History of Viking Venturers
Viking Ventuers were started in September 1978 by 3 scouts from the Demon Patrol of the 1st Flinder Park Scout Group, Andrew Clark, Colin White and Craig Atkinson. Colin's father Ian White became their Leader. Unit grew in size over the next few years. Guides from the Flinders Park Guide Company joined as well as Scouts from other Scout Groups in the area Underdale and Lockleys. Bike Hikes were a popular expedition.
7
– 9 October 1978 - Camp at Moana
At Mrs Murrie’s beach house. Most of the
camp was spent fishing and other beach activities. Attended
by Colin White, Craig Atkinson, Andrew Clark, with leaders Ian and Gwen White.
25 December 1978 – 8 January 1979 - 10th
Australian Venture
Attended by Craig Atkinson. Included a 5 day
rafting expedition from Overland Corner to Morgan on the River Murray. The rest of the Venture was held at the Victoria
Park Race Course.
15 – 18 January 1979 -Willunga to Meadows Hike
Completed by Andrew Clark, Craig Atkinson and Dirk Stevens from Woodville South. The hike was not classed as an official Unit
activity.
17 – 18 March 1979 – Bike Hike to Moana
Again staying at Mrs Murrie’s beach house. Attended
by Andrew Clark, Colin White, Arthur Raftopoulos and Craig Atkinson. Andrew Clark’s bike broke at the head stem
and Mr White had to pick most of the team at McLaren Vale.
Craig Atkinson continued to Adelaide via Clarendon.
19 – 22 May 1979 – Goolwa Bike Hike
Andrew Clark, Colin White and Craig Atkinson caught a train to Goolwa and rode to
Hindmarsh Island to camp. Spent the time
fishing and riding around the Island. It
rained a lot of the time.
27 – 28 October 1979
Craig Atkinson attended an Ideals course at Eden Valley.
2 – 4 November 1979 – Roseworthy Bike
Hike
Stayed at Mr Atkinson’s farm. Attended
by Colin White, Geoff Blatchford and Craig Atkinson.
13 – 16 January 1980 – Port Parham Bike
Hike
Stayed at Mr White’s house at Port Parham. The
hike was undertaken by Colin White, Geoff Blatchford and Craig Atkinson. Activities included fishing, walking around the
beach at low tide and cycling on the mud flats. A
lot of punctures occurred during the trip. Colin
had one at Lower Light that could not be repaired so he had to stay there until his father
could pick him up later that night.
24 February 1980
Day/night in the Mount
Lofty area.
4 – 7 April 1980 – Camp at Veron Park
Stud
This was the first large standing camp for the unit.
Ten venturers attended, Colin White, Geoff Blatchford, Peter Stevens, Simon
Podger, Simon Coward, Craig Atkinson, Anne Venehouse, Heather Johns, Sharon Michenburg,
Tracy Zimmerman and leaders Ian and Gwen White. The
DC Jeff Bettens visited the camp.
20 – 21 April 1980
Initiative course at Cockatoo Valley attended by Craig Atkinson and Peter Stevens.
14 – 16 June 1980 – Bike Hike and Camp at
Moana
The same ten venturers who attended the Veron Park camp cycled from Flinders Park to Moana
except Colin and Peter who caught the train. Bad
weather (strong northly wind and latter rain) on the return trip required Ian White to get
a trailer and pick up most of the Unit at Hallett Cove.
Simon Podger and Craig Atkinson avoided Ian’s overloaded car and
continued the journey.
3 July 1980
Visit to the Woodville
Fire Station
9 – 10 August 1980 – Handorf Hike
Travelled by train to the Bridgewater and hiked to campsite on Windsor Road and stayed on
Paechs farm. Attended by David Tschirig,
Colin White, Geoff Blatchford, Craig Atkinson, Peter Stevens, Simon Podger, Tracy
Zimmerman,. Sharon Michenburg, Heather Johns and leaders Ian and Gwen White.
