Support Us With the Co-Op

Newcastle-under-Lyme District Scouts is part of the Co=Op Local Community Fund.

To find out more about our project and to choose us as your cause, click here https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/69003

#ItsWhatWeDo

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/10/support-us-with-the-co-op/

Mountain Madness 2022 – International Scouting at its Best!

In early August 2022, Scouts from Westlands and Clayton came together to take part in an international camp with a group of Norwegian Scouts.
The English and Norwegian Scouts take part in a biennial relationship dating all the way back to 2004.
Travelling from Strand Jorpeland, our friends managed to make the trip over the North Sea after 2020’s interruption due to the Covid pandemic.

If the leaders had any concerns that the 4 year hiatus may have dented the continued friendship between our two groups, we couldn’t have been more wrong!
On day one, the Scouts from both countries started to mix and engage with each other right after breakfast when they were split into patrols for a pioneering activity which ended in the most spectacular water fight ever to have graced the Ash Patch at Kibblestone.
Through out the rest of the day they worked together on a gruelling hot weather orienteering course around Barlaston Downs.

The weather changed our plans early on in the week and the programme was turned on its head.
Changes in plans are becoming a regular occurrence whenever we camp with the Norwegians.
Nevertheless we made the most of the next day with a trip around Trentham’s Monkey Forest, Trentham Gardens and Flip Out in Stone.
This gave our visitors an insight into what amazing attractions we have on our doorstep.
Throughout the evening, there were patrol based challenges whilst some of the Norwegians took the opportunity to go Rock Climbing in at Kilnworx in Burslem.

Halfway through the week the Norwegians took over for the day.
The Scouts were tasked with creating banners to celebrate the Norwegian Constitution day on the 17th May.
At the same time the Norwegian leaders and rovers were building fires and pinning salmon to pallets for a four hour smoking.
The resulting meal was a classic Norwegian salmon dish and tasted as good as the photos look!

The following day we spent the day thrill seeking at Alton Towers where I believe only one Scout threw up!!!
In the evening, the Scouts managed to continue the thrill seeking by walking backwards off Kibblestone’s abseiling wall.

As the end of the week was drawing near, we took the opportunity to travel across the border to Wales to attempt a Snowdon Summit!
The drizzly hike up didn’t dampen the spirits of our group even when the climbing got hard.
When we popped up onto the summit ridge the wind picked up and chilled us to the bone but everyone pushed on and successfully made it to the Summit of the highest mountain in England & Wales at 1085m!
The descent route was much nicer as the sun started to burn through the grey cloud.
This made our fish and chip tea in Llanberis taste all the sweeter before our 3.5 hour journey home.

Our final day was spent at Kibblestone tackling all of the climbing activities that the site could challenge us with.
After a week jam packed with activities we rounded it all off with a Hog Roast and a spectacular camp fire which burned brightly until the early hours.
In those early hours of the morning our old and new friends snuck away for their long journey to Gatwick to return home.
Not without extending an invite for our Scouts return to Norway in 2 years time.

Bring on 2024!

See the photos in the gallery

 

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/09/mountain-madness-2022-international-scouting-at-its-best/

Gone Home: Queen Elizabeth II

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/09/gone-home-queen-elizabeth-ii/

A Silverdale Cub meets Bear Grylls!

After saving his dad’s life, Jack has been hailed a hero!
He was at home with his dad, Adrian, who was cooking his tea. Suddenly, Adrian started having a chronic asthma attack. Jack was just 7 years old at the time. He stayed calm and collected, but acted quickly.
He immediately dialled 999, giving their home address and clear details about his dad’s condition. Jack then spotted the ambulance going the wrong way, so he helped direct it to his house in Knutton. Adrian was rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital’s resus room, and he’s now continuing his recovery at home.

As part of Scout’s St. George’s Day celebrations, Jack visited Windsor Castle on Sunday 24th April to celebrate receiving a Meritorious Conduct and Gallantry Award for his bravery.
Jack’s dad, Adrian, says ‘Jack had a fabulous weekend – we also went to Thorpe Park! He’s very proud he received his award, and he was so excited to meet Bear Grylls.’
Jack says ‘My best moment was meeting Bear Grylls, and I was so proud to represent my group, 74th Silverdale Scouts.’

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/05/a-silverdale-cub-meets-bear-grylls/

2022-04-16 District Commissioner Vera on Radio Stoke

Our District Commissioner, Vera, on Radio Stoke talking about the Scout 2 5k fundraising event.

