 District Cub Carol Service Ken Gordon
Hadham
Adult Appointment
20/21 Green Beret Challenge County 13 Mike Thorpe
Committee
District Scout Leaders’
13 Max Streets
Meeting

Training Dates
County Training: Modules 13,14,15,18
Modules 11,12,17,19 28th November
6th November (Young People Today, Challenging Behaviour,
(Administration, Activities Outdoor, International, Growing the Movement, Practical Skills)
Balanced Programme)
For full County Training Calendar and to book go to:
Modules 5,7,8,9 www.Hertfordshirescouts.org.uk
27th November
(Leadership, Valuing Diversity, Working with Adults,
Values of Scouting?

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News Letter September 2010
Leader Events – Kim Henson
In June we had a first leader weekend away at
Orchard Farm – Hertfordshire Scouts Activity Centre
in the Peak District. The weekend was attended by
28 leaders from across the District, and all had a great
time – both taking part in activities as well as
socialising and getting to know each other. Thanks to
you all, and especially Ben Balaam for catering for us
so well.
Following this success we have now booked Orchard
Farm for a weekend in 2011 over the weekend of xx
June to yy June, please put the dates in your diary
now. I will send out more details early next year so
that we can start planning.
If you would like us to run further events for Leaders
and Adult Helpers across the District please let me
know and I will try and organise them.
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Bishop’s Stortford and District
Basic Hill Walking for Leaders
Fancy Hill Walking – never been or want to refresh
some skills. The Herts Scouts Mountaineering Section
are running a weekend at Coetmor Mill in Snowdonia
(for any that don’t know this is another of Herts
Scouts fantastic activity centres, and is a converted
water mill just outside Bethesday in Snowdonia) from
the 1st – 3rd October (travel up Friday evening and
returning Sunday evening). No experience necessary,
please contact either John or myself and we will give
you further details. Cost will be no more than £45 for
the weekend. Travel is likely to be by minibus from
Hertfordshire.
Climbing
Shortly – final dates to be advised, we will be hiring
sole use of Harlow Climbing wall for an evening, so if
you are a budding rock star or have never had a go
and fancy trying it without the pressure of your
Scouts etc, then watch this space for dates. All
equipment will be provided.
Kim Henson
kim@henson-online.co.uk
Join the adventure
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Beaver Update – Wendy Claxton

Torch & Welly Walk District Beaver Sleepover – 2011

Celebrating 25 Years of Beavers
This year the District Beaver Torch & Welly walk be
on Saturday 13th November starting at 1st BS & Friday Night – 3rd June 2011
Hockerill Scout Hut, walking in Birchanger Woods and Gilwell
finishing with a Sausage Sizzle. Arrival after 6.30pm on Friday 3rd
Departure 4pm Saturday
New Beaver Colony
Full details to follow
st
Congratulations to 1 Thorley, Maureen Hargrave and
her team in opening a 2nd Beaver Colony – Drake Please put this date in your diaries now as this will be
a very special event for all Beavers in the District

Wendy Claxton
ADC Beavers

Cubs Update – Ken Gordon

I am pleased to see everyone has been keeping active We have had the pleasure in giving out some Cub
over the summer with a lot of camps. The weather Scout Silver awards this summer, so congratulations
was kind at first but rather wet for some later. to:

I enjoyed a pleasant Cub camp with 10th at Skreens Ben Walton 1st Thorley (Saxon)
Park and it was good to see the Cubs (and the Amy Allport 1st Bishops Stortford and
parents) getting stuck into the activities. Saxon were Hockerill (Comanche)
also at Skreens that weekend and it was good to see Henry Proudfoot 1st Much Hadham (Wolves)
the Cubs mingle and chat. James Dowse 1st Much Hadham (Wolves)

1st St Michaels Mead Cubs enjoyed a visit from Wood The Cubs Christmas Carol Service is being held on
Green Animal Shelter and the Cubs were taught Monday 6th December at 6pm, Water Lane URC. I
about looking after pets, how to approach dogs and hope to see all of you (and your Cubs!) there.
even had to find the id chip in the toy dog. Later they
made some feeders for wild animals. If you would like
to arrange a visit (suggested donation £40) contact Ken Gordon
the Education Assistant - Emma Hudgell, T. 0844 248
8181 ext. 1249.

