Woodseats Venture Unit | Home

WVU's AGM (Annual General Meeting)

2010-03-08T11:15:00.000Z

Tonight (Monday 8th March) is Woodseats' AGM Meeting. This general meeting that takes place each year covers the side of the Unit you might not know, going through activities planned, finances, the plan for the next year, awards to be presented, and another chance to see this years 'Review of The Year' Video that was shown at The Unit Dinner in October.
All members, both past and present are invited along, as well as any parents who wish to see what you've been up to and what you'll be doing this year.
For CURRENT Unit members, please wear FULL UNIFORM!

The Next Few Weeks...

2010-02-26T00:40:00.005Z

Ok, so as we have so many activities coming up over the next few weeks we have decided to give you a list so you can plan ahead and get involved with as many activities as possible! :)

Click on over to The Programme to see what you can get join in with.

Any questions about any of the activities; ask one of the Leaders or The Exec Members at the Unit on a Thursday Night.

Mountain Masterchef

2010-01-26T17:42:00.005Z

Do you think you've got what it takes to become the 2010 Mountain Masterchef?

All you need to do is get into a team of 4 or 5 and come up with a menu of dishes you want to cook. Judges will be awarding points for meals that are substantial, balanced and will give you the energy you need on the mountains. The meal you cook should be one that is possible with the resources you have on the side of a mountain. It is up to you to decide how many courses to do.

You will need to bring your own stoves, pans, plates, cutlery, water bottles etc. as non will be available at the unit. You will also require a sleeping bag and mat, as the real Mountain Masterchef can cook a gourmet meal from their pit! If you have any questions or need to borrow any equipment please email Simon.

Hill Walker Badge

2010-01-22T17:45:00.007Z

The Hill Walker Badge is a series of walks and overnight wild camps aimed at members with little or no previous experience of hill walking, or those who have done some walking in the past but want to improve their skills further.

The course will teach skills such as navigation, survival, what do to in an emergency, wild camping, understanding weather conditions and the hill environment.

Below is a list of dates, in order to gain the badge you should attend a reasonable number of walks and at least one wild camp.

Friday 29th January - 7.30 - 9:00pm - Introduction & Briefing
Saturday 30th January - 8:00am - 5:00pm - Day Walk
Sunday 14th February - 8:00 - 5:00pm - Day Walk
Friday 19th /Saturday 20th February - 7:00pm - 5:00pm - Wild Camp
Saturday 6th March - 8:00am - 5:00pm - Day Walk
Friday 19th - Sunday 21st March - 7:00pm - 1:00pm - Weekend Wild Camp

Please ensure you turn up for each walk with the appropriate equipment such as boots, waterproofs, food and drink etc. Please bring a few pounds as a small charge will be made each time for fuel. More information will be given at the introduction and briefing.
Any queries please contact Dave Stern or Simon Atha.

The Unit goes to see Toy Story 2 in 3D!!!

2010-01-16T18:53:00.008Z

The amazing film that is Toy Story is coming out in 3D!! Yes, 3D!

So, we're trying to get as many Unit Members as possible to head to the Odeon Cinema (in Town) on Sunday 31st January to see this epic film.

As it is not yet released, we don't know times of Showings exactly, but we'll be seeing one in the afternoon.

If there's enough of us also who wants to go for a meal before/after, there's always Number 1 or Pizza Hut Close by ;)

So, if your free, click attending here and come along for a great afternoon. If you're not free, make an excuse so you can come along ;)

Hope To See You All There...

WINTER RUN AROUND 2010 CANCELLED!

2010-01-16T15:53:00.006Z

Due to only 4 teams entering from the whole of South Yorkshire...of which all 4 of them were from The Unit, the Run Around has unfortunately had to be cancelled!

More information will be given out on what will happen next on Thursday, after the Stretch-Er-Thon.

Winter Run-Around 10'

2010-01-07T23:58:00.001Z

Its nearly time for the Winter Runaround, and we're looking for folk to make some teams. The Winter Runaround is open to both Explorers and Network, and is a big widegame covering the whole of South Yorkshire, where teams of between 4 and 7 travel around using their day travel pass, doing different challenges on the way. It all finishes off at Heasley for tea, and prize giving.

The unit was robbed of first place last year, so we've got a bit of winning to do this year.

It all starts of at 8am on Staurday 13 Feb, where you do your first base (at the unit). Then your free to go to any base, collecting points as you go. You get points for the bases you attend, and the distance travelled between them - the more points the better. You can travel all day on one ticket (included in the price) on all busses, trains and trams.

