Category Archives: Newsletters

4th Farnham (Tongham) New HQ Under Construction – Funds Needed

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After 10 years of fundraising, negotiations, and planning, last week one of our youngest Beavers handed over the keys to the old hut to Daniel the Project Manager for Bentley Contracts who are the main contractor for the new building.

The old hut has served well, it was an old army hut brought up from Kent 64 years ago in 1957 and erected by local volunteers.

The total project budget is £350,000 and so far, £250,000 has been raised enabling the imminent construction of the watertight shell of the building.

Further fundraising for the internal fit out is underway with the committee exploring all sorts of funding and charity avenues.

Scouting has been going on in Tongham since 1908 in various locations including the school and notably a room over the chip shop.

Even the pandemic has not stopped Scouting and all sections have been busy Zooming.

Over Easter a “Garden Camp” was held with youngsters and some oldsters sleeping out and camp cooking in gardens. Now with lock down easing, face to face meetings have just started. We are hoping for a good summer as the old hut is now a building site!

Tongham Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are looking forward to moving into their new HQ hopefully by the end of the year and would be grateful for any financial and practical support to make that happen.

Scouting has been at the heart of the Tongham community since 1908, that’s 113 years!

Our new Headquarters will help ensure our young people can continue to enjoy Scouts for many generations to come.

If you would like to help please email:  tonghamscoutgroup@gmail.com

Or to donate towards our project:  www.gofundme.com/f/New-Scout-HQ 

Remembrance 2020

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Remembrance 2020

 

 

 

7th Elstead Remembrance Video

 

                                                           

                                                                 

                                              

                                                           

 

                                                                           

 

 

 

 

MONDAY CREW – Garners Field Campsite Hedgerow Renovation Winter Project

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So what has the Monday Crew been up to:

Garners Field Campsite Hedgerow Renovation Winter Project

This winter, as part of the annual maintenance program at Garners Field Campsite, the Monday Crew have been renovating the hedgerow alongside the River, some 35 metres in all.

The main aim of the project is to provide a natural barrier for riverside safety and at the same time create a wildlife friendly, traditional hedgerow.

Hedgerows are very important for wildlife in their own right and as they consist predominantly of native trees and shrubs, they are recognised as a priority habitat for conservation action within England’s Biodiversity 2020 targets.

Sixty species of nesting bird and almost all of our native small mammal species, especially the dormouse, have been recorded as being supported by hedgerows.  Recent studies have shown that they also reduce pollution and absorb carbon dioxide.

The first stage was to clear the bramble and ivy, no easy task, and then the big dig to remove the tangle of roots and perennial weeds to give the new plants the best chance.

We’ve been very fortunate with the weather which has allowed us to get the planting done during February as this will allow the new trees to get properly established before the summer.

To compliment the existing Hawthorn we’ve planted 9 varieties of shrubs and trees (53 plants in total) to provide seeds, berries and blossom, these include Buckthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam and Wild Crab Apple which will build up the width of the hedge.

We need to protect them from rabbits with spiral tree guards and the ones we’ve sourced are 100% biodegradable.

Once established it will provide the ideal habitat for moths, caterpillars and bugs of all shapes and sizes which we hope will then encourage the birds to make the most of the cornucopia of food and even nest in it.

Perhaps it would make a good subject for the Naturalist Activity Badge, guided tours by arrangement with the warden! 

If you would like to help please get in contact: warden@farnhamscouting.com

   

 

Dates to remember

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We are extremely lucky to have a raft of Meetings, Training, Events, Activities organised/set-up just waiting for you to get involved; we are all volunteers, we all know time is precious, please take the opportunity to participate – have your say, learn, improve and have fun.

