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Focus on GLSW
Scouting in Greater London South West December 2002
Chairman's Notes
One of the five principal aims presented in the County's Strategic vision, objective and aims document was to encourage within the County a functional rather than hierarchical, supportive rather than directive, inspirational rather than critical management style culture.
It is important from time to time to review your progress in achieving this aim. Communication remains the key, are we transparent in our decision-making, by our actions and are we accountable?
I believe we are and I have personally striven in the past five years as your Chairman to remove the County from some kind of perceived pinnacle and replace with a base supportive role to you, District and Group leaders and adult supporters, working in the front line. I'm sure you will tell me if that is not the case!
...are we transparent in our decision making, by our actions...?
The actions taken at County Executive meeting are fully recorded and should you, the reader, wish to see the minutes do not hesitate to ask your DC or the County Secretary Angela Sailing. In the meantime why not look up our web site http://www.glswscouts.org.uk to read this year's annual report and accounts. No, its not boring, the individual reports are easy to access and read. There are no hidden agendas — it is all there to be read and in time I hope the County Executive minutes will be included on our web site.
In referring to our web site please encourage others who may not read Focus, particularly our young members, to look up the site. All the results and pictures of various activities are there plus so much more. Let me know the views of our members. My thanks go to the Web Crew, Helen Jeffrey, Chris Sowden and Bob Lewis for their continuing hard work to ensure our web site is not only current but is full of energy and enthusiasm in content and presentation.
Congratulations to the Gang Show and their new production team led by Andy Hayward for another excellent show. Due to the threatened closure of the Secombe Theatre the County are determined to support the Gang Show management team in securing a location for next year's show.
Finally a sincere 'Happy Christmas' in Scouting to you and may the New Year give you the job satisfaction you so richly deserve.
County Commissioner
The first thing that needs to be said is a big thank you and well done to everyone involved in Scouting in GLSW for the way that the new programme has been embraced and put into action throughout the county. No one is proclaiming that it is all perfect and completely in place yet, as not everyone is moving at the same pace, but the plans and the building blocks are in the right place and with the right support we can only go forward to provide better Scouting for more young people.
...as a County we can feel proud of what we achieve for Scouting and young people...
Better Scouting For More Young People was very much the emphasis at the national conference for county commissioners that I attended in November. That really has to be the message from now on that drives us forward as we bed in the new programme, image and uniform. We do have a marvellous product to offer young people, and we should not be ashamed to proclaim it far and wide throughout our county. The aptly named campaign Shouting for Scouting, along with placing adults in the right roles (Round Pegs in Round Holes) and providing Scouting in Unexpected Places, if we get behind them can only further assist us in increasing our numbers, both in young people and adults. I won't pretend that it will all be easy and these campaigns will deliver everything for us on a plate. There will be hard work, but I don't believe that anybody involved in Scouting who believes in what it has to offer to young people is really afraid of that.
Certainly our jamboree contingent leaders and their members have worked hard in the preparations leading up to the Thailand Jamboree and we wish them well and safe journeys as they depart towards the end of the year. That also goes for the county members who are also going to the jamboree either as International support Team or Contingent Support Team. Our largest number ever!
In discussions with colleagues at the CC's conference, I think that as a county we can feel proud of what we achieve for Scouting and young people and can be encouraged by the fact that throughout the UK there are many others, all willing to strive for the same purpose. We are at present the largest co-ed youth organisation in the country and have the ability and talent to grow.
Finally I would like to wish all of you and your families, a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas and hope that you will join with me in 2003 in providing "Better Scouting For More Young People".
Congratulations to Eastern Croydon who won the County Scout Swimming gala.
There were 8 Districts represented at this year's event and as usual the races were closely contested. However, thanks to Andy Harris and his team the proceedings went very smoothly and all the racing was finished leaving enough time for a period of free swimming for those who wanted it.
The final results were very close this year with favourites Purley and Richmond upon Thames taking 3rd and 2nd respectively, leaving Eastern Croydon to pick up the trophy. Congratulations to all who took part.
The County Scout team will be issuing the "Events" book in the early part of December. This year's edition will feature colour-coded pages for each of the activities and an A3 year planner with all the dates pre filled in, including the dates for Scout Leadership 1 courses. There will also be a questionnaire that will focus on how well the new programme is going, along with some questions on communications. I will be asking for these to be returned by the end of February.
