2010 Year of the Girl Guides
Girl Guides are celebrating their centenary in 2010 with celebrations around the world. At Ryde a Guide Claire Moody was appointed Young Citizen of the Year on Australia Day.
February 22 is World Thinking Day for Girl Guides around the globe when they will join together in an effort to end extreme poverty and hunger.
Local district leader Margo Hebbard says this year’s World Thinking Day theme is “Together we can change our world” and is linked to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
Ryde Guides will participate in the event which celebrates the joint birthdays of Lord Robert and Lady Olave Baden-Powell.
Proceeds from funds raised will be donated to the World Thinking Fund which will distribute the money to five countries Haiti, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Georgia and Maldives.
Girl Guide inquiries to Margo Hebbard 0417 657 433.
Celebration at ‘Addington’
Former Scouts and Guides will celebrate the centenary of Guiding at a special Guildhall meeting of the Sydney St George’s Guild at historic “Addington” Ryde next Tuesday February 16 at 7.30pm.
Former Guides and leaders are especially welcome but RSVP essential for seating and catering. RSVP Rusty Russell OAM 9878 2289 or Howard Blair 9798 4060 or email: johnfb@weeklytimes.com.au
Over 14,000 Scouts and leaders enjoyed this month’s Australian Jamboree at Camp Cataract near Appin. Among the ten action packed days the Scouts enjoyed the Australiana Village spectacular which included local Scouts from TWT Territory with re-enactments of bushranger trials and performances of the Jamboree Pipe Band by members of Cabarita-Mortlake Scouts with leader Mark Boyle, right, pictured with ACT Commissioner Neville Tomkins, left. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Guilds celebrate Guiding Centenary
Former Scouts and Guides in the St George’s and Trefoil Guilds will celebrate the centenary of Girl Guiding this Tuesday February 2 at the Guides NSW water activity centre TS Tingira at Cabarita. West Epping Trefoil Guild president Susan Park will host the event and welcome members of Ryde and Sydney St George’s Guilds who regularly meet at “Addington” Ryde. Inquiries Howard Blair 9798 4060 or Brian Harris 9808 1016.
Scouts Jamboree 2010
Local Scouts and leaders are among the 14,000 Scouts under canvas at the Australian Jamboree 2010 from January 4 until tomorrow at Camp Cataract near Appin. They include large numbers from Meadowbank, Ryde, East Ryde, Hunters Hill, Boronia, Lane Cove, Drummoyne, Eastwood-Marsfield, Brush Park, Yaralla, Concord and Cabarita-Mortlake.
Numbers swelled to over 40,000 last Saturday for Camp Open Day and Market Day when scouts used their ingenuity to keep cool in sweltering summer sun.
Jamboree: the biggest Scouting adventure
Eighty-five buses will disgorge almost 3,000 NSW Scouts and their Leaders at Sydney’s Cataract Scout Park on Saturday January 2 for the biggest event on the scouting calendar - the Australian Jamboree.
The massive event, held once every three years, in total will see 14,000 from all over Australia and the globe come together for 10 days of fun, adventure, skill building and friendship.
Activities include a radio station for in-campsite reporting; rock and water sports; Cirque du Scouté; movie making; flights over the Jamboree site; water challenges and city-wide scavenger hunts.
Cataract Scout Park, the only permanent Jamboree site in Australia, will transform into a giant tent community.
It will contain 1500 six-person tents, a 60-bed hospital, 24-hour fire and police station, 325 temporary structures including two stages, a daily newspaper, radio station, 10 internet cafés, two ATMs and a bank branch, media centre, three entertainment arenas, and even a helipad.
State Commissioner of Scouts and NSW Contingent Leader Phil Crutchley says the Jamboree gives Scouts a unique opportunity: “It’s a chance for young people aged 11-14 to challenge themselves, experience adventure and create lifelong friendships with other Scouts from across Australia and the world,” he said.
Some 1st Meadowbank Scouts were introduced to outdoor abseiling recently by Sydney North Region Abseiling Team at Lindfield Rocks. All completed more than the required 50m drops for their abseiling badges. Next step is basic abseiling, and if this looks like fun for you, check the website www.1st-meadowbank.com for more photos and how to join.
Sandra achieves Cubs Top Award
Grey Wolf Presented
Sandra Buchert of 1st Hunters Hill Cub Scouts has achieved the highest award of the Grey Wolf which was presented to her at a ceremony at Hunters Hill Scouts headquarters last Tuesday night.
Sandra is pictured centre with her certificate and award with members of her Cub pack and members of visiting Putney pack.
Presentation was made by Regional Cub Commissioner Maureen Twin accompanied by Moocooboolah District Commissioner Paul McIntyre and Seonee Leader and Putney Akela Alison Small with Mark Warren of Putney.
