Clive's Blog

Taking place from 14–20 May 2012, Scout Community Week takes Scout Job Week to the next level, offering sections, Groups and Districts the opportunity to design a fundraising project which delivers real benefit to the local community.

Just by taking part you'll be helping to raise much-needed funds for the the development grants board  which provides a financial lifeline to those young people and their families in need of additional support to take part in Scouting.

All Groups taking part in the initiative are asked to commit to donating 25% of fundraising from Scout Community Week to this valuable fund for all UK Scouts.

• raise money for Scouting in your local area
• fundraise for the Development Grants Board
• promote the need for adult volunteers
• enable your Scouts to achieve a range of badges and awards

Everyone who raises money as part of Scout Community Week will receive an exclusive B&Q Scout Community Week 2012 badge.

There are two events that I know of in our district, Chilvers Coton have made bird boxes and will be based on a stall in Nuneaton on Saturday, promoting scouting and 1st Bulkington have arranged a Community litter pick in local parrtnership with some material support from the Council meeting at their hq at 09.30.

Update on membership fee consultation

Some of you may recall an earlier piece on this topic late last year. A consultation was carried out on the way in which the UK membership fee is collected. The Board of Trustees has considered the results and wishes to move towards a change in the way the fee is calculated.

The Board has agreed that work should take place to examine the impact of calculating the fee on a charge for each Group/Unit based on its number of youth members. This will reflect the practical way in which fees are currently collected in the vast majority of cases.

Any changes would be implemented in 2015 and would be intended to be financially neutral (i.e. the total income at UK level would remain consistent). The Board is also keen to ensure there remains flexibility for local Scouting in the way in which fees are practically collected.

A working grouphas been formed to examine the impact of this change and this working group will be providing updates on progress as the work continues.

If you have any comments or questions on this work please contact membership.fee@scouts.org.uk

12 teams of scouts spent the day completing a number of challenges and team work task today from compass work to assault courses. Thankfully a break in the recent weather added to the success of the day although a cold finish for the closing event of a tug of war. The day ran smoothly with a calm and team theme environment. Thanks to everyone who helped out today giving up their time once more for scouting and ensuring a fun time for all. The challenge day winners for the fourth year running were Nuneaton Central closely followed by 11th Nuneaton and 1st Wolvey in third and the tug of war resulted in a win for 1st Bulkington.

Next weekend features our annual St George’s parade which includes the renewal of the scout promise for all members and some award presentations. Looking forward to seeing as many of you there as possible.

Scout Groups can claim Gift Aid on all donations from people who pay tax. Claims for Gift Aid can be backdated for four years. If your Group claims Gift Aid, please remember that you have until 5 April 2012 to claim on donations for the year ending 5 April 2008. Transitional relief claims can also be made for the year ending 5 April 2010.

Our District cub scout ‘Alan Flavell’ challenge event took place last night, hosted at Mancetter scout HQ. Ten teams from groups across the district took part and following an evening meal the event began as it became dark. The teams went from point to point and spent around twenty minutes at each base completing tasks themed on a Saints name. The winners were announced this morning after breakfast following a good night’s sleep!! Well done to 1^st Wolvey. Thanks to all the leaders for there time once more and in particular those that awoke this morning on Mothers day with other young people in their care. Happy Mothers Day.

This week our District Gang show begins, I spoke with Claire the show director during the week and the excitement is obviously building and I am informed the scouts & guides are ‘good to go’ , looking forward to seeing the show on Wednesday..

On Saturday evening 1^st Bedworth held their group show ‘rough and ready’ 2012 and together with other members of the district team I was invited to attend and we were entertained by scouting members from every section.  Well done team for a really good evening and I’m sure all those helping in any way were buzzing with excitement and by the looks on the faces of the young people they really enjoyed themselves too. The evening rounded off when I was invited on to stage to say a few words of encouragement and to say thank you and comment on some highlights.  I was also able to present a twenty year award to Kerrie Payne, well done to everyone.

