Wheelie blooming!

Can you see me?

I spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Scout HQ helping get it ready for Ware in Bloom.

Shere Khan from Herons was co-ordinating the planting, the window baskets, the newly planted beds and the wheel barrows.

She has bought and grown lots of bedding plants for us to use and Badger was very handy at fixing things to the walls (and roof!) and clearing spaces for the large beds.

This is the stage 1 of a long term project, with each section helping to tend and water the plants on the evening they meet. Shere Khan will fill you in with more details if you need them.



Wheel barrows



There are more plans a foot for next year with even more projects and hopefully even more of the Group taking part as time allows.



Awaiting my instructions.



In the meantime please enjoy our display when you next visit the HQ, but remember that a Scout should show respect to property and is trusted and so I am trusting all our members to take care of the plants and take responsibility for ensuring they are not picked, trodden on, fallen into during games or any other such misfortunes!

Making my selection.

Any offers of help or donations of plants, gardening equipment, compost etc should be directed via Shere Khan. If you don't how to contact her please post a comment here and I will let her know.

AGM

It is that time of year again..a time to reflect and celebrate the past year, a time for awards and a time to meet together (plus all the formal bits of course)....It is time for the group AGM!

This year it was held on a Wednesday. The day and time varies from year to year because each section take a turn to host the event and this year it was the turn of River Lea Beavers.

The evening started off with the formal Group round up presented by the GSL, the minutes from last year, the electing of the committee and the report from the treasurer. We also found out what great technical skill the chairman has when it comes to mobile phones!

We awarded Mrs D'Arcy her prize for getting the most questions correct on the Scouting quiz held at the Hog Roast.

After this the evening moved on the the entertainment. The Beavers regaled us with tales of their daring-dos and calming capers and then allowed us all to witness two special ceremonies. Three Beavers were invested and those who had made their Scout promise were able to join in with this. They then allowed those present to witness a "Swimming up" ceremony, quite a privilege. (I do, by the way have some photos and video from a previous swimming up which I will share with you at some point.)

Swimming up river to the lodge to change into a Cub.

The last part of the evening was the presentation of various awards and one of the Scout troop leaders got a cheer for a fairly unique achievement. He was presented with his wood badge and his 10 year service award in the same evening. Remarkable!

Finally, Steve Jordan spoke on behalf of the District and mentioned how the Group had changed since he was a 3rd Ware Leader. He was complimentary to the present day leadership team and was pleased that 3rd Ware still play a strong part in District events, as is witnessed by being awarded the Peter Geer trophy again this year.

We were then free to mingle and enjoy the food and drink on offer. Here's to another busy and successful year at 3rd Ware. 

If you were not there and did not get a copy of the report booklet, there is one pinned to the general noticeboard. Please feel free to have a browse and re-live the last year through words and pictures.

Video

If you want to see what we were doing last night have a look at Christ Church recorded stream . In case you want to know, I appear at 2.00.39, 2.01.11 and 2.03.39 but the whole service is worth watching! You may even get to see the Hi5ing Bishop if you look around 1.52 mins.

Keith and The Bishop

There's a New Vicar in Town...

.....and last night I met him for the first time.

Apparently he was expecting me to attend the special service.

The Institution service of The Rev John Hookway was held last night at Christ Church Ware and 3rd Ware Leaders were invited to represent the Group because of our historical links with the church. Several Leaders, young people and their families are also regular members of the church.

With the Church Warden who is the father
of one of our past members
and former troop leader

 Several other Scouting and Guiding people attended and so there was a very visible uniformed presence, it made my heart swell!

The Explorers were on car parking duty before the service and refreshments afterwards and several took part in the service as sound crew, camera crew, in the band and making the welcome on behalf of the young people of the parish. They also attended the special service en masse.

The service was broadcast live on the Internet so those who could not attend could view it. I was even in part of the live streaming.

The camera coming in for a close up of me!

For those interested in such things, I am told that the service, which was taken by the Bishop of Hertford, dates back to the 9th Century and harks back to a time before Anglicisation, the BCP and the King James Bible.



In fact The Bishop and I became good friends. He seemed very interested in what I had to say!

As part of the service the Vicar is formally handed the Key to the church and gets to ring the bell. It is not often the bell is rung at Christ Church and so it was good to hear it.

It was a really good service with many people speaking warmly of the new Vicar and some rousing songs to sing. I was in good company and then right at the end I met one of our Beaver Scouts who was also there because his Mum is an ex-church warden and his Dad is a Governor at the school next door to the Church.

So that was my unique and interesting evening and it was good (to again) to visit the Church where our Group began. 

Tonight is AGM time - see you there!

Hog Roast video

A short snapshot video of the fun at the Hog Roast.

Family Hog Roast

Family Hog Roast

What a fantastic day! Around 150 people attended our Hog Roast event yesterday. The weather was beautiful and the sky a stunning blue and we were entertained by several light aircraft that buzzed overhead from time to time; always causing the adults and children alike to look up and exclaim. The chance to sit and chat was welcomed by all.

