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http://www.ermingtonscouts.asn.au
From the Editor
Sandy (Perry) Knox
Ermington … B R A V O O O
Issue 26, 2014
Oct 2014
Term 3 has seen Ermington achieve a
great many accolades.
Inside this issue:
My Time at Cubs
2
Comet Cast
3
Spurway Cubs
4
Campfire Night
6
Venturer Report
7
Adult Teams
8
Committee
9
Congratulations to Ermington Scout
Troop:


Fundraising Report 10
Development
11
Upcoming Events
12
Awards Day
13
Community Fair
14
AJ2016
15
Hall Hire
16
State Rally Success
Dingoes—1st place in GWSR and
6th in the State
Panthers—4th place in GWSR and
46th in the State
Parramatta District Campfire
Competition
Ermington Patrol came 1st—the
last time we won the competition
was back in 1987
Congratulation to the following adults
from Ermington Scout Group who have
been honoured in the 2014 Adult
Recognition Awards:


Peter Barber (Special Service
Award)
Michelle Hose (Special Service
Award)

Michael Majoor (Meritorious
Service Award)
Last term Our Committee submitted a
Community Building Partnership Grant
application for the new pathway and
ramp. It has been some time since we
submitted a grant—the last one was
back in 2011 by Tracey Hansford our
then Group Leader.
In the September school holidays
Ermington Joeys participated in the 1st
GWSR Mob Holiday. Lots of fun for all.
This term the celebrations continue with
our 1st Group Awards Presentation Day
on Sunday 16th November—we hope
you can join us on this important Group
Day—for more information see page 13
of this newsletter.
Group Meeting Days & Times—Term 4
If your actions inspire
others to dream more,
learn more, do more
and become more, you
are a leader.
JOEYS (6-7 yrs)
Monday
6.30—7.30 pm
CUBS (8-11 yrs)
Tuesday (Blaxland)
Thursday (Spurway)
7—8.30 pm
5.00—6.30 pm
SCOUTS (11-15 yrs)
Thursday
7—9 pm
VENTURERS (14-18 yrs)
Wednesday
7.30—9.30pm
- John Quincy Adams
Girls and Boys Welcome
My Time at Cubs by Corelle
My name is Corelle and I will tell you about my time at Cubs. At Cubs I was in 1st Ermington, Blaxland group. The
leaders were Akela, Mao, Mang, Zazu, and Kaa and also by their side was Pirate the Scout helper, with names from
The Jungle Book.
At Cubs there were lots of fun nights like Father's Day and Mother's Day nights. Once for Father's Day, all of the
dads sat on chairs and the Cubs got whipped cream and rubbed it on their dad's cheeks like we were shaving them.
On one Mother's Day night, we had all the mums put on shower caps. With sticky tape and crêpe paper, the Cubs
decorated their mum's shower cap to make them look hideous or lovely.
Lots of games were fun as well. There was a game where about four people would hide with a message like "stinky
bum", "snotty nose", or some silly message and everyone else had to find someone who was hiding with the same
message. But not everything was done in the Scout hall and sometimes there were weekend activities or camps
with other Cub groups. I think the best camp was Cuboree. That was four nights and five days. It was In 2014. There
were mud activities, games and even archery. I can't wait to see what it will be like in Scouts!
Epilogue from Dad:
Corelle joined the Blaxland cubs in September 2011 during a night hike in Vineyard Creek Reserve. Since that time,
she has participated in countless games and activities at the hall and many other extra activites such as fishing,
swimming, canoeing, camps and campfire nights, hikes, fun-days, billy-karting, flying and climbing as well as visits
to places such as the Sydney Maritime Museum and Sydney Wildlife World.
One of my favourite times at the hall was the camp blanket badge sewing night. I don't do any sewing and this is
not an activity I would ordinarily choose to do, but it was a pleasant activity and nice to hear the various conversations around the hall. Unfortunately I only managed to complete one third of a badge in the alloted time (but it
was a fiddly one). Another favourite moment was actually after the Billy Kart Derby day in August 2012. It was most
entertaining hearing Akela and Mao ride down that huge hill in a race but at the time I was too busy looking at a
small camera screen to notice what was actually going on (trying to catch them in a shot). It wasn't until afterwards
when I viewed the pictures on a computer that I could see the expressions on your faces. I'm sorry ladies but at the
moment when I clicked, I think I can see a little bit of exhilaration, but mostly petrification and mortification; at
that point in time, you both must have been thinking that this wasn't a good idea (and that was only half-way down
the hill).
