St. George’s Day Event Cancelled

Written by Dave Simon | 22 April 2010

Unfortunately I have decided that it is best to cancel Sunday’s event. There is a right-wing march, and a counter-march, taking place at a similar time. Although this happened last year, the Police are expecting significantly more participants this year.

Although a lot of planning and preparation goes into our event, and it is the one time a year that we get together, I, and the other leaders who have contacted me, do not believe that it is worth taking a risk with the children's and young people’s safety.

We are now considering how we replace this event, so that our members can participate in the annual renewal of their promise.

Dewdrop Inn Dates & Venues 2010

Written by David Hunt | 02 April 2010

Tuesday 18^th May

The Downsman Public House, Hangleton (North end of Poplar Avenue, Hove). Walkers please use adjacent public car park.

Wednesday 16^th June

Chalk Pit Inn, Offham, Near Lewes. Ask for the Pensioner Perks Menu.

N.B. On exit, beware of the right hand turn to Lewes. It’s safer to turn left and then turn around at the petrol station.

Monday 19^th July

The Castle Inn, Bramber. 2A bus from Rottingdean/Brighton passes the door. Walkers please use public car park opposite the pub.

Tuesday 17^th August

Picnic (bring your own) at Parkwood campsite, Poynings. From 12.00 Edna Greed and co will provide a cuppa. Walkers meet at 10.00 a.m. at the campsite.

Average numbers each month are now 30 ~ please be understanding if you have to wait a while for your order. Unless otherwise advised, walkers should meet at 10.00 a.m. in the pub car park; all others from 12.00 hours. Please spread the word as widely as possible and invite along anyone who has current or past connections with Scouting/Guiding.

David Hunt, Tel: 01273 303236

15th Brighton help “Clean up the Hawk”

Written by Duncan Hill | 23 March 2010

On Saturday 20th March, Cubs, Beavers, parents and leaders from 15th Brighton Scout Group joined up with the Friends of Sheepcote Valley and local residents to clean up the “Whitehawk Hawk” – a chalk figure cut in the downs above Sheepcote Valley. The Hawk had become a bit overgrown over the years, so there were plenty of weeds to pull up and turf to cut back. As well as doing a great job cleaning the Hawk, the Cubs met Councillor Warren Morgan, PCSO Jacqui Cutter and Whitehawk community development workers Andy and Tony Silsby and found out about the work they do to help local people. There was also a display of falconry from a local man who uses the valley to exercise his birds. Paul , the park ranger who looks after the valley was really pleased with the work done, and the Hawk can now be seen from far and wide.

Pinewood Derby-Saturday 13th March

Written by Liz Wakeling | 21 March 2010

The track was set, improved from last year, now four lanes instead of two, thanks to Vic. The morning was nearly over, several Cubs had already run in the Schools Cross Country, when they all began arriving at Stanford Avenue Methodist Church Hall. A total of about 60 Cubs came along with their respective cars which they had made, maybe with a bit of help from Mum or Dad?

Some were just cars, but also hotdogs, fish, pencils, skulls and even a coffin, the more the merrier. Ian Kirby, County Commissioner, came along, duly taking on the role of starter when Martin Piggott had to go elsewhere. The Tuck Shop sold all kinds of sweets to young and old (parents enjoyed the choice) and as usual everyone had a great afternoon. The final results were .....

The Fastest timed car was no 55 from 30th
The Wackiest car design was no 21 from 42nd
The Leaders race was won by Dawn of 30thT
The actual Pinewood Derby was won by Car no 37 from 7th Brighton
Second place was Car no 53 from 15th Brighton
Third Place was Car no 17 from 7th Brighton
Fourth Place was Car no 14 from 30th T

Thank you to all the team; Vic, Peter & Edna Greed, Jake, Dan, Sylvia, Penny Gilbey, Ian Kirby, Martin Piggott and, of course, all the Leaders and Parents who supported the event in whatever way .

See you all in 2011 .. get designing ?

Liz Wakeling

And finally a Pinewood Derby reading

When I make my car,
I hope I can win.
Everything is ready,
The weight & shine & spin.
The first race is the real test,
To see how good it is .
My Leader is happy too,
You’d think the car is his!
Eventually I lose a race,
And it is hard to take,
But my Leader and I sure had fun,
A Pinewood Derby car to make!

Jamboree Selection

Written by Dave Simon | 09 March 2010

Last weekend, 5^th - 7^th March, 25 Scouts and Explorers from Brighton and Hove & Portslade districts competed for places to the next Jamboree, being held in Sweden at the end of July 2011. Four places were allocated to Brighton and nine scouts competed for these.

On arrival the scouts had to set up camp, in the dark, ready for a self-sufficient weekend. Over Saturday they took part in five activity bases, including pioneering, a cave rescue and the assault course, testing not only their scout skills, but also teamwork and initiative. Each scout had also prepared a presentation on Five interesting facts about Sweden. These were interesting and entertaining, showing that Sweden has more to offer than just Abba, Ikea and meatballs! The final challenge for the scouts was to cook Sunday morning's breakfast and strike camp.

Congratulations to Daniel Barnard (6th Brighton), Jacob Bloss (6th), Toby Fomin (44th) and Jasmyn Knee (6th) who have been selected to represent the District. Commiserations to all the other entrants; making it through the weekend's sub-zero temperatures was an immense achievement.

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