These are the activities we were involved with in 2011. Use this page to update your Duke of Edinburgh Log Books

IF WE DID ALL THE THINGS WE ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF DOING,

WE WOULD SIMPLY ASTOUND OURSELVES."

GROUP MEMBERS' PERSONAL ATTENDANCE INDEX COLOUR CODE:

A.  SENT CONFIRMATION BY E MAIL or TEXT & PARTICIPATED

C.  TURNED UP BUT DIDN'T BOTHER TO NOTIFY ANYONE BEFOREHAND

D. CONFIRMED BUT DIDN'T TURN UP OR APOLOGISE

Well here we are in 2011 having coming to the end of another great year in 2010 for the Windmill Group. Lots of adventures and successes. You alone raised over £12,000 for charitable causes other than yourselves. Then you went on to raise another

£7000 to keep your group running. This was a truly remarkable achievement by you all.

You have followed our motto unswervingly ACHIEVE and achieve you have. Well done. It is now time to thank JOR for being the chairperson for 2010 and to wish RL an equally successful year in 2011.A Happy,Healthy and Successful Year to you All.

Wednesday 5th.January

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

RM JA RL EO SC LC MHM SD BB AM AV ANV BMC

SG JJ NB

CM ED

Fundraising

All Shelter Box Clothing Bags will be collected by Bags 2 Schools on Tuesday 18th.January.

A minimum of 10 bags each please.

Bring them on Wednesday 12th.January.

Bring them to the Unit at Marton View Wilkinson Avenue BEFORE training at 5.45pm

. Then we have honoured our commitment to Shelter Box and the Depaul Charity for Homeless Young People which were the charities we especially supported in 2010. PAP requires ALL the sweet money  & cothing bags to be in.

5.45pm- 7.30pm.

Unit/Arena RM SD ML RL ED KHA JB EO KH JA NB SC BB KEW

JJ OG AM NC (RP)

BMC JOR ANV MHM

Wednesday 19th.January

9am Bags 2 School collected.

We will know how much we have earned by next Wednesday.

You have definately earned enough now to buy the Shelter Box.

Well Done All !

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

Also

Full details of the Pendle Trip on 29/30th.Jan

BMC SD JJ RL RM KH NB JA BB SC JOR ANV MHM EO ED OG AM JB KEW

Welcome to KM & C

KHA

NC & LE

You two arrived without notification.This will be the last time you will do this because the next time

Adventure Training

We are now putting together dates for days/weekends away during January & February.

two days and single days out,possibly (29/30 Jan confirmed see below) 6 Feb and/or 12/13 Feb

Details to follow.

+++++++++

Congratulations

THE CLOTHING BAGS COLLECTION FOR THE SHELTERBOX

& FOR THE DEPAUL HOMELESS CHARITIES.

You collected between you 1030kgs @ 50p.perkg.

That amounts to

£515.00.

When you consider how easy it was to collect old clothes, this was money easily earned.

Well Done.

We will be having another one in 6 months time.

+++++++++++

Wednesday 26th.January

Arena

Training 6pm-7pm.

Briefing re Outward Bound Course and this weekend at Pendle

7pm-8pm.

Welcome to the Highfield OB contingent.

Well done all.

Go to http://vimeo.com/19264772

and see how you got on

You are welcome to train and prepare with us for your course in February.

AM RL KM BMC JA EO RM KHA ANV JJ NB OG SD SC LE KH ED (MHM)

ML JB

RP NC KEW CB JOR

This is your last chance in the BLACK

See Communicating above

Next time sorry, you are out

++++++++++++++

Saturday & Sunday 29/30thJanuary.

If you want to be considered for a D of E Expedition this year.

You will only be selected when you can show us that you are capable of success.

So lots of practice and this is where it starts.

We have booked this camping barn.

First come first served, so be quick to put your name down

A field barn on the Downham Estate with stunning views of Pendle Hill, near the picturesque village of Downham .

It is close to the Witches Way and 2 miles from the Pendle Way and 2½ miles from the Ribble Way , providing excellent opportunities for walkers.

The basic barn sleeps 12 and has metered gas lighting,

IF cooking rings, hot water, shower, wall-mounted heater. There is parking across the road from the barn, in a former quarry. Dogs welcome.

This will be a fun introduction into walking with light packs through the surrounding countryside brushing up your map  reading skills. Also sleeping in a camping barn overnight and looking after yourselves. We will supply any kit you may need but you bring your own grub. The subsidised cost to you will be £5.00 each for the weekend. Departing from the Unit at 8.30am. Depart at 8.30am means depart at 8.30am so be there at 8am Saturday.

Returning 6pm. Sunday.

(ML EC) RL RM KM NB JA AM BMC JOR CB

MHM JB EO

Great weekend full of challenges from sub zero temperatures to mind bending navigation tests.

You all came through it with great team spirit and as we always say:

"IF WE DID ALL THE THINGS WE ARE QUITE CAPABLE OF DOING, WE WOULD SIMPLY ASTOUND OURSELVES."

The Pendle Group about to depart upon their map reading and navigational challenge

Scout Cairn on the Pendle plateau

Watch the pages for the next challenge"

+++++++++++++++

Wednesday 2nd.February

6pm- 7.30pm.

NC BMC SD RM KM BB MHM ANV KH JJ SC LC AM NB KHA OG LE ML

RP

JB ED+EO JOR RL JA

Arena

Welcome to the Highfield OB group.

+++++++++

Wednesday 9th.February

Training Arena  

6pm- 7.30pm.

Including team workouts for the OB teams

Followed by

Final briefings for OB Teams.

An excellent turn out from the Highfield OB team.

BRING YOUR   FORMS

       "E D OF E"

JA RP NC KM RM AM ED RL BB MHM BMC KHA SD (KH)

OG JJ LE NB

JOR ML EO ANV SC LC

Special Note

As can be seen

OG JJ LE NB

Failed to notify their attendance at tonight's meeting.

Not only that but we then had complaining parents saying you were late out of training and blaming us!

OG JJ LE NB

Take serious note.

Anymore idleness in communication on your part will not be tolerated.

This is your final warning.

This is not school.

Your slovenly approach to Windmill Rules means only one thing.

Next time you do not communicate correctly,do not read the web pages and do not participate in the future events.

You will be fired!

We have a waiting list of youngsters eager to take your places.

If you do wish to continue,

we expect an immediate email communication to that effect.

incorporating a full apology.

Apology received:

10.2.11.NB

11.2.11.JJ

13.2.11.OG

Saturday & Sunday 12/13th.February.

Another chance to work on your mountain skills prior to the D of E Expeditions around Easter.

Do not forget you will not be allowed to undertake even your D of E practice expeditions without satisfing the fact that you can look after yourselves and navigate properly. Those practices and in some cases qualifying expeditions start at the Easter Break and that starts on the 8th.April.

So do not ignore these unique opportunities given to you.

A D of E qualification can be paramount to your future success

Saturday searching for the source of the river Brock and the Bleasedale Druid Circle overlooked by

Old Nick's Armchair.

Then Sunday onto the wilderness of the higher fells nearby and the views of Ingleborough from Fairsnape

The course has now been checked (Sat.5.2.11).

It is full of interest and fun test of your navigation skills! .

This time we are in a cosy camping barn at Chipping in Bleasedale

This camping barn offers a sleeping area is on the first floor.  Downstairs accommodation offers a separate kitchen area and dining area.  The kitchen is well equipped and a fridge, hob and cooking utensils.  The barn also has a hot water shower, a toilet cubicle upstairs and two outside toilets.  The barn also has a BBQ area.  Heating is provided by a single wood burning stove, and electricity is metered. 

Again at a subsidised price of £5.00 each. Bring your own grub etc.

This time be at the unit at 8.30am. BackSunday by 6pm. providing you do not get lost of course.

