Focus on GLSW
Scouting in Greater London South West October 2001
Firstly, a note from your new editor to introduce myself. I am Phil Davies, and hail from 7th Malden where I am presently a parent and newsletter co-editor, and a former cub, scout and Akela. Anne Hedgeland has moved on to work full time for a charity, and my thanks to her for comprehensive briefing as I find my feet here. If you would like to make a contribution to future issues I really love email contributions as they can be cut and pasted in a trice, ideally in the form you would like to see them published. Pictures are always welcome - jpg's are nice and small and don't clog up my ageing hard disk. Over time the editorial team will be looking at alternative distribution methods to the current printed format. As e-mail accessibility continues to grow this would seem to be an effective way to move, though those without internet access need not worry as we will ensure paper copies are available to those who would like it.
Chairman's Notes
I am sure that none of us can fail to have been affected by the series of horrific events that occurred in America on September 11th . Our sincere condolences to all those who have lost family, friends or colleagues as a result.
Sadly I have to record that our County Secretary Angela Sailing's Dad passed away a few days ago. We sent our sincere condolences to Angela and her Mum.
Your County has continued with its initiative to employ a full time County Development Officer (CDO). We have secured £110 000 funding for a three year contract, with the County contributing £15 750. As a result of the CDO job adverts 14 applications were received. Interviews have been arranged with the objective that the CDO will commence work in December.
At the same time Focus is being used to advertise the paid part time CDO's PROJECT MANAGER. In summary, the job is to act as the line manager to the CDO and ensure effective communication exists with the County Commissioner, Project Steering Group, District and Group project bid contacts, Scout HQ Field Development Officer,Borough Youth Service, Community organisations and agencies.
Key Tasks: To give direct support and guidance to the CDO, receive and allocate all new bids for project work, monitor project progress against agreed objectives and time scales, set up systems to ensure effective use of the CDO's time and resources.
Remuneration To be agreed, based upon experience and need. Initially one day a week but will be dependent upon work load and achieving the key tasks.
Car owner/driver essential. Proposed starting date March 2002
For further details, job description and application form contact me by e-mail. The closing date for applications 31st December 2001.
The County membership fee for 2002 remains at £2.25 this represents no increase for the third year.
Back to the hills
At last the SSGMC are able to resume their Walking and Climbing Activities -- why not join us for a weekend on Exmoor 27th /28th October and/or the Lake District 24th /25th November. Contact Maggie Apted or Doug Clements for details.
Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band
Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band are receiving financial assistance this year from local solicitors, Pearson Maddin. A good example of what can be achieved to help defray the cash costs of Scouting!
1st Hook Band
1st Hook band retained the title of 'National Class Marching Band Champions' at the recent festival in Milton Keynes. In addition to the overall award they gained 1st place for General Musical Effect, Drill, Display and for the best Drum Major.
14th Richmond Sea Scouts
14th Richmond Sea Scouts launched two new skiffs into the Thames by Richmond bridge recently. Many scouts, parents, friends and past scouts attended on the sunny afternoon and were serenaded by the Feltham Scout and Guide band. The naming of the boats was carried out in the traditional way with a little ale being poured onto the boats from the dirtiest mug available, the mug and the remaining ale being thrown into the river afterwards. This gives good luck to the boat and appease the river gods. (sounds a delightful day - ed).
Sea Scout History
Roy Masini is currently writing the definitive Sea Scout history from 1909. If any readers would like to share sea scouting memories or have any information you would like included, please contact Roy at 44 Kettering Street, Streatham London SW16 6PZ
Yr Hen Neuadd (The Old Hall)
Yr Hen Neuadd (The Old Hall) - better known as Bethesda - has recently been upgraded, and bookings can be made to Mrs Nikki Vaughan.
County Flying Programme.
The announcement in June 'Talking Points' regarding powered aircraft flying has understandably caused concern not only at local level but also nationally. Headquarters are trying to resolve this situation with CAA. However, until discussions are concluded (which could take some time) ALL scout flying must comply with this ruling; "All organised Scout Flying Activities will have to be conducted by an Air Operators Certificate holder using pilots holding Commercial Pilots Licenses". Shared cost flying as previously operated is no longer acceptable.
The County is still able to offer flying at Goodwood airfield (Sussex) and Stapleford aerodrome (Essex). If you are prepared to travel then you can still fly! All enquiries to the bookings secretary. Please allow plenty of time between your request and the date you wish to fly as we no longer totally control the arrangements. Cliff Beck - County Air Activities Advisor.
Insurance
We have received a 'flyer' from Morden Park Insurance Brokers offering specialist cover for minibuses and coaches, campsites, headquarters and scout equipment cover. Check them out on 020 8345 5500
First Aid Kits
Do you need to update or upgrade your first aid kits? We have been contacted by J S Clayton, who have a range of kits. They can be contacted on 01892 871111 ask for Pauline. Quote Barbara McKinnon, Purley & District scouting to get a 25% discount!
Youth Hostelling from 1/9/01 until 28/3/02
There is a special deal on offer to the Scout Association, where 36 hostels are offering two nights accommodation for £10. Contact Jane Lambert on 01303 246621 for information.
Training costs
Training costs for county assessors for adventurous activities can now be recovered jointly from County and Scout Foundation funds. If interested in becoming a county assessor please contact Bob Bushell ACC Activities.