Read more here – https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/04/scout-2-5k/

 

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/04/2022-04-16-district-commissioner-vera-on-radio-stoke/

74th Silverdale Cub Awarded Chief Scouts Commendation for Meritorious Conduct

We were very pleased to learn that the County Commissioner had recently visited 74th Silverdale’s Cubs to present a Chief Scouts Commendation for Meritorious Conduct.

This is awarded for meritorious conduct of a high standard e.g. acts of bravery with no risk to life, or dedication to the Scouts despite the difficulties they have endured.
The medal is a green ribbon with a blue vertical stripe.

Jack was awarded the award for saving his Dad’s life. When presented with the Award, he said “if you help one person they will help one more”. He will go to Windsor Castle for a day of celebration for St George’s Day. Thanks to 74th Silverdale for the photos.

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/04/74th-silverdale-cub-awarded-chief-scouts-commendation-for-meritorious-conduct/

Scout 2 5k

On Sunday 3rd April 2022, on a chilly running track at Keele Sports Centre, 50 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Leaders & their families, joined together to take part in Newcastle-under-Lyme District Scout’s first ever Scout to 5K event.

Dressed in sportswear, colourful clothes, and fancy dress everyone pushed themselves to run, walk, hop, skip, or jump the 5 kilometre course to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Between them they have raised a whopping total of £1,750 with more money still coming in. If you want to contribute and sponsor our scouts you can do so here:
https://www.justgiving.com/newcastledistrictscouts

Cancer touches every part of every community and Newcastle District are proud to be donating this money with such a worthy cause.

Well done to everyone who took part in this successful event- don’t forget to claim your personal challenge and fitness badges from your Leaders!

More photos can be seen in the gallery

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/04/scout-2-5k/

Gone Home: Brenda Deakin

Newcastle District is extremely saddened to hear that Brenda Deakin passed away on Wednesday 23rd March 2022.

Brenda held many positions with 74th Silverdale Group and Newcastle District over her 62 years of Scouting!

We would like to offer our condolences to Mike and all of Brenda’s family.

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/03/gone-home-brenda-deakin/

Gone Home: Viv Bradford

I’m heartbroken to announce that my dear friend, one of our inspirational volunteer leaders, Vivienne Bradford lost her battle with cancer today, age 58 years. 

Viv has tirelessly worked to enhance the lives of young people through scouting for over 17 years. As a Scout, Explorer, District and County Leader, including Duke of Edinburgh assessor. Also as a group and county executive member, she has always been willing to go the extra mile to ensure that young people gained the best scouting experience possible.

Her dedication was recognised in 2010 with the award of Chief Scouts Commendation and in 2021 in the Scout Association Award for Merit.

When St Giles Scout group and Explorer unit no longer had a regular meeting place, Viv worked tirelessly to ensure the continuation of the Group and secured a lease on a suitable building within Newcastle centre, so that the Group and unit could continue to thrive. Additionally, she was chairperson of the hall committee, helping to run the building ensuring the hall is a hub for the local community.

Tributes are already being paid to this remarkable woman, who has supported the community, Newcastle and Stone town centres, countless volunteers and young people to achieve their potential.

We have lost a great friend.

Our deepest sympathy is with Ian, Harry and Sarah, and to all Viv’s family and friends, and using Ian’s words

‘Celebrate her life with us and raise a glass to her tonight, and give some time to those you hold most dear.’ 

Funeral details will be made available when known. 

Vera Bloor

District Commissioner

 

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/03/gone-home-viv-bradford/

Eric Weatherell: Gone Home

I’m very sad to learn that Eric Wetherell, honorary Vice President of our District, passed away Monday 7th March, aged 89.

Eric had been a keen supporter of our District for many years, and indeed is a former District Chairman, attending District events, fundraisers, and Castle Capers Gang shows, Always on hand to offer advice if needed, in a very unassuming way. He was one of life’s real gentlemen.  I, and others will miss his cheery smile and chats.

There is a service of Remembrance at St Andrews Church, Westlands, Newcastle, 245pm,  Monday 28th March.

Eric’s family have requested a Scout presence, Scout uniform to be worn if possible,  and final arrangements will be notified shortly. (A private family service at Bradwell Crematorium precedes the church service)

Undertakers Rowland & Foulkes, Newcastle.

Donations to Diabetes UK.

Vera Bloor

District Commissioner

 

Permanent link to this article: https://newcastledistrictscouts.org.uk/2022/03/eric-weatherell-gone-home/