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Focus on GLSW
Scouting in Greater London South West February 2002
By the time that you read this we are well into 2002 and thoughts of Christmas etc. are behind us. The pace of life does not seem to slacken at all and before we know another year will have flown by. This year will be no exception and for scouting it will be quite a significant one, as the outcomes of PRI are revealed and become a reality as it is put into place. I detect that there is a great deal of expectancy and enthusiasm for PRI in the county, with plenty of energy bursting forth wanting to get on with it.
However I do wish to offer a word of caution. We have the ideal opportunity to put scouting on the "right track" for the 21st century. It is important that our preparations are well made and put in place properly. This is especially so for the new sections Explorer Scouts and Scout Network. Explorer Scouts is not just a replacement for Venture Scouts under a new name or Scout Network a younger version of Scout Fellowship. Therefore it is vital that Districts think carefully about their proposed set ups for these sections.
There is nothing to be gained if by being first we have to constantly change our original plans in order just to keep a bad idea going. It is important that there is plenty of consultation and sharing of ideas between Districts. Some Districts have already submitted their plans to me in order that this discussion can develop. Across the County there cannot be one foolproof rigid solution. The answer lies within the needs of each District and the needs of the young people which are paramount.
The regional launch takes place on 10th February and twenty people selected from throughout GLSW will be going to hear and see the details of the new programme. After the regional launch it is our intention, through a series of county launches to impart that information and give out the transitional material to Districts for their groups. I hope I shall see many of you at the various launches, to share with you, the new programme that will provide exciting scouting opportunities for our present membership and for those of the future.
County Development Office
The GLSW County Development Office is now fully on line. You can email me at glswcdo@hotmail.com or phone the CDO line: 020 8764 5514 (also fax/answer machine). Any problems, questions, or invites to parties(!) please don't hesitate to give me a call.
Polyapes
Polyapes Campsite booking contact has changed. Contact Paul Francis or see the Polyapes web site. Should any group be thinking of booking Polyapes this year (2002) we are filling up fast so get in early!
Mind Out
A booklet has been sent to every Group to raise awareness for mental health. Mind Out for mental health is a campaign to stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health. So many young people experience difficulties with one or more of the following: exams, new jobs, money, parents, family members, partners, bullying, discrimination.
- Fact:
- People with mental health problems are more likely to harm themselves than others
- Fact:
- One in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year
- Fact:
- Discrimination hurts: discrimination on the grounds of race, gender or disability are no longer acceptable
What we can do:
- Read through the booklet: there are some good ideas to raise awareness
- Listen and learn: we are often ignorant of the fear surrounding mental health
- Mind your language
- Tell someone of your fears
- Lend your support
Safety in Scouting
Safety in Scouting is concerned with promoting a culture of safety throughout The Movement, raising awareness of safety practices and safe Scouting activities, not just those that have been perceived to involve a greater element of risk such as adventurous activities. Therefore, in an effort to provide guidance and to increase awareness of the Association's Safety Policy, District Chairman have been requested to appoint a Safety Coordinator. The coordinators role will include visiting meeting places and camp sites in their District and carrying out appropriate risk assessments. If you have any concerns relating to Safety in Scouting please let me know.
Croydon Venture Scouts & Ranger Guides 17th Annual Rugby Sevens
This year's event, now in its 17th consecutive year, is at Old Whitgiftian RFC, Croham Road, South Croydon, on Sunday 14th April, starting at 12 noon. Finals will be around 5.30pm. The event is open to all VSUs, Ranger Guide or joint units, and players must be bona fide members of the Scout or Guide associations. Details from Chris Dean — entries by March 16th.
County Cooking Competition
The GLSW County Cooking Competition took place last Saturday 3rd February in the 4th Worcester Park hall. I arrived with my team from the 3rd Carshalton Scout Group — James M (APL), Harry M and Edward S — to prepare for the 11:00 'cook-off'! Glancing around the packed hall we could see that we were up against stiff competition.
During the previous week we had been practising and perfecting the menu and were struggling to keep to the budget of £12.50, which we did by 1p! Our appetising menu consisted of a Thai starter (compulsory) which was a crunchy salad + Thai dressing, Beef a la Crème with rice, and Apple Fritters coated in sugar and cinnamon. Being both excited and nervous, we couldn't fail to have a great time and enjoyed ourselves from start to finish.
