Category: NEWS

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.

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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.

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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

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Join us for an evening of fun and help the scouts going to Haarlem raise some funds towards their trip.

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

For more information and to join the teams email Steve

New campfire seating installed for a better campfire experience or for use as an outside classroom. Many thanks to Craig for the help with the installation.

If anyone wants to volunteer a small amount of time we always have a list of things that need doing 🙂
from painting to cleaning and external maintenance jobs.

Contact chair@1stroyalforest.org.uk if you can spare some time to help.

Hopefully everyone has had a great summer break! Over the summer we have still been scouting, our young people have been to Belgium for a week, and sailing with the Tall Ships Youth Trust also for a week among other activities.

You can read their sailing blog at https://www.tallships.org/challenger-2-gloucestershire-scouts-2/

We now look forward to returning to the lodge for the Autumn term, return dates for sections are below:

Monday Scouts	12th September
Tuesday Cubs	13th September
Tuesday Scouts	13th September
Wednesday Beavers	14th September
Wednesday Scouts	7th September
Thursday Cubs	15th September

Tuseday scouts have had a great weekend sailing at Llandegfedd Reservoir near Pontypool with the brilliant Chris, Claire,  Oscar and Alan from the Newport SWAT sailing team.

With a bright and early start meeting at Beaver Lodge, before a short journey over to the reservoir. 

Upon arrival there was much discussion; it was windy, very windy, which yes is good for sailing but not so great for our beginners, although good for practising man overboard with the safety boat.

Decision made, safety kit on and it was out to the luggers a nice sturdy boat for the gusty conditions each fitting 6 crew and our captains Chris and Alan. 

Scouts split into two groups. We were straight into Moby the power boat for a short trip to the luggers which are moored in the deeper waters. Taking it in turn, two scouts controlling the jib sail and one taking the helm. A lovely morning tacking up and down the water.

After lunch it was onto the much smaller RS fevas, spliting the scouts into three boats. First teaching them to rig the boats it was then onto the water, with sails reefed as still windy. The afternoon spent crisscrossing the reservoir with Chris ,Alex and Scott as captains taking the helm and showing them the ropes. Athough I question two of the captains for knocking some of their own crew out of the boats with the boom!! No names Chris and Alex. 

Whilst in the back ground was our own Steve M (who kindly helped transport kit) battling the conditions around the lake on his paddle board.

After a night at CRIA scout campsite it was back on the water using the RS fevas. This time, as the winds had subsided the scouts were on their own getting to grips with sail and tiller. With Steve C on shore duty looking after scouts who hadn’t quite found their sea legs. 

The afternoon was lead by Oscar with all the scouts on one gaint paddle board playing a range of games which mainly meant all the scouts falling off and jumping competitions where we had some interesting dives and belly flops to judge. 

An excellent weekend messing about on the water with 10 worn out scouts,  what could be better. 

More rice anyone!