News – 6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts

The story of the canoe that I called the Shark – Andrew Elliott

Edward Morris — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 20:39:10 +0000

Andrew has very kindly donated his hand-built canoe to our group and has kindly shared some of the histories. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew and to share his story with you.

The story of the canoe that I called the Shark started while I was studying for my A levels in 1973. I studied at Brockenhurst Sixth form college in the New Forest where there was a workshop which had moulds from which fibreglass canoes could be made. I chose the name Shark because I felt it was apt from the way it cuts and glides through the water. I designed the Shark motif which is visible on the side of the canoe.

I used to compete in the Shark in various Sea Scout regattas including Southsea, Marchwood, Lymington and Poole Harbour; winning a few races. In later regattas I acted as stand-by rescue with the Shark for the younger Scout races.

I took the Shark across the Solent to the Isle of Wight to set up a scout camp near Yarmouth and on another occasion canoed across Poole Bay to Brownsea Island to set up a scout camp there. I used to get great pleasure carrying the Shark down the the beach near where I lived in Barton on Sea and canoe along the coast between Hurst Spit and Hengistbury Head near Christchurch.

Later, when I moved to Chepstow to work on the Severn Crossing, I had surfed the Severn Bore on three occasions in the Shark, which was quite exhilarating especially when you are looking at a wall of water roaring towards you almost like a Tsunami. The Bore is not like a normal wave which you can pass through and come out the other side if you don’t catch it right. The Bore is a seething boiling mass of water which could easily overcome and sinking you. I quickly learnt that the best way to catch the Bore was nearest the centre of the river and rode along the crest of the wave towards the side and back to the centre. I was able to ride the Bore up to 2 miles before loosing it. On another occasion I had canoed down the river Wye from Brecon to Chepstow over three days camping along the river bank. And on another occasion I caught the tide from Chepstow and canoed with the Shark up to Gloucester for lunch, then caught the tide back.

Sadly when I moved down to South East Kent to work on the Channel Tunnel few opportunities arose where I could use the Shark. However, when we had serious flooding locally a few years ago, I took the Shark to help out with people nearby who had been affected by the flooding and fetched supplies that they needed. I also took the Shark along the Royal Military canal between Hythe and Rye one Spring rather more recently.

It gives me great pleasure knowing that Ramsgate Sea Scouts will put the Shark to great use in training the next generation of Sea Scouts. I hope you and the troop get as much fun as I had over the years with the Shark.

Andrew Elliott

The Adventures Of The Green Goddess

Edward Morris — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 20:32:18 +0000

The Adventures of the Green Goddess…..

Tony has very kindly donate the ‘Green Goddess’, an inflatable kayak for two that started her adventures in Medway. She has been paddled around the islands and through the Nore Marsh Estuary, Teston, Derwent in Borrowdale, Derwent Water in Cumbria and even in the Loch’s in Scotland.

The Green Goddess is now with us at 6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts and set to enjoy many adventures.

Thank you Tony!

Watch this space as when we finally get back to our water activities we’ll post some pictures of the Green Goddess in action.

Stage One : THE BEGINNING

6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:51:59 +0000

We start our journey with cleaning up of what’s left. Below you will see several photos of the rubbish that was left by the previous owners of the Ice House.

In two of the photos, you can see some of the space that’ll be used by the group while we’re repairing the rest of the Ice House.

Look forward to the next couple of weeks where we’ll show you more of the progress that’s happening with the Ice House.

Yours In Scouting

Hawkeye and Dizzy.

Community Impact Award

6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:50:46 +0000

On Saturday 10th November we were awarded 3rd place in the Kent Scouts Community Impact Award, at the County AGM, for our work with the Ice House Project.

Council to transfer Ice House to 6th Ramsgate Sea Scout Group

6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 19:40:05 +0000

PRESS RELEASE by THANET DISTRICT COUNCIL – August 2017.

Thanet District Council has agreed to transfer the Ice House Ramsgate to the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts as a Community Asset Transfer*.

Situated adjacent to the Jacob’s Ladder steps, the building was once used to store block ice brought to the UK from Norway to be used in the fish markets. It has since had a variety of mixed commercial uses.

The Sea Scouts, whose association with the Ice House goes back many years, will be taking a long lease of the building to enable them to renovate it and provide disabled access, showers, a new meeting hall, kitchen and storage areas. The ambition is to create a building which not only supports the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts Group but also other youth and community organisations in Ramsgate. In addition, the transfer will enable the Sea Scouts to operate from a single building rather than currently being split over two sites.

Cllr John Townend, Cabinet Member for Financial Services and Estates at Thanet District Council, said: “We have worked closely with the Sea Scouts to enable this Community Asset Transfer to take place. We will also be assisting the group in identifying and applying for external funding, and look forward to helping them achieve their ultimate goal of creating a vibrant centre for the Sea Scouts Group and other community organisations to enjoy.”