Also pictured are Hunters Hill Group Leader Tony Atkinson, Hunters Hill Akela Elizabeth Cahill, Cub Leaders Steve Buchert and James Rutter and Mai Buchert.
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Christmas carols at New Horizons
Residents at New Horizons Nursing Home in East Ryde on Wednesday night enjoyed carol singing from 1st Meadowbank (pictured left) Joeys, Cubs Scouts, parents and leaders accompanied by Ryde Clr Ivan Petch on the piano.
He was presented with a Meadowbank Scarf as a thank-you for his help over the years for scouting. For many this is a happy time of the year but for some New Horizons’ residents it can be a lonely time as many are without family.
Later, Joeys and Cubs mixed with grandparents and great, great grandparents swapping Christmas greetings and wishes.
The standard wish from many residents was to have someone visit them on Christmas Day. Residents were presented with a Hand Christmas Tree by all the Joeys who had traced their hands on green paper which was then attached to a canvas in the shape of a Christmas tree. Contact for Scouting in the Meadowbank area is Ken Paton 9874 3752.
Scouts at Guide Camp
Over 100 scouts including many with special needs camped for five days at Mt Kira Guide camp south of Sydney recently.
Scouts from special scout groups 1st Bangor & 1st Cromehurst in Sydney; 1st Cooks Hill in Newcastle and 4th Frankston in Melbourne joined with scouts from Meadowbank , Lilli Pilli, North Rocks, Yaralla and Tuggerah Groups to experience scouting in another form.
The Scouts with special needs experienced scouting with regular scouts, sharing and learning their skills from each other. The rain during the camp didn’t dampen the spirits of the group with a full day at the Fun Park at Jamboroo where the heavens opened up.
Many children do have special needs these days and scouting tries to accommodate many of these needs.
Rovers’ Hike for Hunger
Members of Epping and Brush Park Rover crews joined together with Rovers from all over NSW recently to take part in their annual service project, the Hike for Hunger - a statewide project instigated by Rovers to support the Wesley Mission’s Homeless Kids Outreach Program.
In the preceding weeks these Rover Crews collected donations of canned foods and other non-perishable items from local shopping centres, door to door and from Scouting families.
Then, the Rovers hiked with the mammoth load of donated food across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and delivered it to the Wesley Mission in Pitt Street.
The Hike for Hunger initiative aims to promote awareness of the needs of homeless and under-privileged people in Sydney, and to act as a mechanism for collecting much-needed food for this worthwhile cause.
Rovers are young men and women aged 18 to 25, who are members of Scouts Australia. Rovers come from all walks of life and back-grounds and have not necessarily participated in Scouting before. They undertake a wide variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, caving, abseiling and skiing, as well as social activities and community service projects. There are many Rover Crews across the northside - for more information, visit www.sydneynorthscouts.com/rovers
Val cycles Cambodia
Eastwood Girl Guide Leader and teacher Val Bird has recently returned from an adventurous cycling trip through Cambodia.
She accompanied fellow Eastwood Primary School teacher Karen Power and eight other Australian women cycling enthusiasts.
The ten women were raising funds for the Oncology Children’s Foundation which is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer in children. A local support team led the adventurers on their 500km trip through heat, torrential rain and thick mud to view the beautiful country of Cambodia.
The Australians saw the wonderful, ancient, finely carved temples of Angkor; rode through the rural areas of Cambodia and were sustained by its friendly people.
The cyclists also came into contact with the more recent, tragic history of the time of the Khmer Rouge in visiting one of the ‘killing fields’ on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The women met many people with sad, but ultimately, inspiring stories. They were impressed by the spirit of the people in surviving difficult circumstances.
The Girl Guide Movement encourages its members to accept challenges. This Eastwood Leader was grateful that she took up the cycling challenge.
PICTURED are the ten cyclists including local teachers Karen Power (left) and Val Bird (fifth from left) on their last day of riding.
Weemala Concert
1st Brush Park Scouts from Eastwood entertained residents of Weemala during a recent Sunday afternoon concert as part of their community service program.
The concert for Weemala residents was held in Royal Rehab's Todman Hall. The Ist Brush Park Scouts were organised by Scout Leader Mitchell Leggo and performed a selection of popular tunes on both piano and violin. The audience was made up by residents from Weemala, volunteers and Royal Rehab staff.
