July News

IN THIS ISSUE DC'sBit At St James Place Millennium Camp Cub Bike Ride Newport Groups Camp Development Workshop Beaver adult Help Beaver Away Day Area Angling Competition Cub Leaders Exchange Over 14 Patrol Awards.	WELL DONE WHAT A GREAT SCOUTING TIME WE'VE HAD! Yes well done to everyone who gave so much to ensure the success of the 2K camp, held during one of the 'wettest' Weekends for the last ten years since we held a similar camp. A BIG THANK YOU to all ON A JOB WELL DONE. It is now four weeks since camp but we can still see signs, a certain blue car driving around with much of the park still on both sides of it. I still get here reports of black bags with lost and forgotten personal kit, which has gone well passed, the sell by date. I was very pleased with the site on my return on Tuesday with a small group to do a final litter pick. We could only find half a bag of rubbish. Well done to the high level of camping skills displayed by all.
I attended two more AGM's that week again showing the high level of teamwork being carried out by many in the district. Well done to our 2K team who as part of the area team won the trophy presented for 'Teamwork '? Thanks to all who attended the Area AGM - Just as well we did as the numbers across the area were well down. Great to see the 29th Sea Scouts who took part in Newport's Water weekend with and interactive land and sea display (yes on the water) also well done the 24th Cubs who also took part by becoming the crew of some yachts from Usk Mouth sailing club. All had great fun and showed the public that 'Scouting can be cool'. What a great turn out for Newport's Mayors Parade. With many groups who have not supported this parade in the past given of their best. This was very different from those parades from past years. Many stated that if it had not been for the Scout and Guide turn out there would have not been a Parade apart from the Mayor and his guest. SO WELL DONE AGAIN. Also well done to the bands, one of which lead the parade (not the one stated in the local paper) and the other led the Mayor and his guest (picture in the paper). We would like to thank the 25th for opening their HQ and providing much needed refreshments on the HOTTEST DAY of the year. Well done to the fellowship on a great night during which I was able to present a large number of service certificates with still many more to come. Well many of us will now be turning our thoughts to that great part in our Scouting Year 'Summer Camp'. Please remember the all-important PC form, which need's to be completed 2 months before you go away! So come on some of you pull your fingers out and get down to it today. Remember support is a two-way exercise and should things go pear shaped during your camp with no PC form could led you/ us in hot water. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! See Nigel White today. Well like you I am about to start final stages of the summer programme before I am away on summer camp and YES my family hols. Polly …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… D of E award Following many years of effort the day finally arrived for Gareth Arnold (ADCSc) and Venture Leader (6^th) to receive his D of E award at St James Palace. I was the only one in scout uniform says Gareth proudly, who was part of a welsh contingent of 30 people. We have asked for a brief for the newsletter of his encounter with royalty - see next issue.
Top of Page / Main Index

                        Millennium Camp
Well what a wet one for those of you who camped, during my brief stay before retreating to sunnier climate (29 average temp) I had the opportunity to speak to many of our youngsters - all appeared to be enjoying the MUD - with the activities being a secondary comment. Roger Swaby and the 29ths pole, Assault course, Absail Tower, Woggle making, and of course the Motor bikes for the older lads seemed to be the activities on their minds. The firework display to end camp was also a great event. In-all a camp to remember. - But just in case to need a little mind jogging there are some photographs taken by Gareth Griffiths with this newsletter, also some more on the web site.
The last one being a wave from Newport's main man for this event- that following 18 months of planning was well worth it - at the camp with BIG SMILES, and a wave goodbye.
Here's to the next time.

                          Cub Bike Ride
The Bike Ride was a great success again this year (we even had sunshine), unfortunately only five groups took part - with a great turn out of 36 cubs plus leaders. I would like to thank Polly and Tilly for the help and support given. Next years event will on May 20th in between District Events and Bank holidays. So all leaders make a note of the date to enable your lads to take part in a fun event off road with their own bike in controlled conditions.
Report by J Duke (with some amendment by editor)

             Newport District Group Camps
The majority of groups in the district are at present making the final arrangements for Summer Camps, from site local sites to Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.
Caerleon are entertaining Troop 448 from USA, and we have two members away in Uganda.
Nigel has provided a listing of the sites, which is attached to this newsletter.
So how about getting those digital cameras working, and letting us all share those magical moments. If you can let the editor have some on disc please for the newsletter and of course the web site.

   Welsh Scout Council Development Workshop
                    November 18th 2000.
                      Llandrindod Wells
       Open to everyone in Scouting - uniform or not.

                           Beaver Activities
All those involved with Beaver Activities are reminded of the need for adult support when out and about. There is a need to have plenty of adults with you to satisfy the requirements of outdoor activities with these young people.
                            Beaver Away Day
                      (Report from David Mason)
On Sunday 24th June 2000 Newport Beavers had their away day this year we invaded Heron's Brook Narbeth Nr Tenby. We had two coaches to take 1st Caerleon , 29th, 6th, and 24th Newport, Leaders, Parents, some Scouts to our activity.
The activities that were on offer were pony rides, train rides into raw hide country - ask the leaders who got the wettest? There were many animals such as donkeys, deer, rabbits, peacocks, badger set, including otters being fed.
Following visiting the animals all the Beavers and Leaders enjoyed the play area where many had a go on the Bobsleigh ride, the Rough and Tumble, SandPit.
Everyone had an enjoyable day - with most falling asleep on the coach on the way back home.

                  Area Angling Competition
              Saturday 16th September 2000.
                                Ty Coch
                       9pm - 9-30pm start
                For further information contact
                              Glyn Baily

                 Cub Leaders Exchange Day
SATURDAY October 21st Pontypool Settlement.
Ideas for bases would be appreciated at present the organisers are looking at Safety, Handcraft, Knotting, Cooking with a difference, Entertainment. Leader to take an example of a programme this will be photocopied with others and a booklet prepared for each to take away. Advise Tilly if you are going.

                           Scouts over 14
Not much support for this initiative from some of the leaders. I am advised that this scheme has worked extremely well in other areas - so why not in Newport - is there a bit of apathy on behalf of some! After all the young people are bound to benefit - aren't they? So why not give it a try?

                                 Awards
There have been many awards in the District recently these are some, Ann Mansfield bar to the long service award, Barrie Simmons Medal of Merit. Well done to everyone.

Top of Page / Main Index