Hello and first of all a big thank you to everyone who supported our annual sale back in October. The magnificent sum of just over £2200 was raised for our funds. I think the queues outside waiting for the off were longer than ever! It was a great afternoon with Rebecca Larcombe (Akela’s daughter) down from Hereford to support us with cakes for sale. Kilts were in evidence being worn by Andy, Bing, Tom and Matt. They were also seen again on Remembrance Day. They will be wearing them until next summer. The things that our friends the Danes get us into. Thanks must also go to the many helpers who manned the stalls full of goods for sale. We even had a piano donated for sale, it was in tune and played well. A fun day and funds raised for equipment for our young people.
Moving on to Sunday 12th November, Remembrance Day. We paraded with you from the Parish Hall to The Church with nearly fifty members in uniform- cubs, scouts, explorers and brownies. Old Rikki was proud, as I am sure you all were to see them looking really smart and well behaved. They were a credit to parents and leaders. Well done. It was an excellent service in honour of all who have given their lives in many conflicts to give us the freedoms that we now have.
What have we been up to since our last report? Akela tells me that the cubs helped to sell poppies in the lower part of Hemyock. Also they have helped Janice with the very worthwhile shoebox appeal. They enjoyed the bonfire and firework night at Deep Sellick farm. In December they will be attending a District Christmas craft camp at Halberton. Josh Archer who is now a cub scout leader with us will be presented with his Queen’s Scout Award at that camp. He will then have the honour, as all Queen scouts do, of attending the St Georges Day Parade at Windsor Castle in April next year. He joins a long list of Hemyock scouts who have achieved this honour going back to the early 1960’s. We are proud of them all. I then got hold of GSL Andy to find out what the scouts and explorers have been up to. I have mentioned their Forest Glade camp to you in the last report. Apparently it was very wet, very muddy with assault courses in the woods, but most importantly – great fun! The bonfire for November 5th, didn’t just happen, it had to be built by scouts and explorers, so Andy and his leaders took them to Weston super Mare Pier, for a fun afternoon to say thank you. Programmes for the remainder of the year are all outdoors – of course.
That is about it for this time – but finally, from camp fire yarn No. 20, ‘Chivalry for Others’. I am sure I have mentioned this one before some years ago, but it is worth repeating. Thanks!
“And look here! Here is a very important bit of courtesy that is too often forgotten, but which a true scout will never omit, and that is to THANK for any kindness you receive. A present is not yours till you have thanked for it. You have not finished your camp, even if you have packed up your kit and cleaned up the ground, until you have thanked the owner for the use of it and have thanked God for giving you a good time.”
(That was verbatim from Baden Powell all those years ago). So a big thank you to all of you that support 1st Hemyock Scout Group in so many ways.
That brings me to the last bit at this time of year (where did the year go?!) All members of our group would like to wish you and your families a very merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful new year. Look forward to chatting with you then.
Old Rikki