Spring program

The spring program is now out click on Program / April

March Program

Hi the March programme is now loaded click on program/march

February Program

The February program is now online click on Program / February

Dragons den

Hi All,

Please see email below from Adrian regarding this Wednesdays meeting.

Here is the plan for the Dragons Den on Wednesday evening.

Venue:
Lichfield Explorer Scout Hut, walk 30 seconds uphill along the wall (northwest) from the carpark at the bottom of Shaw Lane)

Time:
8:00pm sharp start until 10pm

Dress code:
Business suits for dragons
Business / interview attire for the Entrepreneurs NOT UNIFORM

Format:
Flag break (8pm) and Introduction by me with the format for the evening
8.10pm+ 6 x 15 minute slots for each team to pitch and be asked questions (max 5 minutes of pitch – I have a stopwatch…) followed by a few questions and then its "I’m out" or you make an offer. This will have to be quick fire Gents, as there are 6 teams to get through. Its the standards Dragons Den format – the business describes how much they want for what % of the equity in the business, and they must get the full amount or leave with nothing. Split investments of multiple dragons allowed. At the end of each 15 minute slot the team must get an investment or walk away with nothing, the pressure is on both the dragons and the businesses to get a decision in the time slot….

For the avoidance of doubt, no real money is being invested – its just a competition!

At the end of the evening the Dragons will award a trophy prize (I am organinsing) to the most investable business idea. In addition, if we can give "Highly Commended" to any other teams that are investable, that may be good CV material for budding business people of the future. (Nick B – fancy popping down for some photos?)

Dragons:

• Adrian Hope – IT Director – SP Group PLC – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/adrian-hope/1/237/873
• Nick Miselke – Managing Director – Elford Homes Ltd – http://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmisselke
• Richard Holland – Managing Director – The Telecoms Audit Bureau Limited – http://uk.linkedin.com/in/richardhollandtelecomsaudit
• Julian Webb – Managing Director – Webb Elec Ltd http://uk.linkedin.com/in/richardhollandtelecomsaudit

I shall ‘compere’.

Refreshments afterwards may be in order for the Dragons and Explorer leaders.

Any questions, please ask!

regs

Adrian

Program

The new program is out, click on Program / November to see it

Tonight’s meeting

Hi All,

We have been very lucky to get a grant to insulate the roof and walls for the Scout Hall to make it warm and cosy for you during the winter months. The round table will be coming tonight to present the cheque and take some photo’s so will you please attend in smart uniform to make a good impression. Also tonight will be sweet making so it should be a good evening.

See you all later.

Nigel.

October Programme

Date	Activity	Time	Location	Clothing	Notes
October
5th Weds	Sweet making	20:00-22:00	Beacon Park HQ	Uniform
7th-9th Fri-Sun	Beaudesert Service team	/	Beaudesert	/	Contact Nigel for details.
	Offshore Sailing				Contact Nick for details.
	9th District Incident hike				Contact Nigel for details.
	Matt ½ Marathon	/	/	/	To donate contact Matt Mills or go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/mathewmills
12th Weds	Dragons Den (Groups and Ideas)	20:00-22:00	Beacon park HQ	Uniform	Something else will be run for those not wishing to participate in the Dragons Den evenings.
19th Weds	Camp Prep/ DofE Progress check	20:00-22:00	Beacon Park HQ	Uniform	Prep for Woodlands and a Progress check with all explorers doing DofE (Dragons den will also be running for those partaking)
21st – 23rd Fri-Sun	Woodlands Camp	/	/	/	Details TBC. You will be able to cycle or walk on either or both days.
26th Weds	Halloween night	20:00-22:00	Beacon Park HQ	Uniform	Mask Making, Pumpkins and some fun games. (Dragons den will also be running for those partaking)

Dates for your Diary

November 3 – Bonfire night at Beaudesert

November 13 – Remembrance Day parade

November 15 – YL Module I

September Programme

Date	Activity	Time	Location	Clothing	Notes	Coordinator
September
14th Weds	Search and rescue	20:00-22:00	Beacon Park HQ	Uniform	Bring warm clothing with you as you will be outside	MM/SW
	Scuba Diving (Group 1)	19:30	Meet at beacon Park HQ	Swimming gear+ an old T-Shirt		NT
20th Tues	YL Module A	20:30-22:00	7th HQ	/	If you are a young leader and have not done this module yet then please try to attend.	/
21st weds	Silver DofE Presentation evening	20:00-22:00	Beacon park HQ	Uniform	This will also be a useful insight for those wishing to do bronze DofE	NT
	Scuba Diving (Group 2)	19:30	Meet at Beacon Park HQ	Swimming gear+ an old T-Shirt		DPS
28th Weds	Creative Skills Night	20:00-22:00	Beacon Park HQ	Uniform	A night where you should learn some interesting things (and have lots of fun.)	NR

