Scouts brought Joy at Christmas time
Meadowbank Scouts were joined by members of Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides in bringing Christmas joy and entertainment to residents at New Horizons aged care facility North Ryde just prior to Christmas Day. The Scouts and Guild members are regular visitors to local nursing homes.
Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides donated cash and goods to the local Ryde Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society for distribution to the local needy at their December Christmas meetings at historic “Addington” Ryde.
ABOVE: Sydney Guildmaster John F Booth AM presents a cheque to Macquarie Region St Vincent de Paul Society’s Kevin Nelson-Smith accompanied by his wife Cathy and Les Mico.
BELOW: Ryde St George’s Guild Guildmaster Phyllis Berger has Ryde Salvos Topher and Sandra Holland assist her cutting the Christmas cake at the Ryde Guild’s December Christmas meeting at “Addington” when the Guild maintained a twenty years tradition of a cash and foods presentation to the local Salvation Army for distribution to the needy in the community.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
Meadowbank scouts honoured
Two Cub Scouts from 1st Meadowbank Scout Group have received the highest honour awarded in Australian Cub Scouting - the Grey Wolf Award.
10 year old Matthew Waibel and Brendan McCorquodale, 11, have both been members of 1st Meadowbank since Joeys.
The Grey Wolf Award is the culmination of more than two years of hard work, leadership and skills development by the boys.
Sydney North Regional Commissioner for Cub Scouts Maureen Twin said: “The Grey Wolf is not awarded lightly. Cubs must work diligently in many areas such as health and first aid,
safety, ropes, outdoor scouting, Australian symbols, scouting traditions, promise and law.
“I congratulate Matthew and Brendan for their exceptional achievement and wish them well as they now transition from cubs to scouts.”
1st Meadowbank Scout Group Leader Ken Paton added his congratulations.
“The Grey Wolf is the ultimate award in Cub Scouting. It is akin to the Australian Scout Medallion for Scouts and the Queen’s Scout Award for Venturers.
“Brendan and Matthew are worthy recipients.”
Both boys are long-term friends and attend Meadowbank Public School, where they are completing Year Five.
Their other interests include basketball, tennis, violin and jujitsu.
PICTURED 1st Meadowbank Scouts Group Leader Ken Paton and Regional Commissioner for Cub Scouts Maureen Twin with Grey Wolf recipients Brendan McCorquodale (left) and Matthew Waibel (right).
Moocooboolah District Rally
Moocooboolah District Scouts competed for the coveted Frank Windeyer Memorial Flag at the annual District Rally at Boronia Park Oval.
Ryde and 1st Meadowbank tied for first in a closely contested competition while in the Cub Scouts competition a combined 1st Boronia and 1st Hunters Hill team calling themselves 1st Boronia Hill were the winners.
In the Girl Guides competitions West Ryde won the Junior Guides section and North Ryde were winners in the Guides competition.
District Commissioner Paul “Chippy” McIntyre praised the performance and behaviour of all those present on the night for making it an outstanding success and showcasing Scouting at its best.
He also thanked Rusty Russell OAM for leading the group of judges from the St George’s Guild of former scouts and guides which included Neita Matthews OAM plus former Ryde mayor and North Ryde scout Jim Hull OAM. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
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Liam Baguley of Beecroft-Cheltenham Cub Pack was awarded the prestigious Grey Wolf by the NSW Scouts Branch Commissioner last week. The Grey Wolf is the highest award a cub can achieve and Liam is the first cub from Beecroft-Cheltenham to reach this level. Pictured with Liam are Cub Leaders Lachlan May (Akela) and Stephen Morrow (Lungri).
Ranger Guides’ Can Collection
1a Gladesville Ranger Guides (girls aged 14-18) will be collecting cans for Wesley Mission outside Woolworths at Top Ryde City Shopping Centre tomorrow (Thursday) November 3 from 7pm to 9pm. All welcome to come along and donate any canned goods or non-perishable foods for the homeless. Inquiries Leader Tara Carroll 0406 334 369.
Scouts, Guides and Guilds from over the State joined together for a combined Church Parade at St Anne’s Church, Ryde on Sunday 18th September, 2011
Following the Combined Church Parade and a ‘cuppa’ at church we moved on to historic Addington where Meadowbank Scout Group prepared and served a delightful BBQ lunch with drinks and desserts. Good wholesome tucker and the smiling service was terrific. A big BRAVOOOO to the whole group. They really have got this catering gig down to a fine art. A good Fellowship Day.
