Wanted those interested in skating/performing/musical theatre

            STARLIGHT EXPRESS COMES ROLLING INTO THE POINT IN 2016!

Centrestage Productions Youth Theatre are proud to announce that we will be producing Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical ‘STARLIGHT EXPRESS’.

This project is open to anyone aged 11 – 21.

Skate School – To be confirmed

Skate Auditions – To be confirmed

Vocal Auditions – Sun 15th May 2016

Vocal Rehearsals – Sun 26th June
Sun 3rd, Sun 10th, Sun 17th and Sun 24th July

Production Week – Monday 1st – Saturday 6th August 2016

Venue – The Point

To register interest in this production or to seek further information, please contact Mike Mullen using the details below.

We are also interested in hearing from confident, competent skaters who may be able to bring something different to this production (e.g. stunt work, speed skating etc).

Office – 02380 251037

Mobile - 07724 649797

Email – mikemullen@hotmail.co.uk

ROMSEY DISTRICT SCOUTS CAROL SERVICE

Romsey District Scouts Carol Service will be on Saturday 19th December at the United Reformed Church in Romsey

Starting at 7 pm

Afterwards there will be refreshments in the Town Hall

All are welcome

Beavers Visit Brownsea Island - 10th Maple Colony

At 8 am on 19th September beavers  from across the district met at Romsey Bus station to wait for the coaches to arrive.

We were soon all seated and set off towards Poole where we joined the ferry for the short trip across the harbour to Brownsea Island.   It was a fabulous day and we were lucky to see plenty of the red squirrels that inhabit the island.

We walked along the paths taking in the views across to the Purbeck Hills, watched kayakers and sailors on the water, hugged a tree and stopped for a snack (beavers seem to be always hungry).

We visited the stone placed to mark the first experimental scout camp and then went along the forest track where we had a long jump challenge - Eagle wanted the beavers to see who could jump the farthest before lunch. We have certainly got some athletes amongst us.

 

After meeting up with the rest of the district beavers for lunch we played some games of Frisbee and parachute before heading off to the beach where beavers soon had shoes and socks off for a paddle 

 

Although I got lots of teasing at the start of the day for having bought a shopping trolley I was very glad not to have to carry everything around all day and even Eagle took a turn at pulling it up the hill for me! Thank you.

We got back to the pier just in time for our ferry and arrived back safe and well in Romsey where parents were waiting to meet us. It was a great day out and one that I hope the beavers will remember.

My thanks to the parents that came to help and I hope you enjoyed the day as well.

Julie Foster

 

Cub Box Cart Championship - 3rd Romsey

 3rd Romsey Cubs entered the Supreme Box Cart Championship which is held annual at Goodwood.  The sun shone, the Cubs had fun and a great day was held by all.

 

There were lots of different cub packs taking part and they all had their own design for the kart. In the morning we had our kart inspected to make sure it complied with all the safety rules. We were given tape measure to check the width of the kart, how long the wheel base was and had to explain what it was made out of. There were lots of stewards organising the races and making sure we were safe in the surrounding paddocks of the race course. Each team was made up of three cubs: one to steer and two to push. There were sixteen heats so each cub had a go at either steering or pushing.

We asked the cubs what they thought of the event and they replied:

“Fabulous”

“Great”

“I will definitely recommend this to my friends”

“Exciting”

Next year we will design a faster kart and get lots of practice before the day!  Watch this space!

Scarecrows

North Baddesley Cub Scouts took part in the village's Scarecrow Festival.  Here are pictures of a couple of them.

And this is what happened to them when they returned to the Scout headquarters!

Romsey Show

As usual there was a good Scouting presence at the show including the ever popular Assault Course

Some craft activities including a robe making machine

And of course Bertie Beaver

Many visitors inquiring about Scouting and everyone had a great time!

Summer Camp 2015 - Ashanti Troop 3rd Romsey (PART 2)

Final Thoughts – Scouts Own – for the Scouts, by the Scouts

 

SUMMER CAMP 2015

 

Summer camp was really nice

Useless Scouts annoyed Shona

My summer I had to sacrifice

My friends are on holiday so I would be too

Everybody’s had such fun

Richards’s tomato story made us laugh!

