TAMESIDER
News of Scouting in Tameside.
APRIL 2015
Index for the Tamesider of APRIL 2015.
Page 2
Tameside South St George’s Day
Page 2
Membership Cards
Page 3
4th Denton from Farm to Fork
Page 4 – 5
North Tameside St George’s Day
Page 6
Climbing Experience
Page 6
North Tameside Executive Dates
Page 8 – 9
4th Denton visit to Lego Discovery Centre
Page 10
Christmas comes early to Ashton
Page 11
First Response Course
Page 12 – 13 Boarfold Campsite
Page 14
County Update
Page 15
Census Summary
Page 16
Safety Weekend
Page 17
Join in Jamboree
11.2015 tamesider
Tameside South District St George’s Day Service
Tameside South District are
holding an event at St Georges
Church, Dane Bank Denton.
There will be a short service to
include reaffirmation of
promises, on Thursday 23rd
April, 7.30pm followed by
refreshments in St George's
centre
Scouts are requested to wear full uniform bring flags and
weather permitting we will assemble in the car park to parade
into church.
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
Leader’s membership cards will be issued this year with the
April/May issue of the Scouting Magazine. They will show the
current FULL Appointment role.
However, if your current role is pre-Provisional or Provisional,
you will not be issued with a card. When your role has been
established as FULL, you will be issued with a membership
card showing this role, when Compass is up and running.
If you have any questions please contact Gilwell on 0845 300
1818 and ask for membership services. Your local
Appointments Secretary or District Commissioner will not be
able to alter your records as they will not be able to access
Compass.
2
Farm to Fork –
Beavers and Cubs
take the Tesco trail
11 MARCH 2015
On Friday 6th March the 4th Denton
Beavers and Cubs went to TESCO at
Stockport to take part in the Tesco
“Farm to Fork” Trail.
They arrived at the store at 6:30 and
were taken to a conference room where
they were given a hat, a tabard, a
clipboard, a pencil and an activity sheet.
The Beavers then went off to the cheese
department where they tasted several
different types of cheese, then onto the
fruit and veg where the learnt
about BROCCOLI , tasted a
pomegranate, and received a
strawberry each. They then went back to the conference room
for a drink. They then went into the warehouse and were told
what went on there, the all went in the huge fridge and into the
massive freezer.
The last port of call was the bakery where they learnt all about
baking bread. The cub did the reverse of this, visiting
warehouse first then onto the cheese, fruit and veg.
We all met up again in the conference room where everyone
received a goody bag and a special “Farm to Fork” badge.
Thank you very much to David and Carol who ran the evening
you made it very interesting.
3
St. George’s Day Parade – 2015 North Tameside.
This year’s North Tameside’s St George’s Day Parade is taking place
on Sunday 19th April 2015.
All Groups are to meet outside the TSB Bank on Old Street, Ashton
under Lyne at 2.30pm.
The parade will assemble at 2.40pm for a 2.45pm start, for the
parade to Albion Church.
We should get to the church for about 3.00pm.
The service should end approximately at 3.45pm.
Uniform.
Can all Leaders, DC, ADC, GSL etc. etc. please ensure that we are all
wearing the correct uniform.
Those members who are not invested should wear smart clothes,
bearing in mind the following:No jeans, No camouflaged trousers and no boots, encourage shoes.
All group Section Flags are to be carried. No union flags to be carried.
Please ensure the flag brasses are polished bright and sparkly.
This is the one occasion in the year when we all come together to renew our promise and law, let us all work together to make it a
success.
Let us be proud of our young people, our Leaders, our District and
most of all our Scout heritage.
Refreshments will be served in the small hall at the rear of the altar
after the service for anyone who would like to stay behind for a chat.
Please make sure your charges are collected by the parents first
though.
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ORDER OF PARADE 2014.
FLAG PARTY
BAND
COMMISSIONERS
EXPLORER UNIT
3rd ASHTON
413th MANCHESTER
2nd ASHTON
250th MANCHESTER
6th ASHTON
12th ASHTON
2/1st HURST
339th MANCHESTER
Parents and supporters are encouraged to attend the Service at the
Albion Church from 3.00pm.
