1st Liphook Scouts newsletter Sept 2013

Issue: 009 September 2013

1st Liphook Scout Group Newsletter Editorial: trevorholden62@gmail.com Website: www.liphookscouts.org.uk

TWO CAMPS 1500 MILES APART SHARED BLUE SKIES

More photos from our two Scout Camps that ran at the same time during August albeit 1500 miles apart can be found in the Camp supplement to this newsletter. Kefalonia, Greece (left) and Goodwood, West Sussex (right).

CUBS AND SCOUTS DO-NUTTING AT ALDERSHOT DRY SKI SLOPE

Sixers and Seconders from all three cub packs enjoyed an evening do-nutting at Aldershot Dry Ski Slope. The end of term treat was arranged by the new Akela for Downlands pack, Jessica Gunner. A great evening was had by all the Cubs (and the leaders).

Both Scout Troops also enjoyed an end of term treat at the same venue in July.

You can support 1st Liphook Scout Group when browsing or purchasing items on the internet by using

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MIKE & JANET KING SAY FAREWELL TO LIPHOOK Supporters of 1st Liphook Scout Group gathered to say farewell to Liphook’s first Group Scout Leader in March this year. Mike was one of the founder members of our Scout Group and is very proud of how the Group has grown from strength to strength over the last 40 years.

Mike is going to continue to be involved in Scouting by retaining his position as Petersfield Wheatsheaf Cubs raised £41.25 District Badge Secretary.

All members of 1st Liphook for Comic Relief by dressing as would like to wish every happi- Superheros on 15th March 2013. ness to Mike and Janet in their They had an evening of fun and games to raise the cash. new home in Dorset.

DISTRICT CUB BADGE AFTERNOON

CHRISTMAS POST

By Mark Boosey

by Trevor Holden On 9th February Cubs from all over Petersfield District descended on 1st Liphook Scout HQ for an afternoon of badge testing. Each Cub was given the opportunity to work for two badges an they brought along their work to have it tested by leaders and supporters from all the District. Many badges were earned and all the Cubs left happy. Thank you to Melanie ADC (Cubs) for organising the very successful afternoon.

A big thank you to all the Bea- years (meaning the leaders vers, Cubs, Scouts and Ex- don't have to deliver so many plorers (and their parents) rounds themselves), so thank who helped deliver the Christ- you to everyone who turned up! mas Post this year! For those We've since heard back from a that may not be aware, each number of you saying you enyear the group puts post boxes joyed spending an hour being a in shops around the village (you postman - great to hear. might have seen them - they In total we delivered over 2,000 were a nice new purple colour cards in the area, thus raising this year) and we deliver over £500 for group funds in the around Liphook, Bramshott, process. Thanks again for all Passfield and Conford once all the support! the cards have been collected Please support your Scout Group again this year by volunin.

This year lots of the group mem- teering to deliver cards again bers (and their parents) turned this year. up on Sunday 16th December More details will follow nearer to pick up a batch of cards for the time but it is proposed to the road they live on. It was our deliver cards on 15th Decembest support for a number of ber.

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CLASSIC CAR DAY RODNEY BISHOP

By Jez Turner

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL YET

By Trevor Holden The 2013 Classic Car Day at the newly refurbished Deers Hut was a great success.

Leaders, Scouts, Explorers and supporters day began at 8.30am and finished at gone 5pm.

During the day nearly 1000 burgers were sold along with tea and coffee. The back field at the Deers Hut was almost entirely filled with visitors’ cars all of which were parked with the aid of uniformed members. All the hard work was well worth

it when the Scouts and Guides were presented with £2000 for their HQ fund. Thank you to all who gave up their Fathers Day to support the annual event. Next years date will once again be Fathers Day.

This years Rodney Bishop 6-aside tournament was held at Petersfield’s Love Lane ground.

In true Rodney Bishop style the weather was not great, although considerably drier than last year, it was, however, absolutely freezing.

The group stages kicked off at a frantic pace with all three Liphook packs competing against all the other packs in the district in their respective groups. There was great support from all the cubs parents to cheer them along in the cold, and after the group stages were finished it was time for the semi-finals, Oakhanger, Downlands and Wheatsheaf all made the semi finals, along with Petersfield.

So Liphook managed to get al three teams into the last four spaces, for the second year running. This year the tournament was won by Petersfield, with Downlands Pack in a well deserved runners place, Wheatsheaf in 3rd and Oakhanger in fourth.

All the Cubs from Liphook set a great example in representing the group, as well as supporting each other. Well done everyone!!

HELP REQUIRED Help is needed for the following up and coming events.

5th October Group Race Night

SCOUT AND GUIDE HALLS FOR HIRE

Contact Heather Boosey On 01428 723609 or boosey@talk21.com

End October Carnival Preparations and Float Building 15th December Christmas Post Card Delivery Please contact your section leader if you are able to help with these events.

