Focus on GLSW

Scouting in Greater London South West April 2007

St George’s Day Awards

Silver Wolf In recognition of service of the most exceptional nature to Scouting
Edward Mayhew	Assistant Cub Scout Leader, 19th Wimbledon
Richard Hooper	District Explorer Scout Administrator, Wimbledon and Wandle
Margaret Ling	District Scout Fellowship Secretary, Croydon
Eunice Jaffe	District Scout Fellowship Member, Croydon
Martin Whiting	Assistant County Commissioner (General Duties), GLSW
Norman James	County Vice President, County Executive Member, GLSW
John Young	District Treasurer, Wimbledon and Wandle
Bar to the Silver Acorn In recognition of further specially distinguished service
Ian Walker	District Scout Fellowship Member, Croydon
Nigel Steward	Deputy County Commissioner, GLSW
Alan Lane	Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, 7th Malden (St James)
Bernadette Moynihan	Assistant Cub Scout Leader, 28th Croydon
Jean East	County Scout Network Leader, GLSW
Rodney Newman	Group Chairman, 18th Purley
Patricia Askey
Silver Acorn In recognition of specially distinguished service
Ian Appleford	Assistant Cub Scout Leader, 1st Surbiton
Ian Wilkins	Group Scout Leader, 16th Morden
Victoria Tullett	Group Scout Leader, 1st Merton Park
Janet Drinkall	Assistant County Commissioner (General Duties), GLSW
Stephen French	Cub Scout Leader, 1st Croydon
Lesley Bixby	District Supporter, Wimbledon and Wandle
David Rixson	Assistant District Commissioner (General Duties), Croydon
Pauline Lee	District Scout Fellowship Chairman, Richmond Upon Thames
Mary Turner	Assistant Scout Leader, 2nd Whitton
Neil McLauchlan	District Explorer Scout Commissioner, Wimbledon and Wandle
Russell Priestley	Scout Leader, 7th Purley
Clive Tullett	Explorer Scout Leader, Wimbledon and Wandle
Gillian Brewer	District Scout Fellowship Secretary, Richmond Upon Thames
Frederick Fletcher	Group Scout Leader, 4th Worcester Park
Patrick Jacobs	Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, Sutton
Barbara McKinnon	Cub Scout Leader, 25th Purley
Sarah Kershaw	Beaver Scout Leader, 13th Twickenham
Richard Smith	Group Scout Leader, 3rd Hampton

County Commissioner’s Message

We are now well into a third of the Centenary year and the good news continues, with very positive media coverage and plenty of activities going on. Well done on your individual efforts, in keeping Centenary section programmes and ideas running. I’m sure also that the number of members wearing the Centenary scarves is also increasing and not just amongst uniformed members either, which is great and exactly what was intended. I’ve even had a request for one from Australia, from our ex-ACC International Stephen Clark.

During the last month I have enjoyed being invited to Royal Kingston’s Gang show, Wimbledon and Wandle’s Centenary dinner and the Jamboree dinner dance. All were marvellous events and excellent occasions, thanks to all to all the enthusiastic organisers. Seeing the participation of all the youngsters in Royal Kingston’s show really brought home what Scouting is all about, and for whose benefit we all get involved. The Jamboree dinner dance also raised a staggering £1300, to help towards the unit’s expenses. They have another fund raising event later this month, a quiz night. Do please help support it if you can. I hope all the preparations for Centenary camps and Sunrise ceremonies are nearing completion and I’m looking forward to joining you for part of the time at you various campsites.

Finally two pieces of very good news. Congratulations to all those members of the County who have been honoured in the St. George’s Day awards this year. 32 members have been recognised for the outstanding service that they have given to Scouting. Quite a statement on the quality of leadership and support that exist in GLSW! The further good news is that our census figures are again up, with every District increasing. Overall membership was up by about 3.8%, but our youth membership showing a 5.8% increase. Well done everyone, and thanks to Nigel Steward who collated and analysed our final figures.

Keep enjoying your scouting and best wishes.

Roger Hurrion, County Commissioner

Personal Insurance

The Scout Association has teamed up with Cover Direct so our Members and their family and friends can get competitive quotes for a number of personal insurance policies including Travel, Home, and Motor Insurance. This has the added advantage that a contribution is made to The Scout Association every time a policy is taken out, helping support our valuable work with young people. Anyone can get a no obligation quote by visiting www.scouts.org.uk/insurance or calling 0845 345 2580.