Usual first come first served

(ML) RL KM KH RM BB MHM RP

NB EO JA AM

Well it did not rain on Saturday but the ground was very saturated.

On Sunday the harder of the two days it rained more or less continuously with low cloud on the hills.

The route was carefully chosen to be hard going with difficult navigational problems thrown in for good measure.

Well this team 'shone' the whole weekend, even though the sun did not.

Their navigation and map reading skills have improved tremendously.

The following photos from BB

Following the Brock & Finding the Bleasedale Circle on Saturday

Out of the Blue paraglider on
Parlick

Sunday in the rain navigating towards Fairsnape from Parlick Summit

Well done all.

Thankyou also for all the parents turning up at the debrief to hear how much their prodigies have achieved.

++++++++++

At the same time three of the Windmill Committee (The Old Gits), AG GK & PAP were put through their paces on the final weekend of their three weekends of tests to see if they could pass their British Canoe Union Instructor's Course.

Well they all passed.

This has involved not only the three weekends but hours and hours of other paddling time, to qualify for the course in the first place.

On the first weekend they had to actually break the ice on the lake so that they could put their canoes in. Part of the course is spent actually swimming in the water,(at this time of year!) to gain these qualifications so that Windmillers can be encouraged paddle in safety.

So thankyou very much indeed.

Congratulations to them and it is really appreciated that they have given up their valuable free time to do this.

Wednesday 16th.February

7.45pm-9.45pm.

North Fylde Rotary Presentation

PAP RM RL

Well Done Team.You were very professional.

+++ ++++++

Outward Bound Opportunity Spring Half Term

21st-25th.Feb 2011 Monday-Friday.

Worth £450 each

Because of our wonderful benefactors to you for free

Teams Selected Wednesday 26.1.2011

See Video link http://vimeo.com/19264772

Aberdovey   AG  KH MHM JB SD NB Tangerine RP. Highfield SR AW BB DK MC Fulwood JMC  

Ullswater Howtown RL RM AM Much Hoole GPAP. Highfield AJ SF KC BJ YW CB JH HH

+++++++++

Wednesday 23rd .February

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

 KM SC NC BB

BMC

JA ML EO+ED ANV

KHA LE JJ

KH MHM SD JB NB AM RL RM (OB COURSES)

+++++++++

Wednesday 2nd.March

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

KM BMC JA ANV RL SD RM NC BB JOR JJ MHM NB AM KHA SC (intros DK SK)

LE

KH RP ML EO + ED

Well done all on the team building exercises and the training in general.

+++++++++

++++++++++

Congratulations to LS upon receiving her Gold Award at St.James' Palace last week from HRH Prince Phillip (the main man).He was impressed by her Windmill Gold expedition to Vancouver & the Discovery Islands.

She started with the Windmill Group in September 2007 at Bronze level and went up through Silver to Gold by September 2010. An Award hard won and well deserved. We wish her every future success.

We have ANG AG EA & JD waiting now in the wings for their Gold Presentation very soon.

(and of course others who are still getting their administration together!!).

Thankfully in future the E DofE will resolve that problem.

++++++++++

Wednesday 9th.March

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

Welcome to the Highfield Team

KM RM (BMC) SD JJ NB EO KHA RL KH JA LE MHM JCO

ML KEW BB AM RP ANV

NC

+++++++++

Friday/Saturday & Sunday 11th.12th.13th.March

Snows Weekend.

Lots of work in the woodland prior to spring.

A lot of trees to be removed or coppiced.

The ones marked here with red paint for example.

So bring loads of grub as you are going to be busy!

Be at the unit for 5.15pm.on Friday night to get your kit sorted out.

Back 6pm.(ish)Sunday.

AM RL RM KM (KH JA) BMC MHM

KEW BB EO EC

Sorry the camera shutter stuck but you can see the effort being put into removing old underground cables. Thanks to PE for sorting them all out.

Putting up the new bat boxes and the new bird boxes

The hard working team who cleared all the timber from the 'New Site' area and marked it all out ready for the next phase of moving the two good huts onto the marked out area by the car park ready to be re-utilised as project rooms.

Then the last of the old huts can be cleared (once the bats have moved on!) ready for the ground to be levelled and prepared for the new development.

All we need now are the funds!

+++++++++

Wednesday 16th.March

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

NB SC LE KM AM RM KHA JJ JA RP RL ED SD MHM NC KH JOR ANV (Welcome to our new members BJ YW AJ DK)

KEW

ML EO (BMC )

+++++++++

Wednesday 23rd.March

6pm- 7.30pm.

Arena

Visit by GW from Young Lancashire

KM RL BMC AM LE KH ED SD SC KHA EO ANV NB JJ RM BB CM NC RP ( YW KW AJ BJ)

JCO

JA ML KEW

+++++++++

Thursday 24th.March

Unit at 5pm-6pm. to get your kit ready for the weekend.

JA NB ANV KM BMC EO RM SD (Confirmed verbally 16.3.2011 & 23.3.2011: AM KH ED LE JJ KHA SC)

LE

KEW RL

+++++++++

The D of E Award has now gone electronic.

You need to register.

You all have been sent an e mail explaining it.

The sooner you send or bring your registration form in,the quicker you will be able to follow your progress on

line.

                ++++++++++

BIG NEWS

PAP has secured a Bag Pack at Tesco Marton on Sunday 17th.April.

We need everyone on that day as there are loads of tills and a fantastic

opportunity to raise funds. Well done PAP

           ++++++++++++++++

Friday/Saturday & Sunday 25th. 26th.27th.March.

Snows Weekend .

Big Weekend this weekend. Lots of volunteers. mechanical diggers etc.

Important visit on Saturday by two of our potential sponsors.

Last chance to practice for Easter's silver and bronze expeditions on Sunday.

Leaving unit 6pm Friday. Hut accomodation that night.Camping Saturday night at Snows

on Saturday night.Out on routes on Sunday for final checks on your navigation and map reading skills

Back 6pm. Sunday.(If you do not get lost that is !!).

RL RM KM EO JA NB ANV AM SD SC BMC

(Confirmed verbally 16.3.2011 &/or 23.3.2011: KH ED LE JJ KHA JMc)

KEW

Practice journeys Sunday:

Bronze AM LE KM ANV NB JMc JA

Silver  KH BMC SD SC KHA JJ

Gold   RL ED EO RM

Another really first class weekend.

8 hours of D of E voluntary work on Saturday and practice journeys on Sunday.

You all excelled.

Our VIPs were very impressed with you all.

Below:

Putting in new plants in the crib wall at the entrance

Below:

Pulling up the wild holly to keep it from taking over

And here is just a small sample of the holly you all collected on the white tarpaulin

Above and below emptying the pond and raising the dam wall

Below:

Clearing out the stream down to the pond

Seriously dirty work

But a job well done

Thanks to AD for giving up his weekend to drive the digger.

Work which was invaluable levelling the ground for the huts transfer.

Thankyou

Then the Snows volunteers laying the foundations and carefully taking down one of the newer huts

ready for its trasnsfer to its new home

Thankyou to all of you. We achieved an incredible amount of progress.

IMPORTANT

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR BELLIES FOR SPOTS!

NO NOT ACNE !!

remove any ticks that you may have acquired

Look at http://www.lymediseaseaction.org.uk/ticks.htm if you are not sure

+++++++++

Wednesday 30th.March

Arena

6pm- 7.30pm.

Last one of the winter season.

RP JA NB RM AM RL KHA KM SC EO ED JJ SD KH CM NC LE MHM

BMC BJ KW YW KEW

ANV

+++++++++

Saturday & Sunday 2nd & 3rd.April

First Aid in the Outdoors Course

Training & Resource Unit

Whitegate Drive Blackpool.

Behind the Garage & Tesco Express. Opposite B&M Bargains

Near to Preston Old Road and the Saddle Inn.

