Flysheet

The Sutton District Scouting Newsletter – July 2006

Contents

  1. Contents
  2. Chairman’s Notes
  3. Notes from the District Commissioner
  4. Beavers
  5. Cubs
  6. Scouts
  7. Gone Home
  8. Carshalton Carnival 2006
  9. 100 Years of Scouting DVD
  10. New and Updated Fact Sheets
  11. New Child Car Seat Regulations
  12. Updated District Directory
  13. District Headquarters
  14. Flysheet
  15. Diary 2006–2007

Chairman’s Notes

Thanks to those who attended the District Annual General Meeting on the 8th June. The hall was nearly full with a balanced representation across the District. The Mayor and the Mayoress of the London Borough of Sutton attended, also the County Commissioner with other representatives from the County Team and Neil Sewell from the Borough Youth Department. A special thanks to the trumpeters of the 1st Wallington (Sutton District) Band that played a fanfare to start the formal proceeding as the Mayor and Mayoress took to their seats. In his speech the Mayor gave us words of encouragement and was most appreciative of the work that we do. Our “keynote” speaker, John Grantham, Manager of Scout Insurance Services, gave us an overview, together with the humorous side, of the need for proper insurance cover and related some of the claims that have been made. An example of “Scout” honesty when making a claim was given which greatly impressed an insurance assessor.

We are now only six months away from 2007, the very important year when we celebrate 100 years of Scouting. The speaker at the County Annual General Meeting, Derek Humphreys, gave a review of programme, opportunities and ideas to make it a year to remember and it was evident that it will be a very busy year. Please give full support to our District Team in the activities and functions that are being planned. Also make sure that all members in every section including parents and lay supporters are fully aware of the details. This will all help in the development of the District and it may be possible to encourage some of the lapsed members, both young and old, to return.

Good camping and summer holidays to all.

Paul Richardson, District Chairman

Notes from the District Commissioner

The past few weeks have been very busy as we are in the middle of the “AGM Season”. I have tried to get to as many Group AGMs as possible and apologise to those Groups I missed but am sure that the ADC team did more than an adequate job in filling in. As usual the variety of ways that the AGMs are run is wide, from camps through to special days to meetings with or without entertainment from the Sections. Congratulations to everyone concerned. The District AGM went very well with a good attendance. The guest speaker from the Scout insurance company was both entertaining and educational. Thank you to everyone who attended and the team who provided the excellent refreshments and to the 1st Wallington (Sutton District) Scout Band who played a fanfare for the Mayor.

The District has been busy with recruitment stalls at Cheam Fair and Carshalton Carnival where we had the Mobile Display Unit again. The results in terms of numbers signed up were not spectacular (Carshalton Carnival versus the first England World Cup game was a bit like Arsenal versus Torquay United – a non-contest!). My thanks to everyone who came and helped set up the displays and attempted to attract the passing crowds. We will continue to support any viable recruiting opportunity and welcome suggestions for suitable venues and occasions.

I mentioned in the last edition of the Flysheet that we were now looking to the future of our District. The Development Committee has met and is starting to put together our development plan. As agreed with the GSLs the plan will be discussed with the District before it is published as it is very important that everybody has a chance to contribute.

Next year, 2007, is the 100th Anniversary of Scouting and many events are being planned. Eight young people from the District have been chosen to attend the World Jamboree. The main event as far as the District is concerned is our camp in May. Ray Shaw and his team are already hard at work with the planning and I know the camp will be a great success. Other events are being planned and details will follow.

This time of year is when many of our sections are going to camp. Many of you have already run camps including several Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs who have taken part in the Big Sleepover. To those of you who are soon off to camp I wish you a happy time with good weather, exciting programmes and good friendship. I look forward to hearing about the various camps and expeditions. Don’t forget, if you want to contribute to the next Flysheet with an account of you camp, please do so; just send the account to Chris Sowden [by e-mail to flysheet@suttonscouts.org.uk please].

