Scouting in South East England - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Scouting in South East England is about Scouting

Scouting

Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....

in the official region of South East England

South East England

South East England is one of the nine official regions of England, designated in 1994 and adopted for statistical purposes in 1999. It consists of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey and West Sussex...

. The largest membership is represented by the Scout Association

The Scout Association

The Scout Association is the World Organization of the Scout Movement recognised Scouting association in the United Kingdom. Scouting began in 1907 through the efforts of Robert Baden-Powell. The Scout Association was formed under its previous name, The Boy Scout Association, in 1910 by the grant...

of the United Kingdom

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...

, while there is also a presence of traditional Scouting

Traditional Scouting

The Traditional Scouting movement refers to a back to basics effort that returns Scouting to a scheme intentionally based on Baden-Powell's own model of Scouting; rejecting the world-wide trend to "modernize" Scouting in order to appeal to more youths. This movement is very popular in Canada and...

groups, such as the Baden-Powell Scouts' Association.

The Scout Association administers the region into 9 Scout Counties

Scout Counties

A Scout County is an administrative division within The Scout Association of the United Kingdom. There are currently 115 Counties and Areas in the United Kingdom. These bodies are responsible for providing programmes and support for their member Scout Districts.The term County is used by England...

.

There are also three student associations at various universities in the region, each of which is affiliated to the Student Scout and Guide Organisation

Student Scout and Guide Organisation

The Student Scout and Guide Organisation exists to support Scouts, Guides, and people who have never been members of a Scout or Guide Association, who are students at Colleges and Universities in the United Kingdom and are interested in the aims, objectives, and methods of The Scout Association...

. These are centred at Oxford University (Oxford University Scout and Guide Group

Oxford University Scout and Guide Group

The Oxford University Scout and Guide Group is the oldest student Scout and Guide club in the United Kingdom, being originally founded in 1919. When Rover Scouts were part of Scouting in the UK, the Group included a Rover Crew, the 13th Oxford...

—the oldest such organisation in the United Kingdom), the University of Reading

University of Reading

The University of Reading is a university in the English town of Reading, Berkshire. The University was established in 1892 as University College, Reading and received its Royal Charter in 1926. It is based on several campuses in, and around, the town of Reading.The University has a long tradition...

, and the University of Southampton

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is a British public university located in the city of Southampton, England, a member of the Russell Group. The origins of the university can be dated back to the founding of the Hartley Institution in 1862 by Henry Robertson Hartley. In 1902, the Institution developed...

Royal Berkshire Scout County

Royal Berkshire is a Scout County concurrent with the ceremonial county of Berkshire

Berkshire

Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...

, and provides Scouting opportunities for 7,500 young people and adults in the area. The County includes the towns of Newbury

Newbury, Berkshire

Newbury is a civil parish and the principal town in the west of the county of Berkshire in England. It is situated on the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, and has a town centre containing many 17th century buildings. Newbury is best known for its racecourse and the adjoining former USAF...

, Reading

Reading, Berkshire

Reading is a large town and unitary authority area in England. It is located in the Thames Valley at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, and on both the Great Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway, some west of London....

, Bracknell

Bracknell

Bracknell is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, England. It lies to the south-east of Reading, southwest of Windsor and west of central London...

, Slough

Slough

Slough is a borough and unitary authority within the ceremonial county of Royal Berkshire, England. The town straddles the A4 Bath Road and the Great Western Main Line, west of central London...

and Windsor

Windsor, Berkshire

Windsor is an affluent suburban town and unparished area in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, England. It is widely known as the site of Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Royal Family....

, and their immediate environs.

Management of Scouting in the County of Berkshire is currently divided into eleven Scout District

Scout District

A Scout District is an administrative division within some Scouting and Guiding organisations.Districts are responsible for providing programme and support for local Scout and Guide groups, although the precise relationship and structure of a District does vary from country to country.-The Scout...

