woodsmoke - fse

WOODSMOKE
Issue 106
Issue 106
VOL 2/12
VOL 2/12
Federation du Scoutisme Europeen (F.S.E)
EUROPEAN SCOUT FEDERATION
(British Association)
Founder Member of the Confederation of European Scouts
(C.E.S)
The European Scout Federation
(British Association)
The European Scout Federation (FSE) is a Scout organisation for males and females and is composed of
the following sections: Otters, Wolf Cubs, Scouts, Rovers and Rangers. Our organisation keeps to the
traditional methods of scouting that the founder Robert Baden-Powell set out in “SCOUTING for
BOYS”.
We are completely independent of the other British Scouts, (Scout Association, BP Scouts, British Boy
Scouts, Guide Association and other independents). The FSE is not in opposition or rival to the other
Scout Organisations in Great Britain or Europe. It is a medium for those who prefer its methods. The
Patrol system for example is used for its original purposes, to teach leadership, resourcefulness and
obedience. We retain Baden-Powell’s progressive training system of Tenderfoot, Second class and First
class badges.
It is out opinion that the original tests and uniform provide a unique appeal because they do not favour
those youngsters with academic intelligence, sporting skills or plenty of money. The ‘old’ ideas of wood
smoke are not necessarily “old hat”.
OUR SECTIONS:
OTTERS
WOLF CUBS
SCOUTS
ROVERS AND RANGERS
(boys or girls)
(boys or girls)
(boys or girls)
(boys or girls)
5 years to 7 years
7 years to 11 years
11 years to 16 years
16 years with no upper limit
If you would like to know more about the European Scout Federation please go to the FSE Website
www.fse-scouts.eu or write to:
European Scout Federation (British Association)
Registered Office: c/o Nigel Wright Accounting,
Branwell House,
Park Lane,
Keighley
BD21 4QX
Or contact your nearest Province Commissioner:
Central Province – Derbyshire and Lincolnshire
Laura Thompson, Province Commissioner, Tel: 07738981442
East Pennine Province – Yorkshire and Tyneside
Joanna Ward, Province Commissioner, Tel: 01924 525152 or 07833490442
Iceni Province – Cambridgeshire
Hazel Blackley, Province Commissioner, Tel: 07834528900
West Pennine Province – Lancashire and Cumbria
Linda Osgood, Province Commissioner, Tel: 01484 845152 or 07984279984
The FSE (British Association) is a member of the Confederation of European Scouts (CES), for more
information about the CES log on to www.ces-scout.org
2
Issue 106
Summer ’12
VOL. 2/12
CONTENTS PAGE
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Article
Front Page
FSE Introduction and Contacts Page
Contents Page
Photo Page
Rover/Ranger Conference – Delft … New Group!
Cub Wet Camp
How to make a Star Clock
International Rover Moot - Madrid
Want to see something good?
International Rover Moot – Madrid (cont.)
West Pennine Province Football Competition
Rover/Ranger Winter Projects
Jubilee Celebrations
Jubilee Celebrations (cont.)
Buster Bear … Otter Section Report
Central Province Otter Colony …Otters colouring comp.
WPP Cub Blackley Forest Challenge … Wolf Cub Section
Report
Summer canp, Kantankye … Scout Section Report
How to skin a rabbit … Our new website
WPP Scout Blackley Forest Shield Competition
Who said the Mohawks are clowns?
st
nd
1 ./2 . Cambs. summer camp … Yorkshire Rally
Rover/Ranger Section Report – Investing in the future
National Commissioner Notes
Leader Training Department
Look inside your latest Woodsmoke.
Happy 21st. Zippy!
Look inside your latest Woodsmoke
.
The “Woodsmoke” team are always after new articles, art work, photographs, etc. Anything you
Zippy!
have should be sent to Kevin Smith.
There’s no
WOODSMOKE
Contact Details:
49 Marlfield Street
Blackley
Manchester
M9 4BA
Tel: 0161 205 7862
Email1: kayjay.smith@btinternet.com
without FIRE!
Read on, to find out
more ……..
Please send in your articles
no matter how small!
Issue 105 Vol 1/12 is now available on the FSE Website: www.fse-scouts.eu
3
Send in your photos from your Colony, Pack, Troop or Crew Nights, or events you have attended and we’ll print them in the next issue
Woodsmoke Photo Page
4
Rover/Ranger Conference – Delft, The Netherlands.
This year’s Conference was a blast! The Dutch were wonderful hosts and the food, the venue and the
company were all fantastic. We really enjoyed the programme and the opportunity to squeeze in some
cultural visits, and it was amazing to see the beauty of Holland with a dusting of snow. We came home
with so many fond memories.
On Sunday we got down to business for the Conference, during which the HQ Rover Commissioner post
was passed from Tadge (now HQ Commissioner for Scouts) to AJ, who in turn appointed Ada and Louise
as his assistants. We wish them the best in their new roles and look forward to seeing how the Rover
section develops under their watch.
It was interesting to see how the winter projects had been interpreted by all of the crews, and there some
really great entries this year. We were very proud to take home all the trophies!
Sunday afternoon saw us all green with envy, as we visited the Dutch Scout’s Hut...they certainly are
‘prepared’; they have everything in there! Fundraising is soon to commence for a similar facility in
Chesterfield and we hope that the grandchildren of Tadge and Amanda’s unborn child might be able to
see it built!
The Impeesa and Pynot Rover Crew would particularly like to thank the Dutch for their hospitality and
for hosting such a brilliant weekend...we are now all the more excited for Eurojam!
Matthew Roe
___________________________________________________________________________
New Group! - 1st/2nd Gloucestershire
The European Scout Federation is coming to The West Country, with an exciting new Scout group
starting up in Almondsbury, just north of Bristol, this September. The new leaders are already planning a
variety of outdoor activities designed to keep the boys and girls involved active and engaged.
