Scout Section News

Thorpeness Meare Day – September 2024

Inflatables race around the island on the Meare.

Scouts & Explorers took part in the County Thorpeness Meare Day on Saturday 28th September 2024. 100 Scouts and Guides attended from Suffolk.

Tug of War.

Rowing boats, canoes, games, inflatable rafts, Tug of War and a dip in the North Sea to get all the mud off! We finished off the day with a visit to Pizza Hut on the way home at Copdock, Ipswich.

Summer Camp – Youlbury, Boars Hill, Oxford – August 2024

Northmoor Lock – waiting for a canal boat to enter the lock chamber.

We loaded our kit into Nigel’s truck and trailer, group trailer, Eddie’s car and minibus for our journey to Youlbury, Boars Hill near Oxford (Scout Adventures) for a week’s camping. Finally arriving at 15.30hrs due to heavy traffic on the M25 and avoiding the M40!

3G Swing activity.

Saturday was setting up camp and formalising ourselves with the site layout. The site is set in woods with large mature trees with clearings for camping – we were pitched in Bluebell. The site was given away in his will by Sir Arthur Evans after his death in 1941 to the Scout Movement for reasonable fee with the site first being used from 1913 as a Scout Patrol Training Site.

Archery activity.

During the week – Scouts took part in: Campfire, 3G Swing, Archery, Abseiling, Crate Stacking, Zip Wire, Fencing, Pedal Go-Karts and Swimming off-site at Leys Leisure Pool using the inflatable’s and playing games of: Swing Ball, Kubb, Man Hunt and Laser Tag.

On Tuesday, we did an 8 mile hike and started at Farmoor Reservoir and walked to Pinkhill Lock where we crossed the River Thames and headed upstream to Bablock Hythe. Here we stopped for our packed lunch overlooking the river – sadly the Public House was shut (the only day it was closed was on Tuesday)! At Northmoor Lock Scouts helped some canal boats and lock keeper with opening and shutting the lock gates and we finished at Newbridge where we had a drink at the Public House after the long hot walk.

Helping the lock keeper opening the lock gates on the River Thames.

On Wednesday, we travelled into Oxford for using the park and ride bus service and had our packed lunch in Christ Park. We did a River Cruise on Salter’s Steamers from Folly’s Bridge downstream passing, Alice in Wonderland (Mad Hatter’s Tea Party), St Catherine’s College, Great Meadow, University Rowing Boat Clubs and finally turning around at the Bell Weir Lock next to the Boatman Public House.

Joining the other campers on-site for the campfire on Wednesday evening.

Afterwards, we did a Treasure Hunt (Murder Mystery Tour) solving the mystery of who done it and with what weapon – the walk was 2.5 miles long and took us 3 hours to complete taking in Bonn Square, Carfax, Bridge of Sighs, Christ Church Cathedral, Radcliffe Camera, University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Castle and Mound, Colleges and County Hall and we also saw the filming of Young Sherlock taking place and the day finished with fish and chips back at the campsite.

Abseiling on the tower at Youlbury – Scout Adventures.

On Friday morning the Scouts did Archery and then we packed up early due to heavy rain front heading our way and headed for home – eventually arriving in Bures 21.00hrs.

Summer Term Activities 2024

During the summer months we did activities of: Air Rifle Shooting, Kayaking, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Backwoods Cooking, Rounders with Great Cornard Scouts, Map Bearings (black barn Cuckoo Hill and the Firs Wormingford), Rafting and Village Picture Quiz.

Rafting on the River Stour.

We planted some flowers in the bed at Bures Railway Station to celebrate 175 years of the opening of the railway line with the Station Adopters and Greater Anglia staff.

Our finished display at Bures Railway Station. Celebrating 175 years since the opening the line from Marks Tey to Sudbury.

Group Camp – The Croft Campsite – June 2024

We set up our tents in the Campsite on Friday 21st June for a fun weekend of activities for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Sections – this year camp theme was the Olympics.

Setting up the patrol tents over Friday evening.

We did activities: Tomahawk throwing, kayaking on the River Stour, air rifle shooting, soft archery, arts & crafts – making medals, athletics fun, giant Olympic jigsaw scavenger hunt and games.

Tomahawk throwing activity.

On Saturday evening we got around the campfire for singing and cooking marshmellows and smores on sticks.

Cooking marsh mellows on sticks over the campfire.

On Sunday after breakfast – Scouts Own and activities before packing up.

Gliding – May 2024

Scouts and Explorers visited the Suffolk & Essex Gliding Club at Wormingford Airfield, Essex over the half term.

Safety briefing before take off.

Each Scout & Explorer had a flight of 15 minutes over the Essex countryside with superb views.

Coming into land at Wormingford Airfield, Essex.

Afterwards we went into the Clubhouse to see some memorabilia when the station was used by the 8th/9th American Airforce during World War II. Thanks to the Gliding Club for a great day out.

