Burwarton Cottage 2008

Burwarton Cottage 2008

Hi Leaders!

Some pictures from our weekend at Burwarton Cottage have been added to the website.
Just click on the image above to view them.

All the best,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Observer Covers the Rummage Sale

The Sutton Observer had substantial coverage of the Rummage Sale in this weeks issue.

Please click on the image below to see in more detail.

Drayton Manor 2008

Drayton Manor 2008

Hi All,


Some pictures from our Cubs recent outing to Drayton Manor park have been added to the website. Just click on the main photo above to view them.

It was a district organised event and there were many Cubs, leaders and helpers in attendance.

We were taken to and returned from the park by two double decker 'green' buses, which all added to the fun.

The Cubs managed to go on all of the major rides and the queue's were suprisingly short, so of course they got chance to go on them again, and again, and again!

I think everyone will agree that we had a very enjoyable day.


All the best,

The Leaders

Latest Red Border

The web version of the latest Red Border can be downloaded here.

Rummage Sale

Last Saturday's Rummage Sale was a great success. We managed to raise £428 pounds for the Group. Many thanks to all those involved, and to those who donated items. Below is some of the local coverage prior to the event. Hopefully we will make the papers this week as well.

[caption id="attachment_255" align="alignnone" width="455" caption="Rummage Sale Coverage"][/caption]

Rememberance Day Parade 2008

Rememberance Day Parade 2008

Hi All,

Please find attached a report regarding this year's rememberance day parade held in Sutton Coldfield town centre and attended by 8 of our Scouts.

remembrance-sunday

There are also a small number of photographs for you to see by clicking on the main photo above.

All the best,

Skip, Emily & Adam

BRUMVENTURE 2008

Brum Venture 2008

Hi All,

Latest pictures from our participation in the Brumventure event, which took place at Pikes Pool, near Bromsgrove.

We entered the largest number Scouts from any one group in the district and we took part in the canoeing, forestry and pioneering badges. Other badges included camp cook and master at arms.

It was a fantastic event and all of the 35 participants received their badges at the end of the weekend.

Brumventure will continue to run every year and it is an excellent opportunity to gain a badge in a short space of time.

Well done to all those who took part!

Hope you enjoy the photo’s!

All the best,

Skip and Adam

Sutton Municipal Charities

Hi All,

Please find attached a copy of the presentation made to Sutton Municipal Charities on Friday 10th October.

sutton-municipal-charities-2008

Approximately 20 members of the committee gave up their time to see how their generous donations have been used by the group.

They stayed with us for around 45 minutes and showed their interest by asking several positive questions at the end of the presentation.

The committee members appeared to be very satisfied with the work carried out by the group and left offering us plenty of praise and encouragement for the future.

Well done to all those involved in making our group a very successful one.

Expedition Challenge 2008

Expedition Challenge 2008

Hi All,

Latest pictures from our participation in the expedition challenge badge, which took place in Shropshire.

During the expedition, the team had to;

- journey for at least 4 hours a day
- use a map to keep track of where they were
- play a full part in the team
- achieve at least one goal (cooking a hot meal)
- stay overnight in a hostel

Our team of 4 did exceptionally well and received their badges at the end of the event.

Well done to all those who took part!

Hope you enjoy the photo’s!

All the best,

Skip and Adam

Sponsored Walk

A fine time was had by all on the sponsored walk in Sutton Park last Tuesday. We started at Boldmere Gate and walked to the Jamboree Stone, where refreshments were provided. We then walked back in the dark, where our torches were put to good use. We had an excellent turnout, despite the threat of rain. Many thanks to all those who attended. Below are some (rather dark) pictures.

Sponsered Walk 2008

Willesley Camp 2008

Willesley Camp 2008

Hi All,

Latest pictures from our recent camp at Willesley in Leicestershire.

The weather was absolutely fantastic and we picked a perfect spot in which to set up camp.

The troop learned how to pitch a patrol tent which they then slept in for 2 nights. They put up a dining shelter and store tent and took turns in cooking breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper for each other throughout the weekend. They also learned how to build a camp fire which kept us warm during the evening and beyond.

During our free time we played football, cricket, visited the supermarket, went exploring in the woods, did several trips to the tuck shop, played with the rope swing and launched a water rocket!

A good time was had by all.

Hope you enjoy the photo's!

All the best,

Skip, Emily & Adam

Leaders Honoured

Two of our leaders have recently been honoured. Skip received his 30 year service award, and Akela received her 20 year service award. As a result, they both were awarded a 100% pay increase!

