New year, new skill.......

Here are the dates for archery practices leading up to the Scout Nationals camp between the 8th and 10th of May that we send a team to.  This camp is huge fun and is open to everybody, and Boreatton always make up over half of the Shropshire team;

Sunday April 12th
Saturday April 18th
Sunday April 26th
Sunday May 3rd

The above are at the Bowbrook archery field, between 1 and 4

 

If you would like to come to the archery camp you need to attend most of the above sessions so we are better than everyone else!

 

If you would just like to have a bit of a shoot, or learn a new skill then the below sessions are open to everyone.  Instruction is available and all equipment is provided.  The cost of all sessions is £2.

 

Sunday January 25th
Sunday February 22nd
Sunday March 22nd

The above are between 2 and 4PM at Sundorne School,  Corndon Crescent, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 2LL.
All sessions are on a drop-in basis so you don't need to come for the whole session.
If you have any questions please give Phil a call on 07733 189916.

Winter Camp Information

For those coming to Wintercamp, this is what you need to know....
We'll be leaving PGL at 6pm on Friday night and travelling in Bayston Hill Scout's luxury minibus (joke). It has 17 seats and we have 17 people so it'll be cosy as well as noisy and slow. All our tents, camping gear and personal gear will be loaded into a trailer that has a waterproof cover. Please pack snacks / drinks and other stuff you need on the bus in your daysac. Have a good meal before you leave as it's a four hour journey and we won't have time for a long stop.
If you bring electronic gear, treat it as being disposable. The bus will be parked in a field, a shuttle bus ride away, our camp site may be left unmanned for some of the time and there will be thousands of people on site. I understand the major phone networks do not have coverage so have put an alternative Virgin mobile number on the info form which MAY have coverage??? If you get a weird answerphone message from Dobby the Elf, you've got the right number... that's another long story.
When we arrive on site hopefully our gear will be transfered to carts to move to site so if you can carry your rucksacs it may help?
On Sunday I understand activities finish at 1pm, then we've got to eat and break camp before being allocated a kit run to get our bus loaded. I'm really not sure how easy it will be to get off site, so treat the return time as a target. We'll have to ring on the way home to finalise it.
The weather is likely to be cold and wet so make sure you have good outdoor winter clothing and a warm sleeping bag etc. Some activities will be wet and muddy and once gear is wet it will not dry. Make sure you have enough clothing. You will also need swimming costumes and towels.
I'd recommend packing everything in carrier bags inside your rucksac to keep it together and dry, you can never have too many carriers!!!
Don't forget this is a big camp, you are expected to travel in uniform.
And finally, most of you still owe £30 so Phil will have to flex his credit card to buy food. Don't forget to pay him back!
You should be able to download these forms as pdf here:
Permission Forms
Kit List

I tried really hard to embed them but google isn't playing!

(Posted by Pete pretending to be Alan)

Carols by Candlelight............... Sunday 21st December

This Sunday at 7.00PM there is a Carols by Candlelight service at All Saints Church in Baschurch.  Everyone is welcome including Mums and Dads, sisters and brothers.


Please make the effort to come along as this will be a lovely, atmospheric start to the Christmas celebrations.

Strike!

No! not that sort of strike! (enough community action this term already!)

We're bowling on Sat evening at AMF

I've bought you some chips too! (see - the prog is all linked and themed! nice!)
We will meet at 7:45 at AMF Bowling Harlescott on Sat 20 December until 9:30 (after the scrum of Xmas shopping!) to bowl, chill, eat chilli nachos, eat chips..., ...out of a bowl, bowl some strikes, strike up the banter, strike out for Xmas, chip away at the planning for the new term,  all that stuff...

Grotty grotto!