 

Caring Leaders saved us from the fun

Always following footpaths

More food for the greedy and the growing

Patrol meal went down well

 

2 times Sarah shouted

0 trips to A&E!

1 finger dripping with blood

5 irritating but caring Leaders

 

by Toby & James

 

 

We are thankful for Scouting.

We appreciate the hard work from Leaders.

We are grateful for the food and activities.

Sorry for annoying the Leaders.

Thank you for the lovely countryside and the beautiful views.

Thanks for the Leaders putting on Scout Camps every year.

by Anna & Sharnae

 

Kieran had to go home on Thursday night; he entertained our Patrol all week by singing and making up songs.  Our Scouts own is to remind us of him.  He made up this song himself – but we sang it at Scouts own for him!

 

I’m all about the bass, about the bass, about the bass – no salmon

I’m all about the bass, about the bass, about the bass – no salmon

I’m all about the bass, about the bass, about the bass – no salmon

I’m all about the bass, bass, bass.

I think it’s pretty clear, I am a fisherman.

I listen to music with my stupid i-pod.

This song has no musicality

It’s full of abnormality

‘cos I’m all about the bass!

 

Because you know I play the double bass, double bass not the violin.

I play the double bass, double bass not the cello.

I play the double bass, double bass not the harp.

I play thee double bass, double bass, bass, bass, bass.

Yeah it’s pretty clear I’m a string player.

I play in an orchestra with other instruments.

Cause you know because you know I play the double bass, double bass, bass, bass, bass.

 

He knows how to play!

 

by Eagles Patrol

Summer Camp 2015 - Ashanti Troop 3rd Romsey (PART 1)

CAMP DIARY

Saturday – Arrivals

When we first got to the hall we had to get everything we needed out of the loft then packed into the van to drive to site.  Once on site we sat down to eat lunch.  Van emptied, tents & dining shelters up we began to make dinner for our Patrol (Jack, Kathleen, Emily, Kieran & Lily).  We ate chicken Korma for main and banoffie meringue for pudding – YUM!  A quick look around the site then hot chocolate and some cake followed by games.  Now – sleep……..

 

Sunday

When we woke up today we had breakfast!!  Afterwards we did some pioneering; we made a monkey bridge, a camp crawl and a flying flagpole.  We had wraps with chicken & salad for lunch followed by camp doughnuts.  Once we had lunch we finished our pioneering and had a go on the assault course.  Then we had to go and revise our hike route :(  Afterwards we started to prepare dinner – it was tomato and vegetable pasta with apple pie and ice cream, with our special juice.  Then we had a wide game, it was fun; afterwards it was hot chocolate & cake.  Then we went to bed.

 

Monday

In the morning we had eggy bread for breakfast.  Then we had survival skills with axes & saws with Tris, first aid with Ruth and Countryside Code with Rosa.  We had pitta pizzas for lunch – the absolutely loved them!  We made bivvies in the sloping woods; we found it so much fun we wanted to sleep out in them, so we did!  After making bivvies we had stew and potatoes for tea, it was delicious.  After dinner we had a camp fire and sang songs..  Then we had cake & hot chocolate and went to bed.  The bivvies were on a hill so we kept sliding down – it was still fun and we learnt new skills.

 

Tuesday

In the morning after a sliding night in the bivvies we had breakfast then made our packed lunches.  Tony & Steve turned up to let us have a go at shooting.  It was great fun; we used the ordinary rifles and the air rifle.  We shot at targets – then had to try and shoot polo, I managed to clip it so it was edge on!  In the end Steve managed to shoot it – even though it was on its edge!  After lunch we (the older Scouts) were dropped off to start our Expedition Challenge walk – the view from the top of the ridge was stunning, we even saw the gallows!  We managed to get back to site without too much problems.  The younger Scouts went off to Andover to go swimming; they had lots of fun – and definitely more than Sarah who went shopping in Lidl (which was really busy!). We made Patrol dinners – which were very yummy.  Then as if we hadn’t done enough exercise we than had a wide game before hot chocolate & cake – then bed!

