1st Southwater Cubs Go Caving

Also a few more comments below from other participants:

" It was an amazing experience. Scary at times but still lots of fun". (Sam Clark - Cub)

"It was great to see the excitement, mixed with a little apprehension, on the Cubs faces when we all arrived. Once everyone was changed into the caving overalls and helmets it was time to set off for the subterranean quarry. 

The first obstacle was the vertical ladder down into the cave. This was the first point when I thought "what am I doing!" Once underground we proceeded into the tunnels ably escorted by our expert guides. As we made our way further into the maze of tunnels we learnt about the history of the quarry. Personally I found it very thought provoking to see the marks left by the workers pickaxes as they worked so hard to extract the stone hundreds of years ago. What must it have been like to work in those conditions! 

There were a few tighter spots to navigate through. The worst "what am I doing!" moment came at the seemingly endless section constructed from concrete which was poured into a hole discovered whilst constructing the M23. 

After retracing our steps back to the entrance we exited the tunnels and there was time to reflect on the 3 hours that we spent underground. What a fantastic experience for the leaders and cubs alike! We were very proud of how the Cubs took it all in their stride. There were plenty of laughs, great team work and encouragement between all of the group when needed. Another fantastic 1st Southwater Sea Scouts event!

Would I do it again? Definitely! Here's to a return visit next year! " (Mike Clark, dad, Beaver Leaders and soon-to-be Cub Leader). 

1st Partridge Green Scouts support South Pole Explorer

Patrick, 58, sets world record pulling sledge 220 kilometres at temperatures of -40°C

Patrick McIntosh reached the South Pole on 17^th January 2015 after a 222km trek. He is now waiting for confirmation that he has set a world record for “the first triple cancer survivor to walk 222km to the South Pole”. 

He has recovered from bowel, prostate and skin cancers, all of which are unrelated. He will be speaking at the Horsham Scouts District Awards event in June.

Patrick was absolutely delighted that the 1st Partridge Green Scouts wanted to support him by holding a sponsored snowball fight at the first sign of snow, and that they gave him his own Scout scarf. He recorded a video especially for the group while training at altitude in Chamonix, and has proudly sported his scarf on sky news, BBC south east and most importantly at the South Pole.

Patrick wishes to use his trip as a hook to get people thinking and talking about their health and reacting fast to any symptoms. He hopes to prove that, with early diagnosis, it is possible to return to an invigorated life after cancer. 

Now he has returned from Antarctica, he will be delivering presentations to various groups and organisations to raise awareness of these issues.

He travelled with highly experienced polar guide Conrad Dickinson, aged 59, from Hexham in Northumberland, who led Prince Harry and his team on the Walking With The Wounded expedition in 2013. Unlike WWTW, this latest trip was entirely unsupported, meaning they carried all supplies and equipment themselves.

Apart from a broken jacket zip and a broken stove, their only main problem was Patrick’s breathing issues, “I was exhausted and had huge breathing problems because of bronchial inflammation from the weather”, he said.

Patrick’s scouting knowledge certainly came into play in Antarctica; Conrad said he would have awarded him the “tent erection badge, but he’s failed on the knot tying badge”.

Blog: kmgfoundation.blogspot.co.uk

Website: www.kmg.co.uk/kmg-foundation

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kmgfoundation

Twitter: @KMGfoundation

World Jamboree 2015 - Newsletter #5

International opportunity for Explorer Scouts in Kandersteg Summer 2015

Stewart Mills Explorer Leader - East Reading Explorer is offering an opportunity for Explorers from Horsham Weald and West to join a trip to Kandersteg in Summer 2015.

There are currently 19 spaces available (total 50 spaces) supported by 10 leaders including Rick Cooper (West Sussex County International Commissioner). There will be explorers from Berkshire and Petworth and Pulborough District on the trip.

See details below;

. 

Partridge Green Scouts support polar explorer

1st Partridge Green Scouts are helping Patrick McIntosh to undertake the journey of a life time to the South Pole.

After undergoing treatment for bowel, skin and prostate cancer, Patrick felt he needed to recover his life after lightning struck not just once but three times…

He has always been an adventurer, having sailed across the Atlantic ocean and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro amongst other challenges, but his latest adventure will test him as never before!

Patrick will embark on an expedition to the South Pole on 29^th December, walking 222km with just one other man, polar guide Conrad Dickinson. Temperatures will be as low as -35 degrees, apparent altitude as high as 4000m, a constant headwind and 50kg of food and supplies to haul behind each of them.

Patrick hopes to use his South Pole adventure as a hook to engage people and spread an awareness message. After learning about the statistics related to bowel and prostate cancer, especially the importance of early diagnosis, Patrick wishes to spread awareness.

Possibly even more importantly, and more relevant to Scouting groups, Patrick is passionate about encouraging healthy eating and healthy living. We are living to a greater age than ever before, and if we don’t take responsibility for our own bodies by exercising and eating properly, the NHS may not be able to continue to support us in the way that we expect it to.