Parents are asked to collect their children from the Albion Church
from approximately 3.45pm
5
CLIMBING EXPERIENCE - GORTON
Article by Ryan Gough of 1st Dane Bank Scouts
My first experience of wall climbing was at Manchester
Outdoor Centre a few Saturdays ago when I should have
been sailing but Debdale Lake was frozen over. So one
Friday evening, I went to Manchester Climbing Centre with
Scouts and Explorers to try-out the climbing walls inside a
converted Victorian church in Gorton that, in March, will
celebrate its tenth year.
My dad dropped me off at 6:45 and we walked in and up
the stairs. When you get to the top of the stairs, the view is
from half-way up the 21 metre main wall and its only when you get to the balcony that you realise
how high they are.
Once Dad had left, we kitted-up in helmet and harness then we attempted the first wall. The walls
are like fake rock and have a hard, rough, plastic surface that feels sandy because they are
covered in chalk which helps climbers to grip onto them.
Climbing, I found is at first difficult (if you look down!) but its nice to
know that I was tied-on with a line being held by a fellow Scout and
being watched by an instructor. Once we had tackled the first wall
twice, we moved onto the opposite side away from the balcony and
attempted a bigger wall which had less hand-holds on it. It felt quite
tense at the top as you are really high up. At the top, you can see over
to the main climbing area which is where I went for my final climb and
reached the top which felt great. As I neared the top, I saw my Dad
who had come to pick me up. He was at eye-level but I was about 16
metres off the ground which was quite a shock for him and me when
he reached the balcony. Getting the chance to do things like this is
why Scouts is awesome and I hope to be going back again soon.
North Tameside District Executive Meetings.
The dates for the Executive Meetings in 2015 are
Wednesday 20th May @7.30pm
Wednesday 15th July – Probably going to be the AGM
Wednesday 16th September @7.30pm
Wednesday 18th November @7.30pm.
Venue – Curzon Road, Ashton under Lyne. Please try to
ensure each Group in represented at these meetings.
6
North Tameside District Beavers Outing
North Tameside District
Beavers went to the Skate
Station, in Ashton, on Thursday
March 5th.
42 Beavers from 4 groups had a
fabulous time.
Darren from 2/1st Hurst said the
Beavers loved it. Janet, a leader
from 250th Manchester, and Darren, from 2nd 1st joined the
Beavers on wheels!
Alfie from 6th Ashton
Beavers won the limbo
competition, winning a slush
drink and said the night had
been ace!
Thanks to all who helped
during the evening.
Jo ADC Beavers
---------------------------------------------------------------
7
4th Denton Beavers and Cubs are “locked In" all night at
Lego Discovery Centre
The Beavers and Cubs spent the night of Friday 27th March
locked in the Lego Discovery Centre at the Trafford Centre in
Manchester. No they did not get lost when the staff went
home....it was an organised Sleepover!
The Beavers and Cubs arrived at the Lego Discovery Centre at
the Trafford Centre at 6:30pm ( when all the members of the
public were leaving) and all their gear was taken up to the
centre hub while the young people went on a Factory tour and
all made a Lego brick. The laser
quest style ride was then opened
and the Beavers and Cubs had
exclusive use of the ride for 30
minutes, they could not believe
that they could just keep going
round again....they had a
fantastic time.
8
Next on to the main hub where there were numerous activities
for them to do, two more rides, Lego building projects such as
racing cars (then they raced them on a special track), Lego
towers ( they could then create a earthquake to see how strong
their tower was), there was a soft play area with ball pool slides,
ropes etc. The Beavers and Cubs were then treated to a "Master
Class" in Lego construction.
At about 8pm the cinema was opened and we were all treated
to two 4D films. These were excellent even though we did all
get wet (the 4D is 3D plus water, smells, wind, etc).
