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"Camp Dress Rehearsal" (3/3/12)
On Saturday 3rd March the Troop were given a great opportunity to brush up on their Camp Skills at Lees Wood Campsite, Hertfordshire, in preparation for our forthcoming Spring Camp in May. There were eleven Scouts in attendance from the 8th and a further three from the 2nd Hemel.
  
Though the weather was pretty grotty with wind and rain during the morning, it brightened up into the afternoon and we actually saw some sunshine too.
The Leaders managed to cram a lot into one day during which the Scouts cooked up some brunch (Sausages & Bacon Rolls), played a wide game, had a race to put up some tents in two teams and cooked spaghetti bolognaise for lunch too.
  
All in all it was a great "dress rehearsal" for the real thing and all of the Scouts who attended enjoyed themselves.
It also gave us the opportunity to check out some of our kit, clean some of the utensils and make sure that everything was in order prior to kick-off in May.
 
Nigel Hart-Assistant Leader
"Pancake Day Fun" (21/2/12)
The Troop got another opportunity to show off their cooking skills tonight as today was Shrove Tueday, better known as "Pancake Day"!!!
Each Patrol was located in the four corners of the main hall and were provided with a small trangia stove and the vital ingredients.
  
Points were scored for quality of the pancakes made and also for their ability to toss them without them falling on the floor, which was probably everyone's favourite part of the evening. Some even tried to toss their pancakes up to colleagues on the balcony but that proved to be a bridge too far!!!
 
Admittedly, some got a little carried away with the whole thing, but it was a lot of fun and the Leaders enjoyed it as we got to eat all of the leftovers-yumbo!!!
Finally, we closed the evening by investing a few folk, namely Rachel (Young Leader) and Matvei into the Troop!!! Congrats to you both and Welcome!!
Nigel Hart-Assistant Leader
"We Are The Champions 2012" (6/2/12)
Well, what a start to 2012 as our brave Diehards took on all-comers at the District Volleyball Competition and WON!!!!!
There were four teams competing within the District and our A Team were victorous, emerging as victors after a challenging but nonetheless enjoyable evening up at the Mansergh HQ.
My thanks to Leader Tom Gregory for being our "eagle-eyed reporter" on the night and capturing this one and only picture of the event!!!
Finally, a BIG thanks to all of those who took part and for showing that the 8th were Number One on this occasion-CONGRATS to all!!!
Please note that with the half-term holidays next week, Scouts is set to reconvene on Tuesday, 21st February 2012.
"Ready Steady Cook!!" (24/1/12)
This week's challenge was straight forward and involved testing the Troop's Culinary Skills.
At most Scout Camps each Patrol is expected to host a dinner for an invited 'guest', which is usually one of the Leaders. They then receive points for preparation, presentation, taste, team working, cleanliness etc. Tonight was a dress rehearsal for this task and was completed under camp conditions in that the cooking itself was done on a portable tranzia gas stove using billy pots etc.
  
Each Patrol took part in a pre-cooking quiz which determined who would have first choice of the 4 dishes to be prepared. These were Spaghetti Bolognaise, Chilli Con Carne, Chicken Tikka Massala and finally Tuna Bake.
All of the Scouts applied themselves to the task with relish (excuse the deliberate pun!!!) and worked well in their individual Patrols.
Bonus points could be scored by using some of the additional ingredients that were available to all. This included a range of herbs and spices, fresh onion, hot chillies, Tomato Puree and Black Garlic too.
 
The best bit from a Leader's perspective came when the dishes had finally been prepared as we then got to go round and judge each Patrol's efforts which of course involved the tasting too!!! To be honest all of the Patrols had done exceptionally well in all areas and there wasn't much to choose between them. Judging was carried out by the two Tom's, Chris, Gaff and myself. Points were duly added to the evening's totals.
It was a fun and challenging evening and all of our Patrols put a lot of effort into the task at hand, to the delight of some very grateful Leaders, who benefitted from the quality of the culinary delights on offer. Cleaning up was swift and prompt and everyone agreed it had been a great evening!!
My thanks to fellow Leader, Tom Gregory for this week's pictures.
Nigel Hart-Assistant Leader
Back On Track For A New Term (17/1/12)
Second week in and the Diehards hit the ground running.
This week we focused on lashings and building gadgets and I was very impressed with what I saw.
Split into three teams and given a pile of wood & Bamboo they had to build a table and at least one other gadget.
Having been away for a while, I was very happy to see that the guys have really come on since I last saw them and got stuck straight in.
 
