As we approach the end of 2009, the Scouting diary is already filling up for 2010.

The Diary and Camp Dates in the Scouts section has been updated, more dates will be added as things are confirmed. As always, more information will be released closer to the time.

The history section of the website has also had a tidy. As more and more information is collected from the large amount of old documents we have, this section will expand even more with the aim of having a complete history of the group for our 30th Anniversary celebrations in the Summer. If anyone has any information they would like to contribute to this, please get in touch.

Finally, I would like to wish all members of the group a very Happy New Year.

An important part of any group is it’s history. Next year, 3rd Wombourne is celebrating it’s 30th Anniversary, having been officially registered at Headquarters on 29th July 1980.

As part of the celebrations of this milestone, we are trying to compile a history of the group from everything we have available. If anyone has anything they would like to contribute, please get in touch. All memories and old photos welcome! You can see what we have so far on the group history page.

To start with, a selection of photos from Bill Moorhouse has been published. These can be viewed HERE.

This weekend, Cubs stayed at the Chief’s Log Cabin at Kinver Scout Camp. They took part in activities including Climbing and Rifle Shooting. During the weekend cubs also had the opportunity to participate in Jamboree on the Air activities.

Photos from the weekend are in the gallery.

This weekend, Scouts camped at Patshull Scout Camp. The Scouts organised the camp themselves, choosing the campsite and preparing their own menu and activities. They chose the layout of the camp themselves, and set up their campsite in the dark on the Friday night as well ask cooking their own meals.

Photos from the weekend are in the gallery.

Today, famous adventurer and ex Special Forces soldier Bear Grylls became the 10th Chief Scout.

In his interview, he said “the Scouting Movement is a phenomenal organisation, that is a worldwide force for good that encourages kids to live an adventure, and to know that together they are stronger. That is an amazing organisation to be a part of”.

For more information, read the official announcement.

This weekend, three Scouts took part in the Expedition Challenge. On the Saturday, the group planned and walked a route across Cannock Chase of about 11 km. This involved all Scouts carrying all the equipment they required for the weekend, including food, cookers and tents. The weather for the day was constantly changing, with sun mixed with occasional rain showers. All were back on site by 5pm.

On the Sunday there was a shorter walk that was designed to challenge and improve the navigation skills of the Scouts. The rain today was mostly constant, but the group pushed on and eventually reached the end point of the Cannock Chase visitor centre about 2pm, after setting off just after 10am.

Photos are in the gallery.

This weekend, 10 Scouts camped at Kinver Scout Camp for the annual Phoenix activity weekend. Scouts took part in a multitude of activities, including cycling, canoeing, climbing, rifle shooting and a canal barge adventure. On the Saturday night there was a disco which allowed Scouts and Guides to meet friends new and old. Lots of exciting activities and great weather meant the weekend was fun for all.

Photos are available in the photo gallery.

The new 3rd Wombourne website has today gone live. After a few months in design, it is hoped the new site will provide lots of useful resources to those in the group and anyone interested in joining. There is a new photo gallery which will contain all photos as far back as 2003, and a forum system which will be announced shortly.

This morning, around 100 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from groups across the district took part in a sponsored walk at Baggeridge Country Park. The group hopes to raise as much money as possible from the 7 mile walk. If all members of the group could raise just £10 in sponsorship, we would have nearly £1000! There will be a prize for the most money raised for each section.

This Sunday, Scouts took part in the district Shooting Competition at Aldersley stadium. Five Scouts attended to represent the group, and although we didn’t win a good time was had by all.