Addington’s regular OPEN DAY started at 2pm when the general public came in and, as usual, a good number of people came to see our home and our museum.
These days are proving very popular with the public thanks to the volunteers who show people around and make the usual ‘cuppa’. Doris Carrall and Lyn Donald are the organizers ably helped by our Ryde Mayoress and Patron of the Friends of Addington, Nora Etmekdjian.
Ryde Mayor Artin Etmekdjian often pops in to have a chat to people and we congratulate him on his re election for another term as Mayor of the City of Ryde.
GUILDMASTER’S MESSAGE
Greetings All,
Browsing the ISGF website recently (www.isgf.org), as is my wont when International Fellowship Month is upon us, the word Twinning caught my eye, and I was interested to see 161 Twinnings listed for Australia – Guild to Guild 125, person to person 36, country to country 0. Interestingly, only 103 Twinning Certificates had been issued. I was embarrassed to realize that I don’t actually know if St.George’s Guilds or any of its members are represented in those figures, just surmise not, having heard no mention of it in 12 years and no certificate being in evidence at Addington when I gathered material in 2008 for the museum catalogue-preparatory inventory draft.
‘Why Twinning?’ the ISGF site asks, and promptly answers: ‘Years of experience have proved that through Twinning the strength of ISGF has been enhanced in the following ways:
• Greater international awareness and understanding helps the cause of world peace;
• Acceptance of and friendship with people from other nations breaks down barriers and reduces intolerance;
• Providing a wider view of our Fellowship movement, offering new ideas and generating enthusiasm for ISGF.’
… not bad things to seek at any time, but particularly in this Month of International Fellowship, and while great lack of acceptance and tolerance are evidenced in much of society.
Even if not by Twinning, may we as individuals and as a Guild be instrumental in furthering fellowship, friendship, acceptance, and tolerance wherever we go.
Yours in Fellowshi,
Phyllis Berger, Guildmaster.
Ryde St.George’s Guild Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at Addington, 813 Victoria Road, Ryde, commencing at 7.30pm.
The Guild is open to anyone 18 years & over, & visitors are most welcome -
(please let us know, for catering purposes).
DDINGTON: Next OPEN DAY 19th October, 2011. 2pm to 4pm.
ALL Visitors Welcome. Enquiries: DORIS Carrall 0425 223 628
Backpage Banter
Welcome home to JOHN and ULRIKE who have been at beautiful Lake Como in Northern Italy representing the St.Georges Guilds in Australia Inc. at the 26th World Conference of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship attended by over 400 delegates representing the seventy countries of the Fellowship. I’m sure we will hear lots of news at the supper table tonight.
Coming Events:
SATUDAY, NOVEMBER 5th
CRAZY WHIST NIGHT AT ADDINGTON
Tell all your friends. 7pm for 7.30pm $10 p.p. includes Supper.
Try your luck at the Famous Tombola.Tell Phyllis, Brian or any Guildbrother.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10th
CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST IN PUTNEY PARK
Yes, Christmas will be here before we realise it. Put this date in your diary, NOWTime: 7am Bring your own everything. Champers, strawberries, bacon and eggs
Guild Contacts:
PHYLLIS Berger, Guildmaster, 9624 5136
email: Phyllber@yahoo.com.au
BRIAN Harris,Chancellor 9808 1016
email: spiderharris@optusnet.com.au
September: Happy Birthday Wishes to:
6th BOB Hill
14th ALICE Painter
16th EVA Maxted
19th MARGARET Brummell
Happy Wedding Anniversary to
JACK and SHIRLEY Holmes on 1st Sept.
Photos courtesy of TWT on the spot PHOT0S
Editor: EVA J Maxted, 9878.1887; email: evajmax@me.com
Jordan’s fiery Troop welcome
When Cub Scouts leave the Cub Pack for the Scout Troop it’s customary for them to have a Going Up Ceremony.
Recently, Jordan, one of the young members from Ryde Scout Group received a fiery welcome into the Troop. Jordan carried a flaming torch while being transported on a scout chariot to the Scout hall, where he used the torch to light the fire in the hall. He was then invested as a member of the Scout Troop. Ryde Scout Group has vacancies for Cubs and Scouts - contact Group Leader Elizabeth 9802 7750 or email: rydescouts@yahoo.com.au
Wong and Calder prove their leadership ability
1st Brush Park Scouts Xavier Calder and Anthony Wong.
