102 AGM's and counting!! - 19^th May 2011

2011; Another exciting and fast moving year! These last few months we have seen the formation of a brand new Adult Section and a New Explorer section. We are launching our 2nd Scout Section night within the next month! I would like to highlight those that perform on the front line, week in week out, the leaders of our Young Peoples’ Sections. Beavers – Jason, Cubs – Including their 90th celebrations – Laurence and Scouts – Lisa 2009 witnessed a 49% Growth, 2010 a 19% Growth, and not to be outdone, 2011 produced a 35% Growth in Group Membership.

To put this in to perspective overall growth for 2011 Northamptonshire Scouts was 1.4% and Nene Valley District was flat. So, quite rightly we can be proud of our achievements again in attracting the Young People to our Group and retaining our Superb Leadership Team.

Last year Mr Mike Digby became our New Chairman, however due to an exciting project he has just taken on. Mike has requested to take a role that will take up less of his time. Thanks go to Mike for his outstanding contribution to the Group over the last 18 months and we look forward to him continuing to give great value to the Group through the Scout Active Support. I am delighted to introduce Jackie Abbott as our New Chair-Person. Jackie comes with a wealth of experience and has been a friend to the Group for many years. I am sure she will add immense value to the Team.

Congratulations go to Emma King, who has just completed her Wood Bead training. Emma is one of many New Leaders that we have recruited over the last 5 years, all of which have made a tremendous positive impact on the Group and without them, the Group would have remained stagnant. The majority of these New Leaders are parents of the Young People already in the Group, and work very hard for all the Young People. Every NEW front-line Leader that we recruit means we can give 6 more youngsters the opportunity of joining us.

Every year the Group recognises the extraordinary achievements of the young people from each section with the Beaver, Cub and Scout of the year awards.

This year the group was delighted to receive a NEW TROPHY in fond memory of the late Lucy Marlow, long-time Cub Leader. Her daughter Debbie Howell presented this for the first time to the Cub making the most progress in Lucy’s old Pack – The TUESDAY CUBS.

The young person from each section receives the award for Progress and Service. This year's recipients were:-

Beavers - Danniel and Bailey

Cubs - Louis and Geoorgina

Scouts - Arend

The Group and the Scout Association also recognise the contribution made by adult members of the movement. Shaun Pentlow, one of our very long serving member received the ‘Chief Scouts Commendation’ in recognition of his Loyal Service. Staunch Supporter and Long-Time Scout Steve Abbott was presented with his 30 Years Service Award by Assistant Commissioner Tony Knott. Andy Linnell has been a member of this group since the age of 6 and because of this he has a huge amount of experience and achieved all the major awards in the Youth Sections. He has, as an Adult, served Scouting in many roles both inside and outside the Group from Quartermaster through to Webmaster. He continues as Webmaster and to recognise this exemplary service, Andy was awarded the ‘Thanks Badge.’

Over the last 5 years Irthlingborough Scout Group has recorded extraordinary success. I think you’ll agree that we have achieved everything we set out to, and more, however we must not rest on a laurels as we expect to continue to be a central part of the life for many Young People in future years.

Therefore, we are to launch a new ‘Steering Committee’. This Committee will solely be to examine the future options for the Group, and present findings / recommendations to the Group Executive Committee within the next few months. This is a prime time to conduct this project, especially on the back of both local (Irthlingborough Development) and National / Government Proposals (Big Society etc.) The Committee will take an active part in discussions with the local councils and promote Scouting for the benefit of all.

Our progress has been recognised by the Town, Supporters, Helpers & Parents and is reflected in the uplift in our numbers and generous donations.

On behalf of the Group’s Young People, I would like to thank you all for your outstanding support over the last 12 months.

A new way to volunteer for Scouting in Irthlingborough

Tuesday 15th February 2011 the 103rd Anniversary of Scouting in Irthlingborough will see the launch of Scout Active Support, a new way of allowing Adult volunteers to support and get involved with local Scouting. Scout Active Support was launched in September 2009 and is the new name for Scout Fellowship, a Scout Section for adults aged 18 upwards who wish to use the skills they already have and to develop new skills to support local Scouting.

Scout Active Support was launched in September 2009 and is the new name for Scout Fellowship, a Scout Section for adults aged 18 upwards who wish to use the skills they already have and to develop new skills to support local Scouting.

