Bromsgrove District News

150 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders will be starting a 10 day trip of a lifetime this Friday. The young people from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Birmingham will be travelling on three coaches to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. Having arrived at Kandersteg everyone will be kited out for three days of skiing and a further three days of other winter activities including tobogganing, curling, ice skating and a night hike in the snow. The trip also includes a day out to the Swiss Capital City, Bern.

From Bromsgrove District we have 12 Scouts, 4 Explorer Scouts and 4 adults and our coach will leave NEW College in Bromsgrove at 7:30pm on Friday 8th Feb. In attendance at NEW college will be District Commissioner Val Fitzpatrick to see off the Bromsgrove contingent.

Update: Read about their experiences on the Scout Association national website

Scout Network

Following changes announced by The Scout Association last year, Scout Network has been reorganised, Hereford & Worcester County have taken the decision to run Scout Network at a District level (i.e. Bromsgrove District).

Initial  meetings have already taken place and Bromsgrove Scout Network is meeting regularly at 1st Bromsgrove Scout HQ. It is open to anyone aged 18 - 25, for more information please drop us an e-mail: network@bromsgrovescouts.org.uk or visit our network page

Harvey Banner - gone home

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Harvey Banner, one of the original members of the Evergreen Scout Group. Harvey passed away on Friday 13th July 2007 aged 88 years, after suffering a number of months of poor health. Harvey was the 13th member of the Group and was given his place by "The Skipper" - Douglas Berwick - after Harvey had been very persistent in asking to be a member of Scouting. He continued throughout his life with this interest and was recently a leading figure in the publicity surrounding the Groups 75th Anniversary in 2005.
His whole family have supported Scouting over the years. Harvey's wife Betty was always on hand to help with the Groups work, son Nick was a prominent member of the Troop and daughter Pat was an Assistant Cub Scout Leader.

Please note that the Family wish the actual funeral to be a private family Cremation service. Harvey's many friends are then invited to a Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration of his life at the Parish Church - St Johns - at Bromsgrove on Tuesday 31st July at 12-00 noon. The Family ask that no flowers are sent but if anyone wishes to donate this will be possible by a collection at church for the Royal British Legion. Following the Church service the family would be pleased to meet you at The Cross in Finstall, where many memories - and some of the tales that Harvey could tell - will no doubt be recounted. There is an announcement in the Bromsgrove Advertiser this week giving details of arrangements. This announcement is intended to notify as many people as possible at the earliest opportunity.
Dave Newnham and Steve Lea (26/7/07)

Centenary of Scouting Event - Balloon Race
Each balloon released has a tag which can be sent back to Bromsgrove, both the sender and buyer of the furthest balloon will win a prize.

Balloon's have so far been returned from:

Coventry, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire

22nd April 2007: St. George's Day Parade

Over 350 Scouts from Bromsgrove and Droitwich held their annual parade and church service in celebration of the patron saint of Scouting, St. George. Young people from all eleven Scout groups in the District, including Beaver Scouts (6-8 year olds), Cub Scouts (8 – 10½ years old), Scouts (10½ - 14 years old) and Explorer Scouts (14 – 18 year olds) along with their leaders and helpers paraded along Bromsgrove High Street and on to St John’s Church led by the Bewdley Scout and Guide Band.

2007 marks the centenary of Scouting, so it was quite appropriate that the service had been organised by 1^st Bromsgrove Scout Group, the very first group to be formed in Bromsgrove. The service, conducted by Rev Nigel Marns, was based on the theme ‘Back to the Future’ and included a visit by a Scout from 1910 who compared the Scouting he knew with a Cub Scout from the present day. As part of our centenary year celebrations, each group in the district has selected a charity and all monies made this year will be split between them.

Pictures will be added to the gallery shortly

19th April 2007: Ron Simmons

Bromsgrove District Scouts are sad to have to announce the passing of Scout Fellowship Member Ron Simmons who died today at the Alexander Hospital in Redditch. The funeral will be held at Dodford church on Friday 27th April at 10:30 am. This will be followed by a cremation service at Redditch Crematorium at 11:30 am. The family have requested Scout uniform. Family flowers only. However, all donations will be welcome to the Laurel cancer ward at Worcester Royal Hospital - Cards & Donations to James Giles and Sons, 24 Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 0AE. Afterwards everyone is welcome to attend a reception with the family in Redditch. If you are going to attend the reception, can you please email direct to Jayne Simmons at so she can finalise numbers. Ron will be sadly missed by all who knew him in Bromsgrove Scouts

March Centenary Event

The "Mad March Walk" featured four walks for the different Sections of Scouting, The Beaver Scouts took part in a short walk and scavenger with Sanders Park in Bromsgrove. The Cub Scouts walked from the Park gate Public House and the Scouts further away in Catshill, these together with a self planned Explorer Scout walk, all ended at Sanders Park.