Dates for your Diary

October 7-9 – Beaudesert Service team

October 21-23 – Woodlands Camp

November 3 – Bonfire night at Beaudesert

November 13 – Remembrance Day parade

This week’s meeting 7th September.

Hi All,

Sorry the program has still not been sorted out but we have a leaders meeting this week so hopefully it will be out this week. This Wednesday we are at Manor Park for a canoe and kayak evening and you are all welcome to attend. I suggest we try and meet at 6pm and finish at 8-30pm as it will be dark by then. If you can’t make it by 6pm turn up when you can and we will be around the sailing club so just join us when you can.

You will need to bring clothes for boating as you may get wet and a full change to go home in. The cost will be £5 for use of the facility and boats.

If you could email or text back if you are going it would be useful to know numbers in advance.

See you on Wednesday or the following week we will be back at Beacon Park at 8pm.

If you are not sure where Manor Park is please email back and I will send you a map.

Nigel.

07715494134.

This week’s meeting

Hi All,

We nearly have the September program ready to go out but this Wednesday (31st) Dave is running a cycle ride on Cannock Chase. Meet at the Rifle Range Corner car park at 6-30pm with you bike and we will finish at the same place at 8-30pm when it will be getting dark.

Hope to see you then.

Nigel.

Jamboree Photos

You will never see this lot looking so well turned out again…..

Program

Columbus Explorers Programme – June/July 2011

Nigel Theaker, Explorer Scout Leader. E-mail: nigel.theaker@btinternet.com :: Home: 676285 :: Office: 682278 :: Mobile:07715 494134 Programme Ideas? Forum: lichfieldexplorers.forum@yahoo.co.uk

Wednesday 29	Cycle ride on Cannock Chase		6-30pm start at the Marquis drive car park. One group can go and do the red route while the other can do more leisurely route around that area. Collect back at Marquis Drive at 9-30pm. Uniform not required and there is no cost.
JULY Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd	Cars in the Park HELP NEEDED URGENT		Last year some of you helped with the car parking for Cars in the Park, this year’s event is at Beacon Park and we are required from 9am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. CAN YOU HELP???? Last year we had a good donation from them and we have decided that money raised can be used to subsidise summer camp or an activity of your choice. Please let me know if you can help and on which days as soon as possible we need 8 or 9 people each day.
Wednesday 6	Boating at Manor Park, Kings Bromley		Meet at Manor Park at 7pm with clothes to get wet and a change to go home in, changing rooms are available. Uniform not required and the cost will be £5. We will finish at 9-30pm.
Wednesday 13	DofE progress and update + orienteering part 2 and a BBQ		Bronze DofE report back from the Bronze Group + We need to know where you are with your DofE both Bronze and Silver. Please come along and ask any questions you have, check what you are doing for each section is OK and get to grips with eDofE where you need to log your progress. There will also be some food available!!! This is a uniform evening please as we have guests to see the report back.
Weekend 15-17	Beaudesert Service Team + Silver DofE Assessed		If you are coming along to help run the campsite for the weekend I will need to know by Wednesday 13th and the cost will be £8. Meet at Beau Friday evening at 8pm and get picked up Sunday at 4pm.
Tuesday 19th	Young Leader training		Module E – Game on. 7th HQ 8-30pm
Wednesday 20	Wet and Wild at Beaudesert		Meet at Beaudesert at 7pm for an evening of activities of which some will be wet so bring a change of clothes and a towel. A BBQ will round off the evening. Uniform not required, cost £5. We will finish at 9-30pm.
Weekend 22-23	Survival Skills weekend		The weekend will start on Friday evening at 6:30pm to allow us time to set up the shelters etc. Full details will be out in a separate email.
Wednesday 27	Urban Wide Game		Full Details later but it will be from Beacon Park
AUGUST 13-20		13th to 20th Summer Camp

This Wednesday 22nd June

Hi

As announced last week we will be doing a river trip in canoes and Kayaks this week from Wolsey Bridge to Manor Park at Kings Bromley there is nothing technical so you don’t need to be an expert canoeist.