 

Wednesday

Packed lunches all round as today was a day of walking.  The older Scouts left site to do the long day of liking and the younger ones reviewed their routes before heading off up the hill with Shona & Rosa.  They all had fun, but I had a lovely time (Sarah) – no Scouts on site, the sun shining – what more could I want!!  So I tidied the site, had a shower, cleaned the bathroom, swept the hall then had half an hour reading my book!  The younger Scouts arrived back on site after setting the map, following their route card, doing bearings and NOT getting lost, so it was time to drive and collect the older Scouts.  Amazingly they had just arrived at the end point and were refuelling with ice-cream!  So back to the site for yummy fajitas followed by butterscotch crunch.  Time for a catch up all together round the campfire before off to the bivvies for a solid night’s sleep.

 

Thursday

After a very good night’s sleep we tucked into pancakes for lunch.  We then had the go-kart & assault course race.  It was difficult pushing the go-kart up-hill!  Steve visited site and did whittling with us, we could make a whistle or a mushroom – this was great fun, we all really enjoyed it. We made toasted sandwiches for lunch then the man from Oxenwood arrived to do archery with us.  We started off with simply using the bow & arrow, when we got used to it we had competitions to pop balloons then we started playing “garchery” which is a cross between golf & archery!  The point of the game is to shoot you arrow at a flag at the other end of the field!  There were competitions for closest to the flag and furthest past the flag.  We had great fun.  In the evening we had a wide game followed by a fun camp fire singing all our favourite songs.  Then off to the bivvie for our last night on site.

 

Friday

Up and packed away our stuff as Sarah cooked us bacon & eggs.  Then we took our bivvie down before 3^rd Romsey Cubs arrived on site, closely followed by arrival of 3^rd Romsey Beavers.  We had flag break then split up for activities, the older Cubs doing whittling and the older Scouts decorating t-shirts.  Packed lunches for everyone, then we went to learn circus skills with Juggling Jake, we tried diablos, devil sticks, tightrope walking, mini bikes, juggling clubs, hat tricks, stilts, unicycles – it was fantastic!  Before he left he gave us all a show – which we performed in and was brilliant!  Then we all sat round the flag for some quiet some at the Group’s Scouts Own.  The whole week was great; we all really enjoyed it – thankin’ you to the Leaders for giving up their time.

Romsey Go-Kart Race

Three Scout teams from 3rd Romsey Scout Group entered this years Carnival Go-Kart Race in Romsey.  Themes were decided and pimping of go-karts undertaken.  With costumes on we suddenly had Sunnyside - Toy Story 3, Festival Fever and Up, Up & Away from the film Up!  Make up for the old man was good - or we have VERY old Scouts these days!

The evening was slightly damp when we arrived at Alma Road car park ready to be judged on the best decorated go-kart prior to the off.  However, this did not dampen our spirits!  The route was memorised, parents sent out to check they went the right way - the route was then changed...... then they were off!

Down the car park and then round the town and back to Alma Road car park.  They all went flying round - not all in the right direction, and not all under total control - but great fun was had by all, and they all made it back in one piece!  Congratualtions to Sunnyside for coming first with Festival Fever close on their heels.  Up, Up & Away won best decorated kart - well done everyone!

Thank you to the carnival committee for putting on the go-kart race – it was great fun and all teams enjoyed taking part!  It was great to have an event for the under-16’s to take part in during the Bed Race evening - we can’t wait to take part again next year!

Sarah Beaman

3rd Romsey Scout Leader - Ashanti Troop

North Baddesley Scouts help to tidy graveyard

Last Monday (29th June) the Scouts helped to tidy up the graveyard at St. John the Baptist Church, North Baddesley.  They cut grass, pulled up stinging nettles, moved compost to a purpose built compost holder and generally improved the area.

Pulling up the stinging nettles!

Of course the most exciting part of the evening was the bonfire!