A £100 per person course but because of our benefactors

To you for free.

This is a two day course finishing 5pm.on Sunday.

Rendezvous with CW at the TRU building at 8.45am on Saturday.

Bring a packed lunch & drink both days.

Wear very old clothes and bring old waterproofs as an amount of the training is done on the ground outdoors.

For the benefit of the Befuddled Ones (NB LE NC) You do not need a tent because you go home on Saturday night and return to the TRU on Sunday morning.

Please try and listen and/or MAKE NOTES when you are being briefed!

Congratulations to you all for passing the course. Well Done !!

CW BMC NB NC LE AM JA KM GK

+++++++++

Wednesday 6th.April

Training Boathouse

First one of the summer season

6pm.-7pm

RL JA JJ SC RM EO KH ANV NB AM RP SD KM NC ED&EO BMC MHM LE CM

YW AJ BJ KE KEW

                7pm-8pm

  All expeditioners  

be there for this weekends expeditions' route card preparation.

So tell anyone who otherwise would be waiting to collect you

not to be there until 8.10pm.

                 +++++++++

Friday 8th.April.

5pm-6pm.. Pack your kit ready for tomorrow

JA NB KM RL RM (confirmed 30.3.11.CM SC JJ SD BMC NC )(confirmed 6.4.11.KEW ANV LE JM SD) AM MHM

ED & EO

+++++++++

Friday 8th.April.

5pm-6pm.. Pack your kit ready for tomorrow

JA NB KM RL RM (confirmed 30.3.11.CM SC JJ SD BMC NC )(confirmed 6.4.11.KEW ANV LE JM SD) AM MHM

ED & EO

+++++++++

Saturday/Sunday/Monday 9/10/11th April

Bronze & Silver expeditions.

Gold practice expeditions. Be at unit Saturday at 8am. Bring £5 for your camp fees.

Return Monday 11th.6pm (ish)

South Lakes area. Coniston & Dunnerdale Watersheds

JA NB KM RL RM KEW AM (Confirmed 30.3.11.CM SC JJ SD BMC NC )

BRONZE: JA KM NB NC AM LE JM ANV

 SILVER: KEW BMC JJ SC CM SD

GOLD PRACTICE (RL) RM MHM)

EO & ED RP KH.

Congratulations you all passed on the proviso that you submit your written project on Hill Farming at Lambing Time by the 1st.May 2011.

New copies of the maps and the routes will be available for your projects this Wednesday as the ones you had left at the end of your expeditions looked very well worn!

Thanks to CW for photos

Bronze & Silver Expeditions

Congratulations you all passed on the proviso that you submit your written project on Hill Farming at Lambing Time by the 1st.May 2011.

New copies of the maps and the routes will be available for your projects this Wednesday as the ones you had left at the end of your expeditions looked very well worn!

Thanks to CW for photos

.

Up in the Dunnerdale Fells

&

Back down at Gawthwaite after succesful journi es through the mountains

               +++++++++

           Wednesday 13th.April

Training Boathouse 6pm-7.30pm.

Presentation of First Aid

Certificates

By LS Tesco's Community Champion

AJ JA YW NB CM SD KW RL RM KM NC AM MHM

JC JO GL BMC BJ EO

RP ED SC ANV LE

+++++++++

            Saturday 16th April

A small but sturdy team required to re locate and reassemble

the hut we took down last time and to make a viewing point over the new pond.

Going up 8am Saturday for the day and returning 6pm that night.

Wear old clothes and bring a packed lunch & drink.

We need a quick getaway so be on time.

RL RM KM AM SD BJ KW KH SC ML

CM

You all worked tremendously hard and as a really cohesive team.

You moved the first building panels to its new location.

And hey presto a reassembled hut by the Snows Committee.

Then you started on utilising the now surplus veranda of that building

to make a viewing point of the new pond on the special needs trail

This involved moving barrow loads of shale and heavy paving slabs

Then rolling the viewing platform all the way from one end of snows to the other

on logs through the swamp

Very hard and dirty work

But you saw it through to its new location.

Placing it temporarly in place until next time we go up toposition

it exactly on more solid foundations.

In the meantime the area was cleared by JAn & PAP of more old bracken and brushwood

And now the blue bells are starting to show through

Do not forget to put the eight hours in your D of E diaries.

+++++++++

Sunday 17th.April

Bag Pack at Tesco Clifton Retail Park Marton .

Make sure you have arranged with RL when you are attending.

Early shift be at Tesco front door at 9.45am.for briefing as the company are very strict on how we should do it.

The store closes at 4pm.

  ALL DAY:     RL ANV AM 10AM-4PM

MORNING:   EO RM KM JA MHM LE 10AM-1PM

AFTERNOON: NB BJ KW YW AJ BMC  1PM.-4PM.

RP KH

(CONFIRMED 6.4.11.JJ SC NC KEW)

SC KEW JJ NC

£364 (pre bank check) raised.Not as much as we hoped but you all worked hard for it.

Maybe we would have broken the £400 barrier if the four that let us down had been there.

Well done to you all. Do not forget to put the hours you worked in your D of E diary

+++++++++

We have just been informed that the

Rotary International in Great Britain & Ireland

in association with BBC News has awarded :-

Windmill Youth Group (Blackpool)

6pm.-7.30pm

Training at the Boathouse

& Lawsons Field.

BJ RL CC KEW RM KM SD KHA EO JA JJ CM SC NC NB YW KW MHM LE ANV

GL ED AM AJ

7.30pm.-8pm.

Gold Expedition Preparations

RL RM EO ED KEW MHM

+++++++++

Saturday/Sunday14/15 May Coniston

Depart unit at 8.30am.Saturday

Saturday up at Snows building new dam.

Sunday Coniston Water open canoeing

This event is suitable for novices and upwards.

Back Sunday evening 6pm.(ish)

RM LE KW BJ

JA ED NB RL.CC KHA SC

Saturday modifying the dam on the pond by putting in a concrete dam liner.

Very hard and muddy work

Marking out the disability trail from the centre to the pond.

Very hard work in wet and showery conditions.

A very well deserved 8 D of E Service Hours

Sunday a very grey and wet day on Coniston Water

Paddling all day in difficult conditions.

Well done team in true Windmill Spirit on both days.

Thanks once again to AG PAP MM for their special input.

Without their skills these events cannot take place.

+++++++

 

Wednesday 18th.May

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

Boathouse

AM KM ED KH RM JA NB RL NC EO LE KEW

GL BMC

CC CM AJ SD MHM

KHA

+++++++

Wednesday 25th.May

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

CM GL KM JA RM NB CC ANV NC AJ KH RL LE KEW AM

SG ED BMC BJ KW

MHM EO SD

+++++

Sunday 29th.May

Blackpool Palatine Rotary

Mile of Gold Blackpool Central Promenade.

Rotary Fund Raising Event

Require helpers from the Windmill Group on the day.

6 for Morning shifts and 6 for Afternoon shifts.

Change over at 1pm or to suit yourselves.

8.30am to 6pm.

Please put your name down. Counts towards your D of E Service.

Here are the joining instructions

Venue: The Headland near to Central Pier and the Tower from 8.30am-6pm.

Remember it might rainy and windy so as Windmillers you are expected to be fully equipped.

Liasie with Mrs. G Williams of the Blackpool Palatine Rotary Club at the Headland when you arrive.

AT THE MEETING ON 25TH.MAY

THE FOLLOWING PLEDGED THEIR ATTENDANCE AT THIS EVENT.

PLEASE REMEMBER YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND

Morning JA RM RL KM BMC EO

Afternoon NB NC CM ANV

AM CC KEW

  +++++++

Wednesday 1st.June

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

KEW KM NC RM MHM KH YW AJ CC KW BMC NR KW1

BJ GL SG AM NB

CM EO RL NB SC JA SD

  +++++++

PAP's team from Tangerine Confectionery this last weekend. 4/5th.June.