The cost for the event is £7.50 per person, which includes your travel pass and tea at the finish at Hesley Wood.

ENTRIES FOR TEAMS HAVE NOW CLOSED.
What you need to do:
1. Get your team together (between 4 and 7 people). It doesn't matter if there's only 3 of you, we can do a bit of shuffeling
2. Email us (or phone me) with your team details (names, etc)
3. Pay your money. Cheques payable to Woodseats Scout Unit for £7.50 per person

We've had a good number of teams take part in the past, so lets have another good Year!

Grindleford Station Cafe

2009-12-22T17:10:00.000Z

Just a reminder that Woodseats Venture Unit's annual christmas gathering is tomorrow; starting at 12pm (Mid-Day) at Grindleford Station Cafe.

Getting there is part of the fun, and is entirely up to you!!!

- Train's leave Dore station tomorrow at 1021 and 1221, and only takes 9 minutes to the other side of the Totley Tunnel. Fare's should be around £1.90 single.

- If you fancy a walk to the cafe and get your appetite up, there is a group leaving from Dore to the cafe. If you fancy this, meet them at around 9:00 - 9:15am

- Fancy a cycle? Leaving from Ecclesall Woods at around 11am for a road cycle to the cafe. Should take around 30-40 minutes at a steady pace, and its all downhill on the way back (but that means up hill on the way there! ). Let Sid/Rich know if you would like to join.( p.s You can always catch the train there with you bike, and cycle back!)

If you're not feeling active or adventurous, you could always get your parents to take you!

However you get there, we'll see you around 12 :)

New Year Trip Consent Form

2009-12-04T14:32:00.007Z

If you need a new or another copy of the Parental Consent Form for The New Year Trip, send us an email requesting a new one.

Please be aware that this must be completed and returned by Thursday 17th December.

Please note we cannot take you on the trip if a consent form has not been completed and signed by your parent.

Mountain Equipment Factory Sale

2009-11-23T23:24:00.009Z

On Saturday (5th December) we shall be running a bus to the Mountain Equipment factory sale in Hyde.

This is an ideal oppurtunity to get some quality Mountain Equipment and Ronhill gear at cheap prices. Past sales have included waterproof jackets, waterproof trouses, sleeping bags, rucsacks, hats, gloves and general activities clothing all at greatly reduced prices.

We shall be leaving the Unit at 7.45am in order to get to the sale for when it starts at 9am and returning around midday. The fuel cost will be split between all those who go, which we expect to be between £3 - 5 depending on numbers. Please bring this with you.

We only have 16 bus seats, so it is important that to reserve your seat, you email Simon before Saturday morning.

Great Yorkshire Run Photos

2009-11-19T14:15:00.011Z

Click the photo to view it in full-screeen

Remember This? Click here to view more from the Great Yorkshire Run

Unit Fundraiser: Wine Tasting & Flower Arranging

2009-11-11T14:21:00.005Z

"Grape Expectations Wine Tasting" is a fundraiser for the over 18's, which is to be held at Helmton Road on Saturday 21st November, 7.30 for an 8.00 pm start. Tickets are priced at £10 which includes a buffet supper.

In the run up to Christmas a flower arranging session has been organised.
This is to be held at Helmton Road at 7.00 pm on Sunday 29th November.
Tickets are £5 and can be obtained from Liz (contact 07913283218).

Having watched the demonstration there will be an opportunity for you to creat your own arrangement at one of the two workshops which are to be held on Saturday 12th December.

The cost for a half day session (am or pm) is £25 which includes full instructions and all materials. Again contact Liz for details. (We ask that these sessions are booked by 29th November).

All money will be put towards The Unit, which is vital to keep sub costs and running costs down!

THE UNIT DINNER INFORMATION!

2009-10-23T12:44:00.008+01:00

(PLEASE CHECK ON THURSDAY FOR THIS YEARS UPDATED VERSION OF WHAT IS HAPPENING, THIS IS MIGHT CHANGE ON THURSDAY)

The Unit Dinner will be on Saturday 31st November, and this is a chance for your parents to sit down and have a five course formal meal where you do all the serving and entertainment.

The actual Dinner will be taking place from 7pm to around 11pm on the Saturday night, however your help is needed throughout the whole weekend.

