Scouting
Spring 2017
news from across Lincolnshire
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"It's been a great start to the year and seeing the growth of Scouting in the county is incredible. We have lots of amazing people planning exciting and fun activities and it is fantastic to see more and more young people getting involved. I'm very proud of the work that we do and I hope you catch a glimpse of why Scouting is such a success in Lincolnshire by reading this newsletter."
Gemma Lowe Media Manager & Editor
Robin Wright County Commissioner
"This is the second edition of this newsletter and I would like to thank readers for welcoming the publication with such enthusiasm. It is always great to hear about the amazing work that is happening with young people in Scouting across the county and I enjoy sharing some of their stories with you."
Welcome to
Contents
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Features Scouting in Lincolnshire ....................................................................... 6 Scouting in Lincolnshire: Meet the Districts ........................ 7 Looking for an Exciting Outdoor Venue? .............................. 10 Diary of a Cub Scout ................................................................................13 Introducing: Lincoln Scouts Caving Club ................................17 A Chat with the County Commissioner ................................ 18 The Scout Leader's Uniform ..............................................................19 Can you Help our Cubs and Scouts Remember? .............22 Poacher 2017 ...................................................................................................23 Upcoming Events ......................................................................................25 A Chat with a Queen's Scout ...........................................................28 Lincolnshire's Mental Health Champions ............................30 A Weekend in the Life of an Explorer Scout .........................33 Focus On... Viking Explorers .............................................................36 A Million Hands .........................................................................................39 Lincolnshire Scouts A Million and One Hands ................40 The Noticeboard ........................................................................................44 News Scouts Get Kit Savvy ................................................................................. 5 Volunteers Recognised for their Contribution to Scouting .............................................................................................................. 8 The Great Barrowby Bake-Off .......................................................... 8 Ready to Yomp? ............................................................................................ 11 A Kicking Night .......................................................................................... 12 Gainsborough's Newest Leaders .................................................. 12 Ice Breaker Camp: Adventures at Sub-Zero ......................... 15 Scouts Wow on Stage at District Gang Show ................... 16 Beaver Scout Donates Essentials in Gambia ..................... 24 Cubs Cook Up a Treat ..............................................................................25 Beaver Scout Wows with 100% Badge Completion .....26 Big Breakfast Success for Skellingthorpe Scouts .............32 Beavers from Bourne Enjoy Tobogganing ............................34 Scothern Scouts Turn Detectives at Local Church ..........35 Lincoln Beavers Raise Funds for Neo-Natal Unit .............37 Skegness Beavers get Close to Nature ......................................41 Dedicated Scouter Awarded MBE ................................................42 A Show to Remember: Grantham Gang Show 2017 .....43
Scouts is about fun, challenges and adventure
We are the UK's biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 6 to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities.
Young people from Metheringham enjoyed a fun and informative evening at the Go Outdoors outdoor superstore in Lincoln. Store staff gave equipment demonstrations and discussed the importance of having the right kit; they gave the Scouts tips on layering materials, footwear, hydration and cooking when in the great outdoors. The evening also saw the group compete against each other to be the quickest to cover their team with a survival shelter. The winning time was a mere 1.4 seconds! Don't forget Scouts and Leaders get a discount in store.
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Scouts get Kit-Savvy
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Scouting in Lincolnshire.
Made up of 10 districts and just under 7,000 Scouts, Lincolnshire is one of the largest Scouting counties in the UK; it spans an area of 7314 km2 stretching from Uppingham in the south to Caistor in the north. Despite the name Lincolnshire, the county also includes Rutland and some other towns along its borders. Alongside regular Scout groups, Lincolnshire has multiple active support units specialising in water activities, caving, hill walking and climbing.
Scouting in Lincolnshire: Meet the Districts
Grantham
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Rutland
Sleaford
South Holland
Groups: 9 Scouts: 616
Groups: 26 Scouts: 1,905
Groups: 7 Scouts: 438
Stamford & Bourne
Groups: 10 Scouts: 697
Lincoln
Groups: 4 Scouts: 206
Gainsborough
Groups: 11 Scouts: 1077
Boston
Groups: 6 Scouts: 301
Skegness & Spilsby
Numbers are approximate and correct at time of publication. Data from 16/17 census.