Kennet District
Loddon District
Maidenhead District
Pang Valley District
Reading Central District
Slough District
South Berkshire District
South-East Berkshire District
Taceham Hundred District
Windsor and Eton District
Wokingham District

The district map has been redrawn several time through the county's history, with the latest change at the end of 2005 to merge the district of East Reading into its two neighbours, Reading Central and Loddon.

Some aspects of Scouting are run cross-District, for example, Pang Valley and Reading Central have been running a shared Young Leader

Young Leaders (The Scout Association)

The Young Leaders' Programme is run alongside the main Explorer Scout Programme of The Scout Association in the United Kingdom. It is a formalisation of what was happening in many Groups and Districts across the country where older Scouts were returning to help the younger sections...

programme since late 2005, and the Explorer Scout

Explorer Scouts

Explorer Scouts , a section of the Scout Association in the United Kingdom for 14- to 18-year-olds, was introduced in 2001 replacing Venture Scouts . This was part of a greater change in programme, including the introduction of Scout Network for 18- to 25-year-olds...

Units have been running joint activities and events, too.

Notable Scout Groups

The 1st Reading (YMCA) Sea Scout Group is one of the founding troops of 1908.

WINGS

WINGS is a major event, open to all Scouts and Guides aged 10 to 25 in all parts of the world, and is normally held every 5 years in the County. It is a collaboration between Berkshire Scouts and Girlguiding Royal Berkshire

Girlguiding South West England

Girlguiding South West England is one of the nine Countries and Regions of Girlguiding UK. It is further subdivided into 16 Girlguiding Counties and Islands...

. Participants camp in Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park is a large deer park of , to the south of the town of Windsor on the border of Berkshire and Surrey in England. The park was, for many centuries, the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle and dates primarily from the mid-13th century...

, where many of the activities also take place. Other nearby sites are also made use of, such as Dorneywood Scout Camp and Wraysbury Lake.

The most recent event took place in August 2009 and provided an international experience with seven days of adventure, challenge and fun with opportunities to work with others from across the world and build new and lasting friendships. This was a year later than normal due to the World Scout Jamboree taking place in 2007. WINGS2009 was themed on Making A Difference, with participants encouraged to consider their role in making a positive impact on the lives of others alongside taking part in the fun, challenge and adventure offered by Scouting and Guiding.

The next event is due in the summer of 2014. It is anticipated to be around the same time as previous events in Windsor Great Park. The Steering Group was established in September 2010 and reports to the trustees of both organisations on high-level planning, financial budgeting and risk management. More information will be updated at www.wings2014.org.uk

International Expeditions

The County has a tradition of International Expeditions, where Scouting members from the age of 14 are able to experience and participate in activities outside of the UK. There was a hiatus in these large-scale expeditions prior to 2004, mainly due to low interest from Scouting members. Interest has since grown considerably.

2004—Slovenia
Slovenia
Slovenia , officially the Republic of Slovenia , is a country in Central and Southeastern Europe touching the Alps and bordering the Mediterranean. Slovenia borders Italy to the west, Croatia to the south and east, Hungary to the northeast, and Austria to the north, and also has a small portion of...

—a multi-activity camp in the former Yugoslav republic
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
2005—Slovenia—a return to the Eastern European country, but specifically for completion of the Explorer Belt
2006—Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...

—a multi-activity camp
There was no expedition in 2007, because of the World Scout and Guide Jamboree.
2008—Alps2008—a multi-activity camp
2010—Massif20-10—a multi-activity camp with a new development on water activities.

Aragon2012 is planned for the summer of 2012, aimed at members aged 14–25 across Berkshire, and will involve a range of adventurous activities as well as cultural opportunities. Current plans envisage expanding the provision to accommodate even more young people than in recent years. More information at www.berkshirescouts.org.uk/aragon2012

Three Towers Hike

Organised by Reading Central District Scouts in Royal Berkshire, the Three Towers Hike

Three Towers Hike

The Three Towers Hike is a Scouting-organised, downland hiking competition held annually covering footpaths in West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire...

is a competition hike held around Easter following routes through West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Walking is primarily along the Ridgeway

The Ridgeway

thumb|right|thumb|The ancient tree-lined path winds over the downs countrysideThe Ridgeway is a ridgeway or ancient trackway described as Britain's oldest road...

