Focus on GLSW

Scouting in Greater London South West October 2003

Chairman’s Notes

I was reminded the other day that the objective of our newsletter was to inform you, our readers, of the developments in Scouting both within GLSW and nationally but primarily to give support and look forward.

Having said that, I want to report back on the presentations made at the County AGM.

Firstly the Jamboree's amusing and informative illustrated presentation and the personal feedback from some of the lucky ones who attended. To me the most salient benefit of those attending was witnessing how their self-esteem had risen since their selection and hearing of the change in their peer groups' opinion of Scouting.

Secondly the slides illustrating the Kenya 2002 expedition showing how the Merton Park/Raynes Park joint VSUs helped to build a 6-room medical/maternity unit in dusty and tropical conditions which would be of great benefit to the community.

Thirdly the professional video from the Edge Hill VSU chronicled their community building exploits in Nepal in driving rain and such a difficult landscape.

If only the general public could have had the privilege, as we had, to witness what the youngsters of today are achieving.

Sincere congratulations to all those involved particularly the leaders, for without their behind-the-scenes guidance and commitment such events and projects would not be possible.

The AGM also looked forward, with our speaker Nigel Coopey outlining the plans for the Scouting centenary 21st World Jamboree 27 July – 8 August 2007 and the European Jamboree 29 July – 10 August 2005 both to be held at Highlands Park Essex. For more information contact our County agent Nigel Steward or view web site www.scouting2007.org.uk

More opportunities for young people to savour the international experience at the 12th World Scout Moot from 30 July – 10 August 2004 in Taiwan were presented by Siobhan Cuss and Anthony Wilson. If you were born between July 30th 1978 and August 10th 1986 and are looking for an exciting challenge then register by e-mail at moot2004@scout.org.uk or ring Steve Clark Assistant County Commissioner (International).

There's a big world out there – make it your aim to see something of the areas you won't find in the glossy holiday brochures!

Finally, don't forget to read the MORI poll report on what the public thinks of Scouting. [See MORI Survey for the report's main findings – ed.]

Tony Edwards

Notes for Trustees of Scout Groups

It has recently come to my attention that the insurance policy covering buildings and equipment of a local Scout Group was allowed to lapse and the buildings and equipment had been uninsured for some time.

Would Chairmen, GSLs and Treasurers please check that all their building and equipment is properly insured.

When was your building last re-valued? Should this be brought up-to-date? If it has not been re-valued in the last three years then it should be re-assessed now.

If you need help on a re-valuation do talk to John Taylor, who I am sure will be able to put you in touch with a friendly surveyor who will not charge the earth for providing you with an up-to-date valuation for insurance purposes.

Equipment

Has this recently been checked on your asset schedule and has it been updated for equipment purchased since the last re-valuation. Again, has this schedule been brought up-to-date with your insurance company? Do remember that all the trustees of your Group executive are jointly and severally liable if there was a fire and the building and equipment was destroyed and there was no insurance cover. The resulting exercise could be extremely expensive for each and every one of the trustees who would become personally liable.

Hallam Carter-Pegg Chairman of the County Finance Sub-Committee

John HARVEY

John Harvey, an Explorer Scout Helper with 15th Wallington Special Needs Group, sadly passed away during the summer holidays. John was confined to a wheelchair and underwent quite a few operations this past year. In the past he attended Agoonoree camps never giving up even though sometimes he was obviously in great pain, always wanting to be independent even though it was hard for him to push his wheelchair at times. On the day of the funeral, which was at the same time as the Agoonoree camp, each member from the 15th Wallington let off a number of red balloons in John's memory.

Howard SMITH

Howard Smith was the GSL of the 23rd Croydon Group up to around 1975. He then went on to become Assistant County Commissioner (Leader Training) for GLSW, a post he held until he retired. Howard sadly passed away on Tuesday 16 September 2003 after a long illness that was bravely borne.

Adult Groups in Adventurous Activities

The first edition of Fact Sheet FS120087 Sep/03 provides guidance to groups wholly aged 18 and over participating in adventurous activities. The revised rules and procedures will be incorporated in the October 2003 version of POR. Guidance cards will also be available from the Scout Information Centre. This initiative, which should be implemented by the end of May 2004, supports adult groups in a more flexible and mature manner.

