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Taking Soundings – At the Practical Oars Charge Cert. Course

Saturday, May 18th, 2013
Bow person casting lead line to record depth

Bow person casting lead line to record depth

One of the oldest nautical skills mariners used was to take and record the depth of water they had to navigate. Invading Norsemen, Vikings would use this skill to navigate their way into estuaries and up rivers, plunging themselves further inland.

A simple lead line is used with intervening measurements along the rope. As part of this year’s Intermediate Oars Charge Certificate course scouts prepared such lines and put them into practice white navigating their course in Malahide’s Lower Estuary. The line is simply made by using different materials at one meter intervals tied along the line. The first meter could be a ribbon followed at next meter coloured wool etc. A weight is used for the end of the line. Instruction from the coxswain was given to the bow person to give depth. The line is then swung forward of the bow and when perpendicular to the bow, depth is shouted back “Depth one meter”.

Man overboard drill

Man overboard drill

Today’s exercise concluded with “ Man overboard drill” , picking up a mooring buoy , navigating a crowed anchorage taking into account both wind and tide. Well done to all who passed ,who will be presented  Certs at their next uniform night.

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Practically Done – At the Oars Charge Cert. Course

Sunday, May 12th, 2013
Boat crews at Oars Charge Cert. 2013

Boat crews at Oars Charge Cert. 2013

The first part of this year’s Practical Oars Charge Cert. days boating exercise got off to a wet start on Sunday morning on Malahide’s Lower Estuary.  The weather forecast had rain at first turning into a day long drizzle, with SW winds. Later winds from the west, force 4 increasing to a 5 and gusting occasionally to Force 6, a small boat gale?

A reasonable forecast, for a day’s exercise on the water. Crews tucked in along the Marina taking advantage of the higher buildings to shelter from the gusts. Coxswains and boats crews had to work a little harder and use all their skills to negotiate the gusts by staying upwind.

Crews exercise

Crews exercise

The days exercise consisted of steering a boat through a crowded anchorage,embarking and disembarking a boats crew, react to a loss of a rudder or oar ,picking up a mooring buoy , and taking charge of a rescue exercise.

The fourteen scouts will finish their training over the next weekend and will be assessed on all the above disciplines.

 

 

 

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Malahide Fleet Launched on Ebbing Tide

Sunday, May 5th, 2013
Launch Day 2013 IMG_2466 (45)

Blessing of the fleet on the Sea Wall , Malahide

Launch Day 2013 IMG_2466 (50)

Cast-Off and make way to the Island

The day comes and all  the scouts can take  pride in the launching of their fleet of East Coast Skiffs, Pico’s  ,BP 18’s and  rescue craft  on the outgoing tide on Malahide’s  Lower Estuary .The Scouts spent the Winter months, sanding and stripping paint .making repairs , varnishing ,anti-fouling and fastening new lines.

A task shared by all three sections in the group. An activity encouraged by the leaders as it teaches scouts, to make minor repairs,learn practical skills in preparation, taking ownership, responsibility and seeing the task is completed in time for the May Bank Holiday .The scouts work in teams and by pulling together see the fruits of their hard work when launch day comes around.

There was no better day than on Sunday 5th May when a fleet of ten our craft were launched at the Malahide Sea Wall. In a true tradition by seafarers the blessing of the fleet took place. Tossed oars and sails head to wind, Father Frank of Yellow Walls Parish greeted scouts and praised their work. A special poem was followed by a blessing on all our craft and safe boating to all, this coming season.

Launch Day 2013 IMG_2466 (72)

Building the Human Pyramid on the Island

Cast off, the fleet makes way on the ebbing tide down the lower estuary. After a short trip across to the Island boats are beached. Here the scouts took part in a fun full filled day of games, mini Olympics and to finish, a skiff race. Thanks goes to all the Scouts, Leaders and Boat Master Paul McEvoy for a perfect day on the water. Here’s hoping the boating season will be a good one.

 

 

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Return to “Big Fun Day at Little Auburn”

Friday, April 12th, 2013

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“Big Fun Day at Little Auburn”

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Beavers,Cubs,Scouts ,Ventures and Leaders of Malahide Sea Scout Group "Big Fun Day at Little Auburn"

 

Camp craft , fire lighting , survival , face painting , barbeque , blindfold trail , touch rugby were all part of the Malahide Sea Scouts  first fun day ran last Saturday in Little Auburn , Mabestown , Malahide .