February Centenary Event

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts across Bromsgrove District made Birthday cakes to celebrate the centenary of Scouting. Many of the cakes were tasted by District Commissioner, Val Fitzpatrick. Some cakes were also sold to raise money for our nominated charities.

22nd January 2007: Government pledges £1.5 million to Scouting Jamboree

Cabinet Office Minister Ed Miliband, today put almost £1.5million behind plans to host 40,000 scouts from 216 countries at this summer's Centenary World Scout Jamboree. More info.

3rd January 2007: Shirley Daniels (Message from County Commissioner)

I am sorry to have to start our Centenary year off with some very sad news. On Tuesday, 2 January, 2007 our much loved friend and colleague Shirley Daniels passed away. I would appreciate your circulating this information to anyone who knows her so that direct communication with the family is kept to a minimum at this very sad time.

Funeral Arrangements:
Friday 19th January, 11.30am at Claines Church, Worcester followed by private family cremation.
Everyone is invited to Claines British Legion for light refreshments from 12.15pm onwards.
Family Flowers Only. Donations, if desired, to be shared equally between:-
Acorns Children's Hospice and The Scout Association World Friendship Appeal
care of the Funeral Directors: E J Gumery & Son, 68/70 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7EU

23rd April 2006: St. George's Day Parade

Over 300 Scouts paraded to celebrate St. George’s day in Bromsgrove on Sunday 23rd April. Aged from 6 to 25, the young people, together with their leaders marched down Bromsgrove High Street behind Bewdley Scout and Guide Band. The parade continued to St. John’s church where 1^st Droitwich Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts presented an adaptation of the story of St. George and the dragon. As well as being the Patron Saint of England, Saint George is also the Patron Saint of Scouting. 
The service was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Droitwich, Councillor Richard Morris and Mrs Dorothy Morris, with the collection being split between St. John’s Church and 1^st Droitwich’s nominated charity, Whizz Kids. Dave Durose of Hereford & Worcester Scout Council also attended the service to award Bromsgrove District Commissioner Val Fitzpatrick with a Silver Acorn "in recognition of specially distinguished service" – one of the highest awards in Scouting. Pictures of parade

This Explorer Scout event runs from 30th June - 2 July at Kinver Scout Camp. The pathfinder reloaded committee are looking for volunteers to run bases on the Friday evening from 8:30pm - midnight. Examples of activities are: cocktail stick pioneering, crate stacking, obstacle courses, paper towers, guess the character of the committee member, scavenger hunt, name the place, grass sledging, carry water around an obstacle course, orienteering and plenty more. If you would like to help please contact Karen Eggleton 

Bromsgrove District Scouts are saddened to have to announce the death of Maud Allam. Maud (also known as Ellie), started her Scouting in Stockport, having moved to Bromsgrove she became Cub Scout Leader at 3rd Bromsgrove (Evergreen) Scout Scout Group and was later appointed Assistant District Commissioner for Cub Scouts. Maud passed away on the morning of March 16th aged 91. She will be sadly missed by all of Bromsgrove District Scouts. Her funeral was held on 28th March at Christ Church, Catshill and the tribute given by Dave Newnham (former District Commissioner) can be found here.

While Scouting for the over 14s has been open to girls since Explorer Scouts and Scout Network started, until now the 6-14 age range was a male only domain in Bromsgrove. 7th Bromsgrove (Finstall) and Hagley Ramblers Scout Groups have now made the decision to admit girls. From September 2005, they will be able to join both Cubs and Scouts at either location. For more information please e-mail either 7th.bromsgrove@bromsgrovescouts.org.uk or hagley.ramblers@bromsgrovescouts.org.uk

• 3rd Bromsgrove Scout Group were busy tracking down former members of the Evergreen Scout Group, when BBC Hereford & Worcester caught up with them.
• They have produced some special anniversary badges (shown right), why not buy one for your camp blanket?
• Special events are planned through out the year - see District Calendar for details
• If you were an evergreen Scout, please visit the anniversary website, as well as Scoutreunited.

Field Development Officer, Andy Shepherd, has been busy making headlines for Scouting - from his garden shed. Andy, who appeared in the Jobs and Money section of Saturday's Guardian, had the bright idea of inviting a journalist to inspect his unique working space in Bromsgrove.

Leaving his home each day, Andy explains how he makes the 10ft commute to his 'shed office,' which he uses as his base to support the growth and development of Scouting in Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Welsh borders. He also introduced his assistant - a loveable cat called Colin, who warms his seat while he makes the tea.