For over thirty years Scout Fellowship has played an important role in helping provide the excitement and fun of Scouting to young people across the UK.

Although there has never been any Scout Fellowship in Irthlingborough the Group’s rapid expansion now requires that there are better lines of communication in order to ensure that the weekly Leadership Team are provided with the support they require whilst facilitating large scale events and activities for the Young People of Irthlingborough.

So what is Scout Active Support?

With Scouting becoming more popular than ever, and Adult volunteering increasing at the fastest rate for 23 years, just as many girls as boys now joining. 100,000 Scout volunteers give up their time to provide adventurous activities for 400,000 6-25 year olds.

Despite this, demand still outstrips supply and waiting lists remain at an all-time high due to the need for more Adult volunteers. This is no different in Irthlingborough than across the rest of the UK.

Whilst many Adults may not have the time or experience to commit to a full time Leadership role, Scout Active Support aims to fill that gap. If you are an ex-Scout who can only commit to support Irthlingborough Scouts on one occasion a year or somebody who is new to Scouting but does not want to volunteer as a Leader then you can help! If you would like to assist in areas where you already have skills or would like to develop new skills to support the Young People of Irthlingborough Scout Group, then you can help!

What’s in it for YOU as an individual?

By volunteering for Scouting you not only benefit by supporting Young People, you also gain from developing your own skills.

Your personal development could come through sharing the experiences of Young People or if you choose, from learning new specialist skills, many of which are recognised in the professional training world. Irthlingborough Scout Group’s Executive Committee are committed to supporting individuals who are willing to develop their own skills in order to provide the Young People of Irthlingborough with experience that will benefit them Physically, Intellectually, Spiritually and Socially.

Additionally, there will be a social side to Scout Active Support. Whether it is an evening of Ten Pin Bowling, a days walk in the hills or a white-water rafting experience; you can choose. Our aim is to meet on the last Thursday of each month for a short get-together where the latest information will be disseminated followed by some form of activity or just a drink at a local pub.

BCome and join us at our inaugural meeting on Tuesday 15th February 2011 at 8.00 pm at Irthlingborough Scout HQ for a short presentation, cheese and wine and to meet some of those who have already seen the benefits of Scout Active Support that will take Irthlingborough Scout Group forward.

1^st Irthlingborough keeps on growing!! - January 15^th 2011

It gives the Group great pleasure to announce another leap in membership numbers this year. The group has experienced growth this year of +35% or 35 new members joining us from 2009 to 2010. This growth brings our total number of members to 136 (this excludes sectional helpers). All three sections have grown this year: • Beavers grew by 44%. They are the largest section again this year with a total 46 young people, only 2 away from capacity.

• Cubs have grown 23% consolidating their 2nd pack night. They currently have 38 young people.

• Scouts saw growth of 20% and they are in the process of building their 2nd troop night.

• Adult member numbers have grown by 20% on last year plus we have the introduction of the new SAS section which will start officially next month

Congratulations to all Leaders, Helpers and Group supporters on another outstanding year. Thanks to you all.

Nick

Ex-leader wins Tote Christmas Hamper - 23^rd December 2010

The Annual Free Hamper Draw for members of the Tote was held at the Leaders Annual Dinner at the Eastern Spice on Friday 17th December 2010. The winner was John Linnell – and we hope that the Linnell Family enjoy the Hamper. Each year we run a Tote which helps us fund the Insurance, Heating and expenses of the Headquarters and more of you are really urged to become part of the Tote. All you have to do is to pay a modest £10.00 per year – which gives you 10 monthly Draws - each with a 1st prize of £50.00 and a second prize of £15.00 (actual second prize amount will depend on final total of members).

And a FREE Draw in December – for members only.

Look out for the invitation to join or renew soon in 2011.

Thank you for your support.

Explorer Leader recognised for long service - 17^th December 2010

Adam Noble (Explorer Scout Leader of the Rebels) and hard-working member of 1st Irthlingborough Group receives his 20 Year Long Service Award. Taking place at the Annual Leaders Christmas Dinner on 17th December, Tony Knott (ADC / Training Manager from Nene Valley District) gave out the Movement’s award to acknowledge Adam’s superb contribution to Scouting. All those who have worked with Adam appreciate his dedication none more than the Young People that he had leads. Well done Adam and many thanks!