Louth
Groups: 12 Scouts: 854
Groups: 7 Scouts: 357
Volunteers Recognised for Their Contribution to Scouting Three volunteers have been celebrated for their outstanding contribution to the Scouting movement. Emma Robinson (Training Advisor) and Sarah Temperton (Local Training Manager) received awards for their efforts and Linda Wilson (Safeguarding Trainer) was recognized for 30 years of service. Well done!
Barrowby Scouts competed against each other to be named 'Star Baker' in their recent cake baking and decorating competition. The cake decorations were inspired by Scouting and the finished masterpieces were judged by District Commissioner, Eileen Booth, and District Secretary, Ann McNeish. The Scouts enjoyed the Bake-Off so much that they have voted to make it an annual event. 3, 2, 1... BAKE!
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The Great Barrowby Bake-Off
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Sudbrooke Park Campsite offers 11 acres of woodland and grassy areas with lakes and a purpose-built shower and toilet block. The site offers a traditional campfire circle and designated cooking areas. It is also home to one of the largest Scout climbing walls in the country. Situated just a few miles North-East of Lincoln, the campsite is a perfect venue for youth groups to get a taste of the outdoors. For more information, contact the Campsite Manager: chris.dutton@lincolndistrictscouts.org.uk
Looking for an Exciting Outdoor Venue?
Nomads Explorer Scout Unit are busy preparing for their annual Elephant Yomp - a hike with a difference. The Elephant Yomp is an annual competition hike open to scouts in Sleaford District. The competition is not a race, young people are scored on their ability to prepare for the hike, navigate the route and complete challenges on their way round. The event gives many scouts those first steps of adventure - walking as part of team out in the country without an adult to show them the way.
Ready to Yomp?
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Gainsborough Scouts recently celebrated a first! Four Explorer Scouts (aged 14-18 years) have become the first in the District to complete the Young Leaders' Training Scheme, an exciting opportunity that has also contributed towards their Chief Scout Diamond and Duke of Edinburgh Silver awards. With the support of the County Team, the Young Leaders completed all the training modules as part of the Young Leader training camps across the county. This training has allowed them to become valued members of the leadership teams within their sections, supporting the planning, organising and delivering of a balanced and varied programme. This experience has given them the opportunity to complete the four missions required for the Young Leaders Award.
Gainsborough's Newest Leaders
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Grasby Scouts took a trip to Grimsby Freestyle Kickboxing Club to combat spare time. They learned how to kick and punch, and they built on their fitness. Danny and Fynn were already part of the kickboxing club and showed the class a few demonstrations and they were all taught by Olympic torch bearer and two time World Champion, John Tomlinson. Overall they thought it was a kicking night. (Written by Scout, Fynn)
A Kicking Night
Tell us something interesting about yourself: II like to write and draw comic books. When I grow up I would like to be a comic book writer.
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So what do you do at Cubs?: We get to go on trips like Playzone and we go on sleepovers. Sometimes we go outdoors and sometimes we are indoors. This week at Cubs we learned about birds and wildlife so now I've learnt the names of some birds
7th Lincoln Scout group was founded in 1975.
We're looking for an eager Beaver to star in our next issue, if that's you or someone you know, get in touch! media@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk
What do you like about Cubs?: I like Cubs because I can learn lots of new things, make new friends and collect badges.
What is your favourite badge?: My favourite badge is the backwards cooking badge. I love when we have a fire with sausages and marshmallows.
Diary of a
What would you say to someone thinking of joining Cubs?: Join the Cubs if you like an adventure. You will learn lots of new things and have fun.
Name: Olaf. Group: 7th Lincoln - St. Faith's & St. Martin's. District: City of Lincoln.
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Ice Breaker Camp – Adventures at Sub-Zero
Woodhall Spa Scouts enjoyed a chilly winter paddle on the River Witham recently; setting off from Auborn – just South of Lincoln – one cold and misty morning. The Scouts travelled in open canoes to Lincoln before settling down for an evening playing games, refueling themselves with a stove-cooked dinner and camping in the frosty conditions. The next morning saw the Scouts take to the water again as they continued their journey up the river and into the city centre via the Brayford Pool, finishing on the Fossdyke just outside of Lincoln. The weekend was the first time most of the Scouts had camped in sub-zero conditions and they were very excited to tell their parents about the experience.
