SCOUTING EAST
No.213 The Journal of East Belfast Scouting SEPTEMBER 2000
From The Editor
It is hard to accept that we are now more than halfway through the year 2000, our Millennium Camp is but a distant memory and the 2000/2001 session is almost upon us. At the time of writing this issue, I am much too pre-occupied with the final preparations for the 30th Pack’s summer camp in the Isle of Man which has not yet taken place, to even think about programme planning for the autumn!
But there is no escaping the fact that in a few weeks our Sections will be starting up again and the annual cycle of District events will soon accelerate into full swing. How about some new events for a new session? A Cub or Scout Triathlon Event (using the grounds and pool of a local school and avoiding the busy roads of Ulster and the sub-zero temperatures of the Irish Sea, I hasten to add!). A chess tournament? Talent Show? Water-polo competition? A District PL Training Course or overnight survival exercise? A District Venture Scout/Leader around Ireland challenge similar to the Monopoly run in Dublin in previous years? I’m sure everyone out there would have some ideas of their own too. Why not share them in the pages of Scouting East? It is great too, to start the new session with some very positive news from Ballymacarratt as we eagerly await the re-establishment of 28th Group in the coming months. Opportunities for Scoutreach in Knocknagoney are also being explored.
Many thanks to all those who took time out from their own summer holidays to provide the various reports included in this issue. September’s Scouting East is positively overflowing with news from no less than 5 Groups, together with reports on various other issues affecting our District and a fair splattering of miscellaneous information and/or gossip about East’s personalities. Best wishes for the 2000/2001 session. Keep in touch,
David
News from 7th Group
The 7th Belfast Scout Group continues to thrive out here in Dundonald. Numbers in the Colony, Pack and Troop having increased significantly since January and look like increasing even more in September. We are very lucky to have good committed leaders who work extremely hard and I, as Group Scout Leader, have nothing but admiration and thanks for their work amongst an extremely lively group of young people from many varied backgrounds.
The summer session was pretty busy with the highlight being our attendance at East Belfast’s Millennium Camp at Delamont. Early on the morning of Friday 26th May the ‘advance’ party set off for the campsite complete with canvas accommodation and food for 45 Cub Scouts, Scouts and Leaders. The site allocated to us was quite large and commanded a magnificent view across Strangford Lough. By the time the ‘campers’ arrived our mini 7th village was in place. Our Beavers and their Leaders joined us on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Throughout the weekend we joined in all the available activities as well as some extra curricular ones invented by our boys! We were very lucky with the weather until 3pm on Sunday when we experienced a tremendous thunder and lightening storm. Indeed we had all types of weather that weekend, those of us who had to be out and about around 5am on Sunday morning found the site covered with a white frost!The experience was enjoyed by all who participated, in particular, it was a good experience for the young people to be in camp with all the other Groups in East Belfast. As far as 7th was concerned it was yet another opportunity to be together as a Scouting family.
In June Dundonald Methodist Church had a Fun Day on Saturday 17th. This was well supported by people and families in the Ballybeen area and the Group had an opportunity to promote membership by being involved in helping with the many varied activities and mounting a Board Display. So active was our participation that our Beaver Leader Maureen ended up with a fractured ankle while taking part in an aerobics display. I am happy to say that she has now had the plaster removed.
As we look forward to the 2000/2001 session, we anticipate an even busier year from both the Scout and Church aspect of our Group.
Anne Jackson, GSL 7th
District Website Update
The District Website has been extensively updated and revamped during the summer. Among the new features is a games swap and programme ideas page, and reports of recent competition results and information and entry forms for forthcoming District Events. There are also some new photographs and reports of recent camps and Group events as well as pages dedicated to Leader training, community development, proficiency badge courses and news from the District Team and Executive.
We hope that the site will provide a useful resource for our internal audience, much in the same way as the old District Year Book used to, as well as publicising and promoting the Groups in East District and Scouting in general to the wider public.