As the families arrived they registered, were given their food tickets and then chose whether to stay in the games field or go through the gate to the campfire area where they could enjoy stunning views across the countryside and even hear the thud of leather on willow.

The children ran around and explored the woods, played giant jenga, snakes and ladders and garden darts. Football, rounders and a simple game of catch entertained some, whilst the inevitable water fight caused many smiles and laughter. Most the adults preferred to sit and enjoy relaxing.

The roasted hog was delicious, with the crackling being much in demand and food was plentiful. Many coming back for seconds.

The Explorers and Scouts that were present, much to the horror of many squeamish adults (most of whom had just eaten their share of the hog in question!) took great delight in dissecting the head and eating the tender bits of meat from it and examining the teeth and jaw bones! They certainly learnt a lot about the make up of a pig and even tried to get me to take part, I prefer bananas and marshmallows myself!

Everyone loves a campfire.

The leaders enjoyed the opportunity to chat to parents for longer than is possible at the beginning and end of section meetings and also to catch up once again with past members of 3rd Ware who came back for a reunion.

Water fight

Once the family event was over and the happy but tired young people left, the leaders and their families stayed behind to clear up and were then joined by a few other leaders to stay over and have a leaders and family camp. A rare treat.

As the sun went down..

A very enjoyable evening was spent whiling away time in the setting sun and then around the renewed campfire. Food was plentiful with delicious chili or curry and the remainder of the Hog.

In my tent

It was after a spot of star gazing and idle chatter, all eventually retired, tired but happy, to their respective tents. I was pleased to be tucked up nice and warm in a fleece blanket with one of the Mums and her daughter. Much better than Friday night when I slept in the trailer when camping with the Scouts!

The wind and rain in the night did not wake many and when most emerged from their tents after a good nights sleep for a bacon roll and cup of tea, ready for the big job of taking down the tents, gazebos and shelters and clearing everything away before transporting it to the HQ, the sun was once again shining. 

I was looked after by two young ladies during this mammoth operation and they both said what a fantastic time they had.

Taking good care of me

Another successful weekend celebration of 100 years of Scouting at 3rd Ware!

Night away

Last night I was able to stay with the Scouts at the Sow and Pig field. This was an overnight camp prior to the Family Hog Roast tomorrow. As usual we enjoyed fun, friendship and fire!

In the morning we helped set up for the Hog Roast and enjoyed playing in the woods and relaxing before the event began.

Hog Roast Details

On arrival:

• Please park where directed
• Sign in
• Collect tickets
• Relax and enjoy!

If you have not already paid for a ticket you can still turn up and pay on the day. Why not join us at the centenary event for the month of May? Past and present members welcome.

Lightweight

It is called the "Lightweight" because you have to
carry everything you need.

We started at Great Amwell Scout HQ from where we hiked along the River.

"I think we are here!"

We navigated our way to the train station, bought a ticket and travelled one stop to Rye House. After leaving the station it was another hike to HYMB where we set up camp on the Island for the night.

Pitching the tents

We had a campfire and did some backwoods cooking – sausages and bananas and chocolate. In the morning we cooked breakfast cleared the campsite and hiked to Gilwell.

Campfires burning

The Scouts and Guides had to carry all their kits and use a map and compass to find their way from checkpoint to check point. As well as all the usual camp activities they also had to make a gadget, take part in a scavenger hunt to fine one item for ever letter of the alphabet and tell a funny story (true or made up) about their hike.

Everyone needs a cuddle from time to time!

The overall winners were a team of 4 Guides which, by the way, included two daughters of 3rd Ware Leaders!



Watch the birdie.

On a side note, whilst manning a checkpoint, the GSL was intrigued to see a bird flying in and out of a tree stump. After watching this several times he waited for her to leave and then peeked inside and look what he saw! The four points at the top of the picture are a natural part of the tree and the tiny chicks looked very cosy in their wooden home.

AGM

I hope to meet many more of you at the AGM and those of you taking part in the 100 challenge this is number 6 on your sheet.

Look out for an email from the Chairman (via your section leader) stating the time and place, or contact and ask them if you are unsure. Details will be on the Group website in the secure member's area.

Go-Karting

My plans this weekend…I set off for the Lightweight with the GSL and the Scouts on Friday night but managed to take a little bit of time out to attend the Cub Go-Karting.

The Go-karting was held at Chauncy school today and lots of Falcon and Heron Cubs came along.

The Cubs took part in races according to how old they were and there was lots of cheering for each of the Packs. I watched the races from the safety of the side as I was a little nervous about getting run over, but I did enjoy a doughnut that Elspeth had brought along for the Cubs to share as it was her birthday!

