District Chess Tournament 2010

Written by Elsie Shekle | 23 March 2010

There were some very close games in this year’s chess tournament, from both cubs and scouts. The final results were –

Elsie Shekle
DCSL

Dave Jackson

Written by Ray Ward | 12 March 2010

24^th August 1950 - 1^st February 2010

Dave was a keen sportsman. He played football for Brighton Boys, Whitehawk and Preston Dynamos, as well as for AMEX. When his playing days finished he became manager of Preston Dynamos and for three seasons they never lost a game. He was also a Black Belt 3rd Dan in Judo.

Dave married Lyn in 1974. Mark arrived in 1976 and Leia in 1983. When Mark joined Beavers, Dave became a Skills Instructor in Judo on 1^st January 1982. He held this position until he he took out a warrant on 19^th April 1988 as ASL with the 6^th Brighton with GSL John Corrish. He later became SL and on 1^st January 1994 became ADC Scouts under Mike Armson. When Mike retired Dave became DC of Brighton District on 1^st October 1998. He held this position until 31^st October 2008. He then took on the role of ACC Public Relations for East Sussex.

Dave loved our campsite at Parkwood, and with Geoff Austen, Keith Elliott and Dave Simon, was responsible for the development of the caving complex on the site. During his tenure as DC, the 100 years of Scouting was celebrated in 2007. Dave was heavily involved in the County Camp held in August at Laughton. He and Geoff Austen organised the Sunrise Ceremony at the Peace Statue on the seafront on August 1^st. Many old and present Scouts attended the ceremony to renew their promise, including about 40 German Scouts who were camping at Parkwood. After the ceremony Dave returned to his tasks at the camp at Laughton.

Dave was awarded the Silver Acorn in 2009, and he and I went to Windsor to attend the service in St. George's Chapel and watch the Parade of Queen's Scouts in the Palace Quadrangle. Dave was in his wheelchair (no scooter), and how Lyn managed to push him up the hill to the castle I don't know. Neither do I know how I pushed him across the cobbles into the chapel. He was no light weight. He enjoyed the day tremendously, including giving the Chief Scout, Peter Duncan, a hilarious talking to.

Cancer struck Dave and he endured the treatment, but it was not enough. Even though he knew he was dying he could still be seen at Parkwood most fine weekends running around on his scooter. He took on the job of Parkwood Booking Secretary and made an excellent job of it.

We didn't always agree with you, but Brighton Scouting is going to miss you. I know I will.

God Bless you Dave,

Ray

Chilly Camp - December 2009

Written by Alison Denyer | 03 January 2010

The 6th Brighton Scouts had planned for a nice chill out camp over the weekend of 18th -20th December, giving the Scout parents a children free weekend just before Christmas. Instead we ended up with a spectacular weekend in the snow at Parkwood. It was a challenge to even get the camp off the ground on the friday, with three leaders out in the snowy sticks of Woodingdean, a test run to Parkwood was carried out, once we knew that we could get out to site, camp was on and the message soon spread to our scouts and the parents managed to get them all out to Parkwood, despite the condition of some of the roads in Brighton. Jack took charge of the kitchen with 4 budding chefs to undertake their chef;s badge and the rest of us took the oppertunity to chill out and enjoy ourselves. Saturday morning was beautiful, gloriously sunny but cold. I had my camera and warm ski wear to hand and made my way out early into the quiet crisp woods. What a brilliant sight, its the first time in many years that I have been at Parkwood in the snow, it was great, seeing the animal tracks and lovely clean crisp snow, before the scouts decended on it after Pancakes for a snowman and snowball fight. We were joined by a plucky & cheeky Robin while we wandered through the woods. Snow Angels were created on the main and top field, it looked great. Saturday was finished off with a lovely christmas roast dinner prepared by our Scouts, a lovely occasion and a great way to spend the weekend before christmas. I have tons of photo's of Parkwood in the snow, a great treasure.

Dave Jackson R.I.P.

Written by Dave Simon | 01 February 2010

Sadly Dave Jackson, previous District Commissioner, passed away this morning. Many of you will know of Dave's three and a half year battle with cancer, although perhaps only more recently since he lost the use of his legs as the cancer spread to his spine. The end was mercifully short and Dave died at home with his family.

I have no doubt that without his positive attitude Dave would not have lasted anywhere near so long, and I shall always remember this of him.

Further details will follow in due course.