If we are to continue to develop and expand the site, we will need everyone’s help. You do not have to have any knowledge of computers, just send the information from your Groups in the same way as you currently do for Scouting East and we will do the rest. If you are sending photos, please remember to obtain the permission of those in the photos or their parents in the case of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. We would welcome a greater input from everyone one there. Please let us have your thoughts and comments about what could be improved and what else could be added. Perhaps some of our Scouts and Venture Scouts might like to do some work on the site as part of a school, Tech or university project? We’d be glad of the help.
The site continues to attract a lot of visitors. Here are some of the comments recorded recently by those who signed our guest book:
‘A very good site, one which your District must be very proud of’Michael Campbell, ASL 5th Ballymena
‘Came across your site tonight and think its’ great! I was a Cub at Sydenham Methodist around 1976 and enjoyed every minute of it. Best wishes to you all and good luck for the future’ Ian Davidson, Cambridge
‘I’m happy to sign the guestbook of my old District. I was a Scout with 99th East Belfast in 1960s. A lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then. Best wishes’Dr.David Hutchinson, DC Antrim & District
David and Jamie
News from 30th Group
10 of the Cubs recently completed their Handyman badge. Many thanks to parent, John Harvey, who ran the badge course. 15 of the Cubs also finished off their Naturalist badge. Akela had his assistants and the parents in stitches when he mispronounced this word while awarding the badges (think about it!!)
30th Pack finished the year with some backwoods cooking and shelter building at Cairnwood. Many thanks to all the parents who helped out on the night. Baloo and Bagherra, Jan and Lorna, have now mastered the art of baking bread or ’twists’ backwoods style, so there should be no worries in their homes at least if there is ever another bread strike! (granted it would have to be a pretty long strike and you would have to be pretty desperate!). Meanwhile, the 30th Troop finished the season with 18 Scouts visiting the Ice Bowl for Bowling and Burgers. Well done and thanks to Warren, Marty, Louise and Harry for all the hard work which has seen them through to the end of a very successful first year.
There was a large turnout at 30th Group’s Car Treasure Hunt and BBQ in June. This year the venue was Crawfordsburn and thanks are due to Colin and the Warden’s team for organising the abseiling, grass-sledging and assault course, greatly enjoyed not only by the boys but by the parents as well. Many thanks to Jan, Lorna and Fiona for their help with the catering and to Warren who set the clues for the treasure hunt. Congratulations to our treasure hunt winners, the Blundells, and to Andrew Thom and Chris Foye who were presented with their Adventure Crest Awards on their last night before moving to the Troop. Andrew was also awarded the Cub of the Year Cup at the BBQ.
Warren ‘Jeff Banks’ Patterson followed hot on the heels of his winter fashion parade featuring the now infamous little red night cap, by unveiling his collection of summer-wear, the highlight of which was his ‘figleaf’ pinny which he donned to cook the burgers at the BBQ. Thankfully, unlike ‘Naked’ Chef Jamie Oliver, Warren sensibly chose to wear jeans and T-shirt underneath!!
David, CSL 30th
Delamont: medical Alert
Perhaps it was the County Down air, the change in scenery or the smell of wood-smoke, but all the Cubs at the Millennium Camp seemed to be affected with Compulsory Contrary Disorder or CCD. This is a not too well know disease which causes the patient to do the exact opposite to what he is asked to, or should do.
Classic symptoms include:
Standing complaining to an Akela that you are freezing whilst wearing only a T-shirt and shorts when it is raining and then donning your uniform and a fleece when the sun comes out.
Having a walkway between your tents totally clear and roped off and insisting on walking over the guy lines
Standing in the rain getting soaked and then sitting in your tent when the sun is splitting the trees.
Being told to take a packet of crisps and then lifting a Mars Bar.
Standing around a campfire huddled together choking in the smoke when the other side of the fire is completely clear
Being asked to queue up for tea at the Marquee but going to the park
Queuing up for an extra burger and then stating that you do not want it when it is handed to you
Being told 20 times (and that is not an exaggeration) not to jump over the guy lines and then jumping over them.
