Scouts and Guides

Milestone for Boronia Troop

1st Boronia Park Scout Troop invested their first female Scouts on July 29. Claire and Jess are the first female youth members in 1st Boronia’s 79 year history which is a milestone for the Group. A

lso invested was Claire’s brother Alex. The investiture was attended by Randall Jones (Sydney North Region Scout Commissioner), Paul McIntyre (Moocooboolah District Commissioner), George Simpson (Moocooboolah District Scout Leader) and Carl Spinks (1st Boronia Group Leader). Claire and Jess demonstrated their eagerness to be 1st Boronia Scouts by climbing a rope and log ladder constructed by the Scouts, with some touching the Scout Hall roof. 1st Boronia Scouts meets at 7.15pm on Thursday nights in their Hall at 21C Farnell Street Hunters Hill (near Boronia Park Public School). Scouting is for boys and girls aged 10 to 15 years. Cubs is for boys and girls aged 8 to 10 years. Contact Phil Davidson on 9817 1972.

1A Eastwood Guides are yet again providing service to the community. They attended the 40th annual City to Surf Race last Sunday to collect the clothing discarded by the runners and bagged it for the Smith Family, which sends it to poorer nations or for industrial use. The Guides worked very hard and had lots of fun. They were joined by Epping Guides.

1A Eastwood Girl Guides collected all of their “treasures” and sold them recently at Ermington Public School Car Boot Sale. They raised $145 which they will donate to Breast Cancer Research.

Grey Wolf award for cub scout Kyle

Kyle Jenkins of Epping has become the second Cub Scout at 1st Roselea Group to achieve the highest level award for a Cub - the Grey Wolf.

In recognition of this achievement, Kyle was presented with the Grey Wolf Award certificate, badge and scarf woggle by the Sydney North Regional Commissioner for Cub Scouts Maureen Twin.

The ceremony was attended by ten Joey, Cub and Scout Leaders as well as most of the 28-strong 1st Roselea Cub Pack.

Kyle spent two and a half years in Cubs enthusiastically completing scouting badge-work to achieve the bronze, silver and gold boomerangs along with a large collection of separate achievement badges on music, environment, outdoor, community service and general interest themes.

Additional challenges Kyle undertook for the Grey Wolf included assisting in Pack Leadership as a Sixer and planning and leading a hike with five other Cubs and a Leader.

As his last task, Kyle spent a few months making and decorating five fantastic paper mache face masks of the key characters from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book stories and developed a skit based on the first two stories.

After playing out the skit for the Pack with some other cubs, Kyle presented the masks to his fellow Cubs as a resource for the Pack to keep.

To apply to join 1st Roselea Scout Group as a Youth Member or Leader, contact Group Leader Peter McBurney on 9868 6065.

There are currently vacancies in the Joey Mob (6-7 years) and Scout Troop (11-14 years). Both girls and boys can join. The Cub Pack (8-10 years) has a waiting list.
Both women and men are welcome to apply to become part of 1st Roselea’s strong Leadership Team.

PICTURED: Sydney North Regional Commissioner for Cub Scouts Maureen Twin with Grey Wolf recipient Kyle Jenkins of 1st Roselea Scouts.

Gang Show for Putney Scouts

Cumberland Gang Show came to 1st Putney Scout Hall recently and put the cubs from 1st Putney and 1st Hunters Hill through the Gang Show paces. The cubs had a terrific night playing games, performing skits and generally having fun and finding out what goes into putting the Gang Show together. This year is the 41st Cumberland Gang Show and performances run from July 9 to July 17 at the Riverside Theatre, Parramatta. For bookings phone 8839-3399.

Ryde Scouts cubs joined in the fun recently at the Sydney North Region Cub Fun Day. The day was full of fun activities and games including milk crate stack-ing; pillow fighting while balancing on a slippery pole; giant noughts and crosses; giant parachute fun; trying to catch (lolly) snakes while blindfolded then eating any caught; giant beach ball fun and decorating yummy biscuits. For more information about Ryde Scouts check the website: www.rydescouts.org or contact Elizabeth 9802 7750.

Rovers have a blast at Mudbash

Epping and Brush Park Rovers along with their Car ‘Black Betty’ have returned from a road trip to compete in the annual Rover Motorsports event held in Yea, Victoria.

