TAMESIDER News of Scouting in Tameside. APRIL 2015 Index for the Tamesider of APRIL 2015. Page 2 Tameside South St George’s Day Page 2 Membership Cards Page 3 4th Denton from Farm to Fork Page 4 – 5 North Tameside St George’s Day Page 6 Climbing Experience Page 6 North Tameside Executive Dates Page 8 – 9 4th Denton visit to Lego Discovery Centre Page 10 Christmas comes early to Ashton Page 11 First Response Course Page 12 – 13 Boarfold Campsite Page 14 County Update Page 15 Census Summary Page 16 Safety Weekend Page 17 Join in Jamboree 11.2015 tamesider Tameside South District St George’s Day Service Tameside South District are holding an event at St Georges Church, Dane Bank Denton. There will be a short service to include reaffirmation of promises, on Thursday 23rd April, 7.30pm followed by refreshments in St George's centre Scouts are requested to wear full uniform bring flags and weather permitting we will assemble in the car park to parade into church. MEMBERSHIP CARDS Leader’s membership cards will be issued this year with the April/May issue of the Scouting Magazine. They will show the current FULL Appointment role. However, if your current role is pre-Provisional or Provisional, you will not be issued with a card. When your role has been established as FULL, you will be issued with a membership card showing this role, when Compass is up and running. If you have any questions please contact Gilwell on 0845 300 1818 and ask for membership services. Your local Appointments Secretary or District Commissioner will not be able to alter your records as they will not be able to access Compass. 2 Farm to Fork – Beavers and Cubs take the Tesco trail 11 MARCH 2015 On Friday 6th March the 4th Denton Beavers and Cubs went to TESCO at Stockport to take part in the Tesco “Farm to Fork” Trail. They arrived at the store at 6:30 and were taken to a conference room where they were given a hat, a tabard, a clipboard, a pencil and an activity sheet. The Beavers then went off to the cheese department where they tasted several different types of cheese, then onto the fruit and veg where the learnt about BROCCOLI , tasted a pomegranate, and received a strawberry each. They then went back to the conference room for a drink. They then went into the warehouse and were told what went on there, the all went in the huge fridge and into the massive freezer. The last port of call was the bakery where they learnt all about baking bread. The cub did the reverse of this, visiting warehouse first then onto the cheese, fruit and veg. We all met up again in the conference room where everyone received a goody bag and a special “Farm to Fork” badge. Thank you very much to David and Carol who ran the evening you made it very interesting. 3 St. George’s Day Parade – 2015 North Tameside. This year’s North Tameside’s St George’s Day Parade is taking place on Sunday 19th April 2015. All Groups are to meet outside the TSB Bank on Old Street, Ashton under Lyne at 2.30pm. The parade will assemble at 2.40pm for a 2.45pm start, for the parade to Albion Church. We should get to the church for about 3.00pm. The service should end approximately at 3.45pm. Uniform. Can all Leaders, DC, ADC, GSL etc. etc. please ensure that we are all wearing the correct uniform. Those members who are not invested should wear smart clothes, bearing in mind the following:No jeans, No camouflaged trousers and no boots, encourage shoes. All group Section Flags are to be carried. No union flags to be carried. Please ensure the flag brasses are polished bright and sparkly. This is the one occasion in the year when we all come together to renew our promise and law, let us all work together to make it a success. Let us be proud of our young people, our Leaders, our District and most of all our Scout heritage. Refreshments will be served in the small hall at the rear of the altar after the service for anyone who would like to stay behind for a chat. Please make sure your charges are collected by the parents first though. 4 ORDER OF PARADE 2014. FLAG PARTY BAND COMMISSIONERS EXPLORER UNIT 3rd ASHTON 413th MANCHESTER 2nd ASHTON 250th MANCHESTER 6th ASHTON 12th ASHTON 2/1st HURST 339th MANCHESTER Parents and supporters are encouraged to attend the Service at the Albion Church from 3.00pm. Parents are asked to collect their children from the Albion Church from approximately 3.45pm 5 CLIMBING EXPERIENCE - GORTON Article by Ryan Gough of 1st Dane Bank Scouts My first experience of wall climbing was at Manchester Outdoor Centre a few Saturdays ago when I should have been sailing but Debdale Lake was frozen over. So one Friday evening, I went to Manchester Climbing Centre with Scouts and Explorers to try-out the climbing walls inside a converted Victorian church in Gorton that, in March, will celebrate its tenth year. My dad dropped me off at 6:45 and we walked in and up the stairs. When you get to the top of the stairs, the view is from half-way up the 21 metre main wall and its only when you get to the balcony that you realise how high they are. Once Dad had left, we kitted-up in helmet and harness then we attempted the first wall. The walls are like fake rock and have a hard, rough, plastic surface that feels sandy because they are covered in chalk which helps climbers to grip onto them. Climbing, I found is at first difficult (if you look down!) but its nice to know that I was tied-on with a line being held by a fellow Scout and being watched by an instructor. Once we had tackled the first wall twice, we moved onto the opposite side away from the balcony and attempted a bigger wall which had less hand-holds on it. It felt quite tense at the top as you are really high up. At the top, you can see over to the main climbing area which is where I went for my final climb and reached the top which felt great. As I neared the top, I saw my Dad who had come to pick me up. He was at eye-level but I was about 16 metres off the ground which was quite a shock for him and me when he reached the balcony. Getting the chance to do things like this is why Scouts is awesome and I hope to be going back again soon. North Tameside District Executive Meetings. The dates for the Executive Meetings in 2015 are Wednesday 20th May @7.30pm Wednesday 15th July – Probably going to be the AGM Wednesday 16th September @7.30pm Wednesday 18th November @7.30pm. Venue – Curzon Road, Ashton under Lyne. Please try to ensure each Group in represented at these meetings. 