1st Pontefract Scout Centre

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Welcome to the Adult social side to 1PSC your number one Scout centre in  Yorkshire. All families are welcome to join in, on any activity on this page, however it must be noted there are legal age limits to some of the activities we do. You must also be aware that undertaking many of these activities comes with a chance of injury, you undertake them entirely at your own risk. 1st Pontefract Scout Centre or any of it's leaders, will not accept responsibility for you or your belongings, these are Non-Scouting Events.

Please let me know if you intend to come hiking, I have a limited number of places for each hike, but will always do my best to make sure you can hike.

1PSC Caravan Club & Camping Club

Family: Finding places to stay on our "Family Camp" each year is hard with so many campsites not wanting a group booking because of noise problems they have had in the past with previous inconsiderate (Non Scouting) groups. So what we have decided to do this year is have our very own Caravan & Camping Club, from January 2006. Most of the sites will be for those who are members of the The Caravan Club and therefore you must have a caravan. However we will be using some commercial sites for those with tents who want to have a weekend away when the weather is little warmer, so watch this space. We will let you know the dates of all the planned caravan & camping weekends, just look out for the two images. Most of these camps will be around the planned family hikes but that is optional, you just book in under your own name and chill out while thekids all get on.

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Family Hiking events for 2006-7

Family Hikes are designed for all the family, they are short hikes to start with but do get longer, this type of hiking in the winter months especially, comes with an element of risk. Many paths we take are cross country and can be uneven underfoot and get very slippy with rain, snow or ice, yes welcome to the hiking group. So risks of foot injuries can be high. Weather conditions too can cause a serious risk of hypothermia especially on high ground hikes. You will be responsible for your own safety 1st Pontefract Scout Centre or any of its leaders will not accept responsibility for you, or your belongings. We hike as a group and offer advice to new hikers about general hiking and the next planned hikes.

It must also be noted that some hikes as the miles increase will not be suitable for young people under the age 9 or the unfit.

"Ark's challenge" on the East coast is another Major Hike, plan a weekend at Ravenscar in May the usual rules apply leave your dignity and stiff upper lip at home, we all crash out in the village hall or out in tents for the shy, and enjoy a beer or two after the 28 mile hike in 11 hours max. Or you can come for the day.

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25th March 2006 FAMILY HIKE no.4

Family: Bolton Abbey Simons Seat, Yorkshire Dales, 10 miles, Grid Ref: SE07767,55095 Level: Easy/Medium Risk Rating: Medium, wet & slippy, hiking along the river side, uneven ground. This easy hike started ion the second car park near Bolton Abbey at the side of the river at 10:45. The hike took the FHG through both woodland, moors up to Simons Seat to spectacular views, then returned by the side of the river Wharf to the car park. It was a chance for some of you to try out your map reading skills. The group was initially split into to two teams of 7. The hike was not suitable for the very young.

Directions: A1 North, A659 Otley, A65 Skipton, B6160 Bolton Abbey, meet in the car park next to the river. If your late you miss out!

For those with a caravan it's was your chance to join us at: Hall Croft, Green, Lane, Skipton Road, Ilkley, 01943 600 350. Electric & Some hard standing, no shower no toilet. (CL Site, you must be members of the Caravan Club). Bellow: LF relaxing after the 12 mile hike before the traditional evening of wine, cheese and good company.

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8 April 2006 Adult Family Hike, BONUS HIKE, no.5

Adult Family: Venue: Peak District 13 miles Level: Medium/Hard Risk Rating: Medium/ Low  This hike started with a long hard climb that had most sweating by the time we reach the top. We had everything thrown at us from Sunshine and blue skies to hail stone, snow, rain and gale force winds at the top of Mam Tor. The hike became long and hard for the hiking group as we battled all that nature could throw at us. Was it worth it, you bet. The scenery was stunning as we watched the snow come and go across the valley, okay it was hard hiking, but it's a must for all you hikers out there that read this page. And did I sing “Jerusalem” at the top of Mam Tor, well of course but the wind was that strong and loud, only the nearest could hear me.

Mam Tor at 509mtr. (Terrain 1 for Scout Leaders info)

Photo Right: Mam Tor

Due to the atrocious weather conditions the hike took 1½ hours longer than anticipated and all had the usual aches and pains after such a strenuous hike.

Picture Left: MF Covering his face from the winds and hail stones.