To close the evening some Scouts were invested by Naomi - well done everyone and thank you Adam for volunteering the Scouts!

3rd Romsey Scout Troop - Murder in Romsey!

The Scouts were sleuths around Romsey on a warm June evening trying to find out who dunnit and with what implement!  For a while they were all missing in action - we may have lost them all!

No matter where we looked - no Scouts.  We went further down the route - still no Scouts.  Had they walked past us, better check - but no-one there!  Then we found the group who left last!  They were following the right track - but no sign of the 3 groups that left earlier in the evening........ the route was deserted!

Finally they all ended up on the correct route, with most of the questions answered and, whether it was luck, judgement or intellect is anyone's guess, they all got it right!

Sarah Beaman

3rd Romsey Scout Leader - Ashanti Troop

3rd Romsey - Awards and many congratulations

 

 

9 June 2015

Making the grade

What a lovely evening!  The Mayor of Test Valley, Mrs Dorothy Baverstock, welcomed Beavers, Cubs & Scouts from Romsey District to a very special ceremony in the Town Hall.  Every youth member who has gained their Chief Scout Award for their section was presented with their certificate by Mrs Baverstock.  It was lovely to see 3rd represented by Jack, Rory, Toby, Lewie & Austin receiving the Beaver Chief Scout's Award Bronze and Scouts Jack, Kathleen & James for their Chief Scout's Award Gold.  It was fantastic to also see Kieran, an Explorer Scout who used to be a Scout at 3rd, gain his Chief Scout's Award Platinum and his Duke of Edinburgh Silver.  Well done to you all!

 12th May 2015

Simply the best!

Congratulations to Joe, Jack, Kathleen, Lara, James & Polly who attended the Hampshire Chief Scout's Gold Award presentation tonight at Thornden School.  It is a huge achievement and they have all worked really hard to get this award.  They have camped, cooked, hiked, tried new things, helped others and grown so much since they started at the Troop!  It was a very proud moment for family, friends (and the Scout Leader) to watch them being presented with their certificates by Jagz Bharth, Deputy UK Youth Commissioner.  And he summed it up - we are very proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves - however, it is the first step in what is hopefully a very long and fun filled journey!

Planting Seeds at Lockerley Beavers

The Beaver Scouts have a small allotment beside their headquarters.    So this evening they planted lots of vegetable seeds

They  also made their own pots out of newspaper, filled them with earth and put flower seeds in. 

By the end of the evening everyone had really dirty hands but it was so much fun and great to be out of doors.

Hampshire CSA Gold Presentation

 

 Congratulations to Joe, Jack, Kathleen, Lara, James & Polly of 3rd Romsey Scouts who attended the Hampshire Chief Scout's Gold Award presentation  at Thornden School. 

 

 

 

It is a huge achievement and they have all worked really hard to gain this award.  They have camped, cooked, hiked, tried new things, helped others and grown so much since they started at the Troop!  It was a very proud moment for family, friends (and the Scout Leader) to watch them being presented with their certificates by Jagz Bharth, Deputy UK Youth Commissioner.  And he summed it up - we are very proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves - however, it is the first step in what is hopefully a very long and fun filled journey!

Sarah Beaman

3rd Romsey Scout Leader - Ashanti Troop

St. George's Day Service - Romsey Abbey

It was great and everyone joined in for a St. George's 'Rap' in Romsey Abbey - led and performed by West Wellow Scout Group

And the District Commissioners (Scouts and Guides)  tested their strength!

Well done everyone!

3rd Romsey - visit by police and their dogs

The other night 4 policemen and women came to Scouts with 3 police dogs.  They assured us that the dogs would not bite!  Then we learnt all about the police equipment and duties – and Shona had to try on the police riot gear!

Abbie was the first dog to see us and she was only 8 months old and in training!  She was very interested in all the Scouts but did not seem at all scared of everyone.

Merlin was the second dog, he has been in service for a while.  He searches for people and things.  We hid keys, a wallet and bolt croppers and he found them all very quickly!  It was great.  He is also trained to stop people running away from the police.  He even chased one of the police men who was “running away”!

