Sea Scouts

[derek s.langsdon]

The Sea Scouts were conceived in the 1900's by Lord Baden Powell and his brother Warrington Baden Powell KC (an Admiralty lawyer,seaman and inventor of canoe sailing).They had the thought while sitting at a camp fire, that older Scouts might be interested in learning about boats and seamanship and that"there was a need for young men to prepare themselves to serve their country" Their idea came to fruition in 1909 when a new Seamanship badge was introduced for the existing uniform. In 1910 Baden Powell wrote his Handbook "Sea Scouting & Seamanship for Boys" and a new Special uniform was approved that same year. It was received "with enthusiam" by young men in the UK and the Sea Scouts soon spread across the world. At last count there being some 82,000 members in 1800 groups worldwide with 10,000 in 401 groups within the UK.. A Special badge was issued on the occasion of the Sea Scouts Centenary in 2009 together with a 50 pence coin from the Royal Mint bearing the "Be Prepared" Motto.The " Scouts hold their "Eurosea"Seminar every three years to discuss/plan ahead,the last being in the Czech Republic in 2010 (and the last in London in 1984) Iin October 1937 The "Discovery" was offically opened as the Sea Scouts training ship in London and was thereafter also used as the Headquarters of The Thames River Emergency Service during the WW11 Blitz when Sea Scouts were used as Signalmen and assisted the fire brigade. Scouts also assisted as Coast Guard lookouts in both World Wars and a launch from the Ist Mortlake group was at Dunkirk. After the war many requisitioned Scout boats were returned but in some cases Surplus Motor Torpedo Boats (MTB's )werse provided (without engines !).
In July 1954 The "Discovery" was handed over to the Admiralty (for a nominal One Pound !) and became HMS for RNVR use. In May 1984 The former Dutch Trawler "Algol" renamed "Lord Amory" for Scout training use near Canary Wharf,London. Easter 1993 saw The Chief Scout naming the Yacht "Ocean Scout" for offshore use and in June 2001 came the naming of the Sail Training Yacht "Discovery" at the Docklands Scout Project, for offshore sailing and for The Tall Ships Race....Just one final Salvo !!! The 8th Worthing Sea Scouts won the 2003 National Dragon Boat Race! (For a seperate epic I will be posting some words on my local Norfolk Sea Scouts who have been hitting the headlines !!..derek-l

[derek s.langsdon]

Most people laughed when they heard fhat there was a Sea Scout Troop in the Norfolk village of Dickleburgh near Diss, 40 miles from the coast, but they were pleased and impressed when they read the headline "Royal Honour for Landlocked Sea Scouts". Formed in 1980 the now 90 strong group of boys aged from 6 to 18 and their instructors always welcomes new members from an 8 mile radios around the village. For their inventiveness and untiring work to raise funds to improve their facilities and equipment the group was awarded "The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services" only one of several in East Anglia. With generous assistance from local councils and Trusts including The Broads Authority the boys were recently able to purchase two new large "Wayfarer" sailing dinghies to supplement their already "Grand Fleet" of 6 "Topper" dinghies, 3-"Topaz",I-"Bosun", 2-open canoes,IO-Kayaks and a 22ft Yacht all of which are well used on local lakes and on the Rivers Waveney and Yare.The older members from 14 to 18 will be using the new vessels on waters of the Southern Broads. Group leader Paul Playford says " Our local Norfolk . hero Admiral Lord Nelson first went to sea at 12, so our boys are just the right age to learn the ropesIn addition to their own busy schedule the boys are also extremely active in helping other organisations in the area being affiliated with the local British Legion,provbiding honour guards at events etc. derek-L

[Francis Stanley]

I was a member of 3rd Peel Sea Scouts in the Isle of man right up to when I joined Ganges, it was run by an old RN Cdr and he was ably assisted by my dad an ex GI. We did the scouty type things but the best thing was that we had a fleet of small wooden rowing boats and sailing boats and learned all sorts of small craft activities that helped me whilst at Ganges.

[derek s.langsdon]

Francis/ am sure that Scout boating is of great help to any boy who later goes into the RN. I never got to the Isle of Man myself but recall my old Dad was in Douglas for a Signals training spell during WWI.Regret my own Junior Scouting days with 14th N.London did;nt include boats despite nearness of the River Lea where I used to hire skiffs at weekend Apart from few days annual camp the only excitement was brought by local Vicar's magic lantern shows on his time as a Missionary in the then "darkest" Africa !--derek-L

[derek s.langsdon]

Plase correct my last to read..Dad in Douglas IOM during WWII not I ! tnx -derek-L

[Francis Stanley]

Derek I believe that Ganges boys training was moved to the IOM during wwII I wonder if he did his course at that establishment.