There is a more detailed explanation of Patrick’s motivation at  http://kmgfoundation.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/my-mad-cap-adventure.html

Click start the video below to see Patrick wearing the 1st Partridge Green Scout Group scarf and to hear his message to the Group from his training camp in the French Alps shortly before leaving for the South Pole.

Kandersteg 2015 - Orion & Paladin ESU winter trip

Horsham Weald Scout District Explorer Scout Units Orion and Paladin are joining together for a trip to Kandersteg International Scout Centre, Switzerland in 2015.

To raise funds for the trip there will be a Quiz Night on Saturday 18th October 2015 at 2nd Southwater Scout HQ.

To support the Explorer Scouts contact:

Elaine- wealdyl@gmail.com or Jonny Kimber - jonny.kmbr@gmail.com

Horsham Weald Scouts Jamboree Pedal

Members of the West Sussex 23rd World Scout Jamboree contingent from Horsham Weald District pedaled with support from friends and parents part way to Japan today.
They set up 7 turbo trainers and together clocked up more 600 miles.
Each member of the contingent had sponsors for the distance covered.

Megan and Scott are part of the team - they explained what they have been doing to the Distroct Commissioner for Scouts in Horsham Weald.

If you would like to make a contribution to help Horsham Weald Scouts attend the World Jamboree in Japan next year or would like to find out more about volunteering for Scouts please contact Peter Scofield District Commissioner Horsham Weald Scouts by e-mail to dcweald@gmail.com or click this link Horsham Weald Scouts Want To Join page

Bag packing at Sainsburys to raise funds for Jamboree 2015

Scouts and Explorer Scouts attending the World Jamboree in Japan next year were bag packing at Sainsburys in Horsham today supported by leaders, parents and freinds from their Scout Groups.

Nick Bird who has been selected to attend the Jamboree explains what they were doing;

Horsham Weald Scouts say why they are bag packing in Sainsnburys;

If you would like to make a contribution to help Horsham Weald Scouts attend the World Jamboree in Japan next year or would like to find out more about volunteering for Scouts please contact Peter Scofield District Commissioner Horsham Weald Scouts by e-mail to dcweald@gmail.com or click this link Horsham Weald Scouts Want To Join page

3 Peaks Jamboree Challenge - WSJ 2015 5Th10th Horsham Scouts

 The Challenge

Megan Longdon (15) an Explorer Scout with Europa Explorer Scout Unit, Horsham Weald Scout District will be taking on the tough challenge of scaling the three highest peaks of the UK: Ben Nevis 1344m (29th July) Scotland, Scafell Pike 978m (30th July) England, Snowdon 1085m (31st July) Wales,.

The climbs will be completed over 3 days and may have the occasional surprise thrown in. 

Megan will be supported by a team consisting of Julia (15) another member of Europa ESU, and brother Dylan (13) from 5th /10th Horsham Scouts. 

Dad Simon, mum Mandy and sister Holly also from 5th/10th Horsham Weald Scouts plan to join for some of the treks

The Charity

Megan has been selected to attend the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015 as part of the UK contingent fees fund individual costs and help youths from LDC's to attend. In Japan, cross-cultural learning,looking at the environment, development, human rights, health, science and technology. A peace programme culminating in a trip to Hiroshima. Working closely with the local community. It is an extraordinary experience for everyone involved, providing them with something that will stay with them for life, as well as building strong ties with Scouts from other countries.

The Training

If only....... Hikes and cycle rides have been completed to prepare. Box Hill in Surrey was a good place to get used to the gradients. 

How can you help?

The following link to Mountain Warehouse is a Three Peaks Challenge competition to receive votes. The majority voted link will receive £5000 which Megan would put straight in to the Jamboree and give back the money donated by 5/10. It’s easy to vote but we need a few hundred votes to win.

Mountain Warehouse 3 Peaks Challenge - vote for Megan

The link below is to the 5/10 Virgin Just Giving site where Megan has a page for people to donate money for her climbing the Three Peaks.

To sponsor Megan click here 

Surprise visit from Belgian Scouts at Beacon Hill Campsite

On Monday afternoon (14th July 2014) a phone call from a group of Belgian Scouts was made to the Beacon Hill campsite chairman asking if an overnight stay could be arranged at very short notice.
The group were en-route from Bognor Regis to the planned over night stay at Dorking but due to unforeseen circumstances had to arrange alternative accommodation.
The group of 12 Belgian Scouts and Senior Scouts and 2 leaders started their journey in their home of Kortemark, a town 30 Km south of Bruges, have ridden their bicycles to Dunkirk, France and then from Folkestone along the English south coast to Bognor Regis and then inland to Horsham. Their journey continues today (15 July) towards Dover via Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Canterbury, Margate and Deal before returning home.
They all remarked that how much more hilly Kent and Sussex are than their own country!