Thank you to all of those volunteer leaders and assistants who contribute their time and provide or support these
extra-curricular activities for our children. In particular I wish to thank Virginia (Akela), Michelle (Mao), Garry
(Mang), Heang (Zazu) and Stuart (Kaa) for all their fun times, leadership and care they have provided to Corelle
during her time with the Cub Scouts. While I was not present every single week, I did first-handedly observe a lot of
the results of your efforts and appreciate all that you have done for the group. Without people like you, the lives of
our children might be a little more dull and boring.
I also wish to give a thank you to Chris (Pirate) for helping Akela, Mao, Mang, Zazu and Kaa. It was good to see a
Scout come to help the leaders but it was even better to see the Cubs accept and follow you like a leader.
With thanks, from Steven.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 2
Akela and Mao racing down the hill at Billy Carty Day—August 2012
Congratulations to Natasha—Gang Show Comet Sullivan Cast
Congratulations to Natasha from Spurway
Pack who performed in Gang Show 2014 as
part of the Comet Cast.
All the Gang Show performers put on a great
show.
For more information on Gang Show
Auditions for 2015—see page 14 of this
newsletter.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 3
Spurway Cub Report by Jacala
Spurway Pack has had an exciting term. We currently have 21 lively and enthusiastic Cubs.
This term we had an art night where we practised our drawing and painting skills. We had a Pyjama night - Jacala
needed an excuse to show off her new hot pink onsie.
We brushed up our compass and navigation skills at Eccles Park.
The Cubs enjoyed their joint Scouts in Action night. It was a good opportunity to practise our new campfire skits.
Four Cubs attended the District Campfire and sleepover at Carlingford Hall.
Stilts gave us a wonderful talk about his work in Antarctica. Who knew penguin poo was so funny?
Congratulations to James Ryan and Bella Star Avery who have completed their Grey Wolf Awards. This takes a lot
of organisation and dedication of both the Cubs and their families. We wish them all the best as they link to the
Scout Troop.
We are focusing on Science and Discovery this term. Our Spurway Christmas Party will be on Thursday 11
December.
Sadly this will be the last report for Spurway Pack. Mowgli is moving on to become a Scout Leader and Jacala is no
longer available due to work commitments. We have both enjoyed our time with Spurway Cubs.
Cubs that are not linking to Scouts can join Blaxland Pack (Tuesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm) or Rydalmere Cubs
(Mondays 6.30pm to 8pm). I would encourage parents to consider becoming an assistant leader at one of these
Packs as the more leaders the lighter the load for everyone.
Ann (Jacala) McCredden
Fun at Cubs
Issue 26, 2014
Page 4
Fun at Cubs
Issue 26, 2014
Page 5
Rydalmere Public School—Family Movie and Fun Night —12 Sep 2014
Thanks to Ann (Jacala) McCredden—CSL of Spurway Pack who ran a Scout promotion at the Rydalmere Public
School Family Movie Night and Fun Night on Friday 12th September.
Jacala had the kids busy with a compass activity and a knotting activity—a great way to promote Scouting. The
more opportunities we have to promote Scouting in the local area the healthier our Group will be.
Family Campfire Night by Perry—13 Sep 2014
On Saturday 13th September Ermington together with Rydalmere and Parramatta joined forces to run the Family
Campfire Night at our hall. As well as inviting existing members and their families we sent notes to local schools
to invite year 1 and 2 children and their families to attend.
Although during the week we had a bit of rain, the skies were clear on the night, and we were able to hold the
campfire night outside and have a real fire. Thanks to Count from Parramatta and Parramatta Scouts for setting
up and maintaining the campfire. Thanks also to Andrew McCredden for chopping wood for the fire.