Expedition Challenge Award – May 2024

Only two Scouts this year took part in their Expedition Challenge Award. A month of planning for their trip to East Mersea Island, Essex – route, mapping, train times, campsite, ferry boat, food, museum and activity.

Ready to depart the SHQ for the Railway Station.

They set off at Bures Railway Station catching the 08.33hrs to Marks Tey. Changing at Marks Tey to Colchester and then onto Wivenhoe. They hiked along the River Colne Estuary and finally got to Brightlingsea at around 14.00hrs. Had fish and chips in the town and we all visited the Town Museum. A interesting museum all about Brightlingsea port, old railway and ship building.

They walked to quayside catching the Foot Boat Ferry to East Mersea and walked through Cudmore Country Park and on to Fen Farm Caravan Campsite.

On the Foot Boat Ferry at Brightlingsea Harbour Quayside.

They set up their lightweight tent and cooked their evening meal on the tranjia stove.

Inflatable Fun at East Mersea Boating Lake.

Up at 7am for breakfast on Sunday and took in the Aqua Fun Inflatables at the East Mersea Boating Lake. Finally arriving back at the SHQ at 14.30hrs.

St George’s Day Parade & Service – April 2024

We attended St George’s Day Parade & Service at Long Melford to parade from the village hall car park to Holy Trinity Church with the rest of Sudbury District – Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Squirrels and Leaders.

Getting ready to parade.

The weather was better than last year – sunny but a bit cold. Liz Moulton (Explorer Leader) was presented with the Commissioner’s Commendation Award by Charmain Southgate (DC). Well done Liz on this achievement.

Well done everyone for representing 1st Bures Scout Group. You all looked smart in your uniforms.

Lightweight Hike & Camp – March 2024

We had to change our location due to the poor weather for the second year running – using our campsite and headquarters. We erected our Lightweight Tents in the camping field – just in case it would be raining on our return!

With 17 Scouts and 6 Leaders attending, we decided on two groups for hiking. We both set off from the Scout Headquarters with one group going clockwise and the other anti-clock wise.

The route took us via St Edmunds Chapel, Bures Dragon (in the distance), Dead Lane, Leavenheath and we stopped for our lunch at Wissin Church. We crossed the River Stour and joined the Stour Valley Path – heading towards Wormingford.

A quick stop at Wormingford Church and onto The Firs. We could see the rain/hailstorm over the Stour Valley coming!

Storm coming over the Stour Valley!

We walked passed Wormingford Mere and onto Bures Mill.

After crossing the river – the heavens opened and we got very wet from the hailstorm!

We arrived back at the SHQ having walked 13.5km. We had tea, hot chocolate and biscuits to get us warmed up!

Scouts cooked pasta and sauces on tranjia stoves and in the evening – they played laser tag in the campsite and had sausages on sticks over the altar fire.

Getting ready to cook our pasta and sauces on the tranjia stoves.

It was a cold and windy night – we were up at 7am to bright sunshine. After cooking breakfast, we packed away our tents and headed for home for a good rest!

World Jamboree Talk – January 2024

Keira Waring (Explorer) visited the Troop to show a presentation on her fantastic trip to the World Scout Jamboree 2023 which took place in South Korea. Keira showcased lots of photos, souvenirs and talked about her best moments in the trip and answered any questions that the Scouts had.

Hobbies Badge – January 2024

Scouts brought along items towards their Hobbies, Physical Recreation and Sports Enthusiast Badges. We had lots of very talented Scouts who enjoyed talking about their hobbies and showing us related items.

Pancakes – February 2024

Scouts cooked mini pancakes on the base of a drinks can over tea-lights, they where a great success and Scouts thoroughly enjoyed the novelty of cooking a tiny pancake. Scouts then cooked their own large pancake over a gas burner.

Cooking pancakes using a small drinks can and tea lights.

Climbing Wall – February 2024

We took two groups of Scouts over to Great Cornard Sports Centre using the indoor Climbing Wall where they took part in a series of challenging wall climbs, run by Leaders from the Sudbury District.

Using the climbing wall at Great Cornard Sports Centre.

Emergency Aid Badge – February 2024

We welcomed three First Responders from the East of England Ambulance Service, who taught the Scouts all of the requirements for their Emergency Aid Badge Stage 2, this included the importance of getting help, how to call the emergency services, reassuring someone at the scene of an emergency and how to help someone who is unconscious, bleeding and has a burn.

Learning bandage skills.

Nitro Transporter – March 2024

Scouts took part in a pioneering project called nitro-transporter, they where set with the challenge to build a safe transporter for some Nitro Explosives.

Nitro Transporter – mini pioneering challenge.

These are very sensitive to movement and may ‘explode’ with any sudden motion. Scouts built a tripod frame and suspended a tin from three staves, they then had to transport their device around a series of obstacles inside the HQ.

