Batchworth Sea Scouts 2011 Gallery

Click on the play button below to view the photo gallery.

Scout Troop Planning for next Term

This Saturday 10th December is the last Scout meeting of 2011. The Troop will reconvene on Saturday 7th January 2012 for the beginning of an action packed year. After successfully trialling a parent rota during the autumn term, we will again be looking to invite one parent helper down each week to help with the running of our meetings.

Look out for a volunteer form coming your way soon!

Three Teams tackle Grimsdyke Hyke

11 Scouts entered the Junior competition of the annual Grimsdyke Hyke, organised by 2nd Amersham Common Scouts. Starting in Stokenchurch in the heart of the Chilterns, the teams are presented with 16 waypoints that they must visit, resulting in a 16 km route through the hills and woods of the area. Teams are scored on the number of bases they successfully visit and the time taken to complete the course.

7 hours later, the teams returned to base for a hot chocolate red faced and happy after enjoying some lovely late autumn sunshine and cold airs. Whilst not able to reach all the required bases, the teams did demonstrate advanced navigation skills to the joys of the Leaders who are required to shadow each team. Well done to all who took part.

Batchworth Christmas Party

The Christmas Party will be held at HQ 6pm-9pm Saturday 10th December 2011. There are still a few jobs that need to be picked up so if you are able to help contact Helen on hwebbhome@gmail.com or 01923 777340.

The only thing we're still a tiny bit short on is raffle prizes. If anyone would like to donate something please bring your contribution on the night.

Scouting regulations stipulate that leaders are not allowed to be in charge of children if alcohol is being served. In order to have the bar open all evening, every Cub, Beaver and Scout must remain the responsibility of their parent(s) or another named adult (but not a Batchworth Leader) throughout the evening.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you all on the night!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Everyone at Batchworth Sea Scouts would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A big thank you to all the parents and helpers who put in the extra effort to make 2011 such a special year. Why not make a new year's resolution to take a more active role in the Scouting. There are always lots to do at Batchworth.

If you would like to chat about getting more involved in 2012, either in a big way or a small way, please feel free to give Simon a call on 07850 337903

Come along, do something different and make some new friends into bargain!

Kathleen Webb

Quent's mum, Kathleen Webb sadly died on 17th November 2011, aged 86.

Batchworth was very dear to her heart. Her 3 boys, Duncan, Vincent and Quentin, were all scouts there and the family was very heavily involved in building the current Scout HQ. Kathleen organised the jumble sales for many years and continued to serve at them well into her eighties. She contributed enormously to the Group and was recently sent a thank you for her years of service, from the Chief Scout, Bear Grylls. Quent gets much of his energy, joie de vivre and generosity of spirit from Kathleen.

She touched so many at Batchworth over the years, both those that knew her and those that never had that special honour. There are children and adults that smile today due in a large part to the things she accomplished in her life.

The funeral service will take place at St Mary's Church, Rickmansworth, on Friday 2nd December at 2pm. All welcome. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Cancer Research.

Kathleen will be sadly missed by Batchworth Sea Scouts, past and present.

Host families for Australian Scouts Required

We’ve recently been contacted by Les Sinclair, via The Scout Association HQ, who organises a youth exchange programme for UK and Australian Scouts. He is looking for 3 families to each host one Australian Scout for 6 weeks this November – unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances he has been unable to find families – and we’re wondering if you can help. Would you, or anyone you know, be able to host a Scout?

When: 28th November 2011 - 15th January 2012

Host families should be able to:

* Provide accommodation and food to the young person in your home
* Ensure they can take part in local Scouting activities
* Make sure they can attend school, or some sort of education

We know that you probably won’t be able to commit to that straight away – but if you are at all interested in finding out more please do get in contact with us!

You can contact the Programme Director Les Sinclair on:

Home - +44 (1923) 852741
Mobile - +44 (7710) 400140
E-Mail – scyep@scout.org.uk

Batchworth Christmas Party - Volunteers needed

Batchworth Christmas Party 6pm-9pm 10th December 2011

This year we have split the party “jobs list” into lots of small / short tasks. This way everyone can do a little bit and no-one gets lumbered. There’s plenty to do before the event as well as on the night itself, so whether you’re able to make it on 10th December or not, please sign up for a slot.

We have allocated the “big jobs” to each section as follows, but there are also plenty of smaller tasks, so please volunteer yourself / your other half:

• beaver parents = running the bar
• cub parents = cleaning & decorating the hall
• scout parents = doing the food
• explorers = clearing the boat house

We’ve set up a Google document, so everyone can see which jobs are left. To grab a nice easy task before they all go:

1. Click here to open the spreadsheet of jobs.
2. Pick a job for yourself and / or your partner, enter the appropriate name / email on the spreadsheet.
3. Separately, please email hwebbhome@gmail.com confirming which job(s) you’ve picked.

Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you all on the night!

Helen Webb
Christmas Party Organiser
Batchworth Sea Scouts
hwebbhome@gmail.com

Shipshape Day – Saturday 19th November 2011

Shipshape day is when we look after our building and the surrounding areas.

All are welcome, just turn up at HQ at 10am on the day and lend a helping hand. We spend a couple of hours clearing up, sorting out, tidying away and generally getting our HQ “Shipshape”. Its great fun and a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

We really need parents to pop along, as leaders are already overworked arranging activities for the children. Everyone is encouraged to come down even if it is just for a short while.

Keith Wall
Group Chairman
Batchworth Sea Scouts
e: batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com
t: 01923 777340

Scouts gain over 80 badges following Troop Summer Camp

16 Scouts and 3 Explorers from Batchworth enjoyed an action packed Summer Camp back in August. In the months since we returned, we have been able to award over 80 badges due to activities completed on camp! All attendees received the Expedition Challenge, for completing an unaccompanied overnight hike, Adventure Challenge, due to activities such as climbing, tunnelling and archery, plus the Outdoor Challenge and Camp Cook awards for their bivouacking and backwoods cooking skills. A selection of the group also completed their BCU Paddle Power Passport whilst on camp, gaining a recognised qualification to reflect their high standard of kayaking and canoeing.

Troop paddle hard at Youth Dragonboat Championship

14 brave Scouts paddled to near exhaustion at the Longridge Dragonboat competition held on the River Thames recently. Competing against a dozen other teams in the Under-15’s catagory, including several dedicated dragonboat organistaions, Batchworth finshed a respectiable 5th overall. The highlight of the event was an impressive win over the boats on the course during the qualification stages. All paddlers and our drummer received the Scout Dragonboat Activity Award.

Batchworth obtain Sea Scout Grant from Scout Headquarters

Batchworth Sea Scouts are proud to be part of an elite group of Sea Scout troops who are ‘recognised’ by the Royal Navy (RN). As part of this scheme, the RN provide funding to Scout Headquarters which can be distributed to groups for the purposes of enhancing the equipment available to Sea Scouts. Earlier this summer, Batchworth were delighted to be granted £2,500 from this fund. Together with an additional £2,500 drawn from Group funds, we have recently been able to add four Canadian Canoes, paddles and buoyancy aids plus an equipment trailer to our inventory. The canoes have proven very popular and have been used many times by all four sections which meet at Batchworth.

Remembrance Sunday - 13th November 2009

The second Sunday in November is traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. On this day people across the nation pause to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Service men and women.

Batchworth Sea Scouts will at the memorial in the grounds of St Mary's Church. Being Royal Navy recognised we have pride of place at the ceremony and ALL members of all ages are encouraged to attend.
It is an important day in our calendar and is especially important to members past and present. Attendance from all in full uniform is expected from 10.30am to 12 noon. Please be at the Batchworth HQ in plenty of time before 10:30am on Sunday morning.

Chief Scout Award

Cub Scout, Amrit Sian, received the Chief Scout Silver award from Group Scout Leader Simon Theobald at this year’s Cub camp.

This badge is the highest award available in the Cub Scout Section. It is gained by completing the Outdoor Challenge, the Promise Challenge, the Creative Challenge, the Fitness Challenge, the Global Challenge and the Community Challenge.

Well done Amrit, fantastic achievement.

Jumble Sale

The Jumble sale raised in excess of £3000. This is a fantastic achievement as our target until recently was to raise £2000. Many thanks to Deirdre and all the other helpers for the time and effort they put in organising the event.

Special thanks goes to the few who stayed behind after the event to help clear up. A great job done well.

Cub Camp

The annual Cub camp was again a massive success this year. It was held at Lees Wood this year from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th Sep 11. Many thanks to Brian, Louise, Roger, Jamie and everyone else who helped ensure the Cubs had a terrific time.

Some pictures of the camp can be seen here.

Rickmansworth Society - Watersmeet

The Rickmansworth Society will be holding their annual Autumn Market at Watersmeet on the 8th October 2011. The market will be open from 10am. A large number of local groups and societies will be there with an array of interesting tables with items for sale and lots of local information.

Refreshments will be available. Look forward to seeing you there!!

Beavers News

Beavers has started the new term with a bang - or to be precise, 7 new members!

We've had an exciting start to our autumn programme: crab football, marshmallow modelling, an exploration evening in the local woods, and looking into the future!

The really bright news for Batchworth Beavers is that we have a new Assistant Beaver Leader, Claire Campbell (to be known as CC), and we'd like to extend a very warm welcome to her.