Please do remember that our District Gang Show takes place shortly at the Abbey Theatre in Nuneaton, an evening of songs, dance and comedy all done by sections from scouting and guiding and today the gang are in theatre rehearsing as part of the build up to show week from 20^th to 24^th March please order you tickets and support the show. Prices are Adults £8, Concessions £7, and Group bookings £6 call 02476 490499 or email nuneatongangshow@btinternet.com

Also on Saturday, some of our leader colleagues went along to a training advisor morning being run by the County team, the aim being to talk about issues, concerns and to review the consistency of assessment for learning and hopefully to move forward and continue to approve the training for our adults. Continuing that theme I briefly was able to say good morning to around a dozen people in a first aid training session this Sunday morning. This was being run by our friend from Atherstone district, Kim Marston and I understand was a fun and relaxed learning experience that everyone attending completed successfully.

I am pleased to be able to announce this year's annual Scouting census figures for Nuneaton District, and yet again we have a rise of membership across the sections with a growth of 8% on last year and a consistency of positive change that we planned during the last five years. This is fantastic news and I am grateful for everyone's hard work in achieving this, looking back you may recall our ‘journey from good to great’ following our development day almost five years ago and I see this as a direct result of the efforts that your teams have put into the development of Scouting in our Community and we now have over 1,085 members, our highest total figure ever and testament to all the hard work being put in by the various groups. We sit comfortably with our peers in the County which too has enjoyed growth of 1.6% and a new total of 5,828.

I would also like to take this opportunity to mention that I have agreed to a further term as your District Commissioner and look forward to working with everyone in the future as we move forward  ‘Aspiring to Excellence’ and continue to enjoy the adventure of Scouting. Thanks again for all that you are doing and keep an eye out for the next development challenge which we hope to be a Town Centre based action event to promote scouting in the area.

Our friend Mick Judd in a joint venture to promote our two Districts (in all honesty all I did was agree ! ) managed to obtain some free advertising space in the town for a few days, the eagle eyed would have noticed several full window posters in the (sadly closed) Millet outdoor store in Nuneaton, encouraging adults to come and join Scouting. We are eagerly awaiting the phone calls and emails?

It was particulary pleasing for me this week to take part in a video about the Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire Community Awards which recognises those people who are always there to give a helping hand to others and often go beyond their call of duty. This was an opportunity to talk about one of our own Scouters that has been nominated for a local community hero award , Shaun Marshall for his work as a volunteer in Scouting. Shaun as you may know is the GSL at Nuneaton Central and is also on the District team as ADC beaver scouts. The video featuring Shaun and also beaver leader Elaine Andrews and some young beaver scouts will be shown at a formal award ceromony at the Ricoh arena early in March... good luck Shaun and it's great to see a nomination from Scouting in the final five.

Another proud moment is the selection of one of our District Eliot Explorer scouts to attend the Queens Jubilee flotilla on the Thames later in the year. Josh Doick following his recent Diamond chief scout award & silver DofE will be aboard the Warwickshire barge along with two other young people from the County, David Earls-Kenilworth and Matthew Ketch-Atherstone all under the watchful eye of Tony Marsell ex DC of Rugby. Have great time one and all.

I was really pleased to be asked to visit our Gang show rehearsal on Sunday, thanks for asking me to come along team. Nearly all of the gang made it through the snow and demonstrated some of their sets for this year and I was encouraged by the performances. Some of these young people surely will reach for the stars. Tickets for the show can be ordered from nuneatongangshow@btinternet.com or from 28th Feb from Sandra Walsh on 02476 490499 the show runs from 20th-24th March at the Abbey Theatre Pool Bank street, please do encourage your group sections to attend.Adults £8 Concessions £7 Group £6

The Census count down enters its final week as our GSL's work to complete the entry of their group section annual census count. The reports must be finished for the end of the month which are added onto the National data base in a draft form, and then a District check and submissions are confirmed. This is one of the metrics for scouting to understand how it is progressing in the community along with other elements too.

Thank you for an invitation last night as 1st Bulkington held their group overview and presentation evening, presented the accounts and gave out awards that were due in the period. Guests were ACC Scouts Phil Houghton, County Training Manager Sam Marshall, ADC Beavers Shaun ADC cubs Barbara, Geoff Russell PR and Myself. It was pleasing to see a number of young people across the sections gaining bronze, silver and gold awards. The attendees were informed about this years Network age explorer belt expedition to Luxembourg & Belgium and what it entailed. The evening was somewhat emotionally charged too as Akela Elaine read out a short piece about Janet Dawson ACSL in a surprise Merit Award medal for Janet for her outstanding and continuous service to scouting and the community. Janet is well known to many people and a turnout of just over a hundred were testament to her achievement.