The founding group of leaders, in Almondsbury, have all been involved in Cubs and Scouts before, but
are excited about the opportunity to return to traditional scouting, and wearing traditional-style uniforms,
especially the hats!
Mark Roberts, Adam Bird and Mark Keene - all from Almondsbury - travelled to Chesterfield recently,
to meet Tadge, Jad and Laura, plus Scouts & Rovers from the F.S.E.. They showed us tremendous
hospitality, and then introduced us to the FSE values and uniform, and talked of the pride they had in
their organisation.
The new scout group will meet every Thursday evening, starting on the 6th September. The group’s
name will be the 1st & 2nd Gloucestershire, and our nickname will be YKnot European Scouts. We are
all really excited with the prospect of meeting other FSE members during the friendship camp in Hope,
this September.
GSM, Mark Roberts said, "The FSE promotes keeping the "OUT"in ScOUTing and we also want to
ensure we keep the ACTIVE in ACTIVities for the scouts in our group".
1st/2nd Gloucestershire.
5
Cub Wet Camp - June 2012 - St Ives Cambridge
“Wet” was the operative word - the weeks leading up to the camp had seen the worst rain in June for many years!
The organizers made regular inspections of the site and, on the Thursday night, the decision was made to go ahead
with the camp. The problem was not the cubs going on the water in the lake, but the water in the field!
Friday saw Dan, Suzzy, Teapot, Ann and Karen starting to set up camp - the puddles in the field not our main
problem, but the gale force wind! By evening many tents were set up, and AJ and Hazel came along to help get up
the marquee. When told to “hold on” to the sides of the marquee, that’s just what you had to do! After much
“holding on” for grim death, the marquee was eventually pitched. By 8.30pm all cubs were on site, and, after
supper, retired to bed. The wind continued throughout the night, but the rain had stopped.
Saturday saw a much improved day and “Finding Nemo” teams were ready for the day’s events. There were
four teams who took turns in making a mascot and team flag, playing skittles, spotting where Nemo had been
photographed, and kayaking with Dan and Tim on the lake. The cubs loved the day, with lots of smiling faces when
they had finished their turn on the lake, and, believe it or not, the sun came out and we were in T shirts and shorts
all day!
Tea time came and Brian set up his BBQ stand and, along with Jackie, made us a brilliant tea – everyone
wanting seconds. Later in the evening we had a first at camp; the viewing of a DVD. The marquee became a
multiplex for the night, and we sat to watch the film “Finding Nemo”. The adults seemed more enthralled than the
cubs (never grow up, do we?)
On Sunday the cubs set to doing activities and loved the assault course Brian had built for them. While they
tackled this, the leaders began getting the tents down and packing things away. By lunchtime we were well on
track, and had a picnic dinner before loading up the many cars and minibuses, ready for flag down.
The leaders all worked hard to make this a great event. Thanks to Suzzy and Karen for organizing the weekend,
and to Dan and Tim for giving the cubs a great time on the lake. All the other leaders worked hard, from Jackie and
Jad cooking in the mess tent, to Brian building a wonderful flagpole for the cubs to fly their creations. Ann
Dakin – 6th./15th. Lancs.
This year Cub Wet Camp was, indeed, very wet. The campsite was waterlogged but this didn’t deter Cubs and
Leaders from making their way from Manchester and St Ives, to enjoy canoeing and other activities on what turned
out to be a warm, sunny weekend.
The theme of the weekend was ‘Finding Nemo’ and Cubs were divided into four teams, Peach, Dory, Bruce and
Squirt. Each team had a chance to canoe, play skittles, find their way through a minefield, make a team mascot and
flag and find Nemo’s friends. Teams also had a competition to find the most Nemo’s throughout the weekend and
found them on Leaders shoes, in Leaders hair, in hedges and numerous other places on the field.
Saturday evening everyone enjoyed a Bar-b-que followed by a showing of Disney’s Finding Nemo. Surprisingly
all the Cubs were fast asleep by 23.00 and some even had to be woken up for breakfast. Whatever happened to the
days when the last Cub went to sleep about 03.30 and the first one was up about 04.00! Not that the Leaders are
complaining.
Sunday the sun shone and everyone was
treated to an ice cream while taking part in an obstacle course and starting to strike camp. After lunch, at flag down,
the winning team received a small prize. This year’s winners were Peach,( photographed on the right.)
Looking forward to next year’s! – Karen
6
Astronomer Badge - How to make a Star Clock.
Our daytime concept of time is based on the motion and position of the Sun. But did you realize that you
can use can use the stars to tell time at night? It's easy.
Long before the invention of clocks and watches, stargazers knew that the motion of the stars marked the
passage of time during the night. As the Earth turns on its axis, the stars appear to rise in the east and set
in the west, just as the Sun and Moon do. Looking up in the northern sky, however, the stars do not rise or
set — instead, they seem to slowly turn counter-clockwise around Polaris, the North Star.
A Star Clock combines this nightly pinwheel motion around Polaris with the seasonal position of the two
familiar star patterns — The Plough and the "W" of the constellation Cassiopeia.
Print out the sheet, cut out the parts, and then join them as shown at left using a paper fastener. If desired,
you can glue each circle to construction paper or thin cardboard to add stiffness. That's it.
Once it's dark, go outside and face north, holding the Star Clock so the current month is at the top of the
outer circle. Now turn the black disk until the small picture of the Big Dipper matches the real Big
Dipper's position in the sky. The current time will appear in the cut-out. Note: If daylight-saving
(summer) time is in effect, you'll need to add one hour to the indicated time. You can also use your Star
Clock to determine where the Dippers and Cassiopeia will be in the sky at a specific time, say, 9 p.m.
Make sure the current month is at the top, and then turn the black disk so that the indicated time is 9 p.m.