Towards the end of the two hours we realised it would be very close indeed, judging by the quality of the other team's menus. We were delighted to be declared the winners and collect the trophy, and after all our hard work my team thoroughly deserved it!
Although James and I may be too old to take part in next years cooking competition, the other, significantly younger, 3rd Carshalton team came fourth and have promising potential for the future!
GLSW Diary Dates
| 2002 | Meeting | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 21 | Team | County Training Centre |
| 24 | DCs Conference | County Training Centre | |
| March | 1 | County Dinner | Hotel Antoinette, Kingston |
| 7 | Census/Chair/Sec/Treasurers Meeting | County Training Centre | |
| 15–17 | Bethesda Working Party | Yr Hen Neaudd (Bethesda) | |
| 18 | Finance | Westow Street, SE19 | |
| April | 3 | Executive | County Training Centre |
| May | 30 | Team | County Training Centre |
| June | 2 | DCs Conference | County Training Centre |
| TBD | Finance | Westow Street, SE19 | |
| July | 3 | AGM | Sutton (TBA) |
| September | 6–8 | Bethesda Working Party | Yr Hen Neaudd (Bethesda) |
| 9 | Finance | 67 Westow Street, SE19 | |
| 25 | Executive | County Training Centre | |
| October | 25 | Gang Show VIPs | Secombe Centre |
| November | 3 | DCs Conference | County Training Centre |
| 14 | Team | County Training Centre | |
| 18 | Finance | Westow Street, SE19 | |
| December | 4 | Executive | County Training Centre |
Awards
| Medal of Merit | |
|---|---|
| G Dorrington | DSL Sutton and Cheam |
| B Spear | GSL 1st Belmont |
| D Gilbert | ACSL 2nd Whitton |
| Mrs R Green | Beaver helper 23rd Croydon |
| Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service | |
| P Staddon | Group treasurer 18th Purley |
| Miss G Dunbar | CSL 28th Croydon |
| The Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration | |
| Gladys Prior | Wandle |
| Percy Nettleton | Eastern Croydon |
| John Dadds | Kingston and Malden |
| Leslie Ling | North Croydon |
| Bar to the Long Service Decoration | |
| Jonathan Long | Sutton and Cheam |
| Peter Hutton | Wimbledon and Merton |
| John Kendall | Richmond upon Thames |
| John Turner | Richmond upon Thames |
| Lesley Bixby | Wandle |
| William Walden | Wandle |
| Long Service Decoration | |
| Roy Miller | Purley and District |
| Godfrey Probets | Richmond upon Thames |
| Brian Rees | Sutton and Cheam |
| Paul Goldsmith | Wallington Carshalton and District |
| Virginia Hancock | Wallington Carshalton and District |
| Janet Cain | Wandle |
| Linda Vaudrey | Wandle |
| David Smith | Eastern Croydon |
| Marilyn Summerfield | Eastern Croydon |
| Rosemary Sparks | Wandle |
| Pamela Farley | Kingston and Malden |
| Richard Collier | Wallington Carshalton and District |
| Patricia Barnard | Central Croydon |
| Colin Gardner | Surbiton |
| Adrian Frost | Purley and District |
| Brenda Pawley | Surbiton |
| Alison Boys | Central Croydon |
![[*]](images/focus-2002-02-p1.png)
Greater London South West GANG SHOW "SOUWEST 2002"
The 2002 Gang Show will be at the Secombe Theatre, Sutton, from Tuesday 22nd to Saturday 26th October.
Auditions are on Sundays 24th February, 3rd & 17th March 2002 at Christ Church with St Phillip's Church Hall, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park, Surrey, and are open to members of Scout & Guide Associations. You must be enthusiastic, able to sing, move in time to music, act a little, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN!!
Rehearsals will be every Sunday from 9th June, and you have to be able to get to all rehearsals (you are allowed to miss up to 4 for holidays etc) and be available from Sunday 20th to Saturday 26th October.
For more information contact gangshow@glswscouts.org.uk.
And finally...
Watch out for the flyers from ACPP coming out to the groups soon. The company offer a wide range of canvas repair services, including tents, sails, boat covers etc. They are based at 153 Shirley Church Road, Shirley, Croydon CR0 5AJ, or you can call them on 020 8777 1529.
Focus on GLSW
Items for the April issue should be submitted by 14th March 2001 to the editor: Phil Davies.
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