As last year there will be a prize of a new hike tent for the Troop who's questionnaire is drawn out of the hat first. The draw will take place in March. If you have not received your Troop's copy by the new year, please let me know and I will dispatch one to you.
Welcome to Dicky Ball, who has taken on the ADC role in Eastern Croydon. I'm sure that he will enjoy the new challenges that this change will bring.
Many thanks to Steve Clarke who is departing from the ADC ship in Eastern after 15 years in the role. Steve is acting DC of Purley at the moment along with still being involved in training and continuing to develop international matters in the County.
Finally, good luck to all those who are going to the World Jamboree.
May I offer my thanks on their behalf to all those Leaders, parents, friends and supporters who have worked so hard to make it happen for these young people.
Have a great Christmas wherever you are and be sure to have a peaceful New Year.
Dates for County Scout Events in 2003
| 9th Feb | Cooking Competition | 1st Hook |
| 12th March | County Scout Section Meeting | Bow Lane |
| 15/16th March | Night Exercise | Polyapes |
| 19th June | County Scout Section Meeting | Bow Lane |
| 20/21st Sept | Camping Standards weekend | TBC |
| TBC Oct | County CycloX | Frylands Wood |
| 8th Nov | County Swimming Gala | Trinity School |
| 23rd Nov | County Scout Section Day Meeting | Bow Lane |
| 30th Nov | Orienteering Comp | Farthing Down/Happy Valley |
This autumn has seen the county turn into a hive of activity as the new, fantastic Explorer Scout Section begins to start up. Over the coming months the section will begin to develop and become stronger as hurdles, small and large are overcome. I would urge that all leaders and those involved with this section give it 100% support to ensure a successful future for over fourteen year olds in Scouting.
On the 11th of December I am hoping to meet with all of the DESCs (District Explorer Scout Commissioners) — the key drivers in this section — at Bow Lane. In the new year I will also be holding a day for all Leaders working with Explorer Scouts on either the 8th or 9th of February.
One of the most exciting events for this new section will occur at the very end of this year as we see 36 Explorer Scouts from GLSW join with over 2000 others from around the UK, to attend the 20th World Scout Jamboree. What a fantastic start for this great new section.
As ever, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries about Explorer Scouting.
Have a very peaceful Christmas and get ready for a cracking 2003!
Since September we have been actively promoting and building up the Scout Network in GLSW. Five Local Scout Networks have been created, one in each of the London Boroughs — Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, and Sutton. Each is moving forward at its own pace, but hopefully all will soon be fully operational with an increasing and enthusiastic membership. We are also about to establish our first 'Specialist' Scout Network for those members who wish to be involved with a service project at a children's orphanage in the north of Belarus. Please contact Matt Rowe or myself for further information.
The first meeting of the County Scout Network Committee was held on October 28 with representatives of four Local Networks present. The next meeting is in Morden on December 2, and we shall be making decisions about the County programme, and firming up on arrangements for those events already agreed in outline.
...Our first major event as a Network will be the ‘mass’ Investiture on Friday 17 January in London...
At long last we have found a County Scout Network Administrator whose function it will be to maintain the membership database. His name is Andrew Florence, who until recently was an AVSL in Central Croydon District. Welcome aboard Andrew, and many thanks for taking on this very important job.
The next priority is to appoint one or more County Scout Network Leaders, who will support the Network either as mentors to Local Networks or overall in a more specialised way. This could be organising Queen's Scout Presentations and the State Duties Reserve, or raising the profile of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme within the Network, working in tandem with David Johnson our County Adviser.
If you have the interest, competence, drive and above all enthusiasm for any of these roles or you know of someone who has, please contact me to discuss.
County has agreed a budget for the Network for 2003/4, and I am grateful to Peter Runacres, our Treasurer, for obtaining the approval of the County Executive. However, like everyone else, subscriptions will need to be paid at the time of the Annual Census in January; and it has been agreed that members of the Scout Network will pay the Headquarters Capitation fee plus the County levy, an absolute bargain! As you can appreciate it is even better if you are a Leader within a Group and the Group pays your membership fees. Last June County purchased a good quantity of 'Navigator' files, most of which are still sitting in my front room. Every Network member needs one! They are available at the GLSW discounted price of £9 — just ask.
Our first major event as a Network will be the 'mass' Investiture on Friday January 17 in London. This involves a 'sleepover' at an undisclosed location, and much more besides! Full details and application forms have already been distributed, but if you are still in the dark call me without delay as there is room for 50 only.