Also, by turning both disks together (so that the time you've picked stays the same), you'll be able to see
how the Big Dipper appears in the sky at that time throughout the year. It's highest in the sky, perched
directly above Polaris, in early evening during May and June. But during November and December, the
Dipper is down low and may be too near the horizon (or below it) to be seen. So, instead, look for
Cassiopeia's “W” high up. Be sure that you're facing north when using the Star Clock. If you're unsure
where north is, simply note where the Sun sets and then turn to your right — now you're looking north,
more or less
Name the “Lake” & win a prize!
Many of you will have been to the “lake”
in St. Ives, on various “Wet Camps”.
This year is the 10th anniversary of these
camps and, to mark the occasion, we have
decided to name the lake.
This is where you come in!
Send your suggestion for a name to Hazel
by Dec. 16th. The winning name will be
announced next January, with the winner
receiving a mystery prize!
Email: Hazelblackley@hoymail.com
Post: 3 Waveney Rd., St. Ives, PE27
3FN
7
Event:
National Assembly
Event:
Rover/Ranger Conference
Venue:
Kantankye – Skegness
Venue:
Coalbrookdale Youth Hostel
Date:
12th. – 14th. October, 2012
Date:
8th. – 10th. February, 2013
Details:
To be announced
Details: Buccaneer/Tomahawk crews
International Rover Moot – Madrid
Amanda, Linda, Nat and myself, (Louise), flew to Madrid on Thursday 31st May to join in the
International Rover Moot which had been organised by the OJE. We arrived to 32 degree heat, which was
lovely, and we were taken to one of the OJE huts, where we would be staying for the evening. The Italian
Scouts were also staying at the hut (roughly 20 of them!). That evening we met up with Mark, Mandy and
Wouter, the Dutch rovers, to enjoy a nice meal.
The following day we had some free time to look around Madrid, before travelling to camp that evening.
We took a nice stroll through the park in the morning then, in the afternoon, met up with the Italians and
Dutch to visit the Bernabeu football stadium. As we were walking around the perimeter we noticed a
poster advertising Manchester United vs Real Madrid on Sunday 3rd June! Being United fans we were so
excited at the thought we could be watching United play in Madrid at the Bernabeu! As we didn’t know
the plans for the Sunday, we thought we would wait and ask Benancio from the OJE if we would be able
to get tickets. That evening we were picked up by coach and driven to Segovia, where the camp was to be
held. We got the impression (or hadn’t been told!) that we would be camping outdoors but, when we
arrived at an old grand youth hostel, we were pleasantly surprised. It was the same place the CES meeting
had taken place in October 2011. After tea we were split into three teams which we would be in for the
weekend. There was the young team which was mostly Italians, a Spanish girl Anna and me as the team
leader! Mark’s team was the older section with Nat, Amanda, Mandy, Wouter and the Italians. The final
team was the oldies (sorry Linda!) which included Xavier, Linda, Antonio, Christina and Luca. Later that
evening we played a wide game before hitting the sack.
On the Saturday we were set the task of producing a patrol flag ,so that each country had one to take
home. Whilst Linda was being shown the sights of Segovia, Amanda and Nat set up the afternoon
activities. I sat sewing a flag surrounded by Italians, and one Spaniard, who barely spoke English. There
was a certain pop star that became the topic of conversation and brought us all together; Justin Bieber!
Anna, the Spanish girl, was obsessed, and asked if I could understand the lyrics! (They’re in English?!)
The Italians made us a lovely eagle patrol flag. After lunch we were split into teams of four to do some
small activities, like a mini Blackley Forest Shield. We took part in shooting, archery and many other fun
activities, but I’ll not say any more as we want to use some ideas for our moot in September! In the
evening we had a ‘camp fire’ indoors and then we walked into the local village and enjoyed some
refreshments in the public house
8
On the Sunday we attended the local village church service, and
then took part in a town trail. When we came back to the hostel
Benancio told us some amazing news.....he had managed to get
all of us some tickets for the football game!!!! So we headed
back on the coach to the OJE hut in Madrid to get ready for the
football. When we arrived at the stadium Nat, Amanda, Wouter,
myself and David, from the OJE, were seated together so we
headed for our entrance into the ground. As we started to walk
in and we saw the pitch, we were “gob smacked”, as we were sat
8 rows from the corner flag!!!! The match was for charity, and
the teams were made up of old legends such as Sharpe, Cole,
Yorke, Sheringham, Van de Sar, Figo and Zidane! As it was the weekend of the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee, we took masks of the Royal Family and wore them during the game. United were unlucky to
lose, but it was a great match and a brilliant atmosphere!
On the Monday, after a nightmare with the flight, (Ryan Air plane broke down when we got on it and
they left us sitting for an hour in the baking heat!), we headed home having had an amazing weekend and
made lots of new friends. Hopefully we will be seeing some of them over in Manchester in September
when we hold our Rover Moot!
Louise (RSL, Inca Ranger Crew)
Did you know …?
The first recorded women’s
football match in England took
place in March,1895, in Bradford,
and was played between a team
from the North of England and one
from the South.
Important Notice
“Safeguarding Children” training.
For those still needing this, a course will
be held at :Kantankye Campsite
Skegness
on
th
Saturday – October 13 .
from
2.00pm. – 4.00pm.
Watched by a crowd of 10,000, the
Northerners beat the Southerners
by seven goals to one.
The players wore heavy skirts, and
home-made shin pads.
