2020-10-04 Smoke Without Steam (opens in a new tab)
A trip to the Apedale Valley Light Railway for the their Smoke Without Steam event. Basically all the running locos over the weekend were petrol, diesel or battery powered – no kettles!
The Bloggers
Nick's Ramblings UK
- Active 2006–2020
- Posts 308
- Words 75,895
A UK Scout leader on fundraising, planning and teamwork, with podcast episodes.
A blog's life in posts
Every post, newest first
Showing 1–50 of 308 · page 1 of 7. Each title opens the post in a new tab.
A Poem (opens in a new tab)
The German Guns Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom Private S. Baldrick
Remember (opens in a new tab)
In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now…
Kids Today! (opens in a new tab)
When, in the media, young people are mentioned, it is normally that they've done something wrong and there is a lot of "tut tutting" and "the young people of today.." type comments. There will always be the ‘wrong uns' out there and sadly they are the ones that are talked about.
Remembrance Day 11-11-2014 (opens in a new tab)
For The Fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
A Book Launch (opens in a new tab)
Today I've done something I've not done before as Group Scout Leader. I represented the Group at a book launch (not that I've ever attended a book launch in a non Scouting role either!) at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Lichfield .
On the Radio (opens in a new tab)
Matt Hyde, the Scout Association's Chief Executive, was on Radio 4′s Today Programme this morning talking in the business section about Scouting and the report published saying employers need to give people time off to volunteer (see here) . It was a very good interview and talked about the need for more adult volunteers, girls in…
Remembrance Day 11-11-2013 (opens in a new tab)
For The Fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres.
The Alternative Promise (opens in a new tab)
The SA have announced the following - The Scout Association (TSA) has launched an additional alternative version to the core Scout Promise in order to officially welcome atheists into the Movement. Following an extensive 10-month consultation process within and outside of the Movement, TSA has introduced an additional alternative version of the Scout Promise that can…
Backup, Backup, Backup! (opens in a new tab)
Hello there! How've you all been? I've not been round here much recently, but that doesn't mean that I've not been doing lots of Scouting! I think one of the best things we've done recently was our 3rd Family Camp we had back in May.
A Couple of Videos (opens in a new tab)
A couple a videos I've made of our Drum Corps playing. The first one is from the St. George's Day Parade the District held in Newcastle and the second is the Drums playing on the bandstand again in Newcastle. Hope you enjoy!
Gone Home (opens in a new tab)
I've not written anything for a while. Not that there hasn't been any Scouting in my life, just nothing out of the ordinary or exciting / interesting to report. I was thinking of putting down a few lines today about the death of our ex Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and about some of the nasty, spiteful…
Goodbye to an Old Friend (opens in a new tab)
I was reading one of Scoutmaster Jerry's recent posts the other day and it contains the news that PTC Media is closing its doors. PTC hosted a number podcasts made by Scouters in the USA and was run by Cubmaster Chris.
The BSA Discusses (opens in a new tab)
This week it has been announced by the Boy Scouts of America that they are discussing the removal of their restriction on homosexuals becoming Leaders. As with our own consultation on allowing atheists to become Leaders here in the UK, it's a very contentious issue and there will be a lot of arguments on both…
Climbing Everest (opens in a new tab)
In 1988 I climbed Everest. Well part of it. On a scaffolding tower. In Stoke . I think I'd better explain. 1988 was the year Venture Scouting celebrated its 21st birthday. If I remember correctly, throughout the year there were a series challenges, 1 per month for each Unit to do.
The Cubs Cook for Me! (opens in a new tab)
One of the perks of being a Group Scout Leader is that as well as all the dull stuff (paperwork etc.), I get to do some nice things as well. Last night, the Cub's prepared a meal for invited guests to gain their Chef's badge.
2013 Census (opens in a new tab)
Each year, every Scout Group, District and County has to collate various bits of information (mainly numbers of people in each Group etc.) so that the Scout Association knows how many Scouts there are in the UK and so they know how much to charge us for capitation fees.
Happy Christmas (opens in a new tab)
I'd like to wish everyone who visits my site, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time and effort to comment on my posts, I really appreciate it, and I hope to see you all in 2013.