We will be meeting at Wolsey Bridge at 6-30pm and you will need to be in boating clothes with a full change of clothes and towel in a bag which will be transported to the end in case you get wet. To get to Wolsey Bridge take the A 51 through Rugeley and just after Rugeley it splits A51 right to Stone and A513 left for Stafford we will be just up the Stone Road on the river bridge; you are best to be dropped off at the garden centre on the island and walk up the road.

We will finish at Manor Park at 10pm. To get to Manor Park take the A51 out of Lichfield and then at the first island take the A515 Ashbourne Road for about three miles and then turn right up the A513 signed Rugeley, soon after turning there is a White house on the right and the road to Manor park is at the left side of the house.

I MUST KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING or you will not have a boat. Please email nigel.theaker , text 07715494134 or facebook to let me know.

So far I have Jess, Amie, Holly, Tom O, Harry, Ralph, (own boats Ashley, Alice, Sean, Matt M, Robin, Nick and Jo) first come first served.

Nigel.

Mountain Bike expedition

Hi All,

sorry for yet another update about the Mountain Bike Expedition.

I know over the last few days we have enjoyed the hottest days so far this year. Well I’m sure you noticed today was quite a bit cooler, and that is set to continue with the worst days being……… guess when?

yep, you got it Wednesday & Thursday.

The forecast for Wednesday is rain and on Thursday it will reduce to showers.

Now being in the Welsh mountains we could miss all the rain or we could get a right good soaking. So as the saying goes ‘Be prepared’. After all there is no such thing as bad weather, but there is the thing of wearing the wrong clothes.

Make sure you bring your waterproof coat and trousers and it would be a good idea to wear your walking boots as I’m fairly confident that you will be pushing your bike up some of the hills.

A good pair of gloves and a hat are also essential, make sure the hat will fit under your helmet.

As we are setting off as soon as we get there pack your rucksack ready to ride and bring a separate bag to chuck in the bunkhouse with a dry set of clothes. Sleeping Bag, towel etc.

Anyone who has not returned their Parental Consent Form must do so on the Wednesday morning before we set off and also remember to pay your £20.

I will be doing a quick bike check before we load your bikes into the trailer so please make sure you have corrected any defects before Wednesday.

The area we are going to may have quite a bit of slate. So the chances of a puncture are quite high. Mending a puncture in the rain is not the best thing so if you need a spare inner tube let me know asap. I’m going to my local bike shop tomorrow, if you want me to grab you a spare inner tube then email me back. They are £3.35 each and are made by continental which are pretty good tubes. You can pay me back on Wednesday morning.

Dave Pemberton-SmithLichfield Explorers DESA

dave Mobile: 07739 041843 www.lichfieldexplorers.org.uk

In Touch (home Contact) – Mountain Bike Expedition

Hi All,

In line with the In Touch (Home Contact) procedure set out in the document Item code FS120075 Nov/09 Edition no1

Event: Mountain Bike Expedition
Date: 13th – 14th April 2011
Location: 31 Maengwyn Street Machynlleth Powys, SY20 8EB, Wales

Each Explorer attending the Mountain Bike Expedition has filled in a Parental Consent Form and the Leaders on the event will have these forms with them. In any case of emergency the Leaders will contact the relevant Parents/Guardians directly.

What if parents need to contact us?
Parents are asked to only make contact in an emergency.
Here are the contacts details should you need them:

Leaders
Nigel Theaker: 07715 494134
Paul Jennings: 07793 110261
Dave Pemberton-Smith: 07739 041843

Bunkhouse
Owner: Tegid
Website: www.reditreks.com
Landline: 01654 702184
Mobile: 07900 673089

Please contact the Leaders first and foremost as we will be able to communicate the message in the correct manner for the activity which is being undertaken at the time of contact.

In line with the In Touch (Home Contact) procedure it is not necessary for us to have a home contact for this event. However we have decided to have this in place as a back up. All the Explorer details have been given to Nick Reynolds and John Burdett (District Commissioner)

This email has been sent out to the Explorer E-Mail loop and is also available on the Explorer website

Dave Pemberton-SmithLichfield Explorers DESA

dave Mobile: 07739 041843 www.lichfieldexplorers.org.uk

April Program

All meetings start at 8pm at Beacon Park unless otherwise stated.