They completed the 3 peaks UK Challenge

(The Ben,Scafell Pike and Snowden)

In 21hours 20mins.

And by smashing the 24 hour deadline !!

They raised over £5000 for Asthma UK.

In order to research the condition in young people.

What a brilliant achievement.

Half way round.

On the summit of Scafell Pike.

This is the second time PAP has successfully completed this challenge.

She is a brilliant example to us all by overcoming adversity.

As well as her unremitting motivation of youngsters and fund raising for young people.

Since her last 3 peaks challenge,she spent two years in a wheelchair and on crutches after a mountaineering accident.

Do you not think we should nominate her to represent you and carry the Olympic torch when it comes through our area?

If you do go to:

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearer.php

find the right bit and put her name forward.Use FY4 4NQ
Let me know if you have done it.

+++++++++++

Message from

This is to certify that

 

Windmill Youth

Development Group

 

Has raised the sum of

£590.00

 

To support people affected by natural
and manmade disasters all over the world

Thank you!

Your donation has gone towards the following box:

4908

Trace it through www.youngshelterbox.org.uk.

Note: The nature of our work means that it may be 6 days, weeks or months before boxes are deployed. However, we can guarantee they will help families all over the world who have lost their homes after a disaster.

 

+++++++++++++

(Note from Editor)

Following on from my observations concerning the British

educational system (from one end of the spectrum to the other).

Here is a message just in.

Read it.

Think about it

&

Count your blessings!

 

Message from CM1

CM1 is a Windmill Gold Level Member who completed her 10 years secondment in the British Army last year as a physical training instructor and on service in Afghanistan. After leaving the Army she went to Kenya for a while and is now returning to Blackpool.

Here is an excerpt from her latest message.

" I have included some pictures of my amazing adventure in Mombasa.The last picture is of the girls who attend Precious Vision (the school I taught in).  When I left, I donated £300 for material for school uniforms, I understood that it would help these children to have an identity because they all feel so fortunate just to be in school.

The picture of the lady mixing rice and lentils in that HUGE pan is the headmistress, Madame Jane, who has dedicated her life to the education of all children and the protection of young teenage girls...it's cliche but she is an inspiration....and will do ANYTHING to ensure the safety of 'her children'. 

You will be impressed with our adaptation of a chalk board...

the floor of the reception to the school - learning 'al fresco', you can't go wrong!

I am now fighting for 'justice' for people who have been unfortunate enough to have been born into a category and labelled before they have even started speaking....it's unfathomable as to what some members of society have to deal with on a daily basis while the 'lucky ones' sleep soundly in their beds ." 

++++++++++++

Wednesday 8th.June

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

BMC KM RM JA CC JOR NB SC EO RL CM MHM ED NC

GL JO DE KW BJ YW AJ LE

ANV

+++++++

Wednesday 15th.June

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

BMC ANV RM KM KEW JA NB RL MHM CM KHA KH ED SD EO KW JOR AM

(Welcome to intro members HW & EB)

KHA ANV NC GL

AJ LE

+++++++

R acing at the new Blackpool closed circuit cycle track located at Palatine School.

The events will take place on each Monday in June this year.

volunteer support needed for 3 hours between 6-9pm on the following dates:

Monday 6th. JA KM CM AM KH GL

Monday 13th. KM RM (GL) AJ KW   EO JA ED

Monday 20th. JA KM ED RL GL KEW KH

Monday 27th. KM JA RL KH ANV SC

+++++++

Final Gold Practice

All August gold participants must attend the following in order to qualify .

Saturday/Sunday

18th & 19th June.

You will be camping at the Llyn Gwynant Campsite nearby.

Navigation training and familiarisation with expedition protocol during Saturday on the Moel Meirch and Cerrig Cochion range.

You will be making an ascent on Sunday of Snowden (1085mtrs) in North Wales with your expedition pack, from the campsite(50mtrs) then via the Pen y Gwrwyd (PYG) track and decending to Llanberis.

(Total traverse of the mountain)

If you require kit, get it before Saturday

(Friday 17.6.11. 5pm-6pm.)

Present MHM RL EO ED GL KEW RM

so that you are packed ready to go at 8am.

Depart repeat DEPART unit 8am Saturday return 7pm(ish) Sunday.

This training expedition was completed satisfactorily.

Saturday . 12.8kms. Moel Meirch.Total ascent 744mtrs.Estimated time taken was 7hrs.

At 3kph.plus 1 minute for each contour,plus a total of 1 hour rest = 6hrs.30mins.so not so far out.

Sunday. 15.8kms.Traverse of Snowden. Summit at 11.31hrs.Thick mist.Total ascent 1163.mtrs.Estimated time 8hrs.12mins.

Actual time 9hours.

So well done all. A little more fine tuning of your kit and your physical output and you will reach your targets for your qualifying expedition.

++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday 22nd.June

Boathouse

6pm-7.30pm.

BMC ANV HW JOR KM EO RM CC AJ AM SC SD RL KH (ED) JA

NB CM

+++++++

24/25/26th/June Coniston Water

This event is suitable for novices upwards

Be at the unit for 5pm Friday with your food and kit.

You will be sleeping in huts that night and on the Saturday night under your boats.

Hopefully on Sunday you may have achieved your one star BCU Open Canoe Award.

Back Sunday around 6pm.

RM KM KEW CM KW BJ LE BMC

JA NB RL AJ EO GL

Removing fallen trees.Building Bridges.Demolishing Old Huts .Furniture Removals

Lots of very hard work done on Saturday.Put eight hours in your log books team.

And then bivouacing overnight on Saturday under your canoes on Coniston Water and gaining your first BCU star award on Sunday.

When you go to school on Monday your class mates will not be able to grasp it. You are just miles ahead !.

R acing at the new Blackpool closed circuit cycle track located at Palatine School.

For this event volunteer support needed for 3 hours between 6-9pm

Monday 27th. KM JA GL ANV RL KH SC

+++++++

Wednesday 29th.June

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

Gold Expedition Papers in please.

RL JA EO NB RM CC LE ED CM SC AM KW

EB KH BJ MHM

+++++++++++ +

Projects

The following have not submitted their expedition projects

Expeditions 9/10/11th April

which were

promised

for the 1st May.2011. At the latest.

ANV

JJ

It is now the 1st.July(nine weeks + down the line)

+++++++++++ +

Friday-Sunday 1/2/3 July

Snows Heights/Paddling Coniston Water .

This time you will be in sea kayaks  

This event is suitable for novices and upwards.

Paddling is on the Sunday only.

This is to prepare you for Anglesey/ Give you the experience in a sea boat..

Be at the unit at 5pm on Friday with the usual grub and gear.

Back 6pm(ish) Sunday

RM KM NB KH LE JMC

RL JA GL

A really good weekend.Photos soon.

The Snows Team Saturday 2nd.July.

Sunday 3rd.July

Lytham Hall 12.00-4.30pm.

EO

+++++++

Wednesday 6th.July

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

KM NB RM SC NC (JOR) LE

AM KEW BMC

MHM RL GL JA EO SD CM EB

Visit by the President and Community Officer of Blackpool Palatine Rotary Club.

To present your certificate in recognition of your Personal Qualities and Community Spirit as Rotary Young Citizens of 2011.

Plus a donation of £400 from their funds in support of the Windmill Group!!

Photo Soon.

+++++++++

 

Do you think we should nominate PAP to represent you and carry the Olympic torch when it comes through our area?

If you do go to:

http://www.london2012.com/games/olympic-torch-relay/carrying-the-olympic-flame/nominate-a-torchbearer.php

find the right bit and put her name forward.Use FY4 4NQ
Let me know if you have done it.