Picture Below: Peveril Castle

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29th April 2006 Adult FAMILY HIKE no.6

PEAK DISTRICT

Adult Family: Peak District, 17 miles, Level: Medium/Hard Risk Rating: Medium, wet & slippy. The hike started early from the lay-by just before the bridge at Ladybower reservoir at 9:30 and quickly ascended to high ground and open moorland before dropping down steep through pine woods and onto bridleways to finish the hike at the side of the reservoir. The weather started off cool and sunny, but by mid afternoon as the miles passed it got hot with blue skies.

(Right PB & GE, Explorer Scout & Scout)

This hike wasn't suitable for young hikers such as Cub Scouts, a faster pace was set, adults were put into teams to have a go at map reading. The older young people (Scouts & Explorers) were allowed to go off on their own with set meeting points to re-join the adults. It was an excellent hard hike for all, and all enjoyed the magnificence of the Peak District National Park

Meet the FHG (Family Hiking Group 2006)

For those who made a weekend of it, we stayed on Hardhurst Farm, Hope. It's a commercial site and has all main facilities for hikers: Hot Shower and a pub 150yds down the road that does decent meals. What more could you want to start off the tenting season. Only a few of the FHG took up the weekend away but we all had good food, good wine and great company.

Scouts & Explorers crashed out in awning

SB & AB start the BBQ

Time to relax before the BBQ 

FHG say goodbye to the Peak District for this year

BUT WE'LL BE BACK !

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13th May 2006 Adult FAMILY HIKE no.7

"ARK's CHALLENGE"

Adult Family: North Yorkshire Moors, 22 miles, Level: Hard Risk Rating: High, can be slippy, hike is along on cliff paths. The hike this year started from Ravenscar Village Hall at 9:00. The miserable cold and wet weather conditions didn't deter hikers. We all set off with a good pace which was maintained throughout the day even in the rain. From Ravenscar we headed down onto the Cleveland Way to follow the coastline to Robin Hoods Bay. We had a very short toilet stop near the Bay Hotel before winding our way in and out of the sleepy village to re join the Cleveland Way. As we stepped forward the weather seemed to get better, at least no heavy drizzle and at last a view although a dull one. Is this summer? The good hard pace and determination to meet "Ark's Challenge" in 11 hours was to be challenged, many over the years had beaten the challenge but only just. THe team soon arrived at Whitby for lunch in the old car park at the top of the hundred and ninety-nine steps. The cold day meant the stop was short although we made one more toilet stop in the visitors car park before we pounded our way along the back road to Hawsker. The five boys had the quicker pace although the adults refused to let them get too far in front. Stomachs full and a fast pace brought us into Hawsker to pick up the cycle-path that would lead us almost all the way back to Ravenscar. Everyone was looking fit, although Maureen's old knee injury had flared up, the rest of the group was looking good as the path took us around a corner to bring into view on the horizon our goal, Ravenscar. Many started to smile knowing the challenge was going to be met, all but me. I knew the cycle path swung hard right inland and added those crucial miles to make it a notable challenge. As we came into Robin Hoods Bay we called at the post Office at the top bank and then followed the road heading towards Fylingthorpe to pick up the Cycle Path. It was now I saw the pained expressions on BE's face as he pushed forward not daring to stop. AB had a spring in her step but it soon went as the long incline from Robin Hoods Bay to Ravenscar and the miles took their toll. But what can I say they smashed the record to this challenge and arrived back at the village hall in a little under nine hours. That's it, training over.

The evening was spent having a very well earned drink, curry was on the menu and after that we relaxed to Ann & Maureen's rendition of a few Musical favourites, Ann & Bevel's Irish songs, and why not, the boys had us all doing Scout stunts to finish the evening. From Maureen and I, thank you for making it a very enjoyable weekend. 

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10 June 2006

"Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge" 27 miles

Adult Family: Yorkshire Dales, 27 miles, Level: Hard Risk Rating: High, can be slippy, and some very steep posibly "Hands On" paths to follow.

After 6 months of hard training and personal expense to each of the hikers, the Family Hiking Group undertook The Yorkshire Three Peaks. The weather in the UK has to be one thing or the other, cold, wet, low cloud or a heat wave. Well it was a heat wave, temperatures above 28’c in the shade meant a further challenge to be added to the 27 miles facing the hikers.

They all met up in the car park in Horton-in-Ribblesdale for 07:00 and set off by 20:00. Pen y Ghent was the first of the famous three. The day brought a strong warm wind that helped keep the hikers cool. The Scouts & Explorers set off half an hour after the adults but soon passed them half way up Pen y Ghent to wait for us all at the top. After a short break for all to get their breath back after the climb, the Scouts had a quick look at the maps and a nod from me and off they went. That was the last time I’d see them for some time, although radio contact was maintained throughout the event.