Kayak Capsize & Rescue Drills – March 2024

We visited a private indoor pool to practice our kayak & rescue techniques in March. Scouts afterwards had a swim and games.

Getting ready to capsize in the kayak.

Fire Safety Badge & Colchester Fire Station – November 2023

Looking at the equipment on the Fire Appliance.

Over the last couple of weeks we have been doing the Fire Safety Badge. Learning about the fire triangle, extinguishers, what causes house fires, electrical gadgets, SHQ fire drill, demonstration of a frying pan fire and how to put it out safely and we visited Colchester Fire Station.

Learning about a over heated frying pan and how to put it out safely.

We were shown around the appliances, equipment and we used a water hose – spraying water at cones and the tower.

Remembrance Day Service & Parade – November 2023

Scouts inside St Mary’s Church.

We took in part in the annual Remembrance Day Service and Parade held in St Mary’s Church. Explorers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers were in the church and we took part in the service with a song, Scouts who fought in the WWI, poem and collection.

Flag Bearers for each section.

Well done on everyone for taking part and looking smart in your uniforms.

Greenwich, London – October 2023

Waiting for the train at Bures Railway Station.

As part of our Astronomer badge – we decided to take the Scout troop on a visit to Greenwich Royal Observatory and Planetarium. We left Bures Railway Station at 8.37am for the train to London via Marks Tey.

We arrived at Stratford Station and caught the Docklands Light Railway via Canning Town to Victoria Dock, we got onto the London Cable Car across the River Thames. With good weather we had spectacular views of Docklands, Canary Wharf, City of London, Thames Barrier and the O2 Arena. After getting off we then caught the bus to Greenwich High Street.

London Cable Car.

We had our packed lunch in front of The Queen’s House and views of Docklands in the distance.

Nigel learning to dance in the Great Hall Room at Queen’s House.

We visited Queen’s House to see the drawing rooms, The Great Hall, paintings of ships and The Van de Veldes’ drawings and afterwards we walked through the park to the Observatory. Our Planetarium Show was ‘We are the Guardians’. We learnt about Time and Longitude, time clocks for ships, Weller interactive Galleries, Meridian Observatory and Meridian Line, Altazimuth Pavilion, Observatory Life in the Flamstead House and the Great Equatorial Telescope.

Great Equatorial Telescope.

We then walked through the park down to the National Maritime Museum and saw the Cutty Sark next to the River Thames and walked through the Foot Tunnel under the River Thames to Island Gardens. We caught the DLR back to Canary Wharf and changed onto the tube to London Bridge. MacDonald’s was very packed and we caught the bus to Liverpool Street Station and we finally got our MacDonald’s meal in the station.

The Cutty Sark.

We finally arrived home at 8.20pm with everyone enjoying their day out.

24hrs Survival Skills Camp – September 2023

Setting up our basher shelters in woods.

On Saturday 16th September – Scouts cycled up to Lamarsh Park Woods near Daws Cross.

We set up camp in the dense woods – first job will be to pitch their basher shelters and gather wood for the meals that we would be cooking.

Our first meal consisted of jacket potato, baked beans and grated cheese followed by banana and chocolate chip. All cooked in tin foil and no need for washing up!

Lighting the fires – ready for cooking our midday meals.

In the afternoon we walked around the woods looking at trees, berries and making a water filtration system out of a 1 litre plastic bottle. We filtered some dirty water from the pond and managed to get it clear using grass, stones, leaves etc.

We returned to camp – building the fire up ready for our evening meal of: chicken, carrots, potatoes and cabbage leaves which we wrapped in tin foil. Our desert was: cooking apples with raisins and brown sugar.

We sat around the fire in the evening and had burgers and marsh mellows before bed.

Cooking marsh mellows on sticks.

We could hear the barking of foxes and owls hooting through the night. We were woken by the early sunshine and up at 7.15am.

For breakfast we had cereal bars, baked beans and cooked our sausages on sticks.

Cooking our sausages on sticks for breakfast.

We returned to Bures Scout Headquarters at 10.30am with everyone please that they had survived the last 24 hours!

Summer Camp, Ferny Crofts, Beaulieu, Hants – August 2023

We left the SHQ at 10.00hrs for our journey to Ferny Crofts Activity Centre in our minibus, cars and truck loaded with kit for a week of fun and adventure.

We arrived at 15.30hrs and set about erecting the tents and dining shelters.

Abseiling activity.

We did activities of: Leap of faith and abseiling on the Sunday followed by games.

Leap of faith activity on Sunday afternoon.

On Monday, we went Mountain biking in the New Forest woods and stopped off at Hatchets Pond for lunch. We then rode towards Beaulieu and turned off towards the old airfield. We stopped at Round Pond and had ice creams to cool us down and we did 18 miles.