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Scouts Wow on Stage at District Gang Show
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A cast of 58 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Guides and Brownies took to the stage for another successful Deeping Gang Show with four exceptional performances. Their performance, held at the Deepings School, included songs from the musicals Matilda and School of Rock, as well as a range of songs by movie villains and a tribute to rock stars that are no longer with us.
Introducing: Lincoln Scouts Caving Club
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One of only around ten Scout Caving Teams in the country, the Lincoln Scouts Caving Club has been taking young people caving for 34 years! The Club also trains Scouts in caving techniques and encourages them to get their cavers badge. "Caving is the ultimate adventurous activity for Scouts, it encompasses all those skills that you learn in Scouting, as well as being physical and fun. It is carried out in a secret world that few people enter, an underground world that is beautiful and though sometimes scary, it is always exciting!"
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Do you have a funniest Scouting moment? Yes, I was camping in the lakes with Charlie Brakewell. Unknown to me he turned my inner tent around and attached a rope to the bottom of my sleeping bag. Early the next morning he had the Scouts grab the rope and pull me out .
A Chat with the County Commissioner
In that case, what was your favourite camp? I would have to say my best was a summer camp at Brown Sea Island for the 100 year anniversary of Lord Baden-Powell's trail camp that started the Scouting movement.
So you have been CC for 5 years now, What is it like looking after the county? Busy, busy, busy but rewarding. It is like another full-time job but, I get to see some amazing Scouting and meet some superb leaders. I do sometimes have to make those not so nice calls, but it important we keep Scouting safe and fun for our members. When and where did you join Scouts? I joined as a Cub Scout on my birthday in 1960 at 18th Lincoln group - Silver Street & Bailgate. I remember getting the bumps as we had no risk assessment then. I was eventually a Sixer and gained my Leaping Wolf award. I progressed through all the sections at the 18th. I remember they sold us sweets from their den in the cellar there. What was your favourite Scouting activity? I enjoy doing most things outdoors, but certainly camping and canoeing have to be my favourite activities.
In charge of this rural county, Robin is a seasoned Scouter with 57 years experience.
Worn by Leaders who, as youth members, completed the organisation's highest achievement. Those who have receieved this award have taken part in a wide range of challenges. The reward is a visit to London to have the Award presented at Windsor Castle.
Service Awards & Commendations
The Queen's Scout Award (QSA)
The Scout uniform has changed a lot since it was originally designed by the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden-Powell (BP). At the 1937 World Jamboree, BP said: "the uniform covers the differences of country and race and make all feel that they are members one with another of one World Brotherhood". These days, Leaders in the UK still wear the beige shirt but don't wear the campaign hat anymore and some of the badges have changed a little.
The Scout Leader's Uniform
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Union Flag When a UK Scout goes abroad, they wear a Union Flag badge to identify their nationality. They will also usually wear the UK national necker.
Featuring a piece of rope tied in various knots these badges represent a range of awards given to a Scouter.
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Whilst all Scout Leaders take part in basic First Aid as part of their training, those who have completed further training will wear this badge in case they are needed to be called upon.
World Membership Badge
Similar to the QSA, the DofE award requires participants to take part in a range of challenges. The award is open to anyone 14 to 25 in or outside of Scouting and is staged from Bronze up to Gold. Recipients can choose to have this award presented in London, Edinburgh or Belfast.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE)
First Aider's Badge
The arrowhead symbol represents the true way north on maps and was adopted by BP as his symbol of the true way to behave. Each element of the badge has a meaning surrounded by the reef knot that cannot come undone however hard it is pulled - a symbol of the Scouting community. This badge is worn by all Scouts around the world and is a unifying emblem of the organisation.
Woggle
The "necker" was initially worn by a colleague of BP's in the 2nd Matabele War. He wore it to shield his neck from the sun and BP too saw its potential as a tool, primarily as a first aid triangular bandage. Every group now has a necker of its own colour to distinguish them from others.
The Neckerchief
Wood Badge
Every group has its own unique name tape accompanied by their district & county badges.
