A week in uniform

Thats my first week in Cub Leader uniform completed.

In the past week I've appeared in public for the first time in uniform at the Remembrance Service, surprised and confused my pack by taking my oath in front of the pack, and had my first of many training sessions.


11 Nov - Baptism of fire.
Dave was away on a Beaver's camp so I was left on my own representing the Cubs at the Remembrance Service. After having Fiona stay up late sewing badges onto my shirt, and having Ciaran show me how to fold the neckie we arrived at the service to be asked if I wanted to know how many badges were in the wrong place. I think everyone there mentioned that they had never seen me in uniform before. We had a solemn service and then a quick march to the monument for the wreath laying.

13 Nov - The funny handshake
Tuesday saw me arrive for our cub night in uniform. Despite it only being a shirt, and me being involved each week for the past 5 years, it did feel different. It certainly threw the cubs. Dave, having missed Sunday, didn't bother to ask and simply identified the badges that have to be moved. After a normal evening's activities we gathered for the flag break ceremony and Dave surprised me by asking was I ready and then launching into the oath, followed by the traditional Scouting left hand handshake. Dave had been told to get photos...

20 Nov - The training begins
I spent 5 hours today in a training session, covering just 3 of the 15 training modules I have to complete in the next 3 years. No one menti0oned the training when I signed up for the uniform. I knew there would have to be some training, but I was thinking knots and how to set up tents (pitch apparently) and indeed two of the modules are 'Practical Skills' and 'Activities Outdoors' but I didn't expect topics like 'Administration' and 'Working with Adults' to be required. And there's more than just attending the training - it all has to be verified. Naturally some will be verified on a nightly basis as we manage the cubs but each module has a minimum list of tasks which have to be completed and assessed before we get the tick/done.

WOHFTF 2011

I'm just back in from a brilliant weekend - the annual WOHFTF (We're only here for the food) curling weekend.
This is a curling competition held in Stranraer with a fair amount of eating and drinking thrown in. Of course I don't curl so I was really only there for the food, but I have been inducted as a WOHFTF groupie.
Every November Fiona, her curling pals, and the entourage (in total there were 17 of us) head off to the North West Castle in Stranraer where a weekend event is organised. The hotel was the first in the world to have it own indoor curling rink.
The hotel runs competitions throughout the curling season (October to April) where you get 2 nights full board with entry to the group stage of the curling. You also get to use the pool etc and get a buffet lunch. Normally the group will have at least 2 teams entered, so in addition to their placings in the overall competition there is the private rivalry between the teams. The curling is bookended by lots of fine eating and drinking.

Fiona and I arrived just before 1900 on Friday evening and once we had checked in we met up with the others in the dining room. After dinner and retiring to the bar we had a fairly early night, with the teams anxious about the next days play.
As Fiona was on ice at 0830 she left me to sleep, so after breakfast I headed down to the rink to see how they were getting on. As is common with curling rinks, the viewers gallery overlooks the short end of the rink, and there is a bar. They won so they then held the post match discussion. It seems curling is a very social sport. It is customary after  a game for the winning team to buy the losers a drink and discuss the match.
After the game it was out for a walk through the shops of the village - this is also the custom it seems. After some retail therapy it was back for lunch and the next match. While Fiona curled and won again, I was up preparing a training plan for my cubs - there is a lot more to this Bagheera business than anyone let on. Once Fiona was done we headed off for a swim (really a sit in the sauna and jacuzzi) though we did actually do about 3 lengths each. Then it was dress for dinner. And then veg out with the rest of the wine...
Sunday morning  was low key - after breakfast we planned on a drive out to Port Patrick but eventually decided that by the time we got out there it would be near enough time to come back, so we just walked around the harbour in Stranraer. It was a lovely still morning and the sea was like a mill pond:

After our walk it was back in for lunch and Fiona's third game. Since this wasn't that long after breakfast she decided to only have the soup and dessert and left he main meal plated up for after her game. The rest of us just ate again.

Once we were done and checked out and all the rest, we went in to check on the game's progress. It was almost over with our team losing when some clever play turned it around.
That was them into the semi finals.
After a quick turn around it was out again onto the ice. I have to admit this was the first match I've actually watched from start to finish and I do have to admit that once you have a vested interest it becomes more exciting. At this point the gallery/bar was filling up as the others players finished their games and watched. This was a close game with great shots and strategy by both sides. Fiona and the teams came through this close game in the front and were now into the final. After the customary drink with the opposition it was back out onto the ice for the final and another close game, with both sides evenly matched. After Alan's final shot the opposing skip realised they were now too far behind to catch up and they 'shook hands' the formal method of conceding defeat. Again the round of drinks and then the prize giving for an exhausted team.
The best thing about the victory is that they are now invited back to play in the champion's weekend in March - another weekend away.