The Group name is unusual in the District in that we have our town name (Saltdean) in our title. Saltdean is situated about five miles East of Brighton, in Sussex, on the South Coast of England.
The Troop has its own hut (Little Gilwell) situated at the back of Saltdean, on the Sussex South Downs, and a short walk from the South Downs Way.
There are three nearby Scout camp sites: Parkwood near Henfield, Broadstone Warren near Wych Cross and Bushy Wood near East Grinstead. We are very fortunate in having our own Group patch at Parkwood, which any Section can use at any time.
The Group has connections with the local kite flying club - the Brighton Kite Flyers. Every year the BKF run a kite festival, and this year it was over the weekend of 13th and 14th July at Stanmer Park, near Sussex University, Brighton.
There was a special Fly-in Event for all the local Guides and Scouts. The event was held on the Sunday afternoon, and all the Scouts and Guides of the District were invited to fly their kites in the arena for half an hour. Unfortunately a late notification to the Troops meant a poor turnout, and we can hardly claim a World Record for Guides and Scouts flying at a Festival with a total turnout of mumble, mumble, mmmbll. (Well, all right then, lets put it this way. The sum of the time spent flying in the arena by the Scouts was roughly equivalent to one fifth of the time spent organising it!)
However lessons have been learnt, and it WILL be better next year!
If you would like to know more about the Brighton Kite Flyers or the Festival, visit their home page - after you have read ours!
 Venture Unit |
| Scout Troop |
| Seonne Cub Pack |
| Mowgli Cub Pack |
| Beaver Colony |
Although currently only (?) 16 strong, we have an active Venture Unit with a full programme. However varied they plan their programme, there are always some popular events which repeat yearly, such as the Bivvi Bag Slide down Devils Dyke. Devils Dyke is a local valley, with a rich folklore history and 42 degrees slopes up to 70 meters (200 feet) high. This event always has the best turnout, and the Ventures come back tired and bruised.
The Venture Unit has a long standing tradition regarding investitures - they always find a unique place (or method) to hold the ceremony! Examples are on a longboat in the middle of a tunnel, in a canal boat rising in a lock at Coventry (while the dinner was burning!), at the AGM, and hanging upside down from the hut rafters. Investitures have occurred during climbing days halfway down the local cliffs, at the waters edge on the beach with an incoming tide (very long ceremony?) and in the middle of the local Youth Hostel Association store on a busy Saturday afternoon!
The Scout Troop is currently hovering around the 30-33 mark with five patrols: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, Kestrels and Owls. No Girls Scouts at present, though that may change in time.
The troop is relatively young, having lost a considerable number of its older members recently. However, the standard is increasing and the boys are developing well, with currently one close to his Chief Scout's Award, and several others pursuing hotly!
The oldest Cub Pack, Seeonees average 24 cubs, made up of four Sixes. There are two leaders and three instructors.
September saw us starting 80 days of Cub Scouting activities worldwide, to celebrate 80 years of Cubs. This will include many challenges and fun packed evenings.
We meet on Thursday evenings for 90 minutes, giving the Cubs a varied and enjoyable programme. Many badges can be gained, as well as activities joined in with other packs around the district.
The 80th Anniversary of Cub Scouting was recently celebrated with a District camp. One of the cubs, Richard Payne, has written a report of the camp, and you can read all about it here.
The newest Cub Pack, Mowglis have just re-opened after a being closed for four years.
We have one leader and two helpers, and are always on the lookout for more leaders...!
Again, look out for contributions here from the Cubs.
Beavers are Fun! Ours are noisy, and are run by some very dedicated leaders.
Look out for contributions here from the Beavers