Important News

This is addressed to ALL group chairman and treasurers, of both groups and districts. Would you all please be aware that the latest SORP directive has now come into force and the new layout for accounts and trustees document must be used in respect of all accounting periods ending at any time during 2007 onwards. A copy of the template of the accounts and trustees document can be obtained on the headquarters web from sue.ward@scout.org.uk. If anybody would like a copy of the template from myself, would they please send a stamped addressed A4 envelope to Hallam Carter-Pegg at Wandle House, 47 Wandle Road, Croydon, CRO 1DF. The template should be available by the end of March 2007. Hallam Carter-Pegg County Executive Committee

Home Hospitality

Do you like the idea of being a host to Scouts from Iceland? If so, Home Hospitality could be just what you need.

We are looking for your help to host 36 Young People and 4 Leaders from the 8th – 11th August 2007 and the best bit is that you can help us achieve this from the comfort of your own home! For more information, about the opportunity to host the Icelandic Scouts please contact Roy Bromley on roy.bromley@glswscouts.org.uk.

Quiz Night

Intercultural Exchange

The Scout Association have been invited to send TWO 18–22 year old MALES to take part in this event. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit Egypt. The visit includes trips to all the main sites in Cairo and Giza and this year includes a visit to Luxor and the Black Sea coast. All accommodation, food and travel costs are covered by the Arab Scout region. All participants are expected to pay is the flight costs. The UK-Arab Region National Scout Fellowship can help participants arrange their flights. Last year we sent one Scout Network member from the UK—he had a fantastic time and is happy to pass on his experiences to help others who may be interested in this years visit. Not only did he get to see the sites, experience the culture and stay at the World scout Centre in Cairo, he also made many new friends. For further information and application forms contact chair@uk-arabfellowship.org.uk.

Pete Jeffreys, Chairman, UK-Arab Region Scout Fellowship

Halfway to saving Walton Firs Campsite

So far The Walton Firs Foundation has raised over £436,000 towards the £800,000 needed to save Walton Firs Campsite and Activity Centre. With some generous individual, corporate and charity donations along with money raised by Scout and Guide Groups the target is getting ever closer. However we still need help if we are to achieve the target by the end of the year.

Three Scout districts have so far become Founder Members of the Walton Firs Foundation which means they have all secured a donation of at least £20,000 enabling them to enjoy a 10% reduction in camp fees on a permanent basis and life membership of the Foundation.

Originally the deadline for other districts to have reached the £20,000 was 30th June 2007. This has now been extended to 31st December 2007 for those still working on reaching this target.

With over 28 acres of land which caters for 25,000 camper nights a year for Scouts and other youth organisation all over the country please dig deep to help secure the site for future generations.

There are several events which you can attend to show your support and these are listed on the web site www.waltonfirs.co.uk – the largest of these is the Grand Summer Event on 9th June 2007 which is a magnificent dinner, with jazz band, auction and firework display all held at Painshill Park in Cobham. Tickets are going fast but some tables are still available so book now to avoid disappointment.

Alternatively if you would like to make an individual donation or set up a standing order you can do so online at www.waltonfirs.co.uk or contact funds@waltonfirs.co.uk or write to “Walton Firs Foundation” Hillbrow House, Hillbrow Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9NW.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far.

Richard Shortman County Commissioner, Surrey Scouts

GLSW attend 1907 Replica Camp

Aline Jeffrey (12) from 7th Malden (St James) Scout Troop, Royal Kingston District, Greater London South West Scout County and Alexander Loyd (12), 3rd Hampton Hill Scout Troop, Richmond Upon Thames District, Greater London South West Scout County have been chosen to go camping 1907 style! Both have been selected to join 38 other young people from all over the country in a unique re-creation of the first experimental camp that launched the Scouting movement 100 years ago.

They have already been on a training weekend and had measurements taken for their Edwardian clothes. Aline says:

“I’m really excited about living like an Edwardian person—I have found old photographs of New Malden from 1907 as part of my research. I think Scouting is amazing—there are so many opportunities to do unusual things—camping as an Edwardian is just one!”