We need to set tables, decorate the building, clean and tidy the building throughly, set up systems (ie coat return), set the downstairs hall up for meeting the guests. This will all be done Friday night, and all day Saturday. More information will be given out this Thursday.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR FULL UNIFORM, SO BLACK TROUSERS (NO JEANS!), BLACK SHOES (NO TRAINERS), EXPLORER UNIFORM TUCKED IN WITH THE UNIT NECKER OVER THE TOP.

During the evening, presentations & certificates will be given out, The 2009 Unit Review of the Year will be shown, your entertainment will be on stage as well as many other things...

Once your parents go home at around 11pm, the night is not over for us. There is still ALL the washing up to do, general tidying up and getting the unit back to partially how it was before. You ARE required to stay and help wash up so, no leaving with your parents.

You ALL WILL be given a lift back to your front door by the Unit mini busses very early Sunday morning, so please make sure you arrange to have a key, or for someone to stay up till you return.

An Apex Appraisal.........

2009-10-04T22:21:00.005+01:00

The Apex Challenge is over till next time, but yet again, Woodseats showed the way. Well Done to all Woodseats Teams for the Brilliant Results...

Teams from Woodseats came in at:

2nd: If In Doubt, Follow The Sheep

8th: The A Word

13th: Hannah and Her Merry Men

27th: Spineylicious

36th: Hedgehog Mania

59th: Teletubby Toast & Pants

For Full Details Click Here

2009-09-29T14:44:00.004+01:00

. . . Your Unit Programme has now been updated until the middle of November, head on over there now to see what you'll be up to for the next few weeks

New Year Trip 09/10 Open

2009-09-16T13:31:00.009+01:00

Places for the New Year Trip in Snowdonia have opened for deposits. This is one of the unit's biggest and most popular camps and is sure to fill up quickly.

The venue is a 5* Scout Youth Hostel, with each room consisting of two bunk beds and your room even has its own large en-suite. Upstairs is a large TV room which even has a pool table, table tennis table and darts scattered in-between the large sofas.

The dates for the camp will be the 27th December 2009 to the 3rd January 2010.

So to ensure your place is booked, hand Andrew Biglands a cheque for £25 on Thursday. The total cost for the trip will be £130 (payable later) which covers food, accommodation, transport and activities. See below for a few pictures from last year...

Unit Summer Camp 09 Pictures

2009-08-16T18:19:00.012+01:00

View all the photos from the summer camp

Finnish Scout Walk

2009-07-26T15:40:00.007+01:00

Last Wednesday (22nd July), The Unit took 40 Scouts from Finland on a walk along Stanage Edge. The Unit team consisting of Lee Plummer, John Hall, Louis Sheeran, Dominic Sharpe, Richard Hollingworth, Bradley Cole, Hannah Harper, Dan , Tom Smith, Torin Cowen & Aaron Adams lead the very wet and windy walk (which the Finnish People noted) across the ridge.

The Finnish Scouts were then taken back to Helmton Road for a mini 'Unit Dinner'. The menu for 60 consisted of a full Sunday Roast, to which the Stuffing confused the Finnish.

The day went very well and some photos of the day can be seen below:

Upcoming Summer Camp Dates

2009-06-21T13:20:00.010+01:00

The Unit is running various summer trips this year, the dates you need to know are:

Splashdown, Rother Valley Country Park: Friday 26th - Sunday 28 June (Paid)

Dolomites Summer Trip: Monday 6th - Tuesday 28th July (Paid)

North Yorkshire Moors Summer Trip: Saturday 8th - Saturday 15th August (Get your name down now)

Scout Car Show

2009-06-04T23:11:00.008+01:00

SCOUT CAR SHOW

13 June 2009

Sir Harold Jackson School, Bradway Drive

Details to Follow On Thursday At The Unit

The Unit's biggest fundraiser returns for its 8th year, and is set to be the biggest and best yet. Over 70 vehicles will be on display, including a special visit from our very own Spiney Norman.
Fundraisers are how we keep Sub costs down so in order for us to carry on doing that, we need every Unit member to help on the actual day. Your help will be needed on running various stalls, games, the food tent, the arena, marshaling and much more, so we really do need everyones help.

There are many of activities for all the family during the day, from traditional gamessuch as a coconut shy and tombola. Other favourites make a return like pot smashing, assault courses and beat the goalie.

The food court will be serving everything from flame grilled burgers to fresh strawberries and cream, and the kettle in the tea tent will always be on!

