Group Newsletter – Winter 2021

Welcome to our second online Newsletter

Even in these most virtual of times, it is with excitement that the Group can share with you some of the wonderful photos and experiences our young people have still enjoyed this term.

Thank you to all the children and parents for getting involved and taking part in the sessions and thank you to our wonderful Leaders and volunteers who make this all possible, virtually or in person!

Wishing you all a Healthy Christmas Holiday and ‘Here’s to 2021’!

Beavers

This term they had a visit from Essex Reptile Encounters and have completed finger painting pictures using autumnal colours, making a frame to display them in too.

The Beavers are working toward their Navigate Stage 1 badge and have been busy code breaking! The Beavers also joined in with decorating a stone for Remembrance Sunday. Well done.

Pebbles on the War Memorial for Remembrance Day.

Cubs

Over 120 badges were given out this term from activities and challenges completed at home. Great work! The Cubs have been making decorations for each day of the advent calendar which will be displayed around the village for you all to see. They have made Scottish shortbread and painted pebbles too for Remembrance Sunday. Thank you Cubs for all your creativity.

Cubs Advent Challenge – Day Two.

Scouts

It has been a busy term with a hike from Alphamstone Church, cooking eggs on a tin can, making sugar crystals, designing pumpkins, enjoying a quiz and making compasses.

Tin Can Challenge.

The Scouts have also been studying toward their Astronomy badge, looking at the stars, the moon and tides. They have taken part in a wellbeing and happiness meet which is an important focus for us all.

Explorers

They have made Tarte Tatin, listened to a guest speaker about Black History, planned the next Duke of Edinburgh route and completed a night hike finishing successfully back in Bures. Working toward their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, they are hoping to complete their next hike adventure as soon as Covid allows. Well done everyone.

A message from Tony Waring, Group Scout Leader

Following my last message in our summer edition lots of things have been happening, our status has moved into Amber & then back into Red and as I write this report we have just been advised that we are now back into Amber status, this allows us to prepare to start face to face activities. With this in mind we have been working on making our HQ building a COVID safe place to return to face to face activities. We have had our COVID risk assessments signed off and have also written to all parents with an update. We had our first virtual AGM. Our Leaders have continued with running virtual weekly activities at home and on Zoom and our making plans for face to face activities in the new year. In the first Amber period Scouts & Explorers were able to run their first face to face activity since March and this was a hike, lots of our members designed and placed painted poppy pebbles at the war memorial for remembrance day. We have our Christmas Festive Fun Activity Day on 12th December.

Thank you to all our volunteer Leaders and Supporters team for their hard work on keeping us going and providing brilliant activities and especially during this difficult period. Also thank you to our parents for your continued support. When thinking about your New Year resolutions why not think about giving the group some time and taking the 4 week challenge, we have many exciting opportunities from helping the HQ maintenance to being a Leader or assisting the trustees & supporters, you will truly be a part of making a huge difference to our young peoples lives. I’m SO proud of what our team and youth members achieve and also proud to be part of the team (it looks great on your CV too) I hope everyone has a good Christmas and a happy & healthy new year.

Tony

Group Scout Leader

1stburesscoutgroup@gmail.com 01787 228024

New roofing felt on the Main Hall building.

Maintenance of SHQ & Mini Bus

Scout HQ has had some repairs to the Main Hall roof and Troop Store to ensure it is kept in good condition and is all ready when we return to face-to-face Scouting. The Minibus has also had some maintenance work and is back up and running, ready for trips out very soon we hope. Thank you to Paul and his team for co-ordinating this work.

A message from the Supporters Committee

Thank you for your support as we delivered our first virtual AGM via zoom in October.

We have an opportunity within the Group at the next AGM in July 2021 to recruit a new Chair person and Secretary. These trustee positions are enjoyable and rewarding, contributing support back to the Group; getting involved with fundraising and behind the scenes administration and meetings.

The Chair position is currently held by myself, Cathy Platt and the Secretary position by Caroline Head. Please contact Caroline or I as we would be delighted to share with you what we do, what we gain from taking part in the group and also any time commitment involved. The ongoing fundraising and general administration of the Group has been a part of 1st Bures Scout Group’s financial stability in the past and it is important that this continues in the years ahead, for all the children and for the village too. Thank you in advance.

Cathy        Tel: (01787) 227477

Caroline   Tel: (01787) 210892