The night was well attended and we had a range of skits and songs run by Epping Guides. It was great to see all
those budding actors in action.
Thanks to Peter Barber (Magpie) and Virginia Klomp (Akela) for leading the campfire—with support from Ann
McCredden (Jacala), Melissa MacAulay (Rydalmere), Annette Douglass (Parramatta) and Donna Dawson
(Parramatta).
Ermington Venturers ensured that we didn’t go hungry—thanks for running the sausage sizzle for us.
We ended the night with supper in the hall. Thanks to everyone for their support of this event.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 6
Venturer Report by Perry
Term 3
During term 3 we continued to meet with Kellyville Venturer Unit.
Our weekly nights at Kellyville included Venturer Skills Award Night, Iron Gut, Kidnap Night, Tenting, a Mystery
Dinner—organised by Hobbes and run at Ermington Scout hall, and a Soap Swap Night.
Our two remaining Venturers continue to work on the Venturer Award Scheme. Deborah Ewings is working on the
requirements of the Queen’s Scout Award. Now that Rachel Ewings has completed her Queen’s Scout Award, she
is working on the Endeavour Award.
Ermington Venturers have one more fundraising BBQ scheduled for the end of term 4—we have been working
hard to fundraise for AV2015—most of the fees for our Venturers that are participating in this event have been
paid for via fundraising—which is a really good result.
We look forward to hearing about all the fabulous adventures you have in South Australia—
it is guaranteed to be HEAPS GOOD.
Term 4—2014
We wish our two remaining Venturers well for the HSC exams.
We plan on ending the year with lots of fun—term 4 sees our
Venturers participate in Waratah—this is one of the events
that Venturers always look forward to.
Our Unit will be in recess in early 2015—we hope to be able to
offer a great Venturing experience once again at Ermington
after AJ2016 (Jan 2016).
Congratulations to Ermington Venturers who have been presented with the following during term 3.
Activity Area
Tape
Level
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor
VA = Venturer Award Level
QS
Attained By
Rachel Ewings
QS = Queen’s Scout Level
Congratulations to Rachel Ewings who has now completed all the
requirements of the Queen’s Scout Award.
Rachel’s Queen’s Scout Award will be presented at the Group
Awards Presentation Day on Sunday 16th November—we would
love to see as many people from the Group as possible at this
event.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 7
2014—1st Ermington Leaders
Joeys
Leader:
Toby (Croc) O’Hara
Assistant Leader:
Kanlaya (Echidna) Tantisaldchai
Assistant Leader:
Phieleen (Kookaburra) de la
Roche
Leader:
Virginia (Akela) Klomp
Assistant Leader:
Michelle (Mao) Hose
Assistant Leader:
Garry (Mang) Collins
Assistant Leader (Trainee):
Stuart (Kaa) Bragg
Leave of Absence—Term 4:
Heang (Zazu) Cheng
Spurway
Cubs
Leader till end 2014:
Ann (Jacala) McCredden
Assistant Leader till end 2014:
Max (Mowgli) Avery
Scouts
Leader:
Diane (Hazard) Higgins
Assistant Leader:
Grant (Stilts) Hose
Assistant Leader (Trainee):
Tallia (Panda) Joel
Assistant Leader (Trainee):
Peter (Magpie) Barber
Venturers
Leader till end 2014:
Nerida (Hobbes) Ewings
Assistant Leader till end 2014:
Sandy (Perry) Knox
Other
Group Leader:
Mark (Kiwi) Richard
Assistant Group Leader:
Mark (Ghost) Andrews
Assistant Leader (Trainee):
Xavier Calder
Blaxland
Cubs
Assistant Leader:
Josie (Demon Duck) Botto
In 2015 the Group will have one Joey Mob, one Cub Pack and one Scout Troop. Some of our existing Leaders are
resigning, some are taking on other roles at Ermington, or changing Groups. We thank you for all your hours of
service and wish you well in the future.
