INSPECTION OF 1^st CUDDINGTON SEA SCOUTS – 16 JAN 08

1.                  This land based inspection was held at the Group’s Headquarters in Worcester Park.  In attendance were Mr M Gerrard, Regional Commissioner for SE England, Mrs T Griffin, Deputy County Commissioner, Mr N Bird, District Commissioner, and many members from the District Team.

2.                  The Inspection commenced when Lt Cdr Griffiths was piped onboard in an exemplary fashion for which the piper is commended.  Colours was conducted with full ceremony in a disciplined and proper manner, again accompanied by good piping following which the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers dispersed to activity bases.

3.                  The Beavers were fully engaged in making book marks whilst the Cubs were playing a game which involved them knowing the parts of a boat.  The Scouts were involved in a wide variety of activities including First Aid (ongoing instruction in preparation for their Emergency Aid stage 2 badge), cooking of ration packs, survival skills, chartwork, and pioneering.  The 1^st  Cuddington Scouts were joined by a patrol of Sea Scouts from the nearby 1^st Ruxley Troop with whom they have a close liaison particularly for the water activities and these Scouts were planning a water based expedition to the Isle of Wight. The Explorers were receiving instruction in First aid and the proper clothing to wear on the water.  All activities were practically based and well led by qualified, enthusiastic, instructors who fully engaged with the receptive Youth.  It was especially good to see the close relationship with the 1^st Ruxley Sea Scouts.

4.                  Following the activities the Group fell in once more for formal inspection. All were smartly turned out although more attention to polishing of shoes would have enhanced the overall impression.  When spoken to the Scouts and Explorers described a most active and enjoyable programme.  They thoroughly enjoy the outdoor activities which not only include regular water based activities but also survival camps, summer camp and other weekends away.  This year their summer camp will be at Longridge and weekends away include white water canoeing in February and several sailing weekends at Cobnor.

5.                  The large Explorer Unit have a new Leader and it is hoped that they will build on their Scouting experiences to gain additional water qualifications and progress through both the D of E and Scouting award schemes. 

6.                  The Group are active within the District, where they fare well, and also take part in the National Scout Pulling Regatta and The Great River Race.  It is a considerable achievement just to complete this 22 mile pulling race on the Thames so the Inspecting Officer was especially honoured to be able to present the Under 14 team with the trophy for winning their age group – Well done.  Whilst they have participated in the RN Scheme events in the past they have not done so in the last 18 months and are encouraged to do so again in the near future.  In particular the Explorers are strongly encouraged to participate in the autumn Explorer Camp.  The Group have applied with Ajax Sea Scouts for an Admiralty grant to install pilings at their joint water activities centre on the Thames.  This will significantly improve their boat moorings and has the full support of the Inspecting Officer.

7.                  They have a long established relationship with a Dutch Sea Scout Group who are visiting UK this year.  Their programme will include a visit to HMS BRISTOL as well as London.  The Troop have also establishing relations with a New Zealand Sea Scout Troop in Auckland which may lead to a New Zealand team entering the Great River Race in 2009/10.

8.                  The Group share an excellent water activities facility with Ajax Sea Scouts and open this to other local Sea Scout Groups, thus it is a well used facility. They have a large and balanced fleet of well maintained boats.  Their Headquarters in Worcester Park is an aged and tired looking but sound building that has recently been surveyed and given at least another 20 years life. With the deferral of the new build plans they have plans to invest in the building with repairs to the roof, modification of some of the rooms, refurbishment of the toilet facilities, and internal painting.  Funds for these repairs/refurbishment are currently being raised, mainly through Grant aid from organisations such as B&Q.

9.                  The long established and already strong Leadership team have recently been supplemented by the addition of a Group Scout Leader and Explorer Scout Leader plus assistant. These will further strengthen this team and the benefits are already becoming apparent.  Following the change of Group Chairman last year the Group Executive continues to develop and should soon be complete with a new secretary.  Parental support is good when it is requested.  Their main fund raising is currently through gift aid, grants and e-bay sales.

10.              Following the formal inspection 5 Scouts were invested followed by the award of Leader Warrants, a Wood Badge, Long Service award and the Great River Race U14 Trophy. The inspection concluded with prayers and evening Colours, again conducted with full and proper ceremony, before the Group were fallen out and assembled in front of the Inspecting Officer.  During his address he announced that they had most successfully passed this inspection and presented their Certificate of Recognition to Mr L Brooker, the GSL.

11.              The 1^st Cuddington Sea Scouts are a well established, vibrant, thriving and very good Sea Scout Group who are in the top quarter of Groups within the scheme. They offer a wide variety of safely executed water activities in addition to a full Scouting programme and benefit from having a strong leadership team.  Their participation in at least one RN Recognised Sea Scout event in the next 12 months would be very welcome.

12.              Lt Cdr Griffiths most thoroughly enjoyed this inspection and sincerely thanks the Group for their warm welcome and kind and generous hospitality throughout the visit.

D T Griffiths

Lieutenant Commander Royal Navy

Distribution:

Mr L Brooker, Group Scout Leader, 1^st Cuddington Sea Scouts

Mr C Nagle, Training and Programme Manager, Gilwell Park

Mr M Gerrard, Regional Commissioner for SE England.