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Focus on GLSW
Scouting in Greater London South West February 2004
Hopefully you will all be aware that the European Jamboree – EuroJam takes place in the UK between 29th July and 10th August 2005. EuroJam is a 12-day adventure of a lifetime, action packed with new challenges and the opportunity to meet new friends and to be part of the biggest Scouting event in Europe for 10 years.
It is open to Scout Troops and Explorer Units from 40 countries of the European Scout Region and other countries as well.
This unique international event is open to participants aged 10½ to 18 years and is the first European Jamboree to be held since 1993.
The opportunity to participate is a once in a lifetime experience for our young people. The County has recognised that many Scout Troops and Explorer Scout Units will feel that it is not practical to make the Jamboree the sole option for the summer expedition as the cost may make it prohibitive for some.
It also recognises that there is likely to be individuals within Troops and Units who would like to attend but will need someone to make all the necessary arrangements to make attendance possible.
The County has registered an interest in 50 places and is initially looking for 6 adults to lead this unit. Applications are invited from any adult who is currently active within GLSW and who is willing to commit the necessary time. In return the County will fund 75% of the fee for the adults selected.
Also we would like to hear from any Cub Scout, Scout or Explorer Scout who will be of the appropriate age at the time of the Jamboree who would like to book a place.
There is no selection for young people and we will endeavour to take all those who wish to go.
An application form for both adults and young people is included with the PDF version of this issue of Focus or can be obtained from Steve Clark.
For more details, visit the EuroJam web site www.eurojam.org.
Already over 6,000 participants from UK have registered so you need to act quickly if you want to join in.
Going Abroad this year?
If so then now is the time to get your International PC form from me. When returning the form remember that in addition to the PC form, you also have to submit a copy of your insurance policy, details of overseas Adventurous Activity Authorisations, an outline programme and the record card. PC forms should be submitted at least 2 months prior to departure for Europe and 6 months for other countries.
Africa Network Fellowship
This is a recently set up network to promote, encourage and co-ordinate trips to Africa. The Network asks for any trip to Africa to be advised to it, so that it can liaise and take advice from the Africa Regional office. This gives the regional office the opportunity of seeing what support or advice it can give to visiting UK contingents and also to the host country.
It also gives the opportunity for people across the county to join in with other expeditions and you have the opportunity to offer your expedition to others, if you wish.
More details on planned trips to Africa and for information on the Network are available on their web site africascoutnetwork.org.uk/index.
Seychelles Scouting
Scouting in the Seychelles is continuing to flourish and following a visit there in the summer and discussions with their Chief Commissioner during his visit to the UK, we are intending to undertake another expedition there in 2006. Although one of the objectives will be to help with a new Leader Training programme which hopefully will be in place by then, the Seychelles Scouts are keen to establish stronger links between our your people and they are intending to send a contingent to the World Jamboree in 2007. As with the previous expedition there will be opportunities to meet scouts from another culture, take part in some community projects and some general sightseeing and other activities.
I have been asked to thank all those people who have sent badges to the Seychelles, they are much appreciated. If there is anyone who still has any of the old badges and would like them to go to a good home, I am happy to forward them for you.
Firstly hearty congratulations to our latest Queen's Scouts, Rob Middleton and Martin Harker, from the Richmond Local Scout Network. Both are looking forward to receiving their Royal Certificates as well as attending the Queen's Scout Parade at Windsor in April.
In the weeks before Christmas I burnt the midnight oil addressing more than 300 envelopes to Network 'members' throughout the County inviting them to register for the coming year's Census. The very modest subscription is, of course, only payable by those who are not Leaders or helpers in Scout Groups or on District staff, so for many it is just a case of completing the relevant form and returning to the County Administrator, Andrew Florence. What could be simpler? Let's hope we have a good response – Network deserves it!
The mailing also included a newsletter giving a brief overview of the section and latest developments, and also information about the 'Winter Meet' on January 10/11 and the Mystery Investiture in May. The former, held at Bentley Copse, was most enjoyable and an opportunity for members from the various Networks to get to know each other. On the Saturday night everyone tucked into a delicious three-course dinner after which there was a fair bit of socialising round the fire. Then on the Sunday, we were engaged in removing tree stumps with the aid of a Land Rover in order to create additional camping space. This much appreciated work helped reduce our expenses for the weekend.
The next event is Operation Red Flare on Saturday February 21. I understand that at least two Networks are entering teams while other Network members are helping with checkpoints, first aid, and various other tasks.
Then on March 5 we travel to the County Base at Bethesda for a long weekend of hillwalking and mountaineering. This should be well subscribed so please contact Jos Ramage or myself if you wish to book a place.
In April two groups will be undertaking Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Expeditions on Dartmoor, and we wish them all success. As they return, a contingent will be going to the Network Gathering organised by West Lancs. at Great Tower; and on Easter Monday we have the Network Rugby Union Sevens Festival in South Croydon, hotly contested no doubt! Do come along and support the teams. With St. George's Day parades too, April is certainly going to be our busiest month yet!