2014/15—1st Ermington Group Support Committee
President:
Daniel Coughlan
Vice President:
VACANT
Secretary:
Heidi Cleary
Treasurer:
Michael Majoor
Trustee #1:
Michael Majoor
Trustee #2:
James Fisher
Trustee #3:
Andrew McCredden
Quartermaster:
Steve McMaster
BBQ Roster:
Karen Andrews
BBQ Shopping:
Anna van Rooyen
Development:
Sandy Knox
Newsletter:
Sandy Knox
Webmaster:
Bruce Knox
General Committee:
Steven Spagnolo
Hall Bookings:
Michael Majoor
Grant Writer:
VACANT
We still need to fill some vacancies—please help our Group by volunteering to carry out a role.
Contact groupleader@ermingtonscouts.asn.au for more information
Issue 26, 2014
Page 8
Hall/Grounds Improvements
For some time the Group has been planning to install a pathway from the pedestrian entrance gate to the water
tank, and replace the existing ramp. These improvements will address identified trip hazards making our hall a
much safer place for all.
We have been fundraising for sometime and had planned for this to be installed in the September school holidays.
Unfortunately, at the last minute Sydney Water imposed some additional requirements on the project. These
requirements will cost a minimum of $2500. We do not have these extra funds currently available so the project is
temporarily on hold.
In July 2014 the Committee applied for a Community Building Partnership Grant for the cost of the installation of
the path. Successful applicants will be advised in December. If our application is successful we hope to have the
footpath and ramp installed in early 2015.
Group Committee Meetings—Term 4
All Groups need an active Group Support Committee to ensure that the Leaders have all that they need to run the
Scout program. Having the hall, grounds and equipment in good condition helps us to support the Leaders and the
great programs they are running for our children.
If we can have a parent representative from each section attend and help with the work of the Committee, this will
help us in building a strong Group. All parents are welcome to attend Committee meetings and assist with the work
of the Committee.
Committee meetings are now held on the 1st Monday of the month at the Scout hall from 7.45pm.
Committee meetings for term 4 are:
Wednesday 8th October
7.45pm at Scout hall
Monday 3rd November
7.45pm at Scout hall
Monday 1st December
7.45pm at Scout hall
We would love to welcome you to our next meeting.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 9
Fundraising Report
Bunnings BBQs
Bunnings BBQs continue to be an essential fundraiser for
our Group. Funds raised through this activity ensures
that we can cover any major hall maintenance, train
Leaders, purchase equipment, and help defray the costs
of participation at major events—
Joey Woonona, Cuboree, Jamboree and Venture.
This year we have managed to secure some Bunnings BBQs at the new Rydalmere store. This store is much closer
for us, and we are clearing $1000 profit at most BBQs that we have run at Rydalmere Bunnings this year. There is a
lot of competition to get a spot at this store and we are hoping to be able to secure some dates in 2015.
Our last Group Bunnings BBQ that we have been booked in for this year was on Sunday 14th September.
Thanks to the following families that staffed the BBQ at short notice:
Andrews, Barber, Chidambaram, McCredden (Ann & Iain), Ottawa and Khoosakun.
The profit from this BBQ was $1091.80
Thanks to all the families in 2014 that were able to spend some time serving on the BBQ. Without the money from
the BBQs we would need to find an alternative way to raise funds so that we can pay for major hall maintenance,
purchase new equipment for use on camps, and train our 20 strong Leadership team.
We appreciate all the help you have been able to provide in 2014, and look forward to your continued support in
2015.
Fertiliser Drive—24 August 2014
Although orders were down compared to 2013, we still managed to raise a good profit—approx $2000.
Many of our customers are very appreciative of our efforts to run this annual fundraiser. As well as raising money
for the Group, we are providing a great service for older members of the local community.
Thanks to the small band of families that assisted with the deliveries on the day:
Andrews, Ball, Chidambaram, Coughlan, Cottam, Ewings, Knox, Majoor, McCredden (Ann & Iain), Richard and
Winter
Issue 26, 2014
Page 10
Development
Youth
Welcome to the new families that have joined the Group in term 3—Chidambaram and Semler (Joey Section).
Our numbers are steady at the moment—but we need to start promoting Scouting to the local community as much
as we can so that the local community is aware that Ermington Scout Group is a great place to experience all that
Scouting has to offer.