Stopping off for lunch at Hatchets Pond on our mountain biking ride.

On Tuesday morning we did Zip Wire and then went to the beach at Calshot. We flew the kite and Scouts did some swimming in the sea. We visited Calshot Castle and the Calshot Activity Centre – Scouts did Ringo’s on The Slope.

Calshot Castle.

On Wednesday, we visited the Historic Portsmouth Naval Dockyard – we saw the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, Royal Navy Submarine Museum at Gosport and Harbour Tour. Finished the day with fish and chips on The Hard.

Submarine at Gosport.

On Thursday in the morning Scouts did kit inspection and afterwards we drove to Keyhaven to do a 8 mile hike along the coastal path – after walking three miles, the heavens opened with heavy rain and thunder and decided the cut the route. We returned to Keyhaven and the sun came out. We then walked to The Spit and saw The Needles and Hurst Castle from a distance.

Looking towards Isle of Wight on our hike.

On our final full day – Scouts did assault course and in the afternoon it was Patrol Cooking Competition – cooking on altar fires and in the evening we had presentations. 

Assault Course on Friday morning.

We striked camp on Saturday morning and finally got back to Bures at 18.00hrs with everyone enjoying their Summer Camp.

Bradfield Park Scout Camp, Bradfield Combust near Bury St Edmunds – June 2023

We set off for our Troop Camp on Friday 23rd June to Bradfield Combust. After arriving we set up our patrol tents and dinning shelters and afterwards cooked burgers on the altar fire.

Our patrol tents set within the 26 acres of parkland.

We were awoken by the bright sunshine and it was already getting hot! We had breakfast cooked over the altar fires and afterwards started our programme.

We taught the Scouts the use of using knives and safety – they cut points for their sausage stick and constructed two bowl stands using canes and staves.

Learning knife safety and make a point for sausages.

In the afternoon we did the activity of Cresta Run, played games of Kubb, volleyball and a large water fight using the soakers!

Cresta Run activity.

In the late evening, we played laser tag and cooked sausages on sticks and marsh mellows.

Caving at Bradfield Park Scout Camp.

On Sunday morning – Scouts did caving and we got home around 1pm with everyone had enjoyed a weekend of fun and adventure.

Expedition Challenge Award: Public Transport, Hike & Camp – May 2023

Ready for the off to Bures Railway Station.

We assembled at the SHQ at 07.30hrs on Saturday 20th May 2023 for their adventure to Felixstowe. Scouts packed their rucksacks and then walked to Bures Railway Station. Where they caught the train to Marks Tey and then changing trains to Ipswich.

On arrival at Ipswich Station – they transferred to another platform to catch the train to Felixstowe. They then walked along the sea front to Landguard Fort – a distance of 3 miles and we had our packed lunches on the beach watching the fisherman and container ship MSC leaving the Port of Felixstowe fully loaded.

Our visit to Landguard Fort.

We visited the fort built mostly in Victorian and during the Second World War. Seeing the rooms where the soldiers were homed, officers, radio, plotting, wash and magazine rooms, tunnels and the gun placements. We viewed the Harwich Haven and River Orwell estuary with the container port in full operation from the bastion.

Afterwards it was a short journey in the minibus to Hallowtree Activity Centre, Nacton near Ipswich.

 

Cooking our meals on the tranjia stoves.

They set up their tents and cooked their meals using the tranjia stoves.

In the morning after breakfast they did activities of: assault course and bouldering wall.

 

Bouldering Wall at Hallowtree.

They caught the train from Ipswich back to Bures in the afternoon and have completed their Expedition Challenge Award towards their Chief Scout Gold Award.

St George’s Day Parade & Service – April 2023

Walking up the road to the church.

After four years since our last St George’s Day Parade & Service due to Covid-19 etc. we returned to Long Melford to parade from the village hall car park to Holy Trinity Church with the rest of Sudbury District – Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Leaders.

 

Selfie by orders of the vicar.

The weather was not good and we had a good turnout. Well done everyone for representing 1st Bures Scout Group. You all looked smart in your uniforms.

Lightweight Hike & Camp – March 2023

Due to the poor weather on Sunday – it was decided to go to our Plan B. Two groups hiked from Bures to Nayland and Nayland to Bures – a distance of 7 miles using our minibus as transport. Scouts were taught about using a compass and map reading skills.

Standing on the river bridge near Wissin Mill.

We hiked along the Stour Valley Path – taking in the great views of the Constable countryside. One group stopped at Garlands Farm and the other at Wormingford Church for their packed lunch.

We both got back to the SHQ around 3pm. Scouts set up their lightweight tents, cooked meals of pasta on the tranjia stoves and made a stick for cooking sausages on using their penknives.

Setting up the lightweight tents in the SHQ grounds.

