RIVER USK DAY TRIP
By Sam Bunce - Explorer Meon Valley The River Usk was my first trip with the HSCCC, and I must admit, it was a great start. There were 6 members on the expedition, of whom I was the youngest, at 14. Once on the river we took a few minutes to get used to the river before paddling 100’ downstream, plunging straight off a 3’ weir and for me, taking my first swim. Back in my boat we continued downstream, managing some rapids, and continued on. We eddied out at a few of the more exciting ones where some of the group showed off by surfing the biggest rapids they could find. The biggest was yet to come as, at a later rapid I dropped, rose, and flew through the air. The only flaw was, in doing so I flipped myself completely, landing upside down in the water. After returning to my kayak again, all but my pride unharmed, we went over the “last” rapid six times before reaching a long, calm section to paddle towards the end. It was on this section that Frank decided to paddle with his legs outside the kayak. This is where me and Mark, the second youngest at 17, claimed our revenge for Franks earlier comment about under-18 kayakers. Once we got out of our boats, and Frank finished his nice, relaxing swim, we had a late lunch, before packing up to head towards home with every intention to come back for another trip with the HSCCC.
TIM PIKE TAKES ON NEW ROLE Congratulations to Tim Pike, currently Director of Adult Support in Hampshire, on his appointment as Deputy UK Commissioner (Activities). In this UK HQ role he will lead projects related to Activities, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and support the team of UK Technical Advisers for specific Activities. Tim has previously worked at Gilwell as part of the Programme staff team, and was also Deputy UK Contingent Leader for the 2007 World Scout Jamboree. In his role in Hampshire over the past 15 months he has led the development of the County Strategy, run the County Conferences, strengthened the role of Cluster Groups and ACCs (District Support), and supported the transition to Scout Active Support. We’re grateful to Tim for all he has done and continues to do for Hampshire, and wish him all the best in his new role - and the good news is we won’t be losing him completely from Hampshire.
SPITFIRE CD LAUNCHED 14th Eastleigh Scout and Guide Band, have launched their first CD recording. The album, entitled ‘By Request’ features eleven tracks and will be raising funds for a variety of charities CDs are priced at £10 and you can find out more about the band by visiting their website: http://www.14thspitfires.co.uk 32