Christmas is nearly upon us, the tree is up in The Den, and all the sections are getting into the festive spirit making decorations and holding parties.
This year the Group has seen another busy programme of activities, including camping, sailing and hiking for our young people. We have enjoyed exciting social events with the wider Group family and seen the triumphant return of the Old Leigh Regatta.
I would like to thank all of our fantastic volunteers, including our Young Leaders, that work so hard to deliver a great programme and maintain our facilities. It is now time for everyone to look forward to a well-earned rest and enjoy this festive period with family and friends.
Finally, I would like to wish all our members, young and old including their families a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all back in the New Year!
Dan Parsons, Group Lead Volunteer
In this newsletter:
- Christmas Carol Service and Toy Collection – Sun 15 Dec
- Presentation Evening – Sat 18 Jan 2025
- EasyFundraising and new grants
- New Group President announced
Christmas Carol Service and Toy Collection
Sun 15 Dec @ 11:00
Each Christmas we host a carol service at The Den for all youth members and their families, along with the congregation of the Fishermen’s Chapel. The service starts at 11:00 (please arrive in good time and be seated before then).
This year we’ll be collecting toys & gifts for Little Havens, and the children in our city who need a little more hope at this time of year. We ask for donations of toys or children’s books, these can be new, as new, unwanted gifts or something out-grown. Unwrapped please to help the Little Havens team give them out appropriately.
The obligatory mince pies and refreshments will be served after the Service. We look forward to seeing you there. After the service there is Sunday Duty Patrol for Scouts in Stormy Petts and Whales.
Presentation Evening
Save the date for the 3rdCB Presentation Evening, our annual celebration of our youth members achievements over the past year.
It will be on Sat 18 January 2025, at Leigh Road Baptist Church, starting at 1900. We look forward to seeing you there.
Trophy Return
If you won a trophy at last year’s Presentation Evening, please can you return it to The Den at the earliest opportunity, so we can get them engraved and ready for this year’s winners.
We’ll swap them for a plaque that you can keep to remember your achievements.
Fundraising Updates
Support us when you’re Christmas Shopping
3rdCB uses EasyFundraising to support us, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online.
Over 8,000 retailers (including Amazon) will donate to us when you use EasyFundraising to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! These donations really mount up – over £2,300 so far – and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us.
It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment. You can find our EasyFundraising page at easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/3rdcb/
Grants to Renew the Topaz Fleet
We’ve recently secured funding from the Admiralty Fund (available to us through our Royal Navy Recognition) and a donation from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust, which has allowed us to refresh our fleet of Topaz sailing dinghies with new spars and sails, giving a new lease of life to a key part of our fleet.
We originally bought the Topazes in 2005, bolstered by a couple of generously donated additional hulls over the years; they’ve served us exceptionally well as versatile & robust single handed training boats, becoming a firm favourite of generations of young sailors. We’re pleased they’ll still be a regular sight on the water in Old Leigh.
Could your company support us?
If any parents or supporters work for firms that have workplace grants or donations, please consider nominating 3rd Chalkwell Bay, or let us know if you’re aware of any grants that are available to support our work.
We’re currently looking for funding to help us buy new tents for the Explorer Unit, new waterproofs for sailing, and a new small safety boat to replace Rodney and keep us safe on the water.
Tricia Assumes the Presidency
We’re pleased to announce that Tricia Smith, our long time Akela who retired as Cub Leader at the start of the year, has agreed to become our new Group President, 3rdCB’s honorary figurehead.
We’d like to thank Les Davis, our outgoing President and stalwart of 3rdCB for longer than most of us can remember (and also a former Akela) for his years of service and support. Les has been made a Vice President and will continue to support and champion 3rdCB’s activities.
Upcoming events and dates for your diary
- Sun 15 Dec: Christmas Carol Service and Toy Collection. Festive cheer at The Den, and a toy collection on behalf of Little Havens. See 3rdCB.org.uk/event/xmas-cp24/
- Sat 18 Jan: Presentation Evening. Celebrating our youth members successes and achievements over the past year. See 3rdCB.org.uk/event/presentation25/
- Sat 1 Mar: Après Ski Party. Fun family social event with an Alpine twist, raising funds to support our activities. Details to follow.
- Sat 15 Mar: SHINDIGS (Scouts/Explorers). Put on a Show in a Day with Southend Gang Show. See 3rdCB.org.uk/event/shindigs25/
- 5-12 Apr 25: Derbyshire (Scouts). Our week long hillwalking and activity trip to the Peak District. See 3rdcb.org.uk/event/derbyshire25/ (Now fully booked).
- Sat 10 May: Band Night. Evening of live music and entertainment for all the family, raising funds to support our activities. Details to follow.
- 26 Jul – 2 Aug: Summer Camp 2025. Save the date for next year’s camping experience. See 3rdcb.org.uk/event/camp25/
- 6-7 Sep: Old Leigh Regatta. It’s Back! Save the date for the hottest weekend of fun in Old Leigh.
You can see all our upcoming events and activities on the Group Calendar at 3rdCB.org.uk/events/