The Promise (opens in a new tab)
Can of worms – check. Tin opener – check. Apply opener to can and stand well back…… Ok, I am being a little facetious as this is an important subject. Today the Scout Association has announced that it is considering an alternative oath (promise) so that atheists can become full members.
It Was 20 Years Ago Today… (opens in a new tab)
Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play… No, hold on, that's not right. It 20 years ago I became a Scout Leader. Er no, it was 21 years and 7 months. Hmm, let's start again. The other day I logged on to the Scout Association's website to look up a few things and I thought…
2012 Remembrance Day Parade (opens in a new tab)
Following on from our previous two Remembrance Day parades ( 2011 & 2010 ), we decided to get a little more adventurous! Instead of just parading around the streets near our hall and on to Church and the Memorial, we started at one of our other local Churches (St.
Another Scout Hall Burgled (opens in a new tab)
It's sad to read that another of our local Scout halls has been burgled and around £5000 of equipment has been stolen. Hopefully the thieves will be caught and our friends from Werrington will get their stuff back. Full story here.
Remember 11-11-12 (opens in a new tab)
DULCE ET DECORUM EST Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs And towards our distant rest began to trudge. Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots But limped on, blood-shod.
My Week (opens in a new tab)
Phew, it's been a busy week for this Group Scout Leader. On Tuesday, I went to Scouts to see LOADS of badges awarded and to invest a new Scout and an Assistant Scout Leader. On Friday, I saw all the Beavers give presentations to the whole Colony about their hobbies – very impressive for 6 – 8…
Once a Scout.. (opens in a new tab)
Last Friday, I had the privilege to meet with one of our old Scouts. Frank is 90 year old and first joined, as a Cub, in 1930! He and his friend Bill stated out at Longport Cubs and Scouts, but when they were Scouts, the Troop closed and the came 'up the bank' to my…
Interlectual Property (opens in a new tab)
Back in 2008 I wrote about the importance of taking care of any Scouting related internet domains. This has been brought home to me recently as I have been trying to get a website closed! The three Districts in my area come together to run a Gang Show called ‘Screamline'.
The Olympics and Scouts (opens in a new tab)
To be honest, when it comes to sport, I am not interested (unless it an Ashes Test! ). However, I have been very impressed with the Olympic games that have just finished. The performances by some of the athletes have been truly impressive, be it Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton, Sir Chris Hoy or Hamadou…
A Soldier Writes (opens in a new tab)
I got this message sent to me the other day - Hello, I'll always remember my time with the Cubs and the Scouts because I reckon that it set the foundation for the man I am today. You may not know it but the time and effort you, (and the other Leaders) put into the Scouts…
In the Newspaper (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this month, my local newspaper, the Sentinel , in its Way We Were section, carried an article about my Group's Scouts who had been in the Troop and had been killed in the First and Second World Wars. I'd originally written to the paper thinking they put something in the letters section and the result…
Been a Bit Quiet Recently……. (opens in a new tab)
Sorry about the lack of updates, but I've been a bit busy with other things (mainly 2 small girls!). However, Scouting hasn't gone all quiet, in fact I have been quite busy. Two recent highlights have been the Beaver camp that I went on and the Group's Annual General Meeting / BBQ / Olympics event.
Gangs (opens in a new tab)
I saw this video about gangs today. Very thought provoking – take a look.
Pi and Scouts (opens in a new tab)
Yesterday, I managed to place my order for a Raspberry Pi. For those of you who don't know what that it is, it's - … a credit-card sized computer that plugs into your TV and a keyboard. It's a capable little PC which can be used for many of the things that your desktop PC
Captain Picard Likes Scouting (opens in a new tab)
I came across this video on Youtube from 4th Golcar Scout Group today. Being a bit of a Trekkie, I was very impressed that they had managed to get Patrick Stewart to record it for them. I wonder if we could get someone famous to do a video for us??
