10 May 07 - 16:44New Beaver Scout Colony in Southdown Opens

Bath Chronicle 8th may 2007

Southdown is now home to its very own Beaver colony.

But these aren't the furry, buck-toothed, dam-building kind, they're children eager to make new friends and enjoy outdoor adventures.

Based at St Barnabas Church in Mount Road, the Scouting group is for children not yet old enough for the Cubs.

Organised and led by Whiteway mother-of-two Melanie Tonkinson, the colony has been set up in response to a growing demand in the area for activities and groups to entertain youngsters.

"There hasn't been a Beaver colony in Southdown for years and years and the nearest one is Oldfield Park, but there's a waiting list," said Melanie, 28.

"I've always thought it was a shame because it's nice to have something in the area for children from all over Whiteway, Southdown and Twerton and there's nothing for kids between five-and-a-half and eight."

Melanie is well aware of the growing thirst for more Beaver, Cub and Scout units as her eldest son Declan, nine, is a member of Southdown's Cubs.

"It's really brought Declan out of his shell and he's made lots of friends.

"The groups also teach children about really important things like road safety as well as letting them enjoy outdoor activities like walking and team games.

"Cubs and Scouts as a whole are becoming much more popular, particularly with girls."

Melanie, who works as a nursery nurse at First Steps in Woodhouse Road, Twerton, was encouraged to set up the group by Southdown Scout leader Andrew Blake.

"He took two months to persuade me but now we are up and running it was worth all the hard work.

"We've doubled our members in only a week and I've been telling everybody to come along, so hopefully it will continue to grow."

One of the original members is Melanie's younger son, seven-year-old Tyler, who is really enjoying the meetings.

"He's making friends and all the boys and girls who come along get friendship, lots of fun and life skills, as we are always working towards badges such as fire safety," she said.

"Next time, we've got a community police officer in to talk about stranger danger and we will soon be learning how to recycle paper.

"The vicar of St Barnabas is also coming in to talk about meeting and greeting people from all walks of life, which is this term's badge."

The Beavers' motto is Fun and Friendship and their programme reflects this, combining outdoor activities and team play with more serious life lessons, which are all geared towards achieving badges.

The Southdown colony meets at the church every Wednesday from 6pm to 7.15pm.

To find out more ring Melanie on 07977 760970.

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10 May 07 - 16:43YOUTH GROUPS CUB TOGETHER FOR 100TH

Bath Chronicle 13 March 2007

Dozens of Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies have joined together to launch the movement's centenary celebrations in the city.

Youngsters from sections and groups all over the Bath area donned their uniforms and paraded with flags at a special service at Oldfield Park Baptist Church.

The service marked 100 years since the movement was founded by Lord Baden-Powell and was the first of many celebrations planned for the city.

Cllr Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst, chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, was at the church to pay tribute to the youngsters' commitment and offer words of encouragement.

Speaking after the service, she said: "It was wonderful to be invited and I spoke to them about how important the Scout movement is to the community.

"It's a long time since I was a Brownie, but I still have a soft spot for the organisation and think the leaders really put in a lot of time taking the youngsters on trips and adventures.

"It's very educational for them, as they get to travel and meet other people their age, and it's fantastic it has reached its 100th birthday."

A huge centenary jamboree will take place at the Royal Victoria Park on Sunday, April 22, with more than 6,000 Scouts and Brownies from all over the south west descending on the city for a day of activities.

"Bath is playing an instrumental part in the national celebrations and I'm very proud of that," added Cllr Morgan-Brinkhurst.

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10 May 07 - 16:39SCOUTS HONOUR A CENTURY OF 'BEING PREPARED'

Bath Chronicle 23 April 2007

Scouts descended on Bath's main park yesterday to mark the milestone birthday of the movement.

Thousands of members from across the former Avon area converged on Royal Victoria Park for a host of activities as part of a dual celebration.

The day commemorated 100 years of Scouting and incorporated the annual celebrations to mark St George's Day.

A wide range of activities were held throughout the day for Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and older members of the Scout network.

They included Quasar, an assault course, human table football, bouncy volleyball, bouncy castles, crazy golf, bouncy boxing, a climbing wall, sumo wrestling, a rodeo bull and a giant games arena.

There was also an Edwardian fair, a host of static displays and a series of Wacky Races with chariots around Royal Victoria Park.

The day also included service to mark St George's Day and thanks were given for 100 years of scouting.

All the members of scouting movement present also renewed their scout promise, as is tradition on the nearest Sunday to St George's Day.

Neil Salter, county commissioner for the Scouting Movement in Avon, said: "We were looking for a special way to celebrate St George's Day and to mark 100 years of Scouting.

"Traditionally we mark St George's Day, because St George is the Patron Saint of Scouting.

"This year, we planned something extra special for the young people that enjoy Scouting.

"It was a day full of fun, challenge and adventure for the young people attending."

The Scouting movement was founded in 1907 by Lord Baden-Powell and has spread to most countries in the world, boasting around 30 million members worldwide.

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10 May 07 - 16:38SCOUTS TO CELEBRATE A CENTURY OF SERVICE

Bath Chronicle19 April 2007

A Host of entertainment has been lined up for a party in the park to celebrate 100 years of Scouting.The event at Royal Victoria Park in Bath on Sunday will also mark St George's Day - a key date in the movement's calendar.

Thousands of members of the Scout movement from across the former Avon will take part, including Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, and Explorer Scouts.

Activities will include Quasar games, an assault course, human table football, bouncy volleyball and boxing, bouncy castles, crazy golf, a climbing wall, and sumo wrestling. There will also be a series of races with chariots around the park along with a series of static displays and an Edwardian fair. There will also be a serious side to the day's activities, with a service of thanks for 100 years of Scouting, and to mark St George's Day. All the members of the Scouting movement present will, as is traditional on the nearest Sunday to St George's Day, renew their Scout promise.

Avon county commissioner Neil Salter, pictured, said: "We were looking for a special way to celebrate St George's Day and to mark 100 years of Scouting. Traditionally, we mark St George's Day, because St George is the patron saint of Scouting. This year, we've planned something extra special for the young people who enjoy Scouting. Sunday will be a day full of fun, challenge and adventure for the young people attending."

Vehicle movements in the park will be restricted during the event for safety reasons, although it will remain open to the general public. A special park-and-ride service is being operated for the Scouts from the Newbridge site.

Among the civic guests will be Major-General Michael Walsh, a vice-president of the Scout Association, and a former UK Chief Scout. The events begin at 10.30am, with the fair and activity zones open from 1-4pm.

Across the former Avon area there are 10,000 members of the Scout Association.

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