Please feel free to invite your friends along to your section night and show them just how much fun we have. All
our sections have vacancies, we have a good number of Leaders in all the sections, so we are now ready for an
influx of youth members
Leaders
Welcome to our new Trainee Joey Leader—Xavier Calder. Xavier was a Youth Helper at Joeys and enjoyed it so
much he has come back to our Group to serve as a Joey Leader. WOW—4 Joey Leaders for the Mob—that is
fantastic.
As we were unable to find new Leaders for Spurway Pack, term 4 will be the last term that this Pack will be
operating. Akela and her Leader team are looking forward to welcoming you to Tuesday night Cubs in 2015.
Contact groupleader@ermingtonscouts.asn.au for information on other local Packs if you are not able to attend
Cubs on a Tuesday night in 2015.
Thanks to Mowgli and Jacala who have been running Spurway Pack over the last few years.
They make a great team.
Returning in 2015?
We hope that you are enjoying your Scouting and are eager to join us again in 2015.
If you will not be returning in 2015 please let your Section Leader know by the end of November so that we can
ensure that we submit the required paperwork in time so that we can avoid being billed for members that are no
longer at our Group.
Having some advance knowledge of your plans will assist our Section Leaders with the organisation of their
activities, programs and team structures.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 11
Upcoming Events
DATE
SECTION
ACTIVITY
2014
12 Oct
Cubs
Visit to NSW Lancer Barracks
26 Oct
Run by GWSR
Scout Canyon
1-2 Nov
Cubs
Cub Baanya
2 Nov
Joeys
Wentworth Falls
7-9 Nov
Venturers
Waratah
9 Nov
Scouts
District Wide Game
16 Nov
Group
Group Awards Presentation Day
22 Nov
Group
Dundas Community Fair at Yates Ave
23 Nov
Cubs
Parramatta District Out and About Day
23 Nov
Run by GWSR
Scout Top Rope
30 Nov
Joeys
Blaxland Park Scout History Museum
5-7 Dec
Venturers
Hunter and Coastal Region Venture—Monopoly
6 Dec
From 7 years—GWSR
Cumberland Gang Show Audition Day
7 Dec
Run by GWSR
GWS 2014 Water Scoutlympics
13 Dec
Venturers
Bunnings BBQ at Lidcombe
21 Dec
Scouts
Bunnings BBQ at Rydalmere
2—14 Jan
Venturers
AV2015
Feb or Mar
Group
Family Camp
Early March
Scouts
Applications & $825 due for AJ2016
17 May
Joeys
Joey Fun Day
2015
Check out our website for more information on upcoming events.
www.ermingtonscouts.asn.au
Issue 26, 2014
Page 12
Group Awards Presentation Day—Sun 16th November
2.45pm for 3.00pm start
Ermington youth members have recently achieved major section awards—we invite the whole Group (families
welcome) to come and show their support of these talented youth members by supporting our Group Awards Day
on Sunday 16th November.
Members from Cubs, Scouts and Venturers, and a Leader will be honoured at this event.
Please arrive at 2.45pm for a 3.00pm start.
2.45 pm
Arrival time
3.00pm
Opening Parade and Presentations
4.30pm
Afternoon Tea
5.30pm
Finishing Time
After the official presentations we will be holding an afternoon tea. We would appreciate families bringing along a
plate of food to share for afternoon tea.
This will also be a great opportunity to meet other families in the Group—this will also be our end of year Group
get together. We are hoping that by holding the event in November we can encourage family attendance and
avoid adding another event to your very busy December schedules.
For more information contact: info@ermingtonscouts.asn.au
Issue 26, 2014
Page 13
Dundas Community Fair—Sat 22 Nov 2014
11am—3pm at Yates Ave Public School
Come along to the Dundas Community Fair at Yates Ave
Public School—bring your family and friends for a great
Community Day out. There will be various Scout
activities—including the Scout Climbing Wall, Cirque de
Scout workshops and performances, scavenger hunt, and
other traditional Scout activities. Other community
Groups will also be in attendance.
With Yates Ave being one of our feeder schools
Ermington Group is planning on attending and helping out
on the day. We would love some help running some of
the activities.
The Scout Climbing Wall has been booked for
the Dundas Community Fair—
can you reach the top?