But It's Boring….. (opens in a new tab)
…is the kind of response you get when asking the Scouts (etc.) to go to St. George's Day Parade on a Sunday afternoon. And in a sense, they are right! It's not the same as hanging off a rock on a rope, paddling down a river in a canoe or even spending the night in…
Scouting Grows In Numbers (opens in a new tab)
It was very pleasing to read yesterday that the number of Scouts in the UK had risen again for the seventh year on the trot ( see here ). It was also pleasing to see that the number of 14 – 18 year olds showed a 6.8% increase.
My Group's Drums (opens in a new tab)
Following on from my last post about something from the past of my Group, comes something very up to date! Last night our Drum Corps had their first annual Band Inspection. All Scout Bands have a yearly inspection to ensure that they uphold the correct standards for a Scout band which performs in public.
My Group's Remembrance Site (opens in a new tab)
Today the part of our website that pays tribute to the members of the Troop who were killed in World War 1 and World War 2 is being relaunched When it was originally set up in 2005, the site had the list of the names that are on our War Memorial in St.
Internet Safety (opens in a new tab)
I was at an internet safety conference this week and a couple of things caught my eye with regard to Scouting and thought it would be worth sharing. Firstly is the Professionals Online Safety Helpdesk. This is for anyone who works with young people, whether voluntary or paid.
29th February (opens in a new tab)
Nothing really interesting or insightful to write today, but I couldn't pass up the chance to write something on the 29th of February! Won't be able to do this again until 2016.
Washes Dishes and Rhododendron (opens in a new tab)
I spent the weekend at Barnswood Camp (that's the view from the gate at the top of the page) with our Cubs and those from Berry Hill. This is our traditional yearly camp with them, although we are a couple of months late this time!
On Stage (opens in a new tab)
Last week, the Scouts were given a guided backstage tour of the Regent Theatre in Hanley by our Assistant Scout Leader. There was no show on, so we were able to go to areas the public never see. We even went the top of the stage – 21 metres high!
Nick & Kiff Discuss:- Should Girl Guiding UK & the Scout Association Merge? (opens in a new tab)
As I mentioned last time, Chris and I have had another discussion this time on the topic of "Should Girl Guiding UK & the Scout Association Merge?". This time it's on Chris's blog, Jabbering All Day Long. Have a read, here , and tell us what you think by leaving a comment.
I Do Wonder Sometimes….. (opens in a new tab)
Last April , the Scout Association launched the My Badges App for the iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad. This app has all the requirements for all badges, from the Beaver's right through to the Queen's Scout Award. And very useful it is too.
The Need for Volunteers (opens in a new tab)
There was in an interesting article in one of the newspapers the other day by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. In it he said that the likes of the Occupy London movement and Fred Goodwin use their skills to become volunteers for the Scout and Guide movements.
Busy Evening (opens in a new tab)
Phew! Last night I managed to visit the Troop, complete an Incident Report Form (not a quick thing to do), complete our annual census (our numbers are up – yey!) and reply to an enquiry from a prospective new Cub's mum!
The Duchess of Cambridge (opens in a new tab)
The news today is that the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William's wife and future queen, is to be volunteering with Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs close to where she is living, presumably in North Wales. Now the interesting thing about this is that she is going to actually help out at meetings and activities and…
Happy Christmas (opens in a new tab)
I'd like to wish everyone who visits my site, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I've been a bit busy with other things in my life just recently (her name is Laura and she's 8 weeks old!), but hopefully I'll be posting more again in the new year.
Bear Grylls Thanks Me! (opens in a new tab)
Ok, not me specifically, but all the adult volunteers who help with Scouts throughout the year. I have to say that it's a nice touch to get Bear to do videos like this. He doesn't have to do it, but it's nice to know that the work all the adult volunteers do is appreciated.
Discoveries (opens in a new tab)
Earlier this year I bought a book about the men who died in World War 1 and who are commemorated on the War Memorial in Wolstanton . I was quite interested to learn that three of the names on the Memorial are those of our Scouts who died in WW1 and that there is memorial to…
Gang Show (opens in a new tab)
Last week, some of my Group's Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Leaders went to watch the Burdi Boys Gang Show from Potteries North District (which was kind of our old District before things were changed in 2005). For those who don't know, a bit of history of the Gang Show from Wikipedia - In 1931, Ralph Reader…