Team A and Team B waiting to see if they were victorious!

Who founded the Scout Movement??

Was just one of the many questions that our two Cub teams encountered in this year's Minds of Medvale Competition.

The Minds of Medvale competition is a District Cub Quiz where each team has to have three members - one of age 8, one of age 9 and one of age 10 (to make a total of 27) - to answer many general knowledge questions.

Unfortunately neither of our teams won the competition - that honour fell jointly to 248th (Bethel) and 2/289th with 346th coming in as runners up. But as we always say... "its not the winning that matters, its the taking part"! And all members of Team A and Team B seemed to enjoy themselves.

So if you need anybody to make up a team for your next bout of Trivial Pursuits - you could do worse than choose one of our Team Members:

Thomas Reeves
Zach Cherrington
Jacob Chalmers
Lottie Cunningham
Jack Edmunds
Luke Oliver

Thank you all for attending.

Oh, and by the way.... the answer to 'who founded the Scout movement?" is Robert Baden-Powell! Thankfully a bit of en-route coaching meant that all team members knew this!!  
  

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

We shall remember them...

Sunday November 11th saw the group attend Failsworth's Remembrance Sunday Service.

A good attendance from all sections of the group met at Tesco and proceeded to parade with other groups from the district down to the cenotaph.

Following a nice Remebrance Service, the parade then returned back up Oldham Road to be dismissed at the Town Hall.

Thank you to all who turned up and big "thank you's" to all those who carried a flag or layed the wreath on the cenotaph. You all did our Group very proud.

Thank You  

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

  
Remember, remember the 5th of November....

...Gunpowder, treason and plot!

Friday 2nd November saw 224th Manchester's annual Bonfire Night Extravaganza!

The fire was lit, the wood was ready, the hotpot was on the stove..... would people turn up! Yes they did!! Plenty of people arrived to enjoy the bonfire, marvel at the fireworks, take advantage of the bar and eat the hotpot.
 
The only thing that was missing was a 'Guy' and thankfully nobody suggested putting a Cub on the bonfire! Or better still - nobody suggested using a leader as a 'Guy'!!

Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and the weather was kinder to us this year than last with just a few showers during the evening. Thank you for all your support.

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween arrived early at the Cubs on Thursday 25th October as 29 ghosts, ghouls, werewolves and other horrific creatures arrived for a halloween party!

With various degrees of gruesomeness the cubs were replaced with their halloween alter egos for the duration of the evening. They expected to be entertained - and seeing as the cub leaders and their two scout helpers were terrified of them! - the games commenced.

First up was the 'hanging donut' game... where the creatures had to have their hands/paws behind their backs and to try and grab a donut with their fang-laden mouths! Many were successful - some were scary in doing so!

Next up was the traditional 'apple bobbing' (no, I dont know what is so scary about 'bobbing for apples' either!). Countless apples were tortured to within an inch of their skins by these creatures and their teeth, tongues and saliva(!) - none survived! The plastic bag resembled an apple graveyard of mutilated fruit!

After the refreshment of juice and cake (no blood or human flesh was available) the final game of the evening was underway - 'Mummification!'. Each monster was wrapped in toilet roll to resemble a mummy (the Egyptian creature - not the parent!). Quite a few were very good and could have easily passed as an official Mummy. And then it was time to discard the mummy rolls... all over the floor!! And despite the leaders wanting some of these particular mummys to keep the toilet roll wrapped around their mouths - everybody was returned to normal and began the clean up.

Thankfully by now it was time for these horror shows to return to their crypts/coffins/lagoons. All that was left was for the leaders to finish tidying up and to go home to bed to suffer nightmares!! 

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

Who needs a hospital!!

Last Thursday (18 October) saw the cubs honing their first aid skills!

Helped by two parents - Jill and Michelle - the cubs were taught the basics of first aid including the recovery position and what to do in the event of an accident. And then... they were let loose on each other!!!

 

Cubs were performing the recovery position in one corner of the room, and bandaging going on in another corner. At the other end of the room there worksheets on hazards around the house. All the cubs seemed to get the hang of the first aid quite quickly and thankfully there were enough bodies to be manhandled and bandaged so that the Cub leaders didn't need to be!

 

The evening seemed to be a success and the cubs are well on their way to yet another badge! 

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk 
 

Camping in the seat of the Giants!!

The weekend of September 14th to the 16th saw 224 Machester Cubs and Scouts head off to camp at Giants Seat Campsite in Radcliffe.

