County Sanderson Flag - Clean Sweep
This year's County final was held on the 21st May 2011.  The District was delighted that not only did the 4th Cramlington Cubs win, but in second place were the 3rd/5th Cramlington.

St George's Day - 25th April 2010
The 2010 parade and service took place at Selby Woods.  Members of the District walked down the track together and then had a short service.  After a picnic lunch each section enjoyed a variety of games.  Our DC had the best excuse for not attending as he was at Windsor Castle to receive a richly deserved Silver Acorn.
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Jean Douglas
It was with great sadness that of the Leaders in our District joined the family and many friends of the late Jean Douglas to mark the passing of a great character.  Jean was larger than life as a mother, grandmother, foster mother, and as a Scout Leader.  The world will be a poorer place without her.

Jean's contribution to Scouting was recently marked at a presentation (see below).  For many years she has been the driving force of the 1st Seghill Scout Group, and many youngsters benefited from her care.
 

Photographic Competition

This is the tenth anniversary of the formation of our District.  To mark this we are running a ‘Photographic Competition’ for Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts.  All entries will be kept as a record of the year and the winners will be shown on this website.  The rules are as follows :

• Each entrant should submit no more than two photographs, taken this year by them, on an outdoor Scouting activity

• The entrants name, section and Group should be shown on the back of each print.

• Entries should be submitted to the entrants section Leader who in turn should pass them to the relevant ADC.  All entries will then be collated by Dave McClen and forwarded to an independent judge whose decision will be final.

• There will be a winner chosen from each Section, each of whom will receive a prize.

• The closing date for the competition is 30th September 2010.

• The results will be announced in November 2010

Wanted - District Scout Leader
Our ADC Scouts (Paul Capstick) is looking to develop the Scout Section within the District with the appointment of another District Scout Leader, to work alongside himself and Adrian Allsopp.  Our active Scout section is looking to continue its development with many new exciting opportunities and activities.

The ADC & DSL's work very closely together as a team with the aims of the Scout Association our main objectives for the benefit of our Scouts in Blyth Valley District.  Anyone interested should speak to Paul who will supply a full job description.  The ususal benefits package is offered with generous rewards.

Vacancy - District Secretary
Bob Brown is standing down at the next District AGM and a replacement is required.  Anyone interested should contact Phil Lineker.

Cub Five A Side Results
Leagues   Points   Finals
 

Operation Twilight (Report from Organisers)
As Organiser, I am pleased Operation Twilight went off okay.  Our main concerns on Friday were the weather forecast was not great, but we were very fortunate that it held off and turned out to be quite a nice day.  Well done and thanks to all the teams who participated. I do hope you all enjoyed the event. This being the first one, I apologise now for any concerns or issues you were not happy about, please let me know and these will be corrected for the future (if you want one next year).

Operation Twilight had 22 Scout and Explorer Scout teams, 148 runners and another 30 catchers in 11 teams, who met at Blagdon Hall Estate for 9.30am. Thanks to the car park marshals who co-ordinated the influx of vehicles, you did a great job. 

After kit checks, we bussed the explorers first (of course not knowing where they were headed) they were soon aware as the bus pulled into Ingoe, which is just outside Belsay, teams were instructed by Paul Turnerr before beginning their adventure of Operation Twilight.  It was not long after that when we tried to bus 95 scouts into transport which held 86!!, don’t go there I don’t know, anyways we managed it, as they set off towards their secret location. It was about 20 minutes later when 95 of us Disembarked at Hartburn, I have to say the Scout’s behaviour was far more acceptable than one of the locals; I will be addressing this charming gentleman’s behaviour.  It was not long before teams set that map and route on their search for the WINNING SCOUT Twilight Trophy.

As the team arrived back, the catchers were set and ready to and get them, during a 15 minute briefing, they were informed of the drop off points, by 1pm they were on their way. This allowed the running team a good hour head start before the catchers were on the way.

As the “Management Catching Team” were out and about, it was not long, before we got our first catch, Team Squirrel foundation were just there in front of us, as we pulled up they informed us that we could not catch them, as we asked to see their catchers card, it was apparent they had lost track of the time, of they could be caught, as it was over the 30 minute time, it was a picture see Mr Neal Armiger, jump out of the silver beast and chase 6 runners into the distance, pleasing for us he got them, what joy, our first catch and there first life an easy 8 pointer, we encouraged the team, and set them on their way.  The best catch of the day had to be that of “The Team Most Likely to come last” this was an Explorer team and this catch came near the Highlander Pub, Ponteland, as they spotted us they ran - talk about Linford Christie, 100 sprint, you’ve seen nothing until you have seen Cappy go, YES another 8 pointer, we were on a roll.

Close to the finish, we had catchers coming in with more retirements, which is just fine, catchers are safety marshals first, that is the most important role for them, it is a day about ensuring our young people are safe to enjoy Operation Twilight, we had no reported major incidents which is very pleasing.

There is one thing that made all of us very proud of Scouting within Blyth Valley and Northumberland. I received a phone call from an Explorer, who was part of a team,  informing us that one of their members had falling into a river and they had pulled him out.  We took a meeting point and arranged transport, while the team were awaiting to get him picked up, their Scout training took over, realising the signs of possible hypothermia they stripped him of his wet clothing, and got him warm, kept him warm by placing into a sleeping bag until help could arrive, that just shows the maturity of the members of that team, I say well done and proud to know you.

I personally must thank, Paul Turner who helped organise the events, with the routes as  one of his task, Claire and Denise for registration, Les, Margie and Bob for catering, Chris and Dave for calculating final totals, Adrian, Les, Gary as our sweeping team, DAT, PK, Neal, Steph as car park marshals and everyone else who helped us during the day, if I have missed you off, I am sorry, you are all just great.

Finally we have received help from various others leading up to “Twilight, namely, Blagdon Hall estate for allowing us the use of the area, clock tower and kitchen facilities, Tranemo Work wear who not only donated Hi Viz jackets, but actually allowed us the use of their office space during the event.

I look forward to hearing your views on Twilight and hopefully we can run again in 2010.

Paul Capstick (ADC Scouts)

Presentation Night
A special night was organised at short notice to present outstanding awards.  The County Commissioner attended especially to present the Silver Acorn to Jean Douglas for her outstanding contribution to Scouting in Seghill.

Among others, Pam Hepple received both long and good service awards.