‘I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year- “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown” And he replied “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be for you better than light and safer than a known way” From a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins (1875-1957)

Happy New Year to all of the readers of Scouting East out there in the furthest reaches and outposts of our District. As we return to Scouting in 2001 with enthusiasm rekindled and imagination fired after the Christmas break, our thoughts will inevitably soon turn to planning programme for the coming months, outdoor activities, weekend and summer camps; for some of East’s Cubs a trip to Legoland or Dublin, while for the Troops the Causeway 2001 International Camp looms on the horizon. Before then of course is the County Swimming Gala, Orienteering Competition, District Quiz and Cross-Country Race to mention but a few of the forthcoming competitions. While you are all still in the mood to consider New Year’s resolutions or even already now at the stage of trying desperately not to break those you have already made, could I ask you all again not to forget about your Editor in 2001. When it comes to lonely outposts in East District there is nowhere more lonely than the desk of the Editor of Scouting East. The recent postal strike cannot entirely explain or excuse the scarcity of mail trickling through my letterbox and the District Email address inbox isn’t exactly full either. I’d love to hear a little bit more often from the Groups and Sections in our District about their programme and activities, especially from the Beaver Section and from the GSLs whose Groups rarely if ever send me copy. It would be good too to have more reports from the boys themselves particularly about camps and competitions or events they especially enjoyed. How about a little more input from the sectional ADCs as well rather than just leaving it to the DC to write every month? I had hoped that my strategy of cramming the magazine with news about 30th Group each month would either have set a good example or alternatively shamed or irritated (depending on your viewpoint) other Groups into writing if only to push 30th off the inner pages! So far, I’ve failed miserably! Thanks to those who did contribute this month, especially John and Ian, and 3rd and 9th Groups. Please do ‘make my day’ by writing for the February issue.

David

From the District Commissioner

Can I firstly wish everyone a very happy and successful new year on behalf of Alan and myself and the District Team. My sincere congratulations to two of our venture scouts, Erin Clark and Claire Archibald from the 33rd Unit on achieving their Queen’s Scout Awards. I hope that these will be the first of many Queen’s Scout awards within East District I would also like to congratulate and welcome the appointment of Paula Bryson as A.D.C Adult Training. Paula was the last C.S.L of the 59th Group before its closure and although she has been temporarily absent from East Scouting I know she will do a first class job in her new appointment.

64th Group : 64th are having a few problems with Leadership at present and whilst the current Scouters and their Group Committee have identified these problems all Sections of the 64th Group could do with a bit of support. I have already met with the Group and admire their willingness to give 100% to re-build the 64th. Can some of our Scouters please give up a little extra time and help out with the 64th in whatever capacity you can to help the Group back on its feet.

Ian

Free the Sydenham One…an update

On a dark and very wet Tuesday night in October the 9th Beavers descended on Strandtown RUC Station in a convoy of cars. On arrival the barriers were down and there was no movement to open them. With a little wheeling and dealing the barriers lifted and the convoy entered the police compound. On discharge from the cars, the boys charged to the entrance whether with excitement or just to stay dry. Sgt. Walker met us at reception and gave the boys a short talk on how to report if someone or something was missing. One or two had a go at reporting someone missing and their imagination went wild. Before entering the main part of the building, everyone was given a sticker. Sgt.Walker explained that everyone entering the security section must wear a sticker and no one could leave without one on. So the boys fixed theirs securely to their jumpers and off we went on the tour.

First off was the fitness suite and a talk on observation. The boys certainly observed, with 7ft tall policemen with funny cut hair and big feet like a clown’s. Well the police have certainly grown. The next stop was the police vehicles with all the boys making sure the sirens were in working order. Our final stop was the mess room for a drink and crisps and a lucky few trying on police uniforms. This was a sight! The boys had hoped for a peak in the cells but these were full (Leaders not too happy about this as they had thought they might have lost a few there). Home time came and Sgt.Walker told the boys to check if they still had their stickers. One (of course there is always one) had lost theirs so the Leader of the group (me of course) had to hand theirs over. The other Leaders breathed a sigh of relief. And you all know what happened next. So if you need to get in touch…I’m at the Plaza Hotel in Rio de Janeiro!!

