Latest News
Forth Region Expedition to Africa 2013
An expedition is planned for Explorer and Network Scouts who will be at least 15 years of age on 1st July 2013. See the Expedition website for fuller details www.forthregionexpedition2013.info
Chief Scout's Visit
Region Activity Day: Sunday 20th May 2012
Plans are being prepared for an Activity Day to be held in the Barrwood for all Sections throughout the Region during which there will be a visit from the Chief Scout, Bear Gryll, on Sunday 20th May 2012. PUT THIS DATE IN YOUR DIARY NOW!
Change of District Commissioner in Falkirk District
October saw Falkirk District change its District Commissioner. Charlie Stevenson has stepped down from the post of DC after 11 years although he has served for 40 years within the Movement. The District is fortunate, however, to retain Charlie's services as he takes up a new role within the District. A resounding BRAVO for Charlie and our thanks and best wishes to him and his wife, Irene who steps down as District Secretary.
The new District Commissioner is Mark Wallace who formerly held the post of Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts). We wish Mark well in his new post.
International
Several events took place over the summer period in which Scouts/Explorers/Leaders from Forth Region participated.
22nd World Scout Jamboree, Sweden, 24 July - 11 August : 23 attendees
Haarlem Jamborette, 29 July -14 August: 37 attendees
Explorer Belt, 29 July - 14 August: 14 attendees
Haarlem Jamborette, 1st Stirlingshire, 30 July - 10 August: 19 attendees
Tall Ships Race, Callum McMeekin, BIO Explorer Unit, Stirling & Trossachs
Kanderstag International Scout Centre, 13th West Lothian, 2 July - 9 July: 15 attendees
Kanderstag International Scout Centre, 62nd Larbert, 26 July - 3 August: 30 attendees
Malawi Expedition, Makwawa Campsite, Nr Zomba - 30th June - 30th July: 7 attendees
Success for 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts
Over the weekend of 24th/25thSeptember the Scottish Scout Regatta was held at The Lochgoilhead Centre. The event was attended by 150 Scouts/Explorers/Network Leaders who took part in a range of water based activities including kayaking, canoeing and sailing races. The weekend saw challenging conditions on the water with winds up to 20 mph and rain for most of the weekend. Everyone involved had a fantastic time and showed a strong Scouting spirit throughout the competition and other activities over the weekend.
The Regatta ran with a wide range of events split into age groups of Scouts, Explorers, Network/Leaders races. Events included in the Regatta race schedule were kayaking, canoeing, single handed sailing and crewed sailing. The winners from 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts are listed below along with the specific event:
Event Winner(s) Name(s)
Explorer Kayaking Ewan Mahoney
Scout Open Canoeing Oliver Reddick, Lewis Machan and
Alistair Laver
Scout Topaz Sailing Alistair Laver
Network Leader Single Handed Sailing Gillian Smith
In addition to the event wins, 1st West Lothian Sea Scouts took the overall 1st Prize.
Our congratulations and a “Very Well Done” to all at the Group.
Recognising International
In August SHQ launched a new International Staged Activity Badge. This award recognises interaction with Scouting abroad. Elements are graded from a simple pen-pal level to major International events and the badge requires participants to tell others about their experience.
Know someone just back from expeditions abroad? Ask them to run a sectional programme item or give a presentation. You may notice their new personal and world perspectives. This encourages both our young people who went and those taking part (who they may see their own future goal).
Why not take part in Jamboree-On-The-Air/Jamboree-On-The-Internet the weekend of October 15/16? A weekend event is being organised by BIO unit in a Stirling scout hall. If individuals or groups from any section want to take part, daytime or staying-over, let them or me know. There are many Global themes and challenges associated with this event that can be also be rewarded elsewhere in the award system. Find the JOTA/JOTI information on-line.
To stay in touch with International items there is now a web page in the SHQ site.
Two International events from SHQ with built-in training are looking for applicants - Hike Scotland 2012 and USA 2013. Hike Scotland is for Explorer Scouts and is based on achieving the West Highland Way, leading group including International guests, with pre- and post- event shared camps and activities and preceded by training that includes achieving Hillwalking Terrain 1 (summer) Leadership status.
USA 2013 is for leader development. It is modelled on the ‘Utah’ trip Forth Region did in 2009 – 3 weeks of multi-centre activities in National Parks and Boy Scout America camps – with parallel expeditions from each Scottish Region. This will be opened to Scouts next year but for now we need applications from Forth Leaders who wish to develop their International horizons. Your team will organise and lead a Forth Region group with SHQ training and support before and during your event.
Colin Robertson, International Adviser, Colinrobertson46@tiscali.co.uk
Tall Ships Race
Report from Callum McMeekin, BIO Explorer Unit, Stirling and Trossachs
This summer I was given the chance to sail as part of the Tall Ships Race and I can honestly say it was an amazing adventure. From an impromptu sea shanty session in a boat shed in Orkney to transversing a whirlpool, Pirates of the Caribbean style, any voyage aboard a tall ship is sure to be packed with laughter and memories that will always bring a smile to your face.