+++++++++++ +

Wednesday 6th.July

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

KM NB RM SC NC (JOR) LE

AM KEW BMC

MHM RL GL JA EO SD CM EB

Visit by the President and Community Officer of Blackpool Palatine Rotary Club.

To present your certificate in recognition of your Personal Qualities and Community Spirit as Rotary Young Citizens of 2011.

Plus a donation of £400 from their funds in support of the Windmill Group!!

Photo Soon.

THE OUTWARD BOUND TRUST

 

Saturday 25th.June - Sat urday 16th.July

Classic 21 day Outward Bound Expedition Course

Loch Eil- Highland Region

Selected

GL

Saturday 2nd.July - Saturday 23 July

Classic 21 day Outward Bound Expedition Course

Ullswater Cumbria Region

Selected

RL

Sunday 10th..July

Fundraising at B&Q £204 raised for Gold Expedition Funds.

Well Done. £68.00 each.

EO RM KEW

RL

Mon day 11th July

Lytham Ha ll

Macbeth outdoor theatre

6.00 – 9.00pm

EO & ED

Wednesday 13th.July

Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

KM JA EO & ED NB RM LE SD AM SC CM NC KH

BMC(again)

SD EB MHM CC RL

Lytham Hall Thursday 14th.July

Theatre 6pm.-11pm.

EO KH

GL EB

Sunday 17th.July

Lytham Hall

 Lytham Hall Plant Fair 10.00 – 4.30 : tea room; gates – don't need to do all day , busiest from about 12.30 onwards but anyone wanting to do all day would be more than welcomed!

15/16/17 July WeekendAnglesey

Sea Paddling

This event is suitable for novices and upwards.

Leaving 5pm.Friday for Holy Island on Anglesey 3hr.Journey

Camping at Anglesey Oudoors, Porthdafarch Road,Holyhead.Paddling Saturday and Sunday

plus a trek to South Stack.

Bring £10 each to cover the camping fees for the two nights.

Back Sunday around 9pm.(7pm)

RM KM JA KH KEW EO & ED NB LE

RL GL

Well we had sun,rain and strong winds but it did not deter this team.

Paddling at Trearddur Bay & Porth Dafarch on Saturday and the Menia Strait on Sunday.

Thanks to MM and team plus our trusty guide James Stephenson from Adventure Elements.

As well as navigating around South Stack and Holy Mountain and Telford's Bridge at Menai

Firs t rate weekend

Raised from the Fun Run for Greenpeace.

NB £47 CM £72 AJ £65 EO 35.29p ED £50. RL £35. JA  £32.50 KM £25.00

RM £25.00 Well Done! Others awaited

Wednesday 20th.July

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

KM KW NB RM KEW JA EO AM KH LE SC  JOR BMC CM MHM

NC CC BJ

ED EB

Tuesday 26th.July

Expedition Kit Check

& Parents Meeting.

Unit 7pm.-8pm.

ALL . Repeat ALL kit including personal rucksacks,sleeping bags,boots,waterproofs,clothing etc to be brought with you

Also bring ALL your dehydrated expedition food.

As the assess

or will want to look at all of them.

KEW RM RL EO GL

MHM

ED

Wednesday 27th.July

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

EO KM NB KHA CM KEW KW LE

RM AM GL MHM

(Intro CVW)

JA RL SD BMC JOR

Thursday 28th.July to Sunday 7th.August

Gold Expedition to the Northern Highlands

Four days Gold expedition

See expedition page

No training Wednesday 3rd.August

Wednesday 10th August

Meet at Gynn Square

On the Promenade across from the roundabout

6pm.-7pm.

Training on the lower walk

BMC RM KM RL NB KH JOR SC LE BJ KW

KEW

JA AM MHM ED

Good turn out in the high winds and rain.

Definately mind over matter.

Well done all.

Thursday 28th.July to Sunday 7th.August Ten day Gold Expedition to the Northern Highlands

RL RM EO ED KEW MHM GL

First rate expedition. Best Gold Group for years

        From the Start  at Duartmore Bridge                To  Lock Stack Lodge                                        before circumnavigating  Arkle        

 

                          A Bit of a Rest at Lcch Dionard               & The Finish at Durness

       

       Then to Cape Wrath on Bikes a 25 mile round trip Then Dunnet Head the Most Northerly point of the UK 

on remote rough tracks using a small ferry boat and by way of interest the most northerly trig point

Plus loads of other adventures in between.More info and pictures soon.Fuller details on expedition page.

                                           All Log Books now in

Completed Gold Projects in from

RL ED KEW (MHM) EO RM

Friday 12th.August- Sunday 14th.August Lakeland Adventure Hodge Close Navigating and Tilberthwaite Abseiling.

Go up 5pm.Friday.to Snows.

Please be at the unit at 4.30pm.

Back to Blackpool around 6pm.-7pm

KW LE NB BJ KEW RM KM + AJA & CVW (first time)

KH

Saturday

Find your way to Little Langdale from Tilberthwaite

and abseil into the Cathedral Chamber

(if you have the bottle)

We have two professional guides to help you with your navigation to the site and to oversee the abseil.

A great chance to learn from two people who are at the top of their job and for you to know that you are in safe hands when it comes to stepping off into the cavern!!

The Abseil

(note from ED. I am sorry my camera went on the blink as well as my mobile phone camera .So at the moment these are the only photos I have, I hope to recover some mre from my phone shortly)

                                                KEW

KM                                                   NB

All back at Snows Saturday evening for fun & games

And on the Sunday

The two 'new huts' now re-sited. We are taking down the last and final 'old'hut.( behind two Windmillers of 2007 vintage.)

Then the site is ready for the ground preparations for the 'New Snows'

Your input into this small part of the project alone has saved the charity over £10,000.

Tremendous effort on your part.

More Pictures here from AG

Re-manufacturing the intermediate decking for the project huts.And taking down the old drying hut

This was one of the first huts put up at Snows. It used to be the kitchen.The dreaded chainsaw

now bringing about its demise.

With all the insulation material safely removed it took its final journey down to the fireplace

The 'Footprint' for the new development is now clear of all the old huts and the site ready for the groundworks.

 

Your efforts and extremely hard work show our country that not by any means are all our youngsters mindless vandals,arsonists and looters.

The removal of this old hut is diametrically opposite to recent criminal acts and by so being, paves the way to a a re-birth of Snows and to all the opportunities and benefits your efforts will bring to future young people who will visit the centre in the years ahead.

Thankyou.

Great Weekend

 

Wednesday 17th/August

Recent Gold Expeditioners' meeting

with the Chairman of Tangerine.UK

at Vicarage Lane,Blackpool

4.30pm.

RM RL KEW ED EO MHM

Wednesday 17th.August

Training

Boathouse 6pm-7pm.

RM KM ED NB SD RL EO AM (+ 2Friends) AJA JA LE KW CM

KH KEW CVK BJ MHM

BMC JOR RL

Friday 19th.August.

2.30pm. Fylde Coast Hospital St.Walburgas Road

 A presentation by the hospital owners,Spire.

£1500 will be presented to the Windmill Group Youngsters

In recognition of all their hard voluntary work up at Snows Heights.

The cheque will be received by our Youth Chairperson RL accompanied by RM.

The money will be donated to the New Snows Building Account.

Wednesday 24th.August Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm. 

KEW KM RL LE AJA MHM RM

CVW KH AM BJ KW NB GL

JA CM BMC

                                         

Our coaching guru MM has won the

North West Coach of the Year Award

From Canoe England.

 Their Message To Us

Many thanks again for your nomination for MM in this year's Canoe England North West Volunteer & Recognition Awards.

The response to this year's awards was good and the panel had many outstanding nominations to choose from making it a very difficult task.

I am delighted to inform you that M has been recognised as the

North West Winner

in the category of

Coach of the Year

and will be presented with his award at a special presentation

on September 13th.