Scouts played laser tag in the campsite and afterwards we lit the altar fire for cooking sausages on sticks and toasted marsh mellows. We woke up to heavy rain and after breakfast, we packed up the tents and hung them up in the Headquarters to dry.

Cooking sausages on sticks on the altar fire on Saturday evening.

It was a successful camp with each Scout gaining one night away and hike away staged badges.

Activities – January-February 2023

We returned in January for Skills Challenges (lighting the candle and blindfold mouse traps). We made helicopters, learning the parts of the helicopter ready for our trips to the Air Ambulance Station.

We did a Incident Hike from Lamarsh Lion Public House via the Stour Valley Path back to the village. Scouts had to make a tripod using staves and string. Transport Scout for 200m. Using the tin and Nuclear Radioactive Water – they had to transport this for a 1km without spilling it.

Assembling the tin in the middle of tripod.

On arrival at the last check point at Bures Common – using the matches to safely to burn the string and placing the tin on the ground without touching the tin or string.

We did our first split evening for the troop – Patrol Cooking Competition and visit to the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Station at Earls Colne Airfield, Essex.

 

Looking at the helicopter in the hanger at Earls Colne Airfield.

We were shown around the station by the volunteer – what the charity does and how they run the station. Types of emergencies that they attend and tour of the hanger.

Secret Nuclear Bunker Christmas Sleepover – December 2022

The Secret Nuclear Bunker is underneath the communications mask.

Our last meeting of the year – we travelled to Kelvedon Hatch near Brentwood, Essex for our Christmas Sleepover in the Secret Nuclear Bunker.

PM Margaret Thatcher in the Radio Room.

We arrived at 7.45pm with snow covering the ground. This secret bunker is built underground with a bungalow above ground – making it look very ordinally! It was once owned by Essex County Council and was used from 1950-1993 in the cold war era and is now back in private ownership.

We had fish and chips for supper and then it was time to explore the buildings six floors. Radio room, telephone exchange, canteen, plotting room, sick bay, PM rooms and regional command.

Scouts did a Spy Challenge: Three bases were: morse codes, plotting the nuclear blasts on a map and making a nuclear chemical suit. On completing the challenge – they were given a letter in an envelope.

Sick Bay Room.

This contained the letter of a Scout who was hiding up the bunker as a Spy. After opening up the three envelopes – they then managed to crack the code and go and find the Scout.

Having breakfast in the Canteen Room.

We slept on the bunk beds and were up at 7am for cooked breakfast. We arrived back in Bures at 10.30am and glad we had survived the nuclear attack!

Autumn Activities 2022

Making Bat Boxes for the Parish Council.

It has been another busy term at Scouts. We have made Bat Boxes for the Parish Council. We went swimming at Colchester Fitness Pool and Scouts gained their Stage Swimming Badges and afterwards at McDonalds.

Halloween Party (statue game).

We held a Halloween Party, games and the Best Design Pumpkin Competition and they also dressed up which was fantastic.

For the Creative Challenge Badge – they took part in Drumming Workshop held on troop night. We run a Trading Post game (doing various challenges) marsh mellow tower, mapping and first aid etc.

Drumming workshop.

We also did penknife safety (making hazel stick) and cooked sausages and twists on the altar fires under floodlights.

Cooking Sausages over the Altar fire outside in the SHQ Grounds.

We invested some new Scouts into the Troop from our Cub pack in November.

Investing New Scouts into the Troop in November.

Thorpeness Meare Day – September 2022

Group photo next to the Meare.

We took part in the County Thorpness Meare Day on Saturday 24th September 2022. 100 Scouts and Guides attended from Suffolk.

Inflatable rafts. Racing around the island and getting very wet and muddy!

Rowing boats, games, inflatable rafts and Tug of War. Getting wet and muddy. We finished off the day with a visit to Pizza Hut on the way home.

Summer Camp, Phasels Woods, Kings Langley – August 2022

Group photo on Summer Camp 2022

We set off for our Summer Camp to Phasels Wood Activity Centre, Kings Langley, Hemel Hempstead, Herts on Saturday 20th August for a week’s camping.

Cresta Run activity.

Activities for the weeks were: Climbing Wall, Crate Stacking, Cresta Run, Human Hungry Hippos, Land Zorbs, Pedal Racers, Underground Tunnels, Whittling, Swing Ball, Kubb, Volleyball and Kit and Tent Inspection Competitions and Patrol Cooking Competition.

Crate Staking activity.

Our day out was at Thorpe Park Resort we did the rides of: The Swarm, Tidal Wave, Storm Surge, Rumba Rapids, Stealth, Vortex, Nemesis Inferno and Colossus.

Day out at Thorpe Park Resort.

We did a 7 mile hike via Scatterdells Woods, Woodman’s Wood, Badgerdell Wood and Chipperfield Common. We stopped off at the common for our picnic lunch and visited the The Windmill Public House for cold drinks.

