Month: May 2017

Scouts Trip To Rathlin

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 20 May 2017

We are planning a trip to Rathlin Island on Saturday 3rd June. We will be visiting the seabird centre in the hope of seeing puffins, choughs,peregrine falcons and other bird species which breed on the island cliffs. As we walk from the harbour to the sanctuary this trip will also count towards the scout hill walking activity badge/hikes away.
The cost of the trip is £15. This is to cover the cost of transport tp Ballycastle and return trip by ferry to the island and entry to the seabird centre. Your scout will need to wear full uniform, comfortable shoes/hiking boots and bring a rain coat. Also bring a day sack containing a packed lunchand two bottles of water (and a snack to ea along the way).
Please let David (07709972999) know by text/ phone call, no later than Monday 22nd May, if your scout wil be attending this outing as ferry tickets needed t be booked in advance.
We need to leave the scout hall at 8:15am sharp on Saturday morning and plan to return to the scout hall at tea time.
PAYMENTS of £15 should be made through PayPal (see website for link) RATHLIN and scouts name e.g. RATHLINPETER Payments should be made no later than Friday 26th May.

Camps Explorers

May Explorer Expedition

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 20 May 2017

May EXPLORER EXPEDITION

We will be hiking, bushcrafting and camping in the vicinity of Binevenagh Mountain and Forest.

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

EXPEDITION LEADER: David Hoy – 07516590708

OUTBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Saturday 27th May at 11:00 am.

INBOUND PICK UP: Ballymoney Scout Hall, Sunday 28th November at 11:00 am.

The total cost is £7 (This includes all meals, activities and transport)

PLEASE PAY AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

KIT LIST

Socks x 4
Trousers x 2
Underwear x 2
Shirt / T-Shirt x 2
Warm Jumper / Hoody
Outdoor Coat
Waterproof Trousers
Light Towel
Hiking Boots
Head Torch
Hand Torch (Please charge / replace batteries for both of these.)

Anti Midge Spray / (Head Net if you’re feeling fancy)
Sandwich / Freezer Bag Containing ¼ packet of wipes
Packet of Hankies / Freezer Bag with several lengths of Toilet Roll
Small Bottle of Antibacterial Gel (super cheap at the checkout in Lidl 😉
Personal Medications (Must be discussed on accompanying medical consent form)
Sleeping bag + Liner if needed (It’ll be needed if you are using a 2 season bag or are a cold sleeper)
Travel Pillow (or just bring an empty pillowcase – stuff your spare jumper into it to make a pillow 😉
Roll Mat or Self Inflating Mattress (Let me know if you need one, I know where we can borrow some if needed.)
Plate, Knife, Fork, Spoon. (Maybe even a Spork? Whatever floats your boat.)

KIT NOTES

Get all of the above washed, waterproofed and lashed into a rucksack, we’re not camping far from the minibus so no probs if you want to pack your sleeping bag separately for handyness.
If bringing a mobile phone, fully charge it, ensure it is in a suitable case and make sure that a ‘find my phone’ app is installed, active and the phone owner understands how to operate the app. (I’d rather they were left at home, but that’s against the grain of modern scouting. Note the emphasis on the case – if it’s not cased it’s getting broke where we’re going.)

ITINERARY

We will head out to the Mountain in the group Minibus, decide which campsite we should use based on local conditions, explore the area for resources and when happy make lunch.
Following Lunch we’ll take in one of Binevenagh’s fine walking routes. If we’re lucky and have a dry day we’ll go for this epic adventure. Failing that we’ll take in some of the more sheltered routes through the forest. This will of course be judged at the time taking into account everyone’s fitness / preparedness / willingness.
On return to base we’ll build a simple tent & hammock camp and then proceed to have a Braai on the Hill. (Wood fire + Meat, Marinades and Salads 🙂
In the morning we’ll have a healthy(ish) breakfast, break camp and return to base.

PAYMENT

We use Paypal to process our payments to ensure your security. You DO NOT NEED a paypal account to make a payment.

It is essential that when making this payment you make sure you note the members name and “MAYEXP”.

Use the button below to make payment, if you have any problems please contact the treasurer: treasurer@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk

Questions? Don’t delay

Call Skip Now:- 07516590708

skipper@ballymoneyscoutgroup.co.uk

Explorers

Explorers Mountain Report – Slieveanorra

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 12 May 2017

Mountain: Slievanorra | Range: Antrim Plateau | Height: 499m | Patrol Length: 4km / 2.4 mi
Pushed for time the unit headed for a quick and easy patrol high in the Glens of Antrim. Ballymoney to Magherahoney, up the winding road for Altarichard, then on to the first layby after the bridge to rest the van and take to Shank’s Pony for the rest of the climb.
An easy trek this; Over the gate a track firmly gravelled by vehicles servicing the twin radio masts at the summit winds to to the top. The first section is in plantation forest and is quite steep. Soon the trees give way to blanket bog interspresed with sheughs and wildflowers.
After a few switchbacks the unit settled into the heather to regroup and soak in the view so I took the chance to settle my hammering heart (seriously unfit!!!) and tell the tale of the Battle of Aura very badly*.
Another few switch backs and we found the memorial to the men who lost their lives during WW2.

Timeline of Aircraft 124451:

We headed onward to the summit to annihilate a Carrot Cake and punnet of Red Grapes 🙂
The summit of Slievanorra normally reveals 90% of the province of Ulster and a fair lump of Western Scotland, but with the heat haze the unit had to imagineer the summits of the distant mountains Skipper was describing as far away targets for another day.
MMM CARROT CAKE! (too hot for tea)

Back down the hill at a gentle place, with a spectacular sunset beaming at us.

CONDTIONS: Firm gravel road, steep in places but accessible to most.
WEATHER: Superb hiking weather: Warmish with lashings of sunshine and a gentle cool breeze as we approached the summit.
SCENIC VALUE: Awesome. You can see the Mournes, Sperrins, Derryveagh and Cuillin Ranges, provided the air is clear enough. No litter or dog poop.
(People complain about the radio masts on the summit and then complain about not being able to stream the footy…)

Tags Co. Antrim, Glens of Antrim, Hill Walking, Sunset

News Uncategorised

Portacabin delivery

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 6 May 2017

Early morning delivery from LacPatrick Dairys NI(Ballyrashane Creamery) by Castle Engineering. The group would like to thank LacPatrick Dairys for the donation of the portacabin and Castle Engineering (Paul and jimmy) for transporting it to the hall then lifting it into place.

Explorers

Explorers meet Binevenagh

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 5 May 2017

Over the past two weeks Ballymoney Explorer Scout Unit have been trekking over Binevenagh, one of our most striking mountains.
This has been in preparation for an upcoming camp on the mountain.
More info to follow 🙂

Cubs News

Cubs at First Ballymoney

Post author By DHWPadmin
Post date 3 May 2017

Tonight Cubs visited 1st Ballymoney Presbyterian Church as part of their Faith Badge. The Minister Gareth showed the cubs the stained glass, talked about the history of the church (Built in 1777!) ran a quiz and gave some valuable lessons and advice. He fielded questions and provided answers when cubs went slightly askew with their logic…(Most special part of a church?Answer given – the giant Bean tin….) The trip rounded off with a visit to the pulpit and the original chair (1647!)
Many thanks to Gareth, the church for having us and our Chair – Helen for putting us in touch.

Camps Scouts