This morning I had a breakfast meeting with our ADC for Beaver Scouts Shaun and despite a great full English breakfast we had a good meeting too and we were able to talk about the progression and up coming events for that section in this year. A particular exciting item on the agenda is of course the first district beaver section camp. This is something all of our groups can send their beavers scouts along to enjoy sleeping in tents outdoors and to take part in scouting activities. Please look at the beaver section via the web site (using your leader log in to get there) and direct any questions on that event to Shaun... it promises to be a great weekend.

Please check out the risk assessment section on the web site where you will find a risk update on the front page there for Water. These are based on the main areas where we are active and are designed to assist your own planning. Please as always remember to ensure our Water Activity Advisor, Kev Haynes is aware of all water based sessions. Of course where ever the activity is taking place an assesment must be made.

 I was able to take part in a forum late last year on a review of how the UK Headquarters (HQ) membership fee affects the recruitment and retention of adult volunteers.
Later this week, HQ want to hear a wide range of views from across the membership on how the adult membership fee is covered locally. Your feedback is also invited on proposed options for how the calculation of the HQ membership fee could change. The survey will be live for any member to complete on the Notice board area of www.scouts.org.uk and will also included in Scouting Plus email due out this Friday.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey. It will be open until midnight on Tuesday 31 January 2012.
Please note this consultation is not looking at the cost of the UK membership fee, nor is it a referendum or a majority vote. The survey is a way to collect information and opinions from members in order to inform any future decisions about how the UK HQ membership fee should be calculated and who should be charged.

The Duchess of Cambridge, is to become a volunteer with the Scout Association, joining activities privately with groups in North Wales and other areas.
Bear Grylls, UK chief scout who led a party of 200 scouts to the wedding in April last year, said the fact Kate had decided to take time out of her busy life to help out was "inspiring".
"I just know that the Duchess will love the buzz that young scouts always bring to their communities and their adventures, and there are few greater joys than being part of empowering young lives through the simple principles of Scouting: fun, friendship, faith and family," he said.

Just a short entry to say a huge thanks for all your efforts in the past year, it's been full of top scouting moments.

Have a super Christmas

Well I guess the count down begins after this weekend as we move ever closer to Christmas and your gift shopping moves toward its peak. I know a number of sections are having Christmas party sleep over’s, group indoor or winter camps, carol services etc' over the coming days. I do hope everyone enjoys the variety of activities that are on offer in what ever you are doing. Do keep an eye out for upcoming events in the New Year and remember to register your group interest for our District Camp in May. Have a great weekend.

A week in reverse...today I had the pleasure of driving a mini-bus of excited cubs scouts from 1^st Bulkington and  1^st Nuneaton to represent the District  in the County Quiz. They didn’t finish in the top three but did well and enjoyed the afternoon together with teams from every District in the County. The overall winner was Rugby District.

Also over the weekend another County event, Bear Trek took place in our District. This is an event that started about thirty years ago (by the ACC scouts- my dad Jack actually) it was hosted at 5ways lakes on this occasion with 29 teams across the County taking part in a range of activity events, raft racing, archery, shooting and many others including a hike route too. Social items were a film show in the barn, BBQ, music and table games. I would like to thank Phil Houghton ACC scouts, our own ADC Darren Keach and Paul Merchant for organising the weekend. The result was a win for Nuneaton District retaining the Warwickshire bear trophy with the team from central taking that first team place.

Saturday evening I was invited along to a presentation about next years explore expedition challenge to Belgium-Luxembourg, hosted by Jon Ellard and Tom Ind. I must mention a couple of stalwarts on the organising team too-Doug and Myra. The event is open to 18+ members and we have a dozen taking up the challenge from a number of our groups, I am sure they will have a great time in 2012 (a 16+ event will be planned for 2013). Also we heard from Ed Vernon who completed his explorer belt expedition earlier this year in Sweden, with very detailed feedback and good report about his experiences, well done Ed.