On Thursday January 30 we are organising a 'workshop' at Radcliffe, the Guide training centre, for those of you who want more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and how to operate it within the Network or the Explorer Scout Unit. Again, numbers are limited so book your place early to avoid disappointment.
Operation Red Flare takes place on March 1, and is based at Boider Hurst campsite. As we are still in a period of transition, entries will be accepted from Venture Scout Units as well as Explorer Scouts, the Scout Network and GirlguidingUK senior section. The competition is for teams of 4 to 7 and involves night navigation and incidents at checkpoints.
The Network Sevens, formerly the Croydon Venture Scout Rugby Seven-a-side Competition, will be held at the Old Whitgiftian RFC on Sunday April 13. Information about this event has been widely circulated, and already we have received an enquiry from Manchester. Why not make up a team from your Local Network, or join forces with your neighbouring Network?
Looking further ahead, plans are afoot for our first County Scout Network Conference, and also a camp to launch ourselves formally in GLSW. Between now and then I hope to meet as many of you as possible at local as well as County events.
Please feed your ideas about the Network to me, either directly or via your representative or Local Co-ordinator, once in post. In the meantime may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and great Network Scouting in 2003.
26th National Air Rifle Championships
The County was well represented by teams from 1st Old Malden, 7th Malden, 5th Morden, Surbiton Sealions, 19th Wimbledon and 25th Purley at this annual event held at Walton Firs Camp Site. A number of Leaders from County Groups also acted as range staff and 7th Malden ran the 5-a-side football competition. Shooting events comprised 6 yard air rifle and pistol, knock down target, field target and own gun events, including vintage rifle. Also on offer were archery, football, Jamboree-on-the-Air and Jamboree-on-the-Internet.
384 competitors, representing some 50 Groups came from all over the country. With so many competitors, medals and trophies were very hard to come by! However, 5th Morden came third and were awarded Bronze Medals in the Duke of Connaught Junior Shield — for aggregate scores of rifle, pistol and field target by teams of three. Andrew Dobson of 5th Morden won the Silver Medal and Joshua Nobes of 25th Purley the Bronze for under 12s and Nick Baker of 7th Malden the Bronze for over 18s, in the individual rifle event. Tom Nobes of 25th Purley won the Silver for Junior Field Target. He also came 4th in the Chief Scout's Prize (aggregate rifle, pistol & field target for under 14s).
7th Malden took third place in the Pistol Team event, thanks to good scores from Martin Feltham, Nathan Blackman, Graeme Baker and Bupesh Jain. In the Webley-Scott Shield for Team 6 yard rifle, 5th Morden were just out of the medals taking 4th place — out of 52 teams.
As a result of their performance in the Championships, Matt Green of 7th Malden, Alex Haigh & Anthony Godden of 19th Wimbledon have been offered places in the National Scout Shooting Team!
Inter-County Scout Shooting Championships 6 April 2003
To Leaders of Troops, Explorer and Network Units, DCs ADCs and Adult Members of the Scout Association: Are you interested or know of anyone interested in the above event?
Venue: The National Indoor Shooting Centre, Aldersley, West Midlands
Date: April 6th 2003 (closing date March 14th 2003)
Any member of the Scout Association in GLSW is invited to be considered for selection to a Team to represent the County. The Team is to consist of 8 people spanning the age range 10½ to 25+.
Shooting will be of air rifle and air pistol at a range of 10 metres, using the standard targets.
It will be necessary to have a selection procedure and those interested are invited to put their names (or those of youngsters in their Section) forward by December 14th. There will then be a Competition in January 2003 — provisionally January 13th and 14th to find the best shooters at combined Air Rifle and Air Pistol. This will be held in New Malden at 1st Malden Scout Group H.Q.
More detailed information will be supplied on request.
Offers of a target air rifle and pistol would be appreciated — either on sale or loan.
GLSW Jamboree Unit Update
When I last wrote in Focus we were just about getting together as a unit for the first time and believe it or not it was in September 2001. So what has happened to the unit since then and what have we got up to over the past year?
Let me take you through some of the highlights....
Training Camps
Fiendishly hard tasks have been set, mastered and perfected over four training weekends. On one camp the unit was to be seen busy preparing presentations on the places we will visit, the customs and traditions of the people we will meet and all of the tropical diseases we could encounter. The unit also built a covered seating area that will be used for dining on the jamboree site as well as negotiating an assault course whilst blindfolded.