Just as we got started with this project, our GSL turned up from a shooting session loaded with ducks.
Well, we couldn't turn down the opportunity to show the willing how to prepare fresh meat from scratch. So off a handful of brave boys and girls went to prepare the duck. I think they will certainly have something interesting to talk about at school this week!
  
All in all a really great evening.
Next week, cooking! Although not the duck Im afraid, the hungry scout leaders may have polished that off already!
Tom Larkin-Scout Leader
End Of Term Party (13/12/11)
We decided to go out with a bang for the Seasonal Christmas Break by holding a Fancy Dress Fun & Food Bonanza for The Troop.
Each Scout had been tasked to bring in something i.e. crisps, biscuits, cakes, sausage rolls etc and we began the evening with a few eagerly competed games before tucking in as it were!!!
  
Among the games played were Musical Statues, Chinese Handball, Rope Skipping, Musical Chairs and Rope Jumping!!!
So, a lot to get the Troop all worked up and out of breath before treating them to some eagerly anticipated refreshments.
Many entered into the spirit and had come along in fancy dress which was great, but our eventual winner was Zak, who came as a soldier complete with camouflage netting and helmet, which was extremely effective, though I'd spot him a mile away with that blue/yellow day-glo water gun!!!
  
It was a relaxed and fun evening and we would like to extend our thanks to Debby Waldron, for her assistance and help during the evening too!!!
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the Scouts and their families a Very Merry Christmas and Every Happiness for the New Year
in 2012!!! We look forward to seeing you all again for another exciting term on Tuesday, January 10th 2012. Happy Holidays!!!
Nigel Hart-Assistant Leader
Scout Leader Skydives!
Chicago. August 15th. Blue skies!
Myself and Alejandro (who plays 'Cecco' the Pirate in the Show) are driving with anxiety and excitement to Chicagoland Skydive Centre.
Its our third attempt at jumping and hopefully today the weather will hold.
Third time lucky! We're given the go ahead.
We're strapped into harness's, given an altimeter watch and all bundle into the noisy, single-engine toy plane, which miraculously takes us up to 14,000 feet ready for the one minute free fall.
  
The green light flashes and the instructors jump into life and before you know it the air is rushing past you, your blood is thumping against the pressure and your brain is so confused its close to a meltdown! It's truly immense.
Finally, after what seems like forever, the parachute is released ("fingers crossed it works!") and you begin a beautiful 15 minute flight down. You genuinely feel like your flying. The thrill is unlike anything else and once you gently touch down in the landing zone you feel like you could conquer anything.
(Good to see Tom wearing his 8th Polo Shirt too!!!!)
Tom Larkin-Scout Leader
(see you next year folks, keep me posted)
Back For The New Term But Tied Up In A Spaghetti Spoiler (13/9/11)
The Scout Troop has now reconvened following the extended Summer Break but seemed to have left their thinking caps at home this week as they faced a spaghetti & marshmallow conundrum. How could they build a tower using the uncooked pasta and the soft squelchy confectionery?
  
Sadly, the answer was simply that they couldn't. Early enthusiasm turned to an unfocussed, sticky, gooey mess, where neither Patrol could really rise to the challenge appropriately. Maybe it was the shock of seeing the new floor in our main hall, or possibly a lack of Leadership from the Patrol Leader's on this occasion, but there were very few points being dished out at the end and a lot of clearing up to do.
Never mind, there will be further challenges in the coming weeks which I'm sure they will take on with aplomb.
Finally, we invested another Leader into the Troop, with current Old Scout and Scout Dad, Nigel Hart being sworn in by Chris Larkin this evening.
Nigel is the third generation in his family to be involved with the 8th, following in the footsteps of his late Father, Don and current daughter Abby.
Nigel Hart-Leader.
Having A Ball At City Hall (12/9/11)
At 5:30pm on Monday 12th September 2011 I was really nervous. We were at St John's Tube Station and we were going to City Hall for a Community Meeting with the Mayor, Yes that's right the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson! We were all buzzing as we arrived whilst the lady at the reception made our Visitor Badges.
  
