1 ST FARNDON SCOUT GROUP AND FARNDON EXPLORERS

  

Farndon Scout Group has been in existence now for 26 years, our wooden scout hut being behind The Crofts. Our current membership consists of 42 cubs (aged 8 – 10), and 8 scouts (aged 10 – 14). Nine of our cubs will be joining the scout troop during this current term. We are a mixed group for both boys and girls.

Due to changes within the scouting organisation a few years ago the age group for scouts changed, resulting in half our troop no longer being eligible for membership. The alternative for them was to travel to either Chester or Malpas to other Explorer Units. However, after twelve months of discussion and pressure from the youngsters and their parents, Farndon Explorer Unit was set up in September 2005 for 14 – 18 year olds. Although this is governed by Chester District Scout Council and manages its own finances, we are closely affiliated to the Farndon Scout Group. Having started that Unit with no funds whatsoever, we are fortunate enough to have the ability to use the Scout Group’s facilities and equipment. As part of our setting up process we, as leaders, insisted that the Unit was kept within the local community. To date we have a mixed Unit of 12 Explorer Scouts

As a result of these changes we now offer a wide range of activities for 62 youngsters from the village and surrounding area between the age of 8 and 18.

Our leadership consists of:

Group Scout Leader – Jan Devine

Cubs - Owen Morris (cub scout leader)

Angela Hardwell (assistant cub scout leader)

 Scouts - Steve Smith (scout leader)

James Devine (assistant scout leader)

___________________________

 Explorers - Colin Devine (explorer leader)

Assisted by Jan Devine

 In 2007 the Scouting Association celebrates its Centenary year and it is hoped that we will take an active part in the celebrations throughout the year.

Below is a summary of some of the activities in each section over the last year:

Cubs

• Trips to Deeside ice-rink / Wrexham waterworld / Hampton Heath vets
• Participation and winners of the District Cub Swimming Gala
• Participation in the District Craft Competition
• Participation in the Farndon Remembrance Sunday parade, District Carol Service and District St George’s Day Parade
• Participation in ‘Race the Dragon’ on the river Dee
• Several camps throughout the year at local sites, as well as in Kent and Snowdonia. Also attending the Chester District camp at Sandiway.
• Ongoing participation in the scouting programme, including badgework

Farndon cub pack is one of the largest and most active packs in Chester District.

Scouts

• Practical traditional scouting skills such as – cooking a three course meal on open fires, axemanship and the use of bow saws, problem solving / team building games, pioneering (eg: building rope bridges)
• Active participation in Chester District Camp at Sandiway with opportunities to take part in archer, air rifle shooting, and plenty of water activities
• Participation in Farndon Remembrance Sunday Parade and Chester District St George’s Day Parade
• Assisting in arranging and running a Christmas Bingo in Farndon Sports and Social Club to raise funds for the Group
• Assisting the Explorers in car parking duties at Eaton Hall on Easter Sunday
• Three teams participated in the annual Cheshire Hike. All succeeded in completing the weekend’s hike, testing their map reading skills, camping and cooking skills
• Participation in a joint camp with Farndon Explorers

Explorers

  Participation in a late October camp in Anglesey, including crab fishing off Beaumaris pier and swimming in the sea

• Participation in Farndon Remembrance Sunday parade
• A trip to watch Sale Sharks play an international rugby match in Manchester, arranged by one of the Explorers
• A trip to Lazer Quest in Chester
• An evening out at a Thai restaurant
• Two teams participated in the annual Cheshire Hike. Both successfully completed the event. One team won the Chester District Trophy for Explorer Scouts
• Various day hikes, including an overnight camp in torrential rain (an experience we hope is not repeated!!)
• Co-ordinating car parking duties at Eaton Hall on Easter Sunday for the Open Day.
• Participation in the Chester District St George’s Day Parade, followed by a bell-boating competition on the river Dee (which we won!!!)
• Joint camp with Farndon Scouts
• Various activities including pioneering skills, basic scouting skills, team building events
• The investiture of two explorers on the Suspension bridge in Chester, and a wet investiture on a log bridge over a brook whilst on camp (it was agreed by the explorers that no investitures would take place in the scout hut).
• Assisting and actively participating in the FarndonFest Fun Day, eg: organising ‘Beat the Goalie’, and saving the day by entering the inter-pub (!!!) competition as no-one would challenge the team from The Nags Head, who inevitably won.

In order to continue the success of Farndon Scout Group and Explorer Unit we need to ensure that our premises are well maintained. Over the last few years we have raised funds in order to replace the roof and re-paint the outside of the hut. We have, with the agreement of the Parish Council fenced off an area of the field for our use - this has proved invaluable at our weekly meetings.

Over the last year the Explorers have been slowly re-vamping the kitchen area, having been donated second-hand kitchen units, hob, and microwave. However, we now have more urgent works that need to be carried out on the hut. Our plans for the next 12 months are as follows:

As a matter of urgency the electrical system needs replacing. The current installation no longer meets current standards and requirements, and for the safety of our youngsters needs to be completely re-wired, including new lighting.

• The current toilet facilities are in need of renovation. As we now have girls in the Group / Unit it is felt that separate toilet facilities should be provided.
• Once the above works have been carried out the inside of the hut will require re-decorating.

The cost of replacing the electrical system is estimated to be approximately £2,500.00; and the toilet area / re-decorating approximately £500.00. As we have limited funds which just about cover our running costs, insurance, award badges, equipment etc. we are now exploring other avenues from which funding can be obtained and would appreciate any offers of help.

As leaders we believe that Scouting has a major part to play in the development of youngsters in Farndon, and hope that it will continue for many years to come.

Jan Devine

Group Scout Leader

20 September 2006