Fundraising Events
A gala dinner dance was held on Friday 18th October at the Hotel Antoinette, Kingston. 123 people attended the event where Thai food was on offer, some tricky quizzes were set, a complex raffle involving a flip of a coin and a disco to while away the hours.
The unit have also been busy selling raffle tickets to anyone who would donate one whole English pound in return for five blue pieces of paper. The draw was held on the 17th November and the winners can be found listed further on in this issue. Both events have helped boost the coffers by over £1,700, which will be used to purchase equipment, fund training events and support the unit whilst they are on the jamboree. A big thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported us at both events.
D-Day
The leadership team attended the legendary D-Day (Distribution Day) where all of the units kit was issued. The day started with a short drive to Gilwell Park on the only wet weekend of September, a visit to an aircraft hangar full of coats, bags, shoes, jamboree staff and of course your intrepid leadership team. A serious amount of mathematical adding up and cross checking then ensued before relaxing with the rest of the UK contingent could begin in earnest. Oh... and we also packed four of the largest boxes you could imagine onto a container labelled 'Thailand or bust'.
Mini D-Day
Our own distribution day took place Sunday 17 November and all went smoothly. Everyone, it has been reported, got stuff to take away with them. No other reports from this day have currently been received.
So Where Are We Actually Going? The plan as it stands is as follows:
22nd December
Fly to Malaysia, then onto Thailand.
22nd-27th December
Stay in a small B & B 2hrs outside of Bangkok. No.... In reality the Hotel in Jomtien is housing all 3,000 UK participants in over 1,000 rooms. Whilst here we will partake in some serious tanning, a day trip around the sights of Bangkok, some rest and relaxation and we think the biggest party for Christmas Day that any of us will ever be part of. They have also planned a candlelit service on the beach for Christmas Eve and various religious services on Christmas Day, to ensure we all remember the real reason for the day of celebration.
27th December 2002-7th January 2003
The unit will form part of 30,000 Scouts attending the World Scout Jamboree at a site right on the coast at Sattahip, Thailand. The site is constructed around the following main areas:
- Central Arena
- This area is reserved for holding special events, such as the Opening, Closing and Inter-Religious Ceremonies, and a New Year's Eve gathering. The arena is a wide open area, capable of accommodating approximately 30,000 participants.
- Villages
- The villages A, B, C and D will be the camping area for the Scouts. They will form two huge circles with a major street, Chao Phraya Road running through the middle of each campsite.
- The Global Development Village
- This village is created in an attempt to provide the Scouts with an opportunity to participate in activities, and to practice skills needed for the world's changing environment.
- City of Science
- The Scouts will enjoy simple explorations and experiments, aimed at helping them learn how to find out the responses for scientific and technological inquiries by themselves.
- Crossroads of Cultures
- It is opened for the Scouts to learn diverse cultures and traditions from around the globe.
- Prayer Valley
- It is a quiet place suitably arranged for international Scouts to have a quiet time, praying and practicing their religious and spiritual commitments.
So as you can see from the above areas the programme is based around a number of themes and the unit will visit various activities for either a half or whole day in duration. The location of the site also lends itself to water activities and the unit will be expecting to get wet every day. This is particularly good news as the temperature whilst we are in Thailand regularly reaches 20 degrees Celsius and beyond!
8th-12th January 2003
Once we have left the jamboree site the unit is then moving onto home hospitality in Malaysia. We have been told that we will be within two hours of Kuala Lumpur and the unit members will be split into pairs to stay with local Malaysian Scouts. This will give a unique experience to all of our members and they are all looking forward to sampling first hand the cultural way of life in Malaysia.
Summary
So to summarise, the unit are now really looking forward to the whole trip which will really cap off all of the hard work that they have put in to get to this stage. The unit would really like to say thank you to all of the people that have helped them achieve their individual and unit goals, as without that support we really would have struggled. It only remains for us to say... reserve a date in January to hear all of the stories, look at the photographs and inspect our tans!