Holding a sausage on a stick over the embers so high that only a bolt of lightening would cook it or so close to the flames as to make charcoal more edible
Pushing a sausage on to the blunt end on the skewer whilst the other sharpened end virtually skewers your hand
Other symptoms include:
Selective Deafness, apparent when the only words the Cub hears are "tuck shop"
Partial Dysfunction of the Limbs, obvious in those that fall over invisible obstacles and drop anything put in their hand
Loss of memory, the latter being easily diagnosed if the leaders end up with 3 bin bags full of lost property which doesn't belong to anyone.
An inability to find things is a new side effect, which I discovered when a Cub announced he had lost his scarf only for this Akela to find it round his neck!
The final and perhaps most dangerous symptom is, a tremendous ability to annoy every leader within a 200m radius of your location just by being there.
The only treatment for carers of those suffering from CCD is a long break,totally divorced from the patient....Thank goodness for the Summer recess!!!!
Brian Laffin, CSL 4th
Millennium Memmories
Let’s think back for a moment to a weekend in late May and to recall some of the highlights and record our thanks to all those who worked so hard to make our Millennium Camp at Delamont such a memorable occasion. Here are a few of your editor’s favourite memories (why not write in with your own for the next issue?):
Roy Lamont in his Red Indian Costume….and Jenny’s home made stew served in the caravan late on Friday night.
My own Cubs getting washed sharing one basin of cold water placed on a wall outside the makeshift toilets. I wouldn’t have liked to be last in the queue to use that water!!
Walking round the Millennium Stone several times each night willing it to collapse like the walls of Jericho!
30th ACSLs Jan and Lorna in their Squaw costumes with their polystyrene cacti! David’s valiant attempts at smoke signalling while Fiona was stalking Cubs in the forest with plastic arrows and a super-soaker!
3 of my new Cubs, Jeff, Matthew and Michael, being invested at the Saturday Evening Ceremony and 99th Cub, Jonathan Elliot, being presented with a special trophy in recognition of having completed all 38 activity badges.
Lighting the millennium beacon and campfire (my seconder Paul turning the gas supply to the beacon off and getting shouted at by the Deputy DC was unfortunately equally memorable!)
Waking Suzi (and as it happened Valerie too which was an added bonus) with the combined 3rd and 30th Cub Scout Choir’s rendition of ‘Wake Up Little Suzi, its time to go home’ on Sunday morning. (Getting soaked with ice-cold water by daughter Cherry later…revenge is sweet!)
John and Suzi’s Red Indian extravaganza…that human aeroplane…the undersized totem pole..the war chant..the 7th’s slippery slope and the 3rd’s tepee.
a much needed coffee in the 4th/99th hospitality tent late on the Friday evening. (How many cups of coffee did you have this weekend Brian?)
Rev.David Campton competing to be heard over the thunder and lightening on Sunday afternoon.
Racing against time to get tents and marquees down and then driving home along flooded country lanes in the heavy rain.
Many thanks to David and the District Team, particularly Deputy DC Ian, who worked so hard to ensure that the weekend was a success. Thanks also to the Wardens’ Team at Delamont, to Christchurch BB Company for the loan of their marquee, to the Rev.Campton, to the Lord Mayor of Downpatrick, to Noel Thompson and Steven Watson and company from the BBC, and to 99th CSL Alex for inviting them along to the event.
David, CSL 30th
News from 24th Troop
On Wednesday 16th May the Scouts of the 24th descended into the field across from their HQ. There we spent a few hours on axe man ship instructed by myself and two other leaders, Keith and Johnny. The Scouts where also taught how to operate a Trangia stove without setting light to themselves. They prepared, and cooked their meals which consisted of bangers and hamburgers.In the next few weeks we will be going to Crawfordsburn and there we hope to teach the Scouts all about backwoods cooking and Camping Skills. We ran an activity of pitching a Vango tent in the Scout Hall. When they successfully pitched and struck the tent, it was made harder for them. They all had to wear their scarves around their eyes. This was good fun for the Scouts and it made us the Leaders see who was able to work a team.