26 – 28 September 1980 – Hike/Camp at
Kuitpo Forest at Knotts Hill
Hiked from the top of Willunga Hill to Knotts Hill. On
the last day hiked to Chandlers Hill and caught a bus home.
24 – 25 October 1980 – Unit entered the
16 Hour Orienteering Event coming 8th out of 13 teams.
20 February 1981
Day hike from Waterfall
Gully to Crafers
27 March 1981
Drug and Alcohol Night
with Findon Venturers by Sister O’Shea.
28 – 29 March 1981 – Camp at Sundews
Youth Camp
Travelled by bus to South Road and hiked to campsite.
Attended by Colin White, Peter Podger, Wade Stevens, Peter Stevens, Scott
Atkinson, Grant Hillier, Andrew Starr, Sharon Michenburg, Anne Vanehouse, Geoff
Blatchford, John White, David Tschirpig, Tracy Zimmerman and David Lind.
Easter 1981 – Tarus versus the Empire Easter Venture
Hike Team 1 – Wade
Stevens, Peter Moors, Sharon Michenburg, Heather Johns.
Hike Team 2 – Peter Stevens, Adrew Starr and Scott Atkinson.
22 – 23 May 1981 – Pipeline Walk Challenge
versus Henley Venturers, hosted by Bloo Rovers. The unit won the Challenge, attended by
Peter Stevens, Heather Johns, Tracy Zimmerman, John White, Craig Atkinson, Anne Robertson,
Scott Atkinson, Sharon Michenburg and David Tschirpig.
6 – 8 June 1981
Camp at Mt Crawford at Chalks Road campsite
28 – 30 September 1981 – Willunga to
Meadows Hike
Completed by Heather Johns, Peter Moore, John White and Craig Atkinson.
2 – 3 October 1981 – Expedition Bike
Hike, Smithfield – Tanunda – Gawler
Andrew Starr, David Tschirpig, Grant Hillier and Wade Stevens.
10 – 12 October 198
Gold Rush Theme Camp at Echunga
24 – 25 October 1981 – Assist at Trapping
Trampers
Northern Area Scout Hike running a trading checkpoint, Wade Stevens, Helen Stevens and
Craig Atkinson.
Easter 1982 – Spy V Spy (Forbindlser)
Easter Venture, the Unit
gains a B Grade. Hike Team were Scott
Atkinson, Peter Stevens, Wade Stevens, Grant Hillier, Helen Stevens and Kathy Clark. Second hike team were Andrew Starr, John White,
Sharon Michenburg, Anne Robertson and David Tschirpig.
24 – 26 April 1982
Bike Rally Camp at Mount Crawford
18 – 19 June 1982
Car Rally Western Plains
12 – 14 May 1982 – Mafeking Commando
Brigade Camp at Woodhouse for the 75th Anniversary of Scouting
The Unit was involved in conducting activities for the Scouts. The Unit campsite was used by a TV film crew.
2 July 1982 – Blackburn Rovers formed from the
Unit.
First meeting. Rovers were Colin White, Craig Atkinson, Simon
Podger, Anne Vanehouse, Heather Johns, Godfrey Gabbusch and Geoff Blatchford.
23 July 1982 – Magical Mystery Tour car rally Won by John White, David
Venning Craig Atkinson and Kathy Clark.
11 September 1982
Unit 4th
Birthday Party at White’s house with Rovers.
25 – 26 September 1982
Initiative Course attended by David Venning, Anne Robertson and Marie Scheutsens.
8 – 10 October 1982 – Murray Games Camp
Held at Mr Ball’s farm at Murray Bridge. The
camp was based on the Commonwealth Games. The
Unit helped Mr Ball burn off one of his paddocks.
21 November 1982
Won the raft race at the
Onkaparinga, David Tschirpig and Grant Hillier on a block of foam. Five other Vikings cam 6th on another
raft.
10 – 12 December 1982 – Supersplash
Attended by Peter Stevens, Kathy Clark, Wade Stevens, Helen Stevens, Marie Scheutsens,
Andrew Starr and Grant Hillier. Held at
Aldinga Beach.