Thursday night was a film awards night at 1^st Nuneaton Walsh pack. Elaine and I were attendees together with the County Commissioner, DC from Atherstone,  ADC’ s and County staff. We were dressed in Tuxedo’s and the ladies in their finery, and the cub scouts all dressed up too, what a splendid evening. Congratulations to the winners of the ‘walshes’ for all the categories and of course to all of the cubs that took part in way.

Wednesday I went along to a National forum on behalf of our Region, as part of a series of forums across the UK at which the topic of National subscription was debated. There are a couple more session to take place and then the data gathering will conclude culminating in the New Year with an online survey where all adult leaders will be able to take part. I will provide some headline comments to the Executive Committee in due course but the details will be announced when the survey comes out. In the meantime it’s business as usual.

Finally, my thanks to Stuart an Explorer scout from 11^th Nuneaton for assisting in the wreath laying ceremony last weekend and an apology to the District cub section for not mentioning the annual Conker tournament hosted at Nuneaton North and the final being won by Harley and the runner up Thomas, both from Bulkington (a new bonkers for conkers trophy will be arriving soon). Sadly my challenge ‘demo’ game ended in yet another defeat for the third year in a row as my conker was well and truly smashed by Ady Bagshaw.

Today many of you will have paused for a while, probably for two minutes! joining in with millions around the Country and the Commonwealth and other Countires around the world in memory of those that gave their lives in conflict, which has allowed the freedom we enjoy today. Some of you may have gone along to Bedworth to be part of the Armistice parade, which has taken place there consistently since 1921,featuring a Bulkington scout Matthew presenting the service reading, indeed it was great to see some familiar scouting faces on bbc news this evening representing our organisation there. I hope to see many of you on Sunday at Nuneatons formal parade and of course others will be in Bulkington where our District Chairman will represent the District and again in Bedworth where our District secretary will attend with 1st & 4th. Wherever you are; wear your poppy and uniform with pride. The exception in activity wear will be Anker Network (Central) members taking part in a service at the top of mount Snowdon, a challenge and sponsor event for the Royal British Legion. Good luck team.

Congratulations to those receiving awards at 4th Bedworth's presentation evening last night, well done. Also celebrated was an 'unofficial' 3oth year of Beaver scouts. The district took part in a pilot project many years ago and therefore, five years before the offical-national start of beavers scouts, young people at 4th Bedworth back then were pioneers of beaver scouting with thanks to Irene Murfin and her collection of photographs and news clippings. Also well done to 1st Bulkington Cub Scouts Winners of the District Cub section quiz and winners of the Civic Bonfire competition, their Willy Wonka guy will appear at the top of the bonfire in The Miners Welfare Park in Bedworth Saturday 5th. Have a great weekend and once more please be careful with bonfire & fireworks.

For those taking part in Halloween parties I hope you have a scary time and enjoy yourselves.

Earlier today I was at the the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy appeal in Nuneaton Town Centre. Scouting was represented by Chloe, an explorer scout from Nuneaton North, the custodian (this year) of the French Memorial District Flag together with Amy & myself. The standards of the local Legion and Warwickshire were in attendance as were the Army, Navy and Air cadets so, well supported from our local youth organisations. Following a short service and a reading by an officer from Bramcote Barracks of the famous Fanders Fields poem the poppy appeal was formally opened by the Mayor. After a quick cup of tea and a costume from Katz dance and fancy dress hire (for this evening) I nipped over to see 4th Bedworth Scout Group in their challenge to lay a mile of Pennies around the court yard of the Alms Houses. The challenge was to have eight lanes of pennies to complete the mile. Additionally free tea and coffee was on offer and members of the public invited to talk about joining Scouting as volunteers when I left lane five was starting. I'll catch up with Tony Greenway (GSL) and team next week at their presentation evening and look forward to hearing how they got on and how much was raised. Also in Bedworth the Round Table and Lions were taking public votes for the Civic Bonfire Guy competition. Entries were there from local schools and 1st Bulkington Cub Scouts. Collection buckets of votes will be counted and the highest amount pledged will be declared the winner. After putiing some coins in each bucket the Scouting entry of course had a few more of my coins. So if a Willy Wonka look a-like Guy, appears on the Bedworth Civic bonfire then the cubs will have won?

