55th Scouts News

Training Hike

2012-02-04T21:26:24Z

Well, what a good day for a walk! Bitterly cold, frozen ground and it started to snow. Pretty much perfect really. We were out to do a bit of training ahead of next week's Scoutabout, getting some map work in and covering a similar distance. what were the highlights today? Seeing some geese, finding icicles and all the frozen stretches of the river, some good winter lanscapes, oh and getting Jake out of the Frome before he fell in properly.

Good intentions

2012-01-15T21:29:51Z

Yes, I've written before that I should be keeping this site up to date, but I let it slip a bit didn't I? Well, there are a few events lined up for the first part of the year already, so I'll get the programme on here in the next few days. I have already posted Tintern camp at the start of March.

Scouts' Autumn Camp

2011-10-26T15:58:34Z

Last weekend found the Troop camping at Chelwood, a lovely site. We arrived after dark on Friday and set up camp, had a widegame and played a bit of Priest of the Parish. Satuday morning dawned, it was a wonderful sunny day and ideal for a hike. The lads set off in two patrols, but soon managed to meet up and to get off track while crossing some fields.

After getting back on to the route, the Scouts made it back to the camp site in time for lunch. Afterwards, it was time for some fire lighting, knife, axe and saw and bivoacing. We cooked and ate tea in the light and were just packed up before darkness decended. We had a couple of night games and a camp fire.

Sunday saw the patrols constructing an egg carrier, that they used to carry an egg safely across several obstacles.

water activities week

2011-07-19T18:50:53Z

A couple of weeks back, we had Dragon Boating organised for us (and the rest of the District), by the ADC Scouts. Although only a hadful of us made it, there were universal reports that it was a great sport to have a go at. Certainly we've not tried it before and, if we get the chance to go again, the advice is to try it.

Wendesday saw us kayaking at the Docks with the Avon Scout & Guide canoe club. A sunny evening makes a big difference, so we were lucky on that front. I got some decent photos for a change and our first time kayakers Eddie and Tom enjoyed the session.

Rifle Shooting & Archery

2011-07-19T18:41:01Z

Last week's meeting was a double bill of activities at Woodhouse. With everyone getting an hour at the shooting range and another on archery, there was plenty of time to master each activity. The improvement in archery was really noticeable, with lots of golds being scored by the end of the session, by Scouts who at first had found it difficult to get on to the target. Did I mention that I shot the balloons? Sorry for spoling that game!

Avon Jamboree 2011 'Four

2011-07-11T20:37:55Z

We had a pretty good weekend at the Jamboree, back in May.

No news is good news?

2011-06-21T19:53:37Z

You've probably noticed a distinct lack of activity on the website of late. All my fault of course, but thankfully not a reflection of what we've been doing.

Top of the list of news that should have been posted was our taking part in the 2011 Avon Jamboree, so a post will follow.

District Night Hike

2011-03-01T21:11:24Z

Two teams were put together for the night hike. Arriving at Mafeking Hall, our tents were set up and then it was inside for scrutineering, a briefing and then waiting for the off. There were 21 teams this year, so while 55th B set off 8th, the A team waited another 45 minutes for their start.

It was a dry night, but very muddy underfoot. The course included some tricky bits, buy after 8 miles 55th B came home in 10th place, so well done to Lewis, Kyle, Tom and Jack. 55th A saw Tom & Kieran having to drop out, but Laurie and James joined up with another team and went on to complete the course. Biscuits and a hot drink awaited back at the hall. The night wasn't as cold as the previous year's camp, so we were grateful for that!

New Year, New Programme -

2011-01-31T21:57:04Z

I've finally started to put this term's programe on the web. I won't have time to finish it tonight, but I've got up to March. More soon!

A couple of night hikes

2011-01-31T21:54:50Z

Well, you wait ages for a night hike and then two come along at once. On the 19th, Cubs walked from Vassalls up to Frenchay where they sang some camp fire songs and ate hot dogs. This was an evening much enjoyed by all, given the enthusiastic reports I received from two Cubs!

Then last week (26th) the Scouts walked up on to Purdown. We should've started at Hambrook, but didn't have enough transport, so it was time for plan B instead. We hadn't been on Purdown for a while, but it was a great night for it, cold but clear and a stunning view of the city at night. We had a look around one of the gun pits as well, before coming back down.

Cub Astronomer Badge Day

2010-11-22T16:02:45Z

Three boys from the pack went to @Bristol on the 20th for the first Astronomy Day to be held there. An exciting introductory talk was followed by a visit to the planetarium, a workshop in which the boys designed and built a robot to go to Mars and a chance to do some of the activities at Explore. It was a great day out and an way exciting way to earn the badge!

Beavers & Cubs Scoot for

2010-11-22T15:51:11Z

On the afternoon of the 14th November, following Rememberance Sunday's service in the morning, the Group met at Vassalls for the sponsored scoot. The Beavers and Cubs completed an average of 10 laps each of our circuit, to reach a combined distance of 100KM. Supported by friends and family, the boys and girls raised..... (I'll add in the total as soon as I know what it was!)