No! Golden grotto! Being the nice generous hearted explorers that we are we have offered to make our Mine golden and transform it into Santa's secret grotto for the scouts to explore on Friday! We will meet at the mine (or at my or Phil's place about 30mins earlier) and go and check it all out and beautify it! I do need those coming to sign up so I can confirm arrangements! Bring old clothes to get muddy in and wear trainers or wellies (not hike boots) and I will provide helmets and lights etc. There are two sessions as I can only lead 7 at a time and I will depart my house at 7:00 for the first group on Thursday 18th Dec.
Here's the booking form!
There will not be a meeting at the hut on Thurs obviously, but I will aim to arrange a get together on Sat to celebrate end of term in a less dark and muddy sort of way - details to follow!
Please book this early if you can come and help prep the cave!

Online Ticketing for Golden grotto!! powered by Eventbrite

Drum Corps practice........Monday 15th December

There will be a practice for the Drum Corps on Monday the 15th of December, 7.00 at the Scout hut to prepare for the Carol Concert on Wednesday.

Santa stuff

It's nearly the end of term and time to be a bit festive once more! We are training a new DofE group so I thought we could do epedition food with a Christmassy theme?

Let's see what we can recommend to the Bronze Banter group as a Trangia xmas meal?

See - you can do it! Bring some festive expedition food and trangia/camp stove and we'll see how festive we can make it (no pot noodles unless they involve turkey or sprouts!) I will bring a bunch of stoves but more pans might be helpful if you have them.

We also need to plan the cave decorations for the Santa cave rescue the scouts are doing next week, and a certificate for our chip shop of the year and a leaflet for our 'protest' in the square... 

Drumming with honours.........

 

The Drum Corps has been invited by Martin Wood, Shrewsburys Town Crier to play at the start of the towns Carols in the Square concert.

Hosted by Radio Shropshire, this will be broadcast live.

Please meet at the top of Pride Hill in full uniform at 4.45PM on the 17th of December.

What app?

I was going to have done a review app by now, but I got distracted.... but maybe we will be up and running soon! Our new entrepreneurial exploratory enterprise - ChipAdvisor! - will kick start this Thursday as the Secret Chipeater visits all the central chip shops in Shrewsbury and uploads our reviews! 

If we make sure that the secret is not very secret, all the chippies will be nice to us and give us nice chips! :) Why not wear a lapel badge saying "Secret Chipeater - ChipAdvisor reviews" or something like that so they are clear that it is a good idea to be nice to us!

Some chippies shut earlier on Thurs so we will meet in the square in Shrewsbury at 7:30-9:00 on Thursday 4 November and complete part of our public service badge by providing a comprehensive review blog of the Chip Shops of Shrewsbury  - we will have to force ourselves to eat chips around town. There are at least 7 we need to visit so we will need to be super speedy chippy eaty!

Here's the map - we will make it interactive and get it all tagged up and get the mobile site soon!

Wear trainers and weather appropriate gear and bring stuff to do reviews with! (and the lapel badge!)

All Saints......

Church in Baschurch, this Saturday, is having a Christingle in the Church from 5.00 till 6.00, then moving to the village green from 6.00 onwards for a carol service.  See you there.

Drum Corps.......

Roger won't be around on Thursday the 4th of December so there won't be any Drum Corps then, (it is his shift as Santa at the shopping centre in Telford ). 

Do DofE!

As the unit meeting is on Sat - I'd be at a loss what to do this Thurs evening - it seemed like a good opportunity to get a start with the new Bronze Banter DofE group! Bring your form if you have not already done so!

We will meet at the normal time and place and do some of the initial training/planning!

Those that have done their Bronze can come along and discuss Silver/Queens Scout opportunities and help with First Aid training - I thought you could organise some triage scenarios with fake wounds/makeup as a final test for the Bronze Banter group?

Oh dear - hope this doesn't happen!
Bring suitable unhealthy makeup (ie grey/blue or bloody) if you want to look bad...

Being allowed to bounce

Our unit meeting this week is on Saturday to go and bounce in a cave!