We were all trying to anticipate what it would be like, what HE would be like. When we went up the lift and into the main room our jaws literally dropped to the floor. The view was breathtaking! You could see the Gherkin, the tower bridge, the BT tower and all of London. We were so shocked that at first we didn't realise a waitress was trying to offer us some pineapple juice in fancy glasses (which we took gladly, all those gasps from the view made us thirsty).
  
As the room began to gradually fill up with very official looking people, including one of the Deputy Mayors we had met previously, our anticipation grew. After about a hundred pictures of the view and the room and just about everything, we were ushered to the side of the stage where the Mayor would make his speech.
  
We were all chatting nervously when the room suddenly went silent as the man himself arrived, and then there were noises of cameras flashing and people desperately trying to get a picture with him. Eventually, he made it to the stage where he made a very funny and lighthearted speech which totally lifted the mood of the room.
  
When he was finished we were lucky enough to get a couple of pictures and even chat to him for a bit (I learnt that we have the same star sign!). We then helped ourselves to some exotic tasting nibbles whilst chatting to just about everyone in the entire room (including the waiters and waitresses). After about 2 hours of chatting and eating and pictures it was time to (unfortunately) leave and head back. Altogether, we had an amazing time (the food was really good) and I would definitely do it again if I could.
Abby Hart-PL (Peckers)
(For a Write Up and Pictures on the JESTER FESTIVAL 2011, please go to the SCOUT EVENTS page!!!!!)
Troop Dismissed for Summer!!! (19/7/11)
This was our last week of the 2010/11 Term before our Summer Break, so it was "Bring Your Own Clothes Day" for the Troop tonight.
We packed in a number of fun things for the last meeting too, including some pretty cool games, an interactive Quiz about the History of the 8th St Marylebone Scout Troop and we also presented some badges too!!! Daniel, Hannah, Matteo, Abby, Carl, and Cameron received their Outdoor Challenge
Badges and Matteo, Abby, Carl, and Cameron received their Sports Enthusiast Badges. Well done to all of you!!!
  
It has been an eventful and enjoyable first year for the Troop during which we have undertaken some great challenges and experienced a lot of exciting things together. We have also done a lot of work in the local community which has raised the profile of the 8th in St. John's Wood.
  
Credit must be given to our ever active Leadership Team who will now enjoy a much deserved rest for the Summer Break.
We look forward to facing fresh challenges when the new term begins in September and will mail out to all parents to advise of our new start date once this has been confirmed. Meanwhile, well done for all of your input and effort this year and enjoy the Summer Holidays!!!!!
Nigel Hart.
Willy Wonka's Sweet Shop Challenge (5/7/11)
This week the Scouts faced a "sweet toothed" test in the shape of Willy Wonka's Sweet Shop Challenge.
The aim was for each Patrol to prepare three sugary delights in the shape of Mint & Orange Cremes, Honeycomb and Chocolate Truffles which were to be displayed on a stall for the leaders to visit and sample.
  
Points were awarded for preparation, taste and presentation as well as for the decoration and layout of their stall too!!!
This challenge was taken on with much enthusiasm by all Patrols who particularly liked the idea that it was messy and at the same time you got to sample some of the ingredients along the way too. Indeed we were still trying to get the contents of the Mint & Orange Creme's off of the walls and seats in the Den area two weeks later!!!!!!
  
Nevertheless, everyone applied themselves to the challenges extremely well and results were extremely encouraging. The smart cookies out there split their Patrols into two and whilst some members worked on the confectionery, the others worked on preparing their stall.
  
Everybody did really well and subsequently the overall marking was extremely close. The bonus was that the Scouts got to take the end product home to share with their friends and families which they all relished. It was an extremely fun evening and everyone went home smiling!!!
Nigel Hart.
Let Me Entertain You (21/6/11)
Having done all of the prep work and planning the week previously, it was now time for the Troop to get on their
glad rags and entertain the Leaders as they tried to earn their Entertainers Badge. And what a show it was too!!!
The program of entertainment was divided across several acts as follows:
"Football Chaos" performed by Lucy & Fran
 
"That's My Money" performed by Freddie & Cameron
"The Killing" performed by Jasper, Eva and Hannah
"Mr T's Magic Show" performed by Jake & Titus and
 
