WE HAVE A BOATSWAIN

Simon Theobald, GSL

If you have been down to the HQ recently then you cannot have failed to have noticed the work that has been going on to repair and maintain our fleet. This has been mainly down to Pip Williamson and Emma Turner who have both given up a huge amount of time and worked incredibly hard, particularly in the lead up to Lochernhead.

Pip has agreed to become our Boatswain and will be supported by Emma. There is still work to do with the boats and Pip/Emma are continuing with this, however, I know that we will all want to thank them for the work that they have done so far.

SHIPSHAPE DAY

Keith Wall, Chairman

I’d like to remind you that we have two more shipshape days coming up on 4th and 12th September, each one in the morning. That way, you Saturday people can come n the 4th and those who prefer Sunday can come on the 12th. Our urgent aim Is to make HQ presentable for the Royal Navy Inspection on the 15th. There are plenty of things outstanding from the last shipshape day. Most importantly, we need to finish tidying the car park and hedges outside. Inside, we have to tidy the leader’s and committee rooms plus our boat store. Other projects to sort out equipment and the scout dens are already under way. Finally, there is always work to be done to keep the galley and the heads clean.

We really need parents, as leaders are already overworked arranging activities for the children and it’s your HQ anyway! If it’s dirty or untidy, it’s down to you. I hope to see you there from 9:00. Please call me if you have any queries on 01923 777 340.

Painting of the Boat House 4th- 10th September

Emma Turner

Ahead of the RN inspection we will be painting the Boat House floor with grey concrete paint to minimise the dust and dirt that collects there. To do this, we shall need to move all the boats to safe places on Saturday 4th September- and keep them there until the floor is dry. Throughout the days after this we intend to wash and paint the floor.

On moving all the boats, they will be assessed so that over the course of the winter, we can repair any problems. This means that by Spring 2011 we shall have a fully functioning fleet! Volunteers at any point in this process would be very welcome. The most important thing we need right now is safe places that we can keep the boats (for at the very least 5 days) and volunteers to help move them!

Washing and painting shall take place in the evenings of the week beginning 6th September, again- anyone who wishes to contribute some time and some paint rollers should come along!

The time the whole process will take will be very much weather permitting, so the most important stage will be getting the first coat of paint done. Therefore anyone who thinks they will be available during the earlier part of the week should really come along! Anyone who knows a bit about boat maintenance, or wishes to learn should also make themselves known as I am sure there will be plenty of jobs to be done!

Maintaining HQ and our fleet of boats is a very important job. We would not be able to provide the year round activities that we do if it was not for the facilities and equipment that we have access to. Even if it is only an hour that you have to spare one evening in the week, it will make all the difference to the leaders and parents who have committed themselves to this task!

If you are available at any time during this week, contact me on 07905765946 or Ben Taunt on 07736936305 and we will be able to give you more details!

SAVE THE DAY - ROYAL NAVY INSPECTION

The Royal Navy Inspection will be on Wednesday 15th September early evening. This is one of our most important events. Please check you have sewn on badges, check uniform is complete and perfect, ALL members (cubs, scouts, beavers, explorers) are EXPECTED to attend, all parents are welcome.