25 February 1983
Won Woodville West
Swimming Carnival Venturer Shield, second year in the row.
Easter 1983
Hike from Port Hughes to
Balgowan
15 April 1983
The girls in the Unit
took part in the Group Fashion Parade while the boys visited Woodville South Scouts on a
recruiting drive.
May School Holidays 1983
The Unit started to build
four canoes, one of which was raffled off to pay for the others.
5 June 1983 – Scouts and Guides Own
Anne Robertson awarded
the Most Improved Venturer.
18 – 20 June 1983
Camp at Armstrong Airfield
1 July 1983 – Group Family Fun Fair.
Canoe raffle was drawn
and it was won by the leader Peter Knott.
2 – 3 July 1983
Wade Stevens rode with the Rovers from Port Wakefield – Balgowan – Gawler for
training for the Adelaide to Melbourne Bike Race.
23 – 24 July 1983 - Pipeline Walk with
Semaphore Venturers
The Unit won the challenge. Organised by
Blackburn Rovers, Venturers were Scott
Atkinson, Phillip Cole, Stephens Collins, Peter Hillier, Stephen Jarvis, Peter Werner,
Wade Stevens, Anne Robertson, Margeret Pritchard, Ashleigh Paton, Kathy Michenburg.
17 September 1983
The Unit visited Kidman
Park Guides
29 – 30 October 1983
Parham Car Rally with Blackburn Rovers
27 November 1983
Smashing Stall conducted
at Sunday Funday
21 – 26 January 1984
Camp at Murtho Park
25 March 1984
Cricket Match with
Blackburn Rovers
Bike race training trip
to Balgowan with Blackburn Rovers.
25 – 26 August 1984
Bike race training trip to Caltowie with Blackburn Rovers.
1 – 2 September 1984
Mt Crawford Bike Rally organised by Wade Stevens from the Rover Crew.
6 – 8 October 1984 – The Unit came third
in the Adelaide to Melbourne Bike Race
Riders were David Tschirpig, David Holden, Peter Hillier and Peter Stevens from the Rover
Crew in a time of 23:47:22.
29 – 30 October 1984
Belair to Woodhouse Hike
3 – 4 November 1984 – Railway Line Walk with
venturers from Woodville, Belair, Woodville and Morphett Vale Units.
The Unit won the
competition. Organised by Blackburn Rovers. Venturers competing were Peter Werner, David
Tschirpig, Richard Young, Alan Derosi,
Phillip Cole, Peter Hillier, David Paterson, Stephen Collins, Denise Gould, Kerren Carson,
Ashleigh Paton, Eric Amato and David Allen.
17 – 18 November 1984
Some venturers attended the Rover Crews car rally to Worlds End
25 – 28 January 1985
Camp at Clayton
17 – 18 March 1985 – Caving Camp
Naracoorte
David Holden, Peter Hillier, Joelie Atkinson and Eric Amato assisted the Kidman Park Scout
Group.
Easter 1985
Easter Venture attended
by Peter Hillier, Denise Gould, Mark Tschirpig, Richard Young and David Holden.
25 April 1985
Went to Mt Crawford to
cut down trees for pioneering poles.
27 – 28 April 1985
Peter Hillier, Belinda Thomas and Craig Atkinson complete the Canoe Charge Course.
17 – 19 May 1985 – Service Weekend at
Woodhouse
Attended by Peter Hillier, Keren Carson, Denise Gould, David Paterson and Leaders Belinda
Thomas and Craig Atkinson.
1 – 2 June 1985 – Noarlunga District 24
Hour Hike
Peter Hillier, David Holden, Denise Gould, Joelie Atkinson and Heather Newman completed in
the venturer section and gained 340 points while Alan Derosi and Craig Atkinson competed
in the open section and gained second place with 815 points.
7 – 9 June 1985 – Canoe Expedition,
Roonka – Swan Reach – Roonka
Attended by Richard Young, Peter Hillier, David Holden, Eric Amato and Paul Leal. Lead by Craig Atkinson.