The Beavers and Cubs were
all ready for some sleep at
around 11pm and soon
settled down in the birthday
room which had been cleared
to act as sleeping quarters.
Everyone and a fabulous time
and they all left the Discovery
Centre at 8am on Saturday morning buzzing with the tales of
their adventure of being "locked in" all night at the Lego
Discovery Centre, Manchester.
9
CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY IN ASHTON
Alan Fish has gained a few more
presents for your groups
Bunting flags
Disposal aprons
6 x waterproof yellow jackets
5 x waterproof yellow anoraks
7 x inflatable beach balls, 3 rings, 6 seagulls
2 x Barrel bottom bbq
1 x Mini golf set
1 x small tent
9 x camp folding chairs
2 oblong and 2 round food insulation containers
10 plastic buckets
8 x plastic bins
Skewer tent pegs
3 x 5 gall water containers
3 x gorilla carrying baskets
1 x large air bed pump
36 bags of grit salt
Phone Alan Fish to arrange
to collect on 0161 339 5901.
10
First Response Training.
A course has been arranged for
the Tameside Quartet of Districts,
at 250th Manchester in Droylsden
on Saturday 13th June. Starting at
9.00am and finishing at 4.00pm.
Contact Ken on 0161 666 0091 to
book a place.
This course is over half full now, so please get your place
booked soon to avoid disappointment.
The cost is £15 each. This includes book and brews.
Please bring your own lunch.
We have a provisional date for one at 1st Dinting HQ over the
weekend of 11/12th July. We are hoping to hold another at Gee
Cross as well.
The next course is planned for early September at 3rd Gee
Cross Headquarters and the final one for 2015 will be in
November at 2nd Stalybridge Headquarters.
Please remember it is your responsibility to check when your
First Response certificate runs out, as we cannot check your
training records at present until Compass is up and running.
11
Boarfold Campsite
As you’ll be aware, the campsite has been closed for a number of
months whilst we not only rectified the various outstanding issues
that had been identified, but also upgraded the facilities including a
brand new kitchen.
We’ve not completed it all, yet, but aim to have done so by MidApril. We will then be having everything inspected by both the Fire
Service & High Peak Council with a view to officially re-opening both
Site & Buildings on the First Bank Holiday weekend in May.
It’s taken a huge effort from the team of guys working up at the site
& a not insignificant investment of cash by the District, but we
believe that it’s been worth it & thanks really must go to Jim, Brian &
Neil for the efforts that they have put in to bring us to this position.
So, how can you help? In three ways…
1.
Actually use the site!
a.
It seems to be something that’s replicated in other Districts
that have their own campsite that they are used less by their “own”
Scouts than by those of other Districts & Counties
b. To encourage use by Tameside South, we have agreed that
groups within the District will receive a 25% discount against the
costs of either camping or using the buildings
c.
In addition, if your Group has never used the site, then for the
2015 Season, if booking for a Saturday/Sunday visit (staying Saturday
evening only) than that will be FREE!! So, you can arrive in the light
so it’s easy to find on your first visit and your camp won’t cost you
anything for camp fees… a no-risk try before you buy!!
2.
Help with working parties at the site
a.
Once the site is open, then any groups providing working
parties whilst they’re there will receive additional discounts…
12
i. If you do a morning or afternoon’s work (with other
Scouting activities for the remainder of the camp) then you’ll receive
a 50% discount from your fees
ii. If you do a full weekend’s work, then your whole camp
fees will be waived
b. The work will be coordinated by the wardening team & will, of
course, have to be done properly to count for the discounts!
3.
Help get the site open
a.