Awards
| Medal of Merit | |
|---|---|
| S Anderton | Purley and District |
| Mrs P Clarke | Sutton and Cheam |
| K Smith | Sutton and Cheam |
| C Bashford | North Croydon |
| Ms J Bashford | North Croydon |
| Mrs S Bashford | North Croydon |
| R Broom | North Croydon |
| Mrs J Jefferson | North Croydon |
| H Lawless | North Croydon |
| Mrs J Oakey | North Croydon |
| Mrs S Smith | North Croydon |
| M Weston | North Croydon |
| Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service | |
| Mrs W Plowman | Sutton and Cheam |
| The Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration | |
| David Wall | GLSW |
| Bar to the Long Service Decoration | |
| Beryl Watts | Central Croydon |
| Barbara McKinnon | Purley and District |
| Helen Gillham | North Croydon |
| Michael Holwill | Richmond and Barnes |
| Long Service Decoration | |
| Paul Launders | North Croydon |
| Veronica Ridgwell | Purley and District |
| Martin Hodgson | Richmond and Barnes |
| Wendy Holwill | Richmond and Barnes |
| Kurt Mayfield | Richmond and Barnes |
| Susan Gales | Wandle |
| David Coles | North Croydon |
| Bernard Farrell | North Croydon |
| Michael Gilbert | North Croydon |
| Adrian Metcalf | Purley and District |
| Jenny Meldon | Sutton and Cheam |
| Patrick Reynolds | Twickenham |
Seychelles Update
The container with the resources for the Seychelles Scout Association arrived safely. We were also able to send over 20 boxes which were put together by Beavers, Cubs and groups. In addition we purchased some sets of billies and first aid kits as well as some much needed badges. The Seychelles Chief Scout, Basil Soundy has asked me to thank you all for the hard work put in by members of GLSW. Stephen Clark ACC (International)
In August a party of 15 Venture Scouts and 6 Leaders had a 2 week stay in the Seychelles. Whilst there, they undertook various Community Projects with the Seychelles Scouts, as well as promoting Scouting in the Seychelles. The following is from a lovely letter of thanks:-
Dear Roger, I am delighted to send you my warmest personal fraternal greetings and best wishes, and to say that the visit of the GLSW contingent, under the able leadership of Stephen Clark, went extremely well. The unique experience of the joint camps and projects undertaken together have helped forge lasting friendships and important links between GLSW and this 'land of smiles'.
The Chief Commissioner, Mr Bernard Elizabeth, joins me in thanking all who have in one way or another helped to bring this expedition to Seychelles to fruition.
Yours sincerely, Basil Soundy
If you would like to see for yourself some of the projects we have been funding, the Internatonal Friendship League will be holding their 2002 assembly there from 5-19 May. If you would be interested in the possibility of a group travel booking linked to this event contact Margaret Warry on 020 8399 7051
Scout National Parascending Accuracy Championships 2001
The championships were held the weekend of 6-8 July at RAF North Luffenham. At 8am Saturday there was a briefing, explaining all the rules and how the weekend would run. It was agreed that as the conditions favoured round canopy flying for the younger scouts that this would be completed before the wing event.
After setting up the target with Chief Judge Nikki Spence, the competition started at 9.15am. The winds started off relatively high with canopies coming more or less straight down, and at the end of the round some good scores had been achieved, but the rain started and the decision was made to stop for lunch.
On coming back out winds had changed by 180°, delaying the start, but once we were going again Roy Hall got an impressive 1.7m score. He was judged not to have landed correctly but after explaining that he didn't want to land on a judge so did a forward roll instead was allowed the score. As the wind dropped a few of the flyers were caught out, one nearly landing on the judges table! So we started round 3 with no wind to speak of. The round continued without any hiccups and completed about 7.30pm, when it was decided to call it a day.
Next morning saw the start of the wing competition. The wind was quite strong, and after the first flight it was obvious that the target approach would be quite hot. Considering the strong winds and no target padding some very creditable scores were had with flyers doing stand up landings.
The general feeling was that the championships had been a great success with three completed rounds for all categories, something which has not happened for a few years. It was good to see the young scouts coming into the sport, putting their new found flying skills to the test and also learning the new skill of judging. Big thanks go to Nikki Spence for being Chief Judge and for GLSW & Surrey SPC for the use of their equipment.
Keeping the Campfires Burning - The GLSW Scout County Camping Weekend
It was a beautiful autumn day at Bentley Copse Scout Campsite and the smoke from 17 fires gently rose into a blue sky. 78 scouts had arrived, erected their tents, collected wood and started their cooking fires, almost entirely without adult help, in an impressive display of scouting skill and independence.
Each patrol is monitored throughout the weekend and camping skills are assessed against a defined set of 'camping standards'. The camping standards and the results of the weekend can be found on the Wandle Scout web-site. All scouts are given a certificate or a badge as a record of their achievement. 1st Cheam Curlews won the Camping trophy and 6/12th Mitcham Kingfishers won the Cooking award.
The team of leaders take the role of mentors/ assessors. Although many of the leaders were practiced at the task, there were also other leaders (like me) there for the first time. The assessing is done in pairs, with leaders assessing different patrols at different times. In this way experience is passed from leader to leader. It was fascinating to see the patrols organize themselves, using different equipment, and alternative ways of achieving the same ends. I learned a lot and sharing ideas and experiences with other leaders from around the County was great fun.
Do encourage your scouts to come to the camping weekend next year as it is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills in a safely mentored environment. If you are a leader do consider joining the leadership team -- you will be made very welcome. To find out more about the County Patrol Camping Weekend or the Camping Standard, please contact the County Scout Leader, Andy Harris or Paul Atkins.
Lets increase the number of fires burning at next years GLSW County Camping Weekend.
Focus on GLSW
Items for the December issue should be submitted by 27th October to the editor: Phil Davies.
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