Alexander agreed:

“I’ve done such a lot with Scouts, I’ve even been trained in pistol and rifle shooting and competed at the National Scout Air Rifle Competition at Bisley. Going to the Replica Camp and being on Brownsea Island on 1st August, the day when all Scouts around the world will take part in a Sunrise Ceremony, will be unforgettable.”

Alexander and Aline recently visited Harry Ward, The Royal Kingston District Archivist, to see his unique collection of Scouting memorabilia and specially to see his new model of the 1907 Brownsea Island camp. The 1907 Replica Camp will take place in the original camp location on Brownsea Island, Dorset in July this year and is a key event in the World Wide celebrations of Scouting’s Centenary year.

Helen Jeffrey

Southern 50

Five teams from GLSW took part in this year’s Southern 50 Challenge organised by Greater London North County, one in each of the 30km and 50km events, and three in the ‘blue riband’ 50 mile event. For the first time in many years the routes across the Chilterns were all linear starting at Watlington (Speen in the case of the 30km event) and finishing at Tring. Weather conditions were very wet and the thawing snow added to extremely soft going under foot. 76 teams of four walkers took part in the competition. The 7th Purley Panthers finished 12th in the 30km event (time 7hrs 41mins), the 7th Purley Penguin Men also 12th over 50km (14hrs 29mins), and The Corner Plotters (aka GLSW Scout Network Support Team) 8th over 50 miles (time 21hrs 54mins). The Corner Plotters head for Derbyshire on March 31st to compete in the ‘4 Inns’ hike over 45 miles of high Pennine moorland, and hope to spend rather less time walking. For those intending to enter next year’s Southern 50 (February 16th 2008) we would recommend starting serious training in September to ensure a successful outcome.

Chris Dean, County Scout Network Commissioner

GLSW Jamboree Units’ Dinner Dance

On Friday 2nd March, 187 People attended the GLSW Units’ Dinner Dance at the Antoinette Hotel, Kingston. They were served a 3-course meal before being entertained by the DJ. Leek and Potato Soup, Pork in Apricot sauce followed by Apple Pie was enjoyed by all. Each table with 6 to 10 people were named after a previous Jamboree location. Raffle tickets were sold and the final profit for the participants was £1,285.38.

On behalf of the Unit Leaders, I would like to thank all that were present on making this a fantastic evening. What’s next for the Jamboree Units??? Never one to miss out on a chance to sell tickets, Andrew, Leslie and Graham promote the next venture for the Jamboree Units. A Raffle with a Laptop as first prize is now on sale. Seek out one of the Unit members for tickets. £1.00 per ticket with the draw on Saturday 12th May.

Karl Bromley, Assistant Unit Leader, GLSW Victory Unit

The no-nonsense Parents’ Guides to Scouting

Don’t forget that help is at hand if your Group is trying to recruit parents to help out. The no-nonsense Parents’ Guides to Scouting, developed in association with St Ivel, are intended to help Leaders with the recruitment of parents either as occasional helpers or warranted Leaders. Why not purchase some and give them to parents of your new youth Members and even to those who are old hands? The guides give a brief history of Scouting, tell parents what Scouting gives young people and then detail ways in which parents can help and the benefits of doing so.

The guides, which can be purchased in packs of eight for £4, are accompanied by a Leaders’ guide and CD. This contains tips and case studies of how to involve parents.

The guides are proving to be very popular amongst Leaders with around 800 a week being ordered through the Scout Information Centre. You can purchase the packs by calling 0845 300 1818 or ordering through the Information Centre Catalogue on www.scouts.org.uk/scoutbase and typing in the code PGUIDE.

Natalie Tomlinson

GLSW Scout Flying Club

We have an exciting air experience up for grabs! Flights are again being offered this year at Stapleford Airfield (Essex) and will take place on the following dates: 20th May, 17th June, 15th July, 16th September and 14th October 2007. There will also be a Sunday Special on 5th August 2007. If you are not going to the World Jamboree why not see Hylands Park from the air. The County has 40 seats available and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For more information, details and booking for all the above call Cliff or Jean Beck on 020 8979 2731.

Cliff Beck, County Air Activities Advisor

Mark Patrick

As you may be aware, Mark has had to step down from the role as ACC (Scouts) effective from the beginning of the year. This is due to a promotion at work which has kept him out of the country pretty ever since. I am sure the section would want to thank Mark for all that he has done over the last couple of years and wish him every success with his career.