I’ll be honest, at first I was worried that my lack of experience and knowledge would mean I’d lose out but I needn’t have worried at all. The staff onboard as well as my fellow crew mates made even the most mundane task, like learning different knots needed to sail efficiently, into an enjoyable challenge (ever tried tying a round turn and two half hitches whilst being bounced around and drenched every five seconds)!
Even if you have the slightest interest in sailing, the sea or just fancy an adventure then you’ve got to give it a go. Trust me, there is no feeling quite like being at the helm, leaning over at 45 degrees, waves bubbling over your toes and being pushed along by only the wind…… A word of warning though, don’t try to bake a cake when your at 45 degrees!
Malawi Expedition Report
There were 7 participants from Forth Region in Malawi this summer undertaking a variety of tasks designed to support SAM (Scout Association Malawi). In addition the expeditioners were charged with overseeing the completion of the Maize Mill that had been built with funds raised by all sections in Scouting from across Scotland since 2007.
The Campsite at Makwawa was situated near the base of a 3000’ escarpment and provided wonderful views of the plains below. The slope was steep and buildings and campsites were located on terraces created at different levels up the slope. We had 15 tents crammed into one terrace holding 50 people and on the next level up was a further group of Malawi Rovers. The terrace below contained the Thomson Hall that we used as a store room.
Initially the weather was a bit overcast and in fact it rained during our first campfire but after these first few days it brightened up and was sunny and warm for most of the time.
The tasks included the installation of a 2500 litre water tank and associated piped water distribution system, the building of a 3 cubical flush toilet facility, various upgrades to the Commissioner's house, the entrance gates office and an external kitchen.
The camp routine started with the group on base camp getting up at 6.30am to prepare breakfast with everyone else sitting down at 0800hrs. Flag break was 0850 and work commenced at shortly after 0800hrs with breaks at 1000hrs for a drink and at 1230hrs for lunch. By 1400hrs we were back on the job until about 1700hrs when the sun began to sink. It was dark by 1800hrs when evening meal was served. Evenings were spent socially around the campfire or chatting with the Malawian scouts who camped with us.
On Sunday we all walked the couple of miles to Church following our piper, the service was quite long but very interesting with different groups trying to out sing each other. We were invited after the service to what was the first of several football matches, we did not win but made some friends with the local community. On one of the middle weekends we provided a camp for Malawi scouts and part of the programme included us organising a Highland Games in the local school grounds. It was very difficult trying to eat lunch with all of the locals wanting to share our food.
There were two occasions when this routine was changed, the first when we went off to Mvuu Nature Reserve for a night in order that we see some of the wild life. One of the best bits was a proper shower and a real bed for a night, the animals were really good as well.
The second occasion was when we had another night out after climbing up on to the plateau, about the same climb as a Munro (3000‘) but starting at about 3000’. The air was very clear and much fresher at 6000’ and the views were wonderful. Next day we walked back through villages and missions to our camp site ready to start work the next morning.
The expedition lasted 4 weeks and we managed to finish all of our tasks a little earlier than planned leaving sufficient time to spend a night en route back to Lillongwe by the side of Lake Malawi. There was a real hotel, swimming pool and beach, real beds and food that we did not cook ourselves.
The 4 weeks passed very quickly and it seemed no time at all before we were all on a bus driving up the M6 towards home. All tasks were completed, everyone had a brilliant time and felt good about having helped Scouts in Malawi improve the facilities at Makwawa. An experience none of us will forget - ever !!
Kanderstag International Scout Camp
Report from 13th West Lothian
Our group of 5 leaders and 10 scouts flew to Basle and on to Kandersteg by coach. The accommodation was excellent, staying in the Kander Lodge with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The staff were friendly and helpful and provided excellent meals during our stay. There were numerous activities to choose from which gave everyone the opportunity to meet other scouts and have fun, ie pioneering, sports day and the Kander Challenge.
The International evening and the Campfire were thoroughly enjoyed by our group as they could swap things, talk to other scouts and let their hair down.
We did an overnight hike to the Ueschinen Hut, which had stunning views, sharing with two other groups and a herd of cattle! In the morning we were led down the mountain by a herd of goats. What an experience!
We had a swimming session and barbecue in the village with an early rise for a trip to Interlaken. On route to Interlaken we visited the stunning Trummelbach Falls, 10 glacier waterfalls illuminated. In Interlaken we got the opportunity to chill out, do some shopping and enjoy some lovely chocolate, mmmmmm!
Our trip to Oescinensee Lake was awesome. We walked into the village, took the cable car up and everyone went on the toboggan run numerous times, great fun!
From there it was a short walk to the lake and as you get the first glimpse of the lake in its setting, it just blows you away!
An action packed week, early starts, late nights, singing, dancing, laughter and tears - that was just the adults!!!!
All the hard work bag packing, organising and co-ordinating to make the trip possible was a great team effort and so worthwhile.
A scouting experience to remember!!
E-Newsletter
The latest e-newsletter has been distributed to leaders and supporters of the Movement using the information held on My Backpack. If you haven't received your copy please e-mail keith.scott13@btinternet.com
Marquee Hire
26th April 2009
Looking to hire a large marquee?
Dimensions: 50 x 30 ft
Contact details:
Mr R. Weir, 31 Edward Avenue, Stenhousemuir, FK5 4JJ
Tel: 01324 562557
Email: robert.weir@talktalk.net