Richard Beckwith, ASL 24th
New Adventure in Gilnahirk
Last year, 27th Group decided to set up a Venture Unit at St. Dots. After a reasonably successful trial year, they hope to expand their numbers by bringing in members from their own Troop and possibly also from the reformed 30th Troop, working under the title of The Gilnahirk Venture Unit and they already have a number of activities in the pipeline to encourage membership. They also hope to provide the opportunity for ventures to work on their Venture Scout Award and Queen’s Scout Award. The prospects and potential are exciting and with some enthusiasm, the Ventures in Gilnahirk could really take off.
Christopher Bryson, ASL 27th
News from 4th Group
Scouts and Venture have just returned from 2 weeks in Kandersteg- Sid (the camp site manager-one of our exports) sends his regards to all in Belfast! It was an interesting experience- not everybody gets snowed on twice during their summer camp! The camp site and staff are excellent- even if the weather isn't (and it usually is good, despite our experience) but we will never use the tour operator (who advertise widely in Scouting, etc) again.
Highlight of the camp for the ventures was the two-day snow and ice course- climbing using ice-axes and crampons and reaching an altitude of over 3000m- a nice relaxing second day started at 4.30a.m.and the hike finished at 5.30p.m - with another two hours travel back to site. Hopefully there will be a fuller account from some of the participants in the next issue.
Belfast County's Venture Scout Karting in June was also worth a mention- 4th's Peter Hamilton was the star performer ( 4th also collected more 'black flags' than anyone else- despite the doubtful tactics of certain leaders from 33rd!) All good clean fun.
Malcolm, GSL 4th
Another thing - just while we’re on the subject of 4th, another reliable source has just informed me that CSL, Brian, has recently turned 40! Congratulations from all in East and best wishes for the next 40 years! –Ed)
Incidentally, we also heard that Brian Laffin is excavating a trench and attempting to build some sort of wall in his garden which at the moment has taken on an appearance not unlike a world war one battlefield! On account of Brian’s advanced years, this is proving an onerous task. So, willing conscripts are invited to don their tin hats, pick up their shovels and call at Brian’s house. After a bit of hard graft, all volunteers will be treated to a BBQ supper afterwards.
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"Kati's Ma plays Belfast Castle
And so another one bites the dust ...Miss Emma Baird of the 99th Cubs is no more. No she hasn't left the movement just become a Mrs. On 29th July 2000 at Belmont Presbyterian Church a Mr Stuart McMeekin undertook the onerous task of becoming the then Miss Baird's husband. Amidst all the pageantry that a wedding supported by Cubs armed with tonnes of confetti stowed in a very conceivable place, pockets, under caps etc., could provide, the pair tied the proverbial knot. I have seen Emma's knotting and in the past she hasn't often got it right, but things changed on the 29th and Mr McMeekin was well and truly tied up!!.
From reports of those "lucky" enough to witness live, this momentous event all passed off well with not a tear shed, that is if you don't count Stuart's and those of joy shed by Emma's Dad! All, including the cub fraternity had managed to spruce themselves up to an almost unrecognisable level, and even the bride was in a skirt, well dress but it's the same thing really.
And while Mr Flatley was entertaining the thousands at Stormont those at the reception, the late blow ins and freeloaders were enjoying the wedding festivities at Belfast Castle, culminating in an evening of entertainment provided by that well known local group, Kati's Ma.......they are not really called Kati's Ma. Their real name is Karisma but Ian Diamond whether through tears of joy, an obscured vantage point or just plain short-sightedness brought on by old age misread their name!!! And then was daft enough to tell every one...some people never learn. (I think Kati's Ma is a better name anyway, Ian. Who in their right mind would name a group Karisma? Anyway enough slaging Mr Diamond's eyesight, I'm almost the same age but at least I admit the onset of the years and compensate by wearing glasses. I can recommend a good optician if you 're interested, and if not, take a wee tip, engage all your other faculties before putting your mouth in gear!!
Jesting aside. It was by all accounts the Scout wedding of the year. Best of luck to both Emma and Stuart. And one finally word of advice ...if the going gets tough....you can always go to mummy’s for dinner!!!
An anonymous reporter
(the last thing she wanted to do is offend the Deputy DC and him know her name!!)