Christmas Panto – Cinderella

This year the panto is Cinderalla starring Jonathan Ansell as Prince Charming and Michael Otton in the shape of Cinderella’s best buddy Buttons Cinderella’s carriage will be bringing all the cast to Rickmansworth on 11th December at Watersmeet.

There are still some tickets left for the pantomime. Anybody who's interested should contact Jane Spurr (jane.spurr@kcl.ac.uk; 01923 776936).

Grand Jumble Sale - Saturday 24th September 2011 - Volunteers Needed

Please remember to come down and help with sorting for the Jumble Sale on Monday (19 September), Wednesday (21 September) or Friday (23 September) between 7:00-9:00pm.All families are asked to help – many hands make light work!

We also need lots of people to commit to helping on the day of the sale – Saturday 24th September – setting up from 9:00 and selling the jumble from 10:30 and helping with the clearing up from 1pm. The sale is over and everything is cleared up by the early afternoon.

If you can help please phone our Jumble Organiser, Deirdre Edwards, on 01923 771626.

Handyman/Builder Required

The Headquarters building has some cracks that need filling with mortar or cement. If you have the necessary skills and are able to help please contact Keith Wall on 01923 777 340.

District Pantomime Trip - Cinderella

The Scouts and Guides have booked the whole of Watersmeet Theatre for the 1.30pm showing of Cinderella, starring Jonathan Ansell as Prince Charming, on the Sunday 11th December 2011.

Tickets are priced at £12.50. Please contact Jane Spur on jane.spurr@kcl.ac.uk or 01923 776936 for more information.

The clock is ticking…

Dave Long

One of Batchworth Sea Scouts dearest friends and helpers, Dave Long, sadly passed away on 7th July 2011. Dave passed unexpectedly of heart failure, in his sleep, while on holiday so it would have been very peaceful for him.

So many people knew Dave, who had an association with Scouting dating back over 40 years and remained very involved not only with Batchworth Sea Scouts but also at Croxley Scouts and with the District explorer group. We currently knew Dave as our Quartermaster, others knew him as a recent explorer leader, however, it seems everyone knew him as Good Ol’ Dave. Good Ol’ Dave was a nickname that not only Dave embraced and many others used but it was also fitting, to so many people he really was Good Ol’ Dave.

On Sunday 17th July, at the Batchworth Family Sailing Day many of Dave’s friends gathered on shore and as a mark of respect to Dave, a man who was respected as a legend at Batchworth Sea Scouts, paid tribute with a minutes applause.

Dave Long went by many names, Quartermaster, Good Ol’ Dave, Explorer Scout Leader, Legend, etc. However, everyone that has spoke of his untimely passing also used a further name, that of friend.

Batchworth Sea Scouts, past and present, will miss our dear friend.

Simon Gowing awarded a Queens Scout and a gold DofE

Explorer leader, Simon Gowing, was awarded a Queens Scout award and Duke of Edinburgh's (D of E) Gold Award at a ceremony held during the annual Family Sailing day at Rickmansworth Aquadrome in July.

The Queen's Scout Award is the culmination of everything you can achieve in Scouting. Obtaining the top award in scouting required more effort then was needed for the Duke of Edinburgh's (D of E) Gold Award!

Many congratulations to Simon for a marvellous achievement.

Batchworth Sea Scouts link up with Northwood Headquarters

Northwood Headquarters is the UK’s principal military HQ site. It is home to 4 Operational HQs (Permanent Joint Headquarters (including the JFHQ), the Commander Naval Forces North (one of NATO's three major Commanders) and Headquarters of Commander in Chief Fleet) and was almost completely rebuilt between 2006-11, resulting in a purpose-built HQ site for 2000 personnel.

However, most people will just know it as the big base surrounded by razor wire. As part of an outreach programme Batchworth Sea Scouts are being given access to various tours of the base and use of certain recreational facilities at the base. Further information regarding the cooperation between Batchworth Sea Scouts and Northwood Headquarters, which is in its infancy, will be forthcoming throughout the coming year.

Batchworth Polo Shirts and Hoodies

We now have a great range of personalised polo shirts and hoodies available. In navy blue, they’re available in all sizes and personalised with the Batchworth Sea Scouts logo. To get hold of your shirt contact Mike Read on seascoutleader@hotmail.com.

Scout Jamboree

Tom and Judy Smith from Batchworth Sea Scouts are attending the fortnight long Scout Jamboree in Rinkabe, Sweden. They both had to raise about £2,000 for the whole trip, and part of the money helps people from poorer countries who otherwise would not be able to attend.