Check out our Website for information and updates: https://farnhamscouting.com/website/

Please follow our Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/farnhamscouting/

Date to remember:

Meetings

  • 3rd February – GSL/District Managers Meeting – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 5th February – SASU Planning Meeting – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 10th February – Scout Leaders Meeting – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 12th February – Family Camp Planning meeting (part 2) – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 3rd March – District Exec – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 2nd June – District Exec – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 9th July – District AGM – Garners Field – 8pm
  • 22nd September – District Exec – Garners Field – 7:30pm
  • 8th December – District Exec – Garners Field – 7:30pm

Mandatory and Leader Training

Check out the Surrey Scouts Training – https://farnhamscouting.com/website/surrey-scouts-training/

Events

  • 26th-28th June – Scoutabout – South of England Showground, Ardingly – https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/events/scoutabout-2020
  • 24th-7th August – European Jamboree – Poland – Good luck to our representatives
  • 2nd-4th October – District Camp – Garners Field.
  • May-21 – Frantic21 – joint Farnham, Hazelmere, Godalming Scouts and Guiding weekend event

Activity Training

If you are interested in any of the sessions in red please contact Dominic – dominic.getting@5thfarnham.org.uk

Check out the Surrey Scouts Activities – https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/activities

If you would like to something specific set up please contact me ( dc@farnhamscouting.com) and we can see what we can do; the aim is to have your say, learn, improve and have fun.

Into the 21st Century!!

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Hurrah, Hurrah!!

Hot News folks……

Our thriving Scout Shop, based in Daniel Hall now takes credit and debit cards.

Yes you can now pay for your scouting goodies by whipping out your piece of plastic, instead of having to remember cash or go to the local ATM.

We can pretty much take them all, including American Express – if you have one.

Farnham District Update

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So we are in December already….I hope your terms have been successful.

Garners Field – 30-Nov-19 – 4th Farnham Scouts

I recently attended the Surrey Scouts Managers Moots which focused on Volunteer Recruitment.

Our District is not unique in struggling to get volunteers and I think we are doing well in accommodating anyone who wants to be part of  scouting in Farnham – the main thing is to know who you need / what you want from volunteers, it would be great to have uniformed leaders front and center but if you break down your needs into tasks we may be able to encourage more volunteers.

I personally started doing Cub Scout badge admin which quickly moved on to programme planning and leading session before putting on a uniform.

There are many resources including flyer and poster templates in the Members Resources area on the Scouts Association website: https://scoutsbrand.org.uk/home

https://scouts.org.uk/volunteers/growing-scouts/recruiting-and-retaining-volunteers/four-ways-to-keep-amazing-volunteers

Your section leaders or Group Scout Leader will know what tasks your Group needs help with.

From a District prospective we have a lot of hidden invaluable volunteers who really help support across the Groups – we welcome more – Campsite maintenance, Scout shop volunteers, executive committee members, events organisers, appointment committee members – there is something to suit so if someone you know can give time let me know.

Talking of invaluable district teams……the Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) has welcomed 15 new Leaders to the District this term.

3 members of the committee meet for an evening about once a month to greet our new leaders, giving them an insight into what is needed to become a leader and what support is out there, it is a great chance for the new leaders to ask questions.

So big thank you to:

Steve Thames – Manager

Jane Twitchin – Secretary

Joan Binfield

Janet Jones

Marion Stagg

Eric Goulding

Ted Milam

Please do contact Jane on appointments@farnhamscouting.com if you would be happy to sit on the committee – existing leader, committee members all most welcome – full training will be given, it would not be every month, the more volunteers the less work for each, and helps us to give the right impression to new leaders.