Autumn Camp

2010-10-19T20:41:58Z

Our camp at Chelwood went well. Mild weather and no rain made for perfect conditions for building bivouacs and sleeping in them on Saturday night. There were some good uses made of both natural materials and plastic sheets to build some different styles of shelter. I just wish the aircraft didn't start flying over from about 5am!

We also had some pretty good widegames and camp fires and the rope swing was one of the best that Steve's rigged up. We also had a go at spit roasting chicken, which went okay for a first effort and I'm sure we could do better if we try it again. All in all a good weekend and well done to everyone for completing the survival skills badge.

Autumn programme & camp

2010-08-24T21:06:32Z

Details of September's programme will start to appear in the calendar section over the next week or so. In the meantime, an Autumn Camp is being set up for 8th to 10th October and will be at Chelwood. More details on this soon.

Belated Thanks

2010-08-24T21:04:16Z

At the end of July the Troop helped clear the community mental health team's allotment. This was much appreciated by the team and was the result of some good hard work put in by everyone on the evening.

Abseiling on Wednesday

2010-07-05T20:18:11Z

In addition to a spot of rafting, we have the opportunity to do some abseiling on Wednesday. By tomorrow everyone should have a letter with the requisite permission slip, which needs to be returned wedneday night. If for any reason you've had neither a letter nor an email, then make sure your parents sign one of the extra ones I'll have with me.

More Reunion News

2010-07-05T20:14:26Z

Ian (Mac) MacDonald is getting some of his friends and comtempories together on 30th July. Bob Rosser's details are sought, so Bob, if you're reading this by any chance, please get in touch.

Water Week

2010-06-08T20:46:59Z

We had more than our fair share of water activities in the last week of May. The widegame on wednesday was played in a series of downpours, but the Scouts did well with the bases, particularly the line throwing (even if you allow for Ervin's dunking in the river) and enjoyed the marsh mallows up at the 197th HQ. All credit though, must go to Steph and Carl for getting a perfect fire going.

Thursday was Sailing with the Avon sailing team, a brilliant evening, dry, sunny and a bit blustery making for some great turns. We even had to rescue Steve's hat.

Cabbage to go

2010-05-25T22:05:39Z

It seemed like a good idea, the article reckoned that you could cook a sausage wrapped in a cabbage leaf, in the embers of the fire in less than 15 minutes. So, we tried it on last wednesday's backwoods cooking evening. Sadly, we found that 15 minutes wasn't enough and by the time we had to put the fires out, those who'd just put sausages on a stick over the fire had eaten, whilst the cabbages' had not. Oh, well, at least the twist cooked well and it was a lovely evening out at the field.

Overnight Camp

2010-05-25T21:57:38Z

Well, we certainly chose a good weekend for our camp at Woodhouse! After collecting the tents from the store, we arrived and pitched camp in the blazing sunshine before tackling the assault course. All credit to Jonathan and Tom for being the first to duck under the barriers in the water tanks. The course was muddy, wet and tough, but everyone had a great time.

Tea was spaghetti bolanese, cooked on wood fires. Both patrols did an excellent job of preparing the meal and clearing up afterwards.

Our camp fire went on late, learning some songs and introducing the new Scouts to the game 'priest of the parish'.

Sunday saw out patrols relighting their fires, without matches, for breakfast and then setting of on a hike. We closed after lunch with some awards and Ross' investiture.

Thanks to evryone who came to camp and helped put the weekend together.

Air Rifles at Woodhouse

2010-03-08T23:01:45Z

For some reason the calendar wont accept an entry for 31st March (!), which will be Air Rifle shooting at Woodhouse. Remenber to bring waterproofs and a torch, as we'll be running some activities outside for the period when you're not shooting.

Second Climbing session

2010-03-08T22:59:33Z

The second climbing session has been booked for the 24th March, which will be for Hawks and Cobras.

Climbing

2010-02-18T21:57:06Z

We need to shift climbing back a bit, the first session will now be on the 17th March. The second will be on the 24th if that's available.

Scout-a-bout 2010

2010-01-31T20:58:38Z

This year's night hike took place over the 30th/31st January. Starting with 16 other teams from Brunel District, Ervin, Tom, Aaron, Connor, Laurance, Lewis & Kyle came 3rd on a moonlit (and very cold) night. It was easier going than last year, and the teams were all finishing much more quickly.

It was good to see Ben and James, now with Fromeside, and the catering was great again this year.

Re-union & Barn Dance

2009-10-21T20:19:03Z

Saturday's Reunion and Barn Dance seemed to be on the mark. I'd like to thank everyone who came along, it was great to see so many people from so many generations of 55th Scouts and you made the effort worthwhile for all of us involved in putting the evening together. I'd also like to say a big thank you to all of our guests and hope that you also enjoyed the evening.

