Ian’s Update August 2013

Exploding Brass! 2013

Well – after several weeks of sunshine the weather dampened and cooled a bit for our concert but in no way affected the tremendous evening that was had by all.  With over 2300 people attending, the field and car parks were full.  180 performers or volunteers took part in the evening all whom together made this the best yet Exploding Brass!  Against a backdrop of reduced sponsorship, changes had to be made including a higher ticket price and reducing some costs but at the same time adding more to the evening’s entertainment,something which we achieved.  The dry conditions meant the fireworks had to be relocated to avoid the ripe barley field, and with the technical calculations made and change of firework selection the displays could go ahead.

All the acts went down a storm and many queued for Sam Kelly’s autograph who marginally completed more signatures than myself despite my attempted bribes!!!

The event culminates a year of hard work by the organising committee, with many taking several days off work before and after the event to set and clear up.  Band members were rehearsing 4hrs per week for 2 months leading up to the concert and volunteers from the Scout Group undertook much of the preparation from fencing, transporting and obtaining equipment, raking the fields, operating the stalls and so on.

Without the support of sponsors, patrons, the local community and all who took part, this event would just not happen especially when you consider costs exceeded £40000.

From the stage and lighting crew to professional performers, they were all amazed at the professionalism of the event and the friendliness of all involved.  That’s because the vast amount of people there are volunteering because they want to give their time to support the event.

With too many to name, may I thank everyone who played any part in this year’s concert and we hopefully look forward to 18th July 2015.

A rapidly-growing gallery of photographs can be viewed by clicking here.

Next month we will report on the Scout Camp to Wales. 

Ian Colman – Chairman

01603 868680

Ian’s Update June 2013

The Scouts recently entered 2 teams in the Northern Norwich District Master At Arms competition. They had a great day finishing in the middle of the competition table. One of the Scouts, Travis Harvey shot the 5th highest combined score of the day showing his accuracy with a rifle and a pistol.

Members of the Group also attended the District St. George’s Day parade in Norwich to celebrate the Patron Saint of Scouting.

Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers

If you get these and do not know what to do with them then please donate them to the Scouts and we can turn them into equipment!.  Just pop into an envelope and put in the post box beside the gate of the Scout HQ (opposite the Village Hall and next to the doctors.)

Thank You!

Adult Support:

We are looking for additional adult support for our Cub sections (8-10 years meeting Monday/Tuesday from 6.30pm).  If you are over 18 and can spare some time working with the youth of the village then please get in touch.

We have children who want to join and make something of their spare time but it is the lack of adult support which is stopping them.  Don’t assume someone else will offer – please step forward!

Finally – we are looking forward to another successful Exploding Brass! this year with Taverham Band and if you haven’t got your ticket yet now is your last chance!!!

 

Thanks

Ian Colman – Chairman

Ian’s Update May 2013

Water Water everywhere!

The Cubs recently had a visit from Richard Park of Anglian Water. He gave the Cubs and Leaders a very interesting talk about the work of Anglian Water and in particular SEWAGE. The Cubs made ‘sewage soup’ which consisted of a revolting mix of yellow water, teabags, wipes, cotton buds and weetabix!!!   As you can imagine the Cubs had lots of fun making the sewage and learning about what not to put down the toilet.

Next term the Cubs will be working towards their camper badge in readiness for their Summer camp at  Reepham in June.

Lets hope the summer has arrived by then!

 

Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers

If you get these and do not know what to do with them then please donate them to the Scouts and we can turn them into equipment!.  Just pop into an envelope and put in the post box beside the gate of the Scout HQ (opposite the Village Hall and next to the doctors.)

Thank You!

 

Scouts Night Hike

The annual ‘Dump & Hike’ exercise was carried out in March with teams of Scouts with adult support are driven to a mystery location one dark evening and using a map have to navigate their way back to base which was in Ringland.  The youngsters thoroughly enjoyed, all returned and were treated to Hot Dogs and Doughnuts.   A big thanks to Ringland Parish Council for allowing use of their land.

 

Adult Support

We are looking for additional adult support for our Cub sections (8-10 years meeting Monday/Tuesday from 6.30pm).  If you are over 18 and can spare some time working with the youth of the village then please get in touch.

 

We have children who want to join and make something of their spare time but it is the lack of adult support which is stopping them.  Don’t assume someone else will offer – please step forward!

Thanks

Ian Colman – Chairman

Ian’s Update April 2013

Scouts Winter Camp

The Scouts have recently returned from their winter camp at Eaton Vale.  Although we were low on numbers it was still a great camp with the Scouts learning mountain biking skills, building giant catapults and honing their archery technique. As always on winter camp the weather was bitterly cold with occasional snow showers over the weekend. All  have now recovered and thawed out and looking forward to the rest of the term. This will involve the Scouts brushing up on their navigation skills ready for a large scale ‘dump and hike’ exercise just before Easter.

BPA Success!

Three ex-Taverham scouts and current Taverham Young Leaders – Alex Utting, Fraser Rudd and Luke Edmunds have won this year’s BPA competition.

What is BPA?

BPA is a multi-activity adventure competition for Explorer Scouts aged 14 – 18 in Norfolk. The event is held as close as possible to Baden Powell’s birthday. The 12 hour event focuses around three zones where teams undertake several activities known as ‘stunts’ in order to earn valuable BPA points. As part of the challenge teams must successfully navigate and find their way to different zones around the playing area. The team at the end of the competition with the most points is the winner and gets to take home the coveted BPA Trophy. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough this all takes place overnight in the middle of winter!

Congratulations to the following people who have achieved their Chief Scout Award.

Bronze: Ethan Utting, Harry Heseltine, Jack Walker, Jacob Green, James Sharp, Robert Gatehouse, Ryan Wesson, Sam Barnard and Samuel Butler.

Silver: Cameron Husband, Charlotte Roper, David Horrobin. Emily Colman, Frazer Castleton, Joe Piggott, Lewis McMillan, Thomas Knights and  Tom Rolf-Gokes.

Gold: Alistair Husband

 

Adult Support:

You will have read in recent editions the appeal for more adult support in running the sections.  We are delighted and thank Steve and Penny Butler who will take over the Beaver Section supported by additional help from parents.  We are looking for additional adult support for our Cub sections (8-10 years meeting Monday/Tuesday from 6.30pm).  If you are over 18 and can spare some time working with the youth of the village then please get in touch.

We have children who want to join and make something of their spare time but it is the lack of adult support which is stopping them.  Don’t assume someone else will offer – please step forward!

Thanks

Ian Colman – Chairman