Over 150 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts arrived from 9 o’clock onwards to take part in the day’s activities. Leaders and ventures from the three scout section set up fun and challenging bases around a trail in Mabestown. Step by step the Beavers and Cubs with their mentors followed the trail and completed the bases.

The Chef's fire up the barbeque

While all the fun was happening on the trail some of the leaders from the Cub sections put on their chef hat’s and struck up the barbeque to cook off the much welcomed sausages and burgers to the hungry multitude.

Our thanks goes to our hosts in Little Auburn the Lynch family and to all the Ventures and Leaders from the Scout sections who set up and manned the bases throughout the day. Finally congratulations to the beavers and cubs for completing the day’s challenges and hopefully we will see you next year.

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Plans Launched – Long established member Honoured

Sunday, March 24th, 2013

Parents and Friends Annual report of the Malahide Sea Scout Group

An important occasion for Malahide Sea Scout group on the launching of their plans to develop the present premises on St. James Terrace, Malahide. Thursday night’s Annual report to the Parents and Friends of the group listened intensively to the plans to fully redevelop the present premises. A packed main deck of scouts, leaders, parents and friends of the group were shown preliminary drawings and a 3D video of the planned development.

The group supports 8 sections of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures and adult volunteer leaders totalling 600 members making it the largest Sea Scout group in Europe. Each section gave their annual report for 2012 to the parents who showed their appreciation by applauding each presentation.

Life Honorary Membership bestowed on to Ian Crampton for outstanding service to Malahide Sea Scouts

Present at the meeting Kieran Cody retiring County Commissioner for Reachra presented leader awards for service and long standing volunteering by leaders in the group. Group Leader Robert McKernan received his Wood Beads in recognition of fully completing Scouting Ireland’s adult leaders training scheme.

Presentation of Chief Scouts award

Before the meeting concluded after more than 40 years membership and service to the group Ian Crampton retiring Group Treasurer of 14 years was bestowed the highest award the group can give, Honorary Life Membership. Ian joins a strong list of recipients from over the years that has included a pass President of Ireland, well known personalities and volunteer members of the group who have given extraordinary service to Malahide Sea Scouts and the Community.

In the presence of his family and friends Ian was awarded the groups honorary award for his outstanding work over many years. His father Eric who was also present had been awarded Honorary Life Membership back in 2000.

Cubs from the Ceadaoin Pack

Ian joined cubs in 1971 when we met in St. Andrews school on Church Road. He continued on in Scouting and became Watch Leader, Assistant Scout Leader, Venture Leader and Group Treasurer. Ian’s Wife Margaret and son Daniel who were also present are actively involved in our Saturday Beaver section. We wish Ian well and look forward to him remaining active in the group.

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Winter boat drill on the Maindeck

Monday, February 11th, 2013

 

Boats crews at the Intermediate Oars Charge Cert.in Malahide

Boats may be in for the winter and being sanded ,but boat drill goes on,as this years Oars Intermediate Charge Cert begins. A class of 16 take up this challenging Nautical programme.

The course now in its 23rd year prepares scouts and ventures for the coming boating season.The programme is both, a theory and practical course.For the first eight weeks classes are run on a Sunday evening for one and half hours. Here the scouts and ventures learn about water safety,boating guidelines.International regulations for prevention of collision at sea ,safety and emergency equipment,boat maintenance,anchoring & mooring, emergency procedures (man over board drill),Meteorology,Local knowledge,Currents and tides,Boat drill and rope work. Every year guests speakers are invited along to talk about their nautical speciality.

Winter boat drill

A very comprehensive programme but the emphasis is always on being competent and carrying out the activity in  safety.Each scout and is given a log book and records when a module is completed and must be signed off by the instructor.In April the practical end of the course is over a weekend .Here you must be  competent in taking charge of a muti-oared rowing boat, taking part as a crew member,reacting in an emergency(loss of a rudder,oar etc).

On completion scouts and ventures are presented with their Oars Intermediate Charge Certificate and a  nautical Charge Cert. badge.

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Scout / Sea Scout Swimming Gala

Sunday, February 3rd, 2013

Scouts and their leaders at the Sea Scout Gala Blanchardstown

In the not so distance pass I remember you would always get a chill when Skipper would announce that the Swimming Gala is coming up shortly. With its origins back to 1919 when galas were competed for in Dublin Bay and later Clontarf Sea baths the date in September came up so fast. Not the most popular venue for the very reason, the water was always freezing. The motivation was the sooner you hit the cold water the harder you swam to get out the far side and get warm again.