Many thanks again for your nomination

J R
Volunteer Development Officer
Canoe England

www.canoe-england.org.uk/volunteers

 

Sunday 28th.August Lytham Hall

3.30pm.7pm.

RL

(EO)

Wednesday 31st.August

Unit 2pm-6pm.

Clearing out and tidying the unit

KH RM KM RL AM KEW LE (ED& EO) (JA)

NB

Great work done by all. Make sure you put the hours you were there in your log books

Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm. 

RM KM JA ED EO SD RL AM JA KH KEW LE JOR

JC BMC KW SD

CM MHM NB

 

Wednesday 7th.September  Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

EO AM RM JA RL ED KM SC NB CM KEW MHM KW LE KH+1 CVW

SG SD JC JO BMC

JOR

 

 

Friday 9th - Sunday 11th.September

Friday night Leave 5pm for Snows Heights

Saturday Dry Stone Walling

Sunday Cumbrian Coastal Path

Back at the Unit 6pm(ish)

KH RM KM RL AM LE BJ KW NB MHM JMC

EO JA KEW

CVW GL

First rate work done on the Saturday in poor conditions.

9 hours of voluntary service for your D of E log.

The weather did not let us down on the Sunday. Rain & Gales as forecast..

Both teams completed two 13 km separate sections the coastal path in fine style

Finishing at the Temple for World Peace at Conishead Priory.

A fitting place to reflect upon the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

Well done all of you.

We have to give great thanks also to the generosity of the individuals who gave their time,machinery and expertise, totally free on Friday,Saturday & Sunday up at Snows and prepared and levelled the site ready for the new rebuild.

 

The Snows Site now prepared and levelled ready for the rebuild

The interconnecting roof nearing completion on the Project Sheds.

Two sections of wall covering overall ten meters before and after the repairs.It was definately 'wetstone walling rather than 'drystone'.

Well done team.

Wednesday 14th.September  Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm. 

JA TA RM BMC RL NB SD ED EO CM SC KW LE NC KEW

AM KM KH SG CWJ

Friday 16th.Saturday 17th.September

Outward Bound Presentations

Howtown

RL RM

An excellent presentation very well received

Sunday 18th.September

Great North Run

RM RL EO ED KEW

All completed in fine style

RL 2 hrs  27 minutes: KEW 2 hrs 29 minutes: PAP 2 hrs 37 mins:

ED 2 hrs 41 minutes:EO2 hrs 41 minutes. 

 

Wednesday 21st.September  Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

JA KM EO RM NC MHM LE KH TA SD NB AM JOR SC CVW

BJ WT SG

RL ED CM BMC.

All of the group worked hard well done.

Saturday & Sunday 24th. & 25th.September

B & Q Collection

10am to 4pm. each day 

    Saturday AM EO* ED JA 

                  PM. RM KM LE BMC

    RL TA

      Sunday AM. CM SC LE NB

               PM. SD AM EO*

                                          RL KM TA

 EO * denotes collecting & returning banner,collection buckets & red jumpers to & from 118. Arrange with B&Q to store them in a safe place Saturday night. Also to hold on to and count collection money & hand in on Wed.28.9.11.   If you want to sell sweets as well for your GNR charities contact PAP

Over £240 raised.

What a great effort by all who were involved.

Put it in your log books !

Wednesday 28th.September  Training

Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

AM KM TA EO JA RM KH NB JL RL SD SC WT (EP)

LE BMC NC SG CVW CM

MHM

 

Thursday 29th. September 3.30pm.-5.30pm

E DofE meeting

City Learning Centre.

You have all been sent an E mail concerning the outcome of this very important meeting.

Read it carefully and follow the instructions.

If you do not, then it is likely that you will not get your D of E Award.

If you have not received the e mail then e mail in requesting it

(on an Email address which accepts attachments)

 

Saturday 1st.October

Bag Pack at Sainsbury's Bispham

10AM -4PM.

RL EO WT NC BMC

NB RM KM KH TA ED

Hello RL

I have booked Saturday 1 st October for your bag pack.

We have thirteen checkouts available and we usually have no more than two bag packers per checkout.
You may arrive any time after 10am until half an hour before the store closes at 10pm.
When you arrive you will need to sign in at the customer service desk and they will inform the duty manager that you have arrived.
LM

Charity Co-ordinator 

A very successful day. Full details next Wednesday

Sunday 2nd October

Paddling and poling open canoes on Windermere and the River Brathay up near Ambleside.

Ideal for all capabilities.

Leaving the Unit at 9am back at 6pm.

Be there at 8.30am with your lunch & drink

RM CJW AA EO KM KH BJ LE NB RL TA JL BMC

JA WT

Well the sun did not shine and the wind did not blow for the canoe sailing, it just poured down.

But despite it all it was a great day.

Thanks to MM and our canoe guides for looking after you all.

Brathay 2.10.11.

Wednesday 5th.October

  Training Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

MHM JA KM CL1 RM NB EO KH RL WT SD KHA JOR+1 CM SC ED

SG TA AM LE

KW

Poor wet weather but you turned out and trained hard.

That speaks volumes

Wednesday 12th.October

  Boathouse 6pm.-7pm.

Training at the Sports arena (Winter Quarters)

You now know how fit you are!!

For some,take this as a personal challenge!

RM RL JA KM KH CM SC JOR TA AM WT BMC SD NC NB MHM CVW KW LE

JL EO

TM

Bag Packs & Collections

                                                                                                           

Those of you who were involved in the B&Q and Sainsbury's

collections this last two weeks for the Windmill Activities Fund have done yourselves really proud.

B&Q total for both days £232.21p.

Sainsbury's £317.00

Total £549.21p.

Put your hours in your D of E logs,

 

Thursday 13th.October

E DofE Tutorial Blackpool Sixth College

4.15pm. - 5.15pm.

Bring your  E Dof E registration details if you have them

NB LE RL EO ED KM MHM

KH

Now use the knowledge you have gained this afternoon to help others in the group who are just starting out.

We will sort out the 'Paper System' with Blackpool and get you all of you who have been on hold,back up to date.

A big thankyou to AL at the Blackpool Sixth Form College for all his help.

Wednesday 19th.October

  Training

We are back to our Winter Quarters

Sports Arena 6pm.-7pm.

As this is our first time back since the re development of the changing rooms.

Rendezvous at the gate by the trampolines.

KM JA RM RL SC NB WT TA TM EO ED SD CM AM LE MHM KW

BMC SG KH JOR  (INTRO W)

JL

 

   

As soon as we move we will be running the mock interview sessions again so get ready for those,

Saturday 22nd.October

Bag Pack Tesco Marton.

10am to 4pm.

Meet at the front entrance and follow the security protocol

RL JA MHM KM RM KH KW TA

SC SD LE NB EO WS

CM KHA

Two Messages from RL

1

The rota fomorrow is 

Morning shift 10:00am until 1:00pm 

JA MHM KM RM KW TA

Afternoon shift 1:00pm until 4:00pm

CM SC SD KH KHA

All day RL NBLE

Please could every one be there about 15 minutes before their shift as you will need to sign in before you start.  As your only working three hours you probably wont need a break (but there are obviously toilets there if you need them)If any one in the morning and afternoon shifts can and will stay all day it would be an amazing help.

Thanks RL

2

just wanted to tell you that everyone who attended the bag pack today worked hard. It was tough because a lot of people didn't want our help so a lot of it was standing around but we still managed to raise £237.91. Everyone who was down on the website turned up apart from KHA who had a hockey match and CM who was ill but didn't notify me, I text him to ask why he hadn't turned up and he said he has stomach cramp. As a bonus EO helped from 10 til 12:30.

Thanks RL

Well done all of you who took part and many thanks to RL for organising it.

