Subs – there are still some subs outstanding for this summer term, please ensure they are with your son/daughters section leader by next week-thank you.

St. George’s Day parade – great turn out, everyone looked great, well done to the flag bearers and Craig for reading the reasons for the Scout Association having St. George as its patron saint also for reading the Scout Laws.  Loved the small St. George’s, you looked brilliant.

Scout Group and Guide Unit Tree planting – Jubilee Tree The Scout Group and Guide Unit planted a tree in the grounds of the Elizabeth Hall on 28 April, a very wet and soggy morning, thank you to Joshua Moores (Scout) and Zachery Taylor’s (Cub) mum who represented Zachery, for coming along.  Picture of Joshua next to the Himalayan Birch that was planted

 Jubilee Celebration weekend – 4^th June – thank you to those of you that have signed up to attend this event, fingers crossed for a lovely afternoon and evening and that it can all be outside.  Soft drinks will be available; adults if you want something more stronger please provide your own, there will be a chance to design a plaque/sign/structure of the jubilee that we will hopefully have made and fix to the outside of the HQ – so all youth members come with your idea’s.

Leaders – as mentioned in previous newsletters leaders are needed in the Scout section now in readiness for the split of the Troop in September due to the fantastic number of Scouts attending.  One of the Tuesday Beaver Colony Beaver leaders will be moving to the Cub Section as a leader with his son who will become a Cub from September, which leaves an urgent need for a leader for the Tuesday colony as Chimene (Squirral) cannot run the section on her own.  Please come forward to see what we do, Sue (Akela) will be moving the Friday colony to Tuesday’s as there are more new Beavers wanting a Tuesday than a Friday and most of the Friday Beavers are moving on to Cubs however she will only help Chimene for a short period, so new leaders are needed, urgently, otherwise it cannot run.

Reminder that you can get badge information on Scouts.org.uk

Hook and Rotherwick joint camp Hook and Rotherwick Cub and Scouts went off to Garner’s Field in Farnham over the bank holiday at the beginning of May. The Cubs were working on the Olympics as a theme with winning teams being awarded a gold, silver and bronze medals, there were scored on all skills during the weekend – shooting, archery, climbing wall, inspections, backwoods cooking, etc. They completed their athletic and athletic plus badges, Outdoor Challenge and the senior sixers their Outdoor Challenge Plus and were also presented with their Chief Scout Silver Awards as they move on to Scouts after half term. Unfortunately due to the high and fast water canoeing on the river was not possible. The Scouts completed an Emlyn Trophy style competition with the winning patrol being awarded medals and also Oliver Clark being presented as the PL of the weekend. The Scouts also took part in the Shooting, Climbing Wall and Archery as part of their competition with an early morning hike on the first morning starting at 4 am and cooking breakfast at the half way mark before hiking back to camp. Although central cooking for the Cubs and leaders, the Scouts prepared some very good meals for themselves.

On the last night the Beavers and one parent came to camp to experience their first night under canvas, they also gained a number of badges having completed -Parachute games Campfire songs, pitching a tent, twists/marshmallows on fire, building potato structures – find natural resources + 3 pieces of string, B-E-A-V-E-R-S – finding items around field, adventure playground, pine tree games, football and hockey.

On that evening there were 150 people on site and we held an enormous rounder’s match that was really good fun.

Hook Parish 80^th anniversary parade and school fete 7 June, the Scout Group has been asked it would like to be in a parade to celebrate 80 years of Hook becoming a Parish.  A parade will start at 12 noon from the Scout HQ and parade to the school for a fete along with other organizations.  The idea is either to dress as the 1930’s or carry banners/posters from the 1930’s – more details nearer to the date.

Sainsbury and Tesco vouchers –thank you to those of you that have kindly donated your Sainsbury and Tesco vouchers to the Scout Group.

Dates for 2012 –

Queens Jubilee Celebrations – 4 June

County Cubs Big Day out at Paultons Park – 30 June

Hook Parish 80^th anniversary parade and school fete 12 noon 7 July

Remembrance Day Parade – 11 November

Cubs trip to the Panto – Friday 14 December 6 pm

Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail   phedges@supanet.com

TWO OF OUR TROOP LEADERS HAVE TAKEN PART IN TWO DIFFERENT CHALLENGES AND THE GROUP ARE  VERY PROUD OF YOU BOTH –DARREN AND DEBBIE!    READ THEIR EXPERIENCES BELOW -

  Darren (Skip) took part in the Reading Half Marathon on 1^st April 2012 in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation^® UK and the Scout Group. Make-A-Wish is the leading wish granting charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses, and of course the Scout Group providing youth with activities and adventure within our the village   The Half marathon and green park challenge was attended by close on 17000 people all heading out to run for either themselves a charity or even using it as a training run for larger marathons later in the year like the London marathon in May  The support by everybody on the lead up to the day and the support on the day has been truly outstanding the support on day consisted of people all around from locals friends and musicians and even one person a mile 2 shouting “easy easy” which did make me laugh, the musician playing old favourites like Eye of the Tiger from Rocky all to keep the runners motivated an experience which I shall never forget.  Personally it has been a long tough journey and would not be possible without the support of the trainers at Barceló Gym at Basingstoke country hotel, friends, work colleagues, Hook Scout Group and of course my family to which I am truly grateful for without them this would not have been possible, I completed the run in a time of 2 hours 22 minutes and 17 seconds at the time of writing this I have successfully raised £230 for Make a wish and £86.10 for Hook Scout Group.   This year over 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish for their special wish to be granted. The charity needs to raise £5 million in 2012 to continue granting these magical wishes. It can only do this by relying on the generous donations it receives from the public and the fundraising efforts of those competing in events such as the Reading Half Marathon  Hook Scout Group itself relies on volunteers like myself to give up their time to run meetings and provide adventurous activities for the youth and over time equipment needs to be replaced and without donations and fundraising this is not possible   If you would like to help raise funds, like ourselves, or would simply like to find out more about Make-A-Wish, call them on 01276 40 50 60 or visit  www.make-a-wish.org.uk.Or If you would like to help the Scout Group in becoming a leader or even giving up a little time to help at meetings or simply to find out more about Scouting please feel free to contact Sue Hedges on 01256 469236 or visit www.7thbramshill.org.uk  It also not to late you can still donate by contacting me via email Skip@7thbramshill.org.uk and pledging accordingly or please visit www.justgiving.com/darren-pratt