Mudbash is an annual Rover Motorsports event run in Victoria each year on a 130 hectare property called Mafeking Rover Park. Events run from sunrise to well into the night right across the property. With time trials, 4WD events, an obstacle course and even car vs car tug-of-war in the main arena there is something for everyone.

Black Betty and her Crew from Brush Park were successful, placing in many of the events over the weekend. Matt Rath, one of the drivers of Black Betty said: “Mudbash yet again didn’t disappoint, with the rain holding off for some awesome fun on the rally tracks. Minor technical problems didn’t hold us back. The car came home running and in one piece for the first time in three years so it definitely was a success. Close to 100 Rovers from NSW made the journey across the border with 5 from Epping and 4 from Brush Park. We even had time to stop along the way.

Visiting the submarine HMAS Otway in the historic town of Holbrook. We also enjoyed the ‘serenity’ at Bonne Doon, a small town in Victoria made famous by the movie The Castle. Rovers are Scouts aged 18-26 who enjoy activities like motor-sports, abseiling, cannoning, caving, four wheel driving, camping, sailing, skiing and more. They are always looking for more members. If you’re interested check website: www.eppingrovers.com

Junior BP Guides Award

West Ryde Junior Guides had a wonderful evening recently when they held a ceremony to present one of their Guides with the Junior BP award.

Hashya Weerakkody was presented with the badge after her leader spoke of the 12 different clauses she had done to achieve this award.

She spoke of her Guiding experiences and love for guiding and thanked her leaders and fellow sister Guides for their positive attitude and help with her achieving everything she has done in

Guiding.
Hashya is pictured cutting the cake with the guides looking on. In the back row from left is Leader Margo Hebbard, District Leader Louise Spencer, Region Treasurer Liz Moran, North Ryde Guide Leader Loretta Garling, Junior Leader Claire Moody and Leader Krish Perera.

Guides’ Centenary Campfire

Centenary Campfire for Girl Guides in the area was held recently at Marsfield.

In Ryde over 170 Guides and families were there to share the excitement of a campfire.

Campfires have been important to Guiding for 100 years. Girls and their families came from Eastwood, Gladesville, North Epping, West Epping, North Ryde and West Ryde districts and West Epping Trefoil Guild.

It is at a campfire that the true Spirit of Guiding can be experienced. They have a special tradition in Guiding which enables them to share the wonderful memories from one campfire to another.

Ashes are taken from a campfire and sprinkled onto the flames of the next campfire.

Anne Moore, Brownie Leader at North Epping, brought ashes from a campfire held 25 years ago to continue on the tradition.

The evening began with barbecue food and hot chocolate.

Before the campfire the Guides made their own miniature campfire to take away as a memento of the occasion.

They shared the fire with Alice, a French Girl Guide who is staying with the Garcia family in Ryde as an exchange student. Also they had a Guiding family from Zimbabwe who have moved to Australia and the daughter Kathy is starting at Eastwood Guides.

Very special Guiding guests were Olive Jardine who was a Guide at Gladesville in 1932; Eve Trevitt, a Brownie Leader from 1978 to 1987 at Ryde; Iris Ayrton, a District Leader at Gladesville over 30 years ago and Shirley Brown, a Brownie Leader at East Ryde over 25 years ago.

The photo shows the camp blankets of Trefoil Guild member Jane Darby who ran the singing at the campfire; Anne Moore, and Rachel Anderson, Guide Leader at North Ryde. These blankets show badges gained and collected when these women were Brownies and Guides and show events they have been to and badges they have swapped with their “Sisters from around the World “ in Guiding. Anne is holding the ashes from a previous campfire.

Girl Guides Ceremony

Four girls from Eastwood Girl Guides - Jordan, Mashal, Claire and Paige- made their girl guide promises at a recent special ceremony. They are pictured with their leader Sue.

Scout Leader Honoured

Chief Commissioner of ACT Scouts Neville Tomkins has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. He is pictured left hosting last week’s ACT Scouts Benefit Dinner in Canberra which raised $80,000 for the rebuilding of Stromlo Forest Scout Group’s hall which was destroyed in devastating Canberra bushfires in 2003. Commissioner Tomkins has helped raise $4.2 million in recent years to rebuild Camp Cottermouth which was also destroyed in the 2003 fires. Neville Tomkins retires as Commissioner at the end of the month to take on the role of Australian International Commissioner.