Tom's fundraising efforts included organising quiz nights, bag-packing at supermarkets, making cakes and selling them at a Swedish-themed coffee and cake session. He also made and sold greetings cards.

Tom said: “I enjoyed all the effort. It was great fun. I'm very much looking forward to the jamboree and the trips to Copenhagen and Croatia.

“I'm looking forward to seeing different sights, tasting different foods, learning different languages. It should be the experience of a lifetime.”

There’s an excellent article about the Jamboree in the Warford Observer here.

Family Sailing Day

A big thank you to everyone involved in the Family Sailing day. It was a great team effort and the whole day passed off smoothly. More than that, we achieved all our objectives in terms of delivering fun, adventurous and sociable activities to our members and their families. There were over 100 Batchworth related folks on-site.

Please also see the note below from BLYM endorsing our efforts. We’ve also had messages from the other groups on-site yesterday thanking us for our co-operation in working around their events.

Autumn Term

With the exception of the summer camps regular meetings have now ended for all the sections. Regular meetings for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will resume in September.

Have a great holiday. See you all in September.

FAMILY SAILING DAY 2011

Batchworth Sea Scouts invite you to our annual Family Sailing Day, 2pm to 5pm on Sunday 17th July at Bury Lake Young Mariners (BLYM), Rickmansworth Aquadrome.

Come and try Sailing, Kayaking and Dragon Boating with your family; all Batchworth members are invited and you can bring friends along too. Last year over 100 people took to the water, giving family members of all ages a chance to experience fun on the water and relax with friends.

There is no entrance charge nor for trying the activities but we will be selling some delicious barbecue food, soft drinks and snacks to cover costs. A picnic rug and a change of clothes may be useful, plus a splash-proof top. This is a family event so no alcohol please.

BLYM is the water sports centre 5 minutes walk from the main Aquadrome car park, where cars should be left. Access is via Frogmoor Lane, just off Harefield Road. The centre is then along the path running to the left of the café.

To give us an indication of numbers for catering, or additional information, please RSVP to: stevemiddleton@hotmail.co.uk. We hope to see you there!

Helpers needed for Cub Meeting

We are currently struggling with the Wednesday evening Cub meetings because we haven’t got enough helpers. If we are to avoid meeting being cancelled then more people need to come forward and help ease the burden on both Brian and Louise.

We need several Occasional Helpers, a Parent Co-ordinator and someone who is willing to become an Assistant Cub Leader. No particular skill set is required all the training will be provided.

If you are able to help, even if is just for a little while, then please speak to Brian, Louise or any other leader in the group.

Parent Co-ordinators

We now have parent co-ordinators for both Beavers and Scouts. Sally Marriott for Scouts and Helen Webb for Beavers. These are new roles aimed at improving support for and communication between the group, Scouts and parents about the many events that happen throughout the year.

Sally and Helen will be acting as a vital link between the leadership team and all our parents, encouraging support and providing information on events where you can get involved. The leaders can then concentrate on delivering exciting and fun activities to the group week to week. We are still on the lookout for a parent co-ordinator for cubs.

Annual Cubs Sports day

Amrit, Cub Scout

On Friday the 10 of June it was the annual Cubs Sports day where all of the cubs come together to compete in different types of races. Batchworth had some strong players in our team but unfortunately we only had four players so we all pulled together as a team.

The races had begun and first up from our pack was Louie who took part in the flat sprint 9.5 years and under and came first. It was a strong start and a great win to begin with.

The races went buy and each time we were not disappointed. We had no time to lose when we needed to compete in the tug of war competition. We were first up and our parents were cheering for us to pull and win. It was a definite struggle but we didn’t lose. Our hands were bright red but we carried on.

Now for the awards ceremony and we were huddled together with our eyes shut saying to ourselves that we were going to do well. We didn’t come third but we did however come second! A great achievement and our team ran up with screams of the happiness. We all took a corner of the certificate and smiled to the camera as we all went home knowing we were all proud as well as tired.

Volunteer Log Book

A Volunteer Log Book is situated in the entrance hall at HQ. We would like to use it to record volunteer hours worked at HQ, general comments about health and safety as well as building maintenance issues. Records also need to be kept to help the group secure in-kind funding for future projects.

When volunteering at HQ please record the time spent in the book.

RYA Awards to Scouts and Explorers

Eight intrepid members of Batchworth spent an exciting week camped on Mersea Island, near Colchester, over the recent Whitsun Half-Term. They were there to participate in the annual Herts County Scouts sailing week which sees over 100 young people from across the County supported by a huge team of instructors and volunteers descend on a sandy beach on the Essex shoreline.