, although it does not take in the full distance. The event takes its name from the three water towers passed on the main route.

There are three classes to allow participation of Scouts, Explorers and Adult walkers.

Participation is not limited to members of the Scouting Association.

Buckinghamshire Scout County

Buckinghamshire Scout County is concurrent with the political county of Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan home county in South East England. The county town is Aylesbury, the largest town in the ceremonial county is Milton Keynes and largest town in the non-metropolitan county is High Wycombe....

. The County includes the towns of Aylesbury

Aylesbury

Aylesbury is the county town of Buckinghamshire in South East England. However the town also falls into a geographical region known as the South Midlands an area that ecompasses the north of the South East, and the southern extremities of the East Midlands...

, Buckingham

Buckingham

Buckingham is a town situated in north Buckinghamshire, England, close to the borders of Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire. The town has a population of 11,572 ,...

, High Wycombe

High Wycombe

High Wycombe , commonly known as Wycombe and formally called Chepping Wycombe or Chipping Wycombe until 1946,is a large town in Buckinghamshire, England. It is west-north-west of Charing Cross in London; this figure is engraved on the Corn Market building in the centre of the town...

, Marlow

Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Marlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England...

, and Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes , sometimes abbreviated MK, is a large town in Buckinghamshire, in the south east of England, about north-west of London. It is the administrative centre of the Borough of Milton Keynes...

.

The county is currently divided into twelve Scout Districts:

Aylesbury District
Buckingham and Winslow District
Chiltern North District
High Wycombe District
Long Crendon District
Marlow District
Milton Keynes Enigma District
Milton Keynes Great Ouse
Misbourne Valley
Vale of Aylesbury
West Chiltern
Woodlands

East Sussex Scout County

East Sussex Scout County is divided into eight districts, with roughly 100 Scout Groups in total:

Ashdown
Brighton and Hove
Eastbourne and District
Hailsham and Heathfield
Hastings, Rye and District
Lewes
Seahaven
Senlac

Notable Scout Groups

1st Ewhurst Scout Troop held their inaugural meeting on the lawn of Robert
Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell
Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....

and Olave Baden-Powell's
Olave Baden-Powell
Olave St Clair Baden-Powell, Baroness Baden-Powell, GBE was born Olave St Clair Soames in Chesterfield, England...

home, Ewhurst Place, on 1913-06-21. Olave was the Troop's Scoutmaster and the Assistant Scoutmasters were Annie Court, housemaid to the Baden-Powells, and the gardener. At the opening meeting, they used the Union flag
Union Flag
The Union Flag, also known as the Union Jack, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It retains an official or semi-official status in some Commonwealth Realms; for example, it is known as the Royal Union Flag in Canada. It is also used as an official flag in some of the smaller British overseas...

that had flown over Mafeking during the siege of 1889-90
Siege of Mafeking
The Siege of Mafeking was the most famous British action in the Second Boer War. It took place at the town of Mafeking in South Africa over a period of 217 days, from October 1899 to May 1900, and turned Robert Baden-Powell, who went on to found the Scouting Movement, into a national hero...

.

Hampshire Scout County

Hampshire Scout County is the largest in the United Kingdom, and consists of 27 Scout Districts.

Andover
Basingstoke East
Basingstoke West
Blackwater Valley
Bramshill
Chandlers Ford
City of Portsmouth
Eastleigh and District
Fareham East
Fareham West
Gosport
Havant
Itchen North
Itchen South
Meon Valley
New Forest East
New Forest North
New Forest South
New Forest West
Odiham
Petersfield
Romsey
Rotherfield
Silchester
Southampton City
Waterlooville
Winchester

The 1st Lymington appears to be the first Scout Troop in Hampshire in 1908. The 1st Eastleigh, 7th Bassett and 14th Highfield were formed in 1909. The Chief Scout

Chief Scout

The Chief Scout is the uniformed head of a Scouting organisation:*For the Chief Scout of the World see: Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell*For the head of The Scout Association see: Chief Scout...