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News Letter September 2010
Scouts Update – Max Streets
Summer Events
Silver Leys Troop went to France for a long weekend,
taking in various historical sites of interest, all went
smoothly after an initial troublesome entry in to their
hotel.
1st Bishops Stortford and Hockerill Troops went to
Lochgoilehead for an activity filled week on the loch
and the surrounding hills.
1st Sawbridgeworth Troops took advantage of the
Brownsea Island experience camp which was very
satisfactory being back to where it all began.
1st Thorley Adventurer went to Beaudesert site on
Cannock Chase and had a good week’s activities and
camping experience.
1st Thorley Buccaneer went to Buddens Camp site
near Wareham, Dorset, with a walk along the SW
peninsular coastal path, visits to Brownsea Island,
Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum. Plus on
site activities of rifle shooting, climbing wall ,rafting
and pioneering.
st
1 St Michael Mead troop followed them two weeks
later to Buddens, carrying out similar activities ,
walking between Kimmeridge Bay and Durdle Door
near Lulworth Cove .In addition, a day’s mountain
biking and archery.
Dorset is beautiful even when the mist and low cloud
comes down when you are walking the coastal path
amongst the Army firing ranges.
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Bishop’s Stortford and District
As the Dorset Ballard goes:-
Dorset is beautiful, where ever you go,
And the rain in the Summertime makes the wurzel
bush grow
It’s great to sit amongst the thunder and the hail
With your true love on an emmit’s tump
And hear the sweet nightingale!
From all the reports that I have received, you have
had some wonderful summer camps despite the wet
weather during August. The Scouts, I know have
gained tremendously from these experiences, and it
is a credit to you all for giving them such good and
well planned opportunities to extend their talents
and abilities.
Forth coming events
Section Leaders Meeting 13th September at Silver
Leys
PL & APL Training weekend 1st – 3rd October at Bury
St Edmunds. Gary Swift is the main contact for this
event. Please ensure you have provided names of
those you wish to attend by 13th Sept.
Remembrance Parade Sun 14th November. Further
details will be out shortly.
Join the adventure
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Explorer Scouts – Nigel Reed

Explorers have been busy again in our district this
summer and here are some brief reports of what’s
been going on: -

Conquest ESU Endeavour ESU

10 Explorer’s and 3 leaders went to Thriftwood For the second year running we had a joint with the
Campsite at Brentwood for summer camp. 2nd Much Hadham Scout Troop at Thriftwood
Campsite, Brentwood. We were able to take nearly
The activity’s started Saturday morning on the inflate 20 Scouts and Explorers to camp with their carers and
a bull which was much like the rodeo bull but it uses spend a weekend away from the school. We took
explorer power rather than electric, that was part in many of the activities on the campsite which
followed by fishing at the onsite fishing lake many our Scouts and Explorers don’t get normally have the
having a go for the first time. Saturday afternoon and opportunity to do.
evening it rained a lot and most were in bed by 10pm.
My thanks goes to my leader team of Su and Anna for
Sunday had us on the water activity lake for some helping organise this camp and also to Alex who helps
canoeing most taking an early bath in the lake during make this possible but a special thank you must go to
the fun and games. This was followed by more all the carers who give up their weekend off to help
fishing. There was a little more rain during the take all the scouts and explorers to camp.
afternoon but it cleared quite quickly.
William
We woke to a very bright start on Monday morning
and managed to get all the tents down dry. Once we
were packed we headed over to the water activity
lake to have a go at water zorbing. Everyone had a go
and there was a lot of laughter.