Sunday 23rd.October

                                        

Circumnavigation of Blencathra, one of the most northerly Cumbrian hills on Mountain Bikes.Leaving Unit at 8.30am back 7pm(ish) Bring Usual Food and Drinks

And if you have one a suitable bike

Blencathra from the south with Skiddaw behind.

The route starts at the east end (right) and goes all the way around the back of the mountain between it and Skiddaw

Distance 24.3kms. Lift 754m. Time 5 hours (ish)

RM KW KH NB NC LE WS

MHM AM RL WT KM JA

CVW AA

Well you did it in the time despite the very boggy conditions.

At least the rain held off.

Thanks to AG & RM for leading the team round.

 

Should any of you want to become youth members of the Blackpool Victoria Hospital Foundation Trust let me know.

It is all 'grist to the mill' for your C/Vs and DofE.

Lancashire Cardiac Centre,
Victoria Hospital NHS Trust,
Whinney Heys Road ,
Blackpool ,

Following on from this here is one outcome from one of our members

After picking up one of those leaflets regarding the BFWH membership, I took it upon myself to sign up online and enquire about voluntary service.
I just received this email from the trust:

" Dear J,

Thank you for your enquiry about volunteering.

We are definitely looking for volunteers and the hours are very flexible around the time that you have available. Would you be interested in a ward based role or rather an office based role?

Also please send me your address and I will send you an application pack.

Many thanks and kind regards,

Renate

Voluntary Services and Community Engagement Officer"
I have since replied, and hope to receive an application pack soon. Just wanted to fill you in on the process in more detail incase any other group member was wondering to do the same.
JA

Tuesday 25th.October

Outward Bound Trust Documentary Filming Making

Training Room

Blackpool Sports Arena.

9am-1pm.

RL RM

 

Wednesday 26th.October

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

WS RM (RL) BMC TA SD NB ANC (intro W) LE (KM)

ANV

ED EO TMC JA AM WT NC

Remembering Points

Car Boots & Chinese

 

Wednesday 26th.October

AG ANG EA JD

Down at St.James' Palace collecting their very well earned

GOLD AWARDS 

 

 

Outward Bound Mountain Bike Course

Aberdovey Wales

Monday 24th.Oct-Friday 28th Oct

Also acts as Dof E Gold Residential

EO & ED

(These photos are not blurred just mud splattered!)

Just giving you a review of the week we just had on our outward bound course in Aboverdovey. To put it blankly we both had an amazing time and learnt a lot.

We started off on Monday after a long a long train journey and a jog and dip in the sea where we bonded with our new team mates with a very active and abrupt start to the week. Followed by a few team building and ice breaker activities...the wall. Where we had to work as a team to get over a 4 meter wooden wall safely and quickly. We managed to get all 12 of us over in around 4 minutes. After this final session we got to go back to our rooms where we played games and got to know our team.
On the Tuesday we had our first go at the bikes. Starting at the first morning session where we did some basic skills which involved breaking efficiently and coming down stairs. After this session we had lunch and set off for a short expedition where we went on various tracks, including roads, dirt tracks, grass and , our favrouite, single track. This journey was really good and we both fell in love with mountain biking. After falling straight over the handle bars at the first bit of single track, I failed to have any nerves and instead the knock made me more enthusiastic. That night we then got packed for our two day expedition.
On the Wednesday we set off for the expedition, it was quite chilly and a little bit of rain but it wasn't too bad. This day also consisted of various tracks, uphill and down. We learnt more on doing tricks, such as a front and back wheel manual (lifting the front and back wheel up) and also concentrated on going down steep tracks plus skills with controlling the bike. We got to the old cabin that night and started making our beds and tea. After this we washed up and played more games with our instructor.
When we woke up on the Thursday we had a fair few jobs to do including cleaning the cabin, making lunches, washing up and most appealing of all, emptying the toilet. We set off on our final day of the expedition starting up with a massive assent of a mountain followed by an amazing downhill track. This day was insane, we all got so muddy because of the weather yesterday. Furthermore, as we went through the day the tracks seemed to get muddier and muddier, in fact some of the tracks were basically ponds. These were literally impossible to cycle through...although we did try. On that night we had a lovely tea and spent the night session unpacking, finally ending the day with another chance of the wall where we managed to beat the instructors target of 3 minuites to get over it, getting over it in 2 minutes 29 seconds. On this final night we had loads of fun playing games and just laughing at each other, it also consisted of all the boys dressing up as me (Emma).
On Friday we woke up five minutes to seven and all planked in the corridor, kit was hilarious the looks of confusion on the instructors faces when they came in to wake us up. The final challenge was a go at the high ropes course where both of us completed the course. This followed by a quick session of evaluating the week and saying our goodbyes.
The week was so much fun and we both really enjoyed it, it was so good to meet new people, experience new things and also explore Aberdovey. We have not only got bruises but we have got some really good memories and are seriously considering taking up mountain biking as a hobby. The course has extended our communication, learning, teamwork and planning skills. Foremost completed on of the last outdoor sections of our Gold award- residential. Thank you so much for sending us on the Outward Bound Course,
much appreciated from EO and ED.

Wednesday 2nd November

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7pm.

WS EO ED TMC (JS intro)RM NB RL TA CM SC WT ANV KM MHM JA KW LE 

AM SD SG NC BMC

JL

Rotary Interviews 7pm. -8pm.

Beginners.NB KW NC LE

 

Wednesday 9th.November

 

Wednesday 9th.November

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

KM RM ANV BMC AM WS JA (KH) CM SC LE (WT) JS NB SD PD TMC BJ

KW SG

RM AG

TA RL ED MHM

Wednesday 16th.November

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

TMC PD JS WS KM ED EO JA NB RL LE BJ KW SC KH

Rotary Interviews: 7pm.-8pm.

TMC PD JS

Practice Interviews

rder that you can achieve better.

7pm-8pm.

Put your name down for one of these.

They pay massive dividends when you eventually

(and you will) come up against the real thing.

You will helped and advised all along the way by members

of the Blackpool Palatine Rotary Club who give up their time freely

They are Highly Professional Interviewers

Get your names down for one these golden opportunities.

There are three levels.

Beginners :

Where you just go in and find out how an real interview operates

2.11.11: NB KW NC LE

16.11.11: WS JS TMC

23.11.11  TA AM JA

To be arranged: ANV WT

Intermediate:

To be arranged KH

Where you put yourself in for a 'virtual' job opportunity

 

Advanced:

BMC ( Date yet to be confirmed by Rotary)

This is as real as it gets where you have your c/v prepared and you are going

to convince the panel that you are the person they have been looking for.

These interviews will be held after training over the forthcoming weeks.

This first one is ideal for those just starting out and have not been in an interview before.

So just put your name down .

It does not matter how you look.

The interviewers know that you have just finished training.

These early interviews are about ten minutes each.

So give them a try.

You can only gain by it.

RL has sent you ALL an e mail re fund raising with the sweets

So far the following have replied

CM KM JA KH RM AM ANV NB ED EO WT

25th.26th.& 27th. November

Friday Saturday & Sunday

Snows Weekend.

Leave Friday 5.30pm. Back 6pm.Sunday

Fully packed weekend.

WS RL KW JS KM RM (BJ) NB EO KS RM BMC KH

JA

You will now be accomodated in bunked accomodation in the New Project Room and the New Estate office.

So bring only sleeping bags,old clothes, food and flasks.All the usual protective clothing will be provided.

Your Programme

Saturday

1.Those of you who want to go to the farm at Arrad Foot and tend the Blonde D'Aquitaine Breeding Herd,

Adult bulls can weigh up to 3000 pounds, while cows can reach up to 1800 pounds.  

and each one daily, eats 25 kilos of cattle cake alone, never mind the bales of haylage they gets through as well.

So there will be plenty of shovelling to do.

The farmer and your (chief bulls***ter PAP)  will be in attendance to supervise the activities.