Bob Bushell Assistant County Commissioner (Activities)

The summer has been a very busy period for the Network in GLSW. On July 4 a party of 8 travelled to Bethesda to tackle the MS Challenge, an annual sponsored event which involves carrying an MS sufferer in a wheelchair around a 10 km course near Capel Currig; and also a day hill-walking in the Nantmor area. Although time did not permit the ascent of Cnicht, Stuart Richardson was invested on the flanks of the mountain at a place which will remain forever special to him.

On July 10, Stuy was again in the limelight as Chairman of our very first County Conference, which agreed the Network Constitution and elected the Committee for 2003/2004. This comprises Robert Hiscocks, alias Yorky, and Emma Wilson from Croydon, Chris Vickers from Merton, Chris Stone from Kingston, Tim Dance, Gary Poolman, and Jos Ramage from Richmond, and Matt Rowe from Belarus! We could do with further representation from Kingston, Merton and Sutton, so come on you guys, don’t be shy! Thanks to Stuy for arranging a fantastic spread and a welcoming glass or two of Pimms!

Two weeks later, on July 24 to be precise, 11 Scout Network nearly-members, 2 Ranger Guides, and 1 Commissioner flew from Stansted to Gothenburg and Kragenäs 2003, a Camp for 3000 Scouts organised by Skaraborgs and Gothenburg Districts. The Network provided instructors for rock-climbing, team-building challenges, backwoods-style cooking, and night exercises, and also staffed the ‘seniors’ Café. Our contribution was much appreciated, new friends were made, and a great time was had by all. On the final night 13 new members of the Network made their Promise before we returned home on August 3 with many happy memories.

The fantastic summer weather held long enough for a group of 6 to complete a 4-day expedition of 55 miles on foot in Snowdonia to qualify for the Queen’s Scout and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Again, during the last week in August, Bethesda was ‘occupied’ as a base, and we welcomed Alex Minajew (grovel, grovel!) as part of the support team. The next opportunity for completing the ‘long’ hike is at the end of October in the Yorkshire Dales, and already we have one group signed up.

As usual, we have been asked to provide 3 Queen’s Scouts for duty at the Cenotaph on November 9, and this year our representatives will be Stephen Geal from Croydon, Karen James from Richmond, and Chris Stone from Kingston.

It’s that time of year when we say farewell to many going off to university or college. However, we hope they will continue their Scouting either in SSAGO or in the local Network, and then swell our numbers during the vacation.

We shall be on the lookout for new members ourselves by having a presence at the ‘freshers fairs’ in our patch, and also by welcoming the first significant group of Explorers who are ‘moving on’.

On September 15, we welcome Siobhan Cuss and the Headquarters Team to Bow Lane, where we shall hear a Presentation about the next World Moot in Taiwan in 2004. Matt Rowe will also be telling us about the Belarus Project, and Stephen Clark the Africa Network. Hopefully, we shall hear, too, about the East Sussex Scout Network trip to Uganda this year. One of the teams was led by Francesca Salussolia, and involved Sarah Pilch from the Croydon Local Scout Network.

December 31 is fast approaching, and this really does mean the end of Venture Scouting. Having been a VSL for the best part of 28 years I can honestly say that Network is even better, and I am convinced that it will be a huge success in the years to come. For the moment, however, it is important that everyone makes a genuine effort to sign up to the new programme and join one of the Local Networks we have set up in County – Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton, and Belarus!

There is already a real Network buzz in GLSW – together let’s capitalise on the progress made thus far.

YINS Christopher Dean County Scout Network Commissioner

This is a report, from a Cub Scout's perspective, on the County Cub Fun day that took place on 12 July 2003.

