News Archive
Cub Scout Muir Trophy
On Sunday 4th October, a beautiful sunny autumn day, 7 teams of Cub Scouts took part in the annual "Muir Trophy" competition around Frensham Little Pond. Slightly battered but nevertheless fiercely fought over, this shield has been in existence since 1926 when it was first won by the Pack based at Amesbury School. This year there were teams from all Packs in the District with the exception of Grayshott. Over a distance of 4 miles around the pond, teams had to visit each of the 5 bases in turn, which included communications, a bomb disposal game, bean bag archery, problem solving, and a nature hunt/quiz. The most popular seemed to be the problem solving where, working as a team and using 3 planks, they had to build a bridge and cross without falling off for there were deadly fish in the water below. Manned by Leaders, points were awarded for completion or otherwise of all the tasks set.
Teams arrived back at 1st Churt from 4.00 p.m. and were provided with drinks and lashings of lovely cakes kindly provided by parents. All arrived back safely.
Before presenting the shield to the winning Pack, the acting District Commissioner Fr Jonathan How thanked the Leaders manning bases, parents who escorted teams around, and those who had provided the tea and lovely cakes, and called for three cheers for them all. It had been a splendid afternoon. In 3rd place were 1st Churt, 2nd 1st Fernhurst, and the WINNERS 1st Camelsdale.
The winning team from 1st Camelsdale, with Sue Styles, Cub Leader at 1st Churt, who had organised the whole event, and Fr Jonathan How the acting District Commissioner.
Good news for Grayshott
Closed a year ago due to insufficient adult leadership, the Scout Troop at Grayshott re-opened on Wednesday 30th September with a fully trained Scout Leader and two other adult helpers. Those Scouts who were members at the time of the closure are of course very welcome to rejoin, along with any new members (boys and girls) aged 10 1/2 - 14 years. Just turn up at the Scout H.Q. in Whitmore Vale Road at 7.00 p.m. The Troop will meet every Wednesday from 7 - 9 p.m.
Leadership in the two younger sections i.e. Beavers and Cubs is still inadequate, and currently they both meet together on a Tuesday from 6 - 7.30. The age range is rather wide though from 6 - 10 1/2. and it is hoped that with a little more adult help the two sections can revert to separate meetings.
Scouts aim to make a positive difference in their communities, and they are proud of the good things they have done in their communities nationwide for over 100 years, and have a long track record of helping others. It is not claimed that they all turn out to be "little angels" but most will grow up to be useful members of society for the benefit of us all.
If you could help with the Beavers or the Cubs on a Tuesday from 6 - 7.30, or have any questions please contact the Group Scout Leader Karen McGowan on 01428.606440
Karen helping at sixers camp
Frantic 15
Over the weekend 8/10th May 2015 approximately 850 Scouts, Guides, Cub Scouts, Brownie Guides, Rainbows and Beavers from Haslemere, Farnham, and Godalming, took part in Frantic 15, a tri - District camp held every 3 years, and held on the Hampton Estate at Elstead. All the groups from Haslemere and District that took part. They were 1st Churt, Grayshott, 1st Hindhead, 1st Camelsdale, 1st Fernhurst, 1st Chiddingfold and 1st Haslemere.
The weekend was jam packed full of various activities, some to suit the faint hearted and some to suit the more adventurous types, with a hog roast followed by a superb camp fire sing-a-long on the Saturday evening, and a Scouts' and Guides’ Own Service on the Sunday morning.
The closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon saw the flags of all the different sections that took part paraded into the final gathering. It was quite a sight, drew great applause and illustrated just how many young people still enjoy Scouting and Guiding today.
Have a look at the Frantic 15 Gallery for a select few pictures.
The Committee have received an amazing number of comments - all positive - which for them has made the many months of planning all the more worthwhile. Here are a couple:
" I've three tired but extremely happy kids now at home. A brownie and guide day visitor and a scout who stayed the weekend. All had a fabulous time, thank you to the organisers, leaders and other helpers. I know how much work goes into the organising of this sort of thing. My kids absolutely loved their time at the camp. Thank you to all involved."
"One very tired cub .... who kept trying to nod off in the bath & a very sleepy guide who was bathed fed and in bed for 6.30pm!! What a fantastic Frantic Camp weekend had by all
Will there be a Frantic 18? Watch this space!!
St George's Service and Parade
Wey Hill in Haslemere was brought to a standstill on Sunday 26th April 2015 for the Haslemere and District Scouts St George's Day Parade.
Scouts, Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts from Camelsdale, Chiddingfold, Churt, Fernhurst, Grayshott, Haslemere and Hindhead gathered together in order to celebrate England's patron saint.
The parade was followed by a service at Haslemere Methodist Church attended by the Deputy Mayor of Waverley Borough Council Mike Band & his wife Val, Mayor of Haslemere Penny Bradley and Scouts County Commissioner Roxanna Bostock.
During the service Peter Callender, Scout Leader at 1st Camelsdale, was presented with the Silver Acorn Award in recognition of specially distinguished service.
District Sixers Camp
Over the weekend Sat 28th to Mon 30th March 23 Cub Scouts from Haslemere District, with 12 Leaders/helpers, spent a rather miserable and cold two nights under canvas at Farnham District's Campsite at Tilford. The Cub Scouts were Sixers i.e. team leaders, but the weather certainly did not prevent them from enjoying the experience. The theme of the camp was pioneering and bushcraft skills, and it gave the Cubs the opportunity to mix with Sixers from other Packs and experience a nights away with the oportunity to learn and develop skills. The Leaders in charge were Sue Styles (Churt) and Andrew Grenside (Hindhead).
Activities included backwoods cooking; a wide game and trail to the Rural Life Centre (organised by Stephen Evans - retired Scout Leader from Hindhead); map reading; making candle holders and bracelets; a camp fire on which they cooked orange muffins (led by Karen McGowan Cub Scout Leader at Grayshott); and cooking Sunday lunch on an open fire. There was a short "Scouts Own" Service on the Sunday morning led by John Stone, and on the Monday parents were invited to the closing ceremony where John called for 3 cheers for the Leaders and helpers for a superb weekend. The "Grand Howl" - a traditional finish for this type of event was sadly a disaster, for it seems to be one of the old traditions (from The Jungle Book) that is thought no longer relevant, with some Packs not doing it at all and others putting their own slant on it. Such a pity, but it was almost got right before the flag was ceremoniously taken down.
John Stone
Haslemere District Scouts Media Manager