"The Killer Rubber Ducky" performed by Daniel, Zack, Matteo, Carl, Joel & Joseph
 
All of the performances were extremely well executed and there was much laughter to be heard as all acts decided to play it for laughs in an attempt to impress the judging panel, made up of Leaders. They were each scored on Presentation, Content, Delivery and Props & Costumes.
The eventual winners were Jake & Titus with "Mr T's Magic Show" but it was agreed that all parties had done extremely well and Badges will be awarded as applicable over the next few weeks. Well done to all who took part for making it a fun and enjoyable evening for all involved.
Nigel Hart.
For a Write Up & Pictures from the District Camp, please go to EVENTS in main menu
If you want to find out what the connection is between our Scout Troop and this year's Hard Rock Calling Festival in Hyde Park, go to our SCOUT EVENTS page NOW!!!!
A Birthday Greeting to the Mayor of London, Diehards Style (17/6/11)
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, received a Birthday Greeting with a difference this week, thanks to the 8th St. Marylebone Beavers and Cub and Scout Mum, Debby Waldron and her extraordinary cake making skills!!!
Mayor Boris took delivery of the cake on Friday morning, complete with ten "mini-Boris'" on top and a selection of Newspaper Headlines around the side, all edible of course. The Boris' were carefully made beforehand by our very own Beavers and one of the newspaper headlines read "Mayor Opens Scout HQ" which was more than a hint for his possible attendance at our formal opening at some point this year!!!
Feedback from the Mayor's office was very positive and they kindly provided us with the pictures that you see attached.
WELL DONE to Debby and The Beavers for their fine efforts!!!
IF YOU WANT TO SEE PICTURES and COMMENTS FROM THE 8th St Marylebone Scouts MAY CAMP 2011, PLEASE GO TO the "SCOUT EVENTS" Page.
Upskilling The Troop (24/5/11)
We always like to work on the assumption that you can never be 'over-skilled' as a Scout, so once again this week the Leaders took the Troop through their paces with a series of testing skill challenges to broaden their knowledge. Some took to it with relish whilst others gingerly stepped up to the plate.
  
Either way, it turned out to be a good opportunity to channel some positive energy into Badgework, taking in the skills of map-reading, bushwork, first aid and surprisingly, sporting knowledge was also covered off. Wisely so as it happens, as this links nicely in to next week when we plan to train the Scouts down at Paddington Recreation Ground, to establish the natural athletes from the 'wannabies' as the District Sports Day approaches.
  
Will they turn out to be Zola Budd's or Elma Fudd's? Watch this space???
Nigel Hart.
Treading The Boards for Camp Dry Run (19/4/11)
In preparation for their Spring Camp over the forthcoming Bank Holiday at the end of April, the Scouts worked tonight at honing their Camp Fire entertainment skills. We pitched up the stage in the main hall and with a captive audience, each Patrol had an opportunity to entertain the others, after which they were marked by the Leaders for their delivery, performance and impact.
  
This exercise will ensure that their camp fires, whilst away, will be both entertaining and enjoyable. The Leaders also got in on the act performing two short sketches, the first called "The Firing Squad" and the second "Toothbrush", which the Scouts appeared to find quite amusing. Thankfully, none of their exploits were caught on camera but I can assure you they were very good, worthy of an Oscar in some instances, but of course I'm biased.
  
Finally, to end the evening, the Scouts were shown by Georgie how to lash a table stand and surprisingly some of them took to the task very well too!!!
This was all good prep for the camp and next week we will be doing Kit Checks for each and every one of them coming to Spring Camp on the 29th.
Nigel Hart.
Bush-Whacked!!! (5/4/11)
It was back to basics for the Scouts this week when three of the Leaders from the Bushcraft Team in Hemel Hempstead paid the 8th a visit.
With each guest running their own base, it was a great evening of learning for the Scouts and a stress-free evening for our usual Leaders.
Jason Farmer taught the group the art of knifework and the correct way to use a camp knife. Each Scout, starting off with a small log had to cut off the bark and attempt to curve a makeshift tent peg using their newfound knife skills, probably the hardest of all tasks attempted this evening.
  