, Robert Baden Powell

Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell

Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, Bt, OM, GCMG, GCVO, KCB , also known as B-P or Lord Baden-Powell, was a lieutenant-general in the British Army, writer, and founder of the Scout Movement....

toured Hampshire Scout troops in 1910. At that time there were 2,965 members in 104 troops in 22 Local Associations. The Grand Rally at Southampton Common on 2 October 1912, attended by Baden Powell, was recorded on film now available in the Hampshire Archives.

Isle of Wight Scout County

The Isle of Wight is served by a single Scout County, divided into two districts:

East Wight District
West Wight District

Kent Scout County

Kent Scout County is a Scout County of the Scout Association

The Scout Association

in the United Kingdom

United Kingdom

, covering the county of Kent

Kent

Kent is a county in southeast England, and is one of the home counties. It borders East Sussex, Surrey and Greater London and has a defined boundary with Essex in the middle of the Thames Estuary. The ceremonial county boundaries of Kent include the shire county of Kent and the unitary borough of...

. It is divided into the following Scout Districts:

Ashford
Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay
Dartford
Deal, Walmer and Sandwich
Dover
Faversham
Folkestone and Hythe
Gillingham
Gravesham
Maidstone East
Maidstone South
Maidstone West
Malling
Medway Towns
Romney Marsh
Sevenoaks
Sheppey
Sittingbourne & Milton
Swanley
Thanet
Tonbridge
Tonbridge Wells
Weald

The Loose + Swiss Scout Group in the Maidstone South District was started in 1908 by Jack Barcham Green a local Maidstone business man.

Kent Scout county has over 16,000 members with an active Water Activities and Land Activities team. The Land Activities includes the Invicta Mountaineering Club. Other county level teams include the Hullabaloo Roadshow.

Every four years, Kent organises an international jamboree bringing scouts from all over the world to a location in the county. The most recent was the gathering at The Shaws Guide campsite in Cudham

Cudham

Cudham is a village in the London Borough of Bromley in London, UK. It is located south-southeast of Charing Cross and about northwest of Sevenoaks....

, near Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks

Sevenoaks is a commuter town situated on the London fringe of west Kent, England, some 20 miles south-east of Charing Cross, on one of the principal commuter rail lines from the capital...

. 2,500 members of the scout association camped together for a week during the 2009 jamboree. The next will be in 2013.

Recently, Kent Scouts purchased a traditional Kentish barn, for use as an activity centre. Over the next 2 years, the barn will be developed to provide a whole host of modern facilities for use by the Scouts, as well as by the general public.

Oxfordshire Scout County

Oxfordshire Scout County covers the county of Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county in the South East region of England, bordering on Warwickshire and Northamptonshire , Buckinghamshire , Berkshire , Wiltshire and Gloucestershire ....

, and is divided into nine districts:

Abingdon
Banbury
Bicester
Didcot
King Alfred
Oxford Spires
South Chiltern
Wallingford
West Oxfordshire

Surrey Scout County

Surrey Scout County is concurrent with the political county of Surrey

Surrey

Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...

, and is divided into 18 districts:

Banstead
Caterham
Dorking
East Surrey
Epsom and Ewell
Esher
Farnham
Godalming
Guildford East
Guildford West
Haslemere
Leatherhead
Reigate
Runnymede
Spelthorne
Surrey Heath & District
Walton and Weybridge
Woking

West Sussex Scout County

West Sussex Scout County is divided into 11 Scout Districts:

Adur Valley
Arundel & Littlehampton
Bognor Regis
Chichester
Crawley
East Grinstead
Horsham Weald
Horsham West
Mid Sussex
Petworth & Pulborough
Worthing

Buckmore Park Scout Centre

Buckmore Park Scout Centre is a camping and activity centre located to the south of Chatham in Kent. The site is run by the Medway Towns District Scout Council of the Scout Association.