Jamboree Prize Draw — Winners details
| Prize | Winning Ticket No. | Winners Name |
|---|---|---|
| Max Data Computer | 2306 | Bertie Greenhall |
| Combi TV Video | 10471 | Alison Webb |
| Brentford Football | 10583 | Mr Buzasi |
| Blue Hawaii Voucher | 349 | Sanie Hakin |
| Blubeckers Restaurant Voucher | 16 | Ann Tyler |
| Looney Tunes Chess Set | 3754 | Rob Paveley |
| Meadow Teddy Bear | 760 | Oscar Naveira |
| Rachel Doll | 10778 | Liz Shirley |
| Disney Set | 10008 | Mike |
| Eurostar Gift Set 1 | 345 | Alex Haigh |
| Eurostar Gift Set 2 | 5691 | Holly Mansfield |
| Body Shop Gift Box | 10963 | Mick O'Brien |
| Ben Doll | 10613 | Kelly Family |
| Cisco Systems Umbrella | 6217 | Kieron Yule |
| United Airlines Gift Pack | 4860 | Mairead Goodwin |
| Christmas Crackers | 11492 | Cliff Bromley |
| Thai Cook Book | 7661 | Janet Huggett |
| Waterproof Coat | 3670 | Angie Tampion |
| Cuddly Rabbit | 331 | Jean Jenkins |
| Swiss Sports Watch | 10305 | B Prescott |
| BA T-Shirts | 3906 | B Hill |
| Bag & T-Shirts | 7702 | G Hodson |
| Compact Radio | 10695 | J F Taylor |
Jamboree 2007
Two leaders from the County, Caroline O'Hagan (CJ) and Helen Jeffrey (7th Malden) have been selected from many applicants to join the Programme Team for the 2005 European Jamboree and the 21st World Jamboree in 2007. The Program Team is lead by Colin Coleman and has 7 members from across the UK as well as 2 members from Europe. The selection process involved an interview at Gilwell and a 'Think Tank' weekend in Birmingham. They look forward to an amazing, if not challenging, journey ahead as they help evolve an exciting Jamboree programme for over 60,000!
Training
All DCs and some members of the County Support Team recently attended a briefing at Gilwell on the new training scheme to be introduced in 2004. Plans are being made so that the scheme can be implemented when it comes on line.
The present system of training and courses will continue in the County, and all leaders who accept a warrant are reminded about the obligation to undertake training, as per their appointment as soon as possible. New leaders in 2003 who embark on the "old" system during the latter part of the year will be favourably credited with their training already undertaken when transferring to the "new" method. Not undertaking training by waiting for the new system to come on line should not be used as an excuse.
International News
Website
We have recently added new International pages to the County website and these are meant to be a one stop shop for everything that you wanted to know about what is happening Internationally. If you haven't already looked at them please do so. The pages also give the opportunity for you to be involved as we have areas where you can submit programme ideas for the various programme zones. Remember to make you instructions clear and to give a list of equipment needed. Those travelling abroad can also give a brief report on their expeditions including photos.
Correction
Unfortunately I was misled on the age ranges for the 2005 European Jamboree. These are now 10½ to 18. Once details on how to apply are available I will circulate.
12th World Scout Moot — Taiwan 2004
This event is open to all Scout Network members, Explorer Scouts, and Fellowship members who were born between 30th July 1978 and 10th August 1986. The theme is Scouting — Unlimited Challenges and will enable participants to take part in a 4-day expedition, adventurous activities, a global development village and traditional Chinese hospitality. Post moot options are being explored. GLSW are already on the bandwagon as Siohban Cuss from Richmond upon Thames District and a member of the International Team, has been appointed Deputy Contingent Leader, and it would be nice if we could supply a large number from the County to join her.
20th World Jamboree
Mark Patrick and his leadership team are busy making the final preparations to the County's Contingent to the World Jamboree which takes place in Thailand at the end of the month. We wish them all well and look forward to hearing about the Jamboree and their home hospitality in Malaysia.
Going Abroad in 2003?
Now is the time to start to make your arrangements. Contact me for a Visits Abroad folder containing your International PC form. When submitting this do not forget to enclose details of insurance and adventurous activity authorisations. Changes to the Residential Experiences requirements do not cover overseas trips. You will still need to submit and International PC form before going abroad.
Other news
11 Scouts from across the county recently had the opportunity to act as flag bearers at Arsenal's Champions League game against Eindhoven. Our thanks to Mark Stokoe for seizing the chance for the County and for making the arrangements.