Also pictured above the US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich with his wife Rebecca and Scout son Jake, Mrs Jenny Tomkins, Australian Chief Commissioner Reg Williams, John O’Neill OAM and Mrs Beverley Fenby. PICTURED LEFT: Rover Scout Katie Tomkins greets Slovak Ambassador Eva Ponomarenkova and presents her with an Australian centenary scarf. PICTURED BELOW: ACT Government presented a cheque for $5,000 for the appeal. Mary Porter AM represented the Chief Minister also pictured with Neville Tomkins are Stromlo Forest Scout Group Leader Maryanne Rhind and Group President Wendy Freeman.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.

Chain of Campfires For Centenary of Girl Guiding

Girl Guides around Australia will conduct a Chain of Campfires this Saturday June 19 from 5.15pm.

TWT Territory local campfire will be at Eastwood-Marsfield Scout Hall grounds in Argincourt Road Marsfield.

Campfire will be led by songwriter Jane Derby with her guitar, the composer of “Sisters in Guiding”.

All former Girl Guides and leaders as well as today’s Guides and leaders are invited. BBQ dinner is at 6pm with hot chocolate, tea, coffee, badge and activities at a cost of just $5.
Inquiries and bookings Margo Hebbard 0417 657 433. Please register to attend.

Cumberland Gang Show

Five TWT readers can win double passes to the 41st Cumberland Gang Show to be presented at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from Friday July 9 to Saturday July 17.

It’s a revue style show, which means every couple of minutes the scene changes and something new appears - great music, side-aching comedy and spectacular dancing.

Like the Schools’ Specta-cular, it has a huge cast of kids and adults - 144 of them all Scouts or Guides, performing for two hours in a live theatre with live music.

Now add some comedy to the mix and you’ve got a Cumberland Gang Show which is always a huge buzz to watch!

Join in the party as they throw in a few magnificent ingredients: Enjoy a visit from some Vikings, create Christmas in July, add a touch of Australiana and throw in a big bunch of animals too!
They take some time to celebrate 100 years of Guiding but the battle of the ages is sure to be the showstopper.

If the Candyman Swing starts your feet tapping, then the Michael Jackson tribute is sure to leave you dancing in the aisles!

Book now for the early bird rates from $22.50 to $25.50 for adults and from $13.50 to $16.50 for children and pensioners.

There is also a 20% discount for groups of 20 or more and a family priced ticket, provided you book before June 18.

You can book by contacting Lyall Wood 9636 2731 or on the web at www.gangshow.asn.au
After June 18 you can still obtain tickets through Riverside Theatres 8839 3399.
An Opening Night Gala performance will be held Friday July 9 at 7.30pm with a fabulous lucky seat prize.

There are also matinee shows on both Saturdays but book early to get the best seats.
TO WIN write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to: TWT Cumberland Gang Show, PO Box 123, Ryde 1680.

Entries close 9am Monday June 28 and winners published June 30.

Special Birthday celebration at RTS Tingira
for Margaret

Guiding friends of Margaret Barton are invited to help her celebrate her 90th birthday at Tingira the Girl Guides water activities centre on France Bay at Dorking Road Cabarita on Saturday June 26 from 4pm to 8pm.

This celebration is being organised by her Guiding friends and West Epping Trefoil Guild members.

West Epping Trefoil Guild president Sue Hart says Margaret is recognised and fondly remembered as the person who “found” the boatshed we now call RTS Tingira on Canada Bay.

“Please spread the word and drop by for as long as you are able for refreshments and reminiscences with Margaret as she reaches this magnificent milestone”, Sue says.

To help with catering please advise Kath Follers on 9987 4111 or kfollers@optusnet.com.au RSVP by June 21.

MARGARET BARTON is pictured seated centre on the deck at RTS Tingira at a recent gathering of West Epping Trefoil Guild members and Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds members. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO

Chain of Campfires For Centenary of Girl Guiding

Gordon West and Doris Carrall were invested into the St George’s Guild of Sydney in the Guildhall at historic “Addington” at Ryde last week. They are pictured with Heralds Margaret Blair and Neita Matthews OAM with Guildmaster John F Booth AM, Chancellor Howard Blair and Treasurer Ulrike Eichmeyer. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Girl Guides around Australia will conduct a Chain of Campfires on Saturday June 19 from 5.15pm.