Some photos will appear here in due course, along with some ideas for futre events.

Fish out of water

2009-10-21T20:06:43Z

Swimming this evening was a bit of a fiasco, with the Pool having been closed at the last minute, due to a lack of staff.

As we need to move the programme around a bit for next term, we'll see if we can squeeze swimming in again shortly.

The Twelve Hour Challenge

2009-09-29T22:42:16Z

Our night hike from Fishponds to Frampton Cottterel went well on Saturday evening. Leaving the Straits just after 9pm, we reached the field around 1 am. It was getting cold and there was mist at times, but after a hot chocolate, the Troop rolled out their bivvy bags & sleeping bags to sleep beneath the stars.

The morning was cold, but bright and breakfast warmed us up, before the parents arrived to give us lifts home. Well done to everyone and congratulations to Carl on his first night's camp as a Leader!

Centenary Reunion

2009-08-28T20:13:31Z

Our reunion will be held on Saturday 17th October. Tickets will be £15, with a buffet, live music and plenty of opportunities to talk over old times, meet friends and marvel at how little you've changed from when that photograph was taken! For details, please contact Steve or Luci Clift, using either the contact us link or phone us on 0117 9653062. Remember to leave your name, address & phone number.

Book Sale

2009-07-21T20:06:38Z

I've counted up the money and would like to announce that we raised £65.75. £5 went to Dr Bells for the Stall, leaving £60.75 which will go to Bristol Children's Hospital's Wallace & Gromit Appeal. Thank you to everyone who helped on the day and collected books beforehand.

We also had some enquires about Cubs & Beavers, so thank you to everyone from those sections who turned up in uniform and created that interest.

Family Camp

2009-05-19T19:46:22Z

There were close on 90 people camping at Cleeve Hill for our Centenary family camp. With additional guests arriving at various times, there was a great mixture of friends old and new who took part in the various activities on Saturday, the walk and campfire on Sunday and who packed up in the drizzle on Monday. We played Steve's It's a Knockout, slid about on tarpaulins, had a pub lunch and went to backwoods cookery classes, Italian style, with Brian. There was even a visit from the Evening Post, which got us a write up in the paper the following week. I'm sure each of you who went has your own memories, but hopefully the photos in the gallery will give a good flavour of the 22 - 25th May 2009.

If you have any photos from the weekend that you think should be shown here, let Greg know and we'll see if we can get them on the site.

Centenary at Vassalls

2009-05-19T19:45:16Z

Sunday 17th May 2009 saw members of the Group, from all three sections, meet together at Vassalls. Also in attendance were parents, frends and supporters of the Group. In between the rain showers Graham welcomed everyone to the event which would start our next 100 years.

While heavy rain alternated with brilliant sunshine, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & parents took part in a widegame and then enjoyed a welcome cup of tea and a slice of Heather's excellent cake. Those in attendence were also the first to receive a centenary badge.

Thank you to everyone who made the effort to attend. Photos should appear in the gallery soon!

Winter Camp

2009-02-27T22:02:41Z

A short report on Winter camp will appear shortly, along with (I hope) some photos in the gallery section!

My Visit to Gilwell Park

2008-08-30T13:57:10Z

A couple of days ago, I got back from what I called my "Summer Tour". Having visited France for two weeks, then been employed for one, then spent a few days in London with the Young Leaders and then visiting Gilwell Park, I've had very little time to sit around and to nothing (which is surely what holidays are for!)

For those of you who don't know, Gilwell Park is the home of UK Scouting. It was acquired by Baden-Powell soon after the movement's creation and now houses and Scout Activity Centre, Conference Centre and offices for the chief bods in Scouting.

I spent my week in Gilwell working with the Service Team. This is a group of adults (aged 18 upwards) from scouting communities all around the world. On the team whilst I were there were Australians, Czech, French, Germans, Koreans and Poles amongst others. There were also a group of under-18s (who I worked with) from around the UK.

The Service Team do everything on site. They're responsible for setting things up, taking things down, cleaning, tiding, organising, running activities and anything else that needs doing on site. Some are specially trained to do certain tasks whilst others - like me - were just given general, unskilled, jobs to do.

Amongst my jobs, I helped put up tents, clean toilets, run shops, wash go-karts, build keg-stands, move equipment and much more. There was never a dull moment and always something to do.

When not working, I spent most of my time in and around "the Den", which is where some of the Service Team and all of the under-18s stay when working. It's equipped with a kitchen, television, bedrooms, lounge and looks as you might expect a hut to look if occupied by 15 to 29 year-olds... In the Den we spent many an hour sharing stories, playing silly games, thinking up stupid things to and just generally having a good time.

I really enjoyed my trip to Gilwell Park. It was an experience to be reckoned with - I did some new things, gained some great memories and met some wonderful people. Three cheers to Scouting, Gilwell and Baden-Powell.

Greg