Do you have a gun?

This is always the first question any Cub will ask a police officer when they meet. And our Cubs were no different!

On a fine sunny evening in July, the Cub pack were treated to a visit from two members of our local police force. PC Kevin Rawcliffe  and PC Nick Coen gave up some of their time to visit and talk about their job as a police officer. They were greeted by the first question as above, and the next question was... Have you ever killed anybody? (Thanks Harry!).

The police officers and their kit

After questions and answers about their time in the police and how they help fight crime it was time for the cubs to look at equipment. First up were the walkie talkies with one group at one side of the field and the rest at the other side. But they werent very talkative - we just had Max asking May what she had for her tea!!

I dont think smiling is the usual response to being handcuffed!

Next were the handcuffs. I wouldnt particularly want to be handcuffed but all the cubs did! One by one they were cuffed either front or back. And let's hope that is the only time they ever get handcuffed!

Nee-Narrr Nee-Narr Nee-Narr!

After showing the cubs the crime kits the police carry around in the car - including incident tape and bags - it was time for the fun bit! Time to wake up the neighbours! On with the sirens and the flashing lights!!! 

And then it was time for home - with big thanks to Kevin and Nick for their time.

Phil

Animal Carers

One of the badges that the Cubs can gain is the Animal Carer badge.

It can be quite a difficult badge to attain - but thanks to Pets at Home we can attempt to get Cubs passing this badge.
 
So off we went to our local Pets at Home store (thats the one in Oldham and not the one at Snipe Retail Park - as Im sure some people thought ... or even went to!). We were met by the assistant manager Nathan who gathered us round ready to begin the night.

Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit!

We began with talks and questions about Rabbits and we were treated to a visit by one of the rabbitts that they had available for adoption. Obviously a white fluffy thing with big floppy ears is always a hit with Cubs!

Owner of the Death Stare!

 Next up was the guinea pig who proceeded to have a staring competition with all the cubs - and won every time!! He was at an advantage seeing as guinea pigs dont blink because they have no eyelids.

Salad only... no burgers here!

 After a session of pet feeding next up on the animal agenda was a dragon!!!! A real fire breathing dragon!!!!!

Its a dragon!!!

 Not really - it was only a bearded dragon lizard, but it was pretty impressive none the less and was a hit with the cubs. I dont think the lizards food was quite as popular! Live grasshoppers obviously not pet material amongst cubs!

They were all very brave!

After all the cubs had managed to hold the dragon in some way our time was up. After thanking Nathan for his time and expertise all the cubs went off with their parents, no doubt asking for a vast array of pets! Sorry!

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader

Carnivala!

Smiley happy faces - delighted to serve!

It's that time of year again when the carnival rolls into town.

And as usual - we had a Stall on the field. After the success of last years jumble jar tombola, we had to go with the same thing again ("we know" I can hear you all cry... "You badgered us for months for jars!!!").

As I said last years event proved very successful for us but as Carl and I set up the stall on the morning of the carnival we doubted that we would get anywhere near what we had last year. As the rain teemed down - it looked set for a  very miserable day indeed. But we had hope! According to the BBC weather app it should stop raining at 12 and start to brighten up.

You can't see the rain pouring through the roof!

And lo and behold... it was right!! Come midday, the grey clouds began to part and the rain started to stop! And by the time the parade started the sun was out. And with the sun comes customers... So all the cubs and scouts who had come to help over the day were kept very busy by a steady flow of customers. We even had a visit from the Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham!!

Carl with local royalty

 
A successful day was had and most of that was down to the cubs, scouts and parents who filled empty jars with a whole array of different things. There are too many cubs and scouts who turned up on the day to give everybody a mention but special mentions go to Matthew Hall who arrived nice and early (in the rain!) and helped Carl and myself set up the stall, and also a special mention to Maddie Doyle who stayed until the very end - despite her dad trying to take her away about 5 times!!! Im sure he did but she kept coming back!

But thank you to you all. Your help and support is always appreciated.

Phil
Assistant Cub Leader