Despite their long journey the group was in good spirits as they off this morning. They very much enjoyed the overnight stay in the relative comfort of Gummies - they didn't have to pitch their tents and had the luxury of cooking in a proper kitchen for a change.
They were all very impressed with the Horsham Scout Districts campsite (some didn't want to leave as it was so nice) and had enough energy to walk round the site before leaving. They were were on their bikes again by 10 am and were last seen peddling enthusiastically towards Crawley and East Grinstead.

The group's leaders Mathias and Arne expressed their thanks to Horsham Scouts for helping out at such short notice.
The rest of the group are:
Kimberley, Brecht, Astrid, Gregory, Fran, Sofie, Tine, Emma, Delphine, Emmelien, Lore, and Marie.



We hope they enjoyed their visit and very much hope they will want to come back for a longer stay in the future.


It is good to know that we can support our fellow Scouts whenever the need arises. This is just one of the benefits of being part of the Worldwide family of Scouting. 

Horsham Weald Scout District Cross Country Cycle Race

Sunday 29th June saw the “Horsham Weald Scout Cross Country cycle race” return with a bang. Despite the downpours on Saturday while setting the weather improved on the day. There were around 60 participants on the start line coming from all age groups (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers & Adults). All participants and spectators had a great time, supporting and encouraging each other throughout the day. Thanks and congratulations to everyone who took part, but particularly to all the finalists in each age group. A big thank you goes out to the following local businesses who supported the event, giving prizes and their time freely to ensure that it was a great success.

AD Cycles - www.adcycles.net, Tel: 01403258391, Twitter: @ADC_Horsham
The Candy Box, www.candybox.biz, Tel: 01403 254174
Battle Quest Games - info@battlequestgames.co.uk, Tel: 01403242003
Sussex Lighting UK Ltd – www.sussexlighting .co.uk, Tel: 01403241933, Twitter: @sussexlighting
Horsham Bikes – www.horshambikes.co.uk, Tel: 07880806209

Hear what some of those involved had to say;

AD Cycles - scrutineers and sponsors

A parent and participant

A Scout

Parents and participants

Simon - Horsham Bikes  - technical support and sponsor

 

Alan, Sam and the whole team are looking forward to next year’s event already and hope to increase participation at all levels and encouraging healthy competition within Horsham Weald Scout District.

Alan stated “Sam and I have been really thrilled with the take up at this year’s event. We hope the message gets passed around to other Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Leaders and parents to encourage more entries in 2015 and beyond. This was a fantastic Scout family event!” To find out more about joining Scouting and the opportunities it offers to adults and young people go to: Horsham Weald District - http://horshamwealdscouts.org/join.html West Sussex Scouts - http://www.westsussexscouts.org.uk/join-us/volunteer.aspx Scout Association - http://scouts.org.uk/get-involved/

To speak to the District Commissioner call - 0779 267 2443

PGL Adventure Weekend Offer

Here is an opportunity to offer a range of experiences for uniformed groups with qualified activity leaders. Paste the PGL Adventure Weekend in to your browser: www.pgl.co.uk/PGLWeb/Groups/uniformed-groups/adventure/courses/multiactivity.htm

GPS Picture

Ever wondered how good your young people were at route planning? Just exactly how straight a line can they tread? And if they need inspiration, would they be up for the challenge of drawing pictures that can be ‘seen from space’? As part of the 80th birthday celebrations we held for 1st Shipley Scout Group at the weekend, I got groups from all sections to show their creative side and try walking out a picture using nothing more than a GPS running watch (my Garmin 305), a large field and a bit of teamwork. The results were quite cool and can be seen online on. For an idea of what I am talking about without having to go online, here is a screenshot of a tent (mapped out over 0.17 of a mile.

The idea is simple but the results quite stunning. With enough people and perhaps a dot-to-dot effect, I reckon some quite complex shapes could be made, and why not extend it to hikes in general? With a creative mind, sections could devise routes over miles that write out words, recreate the constellations or make a massive fleur de lis? How about getting the West Sussex contingent of the World Scout Jamboree together and creating a ‘WA’?!!* But back to earth – the Group had a fabulous birthday party, the young people (and the once young people revisiting the HQ they have known and loved these last 8 decades) had a lot of fun and we even invested some new Beavers into the group. “WA: a Spirit of Unity” is the theme for the Jamboree. The Kanji Character “和” (WA) embraces many meanings such as unity, harmony, cooperation, friendship and peace. WA also represents Japan and its culture Chris Sturdy Explorer Scout Leader, Paladin DDC, Horsham Weald

1st Roffey Beavers at Beacon Hill

Another great day in the great outdoors.
Check out @Owenduda10's Tweet: https://twitter.com/Owenduda10/status/470232304322105344
Well done Roffey Beaver leaders!