1. Membership
At the beginning of the year 2000 Pioneer membership stood at 4 girls and 3 boys. As often happens with this age group several left, mainly due to the pressures of secondary school homework and 2 new members joined. Therefore at the end of the year we were down to 2 girls and 2 boys. This is shortly to be boosted however by children coming up from the Elfin group.
2. Leadership
Pat Dobson continues as Pioneer leader, although in the Autumn term with decreased Pioneer numbers activities have often been combined with the Elfins.
Our programme is planned termly and involves both leaders and recently our new leaders Daisy and Michael, who were themselves Woodcraft members as children. We also have regular meetings with Anne Woods, our District Coordinator and our Treasurer, Julian Cheek.
3. Indoor programme
Our main focus at the beginning of the year was on preparations for the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Woodcraft Folk. We made our own birthday invitations, candles and decorated glass jars with Woodcraft symbols to be used as lanterns at the 'birthday party'. The anniversary was also a good opportunity to learn more about the origins and history of the Folk. We were able to do this at a local level with the help of former leaders, Yvonne and Tony Raine who came along to one of our meetings prior to the party on March 2nd. They were able to answer many questions about how our local group developed and what it was like to be a Woodcraft member in the past. As that evening coincided with the beginning of Chinese New Year we entertained Doug and Yvonne to our version of a Chinese dragon dance. Also as part of the 75th birthday celebrations we exchanged gifts with a Woodcraft group from Aylesbury. We sent them an example of our decorated lanterns, a birthday song performed by the group, photos and personal profiles of each member and the rules of some of our favourite games. In return they sent us letters and some of their craft work.
The party itself was a great success, with over 30 past members attending. Our Pioneers took an active part in decorating the hall and welcoming guests.
Other Pioneer activities this year included bead loom work, making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, environmental craft activities, completing a banner to commemorate the opening of the national cycle network and badgework, working towards the Pioneer and Health badges.
4. Outdoor activities
Several Pioneers took part in the ramble in Oxshott Woods in January. The attendance was poorer for the ramble around Brookwood cemetry and the Basingstoke canal in May, but this proved to be a very interesting walk.
One Pioneer took part in the cycle ride along the Thames to Walton in early June. A photo of this event, with a banner made by the group appeared in a subsequent Woodcraft publication.
Our last meeting before the summer break took place at the Albany sailing centre in Kingston. This was open to members over 7 who could swim and 2 of our Pioneers took part in this enjoyable event.
At the beginning of December we went to the Old Pheasantry, near Reigate for a residential weekend. 3 Pioneers attended taking part in activities which included getting to know a tree, looking at the moon, a camp fire, a treasure hunt, craftwork and a ramble. This was a great way to spend a Winter weekend, many thanks to Anne Woods and Helga Locke who catered for us and to the 2 parents who came along to help out.
5. Representation
New Malden Woodcraft Folk is affiliated to Kingston's Youth and Community Service, who also give financial support enabling the continued use of the meeting hall at Corpus Christi school.
We are also assisted by the Woodcraft Folk South London Area Council, who receive financial assistance from the Co-op society. The Area Council organizes activities for Pioneers and Elfins and training events for leaders. They hold meetings every 2 months attended by representatives from our group.
6. Conclusion
As has been the case for a number of years with this age group membership tends to tail off around secondary school age. However we continue to keep some members who have come up through Elfins. Perhaps these are our future leaders! 2000 was a busy and varied year, 2001 looks as if it will be just as eventful.
New Malden Pioneers meet locally on Thursday evenings. We would like to thank Mr. Wileman the premises manager for his continued assistance.
The contact for the New Malden Pioneer group is Pat Dobson, Tel: 020 8949 0526.
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