Summer Term  Activities – 2022

The troop was spilt into three groups over the summer months. Scouts took part in Cycling (Cyclists Badge), kayaking and pioneering (Pioneer Badge) and the final two weeks were rounders on the Recreation Ground and Rafting. Sadly due to the heatwave we had to cancel the Laser Tag and this will now be run in September.

Kayaking on the River Stour.

Cyclists badge consisted of: maintenance, control of your cycling, highway code and a 8 mile bike ride around: Lower Jenny’s, Horn’s Green, Alphamstone and Lamarsh. Pioneer Badge consisted of: knots, lashings, whippings and constructing a project.

Learning about maintenance of your bike.

Scouts built rafts using the skills that they had learnt from the pioneering badge. Plenty of fun was had on the river on a very warm evening.

Rafting on the River Stour.

Group Jubilee Camp – The Croft Campsite – June 2022

We set up some of the tents for Cubs and dining room shelter on the Thursday evening.

Setting up the Scout Patrol Tents.

On Friday evening the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers arrived at the campsite ready for a weekend of fun, activities and adventure.

The Beavers arrived at 9am ready for the activities and after flag break – all sections were split into different groups.

Soft Archery activity.

 

Tomahawk throwing activity run by Acton Scout Leaders.

Activities were: kayaking, soft archery, art & crafts, tomahawk throwing, fire by fiction, air rifle shooting and circus skills.

Kayaking on The River Stour.

In the evening we held a camp fire with Jo Waring (CSL) leading the songs and afterwards – they toasted marsh mellows on the fire.

At Flag Break on the Saturday morning.

The weekend finished with Scouts Own Service, investiture of new Cubs and 10 year’s Long Service Award to Liz Moulton, Woodbadge Certificate to Eddie Gordon and flag break.

Liz being awarded her 10 Year’s Long Service Award.

Thanks go to Helen Foster (chair) and her team for cooking the meals, Acton Scout Leaders for running the tomahawk throwing and 44th Colchester Scout Leaders for running the Fire by Fiction and Tony Waring (GSL) for organising the Group Camp and the Leaders Team.

The weekend was a great success and blessed with sunshine.

Paul, Callum, Eddie, Nigel, Ian, Jo,
Phil, Claire, Lisa, Steve, Phoebe & Tony

Lightweight Hike & Camp, Bures – April 2022

We started our hike from Bures Railway Station – catching the 10.33hrs train to Chappel & Wakes Colne. Arriving within ten minutes and set off down the hill to the Viaduct.

Standing in front of Chappel & Wakes Colne Station.

We walked past Creeping Hall, Chappel and onto Mount Bures – we stopped for lunch next the cricket pitch. We finally got to the campsite at 15.00hrs having walked 7 miles.

Setting up camp.

Scouts set up their lightweight tents and cooked their meal on the trangia stoves. We got the fire going and sat around the log circle and they cooked marsh mellows on sticks and Leaders served the Scouts burgers from the altar fire.

Cooking our meals on the trangia stoves.

We awoke to a frost and bright sunshine – fires were lit to keep us warm. After breakfast and games we striked camp and headed home.

Night Hike & Camp – February 2022

Scouts arrived at the SHQ at 4pm. They set up their lightweight tents in the SHQ Grounds. Food and stoves were packed into their day sacks ready for the hike. We were then transported over to Boxford in our minibus and two parents cars.

Outside Boxford Church ready to set off.

We started our hike from Boxford Church.  We took in the footpaths to Hagmore Green and Assington. We stopped in the woods just off the footpath for shelter from the wind.

We set up our Tranjia stoves and cooked bacon and boiled water for hot chocolate.

Cooking bacon on the stoves.

We continued our walk and passed Assington Mill, Tiger Hill Woods, Lower meadows and onto St Stephen’s Chapel.

We arrived back in Bures at 10.45pm having walked 7 miles. Burgers were served to the hungry Scouts before bedtime.

Cooking sausages on the altar fires.

We woke to sunshine and got the altar fire going ready to cook our sausages for breakfast. A full English breakfast was served by older Scouts and Leaders. The camp finished at 11am with Scouts completing their  Hikes Away and Nights Away Staged Badges.

Activities – January & February 2022

We returned in January 2022 and started by constructing 24 Bird Boxes (6 for the Parish Council) to be put up in the Cemetery Grounds and the others in our Scout Headquarters Grounds and Campsite.

Constructing our Bird Boxes.

We did Patrol Cooking Competition and visited to White Dragon Archery at Bakers Hall Farm, Colne Road – just outside Bures. This was a spilt evening and rotated the following week.

Archery at White Dragon Archery, Bakers Hall Farm.

We also made pancakes from scratch – cooking these on the Tranjia Stoves.

Cooking pancakes on the Tranjia Stoves.