Chunky was the last dog we met, he could sniff out drugs.  The police brought drugs that we hid round the hall and Chunky found them all very quickly.

The whole experience was amazing!

by Kathleen & Jack

Scouting bring in new badges

Scouting Association introduces and updates 250 badges to reflect computer skills, new sports like snowboarding and global awareness projects

As closely linked to the Scouts as the woggle and the khaki shorts, badges have long been worn with pride, conscientiously earned and, usually, badly sewn on.
Woodcraft and cooking, orienteering and bird watching have been among the most popular awards in the Scouting movement’s 107-year history. But now the famous badges are to see a change: out go wood-whittling, blacksmithery and other old-school notions of what young people ought to be doing to improve their characters and in come some far more up-to-date ideas covering computer whizzery, disability awareness, understanding global issues, photography and helping out in food banks and othercommunity-based projects.
In all, 250 badges are to be introduced or updated across the six to 18 age range in what the Scouting Association says is its biggest revamp of the movement. The wave of modernisation began two years ago when a new Scout promise was introduced that allows atheists to skip the “God” part of the oath that new members are required to take when they join.
  

A vast range of hobbies and activities are reflected in Scout badges, from horse riding to sailing, coxswain to smallholder, air navigation to parascending. While some have been updated to reflect safety guidelines or science, others, like snowboarding, geocaching and paddle sports, have been brought in to cover new interests and activities that might not have existed a few decades ago.
But outdoor skills remain key, insisted Wayne Bulpitt, the UK’s chief commissioner of the Scouting Association, who said the introduction of the “digital citizen” badge is not a sign that they are encouraging boys and girls to stay indoors on their screens.
“Grit and resilience are the new buzzwords,” he said. “One of the reasons we are growing and succeeding is that there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a traditional craft or something with computers.

“But we don’t want to move away from the tradition of adventure; we also want young people to be aware of disability, for example, to be inclusive, to have skills around teamworking and leadership. Of course, some of the outdoor skills have to be modified,” he said, agreeing that in the past badges that required whittling sticks with sharp hunting knives or carrying other children down stairs to escape fires are unlikely to find favour with most modern parents. Now Scouts will be able to work towards Navigator, Camp Craft and Community Impact badges.”

TV presenter and adventurer Bear Grylls – chief Scout and one of the ultimate advocates of outdoor activities – said the new badges were essential to keeping young people engaged and enthused: “We’re delighted to be launching a new range of badges that guarantee fun and adventure while encouraging Scouts to develop a greater understanding of their local communities within modern society. And the contribution they can make.”
He said scouting had to continue to evolve. “The new badges make sure we are able to keep offering activities that educate and enthuse young people in equal measure.”
Encouraging leadership is also a key issue for the Scouts, which has an ever-growing problem with recruiting enough volunteers to bring some of the 40,000 young people on their waiting lists into the movement. “We’d love to bring Scouting to everyone, as there is so much to be gained in developing skills and in growing in character,” said Bulpitt.
But he admitted there were no plans to sort out one of the key issues that torments parents of boys and girls in the Scouts – sewing on those fiddly little badges. “No plans for an iron-on version yet,” he said. “Sorry.

---

Ship Ahoy - 1st Romsey Cubs

  

There was a pirate themed weekend of fun and frolics at Cricket Camp for the pack this March. It started with exploring the site with an X marks the spot treasure map aiming to find the most valuable coin in the treasure chest. The shipmates had a session in the smugglers cave but alas found no booty. Then there was a spot of crab fishing from the pontoon along the Hamble, successfully catching 12 but all were released back into the river. A Cubs favourite activity was to set up a fire and toasting marshmallows. After capturing the Jolly Roger wide game in the dark there was a pirate themed film. After Scouts Own and inspection on Sunday morning we all had a go at archery. 

 During the weekend we made pirate boats to race, pirate hats, balloon swords and completed a horrible history pirate jigsaw. 

