Presidents Patter – Autumn 2021
Better late than never
Just when readers of the 2nd Whitton Scout Group Website were beginning to wonder, or not, where last Autumn’s President’s Patter had gone and if it ever would be produced. Here it, is turning up like a bad penny, and being compiled on New Year’s Day 2022. No apologies for the lateness for last term has been a difficult one.
All Sections at “Action Stations”
As avid readers of the Group’s web site will have learned, all our Sections took full advantage of the relaxation of regulations where they able to meet in full membership at our HQ for the regular weekly meetings. Many activities took place away from our home base, in many and varied places, giving most of our members the opportunity to “do proper Scouting”. Our Leaders grasped the chance to introduce a wide variety skills and entertaining times once more, and all are hoping these Scouting times will continue apace through the coming year.
Highlights of the Autumn Term
The combined Lakes and Rivers Beaver Colonies visited Walton Firs Scout Camp to take part in a day taking the Explore and Adventure Challenge badges organised by the Beaver District. A busy day where many gained both badges. The Beaver Section fun outing was to Snakes and Ladders at Syon Park, Isleworth.
The Yellow Pack Cubs visited Wild Woods Adventure Park and held a Winter Camp at Bentley Copse. Both Yellow Pack and Animal Troop had visits to Thames Young Mariners for boating and to Gravity Force Trampolining Park for bouncing and a sleepover.
The Animal Troop Scouts visited the PLG Activity Centre, for activities just that, and the London School of Diving for Scuba diving.
The Group was represented at the Teddington Remembrance Day Parade.
This is just a glimpse into the wide range of activities our Leaders have provided for our uniform Sections. So, you see there has been a wide variety of skills learnt, and gratitude, remembering of those who lost their lives to give us the life and freedom we enjoy today and finally some giving to a well worthwhile charity.
A Tale of the “Second to None” Good Samaritans
I’m going to tell you a story, and at the end, after reading it, I hope you will agree the title truly reflects the close bonds which unite our Leader teams and reflect the true nature of Scouting. The characters shall be nameless so as not to resurrect unhappy times.
The Beavers Colonies had just enjoyed a wonderful evening at “Snakes & Ladders, in Syon Park. All the youngsters had been collected by their parents and had headed for home, tired but happy. Their leaders as usual had turned out in force to supervise the event and had waited until the last child had gone before returning to their cars in the car park.
One Leader returned to find their car with both rear windows smashed to thousands of pieces and precious belongings stolen. That person was understandably totally distraught, and inconsolable. While one leader attempted to calm the victim down, another assisted in a practical way by patching up the broken windows to enable the car to be driven home. The driver eventually composed themselves sufficiently to undertake the drive. The Leader who patched the windows, arranged for his young family to be taken home by another Leader and escorted the driver in the stricken vehicle all the way home on the Motorway to ensure they arrived home safely.
Such was the kindness and care shown by our Leader Teams to each other, I believe that if as a Scout group we all, as members, uniformed, parent or lay person show that care to others, throughout the coming year, we will be contributing in a small way, in making the world a better place to live, at least within the Whitton Community.
A Postscript to this story is that a week or so later the victim was contacted by a gentleman who routinely tidied the churchyard of the Old Isleworth church and he had found much of the missing belongings, and was able to return them to the Leader concerned.
A Proud President!
Part of our Scout Promise asks us “to help Other People”. Throughout the Autumn Term all our Sections have enjoyed a wide variety of Scouting Activities organised by our dedicated Leaders. It was fitting, therefore, that just before Christmas, the Group decided to raise funds for “the Sun & Stars Appeal” for the children’s wards of West Middlesex Hospital, and by so doing, to fulfil that part of our Promise. The money raised and Toys donated helped the children in hospital, with their parents, enjoy a better time over the festive period. Over £1000 has been raised thus far and that alone make me extremely proud. Please continue to support this worthwhile cause if you have not already done so.
May I wish you all a very Happy and 220 (Second to None) New Year and Good Scouting throughout 2022.
Geoff Benge
Group President