• MEMBERS of the Crossways scout group gathered together for their annual meeting and jamboree which is held at the campsite known as Brownjohn's copse. It is a marvellous opportunity for celebrating the achievements of the beavers, cubs and scouts and to hold the annual business meeting of the scout council.

The district commissioner for scouting in Dorchester, Mike Marsh used the opportunity to spring a surprise on four of the leaders. Each received the scout associations award for long service having completed 20 years service as leaders. They were the group's beaver leaders Mary Brewer and Sue Brown, assistant cub scout leader Tony Filder and myself as the group scout leader. Group chairman Mike Cullingham remarked on how fortunate the group has been to have such loyal leaders and that the quartet represented a total of 80 years work for the movement.

It was a shame that the weather was not as brilliant as in past years but there was still a respectable turnout of parents, members, well wishers and supporters. The group annual report was presented and a new committee elected and nominated for a further year. The business part of the evening was kept to a minimum before guests were able to tuck into a magnificent spread at the barbecue.

Assistant scout leader, Matthew (Bob) Hewish presented a cheque to the group from the money he raised on a sponsored cycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. He had very kindly chosen the group to be one of the beneficiaries from all that hard pedalling which took place in June 2007.

A new local band was making its outside debut and played for the entertainment of those present. Scout Matthew Chandler is one of the members of no regrets' who gave a very impressive performance and brought many compliments. The rain which had threatened during the evening brought events to an end. However there was one more piece of scouting tradition to be observed.

Even though it was raining, a group of diehard beavers and cubs stood defiantly around the fire circle with their raincoats on. They were not going to leave until there had been a camp fire sing song and it would have taken a mean spirited person to have refused. The rendition of a campfire version of singing in the rain' was especially relevant and sung with real meaning as the rain trickled off the end of the noses of those who were there !

It was lovely to see the beavers, cubs and scouts excitedly showing their friends around our land and explaining all the fun that they have. A very busy programme of activities and games have taken place over the last term and the young people not only want to share their achievements but welcome friends and new comers to Crossways to join in. As a result of the evening one or two have said they would like to join in September. All sections are open to boys and girls and so if you are interested in being part of one of the largest uniformed organisations in the world then give me a ring and I will put you in touch with the right section.

  • FINGERS are crossed for good weather as the scout troop goes on summer camp joining forces with the central Dorchester scout troop. They are going to East Grinstead and I gather that a packed programme of activities and projects are planned for the participants.
  • SCHOOL has finally broken up for the summer break and school teachers can breathe a long contented sigh of relief. However already details of September events are coming in and there seems to be a lot lined up for the village. Will Spackman has contacted me on behalf of the Crossways church appeal regarding the village fete being held on Sunday 15 September. Stallholders are invited to book a pitch for the event as there is limited space this year. So to avoid disappointment you need to contact Will or Joy on 01305 852663.
  • ANOTHER fund raising idea for the new church has been launched with the compilation of the St Aldhelm's churchmouse cookbook.' An appeal has been made for recipes and stories that go with them to put into this publication and to raise funds for the new church project. If anyone is interested in helping your contributions or suggestions can be passed to the organisers Sandra Sewell or Sylvia Brown or handed in at the regular serices held in the youth centre in Old Farm Way.