I have booked places for those that signed up with the eventbrite ticket on the blog - if you didn't I assumed you couldn't come and I have no place or transport for you! (except for Micro who virtually booked a ticket by agreeing with me at the last meeting) 

Here's a consent form to say that you are good-to-bounce and that I have your parent's consent to sign the disclaimer/acknowledgement of risk form (ie I need this signed or the cave people won't let you bounce!)

We will depart from my place at 1:30 (I can prob grab people en route if we agree it on Thurs). Note no open toe shoes and no hiking boots!

Social-ism (the art of the get together)

Deckchairs in the upstairs sports barn

We are hosting the district explorers this week and start at 7:30 (in was going to be 8:05 as usual but Libby couldn't contact me so she guessed and invited everyone for 7:30 - oh well...) to 9:30 in the upstairs New Sports Barn.
Please wear at least one bit of Explorer uniform and ideally be identifiable as Boreatton! but otherwise it won't be too formal... 
I'll fb chat to remind everyone what they promised to contribute meanwhile, here's a  sneak preview...


PS Don't forget to sign up for the Bounce Below!

Misty grey up Fan y Big

A good day's hike with lots of climb last Sunday - we seemed to be alone on the hill until we got to the top of Pen y Fan and found it was actually quite crowded! Just couldn't see anyone much of the time!

Idris  joined us - a rare photo of Idris on top of a hill!

EEEE 4 Biz!

Posing again

Archery - Sunday 23rd November....

Archery practice with the District will be at Sundorne School  http://www.sundorne-snr.shropshire.sch.uk/contact-sundorne-school.htm   this Sunday the 23rd of November between 2 and 4.  As always it is a drop-in session so you don't need to be there for the full 2 hours.  All equipment is provided as is tuition if you haven't shot before or are rusty.  It is £2 for the session.


Every year Boreatton makes up a large part of the Shropshire archery team when we compete at the National Scout Archery Championships in May.  We camp over the weekend at Phasels Wood Scout activity centre and generally have a great time.  Team places will be offered to Explorers who have regularly attended practiced.


If anyone needs a lift from the Ruyton/Baschurch area give Phil a call on 07733 189916 as I have few spare seats.


   

Drum Corps bowling........

Drum Corps - as a thank you for such a great performance at the Remembrance Sunday parade, Roger is taking you out for bowling and a burger on Wednesday the 26th of November.  We will meet at 7.15 at AMF Bowling, Brixton Way, Shrewsbury.
Roger needs to know numbers for booking so please call or text him by Tuesday on 07506 880504.
If you are stuck for a lift please give Phil a call on 07733 189916.

PLEASE NOTE, THE CORRECT DATE FOR THE LANTERN PARADE IS WEDNESDAY THE 19TH OF NOVEMBER 

Drum Corps.....................

There is a practice day for the Drum Corps at Copthorne Barracks on Sunday 23rd November, 10.15 to 4.00.  Please assemble at the Barracks gates.

Boing!!! ... on 29 November

This is a sign up form for our trip to Bounce Below the super bouncy deep down trampoline thingy in Wales - brought to you by your very own prog committee! The date on the form is the deadline for the ticket booking - we are going on the afternoon of 29 November

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

effer hill walk

The mountain group is going to the Effer (E4) mountain ad this weekend! (at least we are going to the Breacons and Effer is up somewhere a lot like Fan Y Big...)
Wear purple! (and let me know if you are coming!

Thank you.................

to every Explorer who took time out of their lives to remember.

Apologies for the rubbish photos but I was too busy keeping up with the Drum Corps. 
Well done to you all.

Remembrance Sunday parade ..... 9th November

At this time every year Boreatton Scout Group takes part in a solemn parade to All Saints Church in Baschurch.  We then go into the Church for a service of remembrance to commemorate all those who fell or were injured in war.

This is the one activity each year that we expect all Explorers to turn out for - put aside football and rugby matches, having a lie in or just can't be bothered - we expect you there if at all possible.  We will meet in the Admiral Duncan car park at 10.15 on Sunday 9th November in full Explorer uniform, to include school-type trousers and polished shoes.  Please bring some money for the collection as well as a poppy.