And I will see you all at the Hook Fun run 6 mile Challenge and yes I have entered this too, any of the youth want to do it too – ask for a sponsorship form from any leader and just wear your red necker on the day to indicate you belong to the Scout Group

 I am an Assistant Scout Leader within the Troop, I am PR officer for Hook Squash Club and I regularly take part in school and village activities. However, on 29^th February 2012, I decided to do something completely different and took part in a charity skydive (and for those of you that know me – yes my ‘volunteering’ to do this did come after a few large glasses of wine!).

 The reason I volunteered to do this is I have a very dear friend called Julie who has muscular dystrophy or MD. Although multiple sclerosis or MS is well known, MD is less well known and more funding is needed to research into this debilitating condition that causes progressive muscle wasting. The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign wanted to organise a tandem skydive on the extra leap year day this year (February 29^th) to raise money for research and to raise awareness of this condition, so when I learnt about it I decided to volunteer. It was only after putting my name down that the fear set in – not helped by my kids laughing their heads off at the thought of their mum, who is afraid of heights and won’t go on a rollercoaster, jumping out of a plane!

On the jump day it was cloudy and foggy, and part of me was hopeful it would all be called off! However, we headed to the airfield and hung around for most of the morning before we were given the go ahead to do the skydive (my knees started to go very wobbly at this point). The plane took off and went up to 12,000 feet, where we were strapped to our tandem partners before being moved to the doorway to do the jump. From this point on I must confess I had my eyes closed, and only opened then again when we had tumbled out of the plane and were freefalling at 120 mph through bright blue skies and sunshine towards the grey clouds below. At 5,000 feet the parachute opened and then we gently glided to earth – although my landing wasn’t as graceful as I was hoping it would be!

Overall it was an amazing experience and I am glad I overcame my fears and did it and in doing so raised a lot of money for a very worthwhile cause. But would I do it again? I may be mad – but I am not completely insane!!!

 If anyone would like to donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to support my skydive then my JustGiving webpage is www.justgiving.com/DebbieJordan64. Thank you. Debbie.

 St George’s Day – 22 April, meeting at the Hook Scout HQ at 2.30, parade to St. John’s Church for the service and then parade back to the HQ after the service – all parents and families welcome.  We would like the Beavers and any Cubs if they wish to dress up as St. George for the parade and service.  They need to wear their uniform underneath their outfit. 

How to make the oufit -

You buy two “England” flags, a little shorter than the height of the Beaver or Cub, put the two narrow ends together and sow the ends together leaving a hole for the head to go through.  Then plait thick grey wool and tie around the waist.  If your Beaver or Cub is going to dress up, please let the section leader know.  Please do not provide swords, they could have a shield if they wish to carry one.   All youth members could carry a smallEnglandflag on a stick if they wish.

 Scout Group and Guide Unit Tree planting – Jubilee Tree The Scout Group and Guide Unit are planting a tree in the grounds of the Elizabeth Hall replacing a tree that has died, on Saturday 28 April at 10 am.  All Beavers, Cubs and Scouts welcome, please wear uniform and bring a spade, refreshments available.

Jubilee Celebration weekend – 4^th June   As mentioned in previous newsletter we are looking to hold a street party and lighting of a beacon on the afternoon/evening of Monday 4 June from4 pm.  Please can you complete the form below and return by week commencing 23 April, so we have an idea of how many will be attending-thank you and also complete the form attached to give permission for photographs of the youth member and any sibling to go into FOCUS and return that form at the same time.

 Both Beaver Colonies are visiting Millers Ark on Friday 29 June 6-7.15, Please fill in the form below and return with £5 by week commencing 23 April.

 Visits to RAF Odiham – Visits to the RAF Base now have an age restriction on them, they will not allow anyone under the age of 10 to go on a visit, so it rules out Beavers and Cubs visiting, which is a real shame, over the years we have taken 100’s of Beavers and Cubs for a visit.  The Troop leaders are looking to include a visit each year and will advise Scouts accordingly.

 Leaders – as mentioned in previous newsletters leaders are needed in the Scout section now in readiness for the split of the Troop in September due to the fantastic number of Scouts attending.  One of the Tuesday Beaver Colony Beaver leaders will be moving to the Cub Section as a leader with his son who will becoming a Cub from September, which leaves an urgent need for a leader for the Tuesday colony as Chimene (Squirral) cannot run the section on her own.  Please come forward to see what we do, Sue (Akela) will be moving the Friday colony to Tuesday’s as there are more new Beavers wanting a Tuesday than a Friday and most of the Friday Beavers are moving on to Cubs however she will only help Chimene for a short period, so new leaders are needed, urgently.