TWT Territory local campfire will be at Eastwood-Marsfield Scout Hall grounds in Argincourt Road Marsfield.

Campfire will be led by songwriter Jane Derby with her guitar, the composer of “Sisters in Guiding”.

Hornsby Gang Show

Five TWT readers can win double passes to Hornsby Gang Show’s upcoming musical extravaganza “Welcome to the House of Fun” next month at Asquith Boys High School.

This year, the Hornsby Gang Show brings you a season of eight high energy performances from Friday July 2 to Saturday July 10.

A cast of 100 Scouts and Guides of all ages from Sydney North Region will take you into outer space (watch out for the aliens); get down and dirty in a coal mine; join in a whacky circus; explore The Unknown and hit the streets with dance spectaculars.

With lots of colour and contemporary music to get everyone rocking plus plenty of comedy, amazing singing and dancing, the smiling faces of the Scouts and Guides will bring you great family entertainment.

Opening night is Friday July 2 at 8pm - a great way to end the school term. Other evening performances (all starting at 8pm) are Saturday July 3, Monday July 5, Wednesday July 7 and Friday July 9 with a Grand Finale performance on Saturday July 10.

Two Saturday matinee shows will be held on July 3 and July 10 - both starting at 2pm - so the littlest family members can enjoy the fun. Tickets $20 adults; $15 concession or $10 children under 16 years. Check the website www.gangshow.com for booking forms or phone Lynne 9427 6538.

TO WIN write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and send to: TWT Hornsby Gang Show, PO Box 123, Ryde 1680. Entries close 9am Monday June 21 and winners published June 23.

Guides celebrate 100 Down Under!

City of Ryde Young Volunteer of the Year 2010 Alice Fielding-Smith played Lady Olave Baden-Powell while Lucy Reid-Alvarez portrayed Agnes Baden-Powell at Sunday’s 100 Down Under at Boronia Park Oval. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Northern Sydney region Guides celebrated 100 Down Under last Sunday in the rain at Boronia Park Oval Hunters Hill.

Guides around the country held fun events as a part of this year’s 100 years of Guiding in Australia.

Nearly 1000 Guides, leaders and supporters enjoyed the activity despite the overcast weather conditions.

Event was officially opened by State Guide Commissioner Belinda Allen and there were special “guest appearances” of Lord Robert Baden-Powell founder of Scouting and Guiding and his sister Agnes Baden-Powell and his wife Lady Olave Baden-Powell, see picture right.

2010 has been declared a special Year of the Girl Guide by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd similar to 2008 which was The Year of the Australian Scout pronounced by previous prime minister John Howard.

A special stamp and coin will be issued later this year to mark the centenary of Guiding in Australia.

This year Guiding NSW has already had a Birthday Party with 2000 Girl Guides at Mt Annan in April, a Centenary Ball at Epping RSL Community Club and launch of the Leadership for Life book featuring 100 prominent women in Guiding.

Locally Sydney St George’s Guild of former scouts and guides has also held a special Lady Baden-Powell Festival Guildhall meeting at historic “Addington” Ryde and another celebration is planned by Ryde St George’s Guild.

Ryde St George’s Guild inquiries Phyllis Berger 9624 5136 or Brian Harris 9808 1016.
Girl Guide inquiries Riverside Division Leader Margo Hebbard 0417 657 433.

Five new Guides at West Ryde

Five Guides made their promise at West Ryde Junior Guides this month following the West Ryde annual general meeting with two guest speakers from Sydney Wildlife Rescue. The new Guides who made their Promise are l to r Rebecca Chan, Rachel Chan, Gabrielle Constantino, Isabella Paparo and Emma Burnard.

Scouts clean-up Woolwich reserve

Drummoyne Scout Scott Worthington organised a work bee at Onions Point Reserve at Woolwich last Sunday as part of his Australian Scout Medallion badge work.

He arranged for Hunters Hill Council to provide topsoil, a rubbish skip and turf which were all used with an enthusiastic group of 30 helpers successfully completing the job by day’s end for a fantastic result.

The reserve is in front of the Scouts Water Activities Centre (or Scout Water Activities, Sydney Harbour - SWASH).

SWASH is open during the warmer months and any scout interested in booking should phone 9817 1874.

Scott says he would like to thank all who helped on the day and especially John and Sharon Strong, Peter and Ann Bellingham, Craig Thomas and his parents. BRAVOOO.