The service and march back to Millington Close is usually finished by around 12.20.

Drum Corps Lantern Parade........17th December

The Drum Corps have been invited once again to play at the Lantern Parade in Shrewsbury on the 17th of December.  Meet up outside the old BHF unit, mid level of the Darwin Centre at 5.30. 

Friday on my mind...

I was worrying that some of you didn't get your annual fix of democratically celebratory pyromania... so have sorted an invite for you for Friday night to join the scouts at the group bonfire... 

Check out details at  the scout blog 

Note that it is early and in a different place!

I'll try and be there, but the Uni keeps asking me to do things during office hours... :( 
(I may be late)

If you go, and can get hold of one, they would appreciate monster rockets (but don't bring wimpy fireworks (that would create the wrong impression of explorer grade pyromania!) and otherwise make sure you volunteer if they need extra hands to help with sparkler supervision etc.

Otherwise, I expect to see everyone at the Remembrance Parade on Sunday. This is the one occasion that I ask you to put scouting before your other commitments and turn out looking smart to show respect. Details as per earlier post - meet at the Admiral Duncan at 10:15 Remember, as Explorers, cubs and scouts will look at you as an example and emulate how you behave so I look to see a good turn out!

Drum Corps............

Drum Corps will no longer have a meeting on Wednesday (5th November) but will still meet on Thursday (and Phil will be in charge, you lucky devils) so see you then to talk about the Remembrance Sunday Parade :)

Oops!

Told you all that the District Bonfire Party was Monday 3rd Nov but didn't tell you where or when! Sorry!
It is...

I hope to have made some homemade fireworks... so it should all go with a bang!
It's here!

Let me know if anyone is stuck for transport! And note that this is this weeks Unit meeting night - no meeting on Thursday this week...

Winter Camp is all booked up and my credit card is bending under the weight. Hope Phil pays me back now!
Here's the order form for the goodies. Can you let me know what you want by completing this form and paying for it by the 7th November 2014 please?  Sorry I've no idea what the stuff looks like but last years hoodies looked good.
Pete S (hacking Alan's id)

Assist PGL.....

PGL wind down at this time of year and have a lot less staff to answer the phone at the barrier so if we could help them by letting ourselves in at the barrier this would be a good thing!  The code is 0780.

Prioritising reducing the deficit and cutting spending

The more fiscally aware members of the Prog Planning Committee are launching a break-away radical faction. The aim of The Tea Party is to bring back American (?) values to our governance and bring an end to the 'Subs and Spend' culture of extravagent profligacy in our programme. An end to expensive trips and events - we need to focus on getting back to the roots of scouting. Only then can we begin to reduce Subs for the first time!
To promote their movement they are running this week's meeting and holding a literal 'tea party' - brewing tea in a Trangia.
Bring your own tea (as befitting its aims, no central subs will be used in launching this movement) and a cup and the makings of a scone. A posh tea bag will be flung into a PuGgLe lake in recognition of our shared American roots and ideology.



Bring some music too perhaps?

Drum Corps CANCELLED this Thursday 16th October......

Unfortunately Roger has had to cancel Drum Corps this Thursday.

The next 2 practices with the ACF Band will be on either the 22nd/23rd November, then the 13th/14th December - the exact days are to be advised so Roger will call as soon as he is told.  10 till 6 and please bring a packed lunch.

I thought you would appreciate the above photo of Rogers new custom transport!

Rifle squad camp forms

OK - final plans!