Camp 2012 reminder to all parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts going to camp in May of the meeting on Monday 30 April at 8.15.

Reminder that you can get badge information on Scouts.org.uk

As we are all aware the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will take place across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the weekend of 2 to 5 June 2012.   There are many ways Scout Groups can get involved, one of which is to take part in the Jubilee Beacon project. There is a long history of lighting beacons to celebrate Royal events. The aim for the Diamond Jubilee is to light 2,012 throughout theUK on the evening of the 4 June 2012.  Scout Groups are invited to organise events at a local level, using the attraction of lighting a beacon to involve your community in the celebrations and raise the profile of Scouting.  Hook Scout Group were looking at holding a street party outside the Scout HQ in the grounds and then as it becomes dark light the beacon that was used for the year 2000 celebrations in the village, which Hook Parish Council have kindly agreed to us using.     Watch this space for further information as it becomes available over the next few months.

St George’s Day – 22 April, meeting at the Hook Scout HQ at 2.30, parade to St. John’s Church for the service and then parade back to the HQ after the service – all parents and families welcome.  We would like the Beavers and any Cubs if they wish to dress up as St. George for the parade and service.  They need to wear their uniform underneath their outfit.  

How to make the oufit – You buy two “England” flags, a little shorter than the height of the Beaver or Cub, put the two narrow ends together and sow the ends together leaving a hole for the head to go through.  Then plait thick grey wool and tie around the waist.  If your Beaver or Cub is going to dress up, please let the section leader know.  Please do not provide swords, they could have a shield if they wish to carry one. 

 All youth members could carry a smallEngland flag on a stick if they wish.

 Leaders – we have been lucky with new leaders and helpers coming forward during 2011, however we have a need for leaders for our Scout section, due to the large numbers of Cubs transferring from Cubs to Scouts this year, we will need to split the Troop into two separate troops at some point during the year, but can only do this with additional leaders, please come along and see what they do before you commit.  Also the Friday Beaver Colony is still looking for leaders, it does not necessarily have to run on a Friday and timing of the session can be as leaders wish.  Again, come along and see what we do.

 Scout winter county camp report – the Scouts had a great weekend and what brilliant weather too!Upon arrival in Wickham community centre I was very proud of all youth and especially ours who arrived in full uniform looking really smart, got them immediately on the coaches and then they got on their way to a weekend of adventure.  900 people on site which included approximately 800 youth, walking around you got buzz in the air, youth running around putting up tents making sure that the ones who did not opt for catering have enough wood for fires for cooking, when walking to dinner on the Friday night you got a real feel for the place and what was to come over the weekend

 Where were we, we were at Lyons Copse Camp Site in the south of Hampshire and if this is what a jamboree feels like then I feel they achieved that, it was brilliant and as usual first night on camp don’t expect too much sleep.

 Activities were split into three zones and the youth spent 3 hours per zone, two zones on the Saturday and the final one on the Sunday, activities on offer were archery, air rifle target shooting, outside laser quest (extremely popular) bucking bronco, outdoor ice skating, human demolition, cycle cross, slippery pole, eliminator, carving, low ropes and even a chill out zone if you just wanted to relax which had sumo wrestling and table football and to top that there was even a movie on Saturday night, so much to do in so little time. Chatting to the scouts and asking how they thought it had all gone, they thought it had all be great, however when following then on the Saturday afternoon, the whole troop took part in laser quest which to me was fantastic to see the whole troop doing one thing all together and the fun they had doing it I’m sure there’s some stories there and even more to come.

On the Sunday it was time to go home, packing up equipment having the last day of fun and then packing tents away it seemed that all the adrenalin from the weekend had finally come to an end there was a somber feeling, yes it’s over and time to head home and this could be seen on their faces, don’t worry there’s always group summer camp, see you there

I must say thank you to Judy Carlin and Debbie Jordan for their help in taking and putting up tents on Friday morning and to Andy Cripps for the offer in returning equipment if needed on Sunday

Scout HQ – we are looking to put on a small extension to the side of the HQ, but we obviously need to look at planning permission, costs before we start raising funds.  Does anyone know of a surveyor/architect that would draw up plans for the group at a “modest” price.  If so could you let Sue know please, thank you in advance to anyone that can help.

 A reminder to all parents dropping off and picking up youth members from the Scout HQ, can you please for a health and safety point of view not drive up in front of the Elizabeth Hall to the HQ, please park in the main car park – your help with this is appreciated.

 Dates for 2012 –

St, George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Cubs and Scouts camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – Beavers and a parent can stay for one night also – details will be coming out shortly.  

Queens Jubilee Celebrations – 4 June

County Cubs Big Day out at Paultons Park – 30 June

Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail   phedges@supanet.com

As we are all aware the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will take place across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the weekend of 2 to 5 June 2012.   There are many ways Scout Groups can get involved, one of which is to take part in the Jubilee Beacon project. There is a long history of lighting beacons to celebrate Royal events. The aim for the Diamond Jubilee is to light 2,012 throughout the UK on the evening of the 4 June 2012.  Scout Groups are invited to organise events at a local level, using the attraction of lighting a beacon to involve your community in the celebrations and raise the profile of Scouting.  Hook Scout Group were looking at holding a street party outside the Scout HQ in the grounds and then as it becomes dark light the beacon that was used for the year 2000 celebrations in the village, which Hook Parish Council have kindly agreed to us using.     Watch this space for further information as it becomes available over the next few months.