Activities – September-December 2021

We returned for another busy term of activities in September. Starting with a hike from Arger Fen Car Park to Bures. We collected edible plants for the Survival Badge and visited Chapel Barn and looked across the valley to the Bures Dragon.

Water Rockets ready to launch in the SHQ grounds in November.

We made water rockets, tranjia safety and brewed hot chocolate, swimming at Peyton Hall for the Staged Swimmer Badges. We cooked sausages and twists on the altar fires. Liz Moulton (AESL) showed us around the Baptist Church as part of the World Challenge Badge and played Hungry Hippos games.

Cooking sausages on the altar fires in the SHQ Grounds.

Our last meeting of the year was a visit to Ipswich Ski Centre, Bourne Hill. Scouts took part in Tobogganing on the slopes and afterwards we visited Burger King at Copdock.

Tobogganing at Ipswich Ski Centre.

 

Joint Fireworks party – November 2021

We hosted a Fireworks Party with Great Cornard and Acton & Waldingfield Scouts on Monday 1st November 2021.

After lighting the bonfire – the fireworks started at 7.30pm and lasted 25 minutes – well done to Kevin and Kieran for supplying and lighting them – it was a great display.

Fireworks going off in our campsite

We also had sparklers and toasted some marsh mellows on the altar fires in the SHQ Grounds.

A great night of fun had by all.

Young Wardens Day, Arger Fen near Assington – October 2021

Four older Scouts attended the Young Wardens Day at Arger Fen on Sunday 24th October 2021.

Scouts taking part in the Young Wardens Day at Arger Fen.

They took a short walk up towards a Container to collect Forks and Spades ready to build a structure which would give Stag Beetle Larvae something to feed on (they are endangered).

New Stag Beetle home.

The Scouts dug a hole approximately 45cm deep and then placed multiple logs facing upwards and began filling the hole back up with the end product looking great! They also finished with a walk around Arger Fen identifying different types of Mushrooms. They all had a great time and give their thanks to the Staff and Volunteers for running the day and providing lots of help and support.

The Scouts took part in this activity towards their World Challenge Award – where they need to spend a day volunteering. All this work goes towards earning their Chief Scout Gold Award, the TOP Award in the Scout Section.

24hrs Survival Skills Camp – September 2021

On Saturday 25th September – Scouts cycled up to Lamarsh Park Woods near Daws Cross.

We are all set up in here!

We set up camp in the dense woods – first job will be pitch their basher shelters and gather wood for the meals that we would be cooking.

Cooking Sausages on sticks at breakfast.

Our first meal consisted of jacket potato, baked beans and grated cheese followed by banana and chocolate chip.

In the afternoon we walked around the woods looking at trees, berries and each Scout made a water filtration system out of a 1 liter plastic bottle. We filtered some dirty water from the pond and managed to get it clear using grass, tissue, leaves etc.

Water filtration system.

We returned to camp – building the fire up ready for our evening meal of: chicken, carrots, potatoes and cabbage leaves which we wrapped in tin foil. Our desert was: cooking apples with currants and brown sugar.

We sat around the fire in the evening singing songs of Bungalow and Purple Soup. We had burgers and marsh mellows before bed.

Cooking our marsh mellows on the fire.

We could hear the muntjac deer screaming and owls hooting through the night. We were woken by the crows, blackbirds, woodpecker and pigeons before getting up at 7am.

For breakfast we had cereal bars and cooked our sausages on sticks.

We returned to Bures Scout Headquarters at 10.30am with everyone please that they had survived the last 24 hours!

Summer Camp, Eaton Vale, Norwich – August 2021

We left our Scout Headquarters on Saturday 21st August for a week of fun and adventure and headed to Eaton – just south west of Norwich. Camping at Eaton Vale Scout & Guide Activity Centre.

We travelled up in our minibus, trailers, truck and cars which took us more than 1 hour 40 minutes.

We set up camp after our picnic lunch down at the bottom of the site edging the trees for a wind break.

We did many activities for the week: Cooking on the altar fires, archery, tomahawk throwing, pedal go karting, indoor climbing wall, crate stacking, Jacobs ladder, volleyball, games of kubb, football, six mile hike, water games and slippery slide on the grass bank, patrol cooking competition and tent inspections throughout the week.

We visited Sea Palling for picnic lunch, swimming and played a game of non-cricket after the tide had gone out.

Our day out on Wednesday was at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park near Lowestoft.

On Friday – it was silly games of Tug of War, egg and spoon races, assault course and patrol cooking competition. The presentations were given out to winners around the campfire in the evening.

We striked camp on Saturday between the rain showers and headed home for a good rest.

Thanks go to Nigel and Adam Norton for supplying us transport.

Summer term activities

We returned as a whole troop at the beginning of May. The troop was spilt into three groups and we rotated weekly doing: Survival Skills, Pioneering, Air Rifle Shooting and Kayaking.