And most welcome to our new leaders: (ASL=Assistant Section Leader)

Jo Strange                                                                   ASL – Beaver Scouts – 7th Elstead

Jack Fidler                                                                  ASL – Scouts – Bourne Troop – 5th Farnham

Mark Potter                                                                ASL –  Cubs – 8th Farnham

Carl Ingram                                                               ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 7th Elstead

Rebecca Gregory                                                     ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 8th Farnham

Gert Droogmans                                                     ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 7th Elstead

Claire Shorter                                                          ASL –  Cub Scouts – 7th Elstead             

Harry Fidler                                                             ASL –  Cub Scouts –  Wolf Pack – 5th Farnham

Frank Hammersley                                               ASL –  Cub Scouts – 7th Elstead             

Lizzie Hetherington                                             Section Assistant Scouts – 8th Rowledge

Richard Farrant                                                     ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 12th Farnham

Mark Mulberry                                                       ASL – Cub Scouts – 3rd Farnham

Liz Rhodes                                                                   ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 8th Rowledge

Haydn Burkett                                                           ASL –  Beaver Scouts – 12th Wrecclesham

Thomas Edwards                                                      Section Assistant Explorers Scorpions

Fundraising:

Dates to Remember:

11th January – Water Activities Permit Workshop, Taylor Hall, 1pm-4pm – contact gsl@5thfarnham.org.uk

https://farnhamscouting.com/website/event/water-activities-permit-workshop/

12th January – District Thank you – Daniel Hall, 1pm-2pm – all welcome

25th January – First Aid (Scout First Response Course)  – Garners Field, 9am-4pm – book with Eric Goulding, mandegoulding@lineone.net

First Response Course

14th March – Leaders Training Day – format is in planning more details to follow – if you would like to make suggestion please e-mail me.

25-27th April – Family Camp – booking system is open – £12.50 for weekend, after 30th March £15 on the door.  DBS required for all over 18’s staying overnight.

https://farnhamscouting.com/website/Campsite/family-camp-booking-form/

16th-17th May – Beavers Go Wild – Bentley Corpse – https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/events/beavers-go-wild

26th-27th June – Surrey Scoutabout – South of England Showground, Ardingly – register your interest with Surrey Scouts –  Karl Arnold, ADC Scout will communicate in due course. https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/events/scoutabout-2020

2nd-4th October – District Camp

Out of County Events: https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/upcoming-events/out-of-county-events

Campsite:

Garners Field – closed for out of District camping until March 2020 (District camping on discretion of Campsite Committee); can be booked for evenings please use the booking system:

https://farnhamscouting.com/website/Campsite/

If you want to book the site-check the calendar, https://farnhamscouting.com/website/Campsite/campsite-booking-2019/Campsite-booking-calendar/

Help us find the Chief Scout’s Unsung Heroes.
Bear Grylls is on the lookout for 20 young people who’ve gone above and beyond. They’ll be Scouts aged 6-24 who really live our values and show courage, kindness and resilience. Each of these 20 young people will receive £500 to spend how they wish.
 
Read this blog (https://scouts.org.uk/news/2019/november/unsung-heroes/?dm_i=31ME,YTRR,3D79E2,3NMRY,1) from Ollie Wood, UK Youth Commissioner, and these FAQs to find out more.
If you want to nominate a deserving young person, complete the form (https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/4867?dm_i=31ME,YTRR,3D79E2,3NMRX,1) by 5pm on Monday 20 January.

Adult Training:

https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/training/training-calendar

https://www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/adult-support/adult-training/district-run-adult-training-modules/

Scout Association Important Info:

Little What do Do Cards –these can be found in the Scout Shop or alternative follow the links below:

Reporting an incident.
We’re releasing a new online incident reporting system which’ll allow you to report on incidents yourself, out of Information Centre hours. You’ll still be able to contact the Information Centre to give any incident reports over the phone, and if a critical incident occurs, it must be reported at the earliest opportunity to help us provide you with support. You’ll be able to find this new report online (https://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources/4752/emergencies-and-reporting?cat=299,301&moduleID=10&dm_i=31ME,YTRR,3D79E2,3NMRX,1).

Take to the Skies!

Time for something a bit different?

Dates are booking for the GLSW and Surrey Scout Paragliding Club.  Download the information pack and booking form for more details.  Available to Scouts over 10½ years at the time of the flight.