Have a great weekend and please do be careful in the next week or so with fire works and bonfires. Follow instruction and the fire work code and be safe.

Hope you managed to catch the BBC news or see the press for the launch of Scout Community week. Leaders will need to register but for more information please go to the National web site.   http://scouts.org.uk/news/450/scout-community-week-launches.

The log on details are published there and a video clip featured on tv is avaiable too.

Some well done & thank you's.... Well done Nuneaton Central for a super awards night on Friday and for inviting Elaine & I along. Great to see young people enjoying their scouting and acheiving their awards.

Another well done to Central for 1st place in the district scout ghost hunt, 1st Bulkington runners up and 4th Bedworth in third place. Thanks to all the leaders for putting on great challenges for the patrols to complete on route. Thank you the the organising team, a great job Shaun.

Finally Thank you to everyone attending JOTA-JOTI around 70 visits this year, thanks 1st Nuneaton for hosting and a huge Thanks to Cov Radio club and our two scout leader organisers Dave Stanley & Dave Parker. That's it.... another great weekend improving and developing scouting for our members.

Thanks to 1st Bedworth for their invitation to go along to their group awards evening last Friday. All of the District team were able to attend which was also a good opportunity for some social time too. It was great to see so many attending and for each of the team to hand out awards, with some humour thrown in too and a learning point around unscripted questions to young people and the anticipation of the reply.. eh Daz! 

Over the weekend two coaches took a number of our cub scouts on the District Cub Day out, to Twin Lakes Family Theme Park, near Melton Mowbray. I hear a fun time was had by all and the venue most suited to cub scouts with indoor and outdoor attractions (no lakes were seen though?)

I went along to observe our Explorer canoe challange at Harthsill marina during Sunday morning which was good to see as this annual event attracts experianced and novice canoeists to take part in some fun on the water activities. My thanks to the water team for overseeing this as always.

Finally on the basis that I believe I'm rarely or never late... I arrived for a District management meeting on Monday at the agreed time but one whole month early! needless to say Woody (along with his suprised Exec') will no doubt be sharing my 'Faux Pass' so I thought I would get in first. So the next gsl-adc managers meeting is actually 10/11/11 at 1st Beduff MoGS room 7.30 start.

Wow what a weekend,  fantastic weather and whilst attending the District Scout camping and cooking competiion, I had the opportunity to take a flight in an Icarus microlight aircraft with grateful thanks to Norman. It was made all the more interesting by being offered to take some control and fly for a short period which of course I did. Needless to say flying over the camp site was the objective and of course a completely different view from the usual ground level sight of camping. It was a successful event with twelve teams taking part which was won by Nuneaton Central both the camping & cooking trophy leading to the over all winner of the Jack Dunn award. Other success for the District was of course our mixed group cub scout team taking part in the Frank Latchem Challenge day and taking first place followed by this years hosts Atherstone district so well done to everyone taking part. Sunday afternoon was our District Beaver Scout fun day so I was pleased to be able to call in there too and see some of our youngest members joining in some learning actvities and gaining points as they worked, with the total of the day going to Nuneaton North.

Coming up is the cub day out on the 9th so I hope you all enjoy that and also the District canoe challange for Explorers on the same day. I must finally mention Jamboree on the Air and Internet (JOTA-JOTI) 15-16 Oct at 1st Nuneaton hq from 09.00hrs please do go along and try both radio and internet chatting to souts around the world in the International event. must fly... see you soon Clive.

Over the weekend around 55 Anker Network & Eliot Explorer Scouts took part in our sucessful 'ANEE' activity camp at five ways lakes. Thanks to Paul for hosting and providing the catering and to Steve Wright , section leaders and the activities team for their support. Our young people were able to either chill or skill, chilling was the opportunity to be on camp and meet with their friends from around the district and be involved as they choose and the skill element was full on for those that wanted to try as many things that were on offer. Activities were climbing & abseiling, archery, taget air rifle and hand pistol shooting, kayaking, canadian canoe, zip line and a casino evening. The final event on Sunday afternoon was a bath race on the lake, fibre glass baths were adapted with support sytems and barrels and raced around the island, watched by a large crowd.. great fun. I must admit there was a 'sub tub' entry that seemed to spend more time under the water but still managed to make some progress. Whilst the camp was going on the annual cub scout fishing competition took place on Saturday. This is an afteroon for individual entries of cubs who are supported by an adult and medals were awarded for the catches of the day additionally I also visited Coton cub scouts who just happened to be camping in a second filed on site all in all another great weekend of active scouting in Nuneaton District.