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PORTSMOUTH 0 - CHARLTON 3

By Jez Turner

It may not have been the result that the Cubs from Wheatsheaf pack were hoping for but the outing was enjoyed by all. As an end of term treat Cubs from Wheatsheaf pack went to Fratton Park to see Portsmouth take on Charlton Athletic in a pre-season friendly. Portsmouth’s dismal form from last the end of last season continued and they were well beaten in front of their home supporters.

CHRISTMAS POST 2013 Message from Mark Boosey Each year the group runs a Christmas Card postal service in Liphook, Bramshott, Passfield and Conford, which raises funds for activities and new equipment. Watch out for the post boxes in shops around the village in December, and please do come along to the HQ on Sunday 15th December at 10am to pick up a batch of cards to deliver in the area around where you live.

We need some new designs for our stamps this year so will be running a competition in October. The winning designs will be appearing on 1000s of cards! Look out for the letter which will be handed out in October explaining how to submit your design.

Examples of previous designs for the Christmas stamps.

EXPLORERS, BLOOD, SWEAT AND GEARS

By Gary Gunner After a quick chat about safety we set off from the hut and we were incident free right up to the Anchor.

New brakes working way too well! So on to the Deers Hut where we climbed a gruelling mile up to the mast on Weavers Down, losing one rider at the top (Don’t eat a big meal just before a ride, it will return! ) Best thing about going up is you get to go down (fast) and over some good whoops and jumps getting some good air. We weaved in and out top Liss Forest on some well-worn Mototrax (more face plant action) no harm done though.

Then it was uphill again towards Chapel Common to find one of my favourite downhill sections, short but gnarly!

We headed back after some exhilarating action back to the viewpoint and a nice scenic route back to the Deers Hut. A mega ride and a massive effort by all, and no slackers. What a great bunch of guys!

Next instalment to follow……………...

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DOWNLANDS RADFORD Shackleton and Scott Troop Night Hike & Bivvi RAFT CHALLENGE

By Jessica Gunner

By Neil Caie

On the 2nd July we took the Downlands cubs to Radford park to take part in the Radford Raft Challenge. The cubs used their pioneering skills to make the rafts , and using sticks and recycled material they square lashed them together using a various knots they had learnt the previous weeks.

We had three heats and the winners from each heat went on to the finals.

After the race the boys had a game of football and then sat down to have a well earned hot dog.

Nigel Woods led members of Shackleton and Scott Troops on a night hike on a Friday evening at the end of May. Starting at the hut in Liphook they walked through Bramshott, over Ludshott, up the Golden Valley, through Beacon Hill to finish at the Scout hut of 1st Hindhead. En-route Nigel gave the hikers some insight into the area as it was during WWII. Stories of downed aircraft and lost treasure, espionage and mis-guided V2 bombs held the group captive. Setting camp in the grounds of the hut in the dark made for some interesting shelters (when viewed in the light of day!) – but come the morning all were still standing and a ‘full English’ was enjoyed by all!

The winners of the Downlands Radford Raft Challenge with their rafts they made.

NIGEL LEADS THE WAY! Nigel Woods led the nonelite riders at the 2013 LiDBA for at least the first 100 meters. He did manage to beat his previous best time in the process. A big thank you to all the riders who took part representing 1st Liphook Scout Group. These included Helen and Adam Coyte, Lauren West, David Sainsbury and Mark Boosey. The Group would also like to thank all those supporters who came along to help cook and serve sausage rolls, bacon rolls and burgers. This year the stall raised over £800 whilst keeping riders and their families bellies full.

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LEADERS RECEIVE AWARDS FOR EXCEPTIONALLY AND LONG SERVICE Back in June Wheatsheaf and Oakhanger Cubs where learning to pop, lock and drop it.

As part of the fitness challenge badge to try a new sport, Gemma from Streetn Nation came and did a street dance session with both packs.

The cubs enjoyed trying something new and learning a routine in just one hour. The evening was great fun with some of the cubs showing a real talent in this style of dance. A big thank you to Gemma and Street Nation for making it possible.

Write up by Helen Coyte ACSL

By Bryan Jackson GSL Two of our Leaders, Chris Stevens (Scrolin) and Trevor Holden have received recognitions for the valuable service that they have given to Scouting over a considerable period and with the approval of the Chief Scout Bear Grylls they were presented with the

BEAVER CAMP 2013

By Mark Stocker (Owl) In June, 19 Beaver Scouts from Ashdown and Willow Colonies headed out to Tilford near Farnham for a weekend of space themed fun at Garners Field Campsite. The Beavers arrived on the Friday evening and put their tents up and then got competitive with a team skittles tournament which also involved the parents. After a few hours sleep it was all go for a full day of adventurous activities which included Backwoods cooking, Canoeing, Archery, GPS Treasure hunting, despite some rain showers everyone marched on and had a thoroughly enjoyable day, in the spare time the Beavers made Space Rockets to take home with them. Saturday evening concluded with a huge campfire to which we were joined by some of the D of E students who were camping on the same site. Everyone sang as loud as they could, despite some tired faces. The camp concluded on Sunday morning with some presentations and badges awarded to the Beavers as they headed home with some amazing stories to tell all their friends at school. Here’s to next years camp.