As lunch time appeared Simon R,  was at the first meeting point ready with fresh water supplies and our lunch. Boots and socks where off for short spell whilst we replenished our water and energy levels. The heat of the day  was starting to take effect, but Whernside was calling so off they went. It was a long hard slog in the heat as they followed the Ribble viaduct and started the long climb. At the top of Whernside the winds where almost gale force which made the going  harder. The Scouts were first to the check point after Whernside to top up water and add more sun lotion, before setting off again. The adults were over an hour behind them, the steep decent and heat was too much for a couple who made the wise decision to pull out when they got down to the Back   Up Team. However the rest of the hikers, after a long stop, knowing they only had Ingleborough to do, set off. The weather took on a final twist as the wind dropped and the heat of the sun and blue skies punished the tired hikers. It was hard climb up Ingleborough, but knowing it was the last climb before heading home kept them going and a renewed spring in their step appeared after they summitted and headed for home.

All the remaining hikers made it to the finish of this major challenge. Congratulations to all including those who completed two of the three peaks. The Scouts where a credit to scouting, they worked as a team and kept regular contact with the base stations throughout the event.

Once again from all the hikers & Scouts I would like to thank Simon for giving up a day to be our back up team. It was gruelling challenge that couldn’t have been done without him, having exhausted hikers and much needed water supplies to ferry about.

Well done all!

(Above just some of the hikers at the finish)

Commercial & Caravan Club CL site: Stacksteads, Ingleton, 01524 541 386. All the "Must Have facilities", a shower!. You must book early.They also do B & B as well as having a bunk house and smaller house which sleeps 6 (its on the web). Only those that have hiked on at least three of the Family Hikes need attend for the hike itself.

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GALA DAY 1 July 2006

Another a fun day raising funds for your favourite Scout Centre, there will be all the usual attractions from Tombola, Ark's Peg Board, Cakes & Buns Stall, Scouts Crafts, White Elephant, Bouncy Castle, Woody's BBQ, Book Stall, the list goes on. Hopefully we'll have a Brass Band to add to the traditional English Summer Fayre feeling.

Other Scout Centres can have a table by prior arrangement and availablity

Open to all 10:00 to 15:00

(Need helpers to come forward)

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14-16 July FAMILY CAMP 2006, WHITBY

For Scouting Families Only, this years family camp was to Whitby, North Yorkshire. We stayed on a commercial camp site called York House, at Hawsker which is situated only 4 miles out of whitby on the A171 towards Scarborough.

We arrived Friday afternoon/night, and enjoyed the unusual hot sunshine, followed by a BBQ. Saturday morning was a trip into Whitby, some went by car others cycled using the cycle path. The evening was spent having a communal BBQ and a social drink. Sunday we spent the morning and afternoon in Robin Hoods Bay and enjoyed this traditional Yorkshire fishing village.

It was great weekend which saw two new families join the camp, Hello to the Hands and Unwins, hope you will join us again next year at the same venue.

Risks: The tide along this coast can be very dangerous please be aware of tides especially at Robin Hoods Bay where the tide can come in around you without you knowning.

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Thursday 31 August to Sunday 3 September 2006

"Lake District"

Adult Family: Lake District, Level: DUE PERSONAL INJURY no hiking was planned, however that didn't stop you from having hiking fun in the rain!

Thank you Ann for this great photo

Thank you goes to Saun for sorting a hike out on the Friday night as a substitute to big one planned. There were plenty ideas however a short hike of 8 miles was in order due to the poor weather forecast, however the weather made it feel longer. We now know why the Lake District is called the "The Lakes". All the hikers came for weekend, some in tents and some in caravans. On the Sunday we had a splash about in the kayaks on Windermere before heading home. Great company, great scenery and good wine! what more can you ask for. What did you do this weekend? (Yawn!)

Some of the hikers at the Start of the hike!

Commercial Site Used: Greaves Farm Caravan Park, Barber Green, Grange over Sands, 01853 95 36329. This is a very quiet site not really for the those that don't enjoy the peace and quiet of the most southern parts of the Lakes. It has clean hot showers on site. The pub is a short couple of miles away which serves food, you'll need a torch for your return journey down the country lanes if you are walking as we do, it's a great way to Finish a long day in the Lakes. Lake Windermere is a twenty minute drive away from the site. And yes the site does have some electrical hook ups for caravans.

