One reason for the success was the generosity of all the families who donated the myriad of wonderful prizes. Major prizes were donated by Sue and Terry Hoare (a Monster Meat Tray), Peter Bottomley (an magnificent tree), Sue Wilkie (two vouchers to Country Heir Interiors), and Karabar Superbarn (a large hamper). I would also like to thank the following folk for their welcome donation of bingo prizes - Alan & Christine Gascoyne, Julie Applebee, Betty Bearse, Chris Worth, Des & Jenan Cannon, Simon & Liz Veitch, Chris Clearihan, Paul & Carole Mierendorff, Sharon Field, Ian & Karen Connor, John & Julia Glenn, John & Ros Sexton, Sabina Callaghan, Adrian & Andrena Fielding, Jeff & Maree Latimer, Richard Sharp, Nigel & Heather Graham, Phil & Ros McCarthy, Reg & Annette King, and Judy Harvey. We also thank the Karabar Video Store and the Gables Vet Group for their contributions. Our Bingo machine was once again loaned to us by the Queanbeyan Tigers Club whose help we could not do without. Thank you to all.

This year's JOTA was held at the Burra Hall with more than 60 participants. H.F. radio and Internet contact was made with Scouts from around the world, including Canada, the Netherlands, USA. During this event the Cubs, Scouts and Venturers learnt the correct procedures to be used when talking over H.F. radio and also learnt how to use Internet Relay Chat to type instant messages to people on the other side of the world.

Our Scout Group now has its own web page, courtesy of Craig McAuliffe (our Leader abroad in Colorado), containing information about our Group, including historical facts and figures, links to many other Scouting organizations, and even this page.

The address is www.geocities.com/first_burra

The Cubs have had an action packed couple of weeks to kick off the last term for 1999. Many of the pack attended JOTA (Jamboree of the Air) on the 16th where they sent and received messages from Cubs and Scouts all over Australia and overseas. They painted boomerangs all colours of the rainbow and made some beautiful leather key rings and god's eyes. Some of the Burra and Queanbeyan Cubs went for a walk along the creek where they met a HUGE water dragon and discovered many beautiful wildflowers.

If ever you are planning to go hiking, take some of the Cubs with you - they have learned how to tie knots (good enough to capture an elephant) and are pretty adept at using compasses and reading maps! This term they will be adding to their skills in first aid, fire, water and road safety.

Congratulations to Rohan Latimer for achieving his red Collectors Badge. We also invested our new Sixers, Ben Graham and Melinda Latimer, and our new Seconders, Brad McCarthy and Carly Foden, who will help Akela with running the Pack.

Scouts have resumed for the fourth term with a planned visit to the Ambulance Station in Queanbeyan. This will be followed by a swimming night the next week at Tuggeranong, to ensure that everyone is 'water safe' before we start canoeing activities.

The Scouts learned how to make a rope ladder and a rope bridge, and had lots of fun trying out both of them.

The previous week, a meeting was held with the parents of those Scouts who are eligible to attend the 22^nd Asia-Pacific/19^th Australian Jamboree which is to be held at Cataract Scout Park near Appin in January 2001. Further information can be obtained by contacting Wombat.

The Clyde River Expedition failed to get off the ground (get into the water) due to rain, rain and more rain. Next attempt? When the weather is favourable.

The Unit would like to congratulate Jesse McDonald and Ben Cannon who were recently presented with their Venturing Skills Award. Ben Cannon is also to be congratulated on achieving his Outdoors badge for his participation in the Great Canoe Race where he paddled 120 kilometres in just over 11 hours!

Probably the most exciting game for the month so far has been the pairs-pool-competition. Although the Venturers skills at the pool table need to be improved with more practice, the games were played with much excitement and laughter at some of the more amazing shots.