To receive the Australian Scout Medallion is a rare honour, but this month 1st Brush Park was fortunate to celebrate two Scouts achieving this top award in the Scout section.
Xavier Calder and Antony Wong (pictured) received their Scout Medallion recently from NSW Governor Prof Marie Bashir at Government House.
As a significant part of this award both young men were required to demonstrate they could put all the Leadership Skills learnt during their time in Scouts to good use.
Each planned and carried out a project which involved managing a team of people in their task, while fulfilling their duty to self and to others.
Both scouts’ plans included a three day hike over at least 30km with a small patrol.
Xavier, who has also just returned from the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden, also organised an Election Day cake stall, raising money for a playground shade cover at his local Primary School. His hike took him from Patonga to Somersby along the Great North Walk in pelting rain.
Antony conducted a Trash and Treasure Sale at the Scout Hall with proceeds forwarded to the Queensland flood appeal.
Antony’s hike took him through the difficult terrain of the Blue Gum Forest in the Blue Mountains.
These awards come as 1st Brush Park Scout Group celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Their names have already joined others on the Troop’s Honour Roll.
Scouts, Guides and Guilds Church Parade
Local Scouts, Guides and former scout and guide members of Baden-Powell and St George’s Guilds participated in an annual church parade at St Anne’s church Ryde on Sunday.
Guild members attended from various parts of the State and afterwards adjourned to the St George’s Guilds headquarters at historic “Addington” Victoria Road Ryde for barbecue lunch and a meeting.
A number of the attendees are leaving this week to attend the World Conference of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship at Lake Como, Italy.
Scouts, Guides and Guild members colours parade at St Anne’s church service at Ryde on Sunday, above, and below 1st Meadowbank Scout Group members served lunch to the visitors at historic “Addington” after the church parade. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
Brush Park Scouts celebrate 50 Golden years
Brush Park Scouts celebrated their 50th birthday with a dinner in their Scout Hall at Brush Farm Park on Saturday night.
Members and former members travelled from far and wide to attend the commemorative event. Former Scout Group Leader Graham Wheeler travelled from South Australia especially for the celebration.
He was invited to cut the birthday cake as he had served for ten years as Group Leader from 1990 to 2000 and was the primer mover and shaker in rebuilding the Scout Hall which is an excellent club house today.
Former Scout Group Leader Graham Wheeler was invited to cut the 50th birthday cake, pictured above. Graham served as Group Leader for ten years from 1990 to 2000 and was primarily responsible for the re-building of the present Scout Hall where the dinner party was held. All former and present Scout leaders are pictured below. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
Meadowbank Scouts the best in the State
Meadowbank Scouts have worked their way up to be one of the best scout groups in the state.
The rewards started with the scout group winning the best troop at the district camp and also winning the best Patrol after entering three patrols at the region scout hike during May in a State forest.
One patrol came second out of 160 patrols - the best Meadowbank has done at this level for many years. Over 1000 scouts took part in this event.
The Finale came when Meadowbank entered three patrols in the State rally at Cataract near Appin this month.
The result was outstanding: Meadowbank came first in the region and first in the State.
This caused a lot of excitement not only with the scouts but also with parents in the group. All this can be contributed to great programming and scout leadership within the troop.
Vacancies exist at Meadowbank group. Inquiries to the group leader Ken Paton 04111542.??
Brush Park Scouts celebrate Jubilee
1st Brush Park Scout Group is celebrating 50 years of scouting and have organised a Jubilee Anniversary Dinner on Saturday September 3 in the Scout Hall, Lawson Street, Eastwood at 6.30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person. Dinner and dessert, coffee and tea supplied. BYO drinks.
As bookings are essential forward your cheque or money order to: Rosemary Parks, PO Box 311, West Ryde 1685 by this Friday August 26. Inquiries 0425 272 672 or email pparks@bigpond.net.au
Family Fun for All at Hornsby Gang Show
Triumphant Opening night
Hornsby Gang Show opened to a packed enthusiastic audience at Asquith Boys High School auditorium on Friday night and continues until this Saturday night.
Scouts and Guides from 30 mostly Sydney North area groups make up the talented cast and support team. They include East Ryde Scouts, Eastwood-Marsfield Scouts, Epping Scouts and Meadowbank Venturers.