Tracey

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Magellan ESU Voyager ESU

The Unit had it’s first meeting back in June and is For our summer camp this year Voyager Explorer
currently small but perfectly formed, with just 10 Scouts spent a week in the Lake District at Great
members at this stage, although it is pleasing that 2 Tower Activity Centre, close to Lake Windermere.
of these members are brand new to Scouting.
The week started off with a day of activities around
These numbers will rise though through this year as Great Tower campsite, where the Explorers
we take on more young people moving up from demonstrated their love of quasar and face painting,
Scouts at Christmas. I hope that by this time next year amongst many other activities.
membership will be at least 20.
A couple of days during the week were based on the
When the unit started we wanted to start with a bang water where we canoed and kayaked on Windermere
and therefore organised a number of exciting and sailed on Coniston Water.
activities, including Karting, Mountain Boarding (I We also tried wind-surfing for the first time, which
have the scars to prove it too!) and a hike to Priory was quite difficult to start with, but everyone
Wood followed by cooking on the light weight stoves. managed to get going by the end of the session.

The plan for this half term is to start to build a Back on land we spent a day hiking up Helvellyn (the
programme that provides the opportunity to work 3rd highest mountain in England) going up by the
towards badges and this will include some first aid classic and impressive Striding Edge route.
training, photography and service activities. We are This was an excellent day, and gave all the Explorers a
also planning to film a ‘promo video’ for the unit that real sense of achievement.
can be shown scout troops to encourage Scouts to
move up to Explorers. The Explorers also went rock climbing and mountain
biking, and unusually there was no damage done to
The leadership team are keen to involve the Explorers either Explorers or bikes.
in planning programmes and so as we move forward
they will have a greater say in what we do and Finally we finished off the week by going “ghyll
hopefully will also run some meetings themselves scrambling”. This basically involves scrambling up a
under our guidance. fairly fast moving stream (ghyll), and then finding
pools of water to jump into or slide into from heights
So far it has been a positive start and I am grateful to ranging from ‘not very high’ to ‘very high’ – and the
Nigel for his support and guidance and also to Simon water is pretty cold, even when wearing a wet suit
for his help in identifying leaders, 2 of whom are from etc. As you can imagine the Explorers (and their
a non-scouting background. Leaders) totally loved it!

Mike We all had a very enjoyable week full of adventurous

activities, and all within the fantastic and beautiful
setting of the Lake District.
Many thanks to Nigel, Marijke, Luke, Zander, Emma
and Simon for helping make it possible.

Chris
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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Explorer Activities

What we have planned as a district for the rest of the year is : -

September 19 Sunday Water activity day at ESSA (Cost £15)

September 28 Tuesday Magistrates in the Community in East Herts.

October 6 Wednesday Roller City Welwyn Garden City (Cost £7.50)

October 15-17 Fri – Sun Hertfordshire Peak Assault

November 7 Sunday Mountain biking Thetford Forest (Cost £30)