Pat Gordon, 9th BSL (and escaped convict)

East District Cub Scout Swimming Gala

The annual East District Gala took place at Campbell College Pool on Friday 1st December. Five Packs were represented on the night: 4th, 24th, 30th, 33rd and 99th. Many thanks to all those who took part, to our starters and score-keepers, to Colin Jeffries who organised the event and to DC Ian who presented the medals. Congratulations to all the medal winners and to 99th Pack who were this year’s winners of the Bolton Shield. Results were as follows:

5th Place 24th Pack 40 points

John and Suzi, ADC (Cubs)

Please Note: Avoneil Swimming Pool has been booked for 8.30pm on Friday 19th January for any Cubs wanting to do the Swimming Badge Exam (Stages 1-3). Pyjamas or T-shirt/shorts are required for some stages and should be brought. Anyone who has Cubs wanting to enter or would be willing to help run/assist with the Badge exam on the night, contact David (30th) ASAP.

Slot-Car Competition

The Belfast Heats of the annual Slot-Car competition were held at 78th (North) HQ on the Antrim Road on 2nd and 3rd December. East Cubs were represented by David Jordan from 99th Pack and Ross Clarke, Paul Johnston, James Thompson, Patrick Thompson, Paul Gibson, Ryan Harbinson and Christopher Harvey from 30th Pack who faced stiff competition from Cubs representing a number of Packs from North District. Thanks to Colin and Sinclair who organised the event and congratulations to David (99th) and Ross (30th) who eventually finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the Belfast Heat and progress to the NI Final at Crawfordsburn in March.

David, CSL 30th

Everyone in East will I’m sure be saddened to learn that our former Editor and Appointments Secretary, Ernie and Rhoda Sharp, were involved in a car crash before Christmas. Thankfully they are both now back at home and on the mend and we send them our best wishes for a continued and full recovery.

District Census

The annual census return will soon be upon us again. Your GSL will probably have been in contact already about this, but just in case they haven’t District Secretary, Harry Davison would ask all Section Leaders to get this information ready NOW so that GSLs can forward the Group return promptly before the end of January.

News from 3rd Group

The Troop went recently to the Mega Zone at the Ice Bowl for a night of Lazer Quest. Someone who shall remain nameless claimed his gun was not working to explain why he got the lowest score of the night but at the end of the game all the guns where found to be working! If any other Troops are interested in joining together for a game, even as a challenge match I think this could be a good night out even for two or three Troops to all battle each other.

For a change 3rd Pack decided to go to Newtownards Swimming Pool on one of their Pack nights.. as usual there was a mad rush for the changing room. Unfortunately one cub, who will remain nameless thought he was in a male changing room and stripped off all his clothes only to realise a few moments later his mistake as he streaked along the changing room trying to cover his embarrassment. Also there was the Cub who stood dripping for 20 minutes waiting for his clothes to appear, as if by magic. Never again! In future we will go to the pool at Avoniel.

Derwin and Roger, 3rd

Concerning the Cairn…..

On reading December’s Scouting East, I appreciated the comment from 4th CSL Brian Laffin about the Cairn at Crawfordsburn. Could I remind the Leaders and Assistant Leaders in our District to give some thought to how we can complete the Cairn. At present, only one Cub Leader has given a suggestion on this subject.

Thank you,

John Corry, ADC (Cubs)

Is there a way forward in the Year 2001?

As the Year 2000 is coming to an end, looking back over the past year the only thing which gives me some satisfaction was the Millennium Camp at Delamont Country Park when ALL the Groups came together over that weekend in May. I appreciate things might even have been better but the main thing was all the Groups coming together for benefit of all the boys.

It’s a Knockout-style Fun Event, Unihoc, Triathlon (cycle, run, swim), Chess/Draughts/Connect 4 competition, Photography competition, Craft Day, Badge Day Water Polo competition, Fishing Trip, Cooking competition,Sixer/Seconder Day Out/Trip,Any other suggestions?

John Corry, ADC [Cubs]

Silver Medallions

The DC now has a supply of silver medallions for the District. These should be presented to members of Groups/Sections who DID NOT attend the Millennium Camp last May but were registered to the Section at that time. Groups should notify Ian as soon as possible as to the numbers required.

Events in January

13th: Belfast County Cub Scout Swimming Gala