In May we shall be holding our second 'Mystery Investiture' somewhere within approximately 120 miles of London. All will be revealed on the morning of May 1, but I can promise a truly memorable weekend at a fantastic venue with exciting activities, a barbecue, the obligatory socialising, and the Investiture ceremony itself. We shall also be 'blessing' the County Network standard. If you have yet to be invested don't miss this one – complete the form and return with your cheque for £28 without delay.
Some of you seem to be having difficulty in finding out about Scout Network. You will discover a lot of information on the County web site – www.glswscouts.org.uk/network – but failing that please contact any of the Network Committee or CSNLs. And if that fails e-mail me using the link below!
November saw around 60 teams taking part in the orienteering competition which took place in the Happy Valley and Farthing Down area. The turn out was particularly pleasing as this is the highest number of teams that we have ever fielded. Also of particular interest was the increasing number of Explorer Scout teams taking part most of whom did very well.
Full results are on the County web site and my thanks go to Ron Welbrook, Alan Kemp and their team for putting on the event to its usual high standard.
The County Scout Events yearbook was dispatched over Christmas. With a blue cover this year, it contains all the info on the activities that we are offering, along with a complete listing of the Counties specialist activity advisors. Also included in the pack was a year planner, a poster for EuroJam and our usual questionnaire. Please could you take the time to complete and return the questionnaire, it really does help me and my team plan events and makes sure that we focus our efforts in the right direction. As in the past , I am offering a prize of a tent to the first questionnaire pulled out of the hat on March 1st.
I am aware that some Troops did not receive their copy, it would seem that some have been mislaid in the post. If you are in this position, please let me know and I will make arrangements for a replacement to reach you.
I have had an offer of free computers from a Scout Leader at the 6th Richmond. His company is getting rid of 30 266mhz computers complete with screen and keyboards to anyone who is willing to pick them up. Please contact Mike Clements direct for more details.
Awards
| Bar to the Medal of Merit | |
|---|---|
| John Seaton | Croydon |
| Medal of Merit | |
| Alan Cooke | Surbiton |
| Bar to the Long Service Decoration | |
| Robin Corti | Richmond upon Thames |
| Long Service Decoration | |
| Leslie Beadle | Croydon |
| Timothy Birchall | Richmond upon Thames |
| John Gales | Wimbledon and Wandle |
| Sonya Grebot | Richmond upon Thames |
| Alison Groves | Sutton and Cheam |
| Gillian Hutton | Sutton and Cheam |
| Robert McNally | Wimbledon and Wandle |
| Susan Peek | Sutton and Cheam |
| Andrew Root | Sutton and Cheam |
GANG SHOW SOUWEST 2004
Secombe Theatre, Sutton,
Tuesday 26th October – Saturday 30th October 2004
Auditions: are being held on Sundays 29th February and 7th & 14th March 2004. All auditions will be held at Christ Church with St Phillip’s Church Hall, Ruskin Drive, Worcester Park, Surrey.
You only have to attend one audition date. Auditions are open to members of the Scout & Guide Associations. You must be nine years old or over by 1st October 2004.
You should be enthusiastic, able to sing, move in time to music, act a little, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY.... HAVE FUN!!
For more information contact your Leader or visit the web site www.glswscouts.org.uk/gangshow or e-mail gangshow@glswscouts.org.uk.
County Dinner
This year's County Dinner will be held on Friday 27th February at the Hotel Antoinette, Kingston upon Thames. The Dinner, which is open to all members of the County, costs £21.50 per person. The menu selected will be: Tomato and Basil Soup, followed by Roast Loin of Pork and trimmings, with fresh fruit salad for desert. There is a vegetarian option for the main course of Mushroom Stroganoff and rice. A raffle in aid of the Diamond Riding School will be held and the donation of prizes would be much appreciated. If you would like to attend, please let the County Secretary know by sending your names and a cheque (payable to GLSW) for the appropriate amount to Angela Sailing by 13th February 2004.
Diary Dates
| 27 February | County Dinner | Hotel Antoinette |
| 10 March | Scout Section | County Scout Centre |
| 15 March | County Finance | 67 Westow St., SE19 |
| 17 March | County Team and DC's Conference |
County Scout Centre |
| 24 March | Gang Show Management | |
| 31 March | Executive | County Scout Centre |
| 9 June | County AGM | |
| 17 June | Scout Section | County Scout Centre |
| 24 June | County Scout Network | Merton |
GLSW Scout Campsite Database
A new resource has been added to the County web site. The campsite database is based on Ian Newbery's informative series of campsite reviews published in Scouting magazine between 2001 and 2003. The owners and wardens of the campsites have provided most of the information, although in some cases information has been compiled from the Internet and from the campsite directory published by The Scout Association. Many thanks to Chris Sowden for his efforts in loading this database onto the web site.
What really sets this database apart is the ease in which campsite details can be found in a number of different ways:
- campsite name (or part of),
- location (town, county or area),
- keywords,
- grid reference
- or click on a UK map for a list of nearby campsites.
It really couldn't be easier to find information for your next UK camp or expedition. Finally, after you've visited the campsite there is a facility on the database to add any comments you think would be useful to fellow Scout Leaders.
Focus on GLSW
Items for the April issue should be submitted by 14 March 2004 to the editor: focus@glswscouts.org.uk
E-mail to webmaster