When a leader completes all of their training they are awarded with the wood badge. This is a leather cord featuring a pair of beads originally from Zulu warriors iziQu necklace.
Originally neckers were tied in knots but it wasn't long before Scouters started using woggles to hold them together. Woggles can be made of any material and many Scouts even make their own. Others are usually awarded for achievements or local challenges.
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Group Badges
The District is hoping to put on a trip to Belgium for Cubs and Scouts where they will have the chance to attend October’s Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate as well as visit a number of important Remembrance locations such as Flanders Fields Museum, Passchendaele museum and Tyne Cott Cemetery, as well as enjoying other cultural sights and experiences. “Each year we ask our Scouting members to attend Remembrance parades, donate money and wear a Poppy. We also ensure that Remembrance is a part of our activities programme in the Autumn term. “One thing I have noticed is that for most of our members there is no passion, understanding or realism that real people died fighting ‘for our tomorrow’. The recall of names from those who died in each of our towns and villages are called out during church services and to our young people and many of us they are just that – names.” The cost of taking the young people on this trip includes their accommodation, coach and entrance fees as well as their food for four days; parents, leaders and District representatives are putting on a range of fundraising events to support this worthwhile experience but they need your help. If you have any fundraising ideas or are a business looking to sponsor a community venture, please contact cubs@stamfordbournescouts.org.uk
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Can you help our Cubs and Scouts Remember?
Stamford and Bourne District are hoping to raise awareness amongst young people in Scouting about what Remembrance and wearing a poppy really means.
Will you be at Poacher 2017? See videos and photos live from the event at: poacher.org.uk
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It's just a few months to go until the biggest event in the county! Poacher is Lincolnshire’s International Scout and Guide Jamboree – back again in 2017, bringing young people the adventure of a lifetime.
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Beaver Scout Donates Essentials in Gambia
Zachary from the 1st Elsea Park, Bourne Beaver Colony recently travelled to Gambia where he donated essential toiletries and medicines. His entire group had donated the items, including medicine, toothbrushes and toothpaste which he took with him. The medicines were given to a local Health Centre and he gave the toiletries to the Gambian Scouts and Cubs along with some badges. He said: "I had a great time in Gambia, I went to visit the Gambian headquarters of the Scouts. Due to the political situation there when I went there weren't many boys, but I gave the leader lots of toothbrushes and toothpaste and paracetamol to give to the children once things were safer. I was allowed to see and play some of the musical instruments; the leader said they would love some new instruments. "We also went to a clinic where we donated baby milk, bottles, toys, nappies and clothes to the mummies who have nothing for their babies"
Cubs Cook Up a Treat
14th-20th May - Scout Community Week Scouts across the UK help their local communities with a range of projects. 9th-10th September - SplashLincs 2017 A water activities camp for Scouts; offering the chance to try canoeing, sailing and rafting.
Elsea Park Cubs cooked up a tasty meal with the help of a chef for the Chinese New Year. They designed their own menus using healthy ingredients and worked together in teams to cook a flavoursome dish as well as learning about health and safety in the kitchen. The meal was served to parents and carers who all enjoyed it and the Cubs earned their Chef Badges.
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George, a Beaver Scout from 2nd Spilsby group has impressed Leaders by completing all of his badges. His exceptional effort has seen him complete 51 badges in total - including 21 Activity Badges, 14 Staged Activity Badges, Activity Plus and 6 Challenge Badges. He has also been awarded his Chief Scout Bronze Award. George set himself the challenge and his Beaver Leaders, Owl and Badger, and his mum Sarah supported him every step of the way. He said: "My favourite badges were the water themed ones, I went kayaking on the Brayford in Lincoln and even went sailing with the Sea Scouts which was an amazing adventure!" George has shown outstanding determination in his quest for badge success and is waiting to see if he is the first Beaver in the county to have reached this milestone. Well done George!
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Beaver Scout Wows with 100% Badge Completion
Gain recognised skills. Give something back to your community. Have fun!
I volunteer. Could you?