Scouts turn out in force to remember - 14^th November 2010

The 1st Irthlingborough Scout Group yet again turned out in force for this years Remembrance Service at the Scout Memorial, St Peter’s Church & the Cenotaph. Counting well over 100+ Young People - plus a superb turnout of Leaders, Helpers, parents and families who joined in, parading from the Scout Headquarters to the service where this year the Cubs led the proceedings. At the Church the Young People lined up with the Group Chairman, Mr Mike Digby, proudly flying the Groups colours and greeting the Towns parishioners, including Mrs Teresa Ablett, our town Mayor who made a special effort to speak to the Beavers, Cubs & Scouts.

In to the Church; where the Young People behaved exceptionally all through the service with many parishioners complimenting the Group afterwards.

Laurence (the AGSL for the Cubs section) read a speech above the noise of the bells. The speach explaining that many of the first Cubs in Irthlingborough without doubt knew their parents had been involved in World War 1 and then they themselves went on to fight in World War 2.

The Cubs then read out a very fitting poem about Flanders Fields.

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet - to rise anew!

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valour led;

It seems to signal to the skies

But lends a lustre to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red

We wear in honour of our dead.

Fear not that ye have died for naught;

We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought

In Flanders Fields.

After a short parade to the cenotaph, the Cubs laid a homemade wreath on behalf of the Group with candles representing 90 years of Cub Scouting in the town. All then observed the 2 minute silence, before parading back to St Peter’s where their very proud parents picked them up.

A Scouting story for Remembrance Day

Lyle Abbott writes:

I was privileged to have met some founder Scouts who told me this story.........

“We were all Scouts and lads who had been Scouts and still enjoyed the comradeship offered by Baden Powell’s great movement. We were loyal and patriotic to the things that we held dear – service, friendship, freedom, and care for others.

When the Great War broke out in 1914 we did not hesitate to offer to serve King and Country and when we went to volunteer the M.O. thought that we were a Boxing Club or similar as we were all in perfect physical condition – something that helped many of us survive the trenches and worse.

When it came to take the King’s Shilling – that’s what you still get when you volunteer - all 6 of us Scouts set out together to go to the Recruiting Office.

That is: Me (James Horner), Arthur Rabbitt, Ernest Favell, George Smith, Arthur Thompson, Ralph Denton.

The three that chose to get their boots muddy across the fields came back safely home , the other three who said ‘ we’re not getting our freshly polished boots dirty ‘ lost their lives............

Of the 54 Scouts who either volunteered or were called-up in the Great War, 12 never came back – 5 were prisoners-of-war and 4 were discharged wounded. Some of the Scouts either died shortly afterwards or had health problems for the rest of their lives because of the gas-attacks.

During the War our Scoutmaster, Jesse Berwick, who could not join up because of his disabled legs, wrote to each and every one of the 54 Scouts to encourage and support them.

In 1920 we put up a memorial to those lost Scouts – erected on the grave of Arthur Thompson – one of the first 1908 Scouts."

Bonfire Night and Fireworks - November 6^th 2010

A Group of Leaders, Helpers, Parent Volunteers and the older Scouts managed the Hall Park Side Gate and through their superb efforts have received a massive £719.00 Cheque! Nick organised the helpers on the night and Lisa the sales of tickets in advance-25% of which will go directly to the Young People’s Sections at Irthlingborough. The whole event made sure that this sum raised will equate to £9.00 per child in our Group - and thus saves us lots of additional fundraising. (our utility bills can be up to £1200.00 per year!) For just a few hours work on the night , and open to all Parents and Friends to come along and help, gives the Group this massive cash injection.

So a big ‘thank you’ - to all who took part.

See you (and more volunteers, please) next year!

Irthlingborough Carnival - 4^th September 2010

This year with such a full programme the Group decided not to enter a float into the town Carnival – maybe next year! The lack of a float didn’t dampen the Scouts enthusiasm though and they rose to the challenge by providing a Team to take on their now traditional role of running the change cart. With the 1914 Trek cart, heading the Parade the Scouts dispensed ‘Change’ to the crowd. Well done Team for arranging this and especially to the Scouts for showing the Flag around the Town; they received many compliments for this! Meantime up at the Recreation ground, tea and coffee was served by Leaders, Helpers and some very dedicated Scouts.

This year we were proud to show off our new trailer (provided by Grant Aid). A big Thank you to the Cub and Beaver Leaders for making a fine display of pictures.

Lots of Young People visited the ‘trailer’ and said they would join us as well being visited by some prospective Leaders.

