Rochfortbridge Scouts prepare for Jamboree

It is the Centenary of Scouting in Ireland and to celebrate, a week-long jamboree is taking place in Punchestown, County Kildare on Saturday, August 2 to Saturday, August 9.Over 10,000 Venturers, Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from Ireland and beyond are coming together, with a total of 17 scouts from Rochfortbridge attending, along with 20 cubs.Both scouts and cubs have been preparing since last September for the trip, that will see the scouts cooking for themselves, as well as fun and action packed activities, such as abseiling, kayaking, kiteing, climbing, hill walking, survival island, Celtic adventure, etc. The Jamboree will offer a series of programmes both on and off site, utilizing many aspects of our Scouting Programmes. Scouts will camp under canvas in open fields and set up site along with Scouts both from Ireland and overseas. The Jamboree will consist of six provincial sub camps, such as a Cub Camp, a Venture Scout Sub Camp, a Staff Sub Camp and a Staff Family Sub Camp.A gathering of Scouts of all kinds is always a special experience, where you meet old friends and make new ones. The atmosphere, the spectacle and of course the camp activities, all promise for a fun-filled week.The Rochfortbridge Scouts and Cubs have been fundraising successfully for new equipment by holding a bag-packing day in Buckley"s Supervalu in Mullingar, and Westmeath VEC have kingly given their support to this end as well. If you are attending the jamboree and would like more information, you can find it at www.jamboree2008.iePitch and PuttMembers of Rochfortbridge Pitch and Putt club have been very active in recent weeks with participation in the Ferbane and Collinstown Opens, and again on Tuesday, July 15 in Rochfortbridge, when the Westmeath League took place.The club had two teams entered. Making up the A team were C. McHugh, J Gill, K Lenihan, John Jones, and on the B team were S Heaney, John Henry, Pat McCarthy and Tom Arthur. The final leg of the league will take place in Lough Owel, on Wednesday, July 23, so the best of luck is wished to both teams.The John Crowley memorial will be played over 36 holes. Play starts at 6.15pm. The late John Crowley was a committed member of the Rochfortbridge Pitch and Putt club, and it would be very fitting if members could take part and show their support.The Junior Player of the year began on Monday, July 14 at 5 o"clock in which 20 juveniles took part. The competition runs for five weeks, with prizes for the winners in the 10-14 age group and 14-16 age group. The total number of juvenile numbers now stands at 30, which is a wonderful sign to see so many youths playing the games.A number of Pitch and Putters taking part in the Special Olympics are using the Rochfortbridge course, and club members are very happy to see them involved. They are sharpening on their game skills, and members wish to say that they are there to help in any way they can. The achievements of the boys and girls in the Special Olympics over the years has been outstanding, and must be encouraged by all clubs.On Wednesday, July 16, the club held the Captain"s Prize over 36 holes. Results are as follows: 36 Nett overall winner Florrie Pender. Second 36 nett Jim Gill, 36 gross first Tom Arthur, Sonny Leavy second. Ladies: Joan Henry.