The left handshake comes to us from the Ashanti warriors whom Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, knew over 70 years ago in West Africa. He saluted them with his right hand, but the Ashanti chiefs offered their left hands and said, ‘In our land only the bravest of the brave shake hands with the left hand, because to do so we must drop our shields and our protection.’ The Ashanti knew of Baden-Powell’s bravery for they had fought against him and with him and were proud to offer him the left hand of bravery. Shaking hands using your left hand can feel a bit awkward at first, but it becomes second nature after a while. And why shouldn’t it? It’s the Scouting way. The left-handed handsha

From Derelict Knitting Factory to the Best Amateur Theatre of its Kind in the UK! The year it all started – 1969 The same year as 18 year olds were given the vote; Concorde flew for the first time; Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales; Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon and the first steps were taken in Hinckley towards a town theatre. At first sight it looked like a monument to industrial decrepitude. A disused hosiery factory up a side street in Hinckley, a Victorian brick building which even Sir John Betjeman might have found difficult to love. But first impressions can so often be false. This disused four storey factory which had been empty since the end

Not our strongest turn out for the Annual District St George's Day Parade and Service in Hinckley Town Centre. Many members where on holiday or already had prior commitments but it was great to see those who were around attending. The weather was very different to the previous weekend of sunshine. Today was cold, wet and very windy. Everyone who attended enjoyed walking along in time with the band and once inside the church everyone warmed up. One of our Beavers volunteered to help with a section of the service and was rewarded with a box of chocolates. Our flag bearers did a grand job of carrying waving flags in the windy weather and everyone was very smart in full uniform.

Thursday 5pm and 1st Hinckley Scouts and Explorers left Hinckley for a few days in the Peak District. Prior trips had seen trips cut short through poor weather so with the forecast for sunny weather expectations were high for warm weather. After a very good run through little traffic we arrived at Pindale Farm Campsite in the Hope Valley. Tents were pitched and preparations for the next days activities were made. Early nights followed as we had a very early start; 6am! A beautiful sunrise met us on Friday morning. Following a quick breakfast, we left for the Derwent Valley with bikes, walking boots and lunches. We split into two groups. One with the more experienced cyclists and walkers and

The Scouts and Explorers had a great evening at Burbage Common and woods. Mixed teams took part in a number of wide games which took place in both the wooded areas and open grassland. For some of the younger members it was quite a learning curve. Forgotten torches and drinks which were requested for the evenings activities were sorely missed by some. Lost bags which had been dropped in all kinds of locations around the woods had to be re-located. There was however some great teamwork through the evening and an opportunity to let off some steam. The evenings fun came to an abrupt aim ten minutes before the finishing time when lightning and thunder appeared in the distance and the rain began t

The Scouts and Explorers had an excellent evening last night. Ready Steady Cook was the theme for the activities and we saw some really great cooking during the evening. The evening gave the older Explorers the opportunity to organise a programme for both the younger Explorers and the Scouts. They organised the plan for the evening, the judges and also the judging criteria. They also sorted out the equipment and ensured everything was in place as well as supervising the cooking and safety through the evening. Where we usually hold activities in Patrols everyone was mixed up giving the opportunity for everyone to work with new people. This worked really well and we saw some excellent leadersh