Making use of equipment which is transported to the spot from a variety of locations, which included dinghies and powerboats from Batchworth’s own fleet, all eight of our members were able to gain recognised RYA qualifications, ranging from beginner sailing through to performance racing!

Well done to all who attended the courses

Group Subscriptions due

The 2011 subscriptions are now due. If you have not received your subscription notice or have any queries regarding subscriptions please telephone Deirdre Edwards on 01923 771626.

From the subscriptions we pay a 'capitation fee' to our District for each Beaver, Cub, Scout, Leader, Assistant Leader, Skills Instructor, Helper and Committee member to cover insurances etc and our membership of the Scout Association. The balance of the subscription pays for all maintenance and bills of our building, equipment and boats and many of the activities for our members.

If you are a UK taxpayer please Gift Aid your subscription if you have not already done so.

The bell tolls for Cumberland

With dark clouds looming, the White Ensign was lowered for the final time on HMS Cumberland as the frigate formally bowed out of service.

The ship’s bell resounded three times before sailors hauled down the Royal Navy’s standard on the Type 22 frigate with the solemn tones of the Band of HM Royal Marines echoing around Devonport.

Around 100 guests, families and friends of the Fighting Sausage, and crew members past and present were invited to attend the poignant last act in Cumberland’s proud career.

The ship, and her three sisters – Campbeltown, Chatham and Cornwall – were all axed under last year's Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Cumberland's most recent duty – a mission which reverberated around the world – was to rescue civilians caught up in the Libyan Civil War, plucking them from danger in Benghazi just a matter of weeks ago.

For more click here.

Correction: Annual General Meeting - 5pm Saturday June 11th 2010

Please note the AGM will be at 5:00pm with the barbecue at 5:30pm and Quiz at 6:30pm.

There will be a £4 charge for the quiz and barbecue together, but there is no charge to attend the AGM. All are welcome, whether attending the quiz and/or barbecue or not.

We look forward to seeing you.

Yours in Scouting,
Batchworth Sea Scouts

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Scout Group will be held at 5pm Saturday June 11th 2010 at Batchworth Sea Scouts Headquarters on Riverside Drive, Rickmansworth. WD3 1JE.

AGENDA

1. Introduction
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
4. Annual reports
5. Group Accounts
6. GSL nominations & Committee Elections
7. Independent Examiner
8. Any other business

There will be a quiz, a BBQ and a licensed bar. Everyone is invited to attend.

5:00 BBQ
6:00 AGM
6:30 Quiz, probably no more than 6 rounds.

We do hope you will able to join us and look forward to seeing you.

Keith Wall
Group Chairman
Batchworth Sea Scouts

e: batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com
t: 01923 777340

Shipshape Day - 10am This Saturday 4th June 2011

Shipshape day is when we look after our building and the surrounding areas.

All are welcome, just turn up at HQ at 10am on the day and lend a helping hand. We spend a couple of hours clearing up, sorting out, tidying away and generally getting our HQ “Shipshape”. Its great fun and a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

We really need parents to pop along, as leaders are already overworked arranging activities for the children. Everyone is encouraged to come down even if it is just for a short while.

Keith Wall
Group Chairman
Batchworth Sea Scouts

e: batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com
t: 01923 777340

Badges around for the Scouts

The Troop enjoyed a productive run up to the Easter holidays, completing several badges and keeping the needles and thread very busy. Over the course of a few weeks, Scouts completed activities to gain their Mechanics Badge, Swimmers Badge and Fire Safety Badge. A session on First Aid was also held as well as introductions to kayaking and canoeing to those taking to the water for the first time.

May Fair Report

Saturday, 14 May saw the opening of the 57th Rickmansworth week. For many of those years, Batchworth's May Fair has been the curtain raiser for a week packed with activity in the town and the Aquadrome, a week followed by the canal Festival, which attracts visitors from far and wide.

This year's festivities began with the usual parade from Joan of Arc school down the High Street, Church Street and Bury Lane to the Bury. Our Beavers joined in the parade, following the minibus and rib. Proceedings at the Bury were formally opened by our local MP, David Gauke after a brief introduction from Tony Berry of the Rickmansworth Society. We always leave the introductions to the Society to cut down on the formalities and to recognise our debt to them for bringing people into the Bury.

After the crowning of Miss Rickmansworth, the highlight of the afternoon was the regular tug-of-war between the local Cub Scout packs. Batchworth were not lucky enough to win that put up a splendid show. Martin and Marian Lantree that came back once again to run the event for us on the day.

The recent run of dry weather held for us and the tea and drinks tents once more did splendid business. We're very grateful to many parents and leaders, who gave up valuable time to organise the event for us, to set up, run it and clear up afterwards.

