1st Abercarn Scouts

16/05/2026

ABERCARN SCOUTS AWARDS NIGHT AND AGM was held with a full house, over 80 people attended. We were delighted to welcome Ruth Jones, our Newport West and Islwyn MP. The work of the Scout Section over the past year was highlighted.

Due recognition of the Scouts' loyalty and dedication was recognised where some were coming towards of their Scouting at the Group, some Scouts achieving over 9 years of service.

The following Awards were presented in an emotional evening;-

Most Promising Young Scout (Reg and Sylvia Award) Myles Gibb
(photo to follow)
Scout of the Year (Howell Price Stephens Award) Amelia Richards and Aled Terrell (joint winners)

Chief Scout Award (UK Top Award) Arthur Newman, Aled Terrell Ollie Jenkins ,Amelia Richards

Leaders are alway proud to see their Scouts achieve top Awards and reach their potential with us.

However, on this occasion a former Scout of mine, who stayed loyal to the Group and became our Cub Leader, was recognised by the UK's Scout Movement for completing 25 years of distinguished,
loyal and dedicated service. A very moving and proud moment not just for myself but for our Trustees and Committee too.

11/05/2026

Following up on our recent ABERCARN village litter pick post...
Giving up part of his "Birthday Weekend " Ollie completed the final part of his Gold Award by litter picking parts of the Cwmcarn Visitor Centre and replenishing the Scouts planters. These were built in 2014 and yes, its time for renovating some of their structures. Do we have an offers from anyone? His brother, a beaver himself, eagerly wanted to help his brother and both did a fantastic job upon which several passer-bys' made many complimentary remarks to them. Thanks mum and dad too!!!.

07/05/2026

12/03/2026

Another great visit to ABERCARN FIRE STATION. Under the lead of Station Officer,Paul Baker and his colleagues they through engaging discussion and videos covered all aspects of the Fire Safety Activity Badge. These covered not only the risks at home but also on camps. The badges were presented to the scouts who reciprocated with a thank you speech and a donation towards the Fire Brigades " Charity"

29/01/2026

STRICTLY’S RUMBA AUDITION
THE CAMERAS ARRIVED AT 1ST ABERCARN

To complete our “International “ Activity Badge we were joined and led by Brazilian born, Carla Simmons one of the scout’s mothers.

Explaining ,the Brazilian way of teaching language we were soon becoming fluent in basic Portuguese conversational skills

We then turned to the crafts that the Brazilian children make which included hair braids, rings and bracelets even the leaders made them and paraded their expertise with the scouts themselves!!!

To finish off this entertaining and educational “ International” evening we were taught the intricate dance steps of the Rumba…..Strictly here we come!!!

Hopefully, she will explore the opportunity to visit Brazil to celebrate our 100th Anniversary in 2028 !!!!!!

Stranger things have happened.

We are currently awaiting for the Official Video to be sent to us....

01/01/2026

22/12/2025

This year's Christmas "Party ",followed a unanimous scout vote to "try skiing", so we liaised and made arrangements with a very helpful Terry Jeynes at Pontypool Ski Slope.
So to survey the snowy terrain, and acquaint oursleves with the landscaped hills and pistes at Pontpool we went over in the evening and explored the mountains,woodlands ,peaks and mountain streams reaching the Shell Grotto at the Summit. Looking over the "Las Vegas" look- a-like illuminations of Cwmbran , Newport and with the Severn Bridge glistening on the horizon we then made our descent down the muddy trails to the car park .... through the dark and eerie tunnels beneath the ski slope.
T
As the Mountain Restaurant was closed so we settled on second best and were fed and watered at Macd's.
Returning for the night to the hut an encampment within the building was undertaken by the scouts. It was like preparing for the Siege of Mafeking..,overturned tables reinforced with chairs and staves. Once completed the scouts entertained themselves until the early hours of Saturday morning
The leaders held fort within their own "sleeping quarters" !!
Chefs rose, or rather Craig,and prepared breakfast....After packing their bags and cleaning the hut we then made our way to the Ski Gondala at the Ski Slope at 9am. A technical fault on the Gondola(I think the author of this post was dreaming here) meant we had to walk yet again from the Car Park to the ski centre.
Fully booted and raring to go , the Centre's Staff and Simon explained the importance of being buckled and clamped within their boots and bindings.!!!
As the scouts and leaders were beginners the realisation that the need to be " focused " and " to pay attention" was essential to survive to ski down the piste to safety.
An amazing and enjoyable morning was had by all and even the instructor and myself expressed our amazement at how well they had performed ..even the adults !!!
We returned to the chalet where the scouts thanked Simon and the staff with a gift, card and "BRAVO" which was a lovely surprise for both Simon and the public who were watching whilst waiting to be booted up themselves.
Santa arrived early at the hut whilst we were away and left some early presents for the scouts for when when we returned to be collected and departed to their homes for a " sleep" !
Pontypool Snowsports: Ski & Snowboard Lessons for All Ages

14/12/2025

Time flies! 5 Years ago.........was a time of seeing/ meeting inspirational people and making life long memories and being experienced by all

06/12/2025

To our local community , supporters,friends and followers both far and wide we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy 2026.
We thank you for your continued support......it is greatly appreciated as we approach our 98th year of being founded!!!

23/10/2025

VISIT TO VETERINARY SURGERY ,BRIDGE STREET PRACTICE, PONTLLANFRAITH

Vets in Blackwood and Brynmawr | Caring Blackwood Vets - Bridge Vets Wales



As they all had cats and dogs,the Troop , decided, that a visit “ behind the scenes” of a local Vets would be fantastic.
So , we contacted the Clinical Director Elizabeth Arnold as to whether it was possible and a response ”I’d be more than delighted to organise something for you” paved the way for us.

So we arrived at the practice and met her and two of her staff Sophie and Rhea who explained ,with patience, what actually happens between the time an owner walks in and walks out with their pet.!!!!!

With many questions being thrown to the staff it became evident that the scouts and leaders were totally engaged ,with such topics including “ what happens” if the animal actual dies here ?”

Indeed nothing was spared in the explanations.
All the equipment used in the diagnosis of illness were explained and demonstrated with a hands on approach. Ultra sounds ,X rays , blood testing , etc you name it they did it or were informed about it.

After just under 2 hours we congregated in the reception, for a farewell thank you speech with gifts/ cards being given and the usual photo shoot taken

The attached photos give an insight of what was experienced and enjoyed by all the scouts and leaders.

A big thank you is extended to the Bridge Practice , at Pontllanfraith for their time in hosting us.

"“Come back again"” will certainly be taken up