1st Taxal Scout Group Camp

A nice warming fire

This weekend was the bi-annual group camp and this year we returned to the lovely site at Spitewinter. The theme of the weekend was 'survival' and the weather on Saturday morning lived up to the theme! Fortunately the weather did not stop any of our activities, we learnt some important knots and shelter building, we learnt how to build and start a fire and we cooked our evening meal in the embers of the fire. On Saturday night we had a campfire with some traditional songs and entertainment by each of the sections. 

On Sunday we packed up the camp and then played several wide games, before the closing ceremony and home time. 

Everyone seemed to have a great time and went home happy - if a little muddy!

Many thanks go to all of the volunteers who helped before, during and after the camp. It wouldn't be possible to do so much without them.

Here are just a few photos of the fun!

The group campfire

Snake!

Bonkers Beavers

Winner winner Chicken dinner

Playing on the field

Bonfire night success

On Thursday night we held our annual Fireworks display and it was a great success. The weather held off after a particularly murky day and we had a great turn out. 

We've still got to tot-up everything but we will make a healthy profit for the group, with some £200 collected in the buckets and around £250 from the barbeque sales. That plus money from the raffle and refreshments/sweeties inside will make for a nice amount to invest back into the Group. 

The display was brilliant, and the night passed without incident, so I hope everyone feels they got great value for money and had a great night. Thanks to everyone who made it such a success.

Bonfire and Remembrance Sunday

Just a quick reminder that two big events in the Scout Group's calendar are happening this week, your support for both would be greatly appreciated.

Bonfire Night - 5th November 

We will be holding our bonfire and fireworks at the Scout hut on Thursday 5th November. Bonfire will be lit from 6:30pm with fireworks from 7:30pm. The event is open to all members of the group and their families, with entry by donation. We will have the usual burgers, hot dogs and drinks on sale.

Remembrance Day - 8th November

We will be joining the Royal British Legion for the remembrance service this year to be held at the cenotaph in Whaley. We will meet at the memorial park, below the cenotaph, at 10:30am and we should be finished by 11:15am, parents are welcome to stay for the service. Please remember to wear full uniform including smart trousers and shoes. 

A new term is upon us!

As quickly as they came, the Summer holidays are gone and 1st Taxal Scouts are back until Xmas. The section nights will be returning from next week and the leaders will be in touch soon with more information on the packed schedules.

As an early heads-up we have several activities in the coming weeks:

• October 17th is the Scouts Coffee morning at the Mechanics Institute
• November 5th is bonfire night at the scout hut on New Road
• November 8th is Memorial Sunday in the Memorial Park

More information will follow but get them in your calendar now.

As always the group remains incredibly popular and we have a large waiting list for spaces, we will be in touch to offer what few spaces we have to people on the waiting list shortly. 

We would very much like to set up a second Cub and Scout pack but we cannot grow any more without more volunteers. If you are able to help in any way then please email join@1sttaxalscouts.org.uk. 

Many thanks for your patience and assistance

Bonfire Night and Remembrance Sunday

Bonfire

On Wednesday 5th November the Group will be holding its Bonfire and Fireworks at the Scout Hut. The evening is open to all Scout Group members and their family. The fire will be lit at 6:30pm with fireworks starting at 7:30pm.

Entry will be by donation. Hot drinks, hotdogs, burgers and soft drinks will be on sale from 6:30pm.

In preparation for the bonfire we will be cutting a few hedges back, cleaning up the hut and building the bonfire on Sunday 2nd November between 9am and 12pm. If you can spare a couple of hours to help please come down.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Sunday is to be held on the 9th November with a service at St John's Church in Furness Vale and wreath laying at Whaley Bridge War Memorial.  For both parts you need to be in full uniform (shirt, necker, smart trousers and shoes). This year you will also receive a Remembrance Day badge which can be worn on your uniform (if you have not received your badge please see your section leader on bonfire night).

Arrangements are slightly different for the sections so please read the information below carefully.

Beavers & Cubs - We are asking that the Beavers & Cubs attend only the wreath laying at the war memorial in Whaley Park. The Group will meet at the Entrance to the park on Buxton Road at 12pm. (Please note we may be slightly late returning from Furness Vale). We should be finished by 12:30pm.

Scouts & Explorers - We are asking Scouts & Explorers to attend both parts of the morning. We will meet at 10:30am at St Johns Church, which is located on the left of the main road as you leave Furness Vale heading towards New Mills.  Following the service we will return to Whaley for the wreath laying. You will need to arrange your own transport to and from Furness Vale.

Parents - Please ensure a Leader is present before leaving your child at either part of the morning. 

Yours in Scouting

Stephen Sidebotham
Group Scout Leader
1st Taxal