Adventurous Activities for 2003
Hillwalking
- Mountain First Aid
- 29-30 March, 3-4 May and various other dates to be confirmed
- Advanced Hillwalking
- Pre-meet 2 February then 7-9 February
- Basic Hillwalking
- Pre-meet 11 May then 16-18 May
- Remote Camping
- Pre-meet 28 September then 3-5 October
- Older Scouts/Explorer Scouts Hillwalking
- Pre-meet 12 October then 24-26 October
Contact: Ron Wellbrook
Rock Climbing
No dates fixed but facilities possible by arrangement
Contact: Phil Handley
Paragliding
22nd and 23rd March, 6th, 12th and 13th April, 10th, 11th, 24th and 25th May, 7th, 14th and 22nd June, 19th and 20th July, 13th, 14th, 27th and 28th September and 11th and 12th October
Contact: Stuart Short
Bookings only: Dot Short
Air Experience Flying
6th April (S), 13th April (R), 11th May (S), 18th May (G), 22nd June (S), 13th July (R), 20th July (S), 17th Aug (Ro), 7th Sept. (G), 28th Sept. (S) and 12th Oct. (S)
Contact: Cliff Beck
Bookings for Stapleford (S) are £18.00
Contact: Dot Short
Bookings for Goodwood (G), Redhill (R), and Rochester (Ro) are £20.00
Contact: Ken Funnell
Gliding and Microlighting
No dates fixed but facilities possible by arrangement
Contact (for gliding): Roland Lambert or Tony Williams
Contact (for microlighting): David Barrell
Caving
No dates fixed but facilities possible by arrangement
Contact: Cliff Abbot
Air Rifle Shooting
- National Small Bore Rifle Association Youth Proficiency Course
- 20th and 21st January
- Surrey Scout Rifle Club Introductory Sessions (e-mail)
- 16th Mar, 18th May, 1st June, 6th July, 5th Oct and 2nd Nov.
- Inter-County Competition at Aldersley (selection in January)
- 6th April
- Kingston and Malden District Competition/Scoutshoot '03
- 12th May/7th September
- National Scout Air Rifle Championships at Walton Firs (e-mail)
- 17th to 19th October
Contact: Jean Jenkins
Water Activities
Refer to the Longridge Scout Boating Centre Brochure or e-mail
Contact: Vic Griffiths
Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme
For young people between the ages of 14 and 25: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Contact: David Johnson
Activities
The Scout Led Activity Index is an extensive factsheet (Number FS120084) designed to help members identify the relevant rules and guidance appropriate to a particular activity. With over seventy activities listed, this factsheet is an excellent guide for undertaking activities in Scouting.
If you require a copy of the above or further details on either Activities or Safety in Scouting, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Special Needs News
New Cub Pack
Good Luck to the 15th Wallington Group who are to start a Cub Pack for Special Needs youngsters under the leadership of Derek Smith. 12 Cubs with various special needs will soon be able to enjoy Scouting.
Behaviour problems!!!!
A workshop entitled "Managing Difficult Behaviour" is being organized for Thursday 6th March 2003 at Bow Lane Training Centre, Morden to help Leaders in all sections. An information sheet/booking form will be available early January.
Badges
Now that the Euro has become a fact the Scout Holiday Homes Trust have lost one if its traditional sources of minor income as there are fewer foreign coins being brought back from holidays for them to collect. To compensate for this would you be prepared to send a badge from any special event your Group or District organises, or surplus ones afterwards? These will then be sold at various events. Please sent any you can spare to: David & Lesley Roberts, Slate Cottage, 1 Summer Lane, Brixham, Devon TQ5 0DA.
Allergies
The Scout Association has a policy of helping all young people access Scouting. Allergies are an area that Leaders need to be aware of should a member under their supervision have a reaction. There are hidden ways in which an allergic reaction food may be consumed, because some foods are not necessarily labelled. Leaders dealing with a food allergy sufferer should take advice from parents and the Anaphylaxis Campaign who are specialists and for example can advise on coping with catering in a large group situation.
Awards
| Long Service Decoration | |
|---|---|
| David Cruickshank | Eastern Croydon |
| Francis McCormack | Richmond upon Thames |
| Jacqueline Taylor | Richmond upon Thames |
| Janet Townsend | Richmond upon Thames |
| Sally Rickard | Sutton and Cheam |
| Linda Darcy | Wandle |
| Jacqueline Rochford | Wandle |
Focus on GLSW
The search is still on to find a new editor for Focus. If you know of someone who would like to take on this important and interesting role for the County, please contact me at the address below.
Items for the February issue should be submitted by 19 January 2003 to the editor: focus@glswscouts.org.uk
E-mail to webmaster