Group Sponsored Walk

The annual Group Sponsored Walk is being held on the 7th October in Sutton Park. More details can be found on the flyer. You can also download the sponsor form. Hope to see you there!

Badge Work

Hi gang!

Hope you all enjoyed the summer holidays?!

For you interest, please find attached a list containing all of the badges it is possible for you to achieve as a Scout!

scout-badges-a4

If you are interested in putting yourself forward for any of these interesting challenges, then please let us know.

Looking foward to seeing you all again soon.

Skip, Emily & Adam

Flower Show

The Supporters Club held their most successful Show last Saturday with no less than 361 exhibits to be viewed and enjoyed, including Flowers, Vegetables, Handicrafts, Cakes and Jams. Over 250 people attended who also spent £180 on Raffle tickets, £134 on the post-show auction of exhibits and £47 on teas. The prizes were presented by recently elected Erdington Cllrs Bob Beachamp and Robert Alden who thoroughly enjoyed their involvement and then stayed on for the auction! Please click on the image below to see some of the coverage we received.

For Sale

Dear All,

We have a small number of Outwell OHIO tents for sale.

They have been well used by the group and as such they have also been well looked after.

They may require reproofing to withstand several more years of the British weather however, proofing sprays are available from all good camping shops.

We are asking for a small donation of £20 per tent, which will go directly into group funds.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these tents then please contact David Phillips, our GSL, by email.

All the best,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Sutton Coldfield District Camp 2008

Sutton Coldfield East District Cub Camp 2008

4^th – 6^th July 2008

The theme of this year’s camp was Independence day/Cowboy and Indians.   Our group was selected to be Cowboys for the weekend.  Well done Cubs, you all looked brilliant and fitted in well with the camp.  The cubs enjoyed a fun and action packed Friday night with a Grand opening with included an introduction to the District team followed by the amazing juggling/Daredevil Steve.  He showed the Cubs some thrilling circus skills using fire sticks, 3 swords, 7 juggling balls and 2 diablos and an incredible unicycle display.    The cubs then made there way down to campfire hollow and enjoyed a good sing-along and loads of action songs.  The night then finished off with a fireworks display for all of the children. 

Saturday started very early as some groups were awake by 4am but, all of the leaders would like to say well done to the Cubs in the 6^th for staying in there tents until 7am! Despite the rain, this didn’t put anyone off and bases where run from 10 till 12, 2 till 4.  These included fire lighting, tracking sings, water slides and many other fun bases.  We all then returned to our camp for a stomach filling meal cooked by our chefs for the weekend Tic Tac and Keeo.   All of the Cubs then enjoyed a as Vegas casino night which included candyfloss, hotdogs and Wild West drinks.  The Cubs also had fun poker, ping pong throwing, coconut alleys and camel racing.  Also there was a jail which I ended up in as somehow I was volunteered to go in.   This included standing behind 3 bars and getting sponges thrown at me from the Cubs in our pack and the other leaders.  (Thanks!!) As you can imagine I was soaked through on a cold Saturday night!! How fun?!! 

On Sunday the Cubs didn’t want to get up and we had to wake them up at 7.30 for breakfast.   The Cubs then went to watch a film as it was raining and this gave a chance for the leaders to to start clearing camp.  As it started to clear, the district took the cubs on a small walk down to the remains of Beaudesert house and the cliff face.   

Camp then closed at 3pm and we all headed back to our Headquarters to unpack. 

 A few thank you’s:

• Raksha and Chil (Cub leaders)


• Tic Tac and Keeo (Beaver Leader and professional chefs!)


• Tic Tac (Camp Leader)


• Parents who helped set up Thursday night and strike camp on Sunday.


• Finally, the Cubs! You made the weekend fun for everyone, and you all behaved impeccably the whole time you were on camp.  It was a pleasure taking you all on camp.

Kaa

Raft Race 2008

Raft Race 2008

Hi All,

Latest pictures from the district raft race which took place in Sutton Park on Saturday 12th July.

The weather was mixed, the water was frisky and at times the wind and driving rain made it hard for the raft racers to get anywhere!

The troop built a sturdy raft and only had a bit of trouble securing the barrels on as the building time ticked away. A few of the barrels fell out when the raft was turned the right way up but this was quickly rectified and the raft was made good!

Our troop did extremely well and I'm told this is the first time that we completed the course without the raft breaking up and sinking, unlike one of the other teams! Excellent effort!

Here's a spreadsheet of the final positions;

raft-race-2008-2

So, we came joint 2nd place for teamwork and 7th place overall. Fantastic! OK, we finished 12th in the in the actual race but so what. It's the taking part that counts and we'll definitely be much the wiser next time round.