The search for a replacement is well underway but in the meantime I will be holding the fort, so if you have any issues that I can support you with please don’t hesitate to make contact.

Census

Congratulations to all the people who work with the Scout section, every District increased it’s numbers with an overall County growth of 161. It does seem that the change in the age range is paying dividends as we are retaining more 10–12 year olds.

However the slight fly in the ointment is the number of 13 & 14 year olds that we have, which are down this year. 2007 could be the spring board to even greater interest in Scouting, but we need to be sure that we are in a position to absorb and retain any new members by having full and active programmes for the whole age range.

Night Hike

Due to Mark’s promotion and the fact he was not in the country, it looked like this event would have to be cancelled for 2007. However a number of Scout Leaders and Liz Laverick (ADC Scouts Wimbledon & Wandle) had other ideas.

A week long scramble to get things organised ensued with a simplified version of the hike being planned. In the event 19 teams from around the County took park on a fine clear night on Box Hill. The bases had a simple logic test question that was asked of each team and the route was challenging with plenty of ups & downs. In the end Leander Sea Scouts from Royal Kingston won (with a substitute from Berrylands) and Richmond upon Thames’ East Sheen took the runners-up trophy.

Many, many thanks to all the Scouters who gave up their time at very short notice to put on this event. I am confident that a new ACC (Scouts) will be appointed shortly and normal service regarding activities will be resumed. It will be my pleasure to be able to inform the new incumbent of the tremendous support that they can look forward to from the Scout section.

Ian Newbery, Acting Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts)

GLSW & Surrey Scout Paragliding Club

New Members—The Club is looking to recruit up to ten new members who are over 14 (no upper age limit) as soon as possible. They will receive free training and also help on the Club’s courses. Two dedicated weekends have been set aside to train these new members and existing members: 14th/15th April and 15th/16th September. This hopefully will mean that they will be able to represent the Club at the Scout National Accuracy Championships to be held on 29th/30th September at North Luffenham. The Club has an excellent record at these Championships currently holding 6 of the 7 National Trophies.

To join this group of 10 please e-mail Simon Sykes on sykeso.paff@virgin.net with ‘Membership’ in the subject line for more details. All new members will have to become members of the BHPA—the sport’s governing body—at their own cost. Other than that all training and flights for the year will be FREE.

Cliff Beck, County Air Activities Advisor

For everyone using Royal Mail!

I’m sure this plea will strike a chord with many of you but could I ask that, before sending anything through the post, you check that you have stuck on sufficient stamps? I recently returned from a short break away to find cards stating that I had three letters waiting for me to collect at the Post Office. They were all Scouting communications and whilst I am always delighted to receive Newsletters, Reports etc. it does work out rather pricey when I have to pay excess postage plus a £1 handling charge per item! Long gone are the days when the kindly postman turned a blind eye to insufficient postage or even unstamped mail. That familiar yellow sticker is put on the offending envelope and you just pay up or wonder forever if the letter that you didn’t bother to collect was important! End of request!

Tony Edwards, County Chairman

Meet the new FOCUS Editor!

My name is Graham Macaulay, and it’s about time I introduced myself as the new editor of FOCUS. Other than this, I am a Young Leader within the cub section, as well as the Young Persons representative to the County Executive, amongst other things!

As you have probably worked out, Scouting takes up a rather large [but incredibly fun] part of my life! My Scouting history is much the same as many other Explorers; I joined Beavers, and have progressed through the movement to the current stage. Looking to the future, I hope to join Network and progress from there.

What’s your earliest Scouting memory?

Most people would say how it’s a long time ago, but for me it isn’t that long ago at all. When I was a beaver, the oldest beaver’s always had the job of making orange squash for everyone. For some bizarre reason, I loved doing this job.....possibly because I could always be the first to get the biscuits!!!

Any particular favourite moment(s) from your Scouting involvement?

Scouting provides ample opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately not everyone realises this yet, but I wonder what impact this would have on our figures? There is one event, which has been more rewarding, than any other event: EuroJam. For those not aware, EuroJam was a “mini-jamboree” with thousands of participants from all over the world. The only reason I went to EuroJam was due to someone else no longer being able to attend. I can’t thank those who offered me the opportunity enough, I am certain I wouldn’t be the person now had I not gone. Thank you once again.

