Beaver Scouting is still very much alive and kicking here in Solihull County, we’ve seen growth in the Beaver Section across the County with Colonies going from strength to strength, most have long waiting lists as unable to take more in due to the need for more adult help
Looking back over the past year serves to outline just how much Beaver Scouting does go on in the County, District and Groups. I have again had the fortune to be involved with so many Beaver Scouting activities within the area and witnessed at first hand the commitment and hard work of so many leaders resulting in exciting and challenging programmes and activities.
Chief Scouts Bronze Awards Presentation Evenings
Octobers presentation saw 55 young people receive their bronze award, whiles the June evening saw a staggering 79 An outstanding achievement by our young people and my personal thanks to Leaders and Parents for there help and support in helping the young people of Solihull achieve the highest award in the Beaver Section. The next Chief Scouts Bronze Awards Presentation will be held on Friday 22nd November 2019, at St Mary’s Church Hobs Meadow, Solihull
County Carol Service
County Beaver & Cub Carol Service – This was held on 5th December at Knowle Parish Church, as this was the first time we’d tried a joint Beaver and Cub combined service we were apprehensive as to how it would work out, we had a few teething problems with seating due to a large amount of parents taking seating allocated for the Beavers, Cubs, Colonies and Packs failing to advise if they were going to be attending. However with the outstanding work of the Church Staff and the County & District Team, we were soon sorted and we seated 522 people, absolutely outstanding effort team.
During the service, a collection was taken for two charities, Signpost Inclusion and Solihull Young Carers. The collection totalled £681.60, this was a magnificent total, I was so proud of all those who raised the money in so many different ways and who thought of the needs of other children.
This Year’s service will again be held at Knowle Parish Church on Tuesday 3rd December 2019, we have booked all 3 buildings this year to alleviate the overcrowding suffered at last year’s service
County Beaver Handicraft Competition 2019
This is a new competition that we decided as a team would be another challenge for our young people to undertake. The competition was held at 6th Shirley’s Headquarters in March 2019. The theme chosen was St George & The Dragon, the young people were given 2 hours in which to create their own interpretation of St George or The Dragon from a list of junk supplied by each team
Unfortunately, we had a poor turnout, but the 3 teams that entered had a lot of fun constructing there creative masterpieces
Outstanding effort by all concerned and we look forward to seeing more teams next year. The date for next year’s competition will be on Saturday 29th March 2020 and will be held at 1st Solihull headquarters, Mill Pool, Solihull 10 am to 2 pm
County Beaver Skills Competition 2019
This is another new event being introduced to try the minds of our young people. The event will be held at 1st Solihull’s headquarters on Saturday 19th October 2019, more details to follow.
District Beaver Activities
Cole Beavers
Solihull Cole has done a lot of events this year organised ADC Beavers, Ian and his team of District Beaver Leaders, Sheila Cole and Jonathan Booth they’ve put on some interesting adventures for the Beavers to enjoy, My personal thanks for all there efforts supporting our Young People.
They held a District Beaver Sports morning followed by Fun Day on the weekend 23rd & 24th June 2018 at 1st Solihull HQ which included grass skis, craft bases, parachute games, water slide, blind rope trail, archery and football. There had been a very good attendance. This was followed by a District Beaver Sleepover which had involved a good number of Beavers and leaders. The programme included a scavenger hunt, 2-course dinner, campfire singsong with Sherlock, a story from the DC, drinks, some sleep and morning activities based on the Outdoor Challenge. The closing ceremony was at midday on Sunday
Other events included: a District Beaver Get Together held at 1st Olton, a District Swimming Gala held at Stechford Cascades and participation in the very successful District St. George’s Day Parade at Knowle.
The colonies have all been active with many of the Colonies full with waiting lists.
Blythe Beavers
My thanks to Tracey Pearmain who has been carrying out the role of ADC Beavers in Blythe, until recently as Tracey has asked to switch roles with Jaqui Daniel, District Beaver Leader due to personal commitments
My personal thanks for your support, we’re not losing Tracey from the team as she is going to support Jaqui in her new role.
The colonies have all been active with many of the Colonies full with waiting lists.
My Personal thanks go to all the Beaver Leaders, Assistants and Colony Helpers across the County for their support, enthusiasm and hard work for Scouting within Solihull.
I know that Scouting and the Young People in this area have certainly benefited from their commitment and dedication.
Chris
Assistant County Commissioner Beavers