Scouts Rifle Shooting Club, Scouts don’t forget this club meets on a Friday, if you are interested, please speak to Skip.

Leaders – we have been lucky with new leaders and helpers coming forward during 2011, however we have a need for leaders for our Scout section, due to the large numbers of Cubs transferring from Cubs to Scouts this year, we will need to split the Troop into two separate troops at some point during the year, but can only do this with additional leaders, please come along and see what they do before you commit.  Also the Friday Beaver Colony is still looking for leaders, it does not necessarily have to run on a Friday and timing of the session can be as leaders wish.  Again, come along and see what we do.

Annual General Meeting – the annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 29 March 2012 at the Scout HQ starting at 7 pm, the business part of the meeting will only last about 15 minutes then it is the time to watch what the youth have been up to during 2011 and also for presentations of badges and awards.  Please note that all badges that the youth are working towards this term will be presented at the annual general meeting, so please put date in your diaries to bring your son/daughter and yourselves along to the evening. 

 Camp – May – all paperwork has been sent out to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, should you not have received all the information please contact your son/daughters section leader.

Skip’s Reading half marathon challenge

Skip AKA Darren Pratt from 7^Th Bramshill (Hook) Scout Group will be taking part in Reading Half Marathon in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation^® UK.  The event is scheduled to take place on 1^st April 2012 if you would like to join me in support Make – A – Wish then please visit my just giving page being www.justgiving.com/darren-pratt  or if you want to support me 7^th Bramshill Scout Group then please feel free to contact me on skip@7thbramshill.org.uk and pledge accordingly, sponsorship forms will be available for both at the Scout HQ .

 Scout HQ – we are looking to put on a small extension to the side of the HQ, but we obviously need to look at planning permission, costs before we start raising funds.  Does anyone know of a surveyor/architect that would draw up plans for the group at a “modest” price.  If so could you let Sue know please, thank you in advance to anyone that can help.

Dates for 2012 –

Scout County Winter Camp – 9 March

St, George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Cubs and Scouts camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – Beaves and a parent can stay for one night also – details will be coming out shortly.  

 Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail   phedges@supanet.com

Christmas Tree collection – thank you to all the parents and youth that helped with this event and of course to Simon Gosling and David Burt.  Thank you to all those that stayed true to this annual event by the Scout Group and did not go with the private company that did a leaflet drop to take away your tree – it was more expensive as well!!! Guess what, we will do a leaflet drop next year also – so watch your letter boxes before Christmas!!!

As we are all aware the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will take place across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the weekend of 2 to 5 June 2012.   There are many ways Scout Groups can get involved, one of which is to take part in the Jubilee Beacon project. There is a long history of lighting beacons to celebrate Royal events. The aim for the Diamond Jubilee is to light 2,012 throughout the UK on the evening of the 4 June 2012.  Scout Groups are invited to organise events at a local level, using the attraction of lighting a beacon to involve your community in the celebrations and raise the profile of Scouting.  Hook Scout Group were looking at holding a street party outside the Scout HQ in the grounds and then as it becomes dark light the beacon that was used for the year 2000 celebrations in the village, which Hook Parish Council have kindly agreed to us using.     Watch this space for further information as it becomes available over the next few months.

Further to the note last month with regard to start times, there has been an improvement, but there are still youth members arriving late, please do your utmost to get your son/daughter there on time.

Scouts Rifle Shooting Club, Scouts don’t forget this club meets on a Friday, if you are interested, please speak to Skip.

Leaders – we have been lucky with new leaders and helpers coming forward during 2011, however we have a need for leaders for our Scout section, due to the large numbers of Cubs transferring from Cubs to Scouts this year, we will need to split the Troop into two separate troops at some point during the year, but can only do this with additional leaders, please come along and see what they do before you commit.  Also the Friday Beaver Colony is still looking for leaders, it does not necessarily have to run on a Friday and timing of the session can be as leaders wish.  Again, come along and see what we do.

Annual General Meeting – the annual general meeting will be held on Thursday 29 March 2012 at the Scout HQ starting at 7 pm, the business part of the meeting will only last about 15 minutes then it is the time to watch what the youth have been up to during 2011 and also for presentations of badges and awards.  Please note that all badges that the youth are working towards this term will be presented at the annual general meeting, so please put in your diaries to bring your son/daughter and yourselves along to the evening.

Skip’s Reading half marathon challenge

Skip AKA Darren Pratt from 7^Th Bramshill (Hook) Scout Group will be taking part in Reading Half Marathon in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation^® UK.  The event is scheduled to take place on 1^st April 2012 if you would like to join me in support Make – A – Wish then please visit my just giving page being www.justgiving.com/darren-pratt  or if you want to support me 7^th Bramshill Scout Group then please feel free to contact me on skip@7thbramshill.org.uk and pledge accordingly, sponsorship forms will be available for both at the Scout HQ .

Uniform – uniform should be worn at all times unless otherwise stated by the section leader.  For Beavers and Cubs where the uniform is shorts, if parents feel they should wear long trousers during cold weather to travel to and from the sessions, please ensure that their shorts are underneath and they remove the long trousers on arrival prior to the start of the session.

Dates for 2012 –

Scout County Winter Camp – 9 March

St, George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Cubs and Scouts camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – Beaves and a parent can stay for one night also – details will be coming out shortly.  

Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail   phedges@supanet.com

 Beavers 25^th Anniversary – as the year draws to an end and the year of the Beaver Section 25^th birthday comes to an end some of the Beavers decided to become a 2 and a 5!!!

Jumble Sale – thank you to everyone that supported the jumble sale and the Scout games, the money raised from the main sale went to the Scout Group and the money raised by the Scouts went to Help for Heroes

Cubs Halloween Party

Skip’s Reading half marathon challenge

Skip AKA Darren Pratt from 7^Th Bramshill (Hook) Scout Group will be taking part in Reading Half Marathon in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation^® UK. Make-A-Wish is the leading wish granting charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. I have also chosen to support our own Scout Group who provide youth with activities and adventure within our own village of Hook

The event is scheduled to take place on 1^st April 2012 and it will be a long 13 miles and as the name suggest takes place in Reading and finishes with a lap of the Madejski Stadium, if you would like
to join me in support Make – A – Wish then please visit my just giving page being www.justgiving.com/darren-pratt  or if you want to support me 7^th Bramshill Scout Group then please feel free to contact me on skip@7thbramshill.org.uk and pledge accordingly, sponsorship forms will be available for both at the Scout HQ .  The reason i have decided to raise money for both is that both are equally important providing Youth with must needed support and happiness, and I felt it’s time to give something back. This year over 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish for their special wish to be granted. The charity needs to raise £5 million in 2012 to continue granting these magical wishes. It can only do this by relying on the generous donations it receives from the public and the fundraising efforts of those competing in events such as Reading Half Marathon

Our annual Christmas Tree collection will take place on Saturday 7^th January 2012 between 9-12 noon.  If you live in Hook and would like your tree collected and recycled, then call 469236 between 3^rd and 5^th January and leave your address and telephone number and we will be along to pick it up, there will be a small charge of £3 per tree.  If you are not going to be in, please leave the tree at the edge of the front of your property with the money tied to it.  As always we thank Goslings and
David Burt for their support with this. Any of the older Cubs or Scouts with a parent that would like to come along and help please speak to Skip or Akela, you will need strong gloves and dressed for
the weather, with walking shoes.  The turn out last year was great and the job was completed very quickly.  Cubs and Scouts this would go towards your community badges.  Please meet at the HQ
at 9am.

Reminder to all Beaver parents – the camp at the beginning of May for Cubs,is sending an invitation to Beavers and a parent, to join them for an overnight camp on the last night, you would need your own tent but more importantly you need to be CRB’d cleared, so if you are interested in attending with your Son or Daughter please ask a leader for a CRB form. More details will be issued at the begin of the new year

SCOUTING IN HOOK FINISHES WEEK COMMENCING 5 DECEMBER AND WE RETURN WEEK COMMENCING 9 JANUARY

 Dates for 2012 –

St, George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Cubs and Scouts are away at camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – details in the new year, Beavers will also visit and camp one night with one parent.  A great activity camp for the Cubs and Scouts – canoeing, climbing wall, shooting, archery and much, much more.

Queens Diamond Jubilee Beacon – 4 June, book this date.  Beacons are being lit all over the country they are trying to light 2,012, we thought we may have a Street Party first in the grounds and then light our Beacon as it gets dark, more details in the new
year.

 Still time to come to the Christmas party,

A big thank you to all the parents that help and support the group and of course to all the leaders whose hard work and dedication is tremendous, also to our Executive Committee, that keeps the business side of the group going,  a very merry Christmas to you all and a very happy new year.  

Hook
Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail
phedges@supanet.com

                        7^th Bramshill
Hook Scout Group  November 2011

To all the Cubs that have contributed to the RITE charity in Rwanda, some wonderful gifts of stationery, the charity is extremely grateful and we believe they will love the
Scout bags as well – thank you all so very much.  Even though the Scout Group is a charity, we always support other charities, at home and abroad.  The main charity for this year, which is being led by the Scouts is Help for Heroes. Last year the Scouts were involved with Shelter Box and the Beavers took part in Children in Need and Red Nose.

 Please take a note of all the diary dates below for the rest of 2011 and 2012 

The Scout Group is growing week by week, new Beavers coming into the group and directly into Cubs and Scouts, we have a good waiting list for raising 6 years of age that will enter into Beavers, if the rate of new youth members continues, we will be splitting both the Cub Pack and the Scout Troops into a new Pack and Troop in the new year, which is all good for the Scouting in Hook.

District Cub Handicraft Competition – recently Arun and Cieran represented the Hook Cubs at the District Cub Handicraft Competition and came second which was a great achievement, the theme was the Jungle Book and all models had to be made on that theme – well done lads, a great achievement.  Hartley Wintney were the winners this year.

 Scout National Rifle Championships – Jarod and Derek Pratt, Tom Dear and Daniel
Cripps, along with Darren (Skip) all took part in the National Rifle Championships in Bisley recently.  Our thanks to Mr Cripps for helping Skip with the transportation, it is appreciated.  There were 808 youth members taking part and 70 teams, so the results below showing their positions, they did extremely well.

35th National Scout Air Rifle Championships -
Bisley 2011

7th Bramshill (Hook)

(age by their name and positions in bold)

District Scout Night Escape – this is an annual event that Scouts from our District of Bramshill get together on an evening/night hike, following a route and stopping off to undertake activities at different bases.  An exciting event and as it starts in the light and goes on into the dark, makes it even more exciting.

