District Day

Today the members of Ware and District met at Christ Church School in Ware, to discuss the future of the District. We have had 100 years of very successful Scouting and so do we continue as we are or do we make changes?

Members of every Group in the district met and spent the day in numerous workshops outlining the future.

Rikki, the County Commissioner also attended and put forward his views. It was a long day, but a productive day.

We also learnt about Lochearnhead 2013. Will I be allowed to go?

I wonder what the next 100 years will bring?

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.

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!

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.

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.

Peter Geer winners!

The members of 3rd Ware who attended the parade

What a fantastic day! It all started with the Scouts meeting at Christ Church School and getting ready to take part in the community action. They were set the task of planting a display at the entrance to The Priory. There was a strict plan to follow and it will make an interesting display when it flowers. Make sure you go down and take a look, you will be pleasantly be surprised. You may like to know like to know we planted 1000 bedding plants in the "Centenary Bed". If we didn't get them all mixed up within a few weeks we should see a flowering tribute to the Centenary! If they did get mixed up we will describe it as an abstract!

Community work

Whilst they were doing this, Guides, Explorers, other Scout Troops and Leaders were all over town engaged in other community acts, from planting to cleaning to litter picking. Then it was back to the school for the service.

When they met in the school hall for their service, the rest of the Group joined other Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Rainbows in Christ Church, Church Building. Here a service not only celebrated St. George but also included presentations  of the different things which had taken place in the District this year.

There were all manner of worthwhile activities from planting flowers with Ware in Bloom to our own fundraising for The Scouts in Gambia. I know I am biased but I thought our speakers presented their item very well.

Presentation in church

After the services the GSL invested our newest Leader and then we formed up ready to parade. It is always exciting to walk through the town and see how many people come out to witness the parade and today was no exception, the sun shone, we smiled and people waved!

Two Scouts, Rikki and me!

Once we reached the Priory the colour parties formed up at the front and the rest of us stood behind and listened to the speeches. We were privileged this year to have Rikki, the Scout County Commissioner attend our celebration and make a speech. I had got to meet him earlier in the day when we were gardening!

Can you see me?

After every section had renewed their promise David Geer gave a short speech and got ready to present the Peter Geer trophy. This is an award  which is presented every year to the Scout Group which has, percentage wise, had the most members take part in District events. It holds special meaning to 3rd Ware because Peter is an ex 3rd Ware Leader and his son attended our Group.

After his death his family instigated the award based on Peter’s philosophy that although it is great to win, taking part and making the most of the opportunities given is just as important, and our Group still stand by that and it is a trophy we have been fortunate to win several times in the past.

Eyes Right

So it was with great delight and surprise that we won again this year! Even Peter’s son seemed thrilled that his old Group had won it in their centenary year. Everyone in the Group and their parents gave a loud cheer and it was smiles all round.

After the presentations we all arranged ourselves for our annual Group photograph and then the Young People, who all still seemed to be smiling, went home.

Thank you to all the Young People and Leaders who represented us today and have turned out over the past 12 months to make us the most active Group in the District.

The Jewel of the Ocean

Shere Khan and Badger look after me at our table.

Last night I joined Captain H Samuel aboard his ship for a very enjoyable dinner. The evening promised glamour and good food, but then disaster stuck. Whilst the lights were dimmed, and the singer was entertaining us, a murder was committed! The ship photographer met a very sudden and snappy end, killed with a steak knife!

The two undercover detectives who had been on board for a different reason  soon set about questioning everyone who was sat at the Captain's table. One of them had to be the villain, but which one?

As we tucked into our soup, chicken and then cheesecake the enquiries continued at the top table. The occupants tried to clear their names and give reasons as to why it might be their fellow guests. We listened to the interviews and then gave our own verdicts as a table.

This was followed by tea or coffee and an after dinner mint whilst the guilty party was led away and the rest of us could relax in the knowledge that a murderer was no longer at large.

We were fortunate that on our table one very clever chap had been paying close attention and was able to name the culprit.

Well done to all the Explorer Scouts and their Leaders. They played the parts of the cast very well and cooked and served a great meal. The behind the scenes guys also did a fantastic job with kitchen duty, the sound desk and general running around.

No, we were not really on a ship but in the school hall of The Chauncy school. The evening was a fund raiser to help the four members of our District, who have been selected to attend the Jamboree, raise some of the money needed.

I got to mix with many of the people associated with Scouting in our area. Leaders, parents, committee members etc and had a great evening. I also met "Alex". He is a kindred spirit. He is a bear that is the mascot for one of the (local) units attending the Jamboree and apparently has his own facebook page!

3rd Ware was well represented at the event, with members of the Group at two of the tables and plenty of the Explorers are past members.

It was very pleasing for their past Beaver, Cub and Scout Leaders to see them taking a full part in Explorers and supporting their friends by fundraising for an event they are unable to attend themselves. It is an event only a few are selected for, not because they did not want to go. They are a credit to themselves and the Explorer Sections. Well done all and thank you so much for a fun filled evening.

Kitchen hand - no I did not need a shower!

Who was the murder? Well that would be telling but let's just say they are pictured on this page.

Ware Online

No, it is not an April Fool, I really do have my photograph on Ware Online! The community website has featured a short news article about our tree planting exploits. Why not go and take a look?

100 Trees

On the island

What did you do this morning? I helped plant 100 trees! As part of our calendar of centenary event, this month we were tasked with planting 100 trees. As you know there is nothing a monkey likes more than a quick swing around a few branches, however today they were a little too small for that!

Near Fletchers Lea

Our planting was made possible by Ware in Bloom. Jan Wing and her team very kindly provided the 100 trees for us and we planted them under her direction. She had consulted with the gardener and a tree expert and found out which trees needed to be planted, how and where. We were given instructions on how far apart to put them, how to stake them and how to put their protective sleeves on. Then it was over to us. We all found out what hard work digging holes can be!

Priory Grounds

It was a beautiful spring morning and it was a delight to be outside with friends enjoying the spring flowers, the fresh air and seeing the wildlife both on land and on the river, as well as helping our community. I had a great time.

If you are taking part in the centenary challenge and were there this morning, then you can also tick off number 83 on your sheet.

One young person commented that she had a really good time and was looking forward to seeing the tree she had planted every time she came to play at the Priory park and visited the Island.



The 3rd Ware Copse on the Island.

Rama also reminded us that the St.George's Day parade ends in the Priory grounds every year and so after we have paraded on Sunday May 8th, (yes it is late this year), we will be able to point out our trees to our families.

In the woods with the Herons

Monday was a busy day for me and I had to make some choices. I could go to the woods with the Herons or go with the Young Leaders to their training session. I chose the woods.

I did begin to reconsider that choice when I found out that the Cubs were collecting liquid toxic waste and carrying it around the woods, supposedly without spilling it. Fortunately the leaders let me into the secret...it was just coloured water....phew. The Cubs had a great time playing this wide game and their happy noise level proved this.

Thanks Herons for inviting me.

After this the GSL and the Chairman let me accompany them to the District HQ to discuss the plans for a new HQ building at some point in the future. As I said a busy day!

Radio star

Bearing in mind I am a monkey, I don’t often have cause to listen to the radio! However I made an exception this morning when I tuned into Jack FM (Herts) to listen to the interview, that one of our members gave, about 3^rd Ware, our centenary events, me and Scouting in general. Did you hear it?