East Ryde Scout Group was presented with a plaque to commemorate its 50th anniversary by Ryde City Council. Former Ryde mayor Clr Vic Tagg presented the plaque to acting group leader Philip "One Tonner" Ward. Also pictured l to r group founder and The Weekly Times editor John F Booth AM, Ryde deputy mayor Clr Roy Maggio, new East Ryde Group Leader Bob Chorley, group committee president Peter Blackwell, Clr Jeff Salvestro-Martin, Clr Gabrielle OíDonnell, Clr Artin Etmekdjian, District Commissionerr and former GSL Paul "Chippy" McIntyre, Sam Wood DC Turrumburra, Regional Cub Commissioner Maureen Twin, NSW Joeys Commissioner Lyn Mann and Moocooboolah District Seonee Leader and Putney Cubs Akela Alison Small. TWT on-the-spot PHOTO.
Venturers Special Day
Ermington Scouts recently had a Super-Special-Awesome day Venturing Out at George Kendall Reserve, Ermington.
Over 300 local youth sampled the adventurous activities by scaling the mobile Climbing Wall, soaring down a huge Flying Fox, conquering the rugged Commando Course and mastering the Art of Crate Stacking.
They sent Water Rockets high into the sky, raced from an Emergency with their stretchers, fired tennis balls from the Scout version of medieval Ballistas and finished the day off with a Big Bang, exploding gases with the Tower of POWer at the amazing Scout Theme Park. Most sampled real bush cooking and learned all about Bush Care and everyone took home a free show bag.
Ermington Scouts used the event to officially open their Venturer Unit with Brandon Hutcheon and James Clifford being the first Venturers invested in the Unit. Ermington Venturers are taking registrations now from youth aged between 14yrs-18yrs who are keen to sample adventurous, outdoor activities. Venturers meet on Wednesday nights 7pm to 9pm. Youth are welcome to come along for a six week free trial to check out Venturers. Come along to Ermington Scout Hall, corner Kissing Point Road & Bartlett Street Ermington.
Inquiries 0416 242 281.
Cubs Kokoda Walk
Eastwood-Marsfield and Brush Park Cubs recently celebrated World Scout Day by visiting the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk at Rhodes.
Here they followed the markers which traced the path taken by our soldiers and found answers to questions on what the diggers had to face in 1942. An interesting and informative afternoon ended in games near the foreshores of the river, followed by the tired and weary cubs catching the train back to Eastwood.
National Tree Day
National Tree Day was celebrated by 1st East Ryde Scout Group as they were joined by members of the school community and general public in planting over 200 native shrubs in local school grounds.
In previous years they have targeted Tyrell Park in an ongoing project to extend a wildlife corridor from the Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge, but this year the work took place around the lower playground and school oval at Ryde East Public school, to link areas in the school grounds which already provide shelter and habitat for native animals.
This will create a wildlife corridor eventually linking established habitat areas from the Field of Mars Wildlife Refuge all the way through to the Wallamatta Nature Reserve.
They hope to encourage small native animals such as ring-tailed possums, lizards, frogs, finches and wrens, by providing them with shelter from the larger predatory animals.
Scouts & Guides Scoop the Pool at Moocooboola
1st Hunters Hill Scout Group and Woolwich Guides shared First Prize of $500 in Sunday’s 30th annual Moocooboola Festival Grand Parade at Boronia Park. Runners-up sharing Second prize of $100 each were Hunters Hill Public School and the Le Vesinet Committee while equal Third Prize was shared by Hunters Hill Preschool and Hunters Hill Junior Rugby with $50 each. Best car in parade was awarded to Camp Quality EJ Holden of Tony Smith of Century 21 real estate with $100 car care voucher from Awash Gladesville. Festival was officially opened by Hunters Hill Mayor Clr Sue Hoopmann, right. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
North Ryde
Scouts
1st North Ryde Scout Group is looking for boys and girls to join their group.
Their hall is located at 225 Cox’s Road (opposite North Ryde Public School). Cubs aged 8-10 and a half years meet Thursdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm; Contact Sam 9809 0319 or Norma 9888
5523. Scouts aged 10 to 13 years meet Tuesdays from 7pm to 9pm. Contact Dennis 9802 0313 or Norma 9888 5523.
Ryde Scouts go bowling
Last Friday night cubs, scouts and leaders from Ryde Scout Group along with parents and their younger children enjoyed an evening of bowling at North Strathfield. Cubs played against cubs, scouts against scouts and leaders versus parents. During the evening one scout, Matthew, was invested into the troop and three scouts were farewelled as they are going up to Venturers at 1st East Ryde. Everyone had lots of fun and it was a great evening for parents and leaders to relax together in a social atmosphere.
East Ryde Scouts 50
Green & Gold Years
1st East Ryde Group celebrated 50 years with a special celebration party at the ‘Gumbarie’ Scout Hall Sunday May 17 with activities and barbecue followed by cutting of the birthday cake.
Special guests cutting the cake were the Group’s first Queen’s Scout and Troop Leader John Armstrong and Group founder John F Booth AM together with the mayor of Ryde Clr Vic Tagg, Bennelong MP Maxine McKew, District Leader and former Group Leader Paul “Chippy” McIntyre and Group Leader Philip “One Tonner” Ward. TWT on-the-spot PHOTOS.