Remembrance Parade 13 November, for this parade we meet in the village car park (next to the Doctors surgery) at 10.30 am, we parade to St. Johns Church for the service, after the service we parade back to the Scout HQ.  We expect 100%
turnout, all youth must be in full correct uniform.  Parents and families, please join us for this village service of Remembrance.

Skip’s Reading half marathon challenge

Skip AKA Darren Pratt from 7^Th Bramshill (Hook) Scout Group will be taking part in Reading Half
Marathon in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation^® UK. Make-A-Wish is the leading wish granting charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses. I have also chosen to support our own Scout Group who provide youth with activities and adventure within our own village of Hook   The event is scheduled to take place on 1^st April 2012 and it will be a long 13 miles and as the name suggest takes place in Reading and finishes with a lap of the Madejski Stadium, if you would like to join me in support Make – A – Wish then please visit my just giving page being www.justgiving.com/darren-pratt  or if you want to support me 7^th Bramshill Scout Group then please feel free to contact me on skip@7thbramshill.org.uk and pledge accordingly, sponsorship forms will be available for both at the Scout HQ .

The reason i have decided to raise money for both is that both are equally important providing Youth with much needed support and happiness, and I felt it’s time to give something back.  This year over 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish for their special wish to be granted. The charity needs to raise £5 million in 2012 to continue granting these magical wishes. It can only do this by relying on the generous donations it receives from the public and the fundraising efforts of those competing in events such as Reading Half Marathon  If you would like to help raise funds, like me, or would simply like to find out more about Make-A-Wish, call them on 01276 40 50 60 or visit  www.make-a-wish.org.uk and if you would like to assist in raising funds for the group, please contact Sue Hedges
on 01256 469236 or visit www.7thbramshill.org.uk

Jumble Sale The Scouts will be running some games at the jumble sale to raise money for Help for Heroes, so please come along and support them.  We would welcome any prizes for the tombola please and also cakes for the cake stall.  How about looking through toys and books before Christmas and any that need a new home, please donate – thank you

Reminder to all Beaver parents – the camp at the beginning of May for Cubs, is sending an
invitation to Beavers and a parent, to join them for an overnight camp on the last night, you would need your own tent but more importantly you need to be CRB’d cleared, so if you are interested in attending with your Son or Daughter please ask a leader for a CRB form.  More details will be issued at the begin of the new year

Dates for the rest of 2011 –

Remembrance Day Parade – 13 November 10.30 100% turnout is expected

District Cub Christingle Service – 5 December 7 pm

 Dates for 2012 –

Christmas ree collection Saturday 7 January – all help most welcome – Cubs and Scouts with parents very welcome – work towards your community badge

St,George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Cubs and Scouts are away at camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – details in the new year, Beavers will also visit and camp one night with one parent.  A great activity camp for the Cubs and Scouts – canoeing, climbing wall, shooting, archery and much, much more.

Queens Diamond Jubilee Beacon – 4/5 June, book this date and watch this space for more details.

Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail
phedges@supanet.com

Hook Scout Group

Christmas Youth Party for
Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

Games, Disco and Tea

Saturday 10 December at
the Hook Scout HQ

RSVP by 1 December at the latest.

Subs – all subs should be paid by now, but there are some still outstanding, please
ensure they are paid at your son/daughters next section meeting – thanks

Panto – Cubs visit – although today is the closing date, if there is anyone that would still like to go, please call Sue on 469236 and bring back the Form and payment next week.

Cub Section Circle of Coins –   

Scouts Survival Camp-

County survival camp September 2011

The Scout survival camp was held on the weekend of 17th and 18th of September 2011 at Pinset Camp site in Winchester, this is quite an unusual camp site asthis campsite allows ground fires which provides a great experience for the scouts in practising survival skills   Uponour arrival about 80 scouts from around the county gathered around the main campfire and were given the instruction to build their shelters for the night and also prepare and get their fires ready so that they cook lunch , no fires no lunch quite a simple concept, lunch was a pizza sandwich , sounds like it tastes, great!!

In there groups all scouts rushed off to start to build simple shelters so that they can sleep that night , warning was given that they need to build low to keep in the warmth and do not build them in ditches. The ditches will hold water when the rain arrives and did it and those who built their shelters in ditches learnt a valuable lesson.   Shelters were built in record time and fires were lit and so food preparation could start lunch was on its way, lunch was cooked on an open fire with no utensils what an experience.  After lunch once again all scouts gathered round the main camp fire and was split into groups so that they can take part in bases to cover all aspects of the survival badge

Emergencyaid ,emergency signalling being mirrors and whistles, water purification, traps
and snares , how to skin rabbits, gut fish , making camp ovens , cooking welsh cakes and many more and then the inevitable happened a downpour of note , some fires went out others were lucky all wood. In the surrounding area was soaked and then the instruction was given get you fires ready for dinner ,great now how are we going to achieve this with everything so wet , well with the help of
ensun and skip and a bit of time a roaring fire was achieved and dinner could now continue on our fire. Mince and jacket potato in a food parcel surprisingly very tasty or was it because we were hungry at this stage either way the hole in our stomachs was filled.   Later that evening Scouts had the opportunity to play a wide game with the leaders called storm the castle, great fun, the youth really enjoyed playing this in the field, and it was youth against leaders

