Website Developments

Written by Dave Simon | 31 January 2009

We are currently adding new sections to the website, particularly for adults in Brighton Scouting. The most valuable is the interactive District programme - click on an event and any further information, entry form, etc. becomes available. Minutes of all District meetings, starting from January 2009, will shortly become available.

To access the new features, you will need a username and password. These are being issued a Group at a time, as I receive a current listing from the Group Scout Leader or Group contact. Several Groups already have access. Please contact your Group Scout Leader to find out when your Group will be done. District appointments should be finalised this weekend. 

Fellowship Meal

Written by Elsie Shekle | 22 January 2009

A small group of members enjoyed a belated Christmas meal at the Sportsman on Wednesday 21st January, including crackers, party poppers and a very good meal.

Hopefully we will have a few more attendees next time, which will either be in December 09 or Jan 10.

Malcolm Hampton R.I.P.

Written by David Schildkamp | 19 January 2009

Malcolm Hampton enjoyed a family Boxing Day gathering, but a few days later sadly had a second stroke and died peacefully on December 31st. With his first stroke occurring 22 years before, in 1986, Malcolm was a fighter and survivor, but great credit goes to his wife Janet who said she bullied her husband to keep him active.

Malcolm's Scouting began in 1937 at the new Varndean Troop, the 20th Brighton North, where he became troop leader; Tony Cutress was in the troop at the time. Enticed back to Scouting in 1964 by Margaret Cutress with the newly formed 31st Brighton at Westdene; he was part of a scouter team that ran an active and successful troop. He was also able to use his surveying skills in drawing up plans for their new HQ. He stayed at the 31st until 1977. One of Malcolm's highlights was being part of the group of leaders on the Dutch Scout exchange, DDQ 76, where he made friendships still strong to this day.

Malcolm had a love affair with Parkwood and served as committee chairman for 20 years. It was a period of change and he used his professional skills in planning building changes. His family joined in working weekends. Although incapacitated in recent years, Malcolm was always cheerful and interested to talk about Brighton Scouting. He and Janet attended the November Dew Drop Inn lunch at Shoreham Airport, and at the January gathering their many friends raised a glass to his memory.

The District was well represented at Malcolm's funeral, paid their respects to him and gave support to Janet and the family.

Ina Passingham R.I.P.

Written by David Hunt | 18 January 2009

Ina Passingham died on New Years Eve aged 89 years. A large number of people from Brighton Scout family attended a service of thanksgiving for her life at the Downs Crematorium on Tuesday 13th January 2009 which was conducted by Kevin Agnew who was a former producer of Brighton Gang Show.

Ina was a stalwart and active supporter of Scouting in Brighton, following a move to Saltdean in 1973 with husband Cyril, and sons Stuart and David. Almost immediately after their move they connected with the 42nd Brighton (Saltdean) Group and Ina helped as a volunteer at a charity shop in Longridge Avenue raising funds for the 42nd.

Cyril (who predeceased Ina) became Town Commissioner and then, after relinquishing this role, chairman of Brighton Gang Show Committee. Ina became one of ‘Mum’ Roach’s needle women for the Gang Show wardrobe and her cheerful smile and ready help was present back stage at most performances. She loved to see other Gang Shows especially Basingstoke, Hastings and Worthing, but equally thoroughly enjoyed Group Shows presented by 15th, 23rd and 44th.

At the end of the Overland Hike Ina helped to cook the meal for the teams, and also the organisers and check point staff. She was always interested and wanted to know what was happening in people’s lives.

Ina was present at the first ‘Dew Drop Inn’ at the Devils Dyke Hotel nearly ten years ago and looked forward to her monthly “pub crawl”. Her generosity and warm smile will be remembered by all who knew her, not only in Scouting locally, the Red Cross & Four Deans Stroke Club, but also in the communities of Guildford and Southampton from before she and Cyril moved to Saltdean.