[derek s.langsdon]

My local Ist Dickleburgh,South Norfolk Sea Scouts have had a busy
year thusfar and everyone from Cubs through Scouts Beavers to Explorers are having an enjoyable summer engaged on a great variety of activities.

Group Scout Leader Paul Playford reports :-

The Scouts made a return visit to the Pennines for walking,caving, and relaxing in the hills of North Yorkshire. Several had a late camp near Eye
where an aerial runway was built and backwoods cooking enjoyed.

The Beavers had a sleep-over at the Beaver's District Camp in Thetford Forest
and hope to take part n the forthcoming "Sea to Fickleburgh" event (see under)

Cubs numbers are brimming, They recently enjoyeda weekend away at Roughton Mill near Cromer doing Abseiling, Archery and visiting Blakeney spending time on the sands and catching crabs and shrimps.

Scouts have been back on the water with canoeing and sailing at Weybread and some are attending their summer camp at Langley on the River Yarer with the 1sr Burgh St Peter Sea Scouts. A few took part in the York Challenge organised by the Brundall Sea Scouts.

Group leaders again this year organised the "Big Toe" hike, a challenge to walk 30 miles over one weekend with competitors also co ming from Great Yarmouth and Stalham

Earlier in the year several took part in the annual "Four Inns" event and one completed the 45 mile one day enduranc hike over the Derbyshie moors.

Explorer Scouts (14 plus years)are having 5 days away to Rutland Water with some of their new sailing dinghies.

In September the group is again organising it;s "Sea to Dickleburgh" event when a milk church full of sea water is decanted and brought back to Dickleburgh from Great Yarmouth carried by rescue boat,yacht,sailing dinghies,canoes,bicycles and hikers. The water (and it's safe unspilled
arrival!) is sponsored ,with the proceeds gong to charity and some to help with group funds.

derek-L/Norfolk

[derek s.langsdon]

He's still their champion.......

Sea Scouts were to the fore in annual parades throughout East Anglia yesterday Sunday to honour the patron Saint of World Scouting-- St George,whos designated dayis actually today Monday April 23rd.

No dragons to fight in this modern age, but problems aplenty,with the Scout movement,long instilled with Baden-Powell's old edict to do good and help others whenever possible

Most of the Scouters shown in local newspaper photos this morning were wearing Sea-Scout blue shirts and RN caps,many with "Explorer Sea Scout" ribbons showing.

More than 300 Youngsters paraded in the Lowestoft and district area and a like number of 320 in Southwold. There were large turn-outs across the region with children from age 5 upwards taking part in Bungay,Beccles,Earsham,Halesworth and in coastal towns

derek-L/dsl

[derek s.langsdon]

Add St George's Day.....

375 youngsters including Beavers,Cubs,Scouts and Explorers took part in the St George Activity Day at the Norwich,Costessey,Showground on Saturday April 21st

6 to 18 yr olds took part in 40 different activities ranging from climbing, archery,air-rifle shooting, etc as well as crafts and the traditonal knot-tying and cookery.

All the Scouts renewed their promise "To do or best,and do our duty".

dsl

[derek s.langsdon]

My local Dickleburgh,Norfolk,Sea Scouts recently enjoyed a day out in London travelling down by coach but following arrival (at the O2 site) using only the River Thames to visit various venues throughout the day,without the need to board a bus or the Tube

Cubs,Scouts,Explorers,leaders and helpers totalling around 50, visited The Greenwich Maritime Museum,The London Eye, and "The Tower Bridge Experience"before returning to the O2,

All of their travel was completed using the fast "Clipper Ferry" service. To round off the trip the coach returned via the Woolwich Ferry, and a great day out was had by all. Having been on the River Thames all day gave youngsters an insight into the forthcoming Queen's Jubilee celebrations and River Pageant.

derek-L/dsl

[derek s.langsdon]

Four teenagers from Norfolk are the only competitors from England to qualify for an International Regatta.

The quartet are members of The Explorers section of the 1st Blofield and Bundall Sea Scout Group, and have been selected to represent their country in the International Sea Scout Sailing Regatta in San Francisco.

To qualify for the regatta each of the four won a national award.

Michael Sawyer 18, Barney Bruce 17,won the Scout National Championships last year,while Kate Marsden `19, and William Jones 18, won the Scout National Championships in 2007,2008 and 2010. The four will be in San Francisco from this Sunday until the following Saturday ,having been raising funds for their trip

dsl (from The Eastern Daily Press (EDP July 19th),

[seaJane]

Well done Michael, Barney, Kate and William. Hope they have a great time - they deserve to.