This year The Unit's running the events in the arena. Everyone's invited to take part regardless of age or ability, and we've got an action packed program. Try your hand at our very own Royal Tournament, or see how you fairat welly wanging - and there are prizes to be won!

For more information, and to see photos from previous years, visit the website www.scoutcarshowandgala.co.uk.

We'll see you there...

Bear Grylls is Appointed the New Chief Scout

2009-05-18T16:18:00.008+01:00

See Video Below

Today it was announced that 34 year old Bear Grylls is to become the new Chief Scout, taking over from former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan in July.

Bear is a professional adventurer, author, motivational speaker and television presenter. He was born and raised on the Isle of Wight where his father taught him to climb and sail at an early age, and he went on to be educated at Eton Collage then the University of London. He is a second dan black belt in karate and speaks English, Spanish and French. Bear is a Christian, describing his faith as the 'backbone' of his life.

Bear now resides on a houseboat moored by Battersea Bridge on the River Thames, and an island on Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales. He is married with three sons (the youngest born of natural childbirth in January 2009 on the houseboat!)

In May 1998, Bear became the youngest Briton (at 23) to climb Mount Everest, just 18 months after breaking his back. He also now presents TV programmes such as Bear Grylls: Born Survivor & Man vs Wild; where he tests his survival techniques to the limit. He has written a variety of books (which are great reads) including a personal account of his ascent up Everest and his account of Facing the Frozen Ocean.

Grylls stated how honoured he was to be offered the position of becoming the tenth Chief Scout, and he expressed his desire to continue the work of his predecessor Peter Duncan in his inspirational publicity work to promote Scouting.

New Facebook Page & Scout Shop Website

2009-04-30T02:58:00.002+01:00

Three posts in three days! How lucky are you!?

Two things to keep you updated on. Firstly, I have added a logo that links to the scout shop website - an online store for buying uniforms, neckers, badges and all your scouting supplies! Here's a message from them:

As you may know, we launched our new website last year that not only has
the full range of Scout Association uniforms and resources, but also enable leaders to log in and buy badges.

The scout shop is an integral part of Scouting in the city of Sheffield and we are luckier than most to say we still have an actual shop operating in Trippet Lane!

www.scout-and-guide-shop.co.uk

Secondly, I have set up a Facebook 'page' - it's a bit like a user profile but for an organisation. Facebook users can 'become a fan' of the Unit and our news fees, status updates, photos and videos and stuff will appear in their news feeds just like it does for their friends' updates. It's not to replace the group we have, it's in addition to it. There will be events added to the page which will contin details of what's going on at the Unit and Facebook users in the Unit who are fans of the page will be invited to them and will be able to talk about them and share pictures and videos!

The brand new page: facebook.com/pages/Woodseats-Venture-Unit/...

Programme Updated

2009-04-29T14:56:00.003+01:00

The New Programme has now been uploaded to the website.

Take a look at what's coming up and if you have any suggestions for unit activities for the future; speak to one of the Exec members.

Unit Discount on Outdoor Shoes, Hiking Boots, etc.

2009-04-28T10:25:00.004+01:00

I've managed to negociate the Unit a 10% discount on footwear at FitnessFootwear.com - they have outdoor shoes, hiking boots, watersports shoes, climbing shoes, running shoes and the inbetween general purpose durable shoes which are perfect for Unit activities.

fitnessfootwear.com/s-258-outdoor-shoes.aspx

Have a look around the whole website (not just the hiking boots section) and if there's anything you like, proceed to checkout and enter the following promotion code when prompted to:

MMUC10

Shhhhhh! Tell all your friends!

Woodseats Explorers Win The Apex Challenge again!

2009-04-19T17:12:00.004+01:00

Once again, the Woodseats team has triumphed in the Apex Overnight Challenge. The event, held this weekend at Sherwood Pines Forest Park, was in high demand and had to close entries early with over a hundred entries! Unfortunately only 69 teams managed to get involved, but of course the Woodseats teams were high up in the leaderboard as usual:

1st: If In Doubt, Follow the Sheep - 900 points

8th: Where's Wally? - 609 points

The winning team won by a clear 175 points! Also the first team in the Apex's history to win two events in succession!

If In Doubt, Follow The Sheep

Where's Wally?

Well done to Andrew Webster, Dom Sharpe, Torin Cowen & Aaron Adams for winning! Well done to all those who entered.

Read the event report here: April 2009

See the winners' hall of fame here: Hall of Fame