APRIL Wednesday 6	FORUM MEETING 7pm 8pm Flapjack making and the Units code of conduct and future structure.	If you are interested in helping to plan the future program then come along early and have you say. Flap Jack making (bring your own best toppings or items to mix in) Unit code of conduct (this will be done in groups during the evening) – we need an agreement from Explorers as to what is reasonable conduct during Explorer meetings; also we would like your thoughts on the future structure of the Unit. Is it too big, should we meet on more than one evening what are your thought on how we can improve things??? If you can’t make it please email me your thoughts nigel.theaker
Wednesday 13/ Thur 14th	Mountain Biking Expedition	Those doing the mountain bike badge will be away on their expedition. There will not be a Wednesday evening meeting.
Wednesday 20	Canoe and Kayak day Evening leaders meeting.	A day on the Water at Manor Park, Kings Bromley using canoes and Kayaks (you don’t need to be an expert to come along – open to all). Meet at 11am at Kings Bromley (or let me know if you can’t get there and need a lift); collect at 4pm a BBQ lunch will be provided. The cost will be £7 which covers use of the water and food. Bring clothes to boat in (you may get wet) and a change of clothes (changing rooms and showers available) Please email me if you are going No evening Explorers meeting.
Weekend 22-25	Beaudesert Service Team	A three night Beaudesert Service Team weekend stopping until Monday afternoon. Cost will be £10. Open to all who would like to come and help maintain the campsite. Indoor accommodation and all meals provided.
Wednesday 27	Bronze D of E practice expedition route plan And survival skills evening	This is a must attend evening for those doing Bronze DofE as you will be planning your practice expedition. The remainder will have the opportunity of learning some new survival skills with Dave.
Weekend 29-2	Sunday 1st	Lichfield Half Marathon – Marshall and drinks stage. 9am to 1pm free T shirt! PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP we need 30 people if possible.
MAY Wednesday 4th	Outdoor Cooking pre for the cooking completion	Interested in entering the District Cooking completion or just cooking and eating??? We will be cooking a posh meal out of doors.
Weekend 6-8	8th St George’s Day Service Bronze D of E practice expedition	Please try and attend as it’s an important day in the Scouting calendar and you will need to be in uniform with Scout or School trousers / skirts. The parade will form up in the Police Mutual Car Park, Queen Street at 13.00hrs and march off at 13.15hrs. – PROMPT (Note:- no parents or vehicles will be allowed into the Police Mutual Car Park). Finish 1530.
Sunday 15th	District Cooking Competition	How many teams can we enter this year??? Let’s make it an Explorer Competition as well.
Tuesday 17	Young Leader Training	Module D 7th HQ 8-30pm

Other dates for your diary

AUGUST 13th to 20th

Summer Camp

Places are going quickly – sign up now

Mountain Bike Expedition – Parental Consent Form

Hello people,

Sorry this is so late coming out. I have just uploaded the Parental Consent Form for the Mountain Bike Expedition, to the website.

Make sure you get it filled in and back to us by the 6th April, which is only a few days away.

I know you can get it sorted, after all you are Lichfield Explorers, and that means you are the best…..

Dave Pemberton-SmithLichfield Explorers DESA

dave Mobile: 07739 041843 www.lichfieldexplorers.org.uk

Website Updates

Ralph sent out an e-mail last week giving you details of how to set up your E-DofE. That is now available online just click on:
Badges & Awards, then Duke of Edinburgh, then E-DofE.

Plus in the right hand column is a box with any relevant material you may need to download and printout.

Mountain Biking

Hi Folks,

If you are coming out with us on Saturday for the Mountain Bike Badge keep on reading:

Meeting at Birches Valley
Time: 10:15am

You need to have:
Your bike, in good working order
Helmet
Basic Tool Kit
Lunch
Drink
Small Amount of Money

The weather is looking good, but make sure you pack a light waterproof.

Dave Pemberton-SmithLichfield Explorers DESA

dave Mobile: 07739 041843 www.lichfieldexplorers.org.uk

Lichfield Explorers – (for non mountain bikers): Chip Shop Crawl & Extreme Sweeping

This week 23/3 for those not doing mountain biking, we’ll be doing a chip shop crawl mixed in with extreme sweeping (a variation on extreme ironing – Google it). You will need:

• £2 for chips
• A dust pan & brush (if you want to bring one between a group of you then that’s cool)
• A digital camera

Meet at hut prompt, and we’ll dispatch teams quickly from there.