Abbeyside Scout Notes 2nd July 2007

4th Waterford Unit
St Joseph’s
Abbeyside
Scouting Ireland

Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop & Venture Scout Notes

02/07/2007

Glenshelane Official Opening
The day had arrived, after much planning and hard work it was time to Officially Open the new Cabin in Glenshelane Scout Campsite, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. It was a day that had been a very long time in the planning, you might even say a ‘Day Dream’ of those involved with the 4th Waterford and Glenshelane Scout Campsite.

As the Friends of the 4th Waterford Unit, Fellow Scouters, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venture Scouts, Leaders, and Committee Members all arrived for a three o’clock Mass being said by Fr. Nicholas O’Mahony PP, in place of Fr Tim O’Riordan PP & Troop Chaplin, who was unable to attend, Fr. O’Mahony himself being a past Troop Chaplin of the 4th. The congregation was seated as the 4th Waterford Unit filed in around the marquee for Mass to begin. Conor Harty and Malachy Lawless assisted Fr. O’Mahony as Altar Servers. Readings were by Declan Leonard and Kevin Brazel. Ryan Keane, Patrick Dunphy, Dylan Lawless and James Harty. Nora Power helped with Communion.

Fr. O’Mahony spoke of the long tradition of Scouting in Abbeyside, and his association with the 4th Waterford. He went on to speak of the Leaders of the past and their impact on the young men who passed through the doors of the Scout Den, this knowledge of Scouting, and in particular that of the 4th, was very touching, and captured the mood of the day.

It was over to Group Chairperson Jim Shine, to say a few words, he thanked all present for attending giving a special mention to, Michael John Shinnick, (representing the Chief Scout Chief Commissioner Adult Recourses, Francis Minogue, Provincial Commissioner South East Province, Tom O’Neill County Commissioner Waterford Scout County, Waterford Scout County Programme Co-Ordinators, Waterford Scout County Officers, Tom O’Donoghue, Coillte, Dennis Slattery, Colin Carthy (representing his son Neill) Jenny and Ann Power Dungarvan Girl Guides, Michael Power SEMRA and Fr. Nicholas O’Mahony PP. Jim then spent a short time explaining to those who did not know how the funding became available to make the building of the Cabin possible. He then made a small presentation of ‘Thank You’ pins to Dennis Slattery and Colin Carthy (representing his son Neill) on behalf of the 4th Waterford Unit. Finishing up his speech Jim stressed that the Patrol System was the building blocks for Scouting, Older Scouts passing on to Younger Scouts the skills and knowledge passed on to them when they were the skills and knowledge passed on to them when they were Young Scouts themselves. He then passed over to County Commissioner Tom O’Neill who had a number of presentations to make, he explained what the Awards he was about to present were they were Service Awards. First he Awarded 25 Year Service Awards, they were presented to Vincent O’Mahony, Jim Shine, Fintan Strain, and Brian Mulvihill. 20 Year Service Award was presented to Geoff Shephard, 10 Year Service Award was presented to Brendan Kiersey and William Whelan was presented with a 5 Year Service Award. Tom then presented a Scouting Ireland Community Award to the 4th Waterford Unit for its 75 Years of Scouting, Clan Leaders Ruari Conway and Patrick Dunphy were presented with the Award on behalf of the Unit. Michael Shinnick Chief Commission Of Adult Resources, then presented Fintan Strain with a Silver Merit Award for his work in Scouting. It was the over to Group Leader Brian Mulvihill who presented a Flag on behalf of the Guides to Glenshelane Scout Campsite and Fintan.

Fr. O’Mahony then proceeded to Bless the New Cabin and Michael Shinnick cut the ribbon to Official Open the Cabin. Following which a few photo’s were taken. Refreshments were then enjoyed in the Cabin which only the cutting of a very fine cake. The day finished off with stories being told of past Camps and hikes, before the tidy began. The Leaders continued this later back in the Abbeyside.

There are a lot of People that need to be thanked for helping us out and making the Opening the big success that is was, Mrs. Walsh for the Wonderful Cake both in decoration and taste, Connie for the food, Ciara for setting the food out, Geraldine Harty for her help, John Harty for driving people up the avenue, all the Cubs, Scouts and Ventures who were present on the day, to all the Parents and Friends, to all the Scouters who were able to attend. To all the Leaders of the 4th who work so hard to keep the Unit going and give of their time freely, to Brian ‘Muller’ Mulvihill, Group Leader, Gearoid Fraher, Cub Leader, Sandy Griffin, Venture Leader, David Hickey, Kieran Harty, Michael Organ, Assistant Leaders, Brendan Kiersey, Scout Leader. Eamonn Terry was thanked in his absence. To Paddy for driving the lorry with the marquee, to all the Committee, Willie, Geoff, Fintan, Vinny, and Jim. Well done to all concerned, it truly was a great day.