Scouts Good Turn for Salvos
Meadowbank Scout families were out in force last Sunday collecting for the Salvos at Ryde Hospital.
Meadowbank group takes part in such a great activity for a number of reasons. The youth use this activity as part of the community service activities for badge work; it also shows that scouting is still part of the community after 101 years in Australia, proudly collecting wearing their uniform.
Collecting as a family is a better reason, having a Sunday morning walk in the sun as a family, exercising and talking to the community about the Salvos and collecting money for people who are in greater need in our community. GO THE SALVOS.
Meadowbank scouts also fed the hungry collectors with the traditional Aussie Sausage Sizzle. North Ryde Scouts also cooked a Sausage Sizzle and collected money in the adjoining North Ryde area.
Scouting has vacancies in several groups in the Ryde/Eastwood area for boys and girls 6 - 18 years. Interested call Ken Paton on 0411 154 296
Scouts Live it up!
Over 900 scouts and 300 leaders spent two chilly nights in Balanglo State Forest last weekend. Sydney North Region Scouts annually have a competition hike in one of the State forests in the Southern Highlands. Scouts as young as 11 hike through the forest testing their scouting skills at over 30 activity bases set up by leaders. This year’s theme was Heroes, with bases named after real, mythical and TV heroes such as Nancy Bird, Dr Victor Chang, Everest, MASH and Get Smart.
Each night Leaders and Scouts settle down at sleep points on cleared areas of the forest for sleeping and eating. The scouts carry all their gear for the weekend including tents, food and sleeping gear.
Leaders camp with a little more luxury with meals catered for on-site, eating in gas heated dining tent or around an open camp fire. Nibbles are always a special time where leaders can relax with a table of food that would make any restaurant look special. Even though this is a competition weekend the main idea is to have fun. Vacancies exist for both youth members from 6 to 18 years and leaders, in most groups in the area. Contact Ken Paton for details on 9874 3752.
Epping Scouts Group’s Open Day & AGM
Epping Scout Group celebrated winning the Sirius Cup for sailing and water activities at last week’s Group Open Day and Annual General Meeting at the Ray Lawrence Boatshed on the Parramatta River next to Meadowbank wharf.
Over 1,000 Scouts competed at the annual Sirius Cup Regatta at Balmoral which Epping last won in 1978. Previously they had won in 1951 and 1972.
Ryde Mayor Clr Vic Tagg presented the Cup to competitors Jack Bewsher and Chris Mitchell with Epping Boat Activities Leader Merv Turner.
Epping Rovers are on the ten-seater bike which Putney Rovers built and rode to Melbourne some years ago to enter the Guinness Book of Records.
Officers elected at the AGM are chairman Drew Bewsher, Secretary Diane Hockridge, Treasurer Will Norris, Property Convenor Peter Fordham, Community Relations Carol Hoh, Membership Convenor Belinda Cachia. Group Leader is Peter Buckley 0404 136 350. Information www.epping-scouts.com.au
TWT on-the-spot PHOTO
Cassandra, a leader from Eastwood/Marsfield Scout group, recently shaved her head for the World’s Greatest Shave to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation. She helped raise $1000 for the cause.
Eastwood Marsfield Scouts meetings
Eastwood Marsfield Scout Group has moved Scouts meeting night to Thursdays 7-9pm at 72 Agincourt Road Marsfield. New members between 11 to 15 years are welcome.
Our Cub Pack meets on Mondays at 6.45 – 8.15pm. We have vacancies for both girls and boys in both. For more information please call Charles on 0412 490 823.
We are always in need of more Leaders to help our group expand.
The Group has received a Volunteer Grant to buy a lawn mower, edger and other equipment.
Scouts & Guides Museum open at Addington
Scouts, Guides and Guilds Museum at historic “Addington” 813 Victoria Road Ryde will be open this Saturday 10am to 3pm as part of Heritage Week Festival.
Museum was launched last September by Wendy Baden-Powell granddaughter of the founder of Scouting and Guiding Lord Robert Baden-Powell and is organised by the St George’s Guilds of former scouts and guides.
Billy Tea and Damper will be served by Guild members in Australia’s oldest working kitchen. Inquiries Rusty Russell OAM 9878 2289 or Neita Matthews OAM 9889 4906.
Chris, a Meadowbank Cub achieved the highest challenge that a cub can achieve in badge work - the Grey Wolf Badge. It was presented by Regional Cub leader Maurine Twin at the district Cub Rally at Boronia Park . Chris is the first cub at Meadowbank to receive the new badge and the first in the Moocaboolah district.
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