John Perkins, District Commissioner

Beavers

The Beaver section has been quite active during this last month with sleepovers. It is good to see that leaders are finding the time to give the Beavers a taste of what is to come in Cubs and later Scouts. It is a rewarding experience that is over almost before it has began so leaders are not too exhausted. My thanks go to the 1st/16th Sutton, 4th Worcester Park and 1st Beddington Groups for their efforts, In the pipeline for September are 3rd Carshalton and in October 8th Sutton & 11th Wallington are holding a joint sleepover down at County HQ.

[Picture from the Beaver/Cub Fun Day]
Beavers and Cubs take a break in the shade to eat lunch

[Picture from the Beaver/Cub Fun Day]
Cubs making caterpillar sandwiches

Our other great adventure was the joint Cub & Beaver Fun Day at Walton Firs on Saturday 1st July. Over 390 Beavers and Cubs and 100 leaders descended upon Walton Firs in nine coaches and a minibus. We joined the other four districts within GLSW in glorious sunshine for a fantastic day filled with so many activities. Sutton organised 10 different bases including badge making, caterpillar sandwiches, Scouting hoopla, shoes and laces, cork firing, mini pizza baking and Hama Beads. A balloon race started the day with two balloons for each District being waved off. The day ended with a grand draw from the numbers on our wrist bands and a very loud singing of HAPPY BIRTHDAY – Cubs 90 and Beavers 20. Tired, hot and thirsty we headed home with all ears glued to the radios in the coaches keeping abreast of the football. Thank you leaders for making the day special.

The next event will be the Activity Afternoon at Westcroft on Sunday 8th October. Details will be sent to you during August so you can let boys know as soon as you reform in September. Do enjoy your well earned rest during the summer break and I look forward to seeing you all at the next District meeting in the District HQ on Tuesday 26th September at 7:45pm.

Pauline Pattison, Assistant District Commissioner Beavers

Cubs

Despite the football the Cub section has had a very active summer as a District. We thoroughly enjoyed the Matball Competition, which worked extremely well using Carew Manor School playing fields. Thanks to Sue Randall and Becky Tree for organising that and for all leaders who entered teams. After a slow start, 3rd Cheam picked up the pace in the second half to come 3rd overall. 1st Belmont managed to get both their teams into the semi-finals. Well done to Ryde Pack for coming 2nd overall. And, consistently good from the start was 14th Wallington, who really deserved to win the new trophy for this event. Congratulations to you.

The District Cubs broke a new world record for tooth brushing! A number of Packs took part in the BT Giant Sleepover this year and had a super time, whether on camp or just sleeping over in their HQ. At 8:30am everyone taking part stopped in their tracks to take part in the biggest simultaneous teeth-brushing event in the world. Over 34,000 people across the country participated to ensure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records!

For others activity days have been on the agenda. Several Packs went to the Gilwell Funday in June and had a great time. And almost 200 Cubs and a similar number of Beavers from Sutton District descended on Walton Firs Campsite to attend the County Funday. Although a swelteringly hot day, the Cubs had a fantastic time going around the different basis and activities: climbing, archery, trying amateur radio, cooking, crafts and much more... Thanks to the County for organising it.

[Picture from the Beaver/Cub Fun Day]
Beavers using cane ballistas to fire corks at tin cans

[Picture from the Beaver/Cub Fun Day]
Cubs try Scouting hoopla

As the summer term draws to a close now, I look forward to seeing the Cub leaders at the meeting on 18th July where we will plan next year’s District programme. I hope everyone is then able to have a restful summer.

Catherine Keen, Assistant District Commissioner Cubs

Mat Ball Competition

The Mat Ball Competition took place Saturday 17th June 2006. With only six teams it was possible to run a full league followed by a knockout for the top four. The final results were:

Position Team League
1st 14th Wallington 15
2nd 1st Belmont Ryde 11
3rd 3rd Cheam 6
4th 1st Belmont Osbourne 8
5th Carshalton Arthern 5
5th Carshalton Floyd 2

Scouts

Well its been a busy couple of months in the Scout section since the last Flysheet report. Apart from very busy Troop nights, many Troops taking part in very active outdoor programmes and several camps, the District have also put on two major events.