Scouts Escape to the Country

11 Scouts and 3 Explorer Scouts enjoyed a weekend of walking the Chilterns recently, making the most of the Spring sunshine. Following routes that took in both the Chiltern Way and the Ridgeway, the walking groups managed two separate days on the hills, walking over 20 kms in total and gaining both two ‘Hikes Away’ and one ‘Nights Away’. The overnight stay was in the new accommodation recently opened at the Buckinghamshire Scout County campsite ‘Braidwood’ to the northwest of Chesham.

Fika for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree 2011

Judy and Tom Smith will be holding a fundraising Fika for the 22nd World Scout Jamboree 2011 in Rinkaby, Sweden. Fika - Swedish verb meaning to drink coffee, usually accompanied by something sweet, and get together for a chat with family and friends. The event will be held on Sunday 12th June 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. 19 Edinburgh Avenue, Rickmansworth. WD3 8LD.

Judy is attending the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in July as a member of the International Service Team. Tom is attending as a member of the Comet Unit, a group of 35 Scouts and Guides from Hertfordshire.

You are invited to join them for Fika Time to share coffee, something sweet and the company of family and friends, and to help raise funds for Judy & Tom.

Tickets: £ 1.50 each to include a drink and something sweet to eat. RSVP to rickysmiths@tiscali.co.uk.

Beavers Attain Top Award

A group of four sea scouts from Rickmansworth have attained the highest award available to them. The boys, aged seven, from Batchworth Sea Scout Group have been awarded the Chief Scout Bronze award.

This badge is the highest award available in the Beaver Scout section and is gained by completing the creative, fitness, friendship, global, outdoor and promise challenges.

Tom Crosby, district chairman, said: “This is a great achievement for the boys and for Batchworth Sea Scouts and I congratulate them all.

“The Chief Scout Bronze Award is earned by hard work and dedication on behalf of both leaders and Beavers, across a range of skills and activities.”

The boys were presented with the awards by group scout leader, Simon Theobald.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Scout Group will be held at 5pm Saturday June 11th 2010 at Batchworth Sea Scouts Headquarters on Riverside Drive, Rickmansworth.

AGENDA

1. Introduction
2. Apologies for Absence
3. Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising
4. Annual reports
5. Group Accounts
6. GSL nominations & Committee Elections
7. Independent Examiner
8. Any other business

There will be a quiz and a BBQ. Everyone is invited to attend. We do hope you will able to join us and look forward to seeing you.

Shipshape Day - 9am This Saturday 7th May 2011

Shipshape day is when we look after our building and the surrounding areas. The Mini Bus could do with a good clean in preparation for the May Fair too.

All are welcome, just turn up at HQ at 9am on the day and lend a helping hand. We spend a couple of hours clearing up, sorting out, tidying away and generally getting our HQ “Shipshape”. Its great fun and a good opportunity to meet people and make new friends.

We really need parents to pop along, as leaders are already overworked arranging activities for the children. Everyone is encouraged to come down even if it is just for a short while. For more information contact our Group Chairman, Keith Wall, on batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com or
01923 777340.

Batchworth Sea Scouts

Cleaner Required

We’re on the lookout for a cleaner to help maintain the Headquarters on Riverside Drive. £6 per hour. 3 hours per month. Schedule to suit. Duties include cleaning the Main Hall, the Galley and the Cloak Rooms. For more details please contact Simon on SimonTheobald@compuserve.com or 07850 337903.

The Role of the “Assistant Treasurer”

As well as being the Badge Secretary, Diane Chambers, is also the Assistant Treasurer. This is not a formal role but as the wife of the Treasurer, Roger Chambers, this is what it’s become!

Diane has put pen to paper and describes what the role entails before, during and after the Jumble Sale. It’s brilliantly written and well worth a read.

The full article is here.

St. George’s Day celebration - Sunday 8th May

In 'Scouting for Boys', Baden-Powell stated: "Prepared and alert a Scout follows the lead of our Patron Saint George and his spirited steed."

To Baden-Powell, St. George epitomised the qualities of selflessness and courage which he saw as being among the aims of Scouting. Thus on the Sunday near to St. George's Day, Scouts hold ceremonies when they reaffirm their Promise and acknowledge the Scout Law in a national act of dedication.

The annual district St George's Day celebration will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 8th May at Rickmansworth School - all members are expected to attend - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers.

Please be at the school, in full smartly presented uniform, by 2-40pm for a 3-00pm start.

Read more on St. George, in History and in Legend, here.

May Fair 2011 - Saturday 14th May 2011

Beavers are entering the walking group section of the parade for the start of Rickmansworth Week. Meet at St Joan of Arc School car park at 12.30 prompt. The parade will move off at 13.30, arriving at the Bury at about 14.00.