9
West Pennine Province Scout Football
Team
1st Lancs
st
1 Lancs
West Pennine Province Cub Football
5th Lancs
2nd Lancs
6th/15th Lancs
5th Lancs A
Team
Game 1
Game 6
Game 9
Game 3
1st Lancs
Game 4
Game 7
Game 10
2nd Lancs
Game 2
Game 8
5th Lancs
Game 5
15th Lancs
5th Lancs
2nd Lancs
6th/15th
Lancs
5th Lancs A
1st Lancs
2nd Lancs
5th Lancs
15th Lancs
2nd Lancs A
Game 1
Game 6
Game 9
Game 3
Game 4
Game 7
Game 10
Game 2
Game 8
Game 5
2nd Lancs A
1st Lancs
5th Lancs
2nd Lancs
15th Lancs
1st Game
2nd Game
3rd Game
4th Game
3
3
3
3
0
3
3
3
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
5th Lancs
A
0
3
3
0
Total Points
12
9
3
0
6
1st Lancs
2nd Lancs
5th Lancs
15th Lancs
1st Game
2nd Game
3rd Game
4th Game
3
3
3
3
0
0
0
1
0
3
0
3
3
3
3
0
2nd Lancs
A
0
0
0
1
Total Points
12
1
6
9
1
Final
1st Lancashire v 15th Lancashire
Final
1 Lancashire v 5th Lancashire
st
Winners: 5th Lancashire
winners : 1st Lancashire
10
Rover/Ranger Winter Projects, 2011 – 2012
Crew name
National Affairs
(Walk Hadrian’s
wall)
Scout Craft
(Carve a pair of
clogs)
Service (run a reunion
And compile an
address list
Of old Rovers)
Total
Position
Navajo
Impeeza/Pynot
Buccaneer
Inca
Seminole
WhiteRose
Tommahawk
Black Heron
Knights of Ni
49
91*
90
88
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
59
88*
50
80
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
22
87*
85
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
No Entry
130
266
141
253
0
0
0
0
0
4th.
1st.
3rd.
2nd.
-
Winter Projects for September, 2012 – February, 2013
1) Which crew can raise the most money for its Group/charity over the winter
months leading up to the Rover/Ranger Conference in February, 2013?
2) Take part in a joint project with a crew or Rovers from another country.
3) Design and plan out a new proficiency badge for either Otters, Wolf Cubs,
Scouts or Rovers.
There are at least 15 differences between these two pictures. How many can you find?
11
Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
6/15th Lancs. Jubilee BBQ
When members of the church community started asking “what are we doing for the Diamond
Jubilee”, the rovers took it upon themselves to organize an event for the Parish. Invites were sent out
to the Parish community and all uniformed members and their families. People who were unable to
attend gave us donations of both money and food.
We had a hour after the Saturday church service was over, to transform the hall into a Diamond
Jubilee zone as it was too damp to sit outside. With help from parishioners, Jean, Yasmin and Steph.
pinned up the flags made by the Otters, and paper chains made by the Cubs. Rick became master chef
for the night, cooking burgers and sausages by the dozen, leaving Ann, Denise, Jean and Teapot to
cook and serve in the kitchen. – we had over forty people to feed!
During the night one of the Cub/Scout mums did a quiz which was enjoyed by all. Typical of our
youngsters, they spent the night outside playing with hoops and bean bags, and only coming inside to
get food! It was a chance for parents of group members to have a chat, and also for the leaders to meet
them away from meeting nights. We are grateful that our Priest let us use the church hall and also that
funds raised were to go towards the Uniform groups. Special thanks go to Anne and Pete Malone –
Pete was our door man and Anne one of our original leaders - for helping out with everything during
the night.
Ann Dakin
Central Province Jubilee Picnic
On the 30th May 2012 Central Province gathered together to celebrate the Queens diamond jubilee in
the form of a traditional British picnic. For once the weather was on our side as it remained glorious
all through the evening. Children arrived carrying bundles of delicious goods ranging from tuna and
cucumber sandwiches to Union Jack cup cakes and soon the number of hungry faces increased, and
not just the faces of the children! An extremely lengthy table cloth was rolled out to make room for
everyone and then it was time for us all to sit down on the grass and tuck in.
Our Cubs and Otters had made fabulous crowns especially for the event and their bright sparkling
creations added greatly to the party atmosphere. After filling our tummies full of yummy treats and
snacks everyone joined in with a wide game, and “Her Majesty the Queen” arrived to give out sweetie
jewels to everyone once they had finished.
We then all gathered around a wooden stage where Central Province Otter Colony performed a
brilliant song about ‘Little Monkeys’ and most Otters remembered the actions too! The Otters did the
performance as part of their Entertainers Badge and received a massive round of applause and a
BRAVO, for their great performance.
Soon it was time
for the Cubs and Otters to go home but they all left with smiles on their faces and wonderful
memories to keep forever.
The fun continued as Scouts & Rovers joined together for a game of rounders and after a few
controversial decisions they too called it a night.
Ellen P Wilders.
12
Mohawks Light up the Sky
In 1977 was the last Queen's Jubilee Celebrations and yes some of us were around then
and remember it! Myself, another leader and 2 ventures drove to Brecon Beacon on the
England/ Welsh border. We camped out and planned to light the Jubilee Beacons the
following night. The whole area was buzzing and there were thousands of people, families,
teenagers, old folk, dogs and even horses and us. Excitement filled the air leading up to the
count down. Then the moment arrived. It was absolutely brilliant! A big cheer went up, the
beacon lit the sky, we were part of an historic event.
When this year’s events were announced, I thought our group has got to get involved
somehow, just to be part of it. Originally, that week, we were supposed to be camping in the
Lake District but, due to circumstances beyond our control, we changed our campsite to
Bowley in Great Harwood. After lots of searching on the internet and asking about, we found
out that local districts were doing street parties and beacons. The main one was on Pendle
Hill, the home of
the witches. Ideal! So plans were put into place and a route card was drawn up.