For more information contact:
info@ermingtonscouts.asn.au
Gang Show Auditions—Sat 6 Dec 2014
Issue 26, 2014
Page 14
AJ 2016—2—14 Jan 2016—Leap to Adventure
In order to attend AJ2016 as a Scout you must satisfy the following criteria:

Must be a registered Scout section member by the end of 2014.

Have reached Pioneer level in badge work.

Have completed ten (10) nights under canvas as a Scout, at a Scout
camp, with three (3) of those nights being consecutive.

Have approval from your Scout Leader, Regional Commissioner Scouts,
and Contingent Leader.

Have consent from your parents/guardian.

Not have had your 15th birthday before the opening day of Jamboree.
The Jamboree is being held at Cataract Scout Park, near Appin, approximately 80km south west of Sydney.
The cost for youth to attend the Jamboree is $1385. Applications are open now—
www.aj2016.com.au
Families that satisfy the Major Event Fund Policy (see below) will receive partial funding to attend the event. In the
past Major Event Fundraising has covered the last payment for eligible families.
Payments are made via instalments:
$825 is due with your applications early March 2015
$290 is due mid June
$270 is due mid August.
This is a great not to be missed event.
Parents may form a Jamboree Fundraising Sub-Committee to raise extra funds for attendance at Jamboree.
Major Event Fund Policy (Apr 2014)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Essential Leaders required for youth to attend major events are fully paid for.
The Committee maintains the Major Event Fund and apportions money as appropriate. Eligible major event
funding includes, but is not limited to, Joey Mob Holiday, NSW Cuboree, Australian Jamboree and Australian
Venture.
Families that have contributed a minimum of 10 hours assistance to the Group over the last 12 months are
eligible to access the Major Event Fund. Assistance to the Group includes, but is not limited to, leadership
roles, Bunnings BBQs, fertiliser drive, working bees, lawn mowing, and other assistance as determined by the
Committee.
Only fully paid up members may access the Major Event Fund.
Parents may form a fundraising sub-committee to raise extra funds to support attendance at major events.
Issue 26, 2014
Page 15
Hall Hire—1st Ermington Scout Hall
1st Ermington Scout Hall is available for hire.
We welcome kids birthday parties, family gatherings and club meetings. The hall is not available for 18th or 21st
parties. Hall capacity is 50 people.
Facilities
 tables (10)
 chairs (60)
 2 separate toilets, each with own shower
 large kitchen with fridge, freezer, oven, microwave, urn, and lots of bench space
 small deck area with outdoor table setting
 well maintained grounds, fully fenced
 outdoor power points - ideal for jumping castle set up
Additional Hire Fee Costs
We also have a BBQ and a Data Projector that can be hired - available at extra cost - POA.
Your Responsibilities
 you must take away all your own garbage
 wipe down table tops and kitchen benches
 put away any chairs or tables that you have used
 sweep the floor
 any spills need to be mopped up
 please advise of any items that need repair
For enquiries contact hallbookings@ermingtoncouts.asn.au
Issue 26, 2014
Page 16
THE SCOUT PROMISE
1st Ermington Scout Group
On my honour I promise that I will do my best
To do my duty to my God, and to Australia
To help other people and
To live by the Scout Law
1st Ermington Scouts
Cnr Bartlett St and Kissing Point
Rd
Ermington
NSW
PO Box 6
Ermington
NSW 1700
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy
A Scout is loyal
A Scout is helpful
A Scout is friendly
A Scout is cheerful
A Scout is considerate
A Scout is thrifty
A Scout is courageous
A Scout is respectful
A Scout cares for the
environment
Issue 27—Submission Deadline
To ensure inclusion of your report/
article please email to:
newsletter@ermingtonscouts.asn.au
by Friday 19th December 2014
www.ermingtonscouts.asn.au
1st Ermington—Now on Facebook
1st Ermington now has a page on FaceBook.
https://www.facebook.com/ErmingtonScouts
Do you have some great photos of our Ermington youth members
enjoying some fun Scouting events?
Please send any information and photos to:
info@ermingtonscouts.asn.au