Click here for the online version of this newsletter. To join or general enquiries contact Simon on 07850 337903 or simontheobald@compuserve.com. Send this on to anyone you think might be interested in joining the group.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee are an important part of Batchworth Sea Scouts and essential to the group’s continuance. We have charity status which means that most members of executive committee are trustees of the charity. The group is led by Simon Theobald, our Group Scout Leader and is managed by the Group Executive Committee chaired by Keith Wall.

The Executive is responsible for the maintenance of our HQ and the equipment within it. It raises funds and administers the group’s finances. It also helps with the recruitment of Leaders and other helpers. Other things the executive do is plan the Christmas party (see below), our fantastic jumble sales and the May fair. There are many different, varied fun roles and tasks that need filling and completing as part of the executive committee.

It consists of people who are ex-officio members because of their position (Leaders, Treasurer, Secretary, etc). In addition to the ex-officio members, there are members who are elected, nominated and co-opted.

No experience is necessary to help on the executive committee and the minimum time commitment is one evening every two months, although we hope you would like to help a little more as well. If you are interested in helping Batchworth Sea Scouts as part of the Executive, please contact Simon on simontheobald@compuserve.com or Keith on batchworth.chairman@ntlworld.com.

SCOUT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Quentin Webb
You are warmly invited to attend the Batchworth Christmas Party on Saturday 11th December 2010, 6pm to 9pm (or later for those who want to make a night of it). The Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer sections will each be doing a short performance. In addition to the performances, there will be hot meals (pasta, sauce, garlic bread & dessert), a licenced bar (open all evening), games, a raffle and more.

Everyone is very welcome - This is one of the few occasions when the entire group gets together and we hope you will all be able to come. Tickets purchased after 4th December or on the night, will be £2 per person.

Scouting regulations stipulate that leaders are not allowed to be in charge of children if alcohol is being served. In order to have the bar open all evening, every Cub, Beaver and Scout must remain the responsibility of their parent(s) or another named adult (but not a Batchworth Leader) throughout the evening.

For more details contact quent.webb@gmail.com.

SEA SCOUTS RESCUE SHEEP

A group of Rickmansworth scouts paddled to the rescue of a stranded sheep.
The teenagers, explorer members of the Batchworth Sea Scouts, were on a kayaking trip to Hereford when they were asked to help by the RSPCA.

The animal was stranded on the far side of a river bank and the charity feared for its safety. Realising what was happening, the scouts, based in Riverside Drive, Rickmansworth, paddled down stream to offer their assistance.

RSPCA welfare officer Suzanne Smith explained: “They were superb and did a fantastic job. They safely swam the sheep across the river to the safety of the field bank where it trotted off safe and sound back to the rest of the flock.
“I would have had serious problems if they hadn't turned up at exactly the right moment”

MUDDY BERET 2010
Ben Taunt, Scout Leader
Fri 19th - Sun 21st November, a brave team of 6 Batchworth Scouts entered the annual Hertfordshire Green Beret competition. Based at Phasels Wood Campsite in Kings Langley, the team must camp overnight Friday before tackling four challenging elements over the course of the Saturday. The point-scoring activities include Orienteering in local woods, a huge multi-element Assault Course and various Incident Bases to be completed in both a day and separate night-time session.

This year, the event attracted a record 137 teams from across the County; with over 800 people moving about the site, mud is a consistent feature of Green Beret! However, our team of young Scouts, several camping for the first time, didn't let this put them off and scored a respectable 74th place finish.

Well done to all involved. More details here.

BEAVERS - NEWS
Jane Spurr
November has been a busy time for the Beavers (and their leaders).

We've invested two new members, and are now full! We've learnt about recycling and have had fantastically energetic games with rubbish!

We've listened to Paul Harding of the Royal British Legion explain about poppy day, why poppies are used for Remembrance Day and what the event is about. We had a FANTASTIC turn out at the Remembrance Day Parade at St Mary's Church.

We're now starting to concentrate on Christmas! We have great entertainment lined up for the Batchworth Christmas Party (which we will encourage the beavers to keep secret).

ARNIE BAKER - NEW DISTRICT COMMISSIONER
Rikki Harrington, County Commissioner Hertfordshire Scouts

I am delighted to inform you that, following the search process in which you have all had the chance to participate, I have appointed Arnie Baker, as your District Commissioner. Arnie will be well known to you all as District Secretary and to many as Scout Sectional Assistant at Croxley Green. I’m sure that he will use his skills and experiences to great effect in supporting all Groups in providing modern, top quality, well managed Scouting in the District.

I would like to reiterate my sincere thanks to Peter Edwards for the marvellous job he has done over the past nine years.

RAISE MONEY FOR BATCHWORTH WITH THE SARACENS

Off the back of a great Scouts & Guides day last season, Saracens have announced the next Scouts & Guides Big Day Out to see Saracens has now been confirmed. Last year nearly 1000 Scouts and Guides made the trip to Vicarage Road to see Saracens take on the Sale Sharks in the Guinness Premiership.
Through the sale of Cash-Back tickets to friends and family, Hertfordshire Scouts and Guides troops raised thousands!!

This year the Scouts and Guides target game will be Saracens Vs Newcastle Falcons - Sunday 28th March 2010, Kick-off 3.00pm and we’re hoping to make it our biggest game yet! We’re looking to take over 1,500 members along and your help is essential.

Tickets are £10 for Adults and £5 for U16s.
 
For more details contact Jane Spurr on jane.spurr@kcl.ac.uk.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Everyone at Batchworth Sea Scouts would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

A big thank you to all the parents and helpers who put in the extra effort to make 2010 such a special year. Why not make a new year's resolution to take a more active role in the Scouting. There are always lots to do at Batchworth.

If you would like to chat about getting more involved in 2011, either in a big way or a small way, please feel free to give Simon a call on 07850 337903

Come along, do something different and make some new friends into bargain!

DATES FOR THE DIARY