After tea, with rain in the air, we set off. A short walk to the base of Pendle Hill, and up the
well worn track to the top. Others were around, but not as many as first expected. Maybe it
was the weather. Once at the top, the men in the bright jackets were there; the Pendle
Mountain Rescue Team was in charge of the event. By this time the numbers had swelled
to a good hundred or so; an array of people. As we had a little time before the lighting, we
set to having our supper. Hot dogs and hot chocolate were on the menu, all cooked using
Trangia stoves. I think we turned a few heads with our fore thought and efficiency. Note to
diary, next time we must sort a Burger Van out. We could have made a fortune!
Eventually the time came for the lighting of the Pendle beacon. For some it was not as
spectacular as they expected, but it was an honour to be there, to be a part of something
special. It was that special that Granada Reports was there, cameras and everything. They
even interviewed Zippy Jr., but unfortunately it wasn't aired, although some footage was
shown on television and a few of our group were spotted on the news! After the beacon was
lit, a local scout group (association) attempted to light what can be best described a large
Bunsen burner, but fair play to them they made the effort.
Back to camp and off to bed, the rain had decided to visit us again. So here’s to next time...
Badger
13
Wolf cubs have the ‘Jungle Book’…. Otters now have the ‘Adventures of Buster
Bear!’
The head quarters department for Otters has now gratefully received permission from the Thornton Burgess
Society to use the ‘Adventures of Buster Bear’ as our inspirational text for the Otters section. This is brilliant
news, and, over the next few months, will filter down to the Otter colonies through games, themed activities
and leader’s names.
In the ‘Adventures of Buster Bear,’ Little Joe Otter learns some important lessons/ morals and becomes friends
with Buster Bear, along with the other inhabitants of the Laughing Brook and Green Forest. The author,
Thornton Burgess (1874 - 1965), wrote many children’s books and even adventure stories about scouting. I am
convinced that, had Lord Baden Powell and Thornton Burgess known each other, they would have been as
great friends as he was with Rudyard Kipling.
The updated Otter handbook now has Buster Bear added with original drawings by Bob Downing. This is a
great step forward for our movement and we hope your Otters enjoy the ‘Adventures of Buster Bear’ as much
as we do.
Yours in Scouting,
Liz Wood
Farmer Brown
Sarah Keating
Reddy Fox
Look at the above image.
How many black, and how many white dots
can you see?
H.Q. Commissioner (Otters) – Update.
In addition to obtaining permission for “The adventures of Buster Bear”, Reddy Fox and I have been busy
updating the Otter handbook, and making slight changes to the Paw and proficiency work. Regular visits are
being made to colonies, and it’s brilliant to see how well they are being run, and numbers continuing to grow.
The main aim for our section is to have a colony in every Group. For this we need your help! We would love to
give you any help you need, so, if you have any questions, give us a call, email, text, catch us at an event, send
us an owl or a message in a bottle! We look forward to hearing from you soon! Your in Scouting, Farmer
Brown (Liz. Wood) … Reddy Fox (Sarah Keating)
14
Central Province Otter Colony
It’s been a busy first year for the Central Province Otter Colony, and its leaders. We started with just
2 Otters and remained that way for a few months, but we have continued to grow, and broke up for the
summer with no fewer than 19 Otters! Along the way we’ve squeezed in the Entertainer’s Badge, the
Collector’s Badge and the Cook’s Badge, but a highlight of this year has been to see those very first
two Otters be invested as Cubs.
We’ve been out and about as well. In March we accompanied St Andrew’s Otter Colony, to meet real
Otters at the Chestnut Centre, and the Colony joined in the Jubilee celebrations along with Cubs,
Scouts and Rovers. In August we spent the day at the Butterfly Farm, though the Otters were more
taken with the Meerkats (and not quite so keen on the meal worms!).
Laura Thompson
Otters – Colour in this picture, and send it in to “Woodsmoke”. The best one will be
published in the next issue.
15
West Pennine Province – Wolf Cub Blackley Forest Challenge
Hello! We are the 15th Lancs. Boy Cub pack and we'd like to tell you about the new Blackley Forest
Cub Challenge competition, which we were lucky enough to win on Sunday. We are a team of 4, and
we have got together to give you our thoughts about the challenge. James's favourite part was when he
fell down and got all muddy playing the water game. Matthew liked it best when they made a picture
of Akela using all found materials - she looked funny made out of grass, leaves and twigs! Lewis's
best game was when they had to pour the river water into a bucket, and they kept on slipping in the
mud! Joshua's favourite part was climbing as high up a tree as we could and singing the National
Anthem! We enjoyed the competition because we liked being outdoors having fun. The Blind trail
game was 'awesome!'. We enjoyed feeling the objects and trying to guess what they were. Kaa was
'sneaky' because he put some of the objects very close to a tree and we missed that one! We were very
proud to think we will get to be the first to put our name on the brand new trophy.
Base 1 Climb a
tree
Base 2 Make a
Picture
Base 3 Collect the
Water
Base 4 Blind Trail
Base 5 Collect as
many..
Base 6 Sheep pen
Total
2nd
Lancs
15
5th
Lancs
12
6th
Lancs
18
15th
Lancs
15
19
18
18
19
12
18
15
15
20
20
20
20
19
18
17
20
20
20
20
20
153*
146.5
153*
153*
* Winner was decided on the comments made about
each Six by the Leaders of each Base.
Wolf Cub Section report.
Just a little update on how things are progressing, following the last Wood smoke. The Leadership Team have
been working on developing the current website and, with that in mind, we have designed the Cub section
webpage, where we have tried to incorporate areas for Cubs and areas for leaders, so they can access
programme and games ideas as requested from some leaders .We are currently looking at the Cub Handbook
and are hoping to have some ideas of changes which we will be circulating for feedback to Cub section leaders
over the next couple of months. I’ve already received some feedback from some leaders, but if you have
anything you would like us to look at, or if you have anything you haven’t already fed back, then please feel
free to contact either of us via phone or email. Following last years success, we are already looking at holding
another Sixer and Second weekend in 2013, and hope to confirm the date at the National Assembly. We are
hoping to hold this event the same weekend every year, so that everyone can put it in their annual calendar,
and we will be working on programme ideas between now and December, based on what was successful last
year .I guess that is all for now but keep up the good work everyone as, we know how much time and energy
you all put into the Cub section, and I hope the weather hasn’t disrupted too many programmes over the last
couple of months as it did ours!