Chain of Campfires for Centenary of Girl Guiding

Girl Guides around Australia will conduct a Chain of Campfires on Saturday June 19 from 5.15pm.

TWT Territory local campfire will be at Eastwood-Marsfield Scout Hall grounds in Argincourt Road Marsfield.

Campfire will be led by songwriter Jane Derby with her guitar, the composer of “Sisters in Guiding”.

NATIONAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2010
Historic Addington Open Day

Historic “Addington” at 813 Victoria Road Ryde will be open for inspection during National Heritage Festival celebrations on Saturday April 24 from 11am to 4pm by members of St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides who this year are celebrating the centenary of Girl Guides in Australia.

Addington is the headquarters of the St George’s Guilds in Australia and contains the unique Scouts, Guides and Guilds museum which was officially launched by Wendy Baden-Powell granddaughter of the founder of Scouting and Guiding worldwide Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

The Guilds will hold a community volunteers working bee this Sunday from 1pm to 4pm to prepare for the open day and all are invited to go along and help. Inquiries Rusty Russell OAM 9878 2289 or Eva Maxted 9878 1887.

Heritage Week at Addington

Celebrating combined birthdays and a wedding anniversary in Hawks Nest Restaurant at Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club are longtime Scouting friends and St George’s Guild members l to r Eva Maxted, Phyl Ruseel OAM, Norma Notley, Neita Matthews OAM and Rusty Russell OAM. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Heritage Week will be celebrated at historic “Addington” Ryde this year on Anzac Day eve Saturday April 24 from 11am to 4pm.

Members of Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides will open the historic house to visitors and serve billy tea and damper and refreshments.

Guild members will hold a community work bee at Addington two weeks earlier on Sunday April 11 from 1pm to 4pm and everyone is welcome. Inquiries Rusty Russell OAM 9878 2289 or Eva Maxted 9878 1887.

Meadowbank Scouts to the rescue
Again on Clean-up Australia Day

Meadowbank Scouts were on duty again at Meadowbank last Sunday on Clean-up Australia day collecting over three tonnes of rubbish.

Items collected ranged from cigarette butts to car wheels and as usual plastic bottles and bags made up a huge proportion of the rubbish collected.

And as in previous years the Meadowbank group also fed and watered the over 100 volunteer collectors in the Meadowbank wharf vicinity on the day.

Group members were kept busy with a non-stop barbecue sausage sizzle and supply of drinks and refreshments.

PICTURED: Group leader Ken “Freckle” Paton and Meadowbank Scout Group volunteers on the day at Meadowbank wharf.

Girl Guides Centenary Book

TWT readers can win copies of the Guides Australia centenary commemoration book “Leadership for Life – 100 Women, 100 Years of Guiding”.

The ofers the storoes of 100 inspiring women from all b ackgrounds and is a tribute to 100 years of volunteering.

All the wome have made a great impact on their community and are role models for hundreds of thousands of Australian girls and young women.

The book was officially launched last Sunday week at Admiralty House Kirribilli by the Governor-General Quentin Bryce AC and Federal MP and Minister for Status of Women Tanya Plibersek, pictured right with Girl Guides Australia Chief Commissioner Lynne Price.

TO WIN a copy simply write your name and address with phone number on the back of an envelope and a reason you would like to win and send to TWT Guides book, PO Box 123 Ryde 1680. Winners announced March 31.

Grey Wolf ‘Firsts’ at Brush Park

JAEDAN CALDER is 1 st Brush Park’s third and at only ten years and seven months is the youngest Cub Scout in the group to receive his Grey Wolf Award.

Last Wednesday night Cub Scouts Regional Commissioner Maureen Twin presented Jaedan with his Grey Wolf badge, woggle, certificate and plaque watched by proud Cub Scout Leaders, pack, parents and grand parents.

The Grey Wolf is the top award in Cub Scouts and the culmination of a Cub’s three years of adventure in the section.

Jaedan completed his Gold Boomerang which included Clean-Up Australia Day, introducing new Cub Scouts to the Pack and bushcare in Brush Farm Park and his Local History Badge.

He also planned and led his own hike one hot Sunday and produced a teaching resource for the Pack based on the Jungle Book.

PICTURED 1st Brush Park Cub Scouts firsts: First female Grey Wolf Elizabeth Johnstone, First Brother Grey Wolf Jaeden Calder and First Grey Wolf Xavier Calder.