At the other end of the hall we had two bases run by Martin Brooks and Matt Smith where the attention turned from wood to food.
Martin showing the group how to make a Bannack (a type of dough with ingredients inserted to make a savoury or sweet bap type bread) whilst Matt took us through the natural wonders that can be found in the wild around a typical camp site for flavouring our food using hand picked ingredients including Hawthorn, Garlic Mustard, Beech Leaves and more. We even found out how to utilise nettles of all things too!!!
  
It was a very educational and fun evening and all of us at the 8th would like to send our thanks to the Bushcraft Team and we look forward to seeing them all again at our forthcoming May Camp
Georgie Brandon- Leader
"Stave Of The Month" Inaugural Winners........ (29/3/11)
This week was a very eventful one as the Scouts began their first Activity Badge as a group, the Athletics Badge.
With myself, Gaff and Cory as timekeepers, the Scouts had to partake in various exercises including sit-ups, press-ups, star-jumps and more!!!. Not before they had done their stretches though!!
They then went on to take part in a quiz to help their Patrols come ever closer to recieving the first "Stave of the Month", which will be bestowed on the Patrol with the most accumulated points each month.
Following this, the Scouts still seemed to have enough energy for a game of Dodgeball at the end of the night which left the leaders wondering "How do they do it?".
Then, it was time for flag-down and two spectacular events. Firstly I carried out my very first investiture, welcoming Matteo to the Diehards.
Secondly, came the awarding of the monthly stave. After a very good fight to be top dogs and only 6 points seperating the three patrols, the prize ended up in the hands of..... The Woodpeckers!!!
Well done to them and let's see if they can win it again next month.
Georgie Brandon-Leader
Scouts Present Arms (1/3/11)
The Scouts were treated to a unique display of 'Staged Combat' manouvers at our Meeting on Tuesday night and very exciting it was too.
The techniques shown are often used to great effect in movies and on TV and the Troop took to the various challenges with gusto!!
   
From the staged slapping of somebody around the face or pulling somebody by the hair to staging a realistic stave fight, the Scouts enjoyed every element of the coaching and such was their enthusiasm that we ran over our alloted time and were still engaged "in combat" when the parents arrived to pick up their kids.
   