This was held at Walton Firs Campsite in Cobham. We arrived at the car park and had to walk to the main meeting area. This is where we found a variety of activities spread over a large area. Some of the activities we found were games like Minefield, Bouncy Castle, Play Your Cards Right, Splat The Rat and Buzz wire. I thoroughly enjoyed all these games and managed to have a go on all of them. I was best at Minefield. On this particular game you had a square patch with plates (mines) spread out 10 by 10. The objective of the game was to find out the secret route from the start to the finish without stepping on the wrong mine – if you did then some cub leaders would spray you with a water gun. I like games like this because they are fun and challenging…. I also like getting wet!

Also available at the Fun day were tasks such as Making Woggles, Making Pizzas and Ink Stamps. I made a woggle with green coloured wire and this was achieved by following a simple pattern repeatedly. I am planning on wearing this woggle to cubs in the future. Because I was so busy all day unfortunately I did not manage to have a go at making pizzas or the ink stamps.

I did not realise that there were so many cub packs in the county, and due to the large number of people at the fun day I was not surprised to find out that so many people lost their caps – luckily I was not one of them!

During the whole day I walked around the site with Ben and Chris, and like myself we are all members of the 7th Morden (Hillcross) Cub Pack. I had a lot of fun and was glad I went. As far as I am concerned the day was very successful and I would love to go again. I did not want to leave Walton Firs because I was having so much fun, but obviously the day had to come to an end.

Greg G – 7th Morden (Hillcross) Cub Pack

Special Needs

Following its initial success, a further workshop on Managing Unacceptable & Disruptive Behaviour has been arranged for Thursday 23 October 2003. It will be held at Wallington, Carshalton and District's headquarters. Application forms from ADC (Adult Training) or Margaret Pooley.

Special Needs Essentials – a resource detailing information on all aspects of Special Needs in Scouting was launched at a workshop in Birmingham earlier this year.

A limited number of hard copies of the report are available from the Information Centre at a cost of £8 (including P&P), but should be available 'on-line' as are some revised fact sheets:

• FS250031 Nights Away for Scouts with Special Needs
• FS250045 DC Guidelines – Age Ranges Flexibility (Special Needs)
• FS250046 Special Needs Resources & Useful Contacts
• FS250047 The Gateway Award
• FS250048 Transport & Mobility
• FS250050 Learning Disabilities – An overview
• FS250051 Allergies

Margaret Pooley Assistant County Commissioner (Special Needs)

Gliding

An opportunity exists for Scouts to experience Gliding with the Surrey Hills Gliding Club at Kenley Airfield on weekdays. For a group of six or more Scouts the charge is £10. Contact Peter Poole, Chief Flying Instructor at the club, Kenley Airfield, Kenley, Surrey, CR8 5YG Telephone: 020 8763 0091

Roland Lambert County Gliding Adviser

Training Dates for 2003

Leadership One Beavers	5 October, 9 November and 7 December	Joan Condon
Leadership Two	18–19 October	Pat Askey
GSL/Commissioner	21/22/23 November and 7 March	Martin Whiting
Mountain First Aid Course	11–12 October and 29–30 November	enquiries@surreyfirstaid.com

Air Rifle

Kingston & Malden Air Rifle Club will be holding the following Courses.

1. The NSRA's Youth Proficiency Scheme. An 8 week course suitable for Scouts and Explorer Scouts. Start dates: January 2004 from 19th/20th.
2. An advanced course for those who have taken the YPS Course – to improve shooting techniques and introduce a variety of air gun shooting.
3. For Adults: A course for the NSRA's Youth Proficiency Scheme Tutors Diploma. This enables those who wish to instruct and supervise their Scouts shooting activities. Candidates must be over 21, as in law, no one under that age may supervise youngsters under 18. It is hoped to start one in November. Precise dates and times to be settled by mutual arrangement.

Full details from Jean Jenkins (e-mail jenkik@argonet.co.uk).

Orienteering

The County's annual Orienteering Competition will be held on Sunday 30 November 2003 near Coulsdon, Surrey.

If your Scouts have never tried orienteering now's their chance. It's great fun and can be an excellent way to sharpen up map reading skills. The sport of orienteering is a competitive way of route finding across country. Control points are found using a map and compass, and for each control point found, points will be awarded, the winning team in each category is the one finishing with the most points. Awards will be given for each age group category. (U12yrs, U14yrs, U16yrs and U18yrs)

The competition is open to Scouts and Explorer Scouts, and will be run with teams of two. There is an entry fee of £2.00 per team. Closing date for entries will be 24th November 2003.