November 19-21 Fri-Sun Green Beret Competition – run day and night base

December 6 Monday Explorer County Xmas Dinner

Nigel Reed

District Explorer Scout Commissioner

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News Letter September 2010
Scout Network –
Alexander Ratcliffe
Over the Summer months the Scout Network in
Bishop’s Stortford has been even more busy than
usual, especially as many members are currently
home from University and still wanting to get
involved in Scouting!
On the 24th July several of our members
accompanied the Voyager Explorer Unit on their
annual Summer Camp. This involved a week at the
Great Tower Campsite at Lake Windermere. Network
members played a vital role assisting Explorer leaders
Nigel Reed and Chris Boughton run another enjoyable
and fulfilling camp. The Explorers enjoyed activities
such as rock-climbing, walking, bike-riding, wind-
surfing, kayaking, canoeing, ghyll-scrambling and
much more.
Only 12 hours after returning from camp (no time to
wash anything!), Network members Emma Moverley,
Luke Bibbey, Luke Kittridge and Alexander Ratcliffe
travelled to Scotland in order to undertake their
Queen Scout Expedition. They hired two open-topped
canoes and successfully navigated the Caledonian
Canal over the course of five days. For the uninitiated,
the Caledonian Canal is a 100km waterway that
stretches from the West coast of Scotland in Corpach,
to the East coast at Inverness. It comprises a blend of
man-made navigable canals and natural lochs - the
most infamous leg of the journey being the 39km-
long Loch Ness! Unfortunately no monsters were
spotted. The expedition involved careful planning,
physical and mental endurance and a great deal of
fun being had by all. Many congratulations to those
involved.
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Bishop’s Stortford and District
The following week Network members went on their
own Summer Camp. This year we stayed at the Mike
Thurston Activity Centre near North Walsham,
Norfolk. Despite unusually high winds (and lost tent
pegs!) we all had an excellent time with activities like
kayaking, cricket on the beach and incredible fish and
chips in Sheringham!
On September 4th the Network held a BBQ evening
at Priory Wood campsite. This meant open fires,
brilliantly-cooked food and – sadly – seeing some of
our members for the last time before they return to
university for another semester.
In addition to all of this, the Network continues to
meet every other Monday evening at the Harvest
Moon Pub, Thorley. You can find more details of the
next meeting by searching for our Facebook group
(“The Bishop’s Stortford & District Network Scout
Unit”), or by emailing Chairman Alexander Ratcliffe
on zander109@hotmail.com .
On October 2nd the Network will be pleased to see
three of its members (Simon Reed, Lucy Reed &
Alexander Ratcliffe) receiving their Queen Scout
Awards at the presentation ceremony at the London
Science Museum. In addition, following the recent
expedition we also hope to see several more of these
awards presented in the near future.
In the coming months the Network will continue to
meet regularly, but we are also eagerly anticipating
our annual bonfire/fireworks evening in November
and Christmas meal! If you or anybody you know are
involved in Scouting and aged between 18-25, please
get in touch with us and find out more about what
you can achieve in the Scout Network.
Join the adventure
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Sponsors District Camping and general Equipment

Nomad have kindly sponsored Scouting in Bishop’s Please contact

Stortford & District.
Geoff Markwell 01279 655366.

District Communications and Promotional

equipment

Available to borrow from John Henson (Tel. 01279

They are offering a 15% discount to all youngsters in 507886)
Scouting and their families john@henson-online.co.uk

- Professional Displays
District Swimming
- Laptop
- Projector
Remember you can take advantage of the FREE
- Sound System
District run swimming session term time on a Tuesday
Night ( at Bishop’s Stortford College pool)
District Scout Shop
8.15 – 9.30pm
Open Wednesdays term time 7.00pm – 8.30pm.
All youngsters are welcome – Beavers, Cubs & Scouts. th
Please ensure they are wearing their scarves and Closed 15 December
woggles –
If in doubt ring Reg Jacobs 01279 653806

Swimming resumes 14th September Important Note – Please encourage your Leaders to
buy uniforms etc. via the Scout Shop – all profits are
ploughed back into the District!

Full information can be obtained from Geoff If you buy online exchanges will also have to be made
Markwell on 01279 655366. online! If bought via Reg, he will be happy to
exchange!

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 Bishop’s Stortford and District
News Letter September 2010

Queen’s Scout Awards Gala Dinner

A massive congratulations go to our 3 winners of the A great social opportunity to come and meet Leaders
prestigious Queen’s Scout Award:- from around the District

Alexander Ratcliffe Pearse House

Lucy Reed 27th November
Simon Reed 8pm
£/ head
It is a long time since the District has had any winners
of this award. Tickets still available - please contact Max ASAP to
reserve tickets
They will receive their awards at a National Reception
on the 2nd October at the Science Museum and will
also be invited to attend the Windsor St. George’s Contact Max Streets – 01279 653584
Day parade in 2011. Maxstreets51@yahoo.co.uk

This is an awesome achievement and one that we

should all be very proud of.

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