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"WESTGATE RUN" 28 October 2006

ADULTS ONLY

I couldn't descirbe this as anything other than a "Pub Crawl". However it's was more of a social event for the hiking group between pubs only, as we attempt the Westgate Run starting in the Reboubt public house at the very bottom end of Westgate in Wakefield. We meet in the pub for 17:00 and make our way up into Wakefield stopping at every pub for a drink of pop!. We will eat in Wakfield on route. It is my intention to catch the last train from Wakefield to Pontefract, for some of you it could be the start of the night as you hit Wakefields nightclub scene. However I like my Horlicks and be in bed before midnight so I'll be on that last train. No need to let me know if you are going just meet up in the "Redoubt" for 17:00.

Trains £13.20 return, per couple (Bad times for you to get into Wakefield and then walk to the meeting point for 17:00)

Taxi £24.00 return per taxi (share a taxi it's cheaper, and door to door) 

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11 November 2006 FAMILY HIKE no.10

Family Family: North Yorkshire, 8 Miles Max, Level: Easy Risk Rating: Medium, wet & slippy.

This hike is the first of a few short hikes for all the family between now and spring 2007. It starts in the car park at Sandsend and follows the Cleveland way for a short distance before heading inland towards Mulgrave Woods. There is a steep section to this hike with slippy steps to use so extra care is needed. The hike will be muddy so get your Gaiters out and take a packed lunch and hot drink. Meet in the car park behind the sea wall at Sandsend, car park fee applicable for 10:30.

There is one high risk section of the hike from when you leave the old railway line and have a steep climb up some very slippy steps. If it's been raining it can get very muddy on the middle section of this hike so gaiters are recommended. If you intend to come please get in touch.

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2 December 2006

"Christmas Dinner Dance £27" FULL

ADULT ONLY: Julie Close is arranging this years Christmas Dinner Dance. The Venue it Pontefract Racecourse. This will be the third dinner dance for 1PSC that's open to all parents and friends. ADULTS ONLY

Bar opens @ 19:00, Closes @ 12:30

Meet in the bar between 19:00-19:30, dancing stops at 1:00am

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8-9-10 December 2006

"Family Christmas CARAVAN Rally"

Family: Get that Christmas feeling at our very own Christmas Caravan Rally. You must be a member of the Caravan Club to use the site we are planning on using This year we are heading to Lincoln for a Christmas shop/weekend. Venue: Miles Stones Caravan Park Cromwell near Newark, affiliated to the Caravan Club. (sorry for the delay in getting this info on the web) ........................................................................................................................................................

2007 PROGRAMME

"THE BIG CHALLENGE 2007"

THE CUMBRIAN WAY 70 miles 6 Days

AUGUST

The hike leads past the peaceful depths of Coniston Water and Derwent Water, two of the prettiest lakes, as well as the incomparable Tarn Hows, set like a jewel in the wooded hills between Coniston and Langdale. The walk starts in the market town of Ulverston, on the shores of Morecambe Bay and gradually ascends first through rolling hills and farms to Coniston, a pretty village on the shores of the lake of the same name dominated by the 2650 feet high Old Man of Coniston. Then it’s over the fells past the remains of old copper mines to Langdale. Perhaps the prettiest and most dramatic of Lakeland valleys. Our next port of call is Borrowdale which also lays claim to this title. It would take a judgement of Solomon to decide between the two, but why worry, just enjoy the scenery and the mountains.

Journey’s end is in the charming market town of Keswick. An excellent spot to maybe linger an extra day and tackle Skiddaw, or take an easy walk to the prehistoric Castlerigg Stone Circle.

As you can see it's a week long trek, my intention at this stage is to book two camp sites. The first site will be half way into the hike that we'll use for three nights doing a "Piggy back" with the cars. The fourth day we'll move to the second and final camp site and have a leisurely day relaxing before we set off again to finish the hike on the 29 July. For those that wish to B&B just let me know so I can give you the meeting points. We also need a back up team who can be there ready for any emergency, and perhaps have the beers and wine chilled for our return each day!

PLEASE LET ME (JF) KNOW THAT YOU ARE INTENDING TO DO THIS MAJOR HIKE SO WE CAN START TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS

We are planning on camping in the caravan, however if your are planning on tenting please let us know so we can make sure we find suitable caravan & camping sites.

Who say's Scouting is just for kids! Welcome to 1PSC

Click on Link Below for 2007 (LINK STARTS MID DEC)

Last updated: 04-Dec-2006