News and Blogs

Hi Everyone

I can now confirm the arrangements for this year’s Kidderminster Remembrance day.

As in all previous years this parade is for Scouts, Explorers, and Leaders from all sections.

Date – Sunday 10^th November 2025

We will start to form the parade at 10:15am so please arrive no later than 10am, and once all your young people are there make your way over to Batemans Yard (to the rear of Dunelm Mill)

Parade will move off at 10:30 Promptly

Wyre forest District will NOT be parading back, we will dismiss once the service outside is complete, we will then walk down Clensmore on to the Range car park where you should arrange for parents etc.. to collect from. I would anticipate us leaving St Marys at around 11:45am.

If groups wish to take part in the church service and parade back that is fine but please let me know in advance so as we can inform the parade marshal.

Parking – Unfortunately WFDC have confirmed that there will be no free parking on Green Street car park (Aldi), they have however offered free parking at the Green Street depot, there is only about 50 spaces here. If this situation changes I will update you.

Any questions please get in touch with either myself or Ryan Clarke.

Andy

Andy Brooks

ADC Scouts – Wyre Forest

Hi All,

Thanks to all who have advertised Rhydd Run to your sections. I am very pleased to report we have over 100 runners signed up making this the largest Rhydd Run yet. Because of this we could really do with a few extra marshals to help us keep everyone safe on the course. You would need to be available from 9.30am till around midday on Sunday 27th October.

If you can please spare a few hours to help make this event a great success please can you complete the form at the link below asap or email me back.

For those Marshals already signed up thank you so much for your support, I will be sending out further information direct to marshals towards the end of this week.

https://forms.gle/C8PsMDuTTHSSFN7i8

Yours in Scouting

Mark "Mike" Atkinson
Section Leader
16^th Wyre Forest (St Michaels) Scout Troop

First Aid Courses

Faith has added the following dates for everyone to book on.

• Saturday 19^th October 9.30 am to 4 pm Full course at WF15 Habberley NOW FULL

• Saturday 19^th October 4 pm Practical session (10B) WF15

NEW!!NEW!!NEW!!

24th November at WF17  9.30 am to 4 pm Full course

18th January at WF15  9.30 am to 4 pm Full course

Please book directly with Mark Strain at County, when they are available on the County  website. A link is below.

Those dates not suitable, then please go here First Aid Training | Scouts Hereford & Worcester (scoutshw.org.uk)  and you will see courses elsewhere in the County or the "Hampshire Model" an online session to cover module 10a. The next module 10b can be completed locally. Demand for these FREE courses is bound to be high as we move into Transformation so please take the opportunity to book early. Check your compass record to see when your renewal is due.

Contact Faith directly faith@westoaks.org.uk for further information or look in the Training Diary page on Hereford and Worcestershire Scouts website for alternative FA courses outside of the district.  Remember to check when your FA expires and book in good time to avoid travelling.

Reminder that under Transformation, First Response will be mandatory for:

• Group Lead Volunteers
• Section Team Leaders
• Section Team Members
• District 14-24 Team Leaders

• In other words, ALL face-to-face leaders and team members.

• There are a small number of volunteers in the District who are not compliant, please contact Faith if you are unsure about your status.

Click on the link below to access a flyer that gives details of a Xmas wreath workshop fundraiser organised by WF14 at Rhydd on 30th November

https://wyreforest.scoutsonline.co.uk/MyFiles/Global00013/Christmas Wreath 2024 (2).png

Places are limited so book now

Rachel

GSL, WF14

Squirrel Dreys

I am delighted to announce that we now have a total of 12 Squirrel dreys (either up and running or approved for a September start), which leaves just 4 to go.  Fantastic effort by all involved in welcoming these curious little creatures to your scouting families!  

Appointments / Volunteer Welcome Team

Ian Setchell has kindly taken up the role of district appointments secretary, and as such is happy to receive any queries from leaders around Compass and DBS issues.  The arrangements for the Welcome Team are yet to be made, so there will be no in-group meetings with new volunteers in the immediate future, unless requested to me by the GLV

Clip and Climb Self-led Training

I will be contacting every leader who has attended self-led training for the clip and climb tower, to inform them of the new procedures and policy coming into place in Scouting.  This process is intended to get in front of the game and ensure this activity is safely lead for all our young people and adult supporters.  It involves completing an online form and a short test sheet, which should be sent to me, Julie DLV, on completion.

There are two ways to become an instructor on the clip and climb climbing tower

1. You need to have attended the annual training sessions run by Rhydd Covert Camp site. Then after the training is complete the form and test sheet should be completed satisfactorily (signed off by DLV).

Hold a suitable Scout Activity Permit for Climbing

Plod - Andy Brookes

Please can all groups provide at least 2 marshals, names to Andy asap.

Plod books and windscreen stickers given out at meeting.

Latest time to gain entrance to drive round animals 1.30pm, so if you are intending to see the animals your child will need to be at plod registration when it opens to be round the walk in time.

Plod windscreen sticker must be stamped & plod book signed and provided to WMSP staff to gain free access to WMSP animals & rides (wristbands are extra cost)

1 windscreen sticker & plod book allows entry for 1 plodder plus 3 other, so if you are a family of 5 or more you will need 2 stamped windscreen stickers  & 2 signed plod books.

access 

Rhydd – Chris

Rhydd has been very busy over the summer, Chris thanked Rhydd Team especially Kathy for all their hard work.  Have had positive feedback regarding tented village.

Gates – if you are last one leaving the site please ensure gates are padlocked.  If a padlock is missing it means the gate is to be left unlocked for a reason (skip delivery etc)

New Explorer Unit

I’m delighted to announce the opening of the District’s fifth Explorer Unit, in partnership with, and based at WF19 Far Forest.The yet to be named unit will open on the 7^th October, with Sam Grove as leader, and I wish him and his team every success.

• Scouts and Explorers International – Ypres and the Menin Gate – October 2025, full 
• District International Jersey August 2025, planning now back under way, a very few places left

Julie