Dear Parents and Carers

We have almost arrived at June and hopefully the rain will hold off and warmer days are ahead of us.  We have had such an action-packed spring with our Group Camp at Eaton Vale, Water Activities Weekend (Scouts and Explorers) and the international Ice and Fire expedition to Iceland (Explorers).  It’s not just about the camps, although they are pretty cool!  A quick look at the 1stFSG Facebook page is an action packed, fun filled celebration of all things scouting.  None of this can happen without our amazing volunteers, and I am very grateful to have such an amazing team.  

While being an adult volunteer in scouting involves a level of commitment, some training the occasional inconvenience it also admits you into a fabulous local and worldwide family.  

Our scout group at 1^st Fressingfield continues to grow and grow and I am pleased to welcome a large number of new members from Harleston, whether you are here for the short period while our friends at 1^st Harleston reorganise or here for the long haul as 1^st Fressingfield has so much to offer you are very welcome.  Please play a full role in your scout group.

With all the new members we are receiving we are now reaching capacity in many sections and need even more volunteers to support our programme and young people.  There are lots of opportunities and a wide range of roles and tasks that need supporting.  Please drop me an email at gsl@fressingfieldscouts.com if you want to join in the fun.

Thanks to everyone that support us in any capacity.

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1st Fressingfield Scout HQ service day – Saturday 1st June 
A team will be working at the HQ on Saturday between 11am and 4pm.  EVERY willing volunteer is very welcome to join the team.  (Please note we are not taking unaccompanied young people under the age 12). 
There are lots of indoor and outdoor tasks to complete, planting, weeding, tidying, cleaning, digging, sawing, erecting, mopping, washing, fixing and much more. 
We are very proud of our HQ and the only way to keep it amazing by receiving your support on our action days throughout the year.  Please “Call in to help out”.   
 

Scout Group AGM – 18^th July:  I would be lying if I told you this was going to be the most exciting engagement of the year and a scout must tell the truth.  But the Scout Group AGM is an important part of Scout Group governance structure, and our Trustees play an essential role in keeping the Scout Group working well.  A formal invite will be sent to all members, leaders, and parents soon.  But I would welcome your support and attendance, section reports will be presented, key information will be shared including our financial report.

After many years at the helm, Dawn Carman-Jones has decided to step down at the Executive Chair and the AGM will vote on not only a new Chair but will choose the team for the coming year.  If you are interested in joining the Trustees, please email me at gsl@fressingfieldscouts.com

Traffic, travel, and car park:  May I remind everyone to drive safely and slowly in Priory Road.  Not only is this a residential area and as scouts we intend to never cause a negative impact on our neighbours, but our young people (and your children) are often walking in the area.  Please drive with care.

Please note that the car park surface in the HQ is badly damaged following the winter and we are seeking to get this fixed.  Remember that access into the Scout HQ is for leaders’ cars and for those with mobility issues, everyone else should park or drop off outside the gate.  Minimising traffic in the compound is intended to keep contact between children and moving vehicles to a minimum.

The Scout Group is very grateful to RedHouse Farm and Weybread Woodcraft for their permission to use the area outside the factory unit.  This is granted to us on the understanding that all vehicles are driven safely and that drivers access the area at their own risk, the landowners do not accept any liability for cars parked on the site.

Housing Development:  The development has been delayed slightly due to weather and it is expected to be finished in the autumn.  You may have noted that the access road has now (almost) come to our gates, and we will need to carry out some reconfiguration of fencing and gates please bear with us during the transition.  At some point in the autumn the route up Priory Road will be made foot and cycle only and cars will need to approach along the new access road, I will keep you advised of progress.  The HQ will also be connected to mains water and drainage and these arrangements are now being made.

Annual Open Evening and Prize Giving 
SAVE THE DATE – Friday 13th September – 6-930pm 

• Annual awards, music, lots of free scouty events 
• Refreshments including Beer Tent, BBQ, Campfire treats and more 
• Community stalls and craft barn 
   

Dates for 2023/2024 
15th June               Fressingfield Village Fete 
23rd June               Orwell challenge marathon hike (Explorers) 
18th July                 (eve) Fressingfield Scout Group AGM 
20-26th July           Summer Camp (Explorers/Adventurers) 
22nd July-4th September            SUMMER BREAK 
13th September                (eve) Fressingfield Scout Group Open evening 
14-15th September          Norfolk24 (Explorers) 
30th November                 Weybread Christmas Tree festival 

More dates to follow and packed section programmes