Award for Merit at the Petersfield District AGM. In addition to this six of our Leaders have clocked up 90 years of service to Scouting and have been presented with their Long Service Awards:Mark Boosey and Chris Stevenson 5 years, Phelim Mcintyre 10 Years, Trevor Holden 15 Years, Nick Harris, 25 years and Kevin Stephenson 30 Years.

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HAMPSHIRE OPEN FIELD SHOOT It seems a long time ago after all of the summer's good weather and the excitement of two great summer camps, but the Liphook Scouts rifle

Chief Executive who of course had a rifle pressed into his hand for a few shots down the range. Plenty of medals were on offer and the hosts walked away with a nice little haul.

It's all going to happen again next year, but it's June for us. Hopefully the sun will shine.

In May our attentions turn to clay

By David Sainsbury

ent skill from our normal rifle shooting, but I'm pleased to report that Matt Yeates was placed first in the Explorer Scout category and Jonathan Sainsbury won first place in the Scout competition.

As the summer comes to and end we start training for the National Championships in October. More next time!

(If anyone fancies trying shooting, we meet every Thursday for practice and run regular special sessions in other shooting disciplines. We'd be happy to see you there.)

pigeon. Organised by Dave Alderman and hosted by the Army a number of lads from Unfortunately, the weather was Liphook comnot kind to us but despite condi- peted for the tions rivaling the Somme, fun afternoon. was had by all. We were Clays require pleased to get a visit from a very differWayne Bulpitt who is Scouting's club hosted the Hampshire open field shoot back in March. The event was well attended with representatives from all over the County, plus a large contingent from Stevenage.

EXPLORER TRY DIVE In May this year 12 Explorer scouts went to the diving

school in Southampton, where they had an hours diving instruction.

Starting off in the shallow end of a meter but progressing to the deep area of the training pool of about 5 meters, here carrying out safety

BY STUART WEST routines and activates.

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1ST LIPHOOK SCOUT GROUP DIARY Date Sat 14th Sept Sat 5th Oct Thur 17th Oct Fri 18th Oct - Sun 20th Oct Sat 19th Oct & Sun 20th Oct

Event Scout Shop Group Race Night Exec Meeting National Scout Rifle Competition Carnival Float Preparations

Time 0900 - 1300 1900 - 2300 2000 - 2100 All Day

Where Scout HQ Scout HQ Scout HQ Bisley Scout HQ

Mon 21st Oct

Kefalonia Camp Presentation

1930 - 2130

Scout HQ

Sat 26th Oct Sat 2nd Nov Sat 9th Nov Sun 10th Nov Tues 10th Dec Sun 15th Dec

Liphook Carnival Pinewood Derby Beaver Outing Remembrance Day - CUBS District Carol Concert Christmas Post Delivery

1500 - 1830 All Day 1830 - 1930 All day

Scouting Continues to be Popular Scouting in Liphook continues to be popular and at the present time our Group is the largest group in Hampshire with over 190 members. At the present time we have only a small number of young people on our waiting list which we are slowly being able to offer places to, but some young people who live in the other villages outside our area who ask to join we are having to direct to their closer local Scout Groups .

All our sections are running at maximum capacity, this may not

away appear so but we do have to plan, make allowances and provision for the members that will be moving up to the next section.

As places are limited we do try and accommodate parent’s wishes where we can as to what evenings are available but this is not always possible. We do get some parents asking if they can change evenings, at the present time this is not possible due to the limited spaces plus we also have to ensure that we

Liphook Churchers Paultons Pk Bramshott Petersfield Scout HQ

By Bryan Jackson

maintain the correct balance in each sections.

It may appear that we have plenty of Leaders and Helpers, but we do need more help and support we do need people to step forward, to either just assist or become Leaders in all the sections. So why not come and join in the fun if you can help in any way please speak to any of the leaders or give me a ring Bryan Jackson Group Scout Leader 01428 723248.

TWO SCOUT CAMPS AND ONLY ONE GROUP FLAG - ALISON JACKSON TO THE RESCUE

By Trevor Holden With Scout Camps running concurrently this year in the UK and Greece, a dilemma arose; Which camp should have the Group flag? Thanks to the sewing skills of Alison Jackson and a lot of late nights prior to the camps she produced a new Group Flag which was taken to the Scout amp in Kefalonia.

If anybody has any suggestions on how to improve the newsletter or comments regarding any aspect of it please e-mail the editor, Trevor Holden on trevorholden62@gmail.com, thank you.