Many thanks to all those who volunteered to take part, and to all those parents who came along to offer their support and helped with the transportation of equipment. You know who you are!

Until the next update,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Raft Building Practise '08

 

Raft Building 08

Click on the photo album above for some cool knot tying videos and advice.

Looking forward to Saturday!

Good luck

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

BRUMVENTURE '08

Hi gang! Please take some time to read the attached information regarding the BRUMVENTURE '08 event

brumventure20poster

application20form201-1

As there are only 12 places available for the whole district, Scouts will be chosen on a 'first come, first served' basis.

If you are interested in taking part in this fantastic opportunity to acquire several badges in one go, please email Skip as soon as possible.

 
Best of luck,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Pikes Pool 2008

 

Pikes Pool 2008

Latest pictures from our recent camp at Pikes Pool in Bromsgrove.

We designed, built and tested our raft ready for the district raft race in July plus, we went back to basics on camp with the minimum of home comforts. More wood for the fire troop!

More pictures have been added.

All the best,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Latest Red Border

A copy of the latest Red Border can be downloaded here. Due to some technical difficulties at the moment, it's of slightly lower quality than usual.

Youlberry Camp 2008

 

Youlberry Camp 2008

 

Some pictures of our recent camp at Youlberry, Oxfordshire.

Enjoy!

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Well done to our football team for scoring 2 goals!

 

District Football Competition 2008

Well, we managed to field the minimum team requirement of 6 (no subs!) and take part in the district football competition.

The other teams appeared to have many more players to choose from and some individuals were of questionable age in our opinion!

Needless to say we lost, but at least we took part and managed to score 2 cracking goals against older and much taller opposition.

Thanks to Luke, Jacob, Edward, Callum, Ryan and Zack for taking part.

We'll definitely do much better next time!

All the best,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Latest pics from UK Games Expo 2008!

UK Games Expo 2008

Thanks to all those who came to the UK Games Expo 2008 on Saturday 31st May, we had a great day!

Click on the above picture to see the whole photo album, it's funny!

All the best,

Adam
Assistant Scout Leader

Summer Fair

The Summer Fair was a great success. We had some fantastic weather. On top of this we managed to raise £1450. Below is a link to some photos.

Summer Fair 2008

Opening Ceremony Pictures

Whilst we are waiting for the official photographs, here are some unofficial ones

HQ Opening Ceremony

New Web Gallery

There is now a gallery of pictures from recent group events. If you have any pictures you would like to contribute, please send them to theredborder@googlemail.com

For starters, here's some pictures from the St Georges Day parade.

St Georges Day Parade 2008

Bogus Caller

The Group Chairman has asked me to e-mail you all as a matter of urgency.

There has been an Irish man cold calling to houses in the Wylde Green area.
He is apparently selling raffle tickets on behalf of two scout groups one in
Station Road and the other on Douay Road.

If you hear of any persons being approached by this man can you please make
it known to me at your earliest convenience.  There have already been some
persons caught out by this person last weekend.

David Phillips

Group Scout Leader

Letter from Jill Storey

Below is the text from a letter we received from Jill Storey (nee Bird) remembering Philip Baker, whom the Hall is named after.

"My father recently posted an article from the Sutton News to me saying you were after funds. I am sending a small donation towards your roof fund appeal.

The reason for this is I was born in Sutton Coldfield and still return regularly to visit family. The scout hut plays a big part in my childhood memories and has been the venue for many of my families gatherings, so I have an interest in seeing it looked after.

Both my parents Brian and Christine Bird were assistant cub masters before their marriage and their wedding reception was held at the hall. My grandmother was Kay Baker and step grandfather was Philip Baker. So as their granddaughter I attended lots of "at homes" and fundraising events in the hall. My grandparent's dedicated their lives to scouting and their determination and drive has always been an inspiration to me. They both came from humble beginnings and my grandfather never let his disability hold back his aspirations.

It was a very fitting tribute to him when the hall was named after him and lovely to hear that the scouts, cubs and beavers are all thriving."

Summer Fair Programme

Here is a copy of the Summer Fair Programme. All are welcome to come and join in the fun. For some of you, it will also be the first opportunity to see the refurbishments. All the money raised goes to help the boys and girls in the Group to enjoy everything that Scouting has to offer.

Sutton Observer Handover Coverage

We had an article in this weeks Sutton Observer covering the GSL handover from Alan to David.

St Georges Day Parade

Summer Fair Flyer

Below is a flyer for the Summer Fair. Please feel free to download and display.