The Cubs were about to compete in our very own 224 Olympics (with some assistance from the scouts!). But that was for the Saturday! Friday saw the cubs and scouts allocated their respective countries for the weekend and, following our Opening Ceremony (complete with fireworks!!) proceed to produce their own versions of the Olympic Rings. With lots of glue and glitter a merry mess was made - but in the end 4 lots of olympic rings were presented. 

What seemed to be a highlight of the weekend with most of the Cubs was their chance to participate in a 'Wide game'. The cubs (and scouts) had to attack the base whilst a leader stood sentry with a torch. Whether it was the enjoyment of the game or the fact that they were able to crawl about in mud and undergrowth in the woods, they all wanted to play again and again.

After a noisy night - in which many sweets were 'probably' eaten - the bleary eyed cubs were woken on Saturday morning for their breakfast of champions (bacon, sausage and beans!). After a quick kit inspection the events got underway. The Cubs took part in individual events such as Long Jump, Welly Throwing, Javelin and Sprint which would all contribute to their teams overall placings. Lots of effort was exerted (by most!) and the olympic spirit was adhered to. 

 

 

After a break for lunch (fire cooked burgers - courtesy of the Scouts... well the scout leaders anyway!) the team games got underway which concluded with a Tug of War. This Tug of War also included the cubs and scouts competing against the leaders and helpers - thankfully the leaders won both bouts... just about!!

Saturday evening saw our now traditional camp fire take place in the wonderful setting of within the woods. With plenty of sketches and songs led by Akela everybody enjoyed themselves. Though I don't know which was brighter - the camp fire or Akela's sunburn!! And when the cubs went to bed - they miraculously went to sleep almost straight away! It's amazing what fresh air and exercise can do!

 

 

Sunday morning saw the final countdown to the end of this particular camp and the cubs had a short but exhilarating hike to look forward to. Involving walking in the woods and crossing rivers - this would surely work up an appetite for their sunday lunch of roast beef and yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings!

 

As the camp came to a close, the heavens began to open (though we can't grumble - this was the first spot of rain all weekend). At the closing ceremony the results of the Olympic Games were announced along with the winning team (see results below), and every member of the camp received their 'medal' - a 2012 cup filled with chocolates!

And then it was off home.... for cubs to be reunited with their parents, and for leaders to get a well earned rest!!

 

Thank you to all the cubs who attended and took part - and also a big 'Thank You' to the parents of cubs who came along and helped out in any way (whether by staying the weekend or simply driving cubs to and from camp). And one final 'Bravo' to Lottie and Amy our two girls who decided after the first night indoors that they would rather be outside in a tent! Well done girls!

Olympic Results

Individual Winners

Shot Putt (distance of 26.3m)  - Louis Tudor 

Javelin (distance of 14m)  - Spencer Bowker

Long Jump (distance of 2.8m)  - Daniel Todd

Discus (distance of 27.2m)  - Louis Tudor

Welly Throwing (distance of 12.1m)  -Zach Cherrington

Sprint - Daniel Todd

Tug of War Winners

Australia

Final Team Placings

1st place - China

Daniel Plant; Louis Tudor; Jack Edmunds; Luke Mackey; George Brash

2nd place - Australia

Nathan Hull; Billy Cooper; Joseph Taylor; Zach Cherrington

3rd place - USA

Spencer Bowker; Thomas Reeves; Elliot Aitken-Clarke; Amy Tapper

4th place - Great Britain

Kyle Bickerton; Daniel Todd; Callum Parkinson; Lottie Cunningham; Seb Heywood

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

Scouts Giant's Seat Camp

GIANT'S SEAT CAMP - SCOUTS

What a great weekend, and god was looking down on us and decided to give us a whole weekend of nice weather, the rain finally coming down 10 minutes before we left to go home!

The weekend started early for James and Anthony, staying over an extra night to prepare some of the kit, followed by a full day with Wendy and Martin putting up tents.

The Scouts were impeccably well behaved all weekend, and were kind enough to look after some of the younger cubs (some of whom were a little home sick).

The Friday started with an integrated introduction to the weekend, with teams split into their Olympic Countries.  Friday night activities included, amongst other things, a competition to produce an Olympic ring collage.  I just can't understand why someone would bring glitter for the cubs and scouts to use?! (Let's just say you live and learn..... and I won't be doing that again!)

