1st Blackwater Valley B-P Scout Group
Further to our decision to maintain the hut we have, our work on the rear wall entered its second weekend and is now finished. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come down and help.
Last Sunday, our group attended the Remembrance Parade in Ash. It is sobering to remember all those locally who have lost their life in war. Thank you to all in our group who attended this special occasion.
On Saturday, the 26th of October, we started the process of replacing the exterior walls of our Scout Hut. Three unsuccessful applications for a grant to replace our Scout Hut with a new building have reassured us we need to refurbish what we already own. A fourteen-hour session by group leaders succeeded in repairing the floor inside the emergency exit and replacing four of the eight exterior panels on that wall. We removed decking from outside that wall, which was causing rainwater to flow into the wall was also and preventing ventilation under the building. During the process of fitting new boards and reinforcing the wall frame insulation was introduced into those wall panels with a moisture barrier membrane over that.
As funds become available, we will work our way around the exterior walls until they are all replaced. We will then address replacing our canvas store and changing the heating inside the building. If you see any adverts for our fundraising events, please support us if you are willing.
We will hold another quiz night at our Scout hut with food and refreshments. Please save the date as more details are to follow!
Our Christmas Fair returns with lots of prizes to be won and Santa to visit!
Please drop in on Saturday 23rd November 10am-12!
It is with a heavy heart that the group has sold our beloved Bedford coach, Mildred. After several turbulent years, the group has to continually adapt in order to keep providing excellent scouting opportunities for our children. Mildred has been a massive part of that mission over the years, allowing our sections to travel whenever and wherever they desire. She has taken us to many wonderful places within the UK and travelling multiple times through the country roads of France. We will never forget the people we have met along the way and the positive contribution Mildred has played to so many in our group.
However, a consolation is that we have been able to sell Mildred rather than scrap her. Relatives of an old Scout Master with our Group own a farm in Devon and the family have taken on Mildred to do up and present at local vehicle fairs and events alongside other their Green Goddess Fire Engine and AEC Green Line bus (which family does not have one of those?!). The farmer and his family have hosted our Scout Summer Camp many times, and we look forward to seeing Mildred the next time we camp there. In the past, they have allowed the Scouts to drive the Green Goddess Fire Engine around a field!
For now, it is farewell Mildred, but we will see you again!
One of the greatest assets of our group is that most of our current leaders were also once our beavers! This weekend was an excellent training experience for our new leaders and comprised many of the basic scouting skills. To see our young leaders develop and build the foundation for the next generation is truly exhilarating. Well done to all involved for such a wonderful time in the Forest of Dean.
Our group took part in the second Skip Johnson Memorial Hike at Mortimer Scout HQ. It was a difficult hike but fortunately, the rain held off! Well done to all who took part and made it an amazing event.
A big thank you to all of those who attended on Saturday and made it such an enjoyable event.
A special thanks to Darren (our Cub Master) for organizing the quiz on Saturday and also to Mike (Trustee) who helped on the catering front. When all the money is in we will have made a fantastic £390 and £64 of this was made on the raffle drawn on the night.