Among the first night guests on stage at curtain fall were Hornsby MP Matt Kean, pictured centre front, and representatives of other Gang Shows including Dr Robert Lang director of Cumberland Gang Show which opens this Friday night at Parramatta Riverside Theatres. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Cumberland Gang Show
2011 Cumberland Gang Show opens this Friday July 8 at Riverside Theatres Parramatta with a spectacular evening performance at 7.30pm.
Five TWT readers have won double passes to this year’s highly acclaimed Show which runs during the school holidays until Saturday July 16.
Winners are: Alf Pennisi, Five Dock and S Haslehurst, North Ryde (July 9); Lisa Lane, Dundas Valley (July 15); Melinda Jones, Carlingford and John Allen, Epping (July 13). Passes are for evening performances at 7.30pm. 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.
Tickets $28.50 adults and $19.50 children and pensioners through the theatre on 8838 3399. Matinee performances on both Saturdays.Pictured is a ‘Spanish group’ in rehearsal for the Show’s opening night.
World Scout Leader visits Australia
World Scouting’s Secretary General Luc Panissod is visiting Australia this week and was guest of honour at the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday and at a Gala Dinner in his honour at the Southern Cross Club.
Luc Panissod was presented with the first dollar coin minted to commemorate the centenary of Scouting in Australia in a framed display for showing in the Geneva headquarters of World Scouting.
Pictured at the presentation in the Southern Cross Club in Canberra on Monday night are former Governor General and now Scouts Australia president Major General Michael Jeffery AC, AO, CVO, MC, Australian International Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM, ACT Commissioner Peter Harris OAM, Rovers Charlie Milne, Katie Tomkins and Elysia Riley and The Weekly Times managing editor John F Booth AM National Guildmaster of St George’s Guilds in Australia. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Hornsby Gang Show
Five TWT readers can win double passes to the Wednesday July 6 performance at this year’s Hornsby Gang Show at Asquith Boys’ High School Theatre, Pacific Highway, Asquith at 8pm.
In this year’s show, aptly titled “Local Produce”, 80 cast are ready to wow audiences with another slick, original show.
The season runs from Friday July 1 for eight shows including two matinee performances on Saturday July 2 and July 9 at 2pm.
Tickets $21 adults; $16 concession; $11 children or $55 family.
Visit www.gangshow.com to book or find out about the show or phone 9481 0937.
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 27 and winners published June 29.
Hornsby Gang Show
Five TWT readers can win double passes to the Wednesday July 6 performance at this year’s Hornsby Gang Show at Asquith Boys’ High School Theatre, Pacific Highway, Asquith at 8pm.
In this year’s show, aptly titled “Local Produce”, 80 cast are ready to wow audiences with another slick, original show. The season runs from Friday July 1 for eight shows including two matinee performances on Saturday July 2 and July 9 at 2pm. Hornsby Gang Show has quite a history.
For nearly 40 years, a cast of Scouts and Guides from right across the Sydney north region have come together weekly to rehearse their theatrical extravaganza of music, comedy and dance.
“They are all so passionate about scouting and guiding and being on stage,” says Bryan Mattes, Director .
“The buzz we get from being on stage is one thing that makes this show such fun for the audience, “ says Kirsty Redmond, cast member and a member of Collaroy Plateau Rovers.
What a great thing to do with your kids these school holidays. Make a magical night to remember and be warmed by this great family show at an evening performance or come to a matinee with the little ones.
Tickets $21 adults; $16 concession; $11 children or $55 family.Visit www.gangshow.com to book or find out about the show or phone 9481 0937.
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 27 and winners published June 29.
How the worm turns
West Ryde Junior Guides were pleased to welcome Cameron and his worm farm trailer to a recent Guide meeting. After an introduction to composting and learning that worm poo is called “castings”, the girls had an opportunity to gently fork through trays of composting material and examine worms and their eggs up close. It was wonderful to hear how many girls were already growing herbs and vegetables at home. This activity helped everyone become more comfortable handling and knowledgeable about the beneficial composting worm.
This workshop was facilitated by Sustainability Systems and Services and provided free of charge to West Ryde Junior Guides as part of the Catchment Connections Program (a partnership between City of Ryde, Hunters Hill and Hornsby Shire Councils and the DECCW Environment Trust). West Ryde Guides appreciated the opportunity provided by this local and state government program.
Putney Rovers 35 years record bike ride reunion
Putney Rovers entered the Guinness Book of Records when they rode their 10-man bike from Sydney to Melbourne in 1976.