  

 The final event was a chance to walk the plank over the shark invested water and throwing cannonball water bombs. Two Cubs (Jamie King and Harry Blondel) were awarded their Chief Scout Silver Award. Great fun was had by all.

 

Being a Patrol Leader in one easy weekend (3rd Romsey)

A few weeks ago all the patrol leaders and assistant patrol leaders are away to brush up on their leadership skills. The whole camp had to be planed by them, which took weeks of meetings and work (who know camps were so much work to organise?!) They've got a menu, activities, somewhere to stay.  Now let's get going and have some fun!  Here's their reports of the weekend!

We arrived at the hut in Lyndhurst and we put all our bags in one corner. Then tried top make the tallest tower out of jelly babies and spaghetti. It was really tricky and the spaghetti kept breaking. However we managed to make a tower 44cm high. Then we split into groups and one group went with Tom, the other with Darren. With Tom we talked about first aid and what we would do if someone was really hot and really cold and if they had a bad cut. With Darren we did about herding sheep and one person had a whistle and the others were blindfolded and the person with the whistle had to give them commands to get them into the right place.  Now we are making armpit fudge and calzone for lunch. We had to go and buy the food ourselves. - Adam

At first we went to the shop and got everything ready for our lunch. It was using quite a lot of team work in the shop as we were allocated different tasks and we all managed to do so accurately. Then we did first aid and got ready for lunch. We started by making calzone which was good and we had to be extra cautious for Polly who is gluten free. So we had to separate everything but we managed well after a bit of confusion.Then after that we made armpit fudge with hot chocolate powder,cream cheese ,m&ms, margarine and more. After we had lunch with salad and drinks whilst Tom was saying how much he hated salad cream. Overall it was nice and I loved the armpit fudge. - James

The next activity Darren did with us was verbal communication.  We stood back to back and spoke to each other about the task we did earlier, sheep herding.  It was harder than I thought because with everyone talking you couldn't hear your partner.  Tom did CPR with us and he taught us what to do when we come across someone who wasn't breathing and was unconscious.  I think it was a really good activity and a good life lesson. - Imogen

We learnt lots of fencing techniques and how to move with one foot on the floor at all times and you have to shuffle not gallop.  We also learnt how to do a parry and how to start by putting the foil to your nose and then going on guard, you can't wear your helmet when doing that.  At the end you also take your helmet off to shake hands with your opponent. - Lara

Yum - next was dinner!  We had fajitas with salad, rice, chicken and cheese.    For pudding we had Cherry Crunch which was delicious!  We all helped to cook dinner and helped to wash up - but the eating was better than the washing up! - Kathleen

It was really nice to sit down and relax last night after the long day we had. It was time to chat, relax and enjoy our hot chocolate made by Sarah. We all went to bed at 10 after being told that we were to get up at 7.30. The next day we were all up with bed hair and sleepy eyes packing our sleeping bags and pajamas ready for our next activities.We each had cereal and then cooked eggy bread with beans. We then took turns to wash up and clean the kitchen. - Marcus

After breakfast, we cleaned up and then learnt about challenging behavior. This included low-level disruption and not agreeing to the success criteria. After this, we had a quick break and learnt about choking and asthma attacks. Now we can save people who are dying, yay!!! Soon we will be going to the park to have fun! - Jack

At 11:30 we went to the park! We went to the skateboard park and we ran up and down the ramps. There was a zip wire that we went on but it wasn't very fast! Next we went in the children's play park and James got stuck in some tires! Its was really funny! - Polly

After the park we came back to the lodge to get ready to eat our lunch. We had bacon sandwiches, and apple and a Brunch bar after that we had a Patrol Forum where we talked about how we could make the camp better next time. At the end we gathered round the flag and had Flag down, then we left. - Joe

Thanks to Joe for starting the plan, Jack, Kathleen, Polly, Imogen, Lara & James for organising the camp - and also a huge thank you to Darren, Tom, Tris & Sarah for coming along to train!

