19th (9th Tyne) Sea Scouts
| Scouts | Monday 6.30pm | Scout Headquarters Priors Haven, Tynemouth |
Naval Inspection - 2010
On Wednesday, 28th of April, inspecting officer from the Royal Navy,
Lt Cdr David Griffiths, came to inspect the 19th Tynemouth (9th Tyne)
Sea Scouts at 1830 prompt. There are only 101 RN recognised Sea Scout
groups (100 in the UK, and one in Gibraltar), so for any group to
achieve and retain this recognition is quite an honour. To remain as a
recognised group, the Sea Scouts must maintain high standards in
Scouting, with strong emphasis on the Sea Scout activities. This
inspection comes around every 18 months. Each group is evaluated on
badge work, presentation of uniform, and quality of achievements over a
period of time. The Inspecting Officer wants to see both improvement
from the previous inspection, as well as continued interest of the Sea
Scouts in acquiring the skills and knowledge to help them in all aspects
of their young lives.
Members of the District Scout team and Committee, who all seemed to
enjoy the occasion, attended the Inspection. Many 'land scouters' do not
often get a first-hand view of what Sea Scouts can do.
During the inspection, the Scouts were split into 2 groups. The first
group demonstrated traditional scouting skills in the grounds of the
scout headquarters, which included making tepee shelters with shear leg
lashings to boil a large pot of water over an open fire (lit with flint
and steel). The second group rigged “Topper” sailing dinghys on the
beach and then commenced to be taught “Land Drill” on how to Tack and
Jibe the boats. The troop “fell in” for the traditional closing
ceremony. Lt Cdr Griffiths then inspected the patrols and the Coast
Explorer unit, speaking to each Scout/Explorer to enquire as to their
personal goals and achievements in scouting.
At the end of the inspection, Julia Stenhouse presented Cub Scout
Leader/Assistant Sea Scout Leader Chris Price with the Chief Scout's 20
year service award. Finally, Lt Cdr Griffiths addressed the group as a
whole. He was impressed by the activities he had seen, and was
interested in the future goals of the group to maintain the high
standards expected of an RN recognised Sea Scout group. He completed his
visit by presenting the RN re-certification to Group Scout Leader
Heather Henderson. Lt Cmdr Griffiths was presented a small memento of
the occasion by Sea Scout patrol leader Erin Newstead, as this will be
his final Inspection as an official representative of the Her Majesty's
Royal Navy.
Write up provided by Chris Price, 19th Tynemouth
Naval Inspection - 2008
On Tuesday, 11th November 2008, the inspecting officer from the Royal
Navy, Lt Cdr David Griffiths, came to inspect the 19th Tynemouth / 9th
Tyne SeaScouts. There are only 101 RN recognised SeaScout groups in the
recognition scheme (100 in the UK, and one in Gibraltar), so for any
group to attain this recognition is quite an honour. To remain as a
recognised group, the SeaScouts must maintain high standards as this
inspection comes around every 18 months. Each group is evaluated on
badge work, uniform, numbers of members, and quality of achievements.
During the inspection, the troop and Coast Explorer unit demonstrated
their abilities with chart work, emergency aid, firelighting,
pioneering, and teamwork. Lt Cdr Griffiths then inspected the patrols
and Explorer unit, speaking to each individual Scout/Explorer. This
included a brief interview with each person regarding their badges and
what they wish to attain during their tenure in Scouting.
At the end of the inspection, Lt Cdr Griffiths witnessed a typical
SeaScout closing and award ceremony, then addressed the group as a
whole. He was impressed by the activities he had seen, as well as the
standards the group continues to maintain. He finished his brief speech
by awarding (again) the RN certification to Group Scout Leader Heather
Henderson.
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Groups who pass the inspection can wear the RN Recognition badge, fly the defaced Red Ensign, visit and camp at HMS Bristol in Portsmouth and at certain other military establishments, and HM Ships (by prior arrangement). They can also apply for grants from the Admiralty Fund towards training and new equipment.