Firstly our water activities weekend. This was held at a new venue to us – The Docklands Scout Project – which as you can probably guess is in London’s Docklands with great views of all the glass tower blocks and, to the other side, the Government’s white elephant: ‘The Dome’. Some of us were lucky enough to get to sleep on the ship that is moored in the docks there, the Lord Amory. We thought we were lucky, that was until reveille at 07:00, followed by loud piped music, and believe me Thunderbirds Are Go at 07:15 blasting your ear drums is probably even worse than Cubs playing football outside your tent. The remainder of the Scouts were staying in a Scout hall nearby in Greenwich. Their biggest problem was that all the tents they had slept in the night before (mixed group) had to be packed away before they could put up tables for breakfast.

The weather could have been kinder to us, overcast, showers and some sun but a fair breeze that was good for the sailing. All of the Scouts had the opportunity to have a go at kayaking, sailing, rowing and canoeing, and at the end of the weekend most had tried them all and many had improved their skills.

Upon their return on Sunday evening there were many happy (but tired) faces getting off the coaches and minibuses. Our thanks must go to Simon Keen and all those who assisted him for putting on such a great weekend.

Last weekend saw the How Cup take place at Boidier Hurst Scout Campsite. This is the Scout camping competition, involving the Troops entering a Patrol who are marked on their abilities, including tent pitching, cooking on open fire, food preparation and hygiene and site layout. There was also special tasks, make an oven out of a cardboard box and bake a cake and build a camp dresser, and each team managed to create a different oven and dressers. The cakes were all wonderfully decorated and mostly well cooked.

I was there as one of four judges for the weekend, not an easy task to have as all of the standards were extremely high and the morale was terrific all weekend long, even when they heard that England had been robbed of a place in the World Cup semi-finals. The greatest shame of the weekend has to be the lack of Troops entering a team and I am most grateful to all of the Troop leaders that did enter their teams, not just because they thought their teams could win, but because the experience for the Scouts is a great one, getting to camp as Scouts used to be able to. Ultimately there can only be one winning team and this years winners were 3rd Carshalton. Our congratulations to them, but we must also congratulate 1st Wallington who won the award for the team who showed the best spirit throughout the weekend.

Sadly Neil Heron told me over the weekend that due to other pressures this would be the last time that he would be running this event after having run it for seven years, a very big thank you Neil for all of your efforts. Also Lynn Williams, who has catered for the leadership team for the last nine years at this event is also stepping down and we thank Lynn very much for all of her efforts over the years. I wonder how many meals Lynn has cooked in those nine years?

Finally we must thank all the other members of Neil’s team for giving up a weekend to make this event the great success that it was. But don’t worry, the How Cup will be back next year.

How Cup Camping Competition

The results from the How Cup Patrol Camping Competition that was held over the weekend 30th June – 2nd July 2006 were:

Position Team Points
1st 3rd Carshalton 305
2nd 3rd Beddington 293
3rd 1st North Sutton 292
4th 9th Carshalton 286
5th 1st Wallington* 283

*Ted Neate “Scouting Spirit” Shield winners

District Camp 2007

At a recent GSLs meeting it was my pleasure to launch District Camp 2007. This is an event that is open to every member of our District, from the youngest Beaver (day trip only) to the oldest Leader/Fellowship member and everyone in between. The event is part of a plan by HQ to get everyone taking part in a celebration to mark 100 years of Scouting, and to encourage us to look ahead to the next 100 years. We are hoping that every Group in the District will take part in this event and make it an occasion never to be forgotten. All GSLs have a copy and all section leaders will be supplied with a copy of the details of this camp which I am sure they will be sharing with you all very soon.