Bass Shield presented to 8th Port Dunlaoghaire Sea Scouts

Sea Scout Swimming Gala at Blanchardstown

The excitement and challenge are still the same, but the venue is now the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown. 150 scouts from across Dublin and North Wicklow area took part in the multi choice of races. They ranged from 25 meter freestyle to 100 meter squad relay race. The Neat dive attracted entries from  all the age ranges, but the keenest race competed for, the under 17 Bass Shield that was first presented on behalf of the Dublin Sea Scout Association in 1919.

Congratulations and well done to all the teams who took part. A special thanks to the organisers from Dunlaoghaire, Bray, Howth, Dollymount and Malahide  Sea Scout groups.

Competing for "The Neat Dive" at the Clontarf Sea Baths in 1977

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Malahide Sea Scout group commemorates 1912 – 2012

Saturday, February 2nd, 2013

Sea Scouts Launching a Coastguard Cutter at Bray in 1912

As the closing of our Centenary drew nearer,Malahide Sea Scout group unveiled a commemorative plaque at its den on St. James Terrace celebrating 100 years of Sea Scouting on the island of Ireland. Present were invited guests and members of Malahide Sea Scout group. The unveiling was performed by Stephen Taylor,Programme Commissioner for Sea Scouting in the presence of Eoghan Lavelle former Chief Scout (S.A.I.), Mrs.Nora Taylor, Brian Meyer, Scouting Heritage,Roger Greene Honorary Life Member,Tommy Taylor Honorary Life Member,Section Leaders Kate O’Farrell,Pat Moyne,Skipper Sean Clancy, Skipper James Doyle,Group Chairperson Kevin Rowan,and scouts from the Neala and Wednesday night troops.

Stephen Taylor unveiling of Centenary Plaque in Malahide

The plaque commemorates the appointment by Chief Scout Robert Baden-Powell the first Sea Scout Commissioner on the island of Ireland, Lieutenant Henry. J. Rundle RN.who took up the appointment.A resident of 22 Church Street,Malahide was the ‘Officer in Charge’ at the Malahide Coastguard Station.

Unveiling of Centenary Plaque in Malahide

In 1912 Sea Scouting had being established in Dublin, Bray, Malahide, Ardmore and Wicklow. Sea Scouting officially started in Malahide in 1919 only a few yards away at the rear of St. James Terrace down to the sea wall. Throughout our scouting history groups have come and gone but now in 2012 there is steady platform to give a quality programme in fun and challenging manner to the youth of Malahide and its surrounds. With this in mind we can now look forward to the future and the next hundred years

Commemorative plaque

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The Peace Light of Bethlehem arrives in Malahide

Monday, December 24th, 2012

The Peace Light arrives in Malahide from Bethehem

The Peace Light of Bethlehem arrived in Malahide Sea Scout Den on St.James Terrace after crossing 2 continents just in time for Christmas Eve.

On the 11th December 2012 the candle was lit in the Grotto of Christ’s Birth in the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem. The flame was taken by a young Israeli and Palestinian Scout to Tel Aviv Airport where with the support of Austrian Airlines a Scout carried it to Vienna.

the Enchiriadis Youth Choir from Malahide

From Vienna, Scouts and Guides from all over Europe gathered,to take the flame and transported across Europe by rail, by road and on foot through ,Switzerland , France – then on to Calais, Dover and up through England to Liverpool. On Wednesday the 13th December members of Scouting Ireland collected the light in Holyhead and brought it via Stena Line to Dublin.

The Peace Light arrives in Malahide from Bethlehem

In Dublin members of Scouting and Guiding held a Peace Light Service in the Church of the Visitation in Fairview.  From here the light made its way  to places of worship and to the  Scout Den in Malahide. Here a Peace Light carol service took place with the Enchiriadis Youth Choir from Malahide village.

Scout ship "Zawisza Czarny" making way in the Baltic Sea

Scout sail ship Zawisza Czarny of the Polish Scout Association also took the Peace Light with a international scout crew across the Baltic Sea from,Swinoujscie,Poland to Ronne on Bornholm Island (Denmark) and here Danish Scouts took the Light into their homes .The ship returned to its home port in Gdynia,Poland in time for Christmas

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