Still, I think that they would all agree that it was a fun and enjoyable evening and by the tired looks on their faces at the end I think that they all slept well that night having put so much into it. Our thanks must go out to Scout Leader, Tom Larkin, for organising everything for us. Well done!!!
Nigel Hart.
Mayor Boris Says "Let Them Eat Cake!!"
Congrats to Scout Mum Debbie, whose beautiful cake which was made for the recent visit to the Mansergh HQ of Deputy Mayor, Kit Malthouse, was taken back to County Hall and presented to London Mayor, Boris Johnson, as promised.
The cake was incredibly detailed and featured mini-versions of both Kit and Boris, who posed with their "mini-me's" for a photo opportunity.
I have included the picture below to capture the moment. Enjoy!!!
Well done Debbie for securing Mayoral approval for herself and The Diehards!!!
A New Leaf For The New Year (11/1/11)
Spring Term has started and the Diehard Leaders can hardly sit down or hold a thought; they're simply itching to get out of the Mansergh and into the open.
And there's plenty to get excited about, with camps and competitions looming there's much for the scouts to discover.
So with that in mind and with EIGHT new faces this week, we decided to do a 'Boot Camp' of activity base's covering some of the basics of scouting.
Divided into 3 groups of 4, each group went round four base's to do a crash course in 'Navigation,' Fire Building,' 'Scout Origins' and 'First Aid.'
After these taster sessions had finished we all gathered together to demo a patrol tent being rigged up very cleverly by ASL Chris with a bit of rope (seeing as we couldnt peg it out properly in the hall!)
Finally to wind down and help our new Scouts mingle in, we ran a creative challenge- in two teams (Woodpeckers & Wolves) they had to create 3D pictures or tableaux's to best illustrate their interpretation of the titles given to them. Highlights included 'lost in the woods,' 'mind over matter' and my personal favourite 'a muddy assault course.'
Well done to the Woodpeckers, who won the challenge!!
Tom Larkin-Leader
A Time For Thanks-Giving!!! (14/12/10)
This was the last Scout Meeting of 2010 and what a momentous end of year it has been for our young and enthusiastic Troop!!
As both a proud parent and Old Scout I have felt extremely priviliged to be around the new Troop as it found it's feet and would like to extend my sincerest thanks to our illustrious and dedicated Troop Leaders (Tom, Tom, Georgie, Gaff, Chris, John, Cliff and Cory) for their sterling efforts and enthusiasm over the last few months. They are truly an inspiration to us all.
I hope that you have all found my weekly blogs on the website informative and interesting and I plan to continue with these into the New Year when we reconvene on Tuesday, January 11th 2011.
"So, what happened on the last night?!!" I hear you shout.
Well,the evening began with a very energetic game of Handball after which the attention turned to the climbing wall. The Scouts had a good chuckle as enthusiastic Leader Georgie appeared to lose his footing and hung in a very undignified position in his truss-LOL!!!
Afterwards, the Troop were called upon to attempt to make a "woggle" for their scarves. Only due to a shortage of suitable materials it was decided that the concept would be played out using a thick length of rope, which after a lot of effort and initial concentration the Scouts relented and put down as a lost cause.
The last meeting of 2010 ended with a very challenging "Indoor Wide Game" which involved the Leaders setting up what looked like an obstacle course at first in the main hall. Strategically placed plastic coins were layed out around and on top the obstacles after which the Scouts, using the obstacles as shelter and camouflage had to manouvre around, under and through said obstacles to retrieve the coins.....IN THE DARK!!!!
Yes, it wasn't going to be easy and the Leaders stood around the hall with laser pens trying to catch the Scouts as they progressed with their task. If they were caught they were sent to a "sin bin" for 2mins before continuing with the challenge. I don't recall who emerged as the winner but it was all a lot of fun!!!
I'm sure that there will be a lot more challenges and fun to be had as we enter the New Year but would like to sign off by wishing everyone a Very Happy Christmas with your families a Prosperous New Year in 2011.
Nigel Hart-Scout Parent, Old Scout Secretary and Diehardia Web Editor
It's Getting Better All The Time!! (7/12/10)
Wow, what an exciting week for the Diehards!
This week we provided an entertaining evening not just for our own Scouts, but also for the 9th-11th Hampstead Scouts, who unfortunately will be shutting their doors permanently at the end of the year. It was our task this week to persuade all fifteen of them not to leave Scouting, but to come back in the New Year and fill our hall.
So into the minefield we put them, where divided into two Teams they had to try and memorize a path, through trial and error, to the other side of the grid.
A very difficult task, but one that brought the Scouts from the Hampstead Troop and our own closer together. The challenge was completed first by Team A. Well done to all of you for a splendid effort!!
We then got the giant skipping rope out (but dont be fooled by its name!) The trick to this one is timing, as each Scout bravely ran into the skipping rope and out the other side trying to dodge being caught by the rope. A game the Leaders also enjoy and cant help joining in with.