Buckmore Park underwent significant development after the adjacent M2 motorway

M2 motorway

The M2 is a motorway in Kent, England. It is 25.7 miles long and acts as a bypass of the section of the A2 road which runs through the Medway Towns, Sittingbourne and Faversham.- Route :...

was widened in 1995, as a number of buildings were demolished and replaced with newer facilities. On-site facilities included a swimming pool, a conference centre, an air rifle

Air gun

An air gun is a rifle , pistol , or shotgun that fires projectiles by means of compressed air or other gas, in contrast to a firearm, which burns a propellant. Most air guns use metallic projectiles as ammunition. Air guns that only use plastic projectiles are classified as airsoft...

range, archery

Archery

Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...

butts, a sports hall, a café, accommodation, a climbing

Climbing

Climbing is the activity of using one's hands and feet to ascend a steep object. It is done both for recreation and professionally, as part of activities such as maintenance of a structure, or military operations.Climbing activities include:* Bouldering: Ascending boulders or small...

tower, a caving

Caving

Caving—also occasionally known as spelunking in the United States and potholing in the United Kingdom—is the recreational pastime of exploring wild cave systems...

network, and an assault course. However, despite the new facilities, the site entered into administration

Administration (insolvency)

As a legal concept, administration is a procedure under the insolvency laws of a number of common law jurisdictions. It functions as a rescue mechanism for insolvent entities and allows them to carry on running their business. The process – an alternative to liquidation – is often known as going...

in 2003-04, and closed in 2005-06.

The site (excluding buildings) reopened in 2007. Scouting and Guiding groups of all ages are able to undertake a wide range of activities from camping

Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants leave urban areas, their home region, or civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or several nights outdoors, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motorhome, cabin, a primitive structure, or no...

and air rifle

Air gun

shooting, to caving

Caving

Caving—also occasionally known as spelunking in the United States and potholing in the United Kingdom—is the recreational pastime of exploring wild cave systems...

and orienteering

Orienteering

Orienteering is a family of sports that requires navigational skills using a map and compass to navigate from point to point in diverse and usually unfamiliar terrain, and normally moving at speed. Participants are given a topographical map, usually a specially prepared orienteering map, which they...

.

The uncertain future of the buildings lead to the relocation of the climbing wall to Lower Grange Farm, owned by the Scout County. This is currently under way, and is expected to be completed by February 2010.

Also located on the site is the Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, although this is a separate business to the Scout Centre. The Buckmore Park sports complex on the site closed in April 2003 and went into administration in 2008. A buyer is being sought for the 260 acres (1.1 km²) site. The Scout Association said the local scouts had an existing lease on the site and would work with the new owners to secure a future for young people at the park.

Longridge Scout Boating Centre

Longridge Scout Boating Centre is a water activity centre and campsite

Campsite

A campsite or camping pitch is a place used for overnight stay in the outdoors. In British English a campsite is an area, usually divided into a number of pitches, where people can camp overnight using tents or camper vans or caravans; this British English use of the word is synonymous with the...

on the River Thames

River Thames

The River Thames flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom. While it is best known because its lower reaches flow through central London, the river flows alongside several other towns and cities, including Oxford,...

near Marlow

Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Marlow is a town and civil parish within Wycombe district in south Buckinghamshire, England...

in Buckinghamshire. It was once owned by the Scout Association but it is now an independent Charity. The centre provides water activities such as Bell Boating, Dragon boat

Dragon boat

A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft traditionally made, in the Pearl River delta region of southern China - Guangdong Province, of teak wood to various designs and sizes. In other parts of China different woods are used to build these traditional watercraft...

, Canoeing

Canoeing

Canoeing is an outdoor activity that involves a special kind of canoe.Open canoes may be 'poled' , sailed, 'lined and tracked' or even 'gunnel-bobbed'....

