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Hornchurch District with Jack Petchey Awards 2008

I am writing this on November 9th. Remembrance Sunday , when earlier today I took part in Upminster's commemoration including the march to the Parish Church , wreath laying and service wearing my other uniform of the British Red Cross. This years saw more people than ever swell the road beside the War Memorial which is no doubt indicative of Britain's present roles in Afghanistan and Iraq. I was very impressed by the involvement of the 2nd Upminster Group as well as the local Explorer Scouts together with their leaders. Their presence from the youngest Beaver to the oldest Explorer was a credit to Scouting in front of the local community including our M.P, civic and other dignitaries. It is important that the act of remembrance be kept alive by our young people of all ages and that we should think too of recent members of our own Groups that serve in our armed services One of my own Group's recent members recently served as an army officer in Afghanistan and is now there again In a different capacity but still in danger. another is undergoing officer training at Sandhurst and following commissioning will no doubt be going there too. Other local Groups probably have similar links with ex members at present in our armed services that their current memberships have known which brings home to us all the risks and possible sacrifices that members of Britain's forces make in our name.

Mel Gallagher, 3rd Cranham.

More than 200 cubs, scouts,explorers and leaders enjoyed a wonderful event on Halloween. On the Friday evening there was a massive camp-fire and songs, before the overnight stay camping on a very cold night. The event involved the spooky festivities including obviously pumpkins,cooking marshmellows, fancy dress and being put in the stocks which was a big success. Competitions were held for cutting out a face on a pumpkin, dressing up and a popular event of being in the "stocks", where people sat in the medieval stocks and had wet sponges thrown at them. Others filled balloons with flour which burst over other scouts to give them a really scarey look. Some were taken on a tour on a special route where explorers leapt out to give them a scarey experience.There were two professional face painters who made the youngsters look great.

A big thank you to Adrian Ribnell for organising the event, to Linda, Ross,Sharon, Scott and Ken for the catering and to all the leaders for their hard work. Let's hope that it is repeated next year!

The Hornchurch District Scout Association celebrated their 75th.Anniversary on the 22nd. September 2008 at the Gwilcoo Scout Hut in Upminster. The Association was founded in 1933 and now has 16 scout groups with over 1250 members, remaining one of the few scout districts to increase its numbers yearly. More than 80 scouters attended the festivities.
The celebrations were marked by presentations to individuals who have achieved outstanding success in scouting during 2008.
Mr. Jim Berry 64,received an award for meritorious conduct, which is awarded to people for “ conduct involving a high degree of courage, endurance, initiative or devotion to duty, often under suffering, without necessarily involving any element of risk”. This was awarded to Jim by Mr. Dean Jefferys, County Commissioner, on behalf of the Chief Scout.
Among other awards was one for 30 years service which went to to Iris and Terry Taylor- Morley. The Jackson Trophy for the group with most progress went to 1st. Corbets Tey in Upminster. The Ron Sorrell Shield went to Steven Attfield and Gemma McLellan from Rainham in recognition of their achievements as young leaders and Tom Jarvis won the Young Leaders Award.
Finally, A commemorative cake to celebrate the event was cut by three past and the present District Commissioners, shown in the photograph.

From left to right:
Mr. Ed Body, Mrs. Marjorie Sorrell who is the wife of the late Ron Sorrell a former DC, Mr. Dean Jefferys and the present District Commissioner Mr.Scott Wilderspin.

Photographer-Jessie Le Roux