It was thrilling to see the Mansergh filled with so many Scouts and we hope to see some of them again in the New Year.
They certainly sounded keen as many showed eager hands to come back next time! Well done Leaders for drumming up the encouragement and interest!!
When the 9th-11th Hampstead Scouts left at 8:30pm the other Tom gave a Badge Overview to our Scouts in The Cabin, which was informative and interesting. I think our Scouts remain extremely keen to achieve as many as possible and they received some useful guidebooks this evening also.
To end the night we were pleased to carry out another investiture- Cameron, welcome to the Group!
"Oggy Oggy Oggy, Oy Oy Oy!!!"
Finally, we awarded our first Scout Badge this evening when Carl achieved his '5 Nights Away' Proficiency Badge. Well done Carl!
Next week is our last week this year, so expect something festive on the cards.
Tom Larkin- Leader
Investing For The Future-A Brand New Dawn!!!!! (30/11/10)
We now have a formally recognised Scout Troop!!!!
Following eighteen years in "mothballs", the 8th St. Marylebone Scout Group now has a Troop, to sit proudly alongside our thriving Beaver Colony and Cub Pack, following the historic investitures this evening of Abby, Freddie and Grace. Congratulations to all three of you and welcome aboard!!!
Last evening also saw the first of our seasonally themed Bushcraft Meetings, which was always going to be a source of fun and knowledge.
Move over Bear Grylls and budge up Ray Mears because the 8th are coming in!!
We covered a host of topics during the evening and our experienced survival veteran Leader, John Larkin, demonstrated a range of different tools that could be used in the field or um, the wood! From which knife was best for cutting wet wood to the correct way to pack a "bivvy bag" all angles were covered.
John had a range of peculiar tools and utensils in his own "bivvy bag" which he explained could be used for a variety of tasks from lifting, storing, digging, cooking to simply providing something to sit on, each was explained and passed round much to the enthusiasm of the gathered audience.
We also had a couple (breach??) of Pheasants which we'd planned to cook during the evening, but didnt end up doing so due to lack of time.
I believe that this may have been to the relief of the Scouts who were a little squeamish about the idea when it was first suggested.
The Diehards had some great fun trying out some firelighting techniques in the main hall using a firesteel and charcloth, as well as cotton wool dabbed in vaseline. Thankfully, they didn't set the fire alarms off in the process much to the relief of all involved.
However, the most important thing this evening was the historic investiture of our first 3 Scouts into our new Troop, the first of the Millenium.
Badges on guys and we will see you next week!!!!
Chris Larkin - Leader
Dry Ice Evening-Brrrrrrrrrr!!! (23/11/10)
Our latest meeting was a Dry Ice Extravaganza!!
The Equipment List was very impressive: 1 big box dry ice, wine bottles and corks, kettle, milk, cream, cocoa powder and caster sugar, skittles and a large bowl. Cue the science lesson..................
First, it was very important for the Scouts to understand our test medium, so after some
Q & A about dry ice, sublimation, risks, production, uses, composition, reactions and dangers we were ready for some "practicals", or the fun part.(Woo-hoo!!)
The first demonstration showed the Scouts how the sublimation reaction worked in hot water. With the expanding gases explained we decided to do some bowling - Diehardia style!
Wine bottles partially filled with hot water, 2 teaspoons of dry ice, in goes the cork and cork-rocket-bowling was born! (Mind your heads!!)
Intermixed with our informative Science Lesson (well kinda!) was a talk about the Scout Law and Scout Promise in preparation for next weeks anticipated investitures, mixed in with some challenging rope games of course.
Then, it was back into our lab coats for a Heston Blumenthal special cookery lesson.
On the menu this evening....Dry Ice Ice Cream!!!
Lots of stirring later, our smokey, bubbly ice cream started to take shape, and wah-lah Diehard Fizzy Chocolate Ice Cream.(Yumbo!!!)
Finally, we created a misty 'special effect' with dry ice cascading down the spiral staircase in the main hall using some more dry ice and a kettle, which the Scouts thought was hilarious!! In fact, it's amazing just how much fun you can have with a little bit of dry ice in one evening!!!
Coming Soon - Bushcraft Evening, (watch out Bear Grylls!!!)
Leader-Chris Larkin
Ready Steady Cook (16/11/10)
A chilly Tuesday evening saw three teams battle it out in the 8th Marylebone trangia cook off. Tasty recipes were devised by all, including chili con carne, vegetarian pasta, and a meatball dish from one of the Leaders, that fell apart at the last minute.
Group Scout Leader, Cliff Jordan, helped judge the contest, along with Old Scouts Del James and Nigel Hart, who all appeared to enjoy our culinary delights!!!
After much mmmmm'ing and aaaaah'ing Cliff eventually declared the chili dish the winner for its presentation and well seasoned rice which he described as "the best I've tasted for a long time". Fair praise indeed.
Overall it was a great effort from the Scouts, a lot of fun all round and we all went home with full stomachs.
Leader-Tom Gregory
Diehards Crystal Maze/Jungle Run Challenge (9/11/10)