Canine Partners visit 3rd Romsey

Last week, one of our parents called Jo brought along a very special guest - Indigo. She is an adorable chocolate Labrador who is busy training to be a Canine Partner, to help make life easier for disabled people. Jo told us all about the work of canine partners and showed all the different things that Indigo has been trained to do. She can collect keys, roll over, and sit really quietly while there were lots of distractions from us! We asked lots of questions and got a chance to stroke her. She was really soft.

Thanks to Jo and Canine Partners for coming along.

Sarah Beaman

3rd Romsey Scout Leader - Ashanti Troop

1st Romsey - half term Challenge Camp

The start of the half term saw the keenest youngsters from 1st Romsey out and about, sharpening their mapping and camping skills.
 
The event started with a hike form the Romsey HQ to the campsite in Lockerly largely via the Test Way, up to Mottisfont and then via HAtt farm Lane and the north woods. 

 The tracks in Squab wood proved a bit of a test for our supposedly more experienced map readers who had struck off ahead, and they reached the lunch time rendezvous about half an hour after the rest of the group. The story of the tortoise and the hare comes to mind. Still with the aid of VHF radios and tracking equipment, no one was lost for long. The going was quite muddy and a very intimidating pheasant blocked the path at one point, but once everyone had arrived, tents were pitched and a fire prepared for dinner of curry with rice to be cooked. 

A cooked breakfast in the morning and the camp  essentially divide into two - one group building a mud oven (more about this later) and the other group building a monkey bridge - a good chance to make use of block and tackle and ground anchors. Everyone who wanted to do so had a go on it, including a couple of dads who turned up in plenty of time, though had we been staying longer I think we would have made a more complex one..

Chicken for lunch was fully cooked in the oven, but given the time and rather wet state of the firewood, the decision was taken to cheat a bit and use the oven in the hall to kick start the jacket potatoes and crumble, - all learning  recipes and techniques that were new tricks for many of the scouts. 

Once up and running well the tin plate chimneys on the oven roar reassuringly, like a small jet engine, though fine temperature control is an art.

After lunch it was time to strike camp, and with very welcome parental help to get kit into cars and so forth, however, before we left we had one last extremely important event, as our yougest camper was formally invested before closing camp.

Then homeward to baths and beds.

Many thanks again to those Leaders and parents who made it possible, and of course to all those Scouts who came, and I hope enjoyed it.


Mike P_J (ASL 1st Romsey )

PS If anyone from another group or section fancies borrowing the kit of parts for building the oven to have a go themselves, please contact Mike Page-Jones at First Romsey. (Though a donation of a couple of quid to cover the inevitable deterioration of the steel  would be appreciated .)

Romsey District Founders Day Walk

A walk to celebrate Founders Day, and a pub lunch before the heavy rains came.

Beaver Party

On Saturday 31^st January, the Beavers party took place at Crosfield hall, Romsey. Upon arrival, the Beavers were greeted by some very smiley and enthusiastic Beaver leaders all ready for an afternoon of fun and games.

The event started with some games whilst everyone arrived. Once all were there, the Beavers were led by Sue, District Beaver leader in singing songs with actions. She was helped by Kerrie, 21^st Leader and the young leaders.

The Beavers then were split into teams and played several games lead by Kate, 15^th Leader aided by all other leaders.  All the children enjoyed themselves and even the young leaders joined in.

The Beavers then went on to have food and drink which went down really well, during which Bertie the Beaver, the District Beaver Mascot paid a visit to see what his friends were up to.

After finishing their food, the Beavers were treated to a Marionette puppet show about a missing reindeer and a circus. The children were so engaged with the show we could hear their shouting in the other room. Even the leaders who sat at the back enjoyed it.

During the afternoon the Mayors of Romsey and Test Valley came to see what the beavers were doing. Both really enjoyed their time with the Beavers.

As part of the event, the Beavers were asked to bring along some food items which they did in large amounts. This was part of their community badge and was for the local food bank.

I would like to thank all the leaders who helped at the event running games, making the drinks and getting the food ready as well as helping to tidy up at the end and load all the food into my car. 

Tony Moles
ADC Beaver Scouts