Guilds promote Organ Donor Awareness

Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides are promoting organ donations during Organ Donors Awareness month.

The Guilds have an ongoing campaign of organ donor awareness since the then Prime Minister John Howard launched the Guilds’ Good Turn project three years ago. Guild members will be in shopping centres in the coming weeks encouraging members of the public to sign up for the official Australian organ donor register.

Members of the public are invited to contact Guild members for further information and registration forms. Contact Rusty Russell OAM on 9878 2289 or Eva Maxted on 9878 1887.

New Ryde Guildmaster

Ryde St George’s Guild will elect a new Guildmaster at tonight’s Guild annual general meeting at the Guild’s headquarters at historic “Addington” 813 Victoria Road Ryde.

New Guildmaster will be Phyllis Berger who first joined the Girl Guides movement in England before her family migrated to Australia.

She has been active in the Guides and Guild movement for many years and in recent years has been a prominent member of the Cumberland Scouts Gang Show in the art department.

Tonight’s meeting will re-elect Brian Harris as Chancellor and Margaret Brummell as Treasurer. Margaret Barton will retire after her term as Guildmaster. Guild inquiries to Brian Harris 9808 1016.

St Patrick’s Day at New Horizons

Sydney and Ryde St George’s Guild members will combine to present a St Patrick’s day concert and entertainment at New Horizons aged care facility on St Patrick’s Day next Wednesday March 17.

Ryde Councillor and former mayor Ivan Petch will assist on the piano. Anyone interested in joining in the fun please contact Rusty Russell OAM on 9878 2289 or Margaret Barton 9874 2547.

Guides celebrate Centenary

Ryde Young Citizen of the Year Claire Moody and Guide Commissioner Margo Hebbard OAM were special guests at last night’s St George’s Guild of Sydney Olave B-P Commemoration Guildhall meeting at historic Addington Ryde. They are pictured back row with Elizabeth Moran, left, and Ryde Guides front, l to r, Krishmalic Perera, Kimberley Spencer, Katherine Spencer and Hashya Weerakkody. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

2010 Year of the Girl Guides

Girl Guides are celebrating their centenary in 2010 with celebrations around the world. At Ryde a Guide Claire Moody was appointed Young Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.

February 22 is World Thinking Day for Girl Guides around the globe when they will join together in an effort to end extreme poverty and hunger.

Local district leader Margo Hebbard says this year’s World Thinking Day theme is “Together we can change our world” and is linked to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Ryde Guides will participate in the event which celebrates the joint birthdays of Lord Robert and Lady Olave Baden-Powell.

Proceeds from funds raised will be donated to the World Thinking Fund which will distribute the money to five countries Haiti, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Georgia and Maldives.

Girl Guide inquiries to Margo Hebbard 0417 657 433.

Celebration at ‘Addington’

Former Scouts and Guides will celebrate the centenary of Guiding at a special Guildhall meeting of the Sydney St George’s Guild at historic “Addington” Ryde next Tuesday February 16 at 7.30pm.

Former Guides and leaders are especially welcome but RSVP essential for seating and catering. RSVP Rusty Russell OAM 9878 2289 or Howard Blair 9798 4060 or email: johnfb@weeklytimes.com.au

Over 14,000 Scouts and leaders enjoyed this month’s Australian Jamboree at Camp Cataract near Appin. Among the ten action packed days the Scouts enjoyed the Australiana Village spectacular which included local Scouts from TWT Territory with re-enactments of bushranger trials and performances of the Jamboree Pipe Band by members of Cabarita-Mortlake Scouts with leader Mark Boyle, right, pictured with ACT Commissioner Neville Tomkins, left. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Guilds celebrate Guiding Centenary

Former Scouts and Guides in the St George’s and Trefoil Guilds will celebrate the centenary of Girl Guiding this Tuesday February 2 at the Guides NSW water activity centre TS Tingira at Cabarita. West Epping Trefoil Guild president Susan Park will host the event and welcome members of Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds who regularly meet at “Addington” Ryde. Inquiries Howard Blair 9798 4060 or Brian Harris 9808 1016.

Scouts Jamboree 2010

Local Scouts and leaders are among the 14,000 Scouts under canvas at the Australian Jamboree 2010 from January 4 until tomorrow at Camp Cataract near Appin. They include large numbers from Meadowbank, Ryde, East Ryde, Hunters Hill, Boronia, Lane Cove, Drummoyne, Eastwood-Marsfield, Brush Park, Yaralla, Concord and Cabarita-Mortlake.