If any adult would like to be a part of the organizing committees/instructor/district helper at camp then please do get in touch with me, telephone 020 8647 9182 or e-mail me on shawrayathome@supanet.com. Finally the dates are 25th–28th May 2007 and I look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Ray Shaw, Assistant District Commissioner Scouts/Camp Leader

Gone Home

Canon Basil Tuffield

It is with regret that we note the passing of Canon Basil Tuffield in late June. One time vicar of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Carshalton Beeches, Chaplain of 2nd Carshalton Scout Group and C-of-E Chaplain to Wallington, Carshalton and District Scouts, he was a good “Scout” who wore his uniform with honour.

On leaving Carshalton he moved to Cross Canonby in Cumbria, where he was the Rural Dean, and then on retirement (!) he moved to a cottage in Nannerch, North Wales. Despite his supposed retirement, he still looked after the ministry of three local churches.

He had a lot of time for young people and whenever and wherever 2nd Carshalton were at camp he would visit for two or more days and join in the activities. During that time he would collar some of the Scouts and Leaders and organise a Scouts’ Own for those in camp, which, in beautiful surroundings, meant so much more to younger and older alike. These visits were always welcomed, whether they were in Devon, Wales or the Peak or Lake Districts.

Whenever Estrek was held in the Lake District, the vicarage at Cross Canonby was used as the emergency number. He was also heavily involved at the Rydal Hall Centre near Ambleside until last year.

He will be sadly missed by those who knew him. Even in retirement he kept popping up to take the odd christening, wedding or funeral of a friend or parishioner. We send our warm wishes, condolences and sympathies to his widow, Stella, who has supported him in his activities throughout.

Brian Rickwood

Carshalton Carnival 2006

On Saturday 10th June 2006, 1st Wallington Scout Troop entered a float in Carshalton Carnival. The theme of this year’s carnival was “Totally Tropical”. The float itself was a tropical bar called “Marley’s Joint” which was built on a trailer and towed by our Scout bus. In addition, the Troop themselves were dressed in tropical clothes and formed a percussion band called “Drum-aica”, playing drum beats throughout the whole procession. To cap it all, it was a typically hot tropical day and we won a runner-up prize.

Ian King, 1st Wallington Scout Leader

[Picture from Carshalton Carnival Parade]
A decorated Scout bus towed the float

[Picture from Carshalton Carnival Parade]
The “Drum-aica” percussion band behind the float

[Picture from Carshalton Carnival Parade]
“Marley’s Joint” tropical bar

100 Years of Scouting DVD

An official DVD to mark Scouting’s Centenary is currently in the making and there is a chance to pre-order a copy at the specially reduced price of £14.99 (normal price £19.99).

Produced in conjunction with Endemol – one of the UK’s largest independent TV production companies – it will cover Scouting’s past, present and future in an accessible and exciting way.

Featuring previously unseen film footage, famous Scouts and a ‘How to’ section, it promises to be the perfect souvenir to celebrate 100 years of Scouting. This special offer is only available until 21st July 2006. See the DVD page on the Scout Association web site for further details.

New and Updated Fact Sheets

FS310547 First Response: Definition and Equivalents (Jul/06 [5] 63KBytes)
FS452010 Explorer Scout Structures (Jun/06 [3] 81KBytes)
FS190018 Fundraising for the Scouts (Jun/06 [4] 46KBytes)
FS120004 Target Shooting (Jun/06 [6] 431KBytes)
FS260015 Passports (Jun/06 [2] 44KBytes)
FS155053 Guidelines for a Beaver Scout Sleepover (May/06 [3] 61KBytes)
FS452013 Explorer Scout Finance (May/06 [2] 82KBytes)
FS452011 Adult Roles in Explorer Scouting (May/06 [2] 89KBytes)
FS260018 Thinking of Going Abroad (May/06 [3] 95KBytes)
FS260005 International Evenings (May/06 [4] 77KBytes)
FS120078 Home Contact (May/06 [9] 113KBytes)
FS260016 The World Membership Badge (May/06 [3] 136KBytes)
FS260026 Responding to World Disasters (Apr/06 [2] 72KBytes)
FS260067 Attending World and European Scout Events (Apr/06 [2] 88KBytes)
FS322016 The Promise (Apr/06 [3] 107KBytes)
FS155058 Guidelines for Managing Colony Waiting Lists (Apr/06 [3] 63KBytes)
FS155050 The Beaver (Mar/06 [2] 37KBytes)

New Child Car Seat Regulations

From September, new regulations will mean that correct child restraints MUST be used in both the front and rear seats of cars for children aged over 3 years and under 12 years and under 135cm tall. Previously it was acceptable for these children to travel wearing an adult seat belt. For further details see the Think Road Safety web site.