6 North Tameside District Beavers Outing North Tameside District Beavers went to the Skate Station, in Ashton, on Thursday March 5th. 42 Beavers from 4 groups had a fabulous time. Darren from 2/1st Hurst said the Beavers loved it. Janet, a leader from 250th Manchester, and Darren, from 2nd 1st joined the Beavers on wheels! Alfie from 6th Ashton Beavers won the limbo competition, winning a slush drink and said the night had been ace! Thanks to all who helped during the evening. Jo ADC Beavers --------------------------------------------------------------- 7 4th Denton Beavers and Cubs are “locked In" all night at Lego Discovery Centre The Beavers and Cubs spent the night of Friday 27th March locked in the Lego Discovery Centre at the Trafford Centre in Manchester. No they did not get lost when the staff went home....it was an organised Sleepover! The Beavers and Cubs arrived at the Lego Discovery Centre at the Trafford Centre at 6:30pm ( when all the members of the public were leaving) and all their gear was taken up to the centre hub while the young people went on a Factory tour and all made a Lego brick. The laser quest style ride was then opened and the Beavers and Cubs had exclusive use of the ride for 30 minutes, they could not believe that they could just keep going round again....they had a fantastic time. 8 Next on to the main hub where there were numerous activities for them to do, two more rides, Lego building projects such as racing cars (then they raced them on a special track), Lego towers ( they could then create a earthquake to see how strong their tower was), there was a soft play area with ball pool slides, ropes etc. The Beavers and Cubs were then treated to a "Master Class" in Lego construction. At about 8pm the cinema was opened and we were all treated to two 4D films. These were excellent even though we did all get wet (the 4D is 3D plus water, smells, wind, etc). The Beavers and Cubs were all ready for some sleep at around 11pm and soon settled down in the birthday room which had been cleared to act as sleeping quarters. Everyone and a fabulous time and they all left the Discovery Centre at 8am on Saturday morning buzzing with the tales of their adventure of being "locked in" all night at the Lego Discovery Centre, Manchester. 9 CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY IN ASHTON Alan Fish has gained a few more presents for your groups Bunting flags Disposal aprons 6 x waterproof yellow jackets 5 x waterproof yellow anoraks 7 x inflatable beach balls, 3 rings, 6 seagulls 2 x Barrel bottom bbq 1 x Mini golf set 1 x small tent 9 x camp folding chairs 2 oblong and 2 round food insulation containers 10 plastic buckets 8 x plastic bins Skewer tent pegs 3 x 5 gall water containers 3 x gorilla carrying baskets 1 x large air bed pump 36 bags of grit salt Phone Alan Fish to arrange to collect on 0161 339 5901. 10 First Response Training. A course has been arranged for the Tameside Quartet of Districts, at 250th Manchester in Droylsden on Saturday 13th June. Starting at 9.00am and finishing at 4.00pm. Contact Ken on 0161 666 0091 to book a place. This course is over half full now, so please get your place booked soon to avoid disappointment. The cost is £15 each. This includes book and brews. Please bring your own lunch. We have a provisional date for one at 1st Dinting HQ over the weekend of 11/12th July. We are hoping to hold another at Gee Cross as well. The next course is planned for early September at 3rd Gee Cross Headquarters and the final one for 2015 will be in November at 2nd Stalybridge Headquarters. Please remember it is your responsibility to check when your First Response certificate runs out, as we cannot check your training records at present until Compass is up and running. 11 Boarfold Campsite As you’ll be aware, the campsite has been closed for a number of months whilst we not only rectified the various outstanding issues that had been identified, but also upgraded the facilities including a brand new kitchen. We’ve not completed it all, yet, but aim to have done so by MidApril. We will then be having everything inspected by both the Fire Service & High Peak Council with a view to officially re-opening both Site & Buildings on the First Bank Holiday weekend in May. It’s taken a huge effort from the team of guys working up at the site & a not insignificant investment of cash by the District, but we believe that it’s been worth it & thanks really must go to Jim, Brian & Neil for the efforts that they have put in to bring us to this position. So, how can you help? In three ways… 1. Actually use the site! a. It seems to be something that’s replicated in other Districts that have their own campsite that they are used less by their “own” Scouts than by those of other Districts & Counties b. To encourage use by Tameside South, we have agreed that groups within the District will receive a 25% discount against the costs of either camping