Peter Allen was event photographer and will no doubt soon be forwarding photos and a report on the camp.
However I must go on record in thanking all the 10 packs, their leaders and young helpers who attended with their Cubs.

These leaders who helped so much;
Mark Duffy, Steve Chalk and Roger Stannard who ran the first aid tent whilst on camp, administering the various pots of potions for hayfever and treating those dreaded gnat bites.
Bob Wallace, Roger Fall, Emma and of course the world famous Jan Luscombe. Plus the helpers, Chris, Robert and James. We had invited a two German troops for the international campfire.
Roger Fall for the Cubs own tribute.
Anita Wallace, Peter Greener, Robert Saleh and Ernie Spicknell who worked long and hard to run the kitchen and provide everyone with filling meals throughout the camp.
A special comment about Robert Saleh who took the trouble to contact the parents who had a child with an egg allergy about what he could provide instead.
To James Chapman, Robert Harding who were fantastic in completing their tasks.
Bob Wallace who ran the camp with me, and designed and ran this year's Cubs District Sports day.

A special camp with extra ordinary people in it.
Adrian Ribnell, Camp leader.

 

After months of work and planning
His day had finally come
Akela dreamt of Santa Pod
(He even planned the sun)

We had to leave by seven
So, at seven-twenty-five
With true 3rd Rainham timing
We started on our drive

Deafened by the music
Akela made no fuss
He realised that the Double D’s
Meant Dawn and Daisy’s bus!

The convoy rolled to Overstone
The camp for our duration
Relying on a TINY sign
We reached our destination

Fiery scarves a-ready
(‘Akela, please calm down!’)
No looking back, we hit the track
3RD RAINHAM WERE IN TOWN!

Monster trucks and jet cars
Ice-creams, fun and tears
This really was the best day out
We all have had in years

The date will be remembered
More than words can say
Akela got the saddest news
His father passed away

Devoted to his Scouting Group
His job here not yet done
Akela stayed at Santa Pod
To make sure we had fun

Exhausted and elated
A smile on every face
The pack then met the drag-car teams
Of nearly every race

Back to camp with goodies
And stories of each winner
Wendy (that’s Akela’s wife)
Prepared a gorgeous dinner

The time had come to say goodnight
A good thing always ends
But thinking of them all the time
We toasted absent friends

The next day dawned and brought along
Another burst of sun
Lots to do, the kids helped too
And made the whole thing fun

Quieter than the journey here
With not a single moan
John and Clive, stepped up to drive
And got us safely home

Thanks to every parent
Who packed up all the gear
We did our best – here’s one request:
LETS COME AGAIN NEXT YEAR!

Hi All,
I am please to announce that following a very successful District Beaver Sleepover last weekend organised by Ross Wilson he has now officially taken over as our Assistant District Commissioner (Beavers Scouts).

I understand from Ross that over the next few weeks he is going to attempt to visit as many Colonies as possible to introduce himself personally and to get to know all all the Beaver Leaders. Ross is also looking to appoint a further 2 District Beaver Scout Leader's to join his team so may be approaching people regarding this.

If anyone has an interest in becoming a DBSL then please contact Ross directly and he can discuss this role with you.

I hope you will all join me in welcoming Ross into his new role and I am sure we will all looking forward to working with him.

Yours in Scouting
Scott.

LONDON (Reuters) - An ex-special services soldier who has climbed Mount Everest and led an expedition across the Atlantic Arctic Ocean was named as new Chief Scout on Monday and said he was looking for more adult volunteers to help out.
Adventurer Bear Grylls, voted the seventh coolest British man in 2008, was himself a scout and as part of his survival television show "Man vs. Wild" killed, skinned and ate snakes as well as drank his own urine.
Grylls said during his five-year term he aimed to increase the number of 90,000 adult volunteers offering over 200 activities from canoeing to abseiling and to dispel the image of scouts just singing around campfires in old-fashioned uniforms.
"There are 33,000 kids desperate to join the Scouts and there are not enough leaders. I want to encourage adults to get in there and volunteer. The best message I can get out there is that if you want to be able to do the things I do, join the Scouts," Grylls told Reuters.
"People will not think scouts are as geeky as they did," said 13-year old Elliott Tugwell, a scout from east London. "Some might think he's crazy but it shows he is willing to do exciting things like we do."
The movement was founded by the Boer War soldier Robert Baden-Powell in 1907 following an experimental camp on Brownsea Island off the south east coast of England. It has been emulated in many other countries looking for ways to offer a healthy outdoor life to children often from smoky industrial cities.
Grylls, 34, crossed the Atlantic Arctic Ocean in an open rigid inflatable boat and served three years in the elite Special Air Service (SAS) during which time he broke his back in a parachuting accident. He made a full recovery.
An author and public speaker, he will be the youngest Chief Scout in the organisation's 102-year history. 
He will replace Peter Duncan, former presenter of BBC children's programme Blue Peter, later this year.
"I got a sense of identity and a sense of belonging from scouts," Grylls said. "My love of the outdoors started with scouting. It was a real confidence boost for me and opened a lot of doors."
Upon joining Britain's largest co-educational youth movement, some from the age of six, boys and girls promise to uphold core Scout values such as trustworthiness, loyalty and to "do their best" while also having fun. It currently numbers around 400,000 members.
"Scouting For Boys" written in 1908 by Baden-Powell is the fourth biggest selling book in the world after the Bible, the Koran and Mao's Little Red Book.