If you think you are up to it, you will have to inform your parent/guardians that you will be shovelling lots and lots of bulls***.If they agree to you being involved in this opportunity to experience cattle breesing husbandry then let me know by e mail please. Otherwise you cannot be involved in this.We do not want their delicate town dwelling little ones going down with E Coli !! 

Confirmations received from

RM EO RL KH KM

2.

Filming Off due to expected high winds and low cloud.

Watch this space for future possible dates.

Weather permitting,

5/6 'film stars' will be required to be involved in a film being made to promote D of E expeditioning.

Taking place on the top camp site during the morning.

SS filming consent forms given to

WS JS LE NB BMC

Sunday

1. Eight tons of gravel to be spread on the car parking area.

2. The two huts now re-erected adjacent to the car park to be painted externally with wood preservative.

By the end of this weekend you will know first hand what a farmer's life involves.

Thanks to GK for the following pictures.

Fun & Games in the new Estate Office.

    

                                

 

Thanks to KW for the following pictures.

Clearing the site around the rebuilt huts

 

Working on the access track mending the potholes and moving eight tons of gravel

 

The new services trenches dug by Adam D with the digger from Luscombes

 

Coppicing the dangerous tree near the buildings and laying the wood up to season

 

Treating the rebuilt sheds with wood preservative. Now environmentally blended in black and tan

  

The farm at Arrad Foot after moving 104.5 barrow loads of manure!!

Clearing the drains and cleaning down the farm yard.

A Brilliant weekend.

You can all be proud of yourselves and it will shine through on your C/Vs to show how special you are.

 

Wednesday 30th.November

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

MHM KM JS WS TMC SC NB RL RM PD CM SC KW

SG BMC AM LE

ED JA TA

Intermediate Rotary Interviews

7pm -8pm

CM KH SC

RL has sent you ALL an e mail re fund raising with the sweets

So far the following have replied

CM KM JA KH RM AM ANV NB ED EO WT

 

 

Saturday & Sunday December 3rd & 4th

Collection at B & Q Bispham.

Usual Times 10am-4pm.

Liaise and send your e mails of confirmation of attendance to RL

WS JA JS SC KM RM LE BMC NB AM BJ

    Donate       Collection        Donate

 

B & Q

Rota

Bispham ( 10:00am until 4:00pm )

GET YOUR NAMES DOWN AS YOUR ABSENCE WILL BE VERY FIRMLY NOTICED !  

                                         

Saturday

(RL just needs to know the times some of you can do to split the hours RM+KM are in the same shift)

AM KM RM LE NB (JA 10:00am until 11:00am )

 

Sunday ( 10:00am til 1:00pm )

BMC JS WS ( 1:00pm until 4:00pm )

SC BW new member CR new member LE

Another two members required here.

A grand total of £286.10p raised over the weekend.

A very good effort.

 

Wednesday 7th.December

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

RL RM BMC EO TMC KM JS JA KH WS SD MHM SC

BM LE CW WT NC AM KW SG

7.30pm

NB ED JOR

Dof E Gold Book Updates

RL RM BMC

 

Saturday & Sunday

10th&11th.December

Filming at Snows for D of E

Unfortunately once again the weather is not suitable so

filming has been postponed.

KW AM JS BMC WS LE CVW

NB RM KM RL KW

Leaving 8.30am Saturday back 5.30pm
(ish) Sunday. Bring the usual.

Saturday

Well this little team worked their socks off.

Before we even got to Snows they mended the drystone wall on the corner for

our friend Derek at the valley junction.He very kindly came up later and presented them with a tin of biscuits.

Then they moved the tool shed to its new location and gave the Estates Office and Project Room

another coat of weatherproofing.

Then they moved a load of logs.

By this time it was dark and they managed a rope trail blindfolded to the pond and back

Then they had a look at maps and a route for tomorrow.

Sunday

In the pouring rain.

They are now fully conversant with draining all the pipes and toilets at Snows in case of frost.

Having met Tony the farmer at the 'Stopcock' they found out the price of hay.

They have also adopted a project for their Dof E skill:

To select and plant/seed flowers around the pond so that the plants reflect the beauty of the area to the visitors as they enter Snows and to those on the disability trail.

Then off to Warton and Silverdale.

Still in the pouring rain and with cloud to the ground.

Finding the Warton Beacon and then on to Jenny Brown's Point and finishing off at the Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve.

Then after a short course, they were 'experts' in handling injury incidents in wild country and eating freshly cooked pizzas in the open!

They learnt a lot this weekend and experienced an awful lot more.

Book 8 hours of voluntary service each.

Well done Team.

Wednesday 14th.December

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.30pm.

BMC BM KM RM KH JA JS AM RL NB WS MHM CVW LE

SD CW NC SG KM JOR

AG RM

TMC WT

2 Rotary Interviews 7pm.-8pm

1 intermediate EO

1 Advanced BMC

Message from RL

These are still outstanding in their payments:
JOR £2
BJ £5 (has contacted me will be receiving the money next week)
AM £1
NC £10
EO £3
ED £100 (also contacted me 75 roughly been sold so far)

The B&Q collection raised £313.01p.

That was a really good effort by all of you.

Well Done

Wednesday 21st.December

Training at the Sports Arena

6pm - 7.00pm.

BMC RM BM AM WS JS KM JA TMC KW (RL) TA NB

KH ANV LE SD JOR CWI CMO SG (JC JO) GK

NC MHM EO

7pm-8pm.

Sweet packing.Christmas cards & Singing Practice

             

Christmas DayS

Sunday 25th.December

Meet 9.30am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital A & E Car Park

ALL THE WARDS WHICH ARE OPEN TO US WILL BE VISITED.

CHRISTMAS SONGS WILL BE SUNG BY THE WINDMILL CHOIRISTERS

(YE GODS HELP THE PATIENTS !)

HAND MADE CHRISTMAS CARDS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THOSE PATIENTS WITHOUT ANY

AND

PACKETS OF ASSORTED SWEETS WILL BE HANDED OUT

(KINDLY DONATED BY TANGERINE CONFECTIONERY BLACKPOOL)

OUR PURPOSE TO MAKE SOMEONE SMILE WHO IS ILL AND LONELY AT CHRISTMAS

SO WEAR SOMETHING FESTIVE

        

        

The time on the hospital clock is correct but the camera is still on BST !

Finish 12.30pm.

All Members who attended

BMC EO JS RL WS BM RM KM KH MHM SD LE WT JA NC TMC TA NB

JD SC NR AA CVW JOR KW1 KW CMC JMC JC AG SH ED CM KEW PAP JM PD

AM

You all did a brilliant job.

Lots of praise and appreciation of your efforts are coming in.

Monday 26th.December

Stout effort by the valiant few who were repulsed from the Gt.Langdale Pike o' Stickle

by fierce winds, mist and rain.

(pictured extreme left on a pleasanter day)

The hot chocolates and cakes

(courtesy of PAP)

at Chesters Tearoms were well received though.

Tuesday 27th.December

River Lune Trip for Advanced Paddlers.

(Access Agreement with Lune Rivers Trust)

Rigmadden Bridge (Barbon)

10kms to

Devils Bridge.(Kirby Lonsdale)

Meet MM at Devils Bridge 9.00am

GK AG RM

MM MH

Wednesday 28th. December.

Sports Centre Closed

So

Instead of the evening training session

A Hill Day to blow away the cobwebs.

After Monday's windy and misty challenge on the Langdales

We will stay a little lower with a fell run/bumble along the West Pennine Moors

on the Whitton Weavers Way to find the 'Darren Rocket'

Leaving Unit 8.30pm Back 4.15pm.

Bring the usual

WS JS KH KM

BMC TA LE AM

SG AG RMGK

JO

Well it certainly blew away the cobwebs,increased the confidence of some and gave others food for thought.