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When did you first get into Scouting? I've been in Scouting since the age of six, working my way up through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and then into Leadership as well as Network. Scouting runs in my family, as my paternal grandfather was a Scout Leader when he was stationed in Cyprus with the RAF in the 1960s. What did Scouting offer you when you were growing up? It offered me a chance to do all of the things I couldn't do at school, to learn new skills which have carried me forward into adulthood. It taught me pride and respect in myself and in Scouting itself. Scouting is the longest running youth group in the world and to be even a tiny part of that is a wonderful feeling. You’ve had a number of notable achievements in recent years, what was your proudest moment? It's difficult to choose, it's been great having such prestigious awards presented to me and then being chosen from hundreds, possibly thousands, of people to attend the incredibly special DofE Gold presentation in the gardens of Buckingham Palace was astounding. Crossing the finish line of Hadrian's Wall (my Diamond Challenge) was a different kind of pride (and relief!), and then being selected for the Windsor Colour Party was all kinds of terrifying and wonderful at the same time!
A Chat with a Queen's Scout
Cat Tyler speaks about the exciting experiences that Scouting has given her.
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Can you tell us a bit about the Colour Party? The Colour Party for the Queen's Scout Parade and Day of Celebration leads the parade of new Queen's Scouts from the Royal Mews in Windsor into the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle for the review by a member of the Royal Family - this time the Duke of Kent - and then on to St George's Chapel where the National Scout Service takes place, by special permission of the Queen. This year it actually happens on St George's Day, which makes it all the more special. I'm most excited to be able to parade in Windsor Castle again, this time in such a prominent position, and also to have my old Explorer Leader watching. How has Scouting changed your life for the better? It has taught me a lot about pride and respect, it has given me skills and knowledge I might not otherwise have gained, and it has given me a set of values I try to base my life around - loyalty, courage in all situations, caring for others and doing my best in all that I do.
Lincolnshire's Mental Health Champions
Raising awareness of mental health has never been so important amongst young people. Lincolnshire Scouts are offering training to Scouts who want to help their peers by becoming Mental Health Champions.
So, what does the role of a Young Mental Health Champion involve? It's all about being somebody to listen and offer reliable information to other young people who may be struggling. We are helping to raise awareness and understanding of positive mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness as well as enabling people to make positive changes themselves. We can also signpost people to get the appropriate support that they need. Why is this so important? Altering the perceptions about mental health will help to break down stereotypes, it's all about prevention too - helping young people to handle pressures and challenges. Young people's mental wellbeing is not always taken seriously and we want to help provide others with early access to support they would not otherwise get. Generally there's not enough awareness of mental health, the subject often gets ignored because people aren't comfortable talking about it. What have you done so far as part of your role? We have completed a number of accredited training courses in understanding mental health and behaviour change and set out the role of the Young Mental Health Champion. We have also identified the support and resources we need and developed an Action Plan to take the project forward.
"I am delighted to be working with such a great group of young people. Their insights, enthusiasm and wanting to help others will have a positive impact not only within the Scout Association but the wider society." - Maureen O'Callaghan MSc is Director and Mindfulness Teacher at Now Unlimited
Pictured: Young Mental Health Champions (left to right) Ellie McCollin, James Marsh and Saffron Scott
"We want to help - don't struggle on your own! "Young people face a lot of pressures and challenges (many unseen) and this is not always accepted and therefore there are not enough resources to support young people. "We know that there are lots of young people going through tough situations and we want to be in a position to support them - that's why this is so important. We will be running workshops and roadshows, having stands at events, being available to listen to and talk to other young people about mental health."
Leaders at the group served up full English breakfasts and coffees with the help of the parent fundraising team and some of the older Scouts.
“The food was excellent and there was good company too. It’s good to help out the Scouts. I used to run a Scout group and fundraise so it’s good to come back and help the next generation of Scouters succeed.”
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Wow! This raised £400!
“I would like to thank the team for planning and providing us with another great fundraising breakfast. Not forgetting of course all the friends, family and people of Skellingthorpe for their ongoing support with the Scout group.” Liz Anderson Group Scout Leader
Big Breakfast Success for Skellingthorpe Scouts
This month Skellingthorpe Scouts held their annual Big Breakfast for the local community, cooking up delicious breakfasts in order to raise money for the group so that they can afford new equipment that will be used when they attend Poacher International Jamboree later this year.