On Saturday 28th March (that’s this Saturday), we’re having a
working party up at the site where we need help with…
i. Painting the newly plastered walls & ceilings (please
bring your own brushes, rollers & old clothes)
ii. Cutting down some overhanging branches to allow Fire
Engine Access (hopefully, it will never be necessary, but “just in
case”)
iii. And other “bits” of jobs
b. So, if you’re available, then please come along & help us from
10am – 4pm (or whenever you’re free). We’re keeping this to
Leaders, Adults & Explorers at the moment, so please let your
Leaders & Exec’s know & Liz, could you chivvy up the Explorers as I’m
sure that this would be able to be counted to some of their Awards
Thanks
Regards
Colin Foster
13
COUNTY UPDATE
Forthcoming County Events
Awards Presentation Evening – Wednesday 22nd April
An evening of celebration to be held at Hyde Town Hall, for those Youth
members who’ve recently gained a Scouting Award, from the Chief
Scouts Gold award upwards.
Sir Peter Fayh, the Chief Constable of Manchester is presenting the
awards. Congratulations to all the award holders.
Full list of those presented with awards will be published in the May
edition of the Tamesider.
Join In Jamboree Day - Saturday 27th June
A fun day for all sections, to be held at Linnet Clough, from 10am -6pm.
The total cost for the day to include unique souvenir badge, all activities
and day visitor fee is £15.00 for Beavers / Cubs / Scouts & Explorers &
£5 for Network /Helpers and Leaders.
Those wishing to camp overnight/weekend should book directly with
Linnet Clough.
Booking forms & further information will be sent out at the end of March.
Anyone wishing to assist with the planning of the day or available to
instruct with site activities, please contact Claire Jarvis.
Please see attached poster for display, hard copies will be distributed
with next County Life.
Any queries please contact; Claire Jarvis – Deputy County
Commissioner: [email protected]
SUMMARY OF CENESUS FOR TAMESIDE DISTRICTS
14
As can be seen from the table below there has been an increase of 50
Youth members across Tameside in general, however we have lost 20
Leaders during the same period.
This could be due to the records of Leaders being updated with the new
system of recording.
We will have to drive in the next year to do a good a job at recruiting
Leaders as we have done for the Youth members.
Summary of Census for Tameside Quartet of Districts
2015
2014
Youth
Adult
Total
Youth
Adult
Total
Diff
Tame
Valley
322
61
383
256
75
331
52
Glossop
346
73
469
416
79
495
-26
North
344
Tameside
84
428
342
76
418
10
Tameside 501
South
117
618
499
125
625
-6
Totals
335
1898
1513
355
1868
30
1563
This is nearly a 2% increase across Tameside. The increase across the
whole of Greater Manchester East was 2.5% giving a total membership
of 7371, of which 5980 are Youth Members.
Units across Greater Manchester East
Beaver Scout Colonies
101 Cub Scout Packs
112
Scout Troops
99
Explorer Scout Units
42
Local Scout Networks
7
Active Support Units
8
Young Leader Units
6
SAFETY WEEKEND
15
We are working with our partners to arrange a water safety day at
Salford Quays on Saturday 9th May 2015.
Partners include: GMP, GMFRS, Salford Council and youth services,
Salford City Leisure, Salford Water Sports, RNLI, Maritime Service,
Media City, NW Police underwater search unit, Navy and Marines, Army,
RAF.
Should be an interesting range of equipment, demonstrations and
activities. Most should be free, (some may collect voluntary donations for
relevant charity.)
We are also hoping to run a friendly football tournament on 8th May at
the Quays approx. 6-8pm for local youth groups to enter, and encourage
the groups to come to the water safety day. Maybe hold the finals on the
9th May as part of the main event. (Very short Matches, small teams in
football cage pitches). Depending on interest may split into categories.
The aims of the day on the 9th May are:
•
To allow the public to engage with the Organisations above.
•
Raise awareness about the dangers of open water.
•
Encourage participation in organised adventurous activities
(Scouts, guides, Cadets, Water sports centre etc.)
I wondered if you would be interested in:
•
Publicising the water safety event to your local units.
•
See if there is any interest from units in taking part in the Football
tournament, with other Youth Groups.
Offer the opportunity for Scouts (particularly Salford/Trafford) to
promote themselves at the event, and encourage young people or adult
volunteers to join.
Please get in touch is you would like more information.
Kind Regards,
Steve Forster, Station Manager Salford Fire Station
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service - 07854 520889
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