Booking forms are available directly from the County web site. Please contact the County Hillwalking Advisor, Ron Wellbrook, if you have any questions.

National Scout Parascending Accuracy Championships

Over the 12 & 13 July 2003, the National Scout Parascending Accuracy Championships again took place at RAF N. Luffenham, Lincolnshire.

As well as the Accuracy Championships, Skyhigh 2003 was also being held over this weekend. This is a camp open to all Scouts, allowing them to be involved in a diverse variety of activities. For instance, a few of these activities were parascending, go-carting, land-yachting and kite making. The Scouts were allowed a chance at all these, but the main attraction was visiting the target area of the competition. Here they were able to see how close the competing Scouts could land to the centre of that target.

With three rounds of 'round' canopies and four rounds of 'wing' canopies scoring, this year's Scout Nationals were a great success. In each category the total combined scores were recorded to give an overall result, with 'round' canopies being scored up to 20m and 'wing' canopies up to 10m.

Unfortunately, the weather was not being all that helpful during the weekend. Changes in wind velocity and classification gave an added challenge to the pilots. Needless to say they had to be at their best to get a good score.

The following results were recorded:

Round Novice 1st:	James Sykes
Round Explorer 14–16 1st:	James Sykes
Round Explorer 16–18 1st:	Richard Burberry
Round Leader 1st:	Simon Sykes
Round Leader 2nd:	Ben Haworth
Round Team 1st:	S Sykes, R Burberry, & J Sykes
Wing Explorer 1st:	Richard Burberry
Wing Leader 1st:	Simon Sykes
Wing Leader 4th:	Ben Haworth
Wing Team 1st:	14th Wimbledon consisting of S Sykes, B Haworth, R Burberry

All members of the 14th Wimbledon Team are also members of the GLSW & Surrey Scout Paragliding Club

If any Scout or Explorer unit would like information about flying with the club please contact the booking secretary Dot Short on 020 8684 4421. If you wish to be e-mailed next year's information when it becomes available, or be added to the mailing list please e-mail stuart.short@flairul.com

Simon Sykes SL 14th Wimbledon and Instructor GLSW & Surrey SPC

Awards

Medal of Merit
Margaret Williams	Wandle
Gregory Cook	Croydon
Ian Fleming	Surbiton
Caroline Marsden	Surbiton
Jennifer Ririe	Surbiton and GLSW
Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service
Maureen T Smith	Surbiton
Maurice Eastaff	Surbiton
Maureen Funnell	Croydon
Valerie Handley	Croydon
Irene Logan	Croydon
Margaret Morgan	Croydon
Michael Pettit	Sutton and Cheam
Anne Smith	Croydon
Chief Scout's Long Service Decoration
James Anning	Wandle
Stuart Cheesman	Croydon
Bar to Long Service Decoration
Graham Bashford	Croydon
Stephen Cole	Croydon
Stephen French	Croydon
Kevin Moynihan	Croydon
Owen Wallace-William	Kingston and Malden
Pieter Van De Weil	Richmond upon Thames
Long Service Decoration
Susan Ashley	Richmond upon Thames
Keith Axbey	Kingston and Malden
Brian Batsford	Croydon
Leyson Bowden	Croydon
Kathleen Bradshaw	Croydon
Ronald Crabb	Wimbledon and Merton
John Crowhurst	Wandle
Loraine Davis	Croydon
Alison Eggitt	Kingston and Malden
Steven French	Wandle
Richard Galloway	Wandle
Maureen Harris	Richmond upon Thames
Jennifer McCarron	Wallington, Carshalton & District
Eleanor Millward	Croydon
Pamela Norton	Wallington, Carshalton & District
Janet Ranger	Croydon
Beverley Rees	Sutton and Cheam
Priscilla Skrebowski	Wimbledon and Merton
Clive Tullett	Wimbledon and Merton
Victoria Tullett	Wimbledon and Merton

MORI Survey – Main Findings

MORI established that The Scout Association had the highest levels of public awareness of all youth groups measured.