Yours in Scouting, Suzzy & Teapot - H.Q. Commissioner & Assistant H.Q. Commissioner (Wolf
Cubs)
16
Summer Camp, July 2012 – Kantankye
1st/2nd Derbyshire & 3rd/4th Derbyshire spent a week in
glorious sunshine, at Kantankye Campsite, near
Skegness. The week was jam-packed with activities.
We visited a seal sanctuary and played several games
of rounders on the beach…some were even brave
enough to venture into the North Sea! The highlights
for me were the day we spent in Skegness, and my
eventful 25k, which I completed with Ellen and Finley
Wilders. While we were out walking,(and enjoying
the benefits of staying on a campsite with a shower!),
the others took part in a cooking competition, which
was judged by Brenda and Brian. We also went GoKarting and played Crazy Golf, and then, on more
than one occasion, the Leaders decided we were all a
bit too smelly, so we went swimming! We also
squeezed in some book work, which means I am now
one step closer to completing my B-P Award!
Evening meals were always to be looked forward to.
On Sunday we had a full Sunday roast, and we also
enjoyed fajitas, BBQ and, of course, spaghetti
Bolognese…it wouldn’t be camp without a spaghetti
Bolognese! Throughout the week, we were visited by
some older members of the Impeeza/Pynot Rover
Crew, with their children and grandchildren in tow,
some of which are now Otters and Cubs within the
Province, and it was really nice to see three
generations of Scouts standing around the flagpole.
Starting at the top left, enter the castle
and see how long it takes you to find the
correct route to the front gate.
Scout Section Report
Scouts have had a busy time since the last issue of
“Woodsmoke”! Yorkshire Rally, PL training, Wet
Camp & summer camps. How did we fit it all in?
I particularly enjoyed the PL training camp,
bringing together Scouts from different Groups.
The PLs all worked well as patrols, and learned a
lot from it. PL training is being revamped, so watch
this space! It was great to see so many patrols at the
Yorkshire Rally. Attendance for Scouts was high,
and standards much improved. Welcome back
Mohawks!
I’ve had excellent reports from various summer
camps. Sounds like fun was had by all, and most
got lucky with the weather! A good summer camp
is a mixture of training, developing Scouting skills,
embracing local culture, fun activities and
exploring a new area, whilst getting to know those
in your troop better.
Our thoughts now turn to Eurojam 2013. Next
summer we will all be traveling to The
Netherlands, to re-kindle old friendships and,
hopefully, make new ones as well. I hope to see as
many of you there as possible.
Siobhan Elliot
What have the following colours got in
common, and which two terms complete the
right-hand column?
GREEN = Primary
WHITE = Local
YELLOW = Temporary
BROWN = Tourist
BLUE =
BLACK =
Answer on page 21.
Tadge – H.Q. Commissioner (Scouts)
17
Backwoodsman Badge - How to skin a rabbit.
Step 1: Break the skin
Hold the rabbit by the back legs and gather a bunch of skin
around an ankle. Twist this skin until it breaks.
Step 2: Get the skin off
Pull the skin down and off the leg. Repeat the process on
the other leg. Now work from the rabbit's hips to its head.
Step 3: Remove extremities
Use game shears to remove the rabbit's feet and head.
Step 4: Take the guts out
Make a cut along the rabbit's belly through the rib cage and
pelvis. Open the sides of the belly and grasp the windpipe
below the severed neck and pull it out.
Step 5: Butcher the meat
Cut under the shoulder blades for the front legs and
through the hip sockets for the back legs. For the
tenderloins, cut the belly flaps away on both sides. Next, cut
through the spine below the rib cage and above the hips on
the other end.
18
“I suppose they think that’s funny ! “
“I know! … it’s not fur , is it?”
West Pennine Province – Blackley Forest Shield (Scouts), 2012
Over the previous three days, the north of England had been battered by storms. High winds and torrential
downpours had ensured that the fast flowing river Irk was high, under the little metal bridge in the middle of
Blackley forest. However, on the day of the competition, the sun came out and the wind and rain, (apart from a
couple of showers), ceased, just for us!
Five patrols competed in the event – 1st. Lancs. Raven, 2nd. Lancs. Penguin, 5th. Lancs. Falcon and Viper
and 6th./15th. Lancs. Raven. Some interesting “bivis” were constructed, to store uniforms and other belongings
in, as the Scouts, expecting to finish the afternoon “a little damp”, changed into activity “scruffs”.
The adventure/incident course they were to follow was arranged in a circuit, and consisted of eight bases.
Each patrol had fifteen minutes in which to complete a task and then navigate it’s way to the next check-point,
using the map provided. Swampy ground, and a swollen river , created a challenging adventure trail , which
included fire lighting, and crossing the river Irk using “commando” ropeways. Scout training and initiative
were also required to deal with other incidents, such as First Aid, a “blind” trail/Kim’s Game, pioneering,
involving several scout staffs and a candle, climbing a tree with a bucket of water, untangling a human knot and
scaling an “electric” fence.
We are pleased to report that all Scouts finished in one piece, if a little on the soggy side! Congratulations
to the winning patrol – Raven, of the 1st. Lancs. (Mohawk) Troop.
... Bob. Downing.
Fire Lighting
First Aid
Human Knot
Electric Fence
15
17
15
20
20
15
17
18
18
155
1st.
2nd. Lancs. Penguin
12
16.5
18
8
10
17
15
17
6
119.5
5th.