With five very different and varied challenges, testing a wide range of skills, our daring little Diehards bravely pit themselves against everything from difficult knot tying to the Balance Challenge- where they had to answer general knowledge questions whilst trying to withstand an onslaught of soft balls! (Ouch!!)
Congrats eventually went to Abby Hart who emerged as the evening's overall Winner after all events were completed!!!
The evening proved to be an adventurous one, not only for our kids and also our illustrious Leaders, who had certainly packed the evening to the brim with a fun-filled program and were struggling to fit it all in.
But, we got there in the end and even managed to open the Sanctum for the first investments in the 8th's Scout Section. However, it wasn't for the Scouts themselves on this occasion, but for our Leadership Team, who were all invested into the group as Official Diehard members- Congratulations to all!!!!
This week 'Trangia Ready, Steady, Cook'
Scout Leader-Tom Larkin
A BIG Thank You From Our GSL (Group Scout Leader)
As Group Scout Leader, II'd like to acknowledge & applauded the dedication & effort made by all of our Leaders who travel in each week to run our scout sections.
I know from conversations with parents & Scouts, that their efforts are very well appreciated.
Our new Scout Leaders in the Troop are accomplishing a fantastic and varied program, to excite & stimulate the current young Scouts.
We are in the early stages of starting our Scout Troop & are hopeful of recruiting boys & girls to our newly reformed 8th St Marylebone (The Diehards) Scout Group.
The future of the Group looks good & without our Leaders we would not have been able to progress our Cubs. Our Cubs & Beavers, now have more years as part of our fantastic group to look forward too.
I believe that our founder Les Kirby, will no doubt be smilling down on us & also applauding our efforts. Well done to everyone involved!!!
Cliff Jordan (GSL)
Meeting Number 3 (28/10/10)-Fright Night!!!
Our third Troop Meeting was a messy affair, within ten minutes pumpkin guts were everywhere, although it seemed that it was the Leader's that were doing most of the moaning, well Georgie was anyway.
Four pumpkins were brought to life with some very impressive carving from the Scouts after which we all headed for the kitchen for our inaugural Master Chef-pumpkin addition.
Despite running short of time and not heating the oil enough to make crispy croutons, the Pumpkin Soup was a great success, so much so that even those who claimed that they "didn't like pumpkin soup" were delving in with their spoons while their parents were trying to get them out the door!!!
This weekend sees the first of the Diehardia Scout Camps out at Gilwell Park, so hopefully we'll have further news to share with you all next week-Chris Larkin.
Meeting Number 2 (21/10/10)-Picking Up The Pace
The second Diehards Scout Meeting was even more exciting and adrenalin filled than the first. What was most amazing was to see all of last weeks recruits arrive nice and early and all with big beaming smiles, awash with anticipation. Along with our "veterans" was a new face too!!! So, we are officially growing and although it's early days it has been a very promising start.
Feedback from parents seemed to reflect the excitement all round. Comments along the lines of.... "they have been going on about Scouts all week"....fantastic!!! I just hope that they bug you all with the same enthusiasm again this week.
A far less panicked Leader Team this week too, slightly fewer of us present (5 Leaders in total) but with a more chiseled plan.
So, along with our Bamboo Pioneering Challenge of lighting a candle from the other side of the hall, silly games and a few goes on the climbing wall, a little more was learned about Scouting. We also had our first official visit from the current District Commissioner (DC) too!!
Next week-Halloween Special!!!!
(Thanks to Chris Larkin once again for penning this summary-more to come!!)
Diehardia-Scout Resurrection!!!!!
On Tuesday,12th October 2010 the Mansergh Club once again opened it's doors to a brand new Scout Troop. This was the first time in 18 years and a plethora of fresh faces awaited the new generation of The Diehards.
The Leader Team, was comprised of current 2nd Hemel Hempstead Leaders (on-loan), some "new-to-Scouting" faces recruited externally and a sturdy old rear guard in the shape of John Larkin.
The fresh breed comprised Woodians that had never experienced Scouting before, so the first meeting was more of a settling in and get to know each other affair than an all out Pioneering and Orienteering Challenge.
However, without fail, tents were broken out (they got put back in one piece Cliff-honest!!), badges, flagbreaks and future activities were discussed with vigour and a great deal of fun was had by all!!!
All in all a great feeling was felt all round with everybody looking forward to next week's meeting already, hopefully with a few more shy but interested faces in attendance!!
The Troop will meet every TUESDAY at our fantastic Mansergh HQ,
NW8 9QG, between 7pm and 9pm.
So remember, if your child is aged between ten and a half to fourteen years of age and loves adventure, please be sure to get in touch-You would be very welcome!!
(Thanks to Chris Larkin for penning his opening night diary!!)
For anyone seeking more detail please call Cliff Jordan directly
on 0844 414 5459 or email groupscoutleader@diehardia.com
We look forward to seeing you there!!!!!
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