Biker Groove

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Written by Liz Wakeling | 12 May 2009

Saturday 9th May-Parkwood
 
It was a lovely sunny morning, when Vic and I set about putting up more orange fencing and red and white tape to set out the course for the bikers, about 7.30 a.m., heavy dew on the ground... wet feet already!
 
At about 10.00 a.m. the first Cubs arrived with bikes and helmets. During the next hour probably another 100 arrived, all duly armed with packed lunch, bike and helmet. We checked them in, walked them around the track, then it was lunch time! "Is it time for tuck shop?" they nearly all asked, they set up a queue outside. Was that really what they had all come for?!

At about 1.00 p.m., the first bikes started to line up and in groups of five off they went around the track to practise (all the marshals were in place). Ian Kirby, the County Commisioner for East Sussex, came along to see what it was all about, staying almost all day enjoying the sunshine.
 
Mick Brown, 44th Brighton Leader, decided that perhaps the Cubs ought to get wet, so he set up a spray on a bend in the track, so everyone could not avoid it and all got wet, the path got muddy... but what the heck.

The practice finished, it was down to timing... precise or what? The watch that was used to start had to be synchronised with the finish, that's where Mr. County Commisioner had an important role... he collected it from the start and ran to the finish across the field to set the timings. Clever stuff.

After the races, the Cubs queued again for the tuck shop, followed by hotdogs and a drink.

Then the results were announced ...
 
Fastest under 9.5 yrs was Harry McWhirter, 3rd Hove M
Runner up was Bethany Wyatt, 30th Brighton T
 
Fastest over 9.5 yrs was Florence Gadsby, 3rd Hove M
Runner up was Luke Marsh, 5th Hove
 
Team places were 3rd Hove M, 3rd Hove C, with the winners 42nd Brighton M
 
Well done to everyone, it really was a great day for all. Thanks must go to many people, but especially Martin Piggott for being the computer whizz, the two Pennys for manning the finish, Pete Greed, Jake, Tim and Fiona Wilson for the start, Edna and Sylvia for the Tuck shop, Andy Wakeling and Neil Leggett for cooking all the hot dogs, and of course Vic with the microphone (good idea) and thanks to Andy W, Neil and Pete for helping me to clear all the track away ready for next year?

Fellowship Treasure Hunt

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Written by Elsie Shekle | 10 May 2009

The above event is being arranged by Liz Wakeling and is a walking treasure hunt around Brighton.

If you are interested in taking part, can you please let me know by the 30th May, either by email or phone. The entry fee is £2 which can be paid on the day.

Elsie Shekle, Fellowship Chairman

April's 1st Parkwood

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Written by Fiona Fisher | 10 May 2009

We had 40 Scouts and Explorers from the 6th, 15th, 54th, 19th and 29th for a day of site service around Parkwood. They carried out tasks like planting whips along the top edge of the assault course, cutting back undergrowth around some of the alter fires and maintaining the drainage ditches.

A lot was achieved from an excellent day's work with happy, dirty kids.

Easter EGGstravaganza

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Written by Fiona Fisher | 10 May 2009

On Easter Sunday over 50 children came along to Parkwood with their parents and grandparents to hunt for eggs hidden around Parkwood and enjoy a picnic lunch.

When the time came to hunt for eggs the children had to search for 200 pictures of eggs hidden amongst the woodland. Every child received a chocolate egg and those lucky few that found the special eggs received a larger prize. They were also other activities to do, such as egg decorating and an egg and spoon races.

Great fun was had by all, and the first Parkwood event was an eggselent success; it will certainly be on the calendar for next year. Although not planned as a fundraiser, we did raise £75.34, which will go towards replacing some of the flooring at Parkwood.

Brighton Gang Show Reunion

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Written by Keith Fakes | 05 May 2009

On 25th April there was a very exciting buzz at the Dorothy Stringer Theatre Hall entrance as 140 past members of the Gang Show casts and back stage team came through the stage door. We were delighted to see a number of people booking in from the first Show at the Dome in 1959. Giving each person a name tape on arrival was essential in the link up of old friends. Once inside they found the make up department were on stand by. Props corner with Peter Greed in charge with a collection of past items on show. Edna and Eileen were busy on the stage canteen with bread pudding still in great demand. On display was a vast collection of programmes, posters, press cuttings and oddments from every Show. They soon became a noisy talking point as the Gang remembered their involvement in years gone bye.

At 3pm the lights dimmed and the Gang Show band entered. The overture with Douglas Reeve pictured at the Dome organ became the traditional start to the reunion. There followed a varied programme of favourite musical numbers, sketches, Gang Show quiz compered by Howard Bentley and Kevin Agnew in their own stylish manner. The audience needed very little encouragement to join in as the words came up on the giant screen. The half time interval soon arrived which meant the well mannered ‘bun fight’ and another chance to meet up with old friends. The Gang Show documentary film was shown at this time which highlighted much of the work that went on behind the scenes before reaching the Dome stage.

The second half again involved the ‘audience’ joining in various items which included two part singing (male and female), band numbers, free dance, and old time sketches. The Gang Show Oscars which gave us the opportunity to recognise George Drury who instigated the start of the Brighton Gang Show. He convinced the Executive Committee that talent and expertise were available to put on a successful Show.

Before the after Show buffet we rehearsed the final numbers with a cast of sixty. (The old routines came together like magic). As we enjoyed our two course hot meal we were entertained by archive film and musical background of Show hits. The final number was a great success and so ended a very enjoyable and fun reunion.

Our thanks to all who travelled from far away places, Spain, France, USA to be with us. The back stage gang, the caterers, the Gang Show band, the performers, our comperes Howard Bentley and Kevin Agnew. We acknowledge the generous help given by Dorothy Stronger school and staff members.

 ‘these are the times we shall dream about

and we’ll call them the good old days’

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