"On January 20th-22nd a fantastic District Christmas camp was held at BHM HQ. It allowed the Explorers from different units in the District to socialize and get to know each other. On the Friday evening, after struggling to get the tents up in pitch black and freezing weather, the Explorers congregated in the HQ for ‘the tackiest Christmas tree competition’! All the Christmas trees were a clear representation of every human’s worst nightmare at Christmas, but all the Explorers had a great time decorating their trees. After the tree competition the Explorers then sat down to watch the hit Christmas film “Elf” to end a lovely evening. "On Saturday morning it was nice to see the lack of technology as the Explorers sat down to play a card game, it may have been extremely confusing but it gave the Explorers a chance to really get to know each other. Obviously it wouldn’t be a proper camp without a fry up which all of the Explorers demolished. The day then continued with a Christmas walk in the brisk weather and then a fully loaded Christmas dinner perfectly prepared by the adults. Later in the evening the Explorers were lucky enough to visit ‘Gareth’s famous mocktail bar’. As the night was coming to an end, the Explorers sat down to a Christmas quiz and then another tacky Christmas film! "A huge thank you on behalf of all the Explorers to the adults that helped organize the camp as everyone really enjoyed it. It gave all a chance to get to know each other before Poacher and who doesn’t love Christmas twice a year? "
A Weekend in the Life of... an Explorer Scout
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Beavers from Bourne Enjoy Tobogganing at Tallington
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Scothern Scouts Turn Detectives at Local Church
A group of Scouts and their Leaders have been working hard over the last few years to maintain the churchyard at Sudbrooke's St Edward's church, clearing brambles, ivy and moss. The Scouts were inspired by the gravestones that they discovered so returned a week later with some equipment and an archaeologist and set to work clearing more vegetation and record what was inscribed on the stones. The oldest gravestone discovered was of Richard Parker who died in 1765 - outdating the current church which was built in 1862 on the site of an older red brick church. The Scouts are determined to finish the survey and have obtained information from the Lincolnshire Archives to help them decipher the stones that were worn. Some of the gravestones they have found were not recorded in the archives and the Scouts have since found a number of graves that are not marked with stones. When they have completed the survey, the Scouts will hand their findings over to the Parochial Church Council.
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"It has been a busy few months for Viking Explorers; we are starting to plan our Explorer Belt expedition to Sweden, which will place in August. This involves lots of fundraising and we have made a start by helping out Caistor Running Club at 2 local running races and also providing the runners with breakfast. "The Explorer Belt is the challenge of a lifetime, open to Explorer Scouts aged 16 and over and members of the Scout Network. It is a chance to take part in a ten-day expedition that brings a real understanding of a different country, its people and way of life. "We have also spent a weekend in Edinburgh completing more activities for our Explorer Belt; including dancing to bagpipes, wearing kilts and visiting Scottish Parliament. We also recently celebrated our second birthday as a unit; we went bowling (in black tie of course!)"
Focus On... Viking Explorers
Lincoln Greenland's Beavers wanted to make a difference in their community and decided to raise money for Lincoln Neo-Natal Unit. They did a range of fundraising activities, including a 'Beaver's Got Talent' night and a sponsored hike. The talent show was a success featuring magic tricks, experiments, football skills and much more, as well as a bake sale. The group also completed a sponsored hike which saw Beavers stay super motivated as they knew every step they took raised money for their worthwhile cause. The group raised a fantastic total of £622.32 which they presented as a big cheque to the unit who were amazed and spoke to the Beavers about what the money they raised would be used for.
Lincoln Beavers Raise Funds for Neo-Natal Unit
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“The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.” -Lord Robert Baden Powell, Founder of the Scouting Movement.
What is A Million Hands? The Scout Association has teamed up with a number of charities , forming a groundbreaking partnership to provide young people with the support and means to make a real and lasting difference in their communities. Why do we need A Million Hands? Young people are not naïve. They can see that things aren’t always right in the world. Young people want to be recognised and respected for their role in removing social barriers, connecting communities and improving lives. However, they don’t always have the opportunity to take positive action on the issues that matter to them. They understand, and are disappointed by, stereotypes of young people today. Scouts are optimists. They want to roll up their sleeves and get on with making change. Not simply asking others to act for them, or complaining when they don’t. This is something they want to change. We in Scouting know that young people are an important and powerful part of society that can help shape a better future for us all. Tapping into that potential represents a huge opportunity for a better society. We are committed to helping them do just that.