Numbers swelled to over 40,000 last Saturday for Camp Open Day and Market Day when scouts used their ingenuity to keep cool in sweltering summer sun.

Jamboree: the biggest Scouting adventure

Eighty-five buses will disgorge almost 3,000 NSW Scouts and their Leaders at Sydney’s Cataract Scout Park on Saturday January 2 for the biggest event on the scouting calendar - the Australian Jamboree.

The massive event, held once every three years, in total will see 14,000 from all over Australia and the globe come together for 10 days of fun, adventure, skill building and friendship.

Activities include a radio station for in-campsite reporting; rock and water sports; Cirque du Scouté; movie making; flights over the Jamboree site; water challenges and city-wide scavenger hunts.

Cataract Scout Park, the only permanent Jamboree site in Australia, will transform into a giant tent community.

It will contain 1500 six-person tents, a 60-bed hospital, 24-hour fire and police station, 325 temporary structures including two stages, a daily newspaper, radio station, 10 internet cafés, two ATMs and a bank branch, media centre, three entertainment arenas, and even a helipad.
State Commissioner of Scouts and NSW Contingent Leader Phil Crutchley says the Jamboree gives Scouts a unique opportunity: “It’s a chance for young people aged 11-14 to challenge themselves, experience adventure and create lifelong friendships with other Scouts from across Australia and the world,” he said.

Some 1st Meadowbank Scouts were introduced to outdoor abseiling recently by Sydney North Region Abseiling Team at Lindfield Rocks. All completed more than the required 50m drops for their abseiling badges. Next step is basic abseiling, and if this looks like fun for you, check the website www.1st-meadowbank.com for more photos and how to join.

Sandra achieves Cubs Top Award

Grey Wolf Presented
Sandra Buchert of 1st Hunters Hill Cub Scouts has achieved the highest award of the Grey Wolf which was presented to her at a ceremony at Hunters Hill Scouts headquarters last Tuesday night.

Sandra is pictured centre with her certificate and award with members of her Cub pack and members of visiting Putney pack.

Presentation was made by Regional Cub Commissioner Maureen Twin accompanied by Moocooboolah District Commissioner Paul McIntyre and Seonee Leader and Putney Akela Alison Small with Mark Warren of Putney.

Also pictured are Hunters Hill Group Leader Tony Atkinson, Hunters Hill Akela Elizabeth Cahill, Cub Leaders Steve Buchert and James Rutter and Mai Buchert.

TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.

Christmas carols at New Horizons

Residents at New Horizons Nursing Home in East Ryde on Wednesday night enjoyed carol singing from 1st Meadowbank (pictured left) Joeys, Cubs Scouts, parents and leaders accompanied by Ryde Clr Ivan Petch on the piano.

He was presented with a Meadowbank Scarf as a thank-you for his help over the years for scouting. For many this is a happy time of the year but for some New Horizons’ residents it can be a lonely time as many are without family.

Later, Joeys and Cubs mixed with grandparents and great, great grandparents swapping Christmas greetings and wishes.

The standard wish from many residents was to have someone visit them on Christmas Day. Residents were presented with a Hand Christmas Tree by all the Joeys who had traced their hands on green paper which was then attached to a canvas in the shape of a Christmas tree. Contact for Scouting in the Meadowbank area is Ken Paton 9874 3752.

Scouts at Guide Camp

Over 100 scouts including many with special needs camped for five days at Mt Kira Guide camp south of Sydney recently.

Scouts from special scout groups 1st Bangor & 1st Cromehurst in Sydney; 1st Cooks Hill in Newcastle and 4th Frankston in Melbourne joined with scouts from Meadowbank , Lilli Pilli, North Rocks, Yaralla and Tuggerah Groups to experience scouting in another form.

The Scouts with special needs experienced scouting with regular scouts, sharing and learning their skills from each other. The rain during the camp didn’t dampen the spirits of the group with a full day at the Fun Park at Jamboroo where the heavens opened up.

Many children do have special needs these days and scouting tries to accommodate many of these needs.

Vacancies exist for Joeys cubs, scouts with special needs and children in the general stream of scouting. Contact Ken Paton 0411 154 296.

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