14 July 1985
Fashion Parade fundraiser
for the New Zealand Venture.
20 – 21 July 1985 – Quadrathon 100 Venturer
Triathon from Pellering Flat to Mt Barker.
Mark Tschirpig, Peter
Werner, Keren Carson and David Holden came first and David Paterson, Heather Newman,
Lynton Higgs, Damien Baker and Richard Young came 5th. Other Units competing Torrens Park, Heywood and
Largs.
27 July 1985
Progressive Dinner for
New Zealand Venture
27 September 1985
Gangshow
16 – 17 August 1985 - Overnight Heysen Trial
Hike in the Bridgewater Area
Organised by Peter Hillier spent the night in the scoreboard at Bridgewater Oval.
24 – 25 August 1985 – Northern Area
Hike, NASA space theme
The unit assisted in running the checkpoints.
20 – 21 September 1985
Pipeline Walk with Taperoo Venturers
1 December 1985
Sunday Funday
13 – 15 December 1985 – Supersplash
This year was based on a “rose” theme at Port Elliot.
January 1986 – 3rd New Zealand
Venture at Hamilton on the North Island
Attended by David Holden, David Paterson, Mark Tschirpig, Joelie Atkinson, Denise Gould,
Keren Carson and Leaders Craig Atkinson and Belinda Thomas.
21 – 21 February 1986 – Leadership
Course at Woodhouse
Attended by Eric Amato, Keren Carson, Denise Gould, David Tschirpig and Craig Atkinson.
26 February 1986
Invited to the Western
Suburbs District swimming Carnival to provide competition for their units.
17 – 19 May 1986
Gold Rush theme camp organised by the Rovers.
30 May 1986
Cloak and Dagger Night
organised by the Rover Crew.
12 – 13 June 1986 – Quadrathon 100 from
Port Noarlunga to Kuitpo Forest
Damien Baker, Scott Amato, Paul Leal and Richard Young came second. Other units were Uralla, Largs and Centenial Park.
10 August 1986
Church Parade at Kidman
Park Anglican Church
25 – 27 August 1986
Caving Trip to Naracoorte
31 August 1986
Hockey match against
Blackburn Rovers, Rovers won 4 nil.
12 – 13 September 1986 -Pipeline Walk on
Adelaide – Murray Bridge Pipeline
Attended by Denise Gould, Eric Amato and Lynton Higgs.
3 October 1986
The Jubilee Block
including the Venturer Den was opened by the Group Patron Frd Townsend.
26 October 1986
Group Picnic at St Kilda
tram museum
27 February 1987.
Won the Western District
Swimming Carnival
28 February – 1 March 1987 – Initiative
Course at Mt Crawford.
Attended by Kevin Knott,
Eric Amato and Joelie Atkinson.
Easter 17 – 19 April 1987 – Canoe
Expedition, Roonka to Walkers Flat
Completed by Lynton
Higgs, Eric Amato, Richard Young and Joelie Atkinson.
3 May 1987 – Act of Loyality.
Denise Gould and Kerren
Carson received their Queen Scout Certificates.
11 – 12 July 1987 – Railway Line Walk
on the Cambrai Branch Line
Organised by the Rover Crew.
3 – 5 July 1987
Caving Camp at Naracoorte
2 August 1987
Group Church Parade at
Findon Uniting Church
7 – 8 August 1987
Hike-a-thon on the Heysen Trail through Kuitpo Forest
29 – 30 August 1987 – Quadrathon 100 held from Clayton to Meadows
Richard Young and Lynton Higgs came 5th out of 10 teams competing. Other Units were Mt Lofty, Blue Lake, Largs,
Swansea, Underdale and Broadview.
11 – 12 October 1987
David Farley rode in the Adelaide to Melbourne Bike Race with the Rovers
January 1988
Kevin Knott, Joelie
Atkinson and Bevan Atkinson attended the World Jamboree at Cararact Park in NSW. David was in the All Australian Gangshow.