All the Cubs tried really hard in their races and Heron Pack got into two of the finals. Falcon Pack drove magnificently in the marathon (well their Akela thought so!) with Cameron as the driver and all the Cubs taking turns to push.

Oliver drove the Heron kart for the Marathon and did really well as it was his first competition. After the Cubs races had finished there was a Leader's race and Ollie and James entered for 3rd Ware as they are our Young Leaders. A speedy start saw them take the lead and as no-one could overtake them they were the champions!

At the end the winning Pack was 2nd Ware Cougars and there were lots of cheers when they received the trophy. At the end I had a turn in each of the karts and had his photo taken with the two Packs.

Many thanks to both Akelas for helping me write this. The final results show Falcons came 6th and Herons 7th overall, with only 1 point between them. Well done Cubs and don't forget to tick off number 139!

Please note....

Blogger has had a few technical problems over the last couple of days and so I apologise if you have been getting strange or unexpected notifications. They say the blip is almost resolved and so hopefully all will be well.

I will be posting about my weekend within the next day or so. In the mean time don't forget the Hog Roast this weekend. For the discounted price please pay in advance otherwise it will be full price on the day.



Black polo with white embroidered centenary logo

Also coming this week is the latest newsletter (see the member area of the Group website or get a paper copy from your Leader) and please collect an order form for a limited edition Group Polo shirt. Ideal for when uniform is not needed and you don't want to get your home clothes dirty! You may have seen Rama wearing one of these tops recently. 

Greek Orthodox Easter

The Simou family very kindly invited me to celebrate an Orthodox Easter with them. They collected me, took me on a train to their church and then brought me back again. Whilst I was there I was able to join in with lots of things and learn a lot.

The family took lots of photos and then Elena (a Cub) put it together in a PowerPoint presentation for me to share with you. This she sent to me a week or so ago.

It has only just made it on to the Blog today because up until now 

a) I have been busy posting lots of other things,

b) busy attending lots of events

c) had to learn how to put a PowerPoint on a blog!

Here it is!

Gus does orthodox Easter!

View more presentations from AgustusClibbon

Travel Bug Update - April/May

For those of you tracking their progress

I am a little late in publishing the April Geocaching update! All Travellers have now past the 100 mile mark and the Scouts one is in the lead. I know of one Scout Leader that will particularly pleased at that piece of news.

My plans this weekend

Hmmm....what should I do this weekend? Shall I go to the Lightweight with the Scouts or the Go-karting with the Cubs? Why not look out for me this weekend or look on here Saturday or Sunday to find out what I actually did.

Wandering with River Lea

On Wednesday night I was invited to go for a hike with River Lea. We all assembled in Wadesmill and then accompanied by our doggy friend we spent a great evening walking through the countryside. The Beavers were well prepared with snacks and drinks and enjoyed stopping for a mini picnic half way.

The weather was great, the Beavers their usual lively selves and the walk full of beautiful scenery and some not so beautiful farm smells! Thanks River Lea for asking me to join you.

Fred says: "The Beavers went on a walk from The Feathers in Wadesmill to our hut. The walk was fun; I liked the park we stopped at. It was my last walk as a Beaver I'm going up to Cubs soon. We all made it back safely."

Jack FM

The District Community action day has been featured on the Jack FM website and the photo showed our Scouts planting the centenary bed at The Priory.

Hog Roast

On Saturday 21st May 2011 we are holding our next centenary event  - The one for the month of May. It is a Hog Roast. All present members of the Group have been invited to attend with their families and past members are welcome to join us. After the Young People and their families have left, the Leaders and their families will stay on and have a Leader camp - yes they enjoy a night away as much as the Young People do.

As you know these things do not just happen and need a team to organise them and so I attended the Hog Roast Committee meeting, where once again I got to eat cake and helped organise this event.

Tickets are on sale in advance, see the Group website, ask you Leader or contact Rama. If you find yourself free at the last minute, just turn up and buy a ticket on the gate.

See you there!

Science Fiction

Tonight the carnival committee met to discuss our entry to The Ware Carnival parade. Every year we invite the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Leaders to dress up and parade through the town. We always have a great laugh doing this and over the years have come up with some unusual costues and prop.

This year the parade is Saturday 2nd July and the theme is Science fiction. We are going as....SSSSSHHHHH, that bit is a secret. You will need to sign up and join in to find out, or just watch the parade on the day and support us.

95 years of Cubs

Tonight I was back with that lovely bunch of Herons. They had a busy and fun packed evening for me!

We got the Go-Kart out and checked it over ready for Saturday and the annual District Cub Go-Kart competition.

Several Cubs were awarded badges and we played Time bomb and paper plate hockey.

We did some weeding and tidying up of the Ware in Bloom planters and then we ate cake! Oh yes, those Herons love their food, any excuse to eat and the 95th Birthday od Cub Scouts was a perfect reason to share a cake. The four candles represent the four sixes and each Sixer got to blow them out.

Happy Birthday Cubs!