As we approach Christmas and the end of the year it is normal to reflect on the past year’s highs and lows. This year we do the same but it is important, that whilst acknowledging the lows, we do so with positivity.

It goes without saying that 2020 will go down as a year like no other, where we lost freedoms that we would normally take for granted, none greater than the ability to socialise face to face with family and friends. We have seen this impact on Scouting since March, turning upside down how we normally deliver every day activities and most especially cancelling all nights away events. We must remember restrictions placed upon us all have been in response to the most significant pandemic in living memory where many have lost their lives. None the less we look forward to feeling the benefits of a vaccine and the lessening of restrictions in the New Year so we can once again enjoy each other’s company without restriction. Continue reading GSL’s Christmas Message →

Two bits of good news on the boating front this week: We’ve passed the annual RYA Inspection of our facilities & methods, and a new Chief Instructor is taking the reigns of the boating team.

Sailing through the RYA Inspection

The Group had its annual Royal Yachting Association inspection on Thursday 19 November, where an RYA inspector checks through all of our operating procedures, emergency action plans and health & safety policies, as well as physically inspecting all our safety equipment and fleet of boats. Continue reading Boating News: Inspection Success and Change at the Top →

There was sadly no public Remembrance Day Service this year due to the current lockdown. Despite being unable to come together as a Group to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we came together individually and as families, and stood  on our doorsteps with the rest of the community to observe the 2 minutes silence at 11:00.

As part of the scaled down commemorations, our affiliated branch of the Royal British Legion will laid a wreath on our behalf at St Clement’s Church in Leigh-on-Sea.

As part of their remembrance activities, the Cubs have painted special remembrance stones, which Akela has laid around the Fishermen’s memorial in St Clement’s Church yard. Why not take a look if you’re nearby.

You can learn more about how 3rdCB carried on Scouting and supported the war effort around Leigh-on-Sea at 3rdCB.org.uk/about/history

Last week we managed our first face-to-face activities since lockdown began, with a week of sailing sessions in Old Leigh, getting back on the water doing what Sea Scouts do best! Great to see the Scouts and Explorers back at The Den, enjoying the lovely weather (if a bit breezy), and glad to see we all still remember how to sail.

Keen an eye out for upcoming activities on the water in our Boating Calendar.

More photos and videos of the week are on our Members Facebook Group.

3rd Chalkwell Bay Sea Scouts in Old Leigh have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, and equivalent to the MBE for voluntary organisations.

We are one of 230 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. Continue reading 3rdCB Honoured with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service →

Scouting since March has been very different to what we’re used to, but following in our Founder’s spirit of innovation we’re managing to carry on our activities online, pressing on with challenges and learning new skills for life every week. We’ve held online meetings, virtual quiz nights, completed badges at home, camped out in the back garden or made dens at home, renewed our promise on the internet, and come together for video projects that have started national trends! All thanks to a fantastic and imaginative bunch of young people and adults who make 3rdCB one of the best Scout Groups to be a part of! Continue reading Carrying on Scouting… Virtually →