  • 7th & 8th March
  • 21st & 22nd March
  • 18th & 19th April
  • 2nd & 3rd May
  • 30th & 31st May
  • 20th & 21st June
  • 4th & 5th July
  • 19th & 20th September
  • 10th & 11th October
  • 24th & 25th October

Information Pack – click HERE
Booking form – click HERE
Personal Consent form – click HERE

Ann-Marie Vinnicombe, District Commissioner, dc@farnhamscouting.com
Web:  https://farnhamscouting.com/website/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/farnhamscouting
If you would like to contribute/add events/provide photos to the next newsletter – please get in contact with me.

 

Farnham District Scouts – Remembrance

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I am very proud that so many of our Scouters have been taking part on parades and services across the District.

2nds, 3rds and 11th Groups, with Explorers, Network and SASU were again the largest continent in the town centre:

4ths in Tongham

8ths in Rowledge

12ths in Wrecclesham

 

 

 

 

DC’s Newsletter Autumn 2019

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By Ian Wilkins

Hello and welcome to the Autumn Term.

I am Ann-Marie Vinnicombe, your new District Commissioner, as such I am going through a learning curve and wanted to share information about our District make-up.

Our District cannot run without the hundreds of adult volunteers across our Groups and at District level, as well as the support from the volunteers at County and HQ Gilwell.
The District has an Executive Committee, Manda Bragg being Chair, to ensure that we adhere to charity and Scout governance as well as amongst other things ensuring the District stays solvent.

We have Jack Fidler and Mathew Whitaker as District Youth Commissioners to support youth focus programmes.

Each Scouting Section has an Assistant District Commissioner to support our Group:

  • Beavers – Ian Jacob
  • Cubs – Nicky Clements
  • Scouts – Karl Arnold

Our District has 8 Groups led by their Group Scout Leaders and Group Exec.

  • 2nd Hale – Hale Rec. – Liz Larkin
  • 3rd Town Centre – Daniel Hall – Neil Peerman
  • 4th Tongham – Poyle Rd – Bill Weller
  • 5th Bourne – Taylor Hall – Ian Turton&Liz Chart
  • 7th Elstead – Village Hall – Paul Hammersley
  • 8th Rowledge – Village Hall – Peter Everett
  • 11th East Town – Guildford Rd – Graeme Morgan
  • 12th Wrecclesham – Community Centre – Adam Chambers

We also have 4 strong Explorer Units co-ordinated by Ian Wilkins, District Explorer Scout Commissioner

  • Eigar Tigers
  • K2
  • Madcats
  • Scorpions

Neil Peerman is the District Scout Network Commissioner guiding a strong Network Unit

We also have a versatile Scout Active Support Unit, who are invaluable in supporting events across the District including the District Family Camp.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers making Scouting possible.

Ann-Marie

#SkillsForLife

Garners Field

The Campsite committee with massive technical support from Steve Bragg, FDSC Treasurer have updated the booking system.
https://farnhamscouting.com/website/Campsite/

If you want to book the site-check the calendar HERE
check our new map of the site to see what section you can booked.

To book the field for an evening/training – select Farnham District in Type of Organisation and then selection Yes for Group Training or Evening Use (Field) – this will prevent a charge invoice being sent.

Big thank you to Ken Powell our Campsite Manager and the ‘Monday’ Maintenance Crew without who the Campsite could not run.

If you could help let us know.