District Appointments Subcommittee
Warrant interviews are due to be held on Friday 6th October 2000 at 7.45pm at a venue to be decided. Applications (hopefully on the new type of pro-forma) to the Sub-Committee Secretary, Mrs.Ann Anderson by 28th September please.
PG Holland, Sub-Committee Chairman
District Badges
New Season- New Recruits- New Supply of Badges?’ £10 for a packet of 25. No change in the design. Obtainable from the District Badge Secretary or from PG Holland.
Uniform Consultation
In train with the proposal to change the uniform, as part of the Programme Review, the National Association has issued a Questionnaire entitled ‘Uniform Consultation’ for return to BP House by 10th November 2000. It is possible that the changes are not entirely suitable for Northern Ireland use and, in my opinion, the Association in Northern Ireland is not obliged to accept or adopt the uniform proposals en bloc. It is most important that individuals, Sections and Groups utilise this Questionnaire. The District Executive Committee, due to meet on 25th September, may advise that a collated response from the District would be desirable but whatever way, the Questionnaire is returned DO GET HOLD OF A COPY AND DRAFT YOUR REPLIES. There is an interesting outcome from the Review: It looks as if there is to be a 5-section movement: 6-8, 8-10½, 10½-14, 14-18 and 18-25. At long last! Who said ‘Rover Scouts are dead?’ (Maybe…but not sure about the age ranges of the other sections especially the Scout Section..Ed.)
PG Holland, District President
Community Development in East Belfast
We have continued to work on Community Development in East Belfast throughout the summer. As you are aware, during April and May we did Scout Taster Events in both Dee Street Community Centre and the Carew Centre in Tamar Street. This has been followed up by undertaking three outings to Crawfordsburn Scout Centre as part of the Carew Centre’s Summer Activity Scheme.
On Tuesday 18th July, we took 14 8-11 year olds plus 6 of their Leaders to Crawfordsburn. On Wednesday 26th July we took 16 5-7 year olds plus 4 of their Leaders to Crawfordsburn. On Friday 28th July we took 20 young people aged from 5-16 years plus 16 adults on a family day out to Crawfordsburn.
Colin and his warden’s team at Crawfordsburn were tremendous and activities included the Beaver Trail, assault course, Slippery Slope, Grass Sleighing, BlindFold Trail, Target Throwing, Orienteering and finishing with a BBQ, to mention some of the events. The participants enjoyed Scouting activities at their best and the weather was kind to us as well, apart from one afternoon. My special thanks are due to Colin and his wardens who did a tremendous job in promoting Scouting to these families. The comments of two teenage girls were ‘we cannot wait to start Scouting!’ and a number of the parents were well and truly into all the activities and look forward to Scouting in Ballymacarrat. At the time of writing, our proposal for premises in the area is at the Committee Stage with Belfast City Council.
Thanks are also due to 3rd, 10th and 27th Groups for helping with manpower and minibuses and to Ricky McKnight from West & Crawfordsburn, Colin Turtle and John Corry for driving minibuses.
As usual, Sinclair Trotter from HQ has been a tremendous help and support in our efforts to re-establish Scouting in Ballymacarrat, and the young people there certainly did experience Scouting this summer.
We have also made initial approaches in the Knocknagoney area and hope to move forward there in September.
Anne Jackson, ACC Community Development
News in Brief
Congratulations to Barum Jeffries, ACSL 33rd, who has been accepted onto a Theatre Studies course at Trinity College Dublin in the autumn.
East’s Ann and Sam were recently invited to London to attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Congratulations and best wishes to Warren Patterson (ASL 30th) on his marriage to Celine on 26th August.
Events in September
25th: District Executive Committee
Contact: Harry Davison, District Secretary
30th: 30th Pack Weekend Camp at Crawfordsburn, including Wide Game on Saturday afternoon- other Packs invited to enter a team, numbers permitting
Contact: David or any of 30th Leaders
News & Views, Letters & Comments, Reports & Announcements to the Editor:
e.mail: d.bell@qub.ac.uk or eastbelfast@yahoo.com
not later than 6th September for the October Issue please!