Putney Scout Group celebrated the 35th anniversary of their Rover Crew’s Guinness Book of Records charity ride from Sydney to Melbourne in 1976 with a reunion party at their Scout Hall and the adjacent Cleves Park Putney.
Seven of the original Rover Crew team attended the reunion namely Kerry Thompson, Dick Pearson, Paul Zanola, Brian Herman, Peter Dodd, Peter Evans and Graham Dewsnap. They are pictured showing how its done to the current group of Scouts and supporters who tried their luck in trial runs in the park, mainly with disastrous results! TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Triplets Treat
Meadowbank Scout group had another first last week when triplets were invested into the Joey mob. Emma, Grace and Olivia all become members of the Scout Association in front of a very proud mum, dad and grandmother. Repeating their Joey Promise and law in front of the other members of the mob, Beth or Warru was very excited to see three more girls in the mob. This was Beth’s last investiture as the Joey as she moves on to become district leader after 12 years as the Joey leader. Meadowbank is always looking for new leaders.
The group leader Ken ‘Freckle’ Paton would love to here from you if you’re over 18 and interested in becoming a leader. Phone 0411 154 296.
Epping Scouts on the go
Epping Scout Group has made full use of its 2010 Bendigo Bank community grant.The grant was used to provide Occupational Health & Safety improvements at their two sites in Epping. The scout group purchased new and replacement wall mounted first aid kits; purchased two new back-pack first aid kits for use on all activities; obtained an LPG bottle storage cage to meet OPHS requirements and installed a safety railing at their Boundary Street property. Epping Scouts meet every Wednesday in the Essex Street Hall at 7pm.
Guides’ community grant
Ryde MP|Victor Dominello presented a cheque for $11,000 to Eastwood Girl Guides at their AGM last Friday. This was a grant he supported from the Community Building Partnership Program 2010.
Rovers’ Western Moot
Over the weekend of March 11-13, over 175 Rovers from all around the east coast of Australia hitched up their wagons and travelled up to Camp Kanangra on Lake Macquarie to “have a buckin’ good time” at Western Moot with 1st Epping Rovers for Sydney North Region’s Annual Summer Moot.
Crews from all over NSW, a few well travelled Queenslanders and even two Rovers from the nation’s capital, had a great time competing in the Cowboy 101 Pentathlon, tossing horse shoes, playing hangman, sending smoke signals and building tepees.
There was even a showdown at high noon, and fortunately no Rovers were harmed in the shoot out.
Saturday night dinner was an authentic Western Style stew and diners were treated to the debut performance of the Tiny Dinosaurs Country & Western band - featuring two members of 1st Epping Rovers playing a variety of guitars, banjos, harmonicas and even a ukulele!
Impressive fake moustaches, cowboy hats and stylish leather chaps won Kings Langley Rovers the award of ‘Best Dressed’ crew while Turramurra Rovers were victorious over the course of the weekend, despite their ludicrous rainbow cowboy hats.
As well as the glory of winning, Turramurra took home a genuine saddle signed by all the participants, which will look great hanging in their den.
Rovers are young men and women aged from 18-26. If you would like to check out your local Rover crew, visit www.nswrovers.com for local contact details.
Joey Scouts visit Big Ships
Joey Scouts - Rory and Tobey
Joey Scouts from Sydney North Region converged on Sydney harbour last week to see the big ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary II.
Visiting the QE and the QM2 on February 22 was a perfect way to celebrate the birthday of Scouting’s founder, Robert Baden-Powell.
Most of the Joey mobs looked down on the QE from the train as they crossed the Harbour Bridge, whilst Meadowbank Joeys had a fantastic close-up view of her as they pulled into Wharf 5 on the Rivercat.
Parents, leaders and Joeys were wide-eyed and open-mouthed as they pulled alongside and waved to crew on the big ship.
In true scouting style the Joeys hiked through the Botanical Gardens to see the QM2 docked at Garden Island.
Somehow she looked smaller than her little sister, viewed from the fence near Boy Charlton Pool. After a picnic dinner and refreshments the Joeys sprint-hiked back to Wynyard Station for the train ride home.
Rumour has it that a leader was seen walking the length of the train searching for two Meadowbank Joey families who had boarded the other Hornsby train with Normanhurst Joey Mob.
When they were reunited at Meadowbank the Joeys and their Dads were still smiling and talking about the stingrays they saw in Sydney Harbour.
1st Meadowbank Scout group is looking for new leaders for Joeys and Cubs. Contact Ken Paton on 0411 154 296.
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