How would you describe Scouting to someone who had never heard of it (hard as that is to believe)?

There are huge numbers of the general public, who still have stereotypical views on Scouting. I am sure if these people realised what Scouting actually was, their views would be very different. But what is Scouting? To me, most importantly, it provides the opportunities to meet people and make new friends.

What is your favourite camp food?

I eat anything.....and everything, especially on camps! [Obviously, it has to be a large portion, if it is going to fulfil my appetite]. Although saying that, you can never beat a nice cup of tea!

What centenary event are you most looking forward to?

I was looking forwarded to Mega Gig...until they cancelled it. Nevertheless there are still many centenary events which I am looking forward to. The highlight of the year for me is going to be attending the World Scout Jamboree. The “jamboree-buzz” at an opening ceremony with 40,000 different Scouts, is a feeling that you just can’t describe. It’s what makes it all, worthwhile.

Outside of Scouting, I am a regular visitor to the gym as well as an active user of the latest Internet communications!

Any queries regarding FOCUS or anything else, then do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Wishes, Graham Macaulay, GLSW FOCUS Editor

A message from Michael Noakes

Just a quick note to say I am now in Lash, all good hot but good.

I have just been training mainly, driving and foot drills; yesterday we got to go out for the first time – an interesting experience! Roads are not roads like you know them, hundreds of kids around running along with the wagons and the people in the rural areas are also friendly.

Down town however is a bit more hostile but not vicious. It all makes me feel lucky living where we do!! and I won’t moan about pathetic things any more!

The rest of the lads should turn up tomorrow, so that will be good, and the gym is fairly good too we are already on a program and I ache!!

Hope all’s ok for everyone back home, Speak soon

Mike Noakes, GLSW Network Member with HM Forces

Challenge 24—24 hours makes a difference

This is GLSW’s new initiative to encourage more adults (primarily parents) to take an active role in Scouting. This initiative encourages adults who are not currently involved in Scouting in any way to give us 24 hours of their time, at Group level, and provides a variety of options the adults can ‘pick & mix’ from to achieve the target 24 hours. Because the commitment is a clearly defined length of time we believe this takes away some of the fear factor involved in volunteering.

There is a simple flyer that can be downloaded from the county web site (www.glswscouts.org.uk/development) and given to all the young people to take home. Make sure the young people understand what the flyer is about; ‘pesterpower’ from those young people to their parents can help promote this initiative. All adults who complete Challenge 24 then receive a certificate from the Group to thank them for their support (download the template from the county web site).

Challenge 24 is about bringing more adults into the Group and focuses on short term commitment. Once you have those adults involved your ‘challenge’ is to make them feel welcome, valued and wanted. Hopefully this will plant the seed regarding further volunteering... The resources on the county web site are provided in both PDF and Word format and you can customise them for your Group or District if you wish to do so. If you have any questions regarding Challenge 24 or any other work of the County Development Project please do not hesitate to contact me. Jo Launchbury Assistant County Commissioner (Development)

Health and Safety

Due to the new Fire Regulations that came into place on 1st October 2006 the GLSW Safety Coordinators have been looking at how it affects all Scout Groups with their own Headquarters. It means that that each Group will have to do a fire assessment on their premises. A record of fire drills that have taken place with numbers, time and date. Also details of action taken. At the moment the Coordinators are working on forming a document that will be as easy as possible to work with and getting all the requirements required.

The Fire service now come round to inspect premises to see that they have these requirements in place and will ask for the premises risk assessment and records of fire drills.

As soon as we have the forms are completed the Safety Coordinator for your District will give your Group the forms to be completed.

Alan Lane, GLSW Safety Advisor

One World One Jamboree – The Day Visitors Experience

A day visit to the Jamboree is your one chance to experience the excitement and unique atmosphere of this special global community, where world Scouting, cultures, issues, faiths, cuisine and performance will combine to form the biggest ever World Scout Jamboree

World Faiths & Beliefs

Take part in themed activities that highlight the variety of beliefs and faiths from around the world

World Issues

Gain a greater understanding of the issues facing the world today and learn how we can all make a difference to the world in which we live

World Performance

Watch a cast of young people perform in the main arena.

World Cuisine

Pick up food and drink and get a taste of global cuisine.