Lesley Gallagher, Chairman of the 6th Ramsgate Sea Scouts Executive Committee, said: “We’re delighted to be able to make this positive step forward in our journey towards creating a Sailing and Canoe training Centre for our Sea Scout group and are very grateful to the council for agreeing to this transfer. We hope that working closely with them we will also be able to attract funding for this fantastic project that will help us to expand on our ability to provide great opportunities for our Young People in Thanet.”

*A Community Asset Transfer is the transfer of management of public land and buildings from the council to a community organisation for less than market value, in order to achieve a local social, economic or environmental benefit.

Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour Sea Scouts Sail Through Royal Navy’s Inspection

6th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scouts — Thu, 13 Jul 2017 17:59:04 +0000

6^th Ramsgate Royal Harbour Sea Scout Group welcomed the presence of Lieutenant Ron Gaytano RN for a formal review conducted on behalf of Commodore Core Naval Training and Recruiting on Friday 30^th June. The group is one of the 101 RN Recognised Sea Scout Groups in the UK.

This was a significant achievement for the local Sea Scout Group as it was the first full water inspection of its type, involving the whole group including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and Executive Committee and we’re proud to announce that the event was a glowing success.

The inspection was attended by local dignitaries, Councillor Trevor Shonk – Mayor of Ramsgate, Ralph Hoult – Honorary Freeman of Ramsgate Town, Representatives from the Council, Ramsgate Lifeboat, and members of District Scouting, Ann Wells MBE and Cath Kirkpatrick, District Commissioner.

Formalities took place at 6^th Ramsgate HQ, with 3 Scouts being presented their Chief Scout Gold Award, (the highest award that Scouts can earn) Joshua Mace, Daniel Green and Nathaniel Brown, followed by Lt. Ron Gaytano RN being introduced to every member of the group from age 6 up to adults.

The Inspector was then taken on a tour of Ramsgate Royal Harbour to view a display of Water Activities organised by the Young Leaders and put on by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Water activities led by the Young Leaders Becky Cannon, Jake Mace and Matthew Sayer and Senior Patrol Leader Joshua Mace, included powerboating, pulling, sailing, canoeing and kayaking and a short display of their capsizing technique.

Lt Ron Gaytano RN took to the water for a ride on powerboat “Bumbles” piloted by each of the Beavers in turn (closely supervised by Young Leader, Becky Cannon).

“I was so pleased to see 6th Ramsgate enjoying using the harbour facilities and learning such useful skills.” Councillor Trevor Shonk, Mayor of Ramsgate.

A reception was held following the proceedings at Ramsgate Small Boat Owners Association where the inspection result was announced followed by a splendid buffet provided by Sarah Cannon, 6^th Ramsgate Executive Committee Treasurer.

“I’ve attended a few reviews, but this is one of the best so far, the commitment of the Leaders and the enthusiasm of the young people is clearly evident. It is with great pleasure that I announce the groups’ success in this inspection. I will take back some good memories of tonight and I will be honoured to see you all again in the near future.” Lt Ron Gaytano RN.

“Our young people were exemplary at our RN Inspection and did themselves and the whole group proud. From our 6 year olds to our 17 year old youth members, they were smartly turned out, they engaged with the inspecting officer and most importantly they enjoyed themselves, especially on the water. It is fantastic to see so many young people engaged in something they enjoy, learning new skills, taking part in physical activities, working together and earning national body qualifications. They are proud of what they do and that shone through on Friday night.” Adam Kirby-Brown, Scout Leader.

“Everyone had an amazing time and what a great pride that Lt. Ron Gaytano RN wants to be more involved with our group moving forward. This just goes to show what a great job the leaders do, not only at inspections but all year through.” Shirley Appleby, Group Scout Leader.

Photographs were taken by Mr Steve Burton, who captured some great momentums of the formal proceedings and the water activities.

“The proceedings went like clockwork and it was lovely seeing the three lads – who suddenly grew into young men- getting their Chief Scout Gold Awards. Sir spoke to each member right from the smallest beaver -he took time and gave each his full attention and he obviously enjoyed himself. The leaders were amazing and looked so professional on the water and the behaviour of the young people was impressive.” Lesley Gallagher, Executive Committee Chair Person.

Under a new leadership team and dedicated Executive Committee who have great plans for the group over the coming months, we look forward to the exciting future of sea scouting in Ramsgate.

6^th Ramsgate Sea Scout group is currently increasing numbers for all sections and is happy to hear from Beavers, Cubs and Scouts looking to join in their adventure.

We also welcome enquiries from Adult Volunteers with an hour or two to spare, on a regular or occasional basis, who would like to help shape the future of our young people in Ramsgate.

For further information about joining 6^th Ramsgate Sea Scout Group, please email enquiries@6thramsgateseascouts.org.uk, or visit our new website at www.6thRamsgateSeaScouts.org.uk.

Photos below. All Photo credits to Steve Burton.

Media enquiries may be directed to media@6thramsgateseascouts.org.uk