Dinner dance

Gus and his guest

The adults at 3rd Ware enjoy having fun as much as the young people do. The highlight of the centenary year for some was a chance to dress up and act like grown ups!

On Saturday we held a Dinner dance at the Roebuck hotel. A local band provided the music (all have been involved in Scouting in Ware at some point either as Scouts or parents of Scouts, although not all at our Group).

The Guests were past and present members of the Group, parents of members and others asociated with 3rd Ware. They were welcomed by three of our Young Leaders. After being greeted by the GSL, they were invited to have their photograph taken and to then proceed to the bar area where a slide show of photos was taking place. Many took this chance to sip their drink and reminisce.

Once all were present, everyone moved to the formal dining room and enjoyed a delicious meal. The GSL made a speech, the master of ceremonies kept the proceedings going and the lucky ticket winners were announced.  

The meal consisted of soup, a chicken dinner and apple crumble and ice cream. Red and white wine was drunk, the commemorative scrolls were read and the formal meal came to an end. The GSL made a toast to Scouting.

Despite saying that he would keep the speeches and thanks you kept short, the GSL (and his first lady - she was unaware that she held this title!) were delighted, surprised and humbled to be thanked and then presented with a gift each. An engraved tankard for Gavin and an engraved wine glass for Jacqui.  They both expressed their thanks and said it was totally unexpected and totally unwarranted. 

Two present day leaders and their wives.

The evening finished with more dancing, more chatting, more photos in the bar and a chance to talk to many people and celebrate a special year for 3rd Ware. Everyone seemed to have a great time and even the band said it had been fun playing at this particular event.

Lost in Stanstead Abbotts

Just thought I would let you know about my adventures this evening.

I went on a night hike with those crazy bunch the Heron Cub pack. As well as YL James, Shere Khan, Bagheera, Ballo. YL's Adam and Will, Weasel and Scout Leaders Barney and Claire (I like Claire she's pretty) not forgetting my friend Ruby the dog joined us too.

It was real fun and I bounced along on the back of Shere Khan's bag. All was going really well. We had to cross a busy road but the Cubs were very careful.

It was just then when we stopped for a quick break that I thought I would stretch my own legs. Opps, I got separated from the Cubs. But I new what to do. I waited exactly where they had left me and did not wander of. And sure enough Shere Khan's Hero Barney arrived in his Land Rover to find me.

Poor old Shere Khan was very upset when she found out I was missing.

Wow we had a great ride in the Landy that' what us Scouts call a land rover. What an adventure. Will send pictures soon.

Love Gus the adventurer.

Thanksgiving service and History display

Today I was delighted to be in our founding church and witness the Vicar juggle, mixed generations pitch a tent front and back of church, view many people trying to work out where photos went on a timeline (and which knots to use to tie them on) and so much more.

Despite the fact the GSL had lost his voice, it was still a lively and fast moving service which really celebrated the Group and what Scouting means to us all and how much difference it makes in our lives.

If you were there you will know what I am talking about, if not have a look at this small taste of the service.

Congratulations also go to Richard who was awarded his wood beads and to Lynx Troop who saw their colours dedicated.

Afterward we all retired to the HQ for tea, coffee, cake and history. A great social time and a wonderful way to round off the weekend.

More photos and details of the weekend coming soon.

Rehearsal

This morning I paid a brief visit to Christ Church in Ware. We had a run through of our thanksgiving service tomorrow and made sure everyone knows what they are doing.

The church was a hive of activity and everything is ready for tomorrow See you there at 2.30pm

Colour parties getting ready

Making sure the 2 Young Leaders at the
sound desk know what they are doing!

Testing the visuals

Green Beret

The Green Beret Challenge is a weekend competition for teams of six Scouts. The event is open to all Scout Troops, who may enter as many Teams as practically possible. Teams from outside Hertfordshire are also very welcome, and compete for their own Trophy To achieve the Green Beret Challenge, teams compete in FOUR elements:

- Orienteering


- Assault Course


- Challenge Incidents (daytime)


- Night Exercise

The Challenge is designed to test a group of Scouts through a range of physical and intellectual activities. It also proves to be a significant challenge to their Leadership and Teamwork skills.

No doubt about it, IT’S TOUGH!! However, the Scouts can and do survive, provided they are prepared for the weather, and have trained beforehand. The Challenge is held in November, cold and wet weather is the normal for this time of year. This only adds to the challenge.

Two teams of 3rd Ware Scouts took part and so did our GSL who was on the committee and lots of the local Explorers, many of whom are ex 3rd Ware or still involved at Young leaders.

The Explorers were running several of the bases and one involved pulling a Landrover! This proved irresistible to many.

The Green Beret is always a popular event with 3rd Ware Scouts and one which the younger ones can not wait to take part in. Full results are available of the county website,which is also where I got much of this information from. The Scouts may have enjoyed the events but they were not so forth coming when asked to write about it! Thanks also to the YL and GSL for their words.

Ware Online

Our Christmas post service is being adverised all over town and is even featured on the front page of Ware Online. Why not take a look?

Children in Need

Today we were fortunate that Matt Baker rode his Rickshaw through our town. 2nd Ware Scout Group even managed to present him with a badge and a neck scarf.

Some of our Young People were able to cheer him on with their school.

I am not in the video clip but can you spot Where's Wally and a nun?