5th. Lancs. Viper
11
18
11
18
16
13
15
16
17
135
2nd.
5th. Lancs. Falcon
14
17.5
14
13
9.5
10
15
17
14
124
3rd.
6th./15th. Lancs. Raven
15
18.5
15
15
4.5
16
16
19
5
124
3rd.
Scores
River Crossing
Bucket Tree Climb
Candle & String
Blindfold Kim's Game
Inspection & bivouac
1st. Lancs Raven
Patrols
19
Who said the Mohawks are clowns?
A big day on our calendar every year for a non scouting event is Prestwich Carnival. Each year we
enter a float, pick a theme and then get to work designing a winning float. Six months ago at one
of our informal meetings, the carnival came up. Usual ideas came in, 'Welcome to the Circus' was
the final choice as it was easy for the children to dress up and easy to decorate the lorry.
The wagon was booked, verbally, and given free of charge for the day. Let's hope we don't have a
repeat of last year where the wagon failed to turn up. With the insurance sorted out, letters and
forms sent out, designs for our circus theme well underway, all that was left to do was to confirm
the lorry. Oh dear, one week to go and we are let down again! Not to worry as there are plenty of
haulage companies in the Manchester area to ring and ask. Between Surdy, Sniffer and myself,
we made 100 phone calls and all drew a blank. Then, when it looked like we might have to go on
foot, a phone call was received. A gentleman who owns a 24ft British Road Service Classic Lorry
was willing to help us (does he realise what he was letting himself and his lovely truck in for!).
The Saturday before was frantic, adding final touches to the costumes, finishing items for the
truck, picking up the sound system and generator and the bails of hay for the children to sit on.
Unfortunately the weather forecast wasn't good but whatever will be, will be.
Sunday, the day of the Carnival, we arrived at 7am to empty the Church hall by 9am, we stood
awaiting the our truck. After we had all stopped admiring the classic truck, we got to work. Sound
system on, stalls, clown car and bunting all in place, it was soon time for a bacon butty to keep our
strength up. By this time the weather was picking up and off we went to put our costumes on.
There was loads of clowns, a lion and and elephant. We headed over to the muster point where
we met our cubs and scouts. What a brilliant sight, more clowns and ringmasters, even another
lion, absolutely brilliant. There was a lot of press attention and lots of photos taken.
Before the parade set off, we were informed that we had got 2 nd place for Best Float on the
Parade. It was a great result and was well worth the effort. Then came the actual parade, loads of
other colourful floats, bands and marching troupes, rose queens and us. Each group gets
collecting buckets to extract as much money from the passing crowds as possible. We managed to
fill a few buckets! There was great turnout from the people of Prestwich.
Once the Parade had finished, the children are collected by their parents and we get stuck into
stripping down the truck and return the equipment and then we settle for a long, cool glass of
homemade lemonade....at least that is what they told me it was!
Roll on next year!
Badger ( a.k.a. Bubbles!)
20
1st./2nd. Cambrideshire summer camp.
1-4 August, Karma Farm, Isleham, near Ely.
Yorkshire Rally – 2012 – Silverwood Campsite
After a quick look round the Eco farm, tents were
Thank you to all who came to the Rally this year,
pitched and, by the time Sirius arrived, the Scouts had
including, for the first time, Otters , on a day visit. The
set up patrol sites, and were ready for lunch. Dinner
weather had been really bad before the event, but we
was served at 21.00, with each patrol catering for a
enjoyed an almost rain-free weekend, apart from the
leader. Burra ate with Hurcules, and Sirius with
last hour! 45 Cubs attended, their programme
Pegasus. Both patrols cooked an excellent spag. Bol.
including a visit to Cannon Hall and Farm. The theme
Thursday saw us making more camp gadgets, and
of the weekend was “The Olympics”, Blue team being
taking a walk to the farmer’s other fields – not only
overall winner. 11Scout patrols attended; the most for
on the other side of the River Lark, but in a different
many years. The standard of camping, cooking and
county. As part of the Warden’s Project, we pulled up
general Scouting skills was very high, but the judges
all the ragwort in one of the fields. On the way back,
think a “brush up” on First Aid is needed by some
we got caught in a thunderstorm. After buying some
Troops! Winners of the Scout trophies were :
local potatoes, we finally got back to camp, to dry off.
First Aid … 5th. Lancashire Falcons
William and Edward cooked the evening meals for
Hike ……… 6th./15th. Lancashire Ravens
their patrols -sausages & mash- and passed part of the
Cooking …. 1st./2nd. Yorkshire Cobras
2nd. Class. Tom, Toby, Billy and Daniel cooked stewed
Steve Earley Memorial Camping Standards …
apples and custard as part of the Cook’s badge. The
………… . . 1st./2nd. Yorkshire Cobras
National Commissioner visited us in the evening.
(The Steve Earley trophy is in memory of a much
Friday, we went paintballing, which was excellent, and,
loved and dedicated Scouter, sadly missed by all.)
in the afternoon, some of our dads arrived, to spend the
Unfortunately, not enough Rover Crews attended to
weekend with us. We cooked chicken curry for them, and
contest the Keith Garner Camping Standards trophy
finally went to bed at 23.30.
but the Rover cooking competition was held, with 4
Saturday morning, the dads joined the patrols for rounders. crews taking part. Trophy winner, for the first time,
After two innings, the scores were equal. After tea and
was the Buccaneer Crew!
biscuits, we had a 3 way contest – dads v the 2 patrols –
Our thanks go to all who attended and helped out in
to light a fire and blow the lid off a coffee tin. The dads
any way, especially the Rovers who assisted with the
won, under the patrol name Scorpio. In the afternoon, one
programmes. Running round woods being chased by
patrol and dads built a swing and the other patrol and dads
Scouts isn’t everyone’s idea of fun!
made a gateway. On Saturday evening, it was the dads
White Rose Rover Crew.
turn to cook dinner – BBQ and fruit pies (with lashings of
custard!)