Survival Skills consisted of: backwoods cooking, shelters, lighting fires, rabbit skinning, first aid and rescue signals.

Master of Arms (Air Rifle Shooting) – Scouts were taught safety, setting up the range, laws of gun ownership and firing of the rifle and getting better scores at target shooting.

Pioneering consisted of: knots, lashings, whippings and making a big pioneering project.

We finished the term with a Rounders and Non-stop Cricket on the Recreation Ground and Ice Creams and Lollies were given out back at the SHQ.

And we presented some badges earned over the term before flag down.

 

Air Rifle Shooting – taking aim!

 

Making Shelters as part of the Survival Skills Badge requirements.

Return of Face to Face Scouting

Finally after our year long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic we returned back to Face to Face Scouting.

Lighting the saw dust tin.

The Scout Troop was spilt into two groups consisting of 15 Scouts rotating on a weekly basis.

Wire and battery fire lighting technique.

We did: Axe, Saw, Pen Knife Safety, parts of Axe, chopping and sawing under floodlights in the SHQ Grounds. The following two weeks they took part in: Fire Lighting techniques: kindling, battery and wire, saw dust and charcoal cloth in the camp site area.

Cooking marsh mellows.

The evening was finished off with cooking marsh mellows on the wood fires.

Tree planting

On Saturday 24th April we planted out 200 trees donated free by the Woodland Trust.

Parents and other family members, Scouts and Leaders helped with planting of Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Wild Cherry, Hazel, Silver Birch and Rowan. Each tree came with a cane and guard – these were planted around the edge of the camp site.

This will help with screening and making it even more of a wildlife habit. Well done all for attending.

Scouts with spades ready for tree planting.

January Activities on Zoom

We continued our Zoom meetings in January 2021 – Scouts made Pizza’s from scratch and we held a troop forum – getting ideas of what they want to do for the rest of the term.

Pizza looks great!

We took part in the annual RSPB Bird Survey in the our own back gardens and each Scout made some bird feeders out of yoghurt pots and filled them with lard, seeds, raisins and peanuts. They hang these up in their gardens to attract the birds in!

Bird feeders being hang up in the back garden.

12 Days of Christmas, Festive Fun

12 Days of Christmas, Festive Fun was organised by Tony Waring (GSL) and Callum Byrne (ASL) with the programme being run over Zoom on Saturday 12th December 2020.

All Group Members took part in: Christmas Crackers, Pioneering Stars, Bridge Building with Spaghetti and Marsh Mellows, Decorate a Biscuit, Christmas Quiz, Musical Tunes and a Christmas Challenge around the village – how many posters will you be able to spot?

The day was finished off by singing to 12 Days of Christmas!

 

Broadstone Warren, Forest Row, East Sussex

On Saturday 17th August, we travelled to Broadstone Warren Camp Site, Forest Row, East Sussex for a week of camping filled with Fun and Adventure.

We arrived at 2.30pm and set up our dining room shelters and patrol tents in the woods of Ashdown Forest. Activities for the week were: Leap of Faith, Archery, Crate Stacking, Sumo Wrestling, Gladiators, Kubb, Swing Ball, Volleyball, Wide Games, Cooking on Altar Fires, Patrol Cooking Competition, Gadgets, Tent Inspections, Camp Fires, Swedish Candle and Swimming in the on-site pool which was challenging as it was not heated!

We drove to Hastings and visited  the beach for swimming and kite flying. Fun in the sea as there were some large waves crashing on the beach!

Our day out on Wednesday was to Chessington World of AdventuresTheme Park, Zoo and Sea Life Centre. Scouts and Leaders did rides of: Rameses Revenge, Dragon’s Fury, Kobra, Rattlesnake, The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure, Tiger Rock, Tomb Blaster and Vampire.

Our hike was along the South Downs Way and this started at Beachy Head Car Park next to the Public House. We walked along the high cliffs and could see Eastbourne, Harbour, Wish Tower and Pier and wind farm, Beachy Head Lighthouse and we carried on walking to Belle Tout Lighthouse and then to Birling Gap for a lunch stop and swimming. We headed back via Horseshoe Plantation, Frost Hill, Kiln Combe and Long down. We saw a kite boarder on the top of the cliffs on his skateboard which proved very interesting to the Scouts – especially when he did his turns in the air!

On Saturday, we striked camp in the nice sunshine and headed home for a well earned rest.

Paul, Nigel, Eddie, Liz, Callum and Ian

HM King Charles III has been confirmed as our new Patron, a great honour for UK Scouts.

The King continues a long tradition of the monarch giving their Patronage, dating back to 1912. This was when Scouts was granted its Royal Charter and HM George V became our first Patron.

Find out more
King Charles III

Our Patron, HM King Charles III