Phil and Anthony led the group off into the woods for some wide games (attack the base),and everyone enjoyed themselves.  There were some ingenious methods of getting to the top (from crawling through the undergrowth, to hiding behind the leaders legs as they walked!)

Friday night and, as per usual, all the cubs were giddy kippers, and it was into the small hours before the last one eventually started to snore.

No rest for the wicked though, and Wendy was round the tents at the crack of dawn (banging the spoon and pan!) and everyone was up, bright eyed and bushy tailed (of a fashion!).

The Scouts started to explore the sight and commenced some pioneering projects for all to use throughout the weekend.  These included a Washing-up stand (complete with bowl and drying board!), a separate water bowl, cooking tripod to heat water, erected the mess tent and..... lit the weekend fire!  This fire was to be the focus of attention for the majority of the Scouts, and they did a sterling job of keeping lit all weekend (well, almost).  The cubs were like fireflies around their projects, and the Scouts did everyone proud by maintaining a clean and safe camp fire site.

The BBQ was lit and The Scouts (well, Scout leaders, as the Scouts were more interested in erecting some tyre swings - which turned out to be a great feature and very sturdy!  Well done) commenced with cooking the burgers.

The cubs assisted by trying to get horse chestnuts (which compromised throwing sticks, shoes and even Callum up the tree to get some conkers down!)


Saturday night and, after an excellent sing-along campfire, the scouts ensued on a night time hike.  Very enjoyable, ducking under the colony of bats and overcoming the steep hill climbs, being rewarded with hot-chocolate and toasted marshmallows! yum (once they had cooled!)

Saturday evening was a complete opposite, with most of the cubs falling asleep at the tables.  I've never seen them so quiet!  ( a job well done I say).

Sunday was another cracking day.  Started a bit glum by having to take some of the camp down, but another hike with Phil and Anthony, followed by some Orienteering, topped off a great weekend!

We did feedback last night, and some of the comments of 'awesome' and 'great' show that it was worth all the hard work.  (I don't think I agree with the comments about the food being yuk?  That was the finest corned beef hash I've ever tasted!)

Looking forward to the next camp!
Anthony

Footballing Superstars!

A quick congratulations to our victorious 7 a side Football winning team who won the District Football Competition on the 1st July this year.

We had two teams in the competition and they ended up playing each other in the final.

So well done to you all!


Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

Macedonia Open day - Saturday 30th June 2012

Sebastian Heywood

Amy Tapper

Macedonia Church were celebrating their 140th year and invited people along to show their pictures of past and present.

The Church were also showing the new plans for the new Church which will be built next door to the cricket club.  It was hard to picture, but Shelia explained it is bigger than she expected.  There is still no date, the plans have been draw up but now there are all the legal aspects.  Sheila will keep us posted.

224th were invited to show what we are about and what we do as a group.

I asked for volunteers and 4 people put their hands up - 3 new Cubs which was great! -  Sebastian, Amy, Lottie and last, but not least, Ben.

We had some banners which we put up and a table full of photographs of what the Cubs had been doing over the last year. 

Ben Smith



Lottie Cunningham

There was a table set up with a PC and a slide show of past and present pictures which brought back some memories for some of our visitors including Keith Booth (Group Scout Leader) for over 40 years.  Pictures were also behind the wall which made people laugh.  John, one of the church members, who was a Cub Leader for many years here asked for copies as some of the pictures had his son on which he has never seen before.

Pictures and PC

PC set up - showing slide show

Unfortunately there were not many visitors, the slide show did however show the new 3 Cubs what we do, camp and district events and they seemed very excited about their new adventures with Cubs.

Wendy Nicholls

Cub Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk





Scouts Navigate through Daisy Nook

Whilst the Scout and Cubs football teams were away conquering the District, the remainder of the troop decided to head out and put their recently acquired Navigation skills into practise.  After celebrating 144 (ish) years of the Macedonia Church, at Church Parade, they decided to step out into the fresh air and take in some of the local countryside in the great British Summer (the wettest since records began!)

With map and compass in hand they set off, leaving the Beavers and leaders in their dust.  Using the 6 figure grid references they recently learnt how to use, they navigated to various points around Daisy Nook Country Park, stopping of course to check out the tyre swing in the park!

Then, given a scenario that the bridge had 'collapsed' in a storm (it hadn't really, but this was to test their navigation skills on the hoof) they headed along an alternative route down to the River Medlock.... now minus it's infamous bridge!