20 – 21 February 1988 -Combination Hike
organised by the Rovers
Won by David Farley and Kevin Knott. A
competitive hike between Palmer and Sanderson over railway line, pipeline and road. Other Units attended Darlingon, Grange, Croydon,
Lockleys, Fullarton and Broadview plus Holdfast Rangers.
May 1988
David Farley attended a
Initiative Course at Moonta
28 – 29 June 1988 – Quadrathon 100 held
from Pellaring Flat to Mt Barker
David Farley combined with Darren Searles from Largs to come 3rd. Other units attended were Plympton, Broadview,
Hillcrest, Grange, Mt Lofty and Granville Hall.
15 – 16 July 1988 – Canoe Expedition to
Donald Flat Lagoon on the River Murray
Attneded by David Knott, David Farley, Jared Rogers and Craig Atkinson.
13 – 14 August 1988
Secret Agents Night Drop at Kuitpo Forest
8 – 10 October 1988
David Farley rode with Rovers in the Adelaide to Melbourne Bike Race coming 4th
in a time of 19:43:43.
25 October 1988
Group Picnic at Lockleys
North Primary School
2 – 3 December 1988 – Hope Forest Hike,
Pages Flat to Kuitpo Hall
Stayed at Broadview Campsite at Hope Forest, attended by David Farley, Jared Rogers and
Craig Atkinson.
9 – 11 December 1988 – Supersplash at
Hindmarsh Island
A storm hit the Camp on Saturday and it had to be moved to Port Elliot Showgrounds.
30 December 1988 – 9 January 1989 – 15th
Australian Jamboree
The David Farley, Jared Rogers and Craig Atkinson ran the screenprinting in the craft tent
and printed 7500 T-Shirts. Kevin Knott and
David Knott were in Kaleidoscope Venturer Promotional Activity.
10 February 1988
Overnight Hike with
Coromandel Rangers from Mt Lofty Summit to Illangi and Handorf.
4 – 5 March 1989 – Combination Hike -
Palmer to Monarto South
Kevin Knott went with Ascot Park Venturers coming 6th out of ten teams.
22 – 23 April 1989 - Quadrathon 100 –
Goolwa to Strathalbyn
David Farley combined with Larges Venturers.
14 April 1989
Zorro’s Café
27 – 28 May 1989 – Scret Agents Night
Drop 2 – Hope Forest
Combined with Broadview and Largs Venturers.
8 – 9 July 1989
David Knott attended a Initiative Course at Knotts Hill Kuitpo Forest with David Farley,
Kevin Knott and Craig Atkinson assisting the organiser Peter Knott (ex unit leader).
28 – 29 July 1989
Discovery Award Hike with Lockleys and Fulham Venturers to Illangi
19 – 20 August 1989
24 Hour Cyclethon with Largs Venturers
March 1990
Initiative Course
Shepherds Hill Reserve
Easter 1990 – “I saved the world” Easter Venture
based on super hero’s
B Grade pennant achieved. The hike team was Simon Hall, Jason Holding,
Steven Hancock and Andrew Webb.
3 August 1990
Kilpings Curry Den
15 – 16 September 1990 – 24 Hour
Cyclethon
Steven Hancock, Andrew Carrick, Andrew Webb, Jason Holding and Ian Knobben. Largs Venturers pulled out of the event.
23 November 1990
Hike Belair to Woodhouse
18 – 20 December 1990
Venturer Award Expedition organised by Andrew Webb. Chandlers
Hill to Willunga. Completed by Rick Lewis,
Steve Hancock and Brenton Parsons.
January 1991
Andrew Webb and Steven
Hancock attended the 8th Australian Venture in Tasmania
Easter 1991 – “The wild wild west “
Western theme Easter
Venture. A Grade pennant achieved. Hike team was Andrew Webb, Andrew Carrick and
Jason Holding.
27 – 28 September 1991
Clayton Canoe Cruise
13 – 14 September 1991 – Chandlers Hill
to Heathfield Hike
Stayed at Mr Shearer’s property. Completed
by Jason Holding, Andrew Webb and Rick Lewis.