Many thanks to the Scouts and Leader Team for this great PR event.

St. Georges Day Activities Afternoon 2010

After the church service at Irthlingborough, 19 Scouts, 24 Cubs and 33 Beavers boarded coach’s en-route to the Parade and activities afternoon in Oundle. Having arrived at about 12.30pm the large Irthlingborough contingent lined up and paraded to the School where the activities were being held. After the parade was dismissed everyone tucked into their packed lunches. At 2.00pm the Scout and Cub activities got going. The activities on offer included shooting, a climbing wall, archery, tug-of-war, ball games, crafts, smashing plates (that one went down well!) and battling knights (you had to knock the others head off). The Beavers had their own activities in the school hall.

After 2 hours of activities helped along with great weather, sunny, but not too hot (and best of all, no rain!!) the day ended at 4.30pm with Camp Fire games (without the fire). The Groups then boarded the coaches for the journey home and after a quick head count, set off for Irthlingborough, arriving back at 5.45pm.

Luckily the rain held off until the Group was back in Irthlingborough. Everybody enjoyed the day but all were glad to be going home for some well-earned rest.

St. Georges Day 2010

Sunday 25th of April 2010 saw the Group paraded to St. Peter’s Church for the Annual St. George’s Day Service. There were a record number of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts as well as their Leaders who came along to renew their Promises and to witness the Blessing of the New Cub Flag. The new colours were presented to the Cub section to commemorate 90 years of Cub Scouting in Irthlingborough. The Parade Service was conducted by Canon Tim Short who blessed the new flag. The lesson was read by Scout ‘Arend’ who received many compliments on his clear and confident reading ability. The event was attended by Mrs. Eileen Mander our Town Mayor, and afterwards the former Cub Leaders and Donors formed up for a picture. We welcomed Marie Flawn, Wendy Clarke and Spencer Wainwright as well as Tony Packham (Chairman of the PCC).

A special mention was made about David Maddock who was recently awarded the Silver Acorn and together with Kathleen, received hearty applause from the whole congregation!

Our District Commissioner Geoff Simmons conducted the renewal of promises for all present and former members of Scouting and Guiding.

Long standing Group Secretary receives Silver Acorn

On Wednesday 14th April 2010 our long standing Group secretary, David Maddock was presented with the ‘Silver Acorn’. The ‘SILVER ACORN’ is given by the Chief Scout for not less than 20 years of especially distinguished services to Scouting. David was presented with this prestigious award at a ceremony at Wellingborough Freemasons Hall by HM Deputy Lieutenant for Northamptonshire Dr. Ahmed Mukhtar, in the presence of his wife, Kathleen, their friends, and Group Leaders from Irthlingborough and the surrounding Districts. David has excelled at the job of Secretary for a very long period of time and he was extremely surprised to be given his 30 years Long Service Award at the same Ceremony by the County Commissioner Alistair Cochran.

Sports Relief Mile just goes on and on ..........!!!

On 20th March, 1st Irthlingborough Scout Group took part in bike ride in Aid of Sports Relief. Some people chose to hike as they did not have bikes but were determined to take part! Despite the poor weather over 50 people from the Group took part and ventured from the meeting point armed with a Quiz to complete along the way. The Group battled through mud, puddles and flat tyres to complete the course from Irthlingborough to Stanwick Lakes via the old railway. Some of the puddles were so deep, that the children that rode through them qualified for their Swimming Badge...... Around the lakes the families set about completing an adventure course that led them over the obstacle course, playground and zip wire, all requiring them to answer questions for the Quiz.

The families took a well earned Lunch break, and then completed the journey.

Everyone that took part completed at least 4 miles which is a MASSIVE ACHIEVEMENT especially as most of these were through mud tracks deeper than their bikes.

When the sun eventually came out everyone had finished and were busy back at home having to wash bikes and hiking boots alike. The Quizzes were handed in ready for marking and donations made for the charity.

A massive ‘THANK-YOU’ goes to everyone that took part and endured the weather and conditions, which made it even more special to see so many. A total of £100 was raised on the day, and we are hopeful that future donations may still continue to come in.

A huge ‘CONGRATULATION’ goes to the Ibbertson family who were the overall winners in the quiz, winning with a total score of 30; many other families were only a few points behind.

If you still wish to give to this wonderful cause then please would you contact your Section Leaders and they will gratefully accept any donations.