or using the buildings c. In addition, if your Group has never used the site, then for the 2015 Season, if booking for a Saturday/Sunday visit (staying Saturday evening only) than that will be FREE!! So, you can arrive in the light so it’s easy to find on your first visit and your camp won’t cost you anything for camp fees… a no-risk try before you buy!! 2. Help with working parties at the site a. Once the site is open, then any groups providing working parties whilst they’re there will receive additional discounts… 12 i. If you do a morning or afternoon’s work (with other Scouting activities for the remainder of the camp) then you’ll receive a 50% discount from your fees ii. If you do a full weekend’s work, then your whole camp fees will be waived b. The work will be coordinated by the wardening team & will, of course, have to be done properly to count for the discounts! 3. Help get the site open a. On Saturday 28th March (that’s this Saturday), we’re having a working party up at the site where we need help with… i. Painting the newly plastered walls & ceilings (please bring your own brushes, rollers & old clothes) ii. Cutting down some overhanging branches to allow Fire Engine Access (hopefully, it will never be necessary, but “just in case”) iii. And other “bits” of jobs b. So, if you’re available, then please come along & help us from 10am – 4pm (or whenever you’re free). We’re keeping this to Leaders, Adults & Explorers at the moment, so please let your Leaders & Exec’s know & Liz, could you chivvy up the Explorers as I’m sure that this would be able to be counted to some of their Awards Thanks Regards Colin Foster 13 COUNTY UPDATE Forthcoming County Events Awards Presentation Evening – Wednesday 22nd April An evening of celebration to be held at Hyde Town Hall, for those Youth members who’ve recently gained a Scouting Award, from the Chief Scouts Gold award upwards. Sir Peter Fayh, the Chief Constable of Manchester is presenting the awards. Congratulations to all the award holders. Full list of those presented with awards will be published in the May edition of the Tamesider. Join In Jamboree Day - Saturday 27th June A fun day for all sections, to be held at Linnet Clough, from 10am -6pm. The total cost for the day to include unique souvenir badge, all activities and day visitor fee is £15.00 for Beavers / Cubs / Scouts & Explorers & £5 for Network /Helpers and Leaders. Those wishing to camp overnight/weekend should book directly with Linnet Clough. Booking forms & further information will be sent out at the end of March. Anyone wishing to assist with the planning of the day or available to instruct with site activities, please contact Claire Jarvis. Please see attached poster for display, hard copies will be distributed with next County Life. Any queries please contact; Claire Jarvis – Deputy County Commissioner: events@gmescouts.org.uk SUMMARY OF CENESUS FOR TAMESIDE DISTRICTS 14 As can be seen from the table below there has been an increase of 50 Youth members across Tameside in general, however we have lost 20 Leaders during the same period. This could be due to the records of Leaders being updated with the new system of recording. We will have to drive in the next year to do a good a job at recruiting Leaders as we have done for the Youth members. Summary of Census for Tameside Quartet of Districts 2015 2014 Youth Adult Total Youth Adult Total Diff Tame Valley 322 61 383 256 75 331 52 Glossop 346 73 469 416 79 495 -26 North 344 Tameside 84 428 342 76 418 10 Tameside 501 South 117 618 499 125 625 -6 Totals 335 1898 1513 355 1868 30 1563 This is nearly a 2% increase across Tameside. The increase across the whole of Greater Manchester East was 2.5% giving a total membership of 7371, of which 5980 are Youth Members. Units across Greater Manchester East Beaver Scout Colonies 101 Cub Scout Packs 112 Scout Troops 99 Explorer Scout Units 42 Local Scout Networks 7 Active Support Units 8 Young Leader Units 6 SAFETY WEEKEND 15 We are working with our partners to arrange a water safety day at Salford Quays on Saturday 9th May 2015. Partners include: GMP, GMFRS, Salford Council and youth services, Salford City Leisure, Salford Water Sports, RNLI, Maritime Service, Media City, NW Police underwater search unit, Navy and Marines, Army, RAF. Should be an interesting range of equipment, demonstrations and activities. Most should be free, (some may collect voluntary donations for relevant charity.) We are also hoping to run a friendly football tournament on 8th May at the Quays approx. 6-8pm for local youth groups to enter, and encourage the groups to come to the water safety day. Maybe hold the finals on the 9th May as part of the main event. (Very short Matches, small teams in football cage pitches). Depending on interest may split into categories. The aims of the day on the 9th May are: • To allow the public to engage with the Organisations above. • Raise awareness about the dangers of open water. • Encourage participation in organised adventurous activities (Scouts, guides, Cadets, Water sports centre etc.) I wondered if you would be interested in: • Publicising the water safety event to your local units. • See if there is any interest from units in taking part in the Football tournament, with other Youth Groups. Offer the opportunity for Scouts (particularly Salford/Trafford) to promote themselves at the event, and encourage young people or adult volunteers to join. Please get in touch is you would like more information. Kind Regards, Steve Forster, Station Manager Salford Fire Station Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service - 07854 520889 16 17
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