4 October 1991
Zorro’s Café
18 October 1991
Disco
22 –23 November 1991
Secret Agents Night Drop 3 Woodhouse, 63 Scouts attended
January 1992
Steven Hancock attended the 16th Australian Jamboree Kaleidoscope Venturer
Promotion
22 – 24 January 1992 – Adelaide Hills
Hike
Organised by Andrew Webb. Lyndock to
Woodhouse via Birdwood. Attended by Jason
Holding, Sarah Nottle and friend Michael Drum.
31 January 1992 – Night Drop to Illangi.
Attended by Rich Lewis,
Steven hancock, Sarah Nottle, Andrew Webb and Andrew Carrick.
20 – 21 March 1992 – All Night 50k Hike
The Unit won the Encouragement Award. Completed
by Rich Lewis, Steven Hancock, Andrew Carrick and Andrew Webb.
Easter Venture 1992 – “Darling deeds on
trusty steeds”
Knights of the Round
Table Easter Venture. Two hike teams entered
both receiving B Grade pennants. The Hot
Horney Knights were Andrew Webb, Andrew Carrick and Jason Holding and The Maidens of Love
were Emma Haskin, Sarah Nottle and Sandy Provis.
22 – 25 April 1992 – Goolwa to pelican
Point Expedition
Organised by Steven Hancock for Queens Scout Award. Completed
by scouts from the troop with Steve, Ales Anderson and Daniel Carrick.
15 – 18 July 1992 – Canoe Expedition
– Roonka – Morgan – Roonka
Completed by Andrew Webb and Craig Atkinson.
27 November 1992
Gun Debate
5 – 6 December 1992 – Secret Agents
Night Drop 4
At Illangi, attended by Woodville South and Flinders Park Scout Troops.
11 – 13 Decmeber 1992
Supersplash at Port Elliot
21 – 22 January 1993
Discovery Award Hike – Kuitpo Forest – Burma Road to Clarendon
26- 27 February 1993 – Discovery Award Hike
– Belair to Bridgewater
Organised by Steven Hancock.
5 March 1993
District Venturer
Progessive Dinner
26 March 1993
PR visit to Woodville
South Scout Troop
Easter 1993 – “Freaked out flower venture”
B Grade pennant achieved. Attended by Eddie Tippett and Simon Key.
16 – 18 April 1993 – Stirling North to
Quorn Hike along the Picki Richi Pass
Organised by Luke Oswald for his Venturer Award, other hikes were Steven Hancock and Simon
Key.
24 – 25 April 1993 – Roonka Canoe
Cruise
Attended by Eddie Tippett, Julian Holding and Craig Atkinson.
28 – 30 May 1993 – Caving Trip with
Fulham Venturers
Attended by Eddit Tippett and Julian Holding.
4 – 6 August 1993
Zorro’s Café
6 – 7 August 1993 – Chandlers Hill to
Heathfield Link Badge Hike
Attended by Evan Knapp and Edward Tippett.
17 – 18 September 1993
Discovery Award Hike Carey Gully to Hahndorf staying at Illangi overnight.
24 September 1993
Volleyball match with
Kilkenny and Camden Park Venturers.
7 – 9 Ocotber 1993 – Gawler to Foreston
Hike
Organised by Simon Key with Evan Knapp. Stayed
overnight at Wongalere Girl Guide Campsite.
22 – 23 October 1993 - Venopoly 12 Hour Hike
Completed by Simon Key, Evan Knapp, Edwards Tippett, Greg Oswald, Ben Phipps and Michael
Shaw.
28 – 29 October 1993 – Secret Agents
Night Drop 5
Held at Kuitpo Forest. 63 Scouts attended.
5 November 1993
Canoe Race against Rover
Crew around Delfin Island. The Unit won.
12 November 1993
Fulham Venturers P-Party
January 1994 – 9th Australian
Venture in Queensland
Attended by Michael Shaw, Simon Key, Evan Knapp and Edward Tippett.
1 – 4 April 1994
Easter Venture – “The Sage of the South Seas” pirate theme.