, Rowing

Rowing (sport)

Rowing is a sport in which athletes race against each other on rivers, on lakes or on the ocean, depending upon the type of race and the discipline. The boats are propelled by the reaction forces on the oar blades as they are pushed against the water...

, Sailing

Sailing

Sailing is the propulsion of a vehicle and the control of its movement with large foils called sails. By changing the rigging, rudder, and sometimes the keel or centre board, a sailor manages the force of the wind on the sails in order to move the boat relative to its surrounding medium and...

, Kayaking

Kayaking

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle...

and Powerboating

Powerboating

Power boating describes activities performed in a motorized boat. Generally, a power boat has a high power-to-weight ratio and a hull design that allows for easy planing, which allows for higher speed and improved handling. Also, the shape of the actual boat is usually very streamlined, which...

. It also offers land based activities including Climbing

Climbing

, Team Challenge Zones and Disc golf

Disc golf

Disc golf is a disc game in which individual players throw a flying disc into a basket or at a target. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, "The object of the game is to traverse a course from beginning to end in the fewest number of throws of the disc." Of the more than 3000...

.

With a very good safety record, Longridge is recognised amongst activity centres as being a leading training centre for young people and their leaders. It as an approved British Canoe Union

British Canoe Union

The British Canoe Union is a national governing body for canoeing in the United Kingdom, whose stated purpose is "Helping and Inspiring people to go canoeing”....

centre and RYA (Royal Yacht Association) training centre. Each year the team at Longridge run a large number of courses ranging from basic beginner skills right through to advanced coaching and instruction.

Activities at Longridge are primarily aimed at young people, however when young people are not using the site, it is open to families and adult users. The Fire Service and Women's Olympic Rowing Team both train at the site. In addition they encourage local businesses to use the site for team development days.

Youlbury Scout Activity Centre

Youlbury Scout Activity Centre is one of the six Scout Activity Centres operated by The Scout Association across the United Kingdom, and is located to the west of Oxford

Oxford

The city of Oxford is the county town of Oxfordshire, England. The city, made prominent by its medieval university, has a population of just under 165,000, with 153,900 living within the district boundary. It lies about 50 miles north-west of London. The rivers Cherwell and Thames run through...

.

Youlbury is the oldest permanent Scout campsite in the United Kingdom, and acted as the National Headquarters when Gilwell Park

Gilwell Park

Gilwell Park is a camp site and activity centre for Scouting groups, as well as a training and conference centre for Scout Leaders. The 44 hectare site is in Sewardstonebury, Epping Forest, close to Chingford, London....

was commandeered by the British Army

British Army

The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...

during World War II

World War II

World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...

Royal Berkshire

There are three campsites within the County. Earleywood is the largest facility, while the other two (Paddicks Patch, based in Loddon District and just outside of the town of Woodley, and the 1st Burghfield & Sulhamstead Scout HQ, in the village of Burghfield and part of Pang Valley District) offer a single pitch with a fire-circle and a nearby hut.

All three campsites are available to all members of the Scout Association for activities.

Buckinghamshire

As well the Longridge Scout Boating Centre, Buckinghamshire Scout Association County is host to The Quarries Camping and Activity Centre

The Quarries is owned and operated jointly by the two Milton Keynes District Scout Councils. It is located near the village of Cosgrove

Cosgrove

People whose family name is or was Cosgrove include:* Clayton Cosgrove , New Zealand politician* Daniel Cosgrove , American actor* Hazel Cosgrove, Lady Cosgrove , Scottish Queen's Counsel and sheriff...

on the northern edge of Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes

. As well as a range of camping sites and indoor accommodation there is an indoor air rifle

Air gun

range, outdoor archery

Archery

range and scoutcraft activities.

In addition to Scouting activities, the Quarries also hosts many Girl Guiding camps and school parties during Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions.