On Sunday, as a further part of the Warden’s Project, the dads helped to build a bird hide, and the Scouts did
some tracking and roping tests. The tents were almost dry, when the rain came hammering down, so the rest of
the day was spent trying to pack away amongst the mud, puddles and rain showers!
A good time was had by all, and the dads now realise what is involved in a Scout camp. Leaders do more than
just pick up the Scouts, take them to sleep in tents for a few nights, and than take them home!
Just by looking, which is the greater distance … A-B or B-C?
Answer to the quiz on page 17 :-
Now measure them to see if you are right.
They are all the background colours
of standard U.K. road signs.
BLUE = Motorway
BLACK = Heavy Goods Vehicles
21
Rover/Ranger Section Report
As I am sure most of the other Section commissioners are doing at the moment I felt I should put pen
to paper (well finger to keyboard) and write a short piece about what the Rover & Ranger section has
been up to over the last few months, and what we have to look forward to.
As we head out of the summer months, it’s time again for our Rover & Ranger crews to start thinking
about Winter Projects. This year me and one of my Assistants, Louise Rooney, have had a hand, with
Bob Downing, in creating the projects. We have tried to make them as fun as possible, whilst still
assisting in Rovers learning something! (see below!) Ideas are always welcomed for winter projects;
feel free to email them to me anthonygouldthorp@yahoo.co.uk By the time this goes out Rovers will
hopefully be in full swing , enjoying our yearly Moot, organised this year by the Inca Ranger Crew. I
am sure they will do an excellent job and I am looking forward to seeing what they put on! Our next
event is in February and is the Rover Conference, being organised by the Buccaneers and Tomahawks
(Jointly named the Tomaneers). This is set to be a very busy weekend! The dates are the 8th to the 10th
Feb 2013, and it’s to be held at Coalbrookdale youth hostel in Shropshire. More information will
follow! We already have a lot on the agenda for the conference this year along with a new format to
look forward to! Should any Rovers have any points they wish to be raised at conference please come
and speak to me at the moot or drop me an email.
Anthony Gouldthorp – Head Quarters Commissioner ( Rovers/Rangers)
th
Eight 5 . Lancashire Scouts were recently
invested at the same time. It has been many
years since this last happened, and a big
“BRAVO” goes to them all, from their Leaders
and all the rest of the Troop
Investing in the Future …..
It’s a proud and historic moment for Central
Province Otter Colony, as it’s two founder
members are invested into 1st./2nd.
Derbyshire’s Wolf Cub pack.
Back row (L-R) … Bob, Carl, Kevin.
Front Row (L-R) …Ryan, Athar.
Not pictured …Will, Kaya, Tommy, Niall.
22
National Commissioner Notes
Dear All,
It’s been a rather busy few months with lots happening at Headquarters. Here are a few highlights of what’s been
going on.
Website
We are in the process of creating the new FSE Website. The FSE Wiki Pages are a very useful aid for Leaders, but
they are not very child friendly for the Otters, Cubs and Scouts, and they are not very useful in terms of a
marketing/advertising tool. At the Wood Badge Reunion in November 2011, a web map of pages was created;
that is, a list of webpages that we would like. That was the easy bit. The hard bit was then ‘storyboarding’ each of
the new web pages, and the even harder bit is designing and coding the pages. Thanks to some hard work from
the NLC, the storyboarding stage is now complete. What remains is the designing and coding of the pages. This
will require huge efforts from many people, especially Tony Ward who has the job of coding each of the pages. It
will be a very difficult target to meet but we are hoping to go live with the new website at the National Assembly
weekend.
Visits
In mid-July, I had the great pleasure of attending the 1st Cumberland Headquarters to join in with their Sausage
Sizzle. The rain came down in the buckets, so the event was moved indoors. It was a great night, with Otters going
up to Cubs and Cubs going up to Scouts. The evening also saw Barry Brian retiring after 23 years of service, some
poignant words from Iain and Linda, and several gifts, left Barry on the spot to say his final farewells. It was a
wonderful evening for all who attended. In the last week of July, I attended my own Summer Camp with 2nd
Lancashire and the 6th/15th Lancashire, focus of the week was the Backwoodsman Badge. Well done to all those
that passed the badge, and a huge” thank you” to Rick Earley (our very own Ray Mears) for instructing the badge.
I believe the 5th Lancs, 1st/2nd Derbyshire and 7th/8th Cambridgeshire were also on Summer Camp the same week.
Brilliant! In early August I happened to be working in Cambridge at the same time that the 1st Cambridgeshire
Scout Troop was on their Summer Camp, so I called in for the evening. I only spent a few hours with the lads but,
from what I saw, they all seemed to be really enjoying the camp (despite the rain), and it was good to see the
Patrol System in action, well done lads.
New Group – 1st and 2nd South Gloucestershire
On the 31st July 2012, I received a call from Laura Thompson (Central Province Commissioner) saying she had
been contacted by a Mark Roberts who has expressed an interest in setting up a new FSE Group. I called Mark the
day after and we had a long chat. The days following involved many phone calls and lots of emails between Mark,
Laura and myself culminating in a meeting of us all at Tadge & Amanda’s house on 7 th August. Mark was joined at
the meeting by Mark Keene and Adam Bird, the prospective Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster. By this
point, warrant applications were completed, CRB’s provided, “registration as a new group” form signed…..things
were moving very fast! On Friday 10th August 2012 the 1st and 2nd South Gloucestershire officially became a new
FSE Group. I am sure you will all join me in welcoming them and wishing them every success for the future.
That’s it for now. I hope to see all at some point soon,
Yours in Scouting and Friendship,
Jad ,
National Commissioner, FSE (British Association)
23
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