The following day once again after bacon sausages and egg cooked on an open fire it was time to continue with our bases where we all learnt something new and I hope interesting.  Again lunch was cooked on open fires and once completed the task of packing up started , it seemed to take longer to pack up than what it did to set up maybe cause everybody was now tired and knew we were heading home and back to reality of school and work

I would have to say each scout who attended this weekend had an absolutely fabulous time and learnt some valuable skills even though it rained a large portion of our time there it added to the fun

I would like to say thank you to the youth and to leaders as without any of you this would not have been possible and Debbie (Ensun) well done your first camp, it can only get easier from here, thank you to parents and spouses for all the washing up that was needed whilst we took a well earned soak in the tub

Cubs visit to the Basingstoke canal in Odiham

Jumble Sale

We would welcome any prizes for the tombola please and also cakes for the cake stall.  How about looking through toys and books before Christmas and any that need a new home, please donate – thank you

Reminder to all Beaver parents – the camp at the beginning of May for Cubs is sending an
invitation to Beavers and a parent, to join them for an overnight camp on the last night, you would need your own tent but more importantly you need to be CRB’d cleared, so if you are interested in attending with your Son or Daughter  please ask a leader for a CRB form  

Dates for the rest of 2011 –

Scout National Rifle Championships in Bisley in October

Remembrance Day Parade – 13 November 10.30 100% turnout is expected

District Cub Christingle Service – 5 December 7 pm

Youth Christmas Party – 10 December 2-4

Dates for 2012 – Cubs and Scouts are away at camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – details in the new year, Beavers will also visit and camp one night with one parent

St, George’s Day Parade – 22 April 100% turnout is expected

Queens Diamond Jubilee Beacon – 4 June, book this date and watch this space for more details.

 Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail
phedges@supanet.com

Welcome back to the autumn term.

The passing of a friend……..Ann
Jacob who was a personal friend to many of us in the Group, raised funds for the group through running the Lunch Club, sadly passed away very suddenly on 10 July.  It was such a shock to so many and she will be greatly missed.  Rest in peace Ann.

Scouting starts again week commencing 12 September and we hope that everyone had a great
summer break.  Attached is the subs invoice, which needs to either be paid prior to the start of the term or the first week back.

 New Leaders – Andrea and Zoe (Beaver Leaders) hung up their woggles at the end of last term, Andrea is expecting a baby and we wish both Andrea and her husband Chris all the best for their new arrival and Zoe who’s job has changed. We thank them both for all they have done within Scouting.

We have been extremely lucky finding two individuals that wish to take up the batten and will continue running what was the Monday Beaver Colony which will now run on a Tuesday.  Chimene who had taken a break from Scouting has returned and Steve who use to be a youth member in the Group has decided he wanted to give something back to the Group.  We thank them both for this offer.   We have also had a Mum come forward as I mentioned in the last newsletter and we welcome Debbie to the Scout section, both her Sons have been through the Group and currently are an Explorer and a Scout, thank you Debbie. The number of youth members joining the group is
growing all the time and we are still in need of more Scout Leaders, Friday Beavers are still looking for two leaders, it does not have to run on a Friday, please call one of the numbers below if you are interested and come along and see what we are up too! That is exactly what the above people did.

Cub Section Circle of Coins – 24 September 9.30-11 am, this annual event is held in the
gardens outside the post office, where people bring along their pennies to the Cubs and they cover the pattern on the ground with coins.   There will be leaders with the Cubs, so come along and see what we are doing and have a chat with the leaders.

Scouts Survival Camp – theScouts are off to a county survival weekend in September with hundreds of other Scouts from all around Hampshire, at a camp site near Winchester to learn all
the skills to survival outside from shelter building to camp cooking, they will have a brilliant time.

Calling all Scouts and Explorer Scouts – the rifle club starts up again on Friday 16^th September at 7.30 at the HQ, please speak to Skip if you are interested in joining.

Dates for the rest of 2011 –

District Cub Handicraft competition – 1 October

Scout National Rifle Championships in Bisley in October

Remembrance Day Parade – 13 November 10.30 100% turnout is expected

Jumble Sale – 26 November 10-12

District Cub Christingle Service – 5 December 7 pm

Youth Christmas Party – 10 December 2-4

Cub’s annual trip to the pantomime – 18 December 2pm

Dates for 2012 – Cubs and Scouts are away at camp the first bank holiday weekend in May – details in the new year, Beavers will also visit

St,George’s Day Parade – 22 April

Queens Diamond Jubilee Beacon – 4 June, book this date and watch this space for more details.

 Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail
phedges@supanet.com

Subs for the summer term – unfortunately we still have a lot of outstanding subs for this term, if you have paid on time, many thanks.  If your son/daughters subs are still outstanding please ensure they are paid.

Good News – Darren (Skip) has taken on an additional role within the District, which is as Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts; he will be organising events and activities for all
Scouts in the District.  It will not change what he does at Group level with the troop in Hook.   Well done Darren and congratulations.

More good news – Andrea (Chips Beaver leader) and Chris (Bosun- Scout Leader) are expecting their first baby, many congratulations to both of them.
Chips will be finishing running Monday Beavers as from the end of this term but is willing to come back for a few weeks of the autumn term to assist with new leaders, that is where you all come in – we need new leaders for the Monday Colony otherwise it will close and Beavers will have to be transferred to the Friday Colony or go back on the waiting list until leaders can be found for the Monday Colony or spaces become available on a Friday or they will be 8 and can
become a Cub, whichever would be the soonest. Zoe (Mole Assistant Beaver Leader) will be willing to work with new leaders whilst they train but does not know how long she will be able to continue due to work commitments.  Please stop the closure of the Colony and come along and speak to one of the leaders or ring one of the numbers at the foot of the page.  See below about how you can become a Scout Leader.