The scouters who were given a special award, presented only at St.George's Day can be seen here. Every year as their numbers are added to, then hopefully, their photos will be added to this special page.

They were:

Silver Acorn- Linda Thorogood.

Queen's Scout Award-James Chapman.

Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service-Sharon Ridgewell, Debbie Carter,Jan Carver and Ian Burton.

Chief Scout's Award for 5 years Service-Jacquelynne Morgan

The page can be found here on Photographs.

This year is our fourth bi-annual show, the first staged Chingford Assembly Hall in 2003 and moved in 2005 into the Kenneth More Theatre Ilford. The Theatre will show case 75 young people working hard at rehearsals together with a further 50 No supporters back stage and a total of 600 costumes being made by our wardrobe team for this year’s production.

In 2007 the show achieved the ‘GS’ emblem red scarf which achieved national recognition and promises still to maintain a traditional Gang Show but with a modern slant which will show young people in a positive light. The show programme includes comedy, dance, sketches and singing backed by an eight piece band – there will something for everyone.

I have attached an order form with all trhe details you will require for tickets but you can also contact Kenneth More Box Office direct and book 0208 553 4466

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate and contact me 0208 527 5435

Please support the County Show

Many thanks
Mike Hayward
Producer – GLNE County Team

Download booking form.

Dear Leaders,
It has come to this time of the year where we need to get our weekend away planned. I have had the pleasure of organising this years weekend away.
The Plan ..........

I have decided that Centre Parcs in Longleat Forrest is the way forward. Which will also include a day at Longleat Animal park (The one thats on the telly with Ben Fogal!!!!!) This is a fantastic day with so much to enjoy for everyone. Above i have attached both the links for you to have a look at.
The Date ...........

This will be on the weekend of the 16th October -19th October (4 days 3 nights)
The Cost!!!!...........

Well you will be pleased to know that this will only cost around £150 each (based on 20 people) including your Longleat Animal Park ticket and the traditional T-Shirt!!!!! The cost may change slightly but certainly will not be any more so you may even get some of this back!!!!
I feel this is a great price for a 4 day break where we can all get together and make some more fantastic scouting memories!!!

As you can appriciate i need to get this all booked and paid for ASAP due to high demand so can you please email/text myself or Scott with a defainate yes Claire i would love to come and cut some shapes on the dance floor or a no im gonna be boring and not come and have fun!!!

I will need all money in ASAP also so i can pay for this. Please surcure your place ASAP Please send all money to me at the below address and please dont hesistate to contact me if you would like further information. Please note that the deadline for money in is the 17th April 2009. If you have any problems with this please let me know.

Look forward to hearing from you all.

Yours in Scouting

Claire Watson
GSL
1st Elm Park

07930401337

13 Prospect Avenue
Stanford Le Hope
Essex
SS17 0NH

Further Information-follow these links:

http://www.centerparcs.co.uk/villages/longleat/index.jsp

http://www.longleat.co.uk/

Article / photo about Bill and Mary Hindley's retirement-Thriftwood.

Nomination paper; Search Letter; DC Main Tasks;

Job Description.

 

DC search for Romford. Any volunteers?

All papers to nominate DC for Romford are below for download.

Search letter ; DC Role ; Tasks; Nomination form; DC success paper

 

Saturday 7th March 2009
at Trinity United Reformed Church,
Station Road,
Upminster

7.30pm

Teams of 6-10 people, bring your own drinks. Prizes to be won!

Ploughman’s lunch provided, £7.50 per person

Contact Judith Harding 01708 229013 or
judith.n.harding@btinternet.com

(If you have any special dietary requirements please let us know before the day)

In aid of the Dragon Explorer Scouts Community Project and Camp in The Gambia, summer 2009

www.dragonsingambia.org.uk

Download flyer here.

 

Dragon Explorers Casino Night

Grab your posh frocks & Dickie Bow's and join us for a night of guaranteed fun!

Tickets are £15 and include:

"Champagne" Reception
£1,000 worth of chips
Entry into the prize draw
Entrees, Canapes & Buffet


on the 31st January, 8-10.30pm @ 1st Upminster (Gwilco)

 

Download a flyer here.