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Latest news from other Scout Groups in East District
January - December 1999
New Executive Meets at Stormont Buildings
On 21st October 1999, 33rdVenture Scout Unit had a guided tour of Stormont buildings. Everyday we drive or walk past never giving much thought to the building on top of the hill. Our guides, Linda and Robert explained the history of Stormont Buildings and kept everyone entertained with both the factual and funny stories of the goings on, both past and present, or our politicians. The (33rd)Stormont Executive sat in the debating chamber and discussed the future…of our Unit!
We welcomed two new Leaders, Michelle McIlveen and Rachel McKane, both past Venture Scouts and as part of their ‘gentle’ induction, the new Leaders will join us by hiking up the Mournes over Hallowe’en weekend. We continued to debate and discuss, but this ‘executive’ actually agreed their ‘Way Forward’- until Christmas at least! We finished our evening at Stormont by having a cuppa in the Members Lounge, which overlooks our city Skyline.
33rd Venture Scouts
Banbridge Venture Scout Formal
Banbridge Venture Unit organised this year’s formal held at Bannville Hotel. It was very well attended by Venture Scouts and Leaders with approximately 245 people including a party of 22 from 33rd Unit (12 Venture Scouts, 10 leaders/friends from the Scout Group). On arrival, ‘men in kilts’ (well Venture Scouts in kilts) presented the ladies with a red rose. The meal was excellent and the entertainment suited everyone’s taste. Everyone seemed to enjoy the evening and as always, new friendships developed during the course of the evening- some with more enthusiasm than others! Congratulations and thanks must go to Banbridge Unit for a very successful and enjoyable evening.
Queen's Scouts go to Windsor
On the last weekend in April, six Venture Scouts from Northern Ireland, including
three from Stormont travelled over to London for
the Annual National Scout Service. As the
ceremony was on Sunday, we all had a busy weekend
in London. Highlights included the Newcastle v
Wimbledon match at Selhearst Park, much shopping
and many meals out! Sunday morning came all too
early, and with it was a train to catch at the
almost unearthly hour of 8.50am. The day began
with being drilled in marching for most of the
morning at an Army barracks in the heart of
Windsor! This was followed by a quick bite for
lunch, and finally the official ceremony. Windsor
Castle is the magnificent setting for the
National Scout Service. We marched into the
Quadrangle along with six hundred other
Queen’s Scouts. We were reviewed by Lord
Baden-Powell, who was chosen to represent the
Queen. Following this was a service in
St.George’s Chapel; directed by the Dean of
Windsor. The beautiful surroundings coupled with
the friendship of Scouting meant a thoroughly
great day was had by all! The following Venture
Scouts from Stormont achieved their Queen’s
Scout Awards:Christian Clarke, Rachel
McCain, Michael Hunter
Ian McLachlan, VSL 33rd Stormont
I was in Windsor Castle to
receive my Queen’s Scout Award. There were
four Scouts from Northern Ireland, two from
Armagh and Michael Hunter and myself from 33rd
East Belfast. In the morning, when we arrived in
Windsor, I saw more members of the Scouting
family than I had ever seen. We made our way to
the Army barracks for marching practice, it was a
laugh. After 45 minutes of practice there were
still 630 Scouts who could not march. After
lunch, we formed up and marched to the Quadrangle
behind the Guards band. Lord Baden-Powell’s
grandson inspected us with obvious pleasure. We
then went to St.George’s Chapel, which is a
spectacular building, for a Scout Service with
the theme of ‘New Beginnings’. After
this, we marched back to the Royal Mews and
disbanded. It was a memorable day and I would
recommend that anyone who achieves their
Queen’s Scout Award go to Windsor for the
ceremony.
Christian Clark, 33rd VSU
Quad Biking
On 7th February, 6 Venture Scouts and 2 Leaders went for the afternoon to Country Pursuits out at Mallusk to do Quad Biking. It lasted for about 2 hours and it was the greatest fun (everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves). The cost of the afternoon was £12 but we were lucky because of fund-raising we only had to pay £6. There were two types of Quad Biking to do- either Track Races or a Safari Package. As we were part of a large group for this activity, we went for the Track Races. It was great fun as we were split up into 3 teams and made a competition out of it. It was better than just going round the track with no purpose.
We were told to wear something that we didn’t mind getting slightly dirty and wet. Some of us came in Jeans or Track-suit bottoms, not really knowing what to expect. We all soon realised that when the group before us came off the track, that we were over dressed. Some then decided to buy disposable boiler suits at a small cost of £12. They were ours to keep afterwards, so some went into the bin and others came home with them. Fortunately, some had brought water-proofs with them. I am telling you when we had finished they didn’t want to take them home with them as they were completely filthy and wet. Being Scouts, some were not fully prepared for the best of conditions.
Getting back to the competition, my team came second just behind team three who were worthy winners on the day. Sadly, team 1 came last. It was a great day enjoyed by all and we hope to return. I would strongly recommend it to any other Venture Scout Group looking for something to do. I would like to thank our leader Ian for organising the trip.
Andrew Robinson, 33rd VSU
33rd Belfast Group Venture Scout Christmas Dinner
On Monday 14th December, the annual Venture Scout Christmas Dinner took place. We decided though to go scuba diving beforehand. We all met at the Church on a usual cold December evening to travel to Methody to use their swimming pool. We reached Methody and met our instructors and their equipment. Once we got into the swimming department we got changed and joined the instructors (as you can imagine for some this was a lot quicker than for others!). To some the thought of scuba diving was rather daunting, but we were quickly relieved to find out that you could easily stand up in the pool- much to the disappointment of some others. We split into two groups, and as one group was assisted by the instructors, the other group tried to master snorkelling. This, worryingly enough, was difficult for some. The other group meanwhile were discovering how to use the scuba diving equipment. This proved very difficult especially to those who had found the snorkelling taxing! Once we left the pool, our numbers dropped as only some could come to the Dinner. We arrived well in time at Strike Four for our meal. When we finally got our table we were extremely hungry and glad to receive the menu. Once we had finally chosen our meal we were allowed to relax. Our meals came and we ate ample and were fully satisfied.
Ian McLachlan, VSL 33rd (Stormont)