Beavers 25^th anniversary fun day – the Beavers from Hook joined other Beavers from the district for a 25^th anniversary fun day and picnic, the theme was the Olympics, there was a picnic and a birthday celebrating the 25 years of Beavers and they all released balloons into the afternoon sky.

Cubs – the Cubs from Hook joined other Cubs from the district for a sports shield competition, the Cubs took part in 100m and 50m sprint, throwing the cricket ball, throwing
wellies, long jump, goal shots, archery and shooting.

Monday Beavers Shoelace Challenger – on 13th June, Monday Beavers took part in a
sponsored shoelace tie. Their aim was between the 16 of them to tie 25 shoelaces in 25 minutes (as part of the Beaver 25 year challenge award). The beavers split into groups of two and started to tie shoelaces which a leader then had to verify. Once a shoe lace had been tied a mark went against their name. Two of the groups managed to do 25 shoelaces in 25 minutes on their own, but all groups managed over 10, which is great as before we started the evening a lot of the beavers could not tie shoelaces, but competition and the beavers willing to help each other meant everyone succeed. Over the course of the 25 minutes the beavers managed to tie 146 shoelaces and so far have raised £40 for Help4Heroes,which is a great achievement. Now they have no excuse for shoe lacing being undone.

Sunday Lunch 14 August 12.30 for 1pm at the Hook HQ – there is a lunch club that meets monthly at the HQ, they enjoy a two course meal and good company each month.  The club raises money for the Scout Group which is always appreciated.  A year or so ago they did a Sunday roast for anyone that wanted to take up the offer and are doing it again this year on 14 August.  The two course meal which will include a roast and sweet (vegetarian option available) costs £5 per person and £3 for the under 10’s, includes a couple of glasses of wine or fruit juice.  There will also be a raffle.  If you are interested in joining the lunch club then please call Sue on 469236 or tell your son/daughters section leader by the 22 July at the latest. It is a jolly good meal and what value!

So, how does one become a Scout Leader?  (we are all Scout Leaders no matter which section we work with – it is a collective name)  Something for everyone to think about over the summer!

Step 1 Decide on your motivations. Why do you want to be involved in Scouting? How much freetime do you have to give to Scouting (don’t worry if you don’t have much –there are roles to suit you however much or little free time you can spend Scouting!)? Do you have any special skills? What do you expect in return?  The answer to these questions shouldn’t put
you off: Scouting has many many roles to suit you whoever you are and whatever your skills, interests and however much time you have to volunteer!

Step 2 Which section/age group would you prefer to work with?

Beavers:6-8 years old

Cubs: 8-10½ years old

Scouts:10½-14 years old

Explorers: 14-18 years old

None of the above – there are many non-Leader roles; by joining the Group Executive
Committee that runs the business side of the Group.

Each Section has their own specific needs and different people are better suited to different Sections – and you can always move between Sections at a later date if you change your mind

Step 3 So you now
know why you want to volunteer as a Scout Leader and have an idea about which section(s) you want to volunteer with. Now you need to contact one of the leaders.

Step 4 Once you have contacted leader, there will be a short meeting with a leader or the Group Scout Leader to explain how everything works.

Step 5 Once everyone is happy and you are with your role, you will need to complete a AA (Adult Application) and CRB form (including details of referees). This is because Leaders and other Adult Members may have unsupervised access to young people,and safety comes first!  Shortly after this has been completed, you should be able to start volunteering!

Step 6 Once all the forms are complete and returned, there is one final administrative step
(though you can start volunteering before this step is completed). This is the Appointments Advisory Committee – and it’s not as scary as it sounds! Your Scouting “line manager” will explain this to you before it your appointment, but it is usually a short discussion with other people involved in local Scouting to ensure that everyone (including you!) are happy with the role you are doing.

Step 7 By now, you are involved in Scouting and hopefully very much enjoying it! But in order to move your appointment from “provisional” to “full”, there is one final step
to take within your first five months.  As Scouting is committed to ensuring that both our Adult and Youth Members are safe, there are three compulsory “Getting Started” training modules which will usually be covered over a couple of evenings or during a section meeting with a trainer.

Module 1 – Essential Information

Module 2 –Personal Learning plan

Module 3 –Tools for the Job

Step 8 Congratulations! You are now a full Adult Member in Scouting!

I promise that it isn’t as arduous as it sounds
Alex who is a new Cub eader has gone through this process very recently, I am sure if you want onfirmation of how it was for her, she would be most happy to discuss with you

End of term – as we come to the end of another term, it has been a great term for all sections, with some brilliant camps and activities, your son/daughters section leader will tell you when the last meeting will be for this term and all sections will start again week commencing 12 September

Dtes for he rest of 2011 –
Scout Survival Camp – September – details already distribute

Scout National Rifle Championships in Bisley – October – details already distributed

Cubs Circle of Coins – 25 September in the gardens opposite the post office.

Remembrance Day Parade – 13 November 10.30 100% turnout is expected

Youth Christmas Party – date to be advised

Cub’s annual trip to the pantomime – 18 December 2pm –full details to follow

Hook Scout Group:    Sue Hedges 01256 469236     Jenny Tuck 0118 9816435       E-mail
phedges@supanet.com