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Lincolnshire Scouts A Million and One Hands
In order to see the impact of the A Million Hands project in our local community, Lincolnshire Scouts have introduced A Million and One Hands. When our young people complete community projects for A Million Hands, their work is shared with the Million Hands team who then choose a winning project - that has had a significant impact on on people in our county - and award them with a prize. So far, community projects have included litter picking, dementia awareness, fundraising with a supermarket bag pack, disability and mental wellbeing awareness projects, building a relationship between a group and a local care home, and much more.
"Lincolnshire Scouts are proud to be part of the Million Hands project. As well as helping those in need through meaningful social action, we gain funding for further youth projects in Lincolnshire." -Robin Wright, County Commissioner
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Skegness Beaver Scouts excitedly welcomed the team from Two Hoots Haven who brought a number of their small rescued animals to the group for them to handle. They gave an interactive talk on the work of the charity and showed the Beavers the best way to build a hedgehog shelter in their gardens at home. The Beavers then collected a large amount of items to donate and Skegness Wilko’s also kindly donated a large box full of items from the sanctuary wish list. The Beavers followed this up the next week by making their own edible hedgehogs from cheese and using torches to search outside for hedgehog shaped clues, with reflector stickers on, to find the answers to a quiz.
Skegness Beavers get Close to Nature
Maurice Brunton was named in the New Year's Honours list and will recieve an MBE for his service to Scouting this year. Maurice has made a difference to the lives of many young people and in the 1970s he was based in Middlesborough where he was the driving force in South Middlesborough District. He recognised potential and encouraged younger leaders to develop new opportunities for the youngsters and to make Scouting a vibrant organisation in the town. Maurice then moved to Gainsborough where he joined Lincolnshire Scouts; in 1982 he became District Commissioner for Gainsborough where he made a huge impact appointing enthusiastic young leaders and updating the district's campsite. When Maurice retired as DC he handed over an effective and energetic organisation to his successor and as the new treasurer he was able to use his experience to provide guidance and support to the District. He continued in this role until 2015 and is now the President of Gainsborough District Scout Council. Congratulations to Maurice on his achievements and for making such a difference to the young people of Gainsborough.
Dedicated Scouter Awarded MBE
Photos: (top) Maurice at a recent St George's day parade in Gainsborough, (bottom) Maurice presenting a Queen's Scout award to a Scout in his troop in Middlesborough in the 1960s.
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A Show to Remember: Grantham Gang Show 2017
“I am so impressed with the talent in this Gang and it genuinely is one of the best shows that has been put on in the area. Congratulations to Jo, Sue, Leah and Sophie and all the cast and team who put together an outstanding show which they should all be incredibly proud of. Now time for a rest before we start planning the next one!” - Paul Emmett, Musical Director
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Months of rehearsals resulted in an exciting show with a cast of over 60 young people from Scouts and Guides. The show, dubbed as ‘the best yet’ featured traditional gang show music alongside rock and Disney medleys, sketches and pantomime, providing something for everyone.
The Noticeboard
A busy night for a Scout group from Ancaster - part of Grantham District - presenting two Chief Scout Gold Awards as well as investing a new leader, two Young Leaders and a Scout all in one night - phew!
Welcoming a new Scout into the world! Congratulations to Assistant County Commissioner (Activities) Steve Newton and his wife Charly, on the birth of their baby boy William Thomas Newton.
Willingham Scouts getting a pizza the action!
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"Special thanks go to Gemma, our Media Manager, not only for correcting my English; but for the fantastic work she has put in to producing this superb County News Magazine. " - Robin Wright, County Commissioner Enjoyed this magazine? Subscribe now and never miss a copy!
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All information correct at time of publication. For any press or editorial enquiries, or to use our images, please contact media@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Published by Lincolnshire Scouts Room 15, Greetwell Managed Workspace, 2 Lime Kiln Way, Off Greetwell Road, Lincoln. LN2 4US
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