The rest of the group will be at the Bury organising the Mar Fair. We will need help with making cakes for the tea tent – Sponge cakes, chocolate cakes and fairy cakes.

Additionally, we need help with moving equipment from our headquarters on Riverside Dive to the Bury from 9am. We also need help with setting up the stalls at the Bury, manning the tents and help to clear away when everything finishes between 4pm and 5pm.

If you are able to help, please contact Narinder on batchworth@narinder.org or 07595 617598.

Want to help Cub Scouts have fun?

Our Cub pack is hugely popular. We are currently full and have a waiting list of applicants. We need additional adults to help in running the activities. We are looking for keen adults to assist the Cub Scout leaders. You'd be an energetic person who gets on well with 8 to 11 year olds - and can cope with the noise they make!

Cub Scouts are boys and girls aged between 8 and 10½ and wear distinctive green sweatshirts. Our Cubs only meet during term time on Wednesday 6:30-8pm and enjoy many varied activities with an emphasis on the outdoors, water activities and having fun! Our Cubs also participate in occasional District and County activities in addition to the Wednesday meetings".

Cub Scout Leaders and helpers come in all shapes and sizes and from all backgrounds. No previous experience in Scouting is necessary as full training and support will be provided. You don't have to be a Cub Scout parent either. If you are able to help please contact Brian Hansford on brian.hansford@ntlworld.com.

Family Sailing Day 17th July 2011

A date for your diary. On Sunday 17th July Batchworth Sea Scouts will be holding a family sailing day at the Bury Lake Young Mariners for Batchworth members, their families and friends. The day will consist of sailing, kayaking, dragonboats and a barbecue.

The Grand Jumble Sale Raised £2,617

Congratulations everyone for all your hard work. Where there's muck there's brass as they say! We raised £2,543.59 which includes £150 for goods sold on eBay since last jumble. We also potentially have £500 to come from eBay for something spotted by our star electrics person, eagle eyed Steve Spurr. Watch this space.........

Takings from the gate show that 398 people paid to get in. Setting up and cleaning up on the day was done expertly. We again owe a great debt to all those who moved the boats and cleared HQ for us. Thanks also to John Leigh for doing the collection of big items and for dumping all the rubbish after the sale with a band of trusty helpers.

Roger and Diane spend hours and hours counting the money and Diane has to carry all that very heavy cash to the bank.

Nine Lives collected the leftover furniture yesterday and the two bicycles kindly saved from being dumped by John Leigh.

Each of you worked really hard and it is all very much appreciated. A great team!

Particular thanks also go to our scouts Roma Hansford, Jamie Marriott and Simran Sian who ran their stalls very professionally and made a great profit from socks, ties, picture etc and children's books.

HMS Cumberland

HMS Cumberland, the Royal Navy type 22 Frigate affiliated with Batchworth Sea Scouts, and a key part of the UK’s response to the crisis in Libya since the beginning of the troubles in February, is ready to move into the next phase of operations: enforcing the arms embargo under UN Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973.

Read more here.

Want to help Beaver Scouts have fun?

Our Beaver colony is hugely popular. We are currently full and have a waiting list of applicants. We need additional adults to help in running the activities. We are looking for fun loving, energetic, creative thinkers to work with our team to provide fun, adventure and new challenges for the young people who attend the sessions.

Beaver Scouts are boys and girls aged between six and eight and wear distinctive turquoise sweatshirts. Our Beavers only meet during term time on Thursdays 6-7:15pm and enjoy many varied activities with an emphasis on the outdoors, water activities and having fun! Beaver Scouts enjoy working towards badges, and several are about to achieve the Chief Scout's Bronze award which is the highest award a Beaver Scout can gain.

Beaver Scout Leaders and helpers come in all shapes and sizes and from all backgrounds. No previous experience in Scouting is necessary as full training and support will be provided. You don't have to be a Beaver Scout parent either. If you are able to help please contact Jane Spur on jane.spurr@kcl.ac.uk or 01923 776936.

Grand Jumble Sale - Saturday 26th March 2011 - Volunteers Needed

Please remember to come down and help with sorting for the Jumble Sale on Monday (21 March), Wednesday (23 March) or Friday (25 March) between 7:00-9:00pm.

All families are asked to help – many hands make light work!

We also need lots of people to commit to helping on the day of the sale – Saturday 26th March – setting up from 9:00 and selling the jumble from 10:30 and helping with the clearing up from 1pm. The sale is over and everything is cleared up by the early afternoon.

If you can help please phone our Jumble Organiser, Deirdre Edwards, on 01923 771626.