Hampshire

Ferny Crofts, in the New Forest

New Forest

The New Forest is an area of southern England which includes the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in the heavily-populated south east of England. It covers south-west Hampshire and extends into south-east Wiltshire....

near Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Lyndhurst is a village and civil parish in the New Forest, Hampshire, England. It is a popular tourist location with many independent shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, pubs and hotels. The nearest city is Southampton located around nine miles to the north-east...

, is owned by the Scout Association Hampshire County Scout Council. It provides camping facilities plus indoor accommodation and activities including climbing, shooting, archery and a zip wire. In 2009, Ferny Crofts became a National Scout Activity Centre.. Other scouting and non-scouting campsites in Hampshire include:

Solent Scout Training Centre (Lyons Copse)
Harry's Island
Wilverley
Runway's End
Pinsent
Cranbury Park
Cricket Camp
Foxlease Training and Activity Centre (owned and operated by Girlguiding UK
Girlguiding UK
Girlguiding UK is the national Guiding organisation of the United Kingdom. Guiding began in the UK in 1910 after Robert Baden-Powell asked his sister Agnes to start a group especially for girls that would be run along similar lines to Scouting for Boys. The Guide Association was a founder member of...

)
Sandy Acres (also owned by Girlguiding UK)

Surrey

The Scout Association Surrey County Scout Council manages Bentley Copse Campsite, which is situated in the Surrey countryside, an area of outstanding natural beauty, about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the village of Shere. Adjacent to the site is the Hurtwood, some 4000 acres (16.2 km²) of mixed woodland. This area has numerous footpaths and bridleways suitable for hiking, orienteering, wide games and nature study. The site also offers a range of activities including Air Rifle Shooting, Climbing, Abseiling, Archery and its own Swimming Pool.

Surrey is also home to Walton Firs Campsite. It was purchased from the Scout Association by Walton Firs Foundation in June 2008. It is now an Activity Centre used by many educational and activity organisations including schools, youth centres, Scouts, Guides, faith and special needs groups.2007 Centenary

Scouting 2007 Centenary

The Scouting 2007 Centenary comprised celebrations around the world in which Scouts celebrated 100 years of the world Scout movement. The original celebrations were focused on the United Kingdom, such as the camp on Brownsea Island, the birthplace of Scouting, and the 21st World Scout Jamboree in...

celebrations were held at Walton Firs, with Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden

Carl XVI Gustaf is the reigning King of Sweden since 15 September 1973, succeeding his grandfather King Gustaf VI Adolf because his father had predeceased him...

visiting during the camp.

Surrey has a number of smaller sites run by Scout Districts and neighbouring counties. These include:

Birchmere
Boiderhurst
Bourne Copse
Garners Field
Little Acres
Park Farm
Polyapes
Ranmore
Roverdene
White Beeches

Gang Shows

Basingstoke

Basingstoke is a town in northeast Hampshire, in south central England. It lies across a valley at the source of the River Loddon. It is southwest of London, northeast of Southampton, southwest of Reading and northeast of the county town, Winchester. In 2008 it had an estimated population of...

Gang Show started in 1980. It takes place every two years at the Haymarket Theatre.

The Brighton

Brighton

Brighton is the major part of the city of Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England on the south coast of Great Britain...

Gang Show began in 1959, and ran for 30 shows until 1996. Between 1959 and 1991 the show was staged at the Brighton Dome

Brighton Dome

The Brighton Dome is an arts venue in Brighton, England that contains the Concert Hall, Corn Exchange and the Pavilion Theatre. All three venues are linked to the rest of the Royal Pavilion Estate by an underground tunnel to the Royal Pavilion in Pavilion Gardens and through shared corridors to...

.

Epsom

Epsom

Epsom is a town in the borough of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England. Small parts of Epsom are in the Borough of Reigate and Banstead. The town is located south-south-west of Charing Cross, within the Greater London Urban Area. The town lies on the chalk downland of Epsom Downs.-History:Epsom lies...

Gang Show started in 1975. It runs every second year in the Epsom Playhouse

Gosport

Gosport

Gosport is a town, district and borough situated on the south coast of England, within the county of Hampshire. It has approximately 80,000 permanent residents with a further 5,000-10,000 during the summer months...

