Group Spring Fete – 2023

Well done to our Fete organizing team of Ang, Kerry, Louise and Alison on a very well organized event.

Shame we didn’t get the numbers we hoped for but still a great day with lots of activities for those that did come which they enjoyed.
Soak the Young Leader/Group Chair went down well and the duck race down the river was great fun at the end.

Please take time to support the group at these events as they raise much needed funds for equipment which enables us to keep subs as low as we can.

Shirehike 2023

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2023

Great event organised by Scouts Hereford and Worcester.
We had teams in the 20k and 40k routes across some great countryside. An early start from Beaver lodge for the drive to Eastnor Castle and registration. Then up onto the Malvern hills across to the British Camp before looping back round to the start at Eastnor Castle.

Well done to all those that took part, excellent effort all round!

CMP-4

Cotswold Marathon – Practice 4

A stunning damp start to practice 4 which took in the second 10 miles of the Cotswold Marathon Silver route. Starting at Birdlip in a horizontal downpour which showed no immediate signs of letting up we wondered what on earth we were doing!

Tricks to walking on a (very) rainy day:
1. Don’t bother, head to cafe for tea and cake skipping any walking….(came close)
2. Crack on anyway fully waterproofed up and hope for the best

We went for option 2 and a test of everyone’s waterproofing! Thankfully 30 minutes in the torrential downpour gave way to standard British rain and showers so a quick call to Jon who was loitering in Gloucester in case we decided to abandon to release him.

From then on things improved, we got to see a field full of hare and one even hopped out on the track in front of us. A red kite was taking an interest in the hare as well, and later on in a spectacular meadow in a valley with wooded hillsides a herd of deer crossed in front as well.

Fell in love with a number of houses, which I suspect are well out my budget now or any time in the future, but didn’t stop us dreaming.

In short scenery was great, weather got better and everyone is now walking 10 miles pretty comfortably, even with damp feet.

A great team that works well together, looking forward to the full practices for the Bronze and Silver teams on the 28th.

.

CMP-3

Cotswold Marathon – Practice 3

An excellent walk in dramatic snowy scenery across the 10 miles of the Cotswold Marathon Bronze route. Great bunch of young people that worked well together and enjoyed the day and the challenge. We are entering a Bronze and Silver team this year, (10 mile and 20 mile routes), the next practice will be the second 10 miles of the Silver route in the New Year.

The hope to build their navigation skills, stamina and knowledge of what equipment they need to be safe in the hills. Building to the event itself in February which is a night race across the routes. The Bronze aim is to try and beat the 4 hrs we did it in last year, the Silver aim is to carry on the good work from last year and work for a top ten finish hopefully.

No matter how they do, it will be a great event again and a challenge they can tick off as having accomplished.

Now for a rest until the New Year, Happy Christmas to everyone.

.

Xmas Panto

1st Royal Forest Monday Scouts, Tuesday Scouts and Wednesday Beavers filled the Upper Circle of the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on Saturday 26th November as we watched the pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat Tweedy.

We all joined in with gusto with the audience participation – oh yes we did!

My personal favourite bit was that Tweedy’s pet iron, Keith, had a starring role and saved the day!

Fiona – Monday Scouts Leader

.

Scouts – Expedition Challenge Award

Are you ready for your next big adventure? An essential part of the Chief Scout’s Gold Award is the Expedition Challenge Award. This involves taking part in a two-day expedition – see the scout website for details at https://www.scouts.org.uk/scouts/awards/expedition/

We are planning an expedition at the end of half term, 29th – 30th. If you haven’t already done your Expedition Challenge Award this is your opportunity. It doesn’t come around often!

We’ll be having a preparatory session in the evening on Sunday 16th October when you will begin to plan your route and equipment etc. 

During the expedition you’ll need to 

  1. Play a full part in the team.
  2. Use a map or other navigation device to keep track of where you are.
  3. Cook and eat at least one hot meal.
  4. Undertake a project as the purpose of your expedition to be agreed with your leaders before you depart.  For example, a photo journey capturing some of the local history or natural environment. 
  5. Produce an individual report or presentation within the three weeks following your expedition to share with the group. You could present your work as a project, performance, video recording, oral presentation, blog or website.

Due to the tight timing we need to know whether you are planning to join us ASAP – Speak to your Section Leader