The Woggle

GSL's Update

Fireworks Success
Thank you to all of you who attended our Fireworks display recently. Over 300 people came along for what was another good evening, despite the short cloudburst at the beginning.

Thanks also to the Leaders and Parents who helped with the preparations, cooking and serving and to Pete and Tom our trained pyro-specialists.

First Investitures for Mars Pack

5 weeks after starting Mars Pack, the first 9 members were invested into Cubs by leader Jan Allgood. Each of the new Cubs made their Cub Scout Promise before receiving their badges from Jan and their neckerchiefs from Mandy Hawke. The photograph shows the 9 new members of the Group with Leaders Jan and Sarah and Scout helper Jack Golden. It won't be long before more Cubs are invested into Mars Pack.

Thank you to those who replied
Thanks to those of you who receive "The Woggle" online and replied to my request. I am following up on the rest to ensure that you do receive your copy.

Camping Continues
The clocks may have gone back in October but the camping season continues. 12 Explorers and 3 Leaders spent a weekend at the Broadstone Warren camp site in East Sussex with a back to basics camp. Our Explorers are renowned for their adventurous activities but they all still enjoy some basic skills camping, and particularly cooking over wood fires and sleeping in Bivvies built from natural materials.

Challenge Camp for Saturn Pack
The Sixers and Seconders from Saturn Pack took part in a challenge camp at the end of October. The camp held on Hayling Island found the Cubs cooking, learning the art of whittling, taking part in treasure hunts and having a good old sing-song. All this despite the cold!!

Lion Scouts complete Expedition Award
4 Scouts from Lion Troop completed their Expedition Challenge Award during half term with a 15 mile expedition around East Sussex. The challenge requires the Scouts to plan and execute their 2 day expedition, camping out overnight and carrying everything they need with them. The photo shows Joshua Haines, Stephen Way, Michael and Matthew Kenny.

100 Club Results
Congratulations to Mary Pike, Michael Blosse and Jean Yates who each won £25 in our October Draw.

Remembrance Day Parade
Thank you to the 60+ Scouts, Explorers and Leaders who turned out for this year's parade and service. We were once again the largest group on parade, although we could have done without the rain which decided to fall when we were all around the Cenotaph for the 2 minutes silence. Tom Clarke carried the Explorer Flag, Stephen Way (Lion Troop) the Scout flag and a wreath was laid by Jack Golden of Eagle Troop. It was nice to hear some really positive comments about the Scouts.

Book Sale Dealer's Day
Following a discussion with some specialist collectors and book dealers, we decided to try a new approach to maximise our returns from the book sales. Following a successful sorting during half term, Philip Blosse invited these specialists to view our books on the understanding that they purchase a bulk order. The session raised over £160 and we will now see what impact this has on our usual book sales before deciding whether to repeat the session.

Book Sale Day
Our next book sale will take place on Saturday 22nd November at the United Reform Church Hall. Once again we will have about 8000 books on sale, mostly at just 50p each. We could still do with a couple more volunteer sales people to help us for 2 hours on the day. Please contact Phil Blosse on 92463401 if you can help.

Xmas Post 25th Year
Yes, it is that time again. For the 25th consecutive year we are again running our Xmas Postal Service. Stamps are now available at various locations (see below) across the Island and for 20p we will deliver every correctly addressed card posted by Saturday 20th December in one of our green and yellow boxes.

The profits from this years Service will be used to provide additional activities at our Group 80th Birthday camp taking place in June 2009.

You can purchase stamps and post letters at:-

Bentley Walkers, Rae & Sons, Cards 4 Occasions, Hayling Hardware, Eastoke Pet Shop, Belmont Barbers (West Town), Stoke Fruit Farm, and for stamps only at the Red Cross Centre.

Parents - please note you should also receive a separate letter providing details of how you can help, or of course you can find out on our website at www.haylingscouts.org.uk.

Changes to our Web Site
To improve the flow of information we are starting to put copies of letters and meeting details on our web site. Each section has their own area on the site and we would ask that you look regularly at these pages. You can access this information by selecting "Section News" from the menu above the main display page.

Did you Know?
Scouting has been identified as one of those organisations that politicians believe can benefit young people and society. I would agree of course!

Woggle Online
If you have not been receiving a hard copy of "The Woggle" then this is because we send an online link to your email address. If you have not been receiving these emails then it could be that they are being routed to a SPAM or JUNK folder. Please take a look and if you find them there, all you have to do is to flag them as not junk or spam and all should be well in the future. If you need help, Email me on gsl@haylingscouts.org.uk.

80th Birthday Family Camp
Our activities team have held their first meeting and by the end of the year will have an outline of our programme for this special event. The site offers climbing, an assault course, archery plus plenty of space!. The event will be a family camp, so not only will the Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders camp all weekend, but we invite all families to join us. This means that providing they have at least one parent camping, Beavers will also be able to take part in the whole weekend of fun. Dates for your Diary are Friday 26th-28th June 2009