I will take a couple of you with me and the Landy stuffed with our gear.
Pete will leave in the minibus FROM PGL AT 6pm on Friday with most of you and your gear.
Anthony will head down a bit later but travelling a bit faster so will arrive at the same time :)

I have spoken to those in the Landy or with Anthony, so if I haven't spoken to you, you need to get to the minibus at PGL at 6pm with your gear (as per kit list below - note full smart uniform! note necker! note camp fees and consent to camp form!). We will arrive quite late and be putting up tents in the dark as usual and will not have time for a full roast dinner, but we will fry up some burgers and a hot drink and cake before we turn in. This will be a good supper, but please make sure you have eaten some dinner before we go. 

And here are the forms!

Rifle practice for the squad

Hi - sorry it's been a bit difficult to schedule - I seem to have filled my days with scoutyness!
This post will update from time to time to manage booking for practices - dates and times as per ticket :) 
Book a ticket or let me know if the slot you want is full!

Event Registration Online for rifle practice powered by Eventbrite

Gilwell Winter Camp Deadline

I'll be paying for Wintercamp on the 20th October. It's all done by a ticket master type thing so there will be non possibility to add extras at a later date.
If you want to go we'll need an Eventbrite booking and a non refundable deposit of £35 by Saturday 18th October. It's open to explorers (and scouts who have camped before).
At the moment there's only 5 or 6 booked.
Details are here:
http://boreattonexplorers.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/gilwell-wintercamp-2015.html

Total cost of the camp will be £65 but if you want a cool hoodie they are £15 extra. (tee shirts, hats etc are also available, but we'll sort that out later).

Pete S

Archery

Archery practice with the District will be at Sundorne School   http://www.sundorne-snr.shropshire.sch.uk/contact-sundorne-school.htm  this Sunday the 12th October between 2 and 4.  As always it is a drop-in session so you don't need to be there for the full 2 hours.  All equipment is provided as is tuition if you haven't shot before or are rusty (that will be me then).  It is £2 for the session.

Race night!

Well - it had better be race day so we need to meet EARLY - meet by 6:30 near PGL reception on Thursday 9 October. 

Bring change of clothes towel etc!

The challenge is to be first across the rafting lake. There will be some duck tape for last minute repairs and a black bin bag as a bonus item to incorporate if you need one (I've been checking the regs from Princeton Uni and forgot to give you one each, but the time limit of 90 mins is accurate :)

Here's how our last attempt looked (unfortunately they never made it to the other side... )

And here's how Princeton got on... 

Hmmm... I kinda hoped for better... so not much competition here - perhaps we should challenge them? (perhaps I should wait and see how we do first!) 

Cardboard boats and clingfilmed Explorers.........

A diary date for parents (and anyone else!!!)......

SAVE THE DATE

Boreatton Scout Group Beer Festival

Saturday March 14^th 2015

Great range of speciality Beers

6 Nations Rugby on the big screen

In aid of Boreatton Scout Group

More details to follow shortly

Gilwell Wintercamp 2015

Watch this video then tell us if you want to go.....

It's on the 9th to 11th January 2015 and will cost £65 plus any tee shirts / hoodies you may want to order.
The weather will probably be awful so if you have never slept under canvas before this may not be for you?

Event Registration Online for Gilwell Wintercamp powered by Eventbrite

Archery practice dates.........

Hooray, we have the latest dates for archery practice!

Sunday 12th October;

Sunday 23rd November;

Sunday 25th January 2015;

Sunday 22nd February 2015; and

Sunday 22nd March 2015

The sessions will run from 2 to 4pm.  Scouts and Explorers can turn up when it suits them and it does not have to be for the whole 2 hours. Leaders do not have to accompany them. Uniform is not required.  Kit will be provided by the Club.

The session will cost £2 (cash please).

These sessions will be indoors at Sundorne School, Corndon Crescent, Shrewsbury, SY1 4LL.


Beginners and new members most welcome!  Any questions please call Phil on 07733 189916.

The Trammock camp...........................

Luke's trampoline-hammock was a great success, and I think we couldn't have had better weather for chilling in the woods.

Wot Wozzit?

Most of us saw some of these hairy little characters - Woodman Pete tells me it is the caterpillar of the Pale Tussock moth.