Gang Show started 1978.

Hastings

Hastings

Hastings is a town and borough in the county of East Sussex on the south coast of England. The town is located east of the county town of Lewes and south east of London, and has an estimated population of 86,900....

Gang Show started in 1966 and has been held continuously every year in November at the White Rock Theatre. The Gang in recent years has involved up to 150 young people from all sections including some members from the Guides.

Hedge End

Hedge End

Hedge End is a town and civil parish located in Hampshire in England. It is situated to the east of the City of Southampton, adjoining the districts of West End and Botley. Hedge End lies within the Borough of Eastleigh and is part of the Southampton Urban Area.It is sometimes mistakenly claimed...

Gang Show at Wildern School, Hedge End, Southampton.

High Wycombe

High Wycombe

Gang Show started in 1986.

Maidstone

Maidstone

Maidstone is the county town of Kent, England, south-east of London. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town linking Maidstone to Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically, the river was a source and route for much of the town's trade. Maidstone was the centre of the agricultural...

Gang Show was started in 1939. It has been staged almost every two years since 1970.

The Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes

Gang Show began in 1990 and has run 20 consecutive shows in the local area including the Milton Keynes Theatre and Stantonbury Campus Theatre.

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is a county in the South East region of England, bordering on Warwickshire and Northamptonshire , Buckinghamshire , Berkshire , Wiltshire and Gloucestershire ....

Gang Show started in 1951.

The South East Berkshire Gang Show started in 1970. It grew larger and moved to Camberley

Camberley

Camberley is a town in Surrey, England, situated 31 miles southwest of central London, in the corridor between the M3 and M4 motorways. The town lies close to the borders of both Hampshire and Berkshire; the boundaries intersect on the western edge of the town where all three counties...

Civic Hall where it stayed until moving to the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park

South Hill Park

South Hill Park is a site that lies in the Birch Hill estate to the south of Bracknell town centre, in Berkshire, England.-History:The original South Hill Park mansion was built in 1760 for William Watts for his retirement from service as a senior official of the Bengal Government...

, Bracknell

Bracknell

Bracknell is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, England. It lies to the south-east of Reading, southwest of Windsor and west of central London...

. A show is produced every year in February. The Gang consists of around 180 people.

Surrey Heath

Surrey Heath

Surrey Heath is a local government district with Borough status in Surrey, England. Its Council is based in Camberley. Much of the area is within the Metropolitan Green Belt....

Gang Show started in 2004.

Thanet

Thanet

Thanet is a local government district of Kent, England which was formed under the Local Government Act 1972, and came into being on 1 April 1974...

Gang Show celebrated 60th show in 2010. Started in 1946 as Margate Gang Show.

The Winchester

Winchester

Winchester is a historic cathedral city and former capital city of England. It is the county town of Hampshire, in South East England. The city lies at the heart of the wider City of Winchester, a local government district, and is located at the western end of the South Downs, along the course of...

Gang Show was started in 1955.

The Worthing

Worthing

Worthing is a large seaside town with borough status in West Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, forming part of the Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton conurbation. It is situated at the foot of the South Downs, west of Brighton, and east of the county town of Chichester...

Gang Show first ran for four nights in October 1967, and was awarded the Red Scarf in 1971. It was staged every two years up until 2001, with the following shows in 2004, 2007 and 2009.

Royal Berkshire Scout County

Notable Scout Groups

WINGS

International Expeditions

Three Towers Hike

Buckinghamshire Scout County

East Sussex Scout County

Notable Scout Groups

Hampshire Scout County

Isle of Wight Scout County

Kent Scout County

Oxfordshire Scout County

Surrey Scout County

West Sussex Scout County

Buckmore Park Scout Centre

Longridge Scout Boating Centre

Youlbury Scout Activity Centre

Royal Berkshire

Buckinghamshire

Hampshire

Surrey

Gang Shows

See also