World Culture

Take part in activities that depict the cultures, communities and people of our world.

World Scouting

Learn how our One Promise in Scouting has generated 28 million members across the globe.

Tickets: Adults (14+) £20; Children (3–13yrs) £15; Under 3s free

To Book tickets go to www.thejamboreee.org/dayvisitors

The Day Visitors Experience spans 8 days of the Jamboree. When booking, you will be asked to choose the date and time of your visit. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are valid for one day only. Due to programme and logistical constraints, visitors are not permitted to visit the Jamboree on more than one day. Please also note that the Jamboree is closed to Visitors during the Opening (28th July), Closing (7th August) and Sunrise Ceremony days (1st August).

Census

Firstly what a tremendous result we achieved with the census this year. The table below shows the story of the massive growth that the section has achieved since it’s inception, well done & thanks to all who work in Explorer Scouting.

GLSW Explorer Scout Census Returns
District	2004	2005	Gain/Loss	2006	Gain/Loss	2007	Gain/Loss
Croydon	90	81	-9 (-10%)	87	+6 (+7.5%)	128	+41 (+47.1%)
Sutton	107	91	-16 (-15%)	110	+19 (+21%)	123	+13 (+11.8%)
Wimbledon & Wandle	98	106	+8 (+8%)	105	-1 (-1%)	120	+15 (+14.3%)
Royal Kingston	96	92	-4 (-4%)	97	+5 (+5.5%)	120	+23 (+23.7%)
Richmond Upon Thames	110	126	+16 (+14.5%)	140	+14 (+11%)	150	+10 (+7.1%)
Total	501	496	-5 (-1%)	539	+43 (+8.5%)	641	+102 (+18.9%)

Every District grew this year which means that we have increased our numbers by a third in 2 years.

However we must not become complacent and an analysis of the census shows that there are lower numbers in the Troops at the 13 & 14 years age ranges than in previous years. So we are going to have to work hard if we are going to achieve more growth by the end of 2007.

Young Leader Explorer Scouts

As with all the Explorer Scout numbers the Young Leaders section continues to grow. However the DESCs tell me that they continue to struggle to get contact details of Explorers working in sections and in some cases they are not informed at all when a young person decides to do their Explorer Scouting in this way.

It is clearly the responsibility of the Section Leaders to inform the District Explorer Scout Commissioner when a new Young Leader starts. If they are aged between 15 to 18 they are not insured unless they are registered with the District. In addition there is a requirement that they complete Module A (Yellow card, risk assessment etc) of the Young Leader training scheme within 3 months of starting. This is for the protection of the Young Leader, the section they are working with and the Section Leaders.

Registering them also means that the District can explain the missions that the Young Leaders need to complete, which they cannot do with out the support of the leadership of the section they are working with.

The Mega Gig

As I am sure you are all aware of by now, the Mega Gig which formed part of the National Centenary celebrations has been cancelled. Consequently therefore the plans by the Explorer section to attend en-mass have had to be put aside.

Ian Newbery, Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts)

Thinking differently about GLSW

In 2005 when we first implemented ‘Thinking Differently about GLSW’, the County Strategy plan, it was our aim to become focused on specific issues to raise the quality and quantity of Scouting in GLSW. These issues are being driven by Headquarters Strategic ‘Vision for 2012’, which included the following statements:

The Scout Association is:

• A growing Movement – balanced across gender, age and ethnicity.
• A youth Movement – led by young leaders who are supported by older volunteers and by a field-based professional support team.
• A focussed Movement – with fewer but larger Groups and with fewer but more focussed campsites.
• A sound Movement – with a strong financial and management base, both locally and nationally.
• A relevant Movement – with a strong public perception socially, politically and commercially.
• A diverse Movement – reflecting and celebrating the diverse nature of our community.

Headquarters also set at that time, two broad measurable goals:

• Membership would be increasing by 2007.
• There will be a further 10% increase beyond the 2007 level by 2012.

The good news is that in 2007 every District in GLSW grew in numbers, justifying our commitment to development planning and ‘Thinking Differently’. Having arrived at our first milestone date (2007), it is also important to maintain the momentum of our achievements by reviewing our county strategic plan to recognise and celebrate our successes and to reflect on the few objectives where we did not meet our original expectations to consider our future course of action.