Church Gate Collection
Over the weekend of the 30th June and 1st July we held our Annual Church Gate Collection. We would like to thank all the people who gave so generously to our collectors. And also to all our collectors who worked so hard in not so nice weather at times. A very special well done and thanks to the three Patrol Leaders whom work hard to organise all the Scout collectors. So well done Tom, Aaron and Joe for the effort they put in. I can assure you that all monies will be put to very good use.

Photos
The Archive has been presented with copies of two Scouting photograph’s from the fifty’s. These were very kindly given by an Older Scout and we thank you. The pictures are of Past Scout Leader Ciril O’Feaghail and Group Chairman Jim Shine. They will be available for viewing in the Archive soon. If anyone has old Scout Photo’s we would love to be able to copy them, and add them to our very extensive records, which are available for viewing in the Abbeyside Reference Archive any Sunday.

Cub Scout Pack Meeting
The Cub Scout Pack meeting was back to its normal Saturday Night from seven to eight. This was a mufti meeting. The meeting started with Ruari saying the Cub Scout Prayer. The meeting was packed full of games and fun. But first off Gearoid did ‘Roll Call’. It was then down to some games like ‘Who Stole My Chicken’ this always gives the Cubs a great laugh as they try to find who has the ball. Also played was the ‘Card’ games, here each of the Clans compete against each other to fill a suit in a deck of cards, first with all their suit filled wins. There was even time for a game of Soccer, this proved to be close with Mathew and Ruari scoring goals but after normal time the two teams were tied on three each, so it was decided to go to penalties, and both teams scored one out of three. It had to go to sudden death shoot out. But it was Patrick’s Team that lost and Ruari’s Team won. Gearoid spoke about badge work that was being done and everyone will be given the summer months to complete.

The meeting ended with the Cub Scout Prayer by Ruari. If there should be any questions about the Cubs last few meetings contact Gearoid if you have any questions.

Scout Troop Meeting
The meeting this week was mufti and was from eight to nine. The Scout Prayer started the meeting following which ‘Roll Call’ was done by Brendan. It was then also time for a few games to be played. First off a relay game was played with the teams closely contending each leg. Island hop was then played each team was first given two chairs and a third was placed between the start and the stage. Each team had to make it to the stage without touching the ground, Eagle Patrol won the first race, but each team lost a chair and had to get from the stage to the start point, it was the Tiger Patrol who won here. There was just enough time for a talk about Annual Camp before finishing up with the saying of the Scout Prayer. Each Patrol is to check out their gear for Camp contact your Patrol Leaders for when this is.

Venture Scout Group Meeting
Venture Scout Group Meeting was Saturday night at seven, they spoke of how they are going to participate in the Dungarvan Hill Walking Club’s Comeragh Crossing, contact Sandy for further details.

Cub Scout Pack - Information
If there is anyone who may be interested in joining the Cubs have an adult call along with you to the meeting and talk to one of the Leaders. The Cub age is from 8 years to 10½ /11 years. The normal meeting is on a Saturday Night from seven to eight. All Cubs must wear their neckerchief for Uniform and Non-Uniform Meetings and Activities.

Scout Troop - Information
If there is anyone who may be interested in joining the Scouts have an adult call along with you to the meeting and talk to one of the Leaders. The Scout age is from 10½ years to 15/16 years. The normal meeting is on a Saturday Night from eight to nine. All Scouts must wear their neckerchief for Uniform and Non-Uniform Meetings and Activities/Hikes.

Uniform Parts
The Scout and Cub Scout Uniform are available from the Outdoor Adventure Store, Mc Curtain Street, Cork. We carry some items such as Group Badge €3-50, Group Neckerchief €5-50, Woggle €1-50, and Group Baseball Cap €15-00. As well, as some other small items. Just ask the Leaders and they will help you out.

Full Uniform
Full Uniform is Black Polished Shoes/Boots, Navy/Black Socks, Uniform Trousers, Uniform Jumper (Cubs), Uniform Shirt (Scouts), Group Neckerchief, Woggle, Lanyard (Scouts), Whistle (Scouts), Badges, Group Cap, Uniform Jacket (Scouts). Any Scout or Cub in the Unit longer than six weeks should have this Uniform. Scouting Ireland is a Uniformed Organisation.

Blogspot
Please leave us a comment and tell us what you think, If you have a picture that you would like to have added to the blog get in touch with Brendan. www.abbeyside.blogspot.com .You can keep up to date with any events down at the Scout Den as well as other pictures.

Scribe.