Promoting the difference that Scouting makes across the UK, Andy talked about our work with different faith communities, adult recruitment, mixed Scouting and looked forward to the Centenary in 2007. He also highlighted some local successes including three new Groups supporting the Muslim community due to open in the new year.

He follows in the footsteps of other great men and women, including Jeannette Winterson, George Bernhard Shaw, Roald Dahl and Arthur Miller, who have sought the serenity of the 'bottom on the garden' to produce their best work. Well done Andy!

Some 50 Scouts aged 18 and over took part in yesterday's Cenotaph March Past to remember those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other more recent conflicts. This year, members of the Queen's Scout Working Party led the contingent from The Scout Association.

The Scouts, both male and female, all hold the Queen's Scout Award, the top award in Scouting gained through outstanding service and achievement. They marched in full Scout uniform in column "M" alongside 10,000 veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces.

But it wasn't just about marching. The young people and adults were working the previous day at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. A party of 18 Queen's Scouts from the London area also formed the Guard of Honour outside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, handing out Order of Services. The tradition goes back decades in recognition of Scouts contribution in the Great War.

'Despite the cold, there was not a word of complaint from the young people' says Martyn Milner, who co-ordinated the Movement's involvement. 'The Scouts were an absolute credit to the Association. It was not until they returned indoors after their duties that they realised the full significance of the event. Many were genuinely moved by the occasion.'

Scouts across the country took part in a host of events to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. Don Stewart, 18, an Explorer Scout Leader from Winchester took part in a live interview on BBC Southern Counties. 'Young people should remember and give thanks for those who laid down their lives' he said. 'We're the generation that exists because of their sacrifice. I think it's also important to bear in mind that there are people of our age who are currently fighting overseas. Above all, there are young people and perhaps even Scouts that are caught up in conflict. Let's remember them too.' In Bromsgrove Scouts of all ages took part in parades, including those in the town centre and Lickey.

For more information about Scouts and Remembrance visit www.bbc.co.uk/religion/remembrance/history/scouts.shtml and open this Scout PDF document.

Actor and TV action man Peter Duncan was officially appointed the new Chief Scout last Sunday, taking on the challenge of leading the UK's largest co-educational youth charity.

Over 4,000 adults and young people attended the celebrations to commemorate this historic event. The festivities took place at the 'home of Scouting' at Gilwell Park, The Scout Association's headquarters and international campsite in North East London. The highlight was Peter's investiture when he renewed his Scout Promise, a commitment made by all Members of the Movement.

Following a picnic in his honour, Peter visited the - EuroJam Live! - internet site and learnt about Scouting throughout Europe. Some 20,000 Scouts and Guides from across Europe will be taking part in the European Scout Jamboree - EuroJam - next summer at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, Essex.

'Today I have seen some activities which I have tried over the years, and others I am keen to find out more about,' said Peter. 'Scouting offers so many opportunities to young people and I am proud to be a part of it.'

Peter Duncan follows in the steps of only eight others who have held the role of Chief Scout since Baden-Powell was declared the first Chief Scout.

3rd Bromsgrove (Evergreen) Scout Headquarters on the Kidderminster was targeted by professional thieves after camping equipment. The break in happened on Monday night 20th June. A quantity of camping equipment was taken including hike tents, but other equipment was left suggesting that the intruders may have been disturbed. The adjacent Guide HQ was also broken in to although nothing was taken. The incident follows recent break-ins at the nearby camping store, Base Camp on Broad Street, together with both Blackwell Court and Pikes Pool Scout Centres.

In the early hours of Friday 25^th June, in the wake of England’s exit from football’s Euro2004 championships, the Scout Hut of the 1^st Barnt Green Scout Group was destroyed by fire. The initial assessment of the Fire Brigade is that the fire may have been started deliberately.

While the Group has put immediate plans into action with regard to section meetings, it will take some time and a considerable effort for the Group to recover. It is hoped that the Group will be able to raise sufficient funds to have a modern vandal-proof building built for this and future generations of Scouts, although this will come at a cost which the Group can not meet alone. In addition, the Group will also have to replace all of its equipment including tents, flags, tables and chairs, stoves etc.

If you are able to help in any way, either through donations of equipment, building materials or funds, or at section meetings please contact us on:- 07769 976351 or e-mail us 

It is with deep regret that The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK announces the death of their Vice President, the Hon Mrs. Betty Clay, CBE, and youngest daughter of our Founder, Lord Baden-Powell. She died peacefully in her sleep in a nursing home alongside her home in Somerset, on Saturday morning 24th April 2004, just a few days after she and Gervas, her husband had celebrated their joint birthday - her 87th and his 97th.

For more on Betty's amazing life, please visit Scoutbase