May Fair 2011 - Saturday 14th May 2011

This year the Ricky Week May Fair will take place on Saturday 14th May 2011. All entries for the parade should assemble on the southern side of the High Street between the railway bridge and Joan of Arc School at 12:30. The Judging starts at 12:45 and the Parade starts at 13:30.

Batchworth Sea Scouts will be at the Bury organising the Mar Fair. We need help with setting up the stalls, manning them and help with clearing up afterwards. Additionally, we need help making cakes for the tea tent – Sponge cakes, chocolate cakes and fairy cakes. If you are able to help, please contact Keith on batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com or Simon on SimonTheobald@compuserve.com.

Cubs Football

On Saturday, 5th March, the Batchworth Cub pack football team competed along with five other packs in the Rickmansworth and Chorleywood District Cubs 1 day league cup competition in Chorleywood.

The competition was extremely close such that a winning team could not be found through points or goal difference and had to be decided by the team that scored the most goals during the day. 6th Rickmansworth won the Cup with Batchworth gaining a very respectable 3rd place.

Batchworth never conceded a single goal in the competition making the end result so very close.

Many thanks goes to Cub Parent Mr Gavin Murray for managing the team.

Cubs Swimming Gala

The annual County Cubs Swimming Gala was held at Westminster Lodge in St Albans on Sat 5th February 2011.

Teams from across Hertfordshire took part. Cubs swam heats in Front Crawl, Breaststroke and Backstroke. Our Cubs put in a strong performance.

In particular, Amrit did so well that she has been asked to represent District in the Hertfordshire County Swimming Gala in April.

District St George's Day celebration - Sunday 8th May

The annual district St George's Day celebration will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 8th May at Rickmansworth School - all members are expected to attend - Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Explorers.

Please be at the school, in full smartly presented uniform, by 2-40pm for a 3-00pm start. The entrance to the site is at the top of Scots Hill as you drive in you will be directed by marshals where to park. For those dropping off their children a one way system will be in operation. Groups will assemble on the Tennis Courts by the entrance unless it is raining in which case please make your way into the School Hall.

The celebration is planned to end with the dismissal by approx 4-00pm. There will be a retiring collection taken on the way out of the hall. Please remind your young people to bring a small contribution

Laptop Needed

Scouting needs a laptop simply to run Powerpoint presentations. If you has an old laptop capable of running Powerpoint presentations please contact Simon SimonTheobald@compuserve.com.

HMS Cumberland Arrived In Malta

HMS Cumberland, a Royal Navy type 22 Frigate affiliated with Batchworth Sea Scouts, arrived alongside in Malta on 28/02/11 carrying 218 passengers including 51 British nationals who were evacuated from Libya.

Sailors from Plymouth say they are ‘proud and humbled’ to have helped with the Libya evacuations.

Dave Bridle from Keyham looked after a mother and daughter who had fled Benghazi after gunfire rattled close to their home.

Dan Matlin from Stoke in Plymouth said the sea conditions during the rescue were often as bad as his time serving in the Falklands War.

Devonport-based HMS Cumberland delivered more than 400 British and foreign nationals to safety in Malta on two mercy missions from Libya over the weekend.

Read more here.

May Fair - Sat 14 May 11

For many years, Batchworth Sea Scouts have arranged the May Fair, held each May, on the Bury in partnership with the Rickmansworth Society. The May Fair is traditionally the opening event of Rickmansworth Week when a procession of floats makes its way through Rickmansworth to the Bury where stalls, local goods, refreshments and music are available as the carnival princess is crowned. The event opens at 1:30pm and the crowning of Miss Ricky takes place at 2pm.

This year we need help with making cakes for the tea tent – Sponge cakes, chocolate cakes and fairy cakes. Additionally, we need help with moving equipment from our headquarters on Riverside Dive to the Bury from 9am. We also need help with setting up the stalls at the Bury, manning the tents and help to clear away when everything finishes between 4pm and 5pm.

If you are able to help, please contact Keith on batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com or Simon on SimonTheobald@compuserve.com.

GRAND JUMBLE SALE - Saturday 26th March 2011

Our Jumble Sale regularly attracts over 300 customers. It has been a great success and given us plenty of happy times. Its a perfect day out for Jumblers and raises much needed money for the group

The sale features clothes, books, comics, jewellery, bric-a-brac, toys, electrical items and much much more. A BBQ will be serving food throughout to provide much needed refreshments. We welcome contributions. Upholstered furniture must have a fire safety label.

Volunteers are needed to help with the collection of Jumble, sorting and manning the stalls on the day of the sale. We will also need help with clearing up after the event.

If you are able to help or need additional information please contact the Jumble Sale organizer, Deirdre Edwards on 01923 77162 or 07957 788402. For the collection of larger items please telephone before Friday 18th March.