Updated District Directory

The latest edition of the Sutton District Directory is now available from the District web site (see District Directory and Mailing List under Resources).

For those who are unaware, most appointments, including Group/Assistant Group Scout Leaders, Section/Assistant Section Leaders, Administrators, Advisors, Permit Holders, Section Assistants (previously known as Helpers), Skills Instructors, Chairmen, Secretaries and Treasurers, require consideration and approval by the District Appointments Committee. All applications should be made on Form AA, which must be sent to the District Appointments Secretary.

Jenny Turner, the Sutton District Appointments Secretary, maintains the District records and ensures that headquarters records are kept up-to-date. Jenny should be informed about all appointments and changes of address, phone number and e-mail address.

District Headquarters

As you may be aware, there is a development scheme going ahead in Woodcote Road and this will affect entry to DHQ. Until further notice only pedestrian access from Woodcote Road will be possible and everyone using DHQ should park in Shotfield car park and walk round. Eventually access from Woodcote Road will be temporarily closed and entry will be through the church grounds. We will keep you fully informed of any changes to the above.

Flysheet

Flysheet is the Sutton District Scouting newsletter. Please send material to the editor, Chris Sowden, preferably by e-mail to flysheet@suttonscouts.org.uk.

Submissions for the September issue should be sent to reach the editor by 24th September 2006.

Diary 2006–2007

July 2006
18th Tue District Cub Leaders Meeting – 20:30 at DHQ
23rd Sun District Canoe Club River Trip
25th Tue Sutton LEA Summer Term ends
August 2006
13th Sun District Canoe Club River Trip
September 2006
4th Mon Sutton LEA Autumn Term starts
17th Sun District Canoe Club Pool Session
County First Aid Course
23rd Sat District Cub Sports Day – 13:00 until 17:00
26th Tue District Beaver Leaders Meeting – 19:45 at DHQ
29th–1st Oct
Fri–Sun		 County Scout Mission Improbable
October 2006
TBA District Cub Climbing Day
8th Sun District Beaver Sports Afternoon
District Scout Cooking Competition
County Scout/Explorer/Network Cyclo-Cross
County First Aid Course
11th Wed District Scout Leaders Meeting
15th Sun District Canoe Club Pool Session
19th Thu District Group Scout Leaders Meeting
21st Sat District Swimming Gala
23rd–27th
Mon–Fri		 Sutton LEA Half-Term
24th–28th
Tue–Sat		 County “SOUWEST” Gang Show at the Secombe Theatre
November 2006
TBA District Cub Challenge Trophy Competition
18th Sat District Scout Tate Shield Competition
19th Sun District Canoe Club Pool Session
26th Sun County Scout/Explorer/Network Orienteering Competition (book by 20th November)
December 2006
2nd Sat County First Aid Course
17th Sun District Canoe Club Pool Session
19th Tue Sutton LEA Autumn Term ends
January 2007
1st Mon Join-in-Centenary starts
3rd Wed Sutton LEA Spring Term starts
5th–7th
Fri–Sun		 Gilwell Scout Winter Camp
21st Sun District Beaver Pantomime
District Canoe Club Pool Session
27th Sat District Scout Climbing Day
February 2007
TBA District Cub Chess Competition
19th–23rd
Mon–Fri		 Sutton LEA Half-Term
23rd Fri District Scout Hand Ball Competition
25th Sun District Canoe Club Pool Session