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Keith Carnall

It is with sadness that I hear that an old Scouting friend of mine has "gone home". 

Keith Carnall was long serving member of the 233rd Darnall Congregational Scout Group (when it was in Don District).

When I came to know him he was ADC Cubs for a number of years and I enjoyed a great many camps and activities under his guidance.

As a young leader in the Cub Section, much of what I know came from Keith so thank you and god bless.

I'm sure more details will follow, however, I understand the funeral service will be on Tuesday 27th July 2010, 11.00 am at Hutcliffe Wood.

Andrew Papka

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 10:29

FUN in the sun

It was a hot sticky weekend when a huge part of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and explorers descended on Hesley Wood for the annual District Camp. A two night camp had been planned down to the last detail, including getting the right sort of weather for the weekend.

On the Friday night Cubs, Scouts, explorers and leaders met up outside the Royston building to officially open the camp. Our DC, used to performing in front of large audiences (although usually dressed as a woman) whipped up the assembled mass before the cubs and scouts were invited to take part in a wide camp. Seven Young Leaders had pegs attached to their clothes and the groups then had to chase them to get as many as they could. This was followed by auditions  for our camp fire on the saturday. Then it was back to groups for supper and bed, although I believe that sleep was optional in certain groups .

Saturday dawned and after breakfast it was down to the Royston to have flag break and join up with the beavers to start the days activities. There were loads of activities and everyone there could complete them as many times as they could fit in. There was...deep breath.... climbing, caving, shooting, archery, crate staking, giant slide, making pet rocks, face painting, stilt walking, bouncy castles, brass rubbing, painting, bungee run, woggle making, engraving, circus skills - most of these were manned uncomplainingly by the leaders from Don. Activities went on until 5pm with a break for dinner.

In the evening we had our first youth led campfire. The campfire leader was Nick from the 32nd and groups provided the main stay of the program from the 93rd's Pirate song to the 14th's Bear Hunt, from the 32nds Banana song to 231st songs. Along the way the audience was whipped up to a frenzy and leaders noted that the kids sang louder at this one than the St Georges Day campfire, even though there was fewer of us. A total success. Following that we bade goodbye to the Beavers who went home happy and tired. For the rest of us was a film show followed by that all important Kit singstar event.

Sunday saw us on the long field for the silly olympics. With 18 challenges for the mixed up teams there was more than enough to do. Balloon shaving, water bomb catching and ski racing were joined by volleyball, skipping, sack races and egg and spoon (all with a twist devised by the once again superb leaders from the groups). 

All too soon the closing ceremony was upon us and we were led by explorers and young leaders in a brilliant scouts own. Amongst the awards handed out were long service leader awards and 5 Gold Chief Scouts Awards. Then it was home and dreams for next year. ( can we have another then please ?)

Many thanks go not just to the District Team who organised the event but to the leaders of the groups who brilliantly stepped forward and manned the bases in order that the kids had the best possible time. We have some fantastic scouts, beavers, cubs and explorers in this district and this weekend just went further in proving that.

Last Updated on Monday, 12 July 2010 13:27

Footballs Coming Home

On a warm Friday (2nd July) evening 11 teams from the District gathered for the annual 5 A-side tournament at Concord. Split into two groups they played a number of matches to see which four teams would reach the semi finals. There were both girls and boys playing and the standard of play ranged from German efficiency to England's hit and hope. Although the goalkeeping was often of a far better standard and the teams found the net more often then the combined multi million pound strike force of Heskey and Rooney!! Goal line technology was not required either as the referees had both been to Specsavers before hand!!! (Well at least one had!!! More of that later!!)

After 25 group games the four teams progressed to the Semi Finals where the 32nd played the 231st A and the 76th played the 25th. The 32nd (along with 1 from the 82nd) overcame their opponents in normal time whilst the 76th required a penalty shootout. So we had our finalists in the 76th and the 32nd!!! But wait controversy and a vehement protest from the 33rd. How could they be out? We've not lost a game!!

The tournament was put on hold, the scores were rechecked and still they had not qualified more protests. Another recheck and relaying the scores to them and mistake found a 2-0 victory wrongly recorded by the ref as a 2-0 defeat. Check with opponents who confirmed lost game. Wrong team in semi and a ref left rather embarrassed. I won't name him as to avoid severe repercussions!! What to do now???

Organiser off to see 32nd explain they have to replay their semi as wrong team put through. Decision accepted without complaint and they go on to beat the 33rd to reach the final again.

They played the 76th in the final and overcome them to win the trophy. They were also presented with the award for the "Most Scout Like Attitude" for the way in which they just accepted it and got on with it. Well done boys!!!

Last Updated on Monday, 05 July 2010 14:36

Bear in the Woods

Last Updated on Monday, 31 May 2010 19:13