The DCs Bits for June

April was a fairly quite period with Easter and a certain wedding taking place Newport Dist was represented by a small party of cubs from the 1^st Llanmartin pack.

St. Georges Day Parade & Service took place on Sunday 10^th April 2011, at which almost 500 members took part, a wonderful article was written in the local press about the event. This was to be the last service conducted by our chaplain David Parfitt, who after 11 years decided to stand down. I am pleased to announce that our new chaplain will be Father Mark Soady, who is currently the University of Wales chaplain, and I am sure you will all make him feel welcome.

Newport District AGM was held at the Mission to Seafarers Wednesday 11^th May 2011, a very in formal event and good time was had by all. At this meeting we said good-bye to Dave Witheridge dist treasurer who stood down after 11 years service. His role will be taken on by Cllr Bill Langsford (outgoing Mayor of Newport).

Several glowing articles have been printed in the local press over the past few weeks, referencing our parade, and those members who achieved recognition in the recent St. Georges achievers awards.

Newport Scout & Guide Gang Show, took place the first week of May at the Dolman Theatre, raving reviews again have been seen in several local press publications.

This years JOTT at the Newport Wetlands took place on the 14^th May 2011, once again an excellent turn out from all three sections and a great time was had by all. Thanks once again to the Graham Sheppard & his organisers, along with the SAS for manning the basis.

Saturday 14^th, also saw the start of the district scouts sailing weekends again being held at Cardiff Bay.

Whilst on Saturday 21^st May saw a group of 60 district beavers taking part in their annual summer trip to Walnut Tree Farm Nr Peterstone, for full details see items on the web site.

Many of you may have already visited the web and seen its new “Blog Style” format, so please pass on your scouting articles to the web team address for inclusion.

And finally on Friday 20^th May the 16^th Newport Cub pack reopened its doors to 10 new members, and leaders.

Forthcoming Events:-

·     June 1#^th – Gwent Area Beaver scout Fun Day being held at Tredegar House.

·     June 1#^th – Mayors Civic Sunday parade (contact GSL’s for full details).

·     June 1#^th / 1#^th – District Scout Water-Based Camp, Nr Carmarthen.

·     June 2#^rd – Gwent Area AGM, venue Usk scout hall commencing 19:30Hrs.

·     June 2#^th – All Wales Cub scout Fun Day being held at the show ground Builth Wells.

Advanced Notification 2012:-

·     May 25^th / 27^th 2012 – Gwent Area Scouts will be holding a Jamboree style “Portcullis Camp”, on the Vauxhall Fields Nr Monmouth. This is going to be open to All Sections. Can Groups please register there interest ASAP.

Les A.

See Les or District Diary for dates

First Aid Training

Beavers Visit Walnut Tree Farm

On a fine and sunny 21^st May a contingent of Newport beavers headed to Walnut Tree Farm nr Peterstone for their summer trip.

On disembarking the bus we headed indoors and we all purchased bags of animal feed.

We soon came upon lots of different animals that were more than ready to investigate what we had in our feed bags.

These animals included lambs, donkeys, llamas, goats, reindeer and ponies.

There were lots of different types of pigs, all with various sizes of piglets.

We were able to have a ride on a tractor and trailer that took us all around the farm.

Pony rides were also available if you wanted to take part.

Indoors there was a lovely play area that the Beavers enjoyed and also go-karts that was enjoyed by both children and adults alike.

Sue

ADC Beavers

http://www.walnuttreefarmpark.co.uk/

Roger is awarded the top Scouting Honour

ROGER Swabey, an instantly recognisable figure on Newport and Gwent’s Scouting scene for the past 30 years, is celebrating receiving the Silver Wolf, the movement’s highest award.

After accepting the honour at the annual meeting of Newport District, Roger said: “It’s just nice to have given something back I have had a fantastic time in scouting and the story is not over yet.”

A very big "Well Done" to Roger for so much service and hard work he has given to the Scouts of Newport and beyond.

A full report here from the South Wales Argus

Thanks to the South Wales Argus for the above image and report

District Treasurer retires

The District Treasurer David Witheridge has retired from the District post after 11 years, a presentation was made to David at the District AGM held last week at the Mission for Sea Persons.

The District thanks David for all his hard work and service to the Scouts of Newport
[ David (left) receiving the presentation from Newport Mayor - Bill Langsford ]

Scouts Go Sailing

 On a windy but dry Sunday in May, a small group of Air and Sea scouts went to Cardiff Bay to try their hand at Sailing. So bright and early, we met ready to take on the days challenge. After a quick welcome and briefing it was out of our uniforms and into our ‘wet suits’, life jackets and wind breakers all dressed up it was time to make the boats ready for the days sailing ahead.

So all hands on deck it was not long before the scouts where on the water and sailing, just before lunch and the wind picks up making sailing very difficult for all. Still lunch and a chance to warm up before the afternoon programme. A change in plans as the wind got stronger so we tried raft making and took it in turns to go out on a bigger boat under the watch full eye of the instructor.

After another great days Scouting it was soon late afternoon and time to change back into our uniforms and return home. 

Social Networking

Newport Scouts can now be found on Facebook and Twitter

JOTT at the Wetlands

Some early photos of the JOTT (Jamboree on the Trail)

Report to follow

 

Award of a Bar to the Silver Acorn

At a ceremony at the annual general meeting of Newport Scout District last week Dorothy H was awarded a bar to her Silver Acorn for outstanding service to the Movement.

Dot is the District Badge Secretary and along with her Husband Bill are both Scout Active Support members who between them have given a lifetime of service and support to the Scout Association.

A full report here on the South Wales Argus website

25th Air Scouts Bike Ride

Saturday 07/05/11

On a very wet Saturday morning a group of Air Scouts and Leaders cycled along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal from Malpas to Pontymole canal basin. Although the trip started in pouring rain after about an hour the rain stopped and we were all able to dry out and complete the outward leg of the journey in good time. A welcome break for a cup of tea or pop was enjoyed at Pontymole basin and we started the return trip with a stop off at the Chip shop in Griffthstown, and very nice chips they were too.

The bikes and Scouts were all sizes but everyone did really well on the 16 mile expedition, for some of the younger Scouts this was there first cycle trip outside of Malpas.

Thanks to Mark the Dad for his support