We are now reviewing our key action points and creating a new document called: ‘Thinking Differently about GLSW, a strategy for growth – the next stage’ to help steer the County though 2007 and on to 2010 (and ultimately to 2012 and beyond). This will enable the County to celebrate the centenary and focus on the following two years. Many people are being consulted in this process, including: members of the Scout Network, District Commissioners, District Chairmen, County Support Team and members of the County Executive.

So what do we still want to achieve by 2012?

• An increased membership
• More trained adults to sustain a vibrant programme
• A diverse County
• Effective management of Scouting resources (people, buildings and equipment and money)

To publicise our plans, we will be distributing the new document during the forthcoming AGM season. We will also make it available on the County Web Site—please make sure you get your copy!

Nigel Steward, Deputy County Commissioner

I am pleased to report that membership of the County Scout Network has increased for the fourth consecutive year. The key ‘Network Only Member’ category rose from 58 to 68, hardly spectacular I know, but from acorns............ ! We shall be analysing the data and incorporating conclusions from the Scout Network Review to grow the section more rapidly during our Scouting Centenary year. I am pleased to announce that Ed Hackett has been appointed County Scout Network Leader responsible for our International activities. He is currently working on a major expedition to Nepal in 2008, details of which will soon be available – be sure to get on this one if you can!

Towards the end of January Tim Falkner and Mark Simpson joined me at the GLA ‘Gerkin’ for a reception to mark the Centenary of Scouting. We can report that the curry and the miniature fish ‘n chip dishes were excellent fayre if rather short of bulk ! It was a good opportunity for some ‘brown nosing’ too.

On February 10th fellow members of the Network Support Team including Administrator Andy Florence and Adviser Jerry Thopmpson joined me at this year’s Southern 50 Challenge. The ‘Corner Plotters’ as we are known finished 8th in the 50 mile saunter across the Chilterns in the far from earth-shattering time of 21 hours 54 minutes. A rather different line-up (three-quarters from the fairer sex) will take part in the 4 Inns Walk at the end of March, and we wish them success over the 45 miles from Holmfirth to Buxton.

Operation Red Flare is an opportunity for Network members either to compete alongside Explorer teams or help with checkpoint marshalling, and this year was no exception. Congratulations to Belmont ESU on completing the course in double-quick time. Even the solar eclipse couldn’t slow them down. Many thanks especially to the Network members who officiated, the last being allowed home to bed at 0730 on the Sunday morning!

Albany Scout Network from Greater London South sends fraternal greetings, and has offered GLSW an evening of circus skills, while the Croydon Scout Fellowship has challenged us to ping-pong and crown green bowls on dates to be agreed, so it’s not all ‘macho’ activity!

On the social front members, all suitably dressed in DJs and Network scarves, will be serving drinks at the 1st Hook Group Dinner in March, while we are all looking forward to a knees-up at the Barn Dance on April 14th please buy your tickets early.

Finally, the GLSW Scout Network now has a special ‘contract’ with Cotswold Camping which allows members to purchase goods at a 15% discount. Please ask me for details.

Chris Dean, County Scout Network Commissioner

Awards

Medal of Merit
Richard Carrau	Croydon
Leslie Button	Sutton
Maureen Flitton	Sutton
Carol Salter	Sutton
Kevin Moore	Sutton
Anne Mays	Sutton
Chief Scout’s Commendation
John Humber	Sutton
Steven Luck	Sutton
Raymond Shaw	Sutton
Sally Washington	Sutton
Rosemary Watts	Sutton
Christine Willis	Sutton
Kim McNamara	Croydon
David Kirvan	Croydon
Bill Greaves	Croydon
Chief Scout Gold Awards
Tom Downs	3rd Carshalton
Michael Dunne	3rd Carshalton
David Jones	3rd Carshalton
Alex Nelson	3rd Carshalton
Thomas Tarn	3rd Carshalton
John Murray	3rd Carshalton
Karl Smith	3rd Carshalton

Module 16: Nights Away at Frylands Wood Campsite, Addington

6:00pm Friday 19th October to 5:00pm Sunday 21st October 2007

For more information please contact Mrs Joan Condon at training@glswscouts.org.uk or contact your District Training Manager.

Focus on GLSW

Items for the June issue should be submitted by 14th May 2007 to the editor: focus@glswscouts.org.uk

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