So, they can't go over it, do they go around it, do they go under it..... (you get the picture).  Well, Scouts are a group that are guided to work as a team to overcome obstacles, but on this occasion there was a definite split in ideas. (which was mostly down to the footwear being worn!).

Those with wellies skipped across the stepping stones, carrying young Charlie with them.  Ella decided to take the high road, to avoid the river all together, and Lizzie, being a thoroughbred scout (yet ill prepared by not having any spare clothing) decided to pretty much wade through the flowing river and simply wring her socks out on the other side.  Bear Grylls would have been proud! ;-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeOdXOqpRM8

Then for some further navigation, and playing in the river with some giant Labradors (or collecting bits of 'Roman' pottery?) before making our way to the visitors centre, where Ella treated everyone to an ice cream (before their sandwiches!).

Good to see the Beavers putting the leaders to shame with their packed lunch of pasta and fresh strawberries!  Better than cheese sandwiches anyway.

A short stop at the park on the way back, then a trek back to the church, taking in some wildlife on the way back (baby Moore Hen's and a couple of Herons on the canal!).

A good day was had by all and the Scouts earned their Hikes Away 1 badge, and earned part of their Navigation Badge.

Anthony
Assistant Scout Leader

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

Almost an Olympian!

We, as a district, were very proud today as our very own District Commissioner took part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch procession. Les Cowell, who is the District Commissioner for the North Manchester and Medvale district which we are part of, was nominated to carry the Olympic Torch. He carried the torch through the streets of Bury on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd June before the torch made its way into the centre of Manchester.

224th Manchester Scout Group have a lot to thank Les for as he took over the reins of the group when our previous long-standing Group Scout Leader, Keith Booth, became ill and could no longer run the group. He organised trying to get the group back up and running and then ran many of the beaver and cub nights until we could get leaders in place.

Over 100 members of the district (including scouts, cubs and leaders) lined the streets of Bury to cheer Les on, and as we waited for the torchbearer to arrive, a chant of 'We Want Les!' could be heard ringing along the A56!

And then the moment arrived! We could see Les trotting his merry way down the road - torch held proudly aloft. The cheers grew louder as Les approached - and he responded with an almost regal-like wave! And then he was passed... off into the distance... to hand the torch to the next torchbearer. 

For Les, this was a job well done and probably deserved a celebratory meal and maybe some cold liquid refreshment! Les later told me "I can not believe how emotional this feels! Loved it! huge thanks to everyone who came to watch".

Well done Les - you deserve it!

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

STOP PRESS!!! We will have Les and his Olympic Torch at the Church next Thursday (5th July) from 6 - 8.30pm. Everybody will have the chance to have their photograph taken with the Olympic Torch at the bargain cost of £1 (all monies to Group Funds). So don't forget to bring some extra money and your great big smiles for your photo!!

www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk

Cubs keeping the country tidy!
 
Most of you will be old enough to remember 'Bob-a-Job' week where cubs and scouts would go out into their communities and undertake jobs such as tidying gardens, painting a fence or simply putting the rubbish out. When this scheme ended 20 years ago there was no longer an official route for members of scout groups to help out in their neighbourhoods. 

This changed this year with the introduction of Scout Community Week. Taking place from 14th - 20th May, it was an opportunity for Scout Groups to raise funds whilst delivering real benefits to the local community.

As a group, 224th didn't undertake any fundraising community events this year (possibly next year!!). However, the Cubs tried to do their little bit for their community by all taking part in a neighbourhood litter pick during the Pack Night!


So on 31st May 16 Cubs set out from the church - all decked out in gloves and rather fetching hi-visibility jackets and all carrying  'Litter Grabbers' and black bin bags. Walking along Ashton Road East you would never have seen so many excited cubs as these were in picking up litter!. Our route took us along Ashton Road East, up Woodford Road, then up Richmond Road and onto Westminster Road.

With plenty of rubbish-packed bags the litter pick ended in Westminster Gardens Park. To use up more of their energy the cubs took part in relay races (well it is nearly time for the Olympics!!) and other games. After a refreshing drink and biscuit break we then took the short walk back to the church to finish with Grand Howl.

With a small part of Failsworth now looking a lot tidier, the Cubs can feel very proud of themselves and the effort they put in to picking up the litter.


Thank you Cubs!


Phil


PS: Our Chief Scout, Bear Grylls, praised the efforts of Scout Community Week, read story here


www.224manchesterscouts.co.uk