MUFF SCOUTS IN PORTRUSH

BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN PEOPLE

We have just got back from a camping trip in Portrush with members of the Muff Scout Group. It was great getting back to nature, (especially when nature is sunny and dry)! The days were long and full of activities, thanks to the well-organised and experienced Scout leader Hazel Browne, and her trusty band of leaders, parents and scouts.

Every-one was expected to help out with the chores of communal living, breaking up wood, collecting water, preparing food and of course, doing the dishes! There is always so much bad publicity in the media about ‘young people today’, but it seems that all that is needed to bring out the best in our young people is; lots of company and craic, an expectation that they help out doing practical work that makes a contribution and opportunities to learn and practise new skills, a big field to some time to muck about in with a few balls and frisbees lying about, plenty of fresh air and of course large quantities of food.

The craic around the campfire in the evening was great fun with lots of songs and skits and it was a good indication that young people can have an evening of laughs without the need for any artificial stimulation. They didn’t even seem to miss the ubiquitous Gameboys and Playstations. It was pretty cold in the night and as the more experienced campers came prepared with thick warm sleeping bags, the rest of us novices just shivered, only moving to throw on whatever else we had brought with us in the shape of hats, fleeces and towels. The whole experience of old-fashioned community living, if only for a night, added up to a memorable Easter break for parents, scouts and siblings. Mind you the best part is still coming home to a warm house, hot bath, comfy bed and thick quilt!

Environmental.

MILDEW

Ian.
How do I get rid of mildew on my bathroom wall? S.P Newtown.
Reply.
Try lemon juice and let the sun shine on it. Alternatively try white vinegar and rinse off after a day. Chlorine bleach can be used but it is a bit harsh, wear protective clothing and don’t use if children are around. Under no circumstances use it on ceilings as the drips could get in your eyes. Look to see if there is a leak in the roof or any water pipes. The mildew will return if that is the case. Leave the widows open as much as possible as well to get the air circulating.


Household.

SPILLED MILK

Ian.
I have spilled milk onto a click together wooden floor. Some of it has soaked into the cracks and I am a bit worried that it will start to smell when the weather warms up. Have you any suggestions how to avoid this? M C. Carndonagh

Reply.

Complications arise when milk is spilt in confined areas such as cars and in your case, underneath something. I have a few ideas for clearing up the mess if it is only on a surface that you can get to, such as on a carpet. These would be white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. To use this in the cracks in the floorboards might be a bit difficult, as it can’t be rinsed off. If you can’t take up the floorboards to wipe the underneath then you could try wetting the area with an enzyme cleaner. These products are usually sold in pet shops to get rid of urine smells. Be very careful not to get the click flooring too wet though. If it is made from chipboard the whole lot might lift up and disintegrate! If anyone else has found a solution to this problem, please let me know.More Green tips in the E- Green Clean book

Household.

SOAP MAKING

Ian.
What sort of ingredients go into making soap? Would it be possible to make my own out of herbs? Thanks TT by e-mail

HERBAL SOAPS
Yes it would. Handcrafted herbal soaps help cleanse the body, while invigorating your senses. Herbal soaps whether homemade or bought, provide increased cleansing power, soothe and help protect the skin. Commercially made soaps usually contain animal products such as tallow or lard, as well as many undesirable chemicals and synthetics. These can play havoc with your skin, exacerbating existing conditions and causing others such as clogged pores, dry skin, rashes and more. In most cases, the glycerine has also been removed. Your skin readily absorbs what is put on it, good or bad. It is one of the quickest ways for chemicals - or nutrients- to enter your body. Be mindful of what you put on your skin, the largest organ of your body. Here are the ingredients used for a basic soap mix - caustic soda, water, coconut oil, vegetable shortening and olive oil. The recipe is fairly complicated so for full instructions on how to make the soap, please let me know and I can send out the recipe. Be careful though as the caustic soda will burn the skin on contact. The chemical reaction with the oils should neutralise this.


UNSCENTED CALENDULA BABY SOAP
Steep dried or semi-dried calendula flower in olive oil in a jar, sealed, for two to three weeks, then strain oil. A faster method is to steep dried calendula flowers in water and use strained infusion in place of all or part of the water called for in the recipe (Or combine both methods). Add this to the basic soap mix for a very mild baby soap.


COMFREY AND ALOE VERA SOAP
The comfrey root gives the soap a special healing, soothing quality as well as a beautiful dark violet colour. Collect and dry enough comfrey root to produce 110g ounces of powder (about a 1 foot root). Roots must be thoroughly dry before you pulverize them in a blender. This needs to be added to the basic soap mix along with lavender oil, rosemary oil and aloe vera extract.

LEMON VERBENA SOAP
Add a small amount of lemongrass oil to lemon vinegar oil to fix scent. Mix with the basic soap mixture along with lemon verbena oil and tumeric for colour (optional).

Household.