What have you been up to…

District Shooting –

Over the summer the Tongham Hogshots have won a number of shooting medals, CAMELOT POSTAL: Tia – Silver 6yd air rifle Div 4 Tom L – Bronze 6yd rifle Div 8 Tom O – Bronze rifle Div 12 Eloise – Bronze 6yd air pistol Div 1 SCOUTSHOOT 2019: Hamish L – Silver turning targets Hamish W – Bronze gallery rifle Eloise – Bronze ladies plate Eloise & Elliot(Fetcham explorers) – Silver pairs team JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL 2019: Eloise represented the Scout Association and improved her personal best by 20 points and came 11th in 10m air pistol

The next competitions are the Scout National Rifle Championships in October at Bisley and the Schools Pistol Championships so the Tongham Hogshots are all hoping to improve their personal bests in all the disciplines they enter. Kim White

Tongham Hogshots meet Friday 7-9pm Tongham Scout Hut – all members of the Scouts Association welcome.

Contact Hamish: wobble@sky.com

Explorer and Network National Camp

Did you know this national camp is actually organised by Farnham’s very own Network/Explorer Teams and has been going 18 years – over 530 Scouters participated this year – well done Team.

Explorer Camp

World Jamboree

8th Scout Troop in the Lake District

8ths Beavers at Wverley Abbey

 

 

8th Scout Group at Alice Holt

8ths Cubs Fishing

Programme Ideas

Want to book a
Climbing Session????

https://farnhamscouting.com/website/Campsite/climbing-tower/

Community Project/Talks:
Samantha West
Community Fundraiser
Switchboard 01252 729400
Ext: 7501
Sam.West@pth.org.uk
www.pth.org.uk

Adult Training:

https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/training/trainingcalendar
https://www.hampshirescouting.org.uk/adultsupport/adult-training/district-run-adult-trainingmodules/

What’s coming up

  • 4th-6th Oct District Cub camp, Garners Field
  • 14th Nov – Family Camp meeting, Garners Field 7:30pm
  • 10th Nov – Remembrance Parades
  • 12th Jan-20 – District Do – 3rds Daniel Hall
  • 14th Mar-20 – Skills/Module Validation Day
  • 24th – 26th Apr-20 – Family Camp

Who is fundraising:

4th Tongham Scout Hut:
– https://www.tonghamscouts.co.uk/

Scout Association Important Info:

Little What do Do Cards –these can be found in the Scout Shop or alternative
follow the links below:
• Yellow – Safeguarding – https://scouts.org.uk/media/996788/Yellow-Card.pdf
• Orange – Young People Safeguarding –https://scouts.org.uk/media/914973/VO-Orange-Card_March2018-V4-Screen.pdf
• Purple – Emergency Procedures –https://members.scouts.org.uk/documents/safety/Emergency%20card%20(Purple%20Card)%20screen%202019%20v3.pdf
• Green – Scouting and Alcohol –https://scouts.org.uk/media/1041119/Green-Card.pdf

District Managers:

dc@farnhamscouting.com
adcbeavers@farnhamscouting.com
adccubs@farnhamscouting.com
adcscouts@farnhamscouting.com
desc@farnhamscouting.com
dsnc@farnhamscouting.com
Scout Groups: https://farnhamscouting.com/website/home/farnham-scout-groups/
Campsite: campsitebookings@farnhamscouting.com

Scout Shop:
Thursday 6pm to 8pm
Saturday 9:30pm to 12noon
Open except for Main School Holidays
Always looking for volunteers
Roy Tubbs – Shop Manager
E: scoutshop@farnhamscouting.com

Skills and Activities – Taster Day 2019

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When: 2nd November 2019.

Times: 10:00 – 16:00

Where:

Royal Alexander & Albert School, Gatton Park,
Reigate. RH2 0TD

Who: New leaders, established leaders, occasional helpers, anyone with an interest in finding new things to do with their young people, or for themselves! Any adult in Scouting.

Cost: Free!

Register: https://www.surrey-scouts.org.uk/events/county-activity-day

Lots of activities to try!
Archery
Axe throwing
Climbing
Canoeing
Camp cooking
Crafts
and loads more!
Advice on:
Youth Shaped Scouting
Top awards
Young Leaders
Administration
International experiences

Visit the:

 

County SASUs

 

The Event Support Team

Do more.
Learn more.
Share more.