Total awareness for Scouting was as high as 86 per cent, ahead of all other youth groups.

Scouts scored highly on the issue of trust with 67 per cent of the public saying that they trusted the Organisation. This was the highest level of trust exhibited among the four organisations measured which included a bank, a supermarket and a major retailer.

There was a reflected bonus too for organisations which supported Scouting: 37 per cent said they might be more favourably inclined towards organisations if they knew they supported the Scouts.

The Scout motto 'Be Prepared' was the best-recognised slogan among five national and international slogans tested. It was recognised by 46 per cent of the public, at least 13 per cent ahead of the slogans or tag lines of a leading bank, a sports equipment manufacturer, a retailer and another youth group.

MORI reports from the qualitative research that the things that appeal to parents about Scouting are its values, the skills it teaches, and the opportunities it offers young people. The MORI interviewees state that membership of Scouting offers "a sense of pride and belonging."

The Scout Association's outdoor commitment showed up in the high marks the organisation received for being 'adventurous' (77%), 'exciting' (61%) and 'environmentally focused' (67%).

Though the overall results are favourable, in the focus groups, parents urged the Movement to make young people more aware of its wide-ranging activities.

If you wish to read the full press release go to:

www.scoutbase.org.uk/library/hqdocs/headline/030904.htm

Alternatively, further details from the MORI Research can be found as a PowerPoint presentation at:

www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/sponsorship/research/mori2003.ppt

Great Expectations

Scouting Magazine highlights the work of the GLSW Development Project (September issue, pages 74 & 75). Check out the Development pages on our County web site, and see why GLSW leads the way with Development. www.glswscouts.org.uk/development

GLSW Buddy Badge

A new youth recruitment initiative for all sections: This badge is offered to all five youth sections. The requirements for the badge are as follows:

• Bring a new member along to join your Group/Unit
• Introduce them to the Leaders and other members of your section
• Help them to become familiar with Scouting, its traditions and history (appropriate to section)
• Help them through the membership badge: Law and Promise etc.

Over a period of several weeks, once the above is completed, the new member is invested and the friend receives the Buddy Badge. The badge is awarded only to the young person who introduced the new member to the Group. The new member can then in turn earn a Buddy badge when they introduce a new member to the group.

This badge can only be awarded for the introduction of totally new members, not as a reward for acting as a 'buddy' to a young person coming up from the section below.

Questions and Answers:

If a young person brings more than one friend on separate occasions or at the same time do they get more than one GLSW Buddy badge?

Yes. One badge for every new member introduced and invested into the Group/Unit.

Can this badge be moved onto the new uniform when going up into the next section?

No. Earn more by bringing new friends into your new section.

Where is it worn?

Lower right forearm, towards the cuff.

Is it the same badge for each section?

Yes. All sections earn the same badge for the introduction and investiture of a new member.

When is it going to be available?

STOCK IS NOW HELD BY ALL DISTRICT BADGE SECRETARIES

How much will it cost?

This badge will be supplied free of charge. (So what have you got to lose!!) The cost of this badge is being covered by the GLSW Development Project and the charitable grants that fund the Project.

GLSW Gang Show – SOUWEST 2003

County Directory Amendment

GSL 1st Old Malden (St John) Scout Group, Page 43, should read 020 8337 8587.

Diary Dates

12 & 24–26 October	Older Scouts/Explorer Scouts Hillwalking
28 October–1 November	Gangshow: Souwest 2003 Secombe Theatre
8 November	County Scout Swimming Gala Trinity School, Croydon
13 November	County Team
16 November	DCs Conference County Scout Centre
17 November	County Finance
23 November	County Scout Section County Scout Centre
30 November	GLSW Scout/Explorer County Orienteering Competition Coulsdon, Surrey
3 December	Executive County Scout Centre

Focus on GLSW

Items for the December issue should be submitted by 16 November 2003 to the editor: focus@glswscouts.org.uk

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