I am encouraged by the recent progress in training enquiries following my email on this topic. The upcoming safeguarding sessions are looking to be fully booked and additional dates are trying to be arranged. Relatively new to role GSL’s have attended a regional training-info’ day and individuals are seeking support for training advisors. I understanding the training day on Saturday was both well received and well attended for modules on diversity, leadership and working with adults

Please do keep up this good work as you aim to complete the mandatory modules for your role.

'Pinch punch first of the month' or 'white rabbits' ? as we see the start of another month..

Last night I went along to the mid summer madness event for scouts at Nicholas Chamberlaine school. This was organised by Mark Moore of 1st Nuneaton. The concept being that during the school holiday period when things may be a little calmer in scouting terms!! Mark filled the gap. For scout troops that have a few missing due to holidays etc' and programmes are more fluid, he put on an event of fun activities from 6.30 until 9.00pm. Lots of water was involved with a water slide, a wet sponge pool, pillow fight over another pool, an aerial runway and tug of war were all available. Staying dry was not an option! The evening ended with hot dogs for everyone..... great fun. Thanks Mark & team.

ps: look out for this next year if you missed it, also a feature will be in the Nuneaton News next month.

I managed to catch up with some of our summer camp colleagues in the last few days and have heard of the great time that those attending and visiting the world jamboree have had. From long travel journeys to great hikes and camp experiences, in some cases in Sweden, Holland and Germany. The highlight for some has been meeting and chatting with the chief scout,Bear Grylls at the Jamboree and for others staying in home hospitality with scouting families, cyling through the country side, climbing, exchanging cultures and trying new things and making new friends. Scouting gives us many opportunities and when they arise they should be taken and the experience, the challenge and the adventure will be realised. We will hear more about the Jamboree in the coming weeks and there will of course be some mention at the County AGM Weds 21st Sept at the Volvo centre in Warwick.

Have a look at the link below to see more about the new Scouting Adventure Annual due out soon. It's been some time since a scouting annual has been published and here is a new one that would be a great gift for our members.

http://scouts.org.uk/offers/38/the-scouting-adventure-annual-2012

The eagle eyed amoungst you will have noticed a new heading on the menu selection - Jamboree blog. You can link to see tweets from the Warwickshire contingent and keep up to date with what's going on at the Jamboree.

Have a great summer time everyone at home or away, enjoy your family and scouting holidays and stay safe.

The past week has again been exciting in our district, large family camps and group section camps have been taking place over the weekend with a range of activities. In addition our district cub fun day took place on Saturday too and over a hundred cub scout got together on a really nice sunny day and enjoyed many different types of cowboy and Injun’ themed challenges, covering everything from bows and arrows, horse shoe slinging, water activities a bucking bronco and many other Corral fun items. One point was learning the moves to a line dance which they all then performed on mass at the end of the day. A really good humoured and fun day..Seemed to do exactly what it said on the tin I reckon.

I also went along with colleagues from Bulkington to the local carnival and the group won the large walking class with a Roman chariot and a whole bunch of Romans and related outfits. It was also great to see a team from our District Gang show there too, winning second place in a great community event.

This is of course the start of the summer camp season and I hope those of you planning trips away have a great time, we have of course our district members of the Jamboree team travelling to Sweden, with representatives from 11^th Nuneaton, Chilvers Coton & Bulkington. They will be visited by a number of scouts from our area too as there are two other joint trips camping abroad too from Wolvey, Central, Coton and also from North, Stocks & Bulkington. Another venture off our shore is a delegation from 1^st Nuneaton travelling to The Isle of Man, so around 150 of our colleagues leaving our shores in total. For those camping closer to home I ‘m sure you will all have a fantastic summer camp experience too.

This evening was our annual AGM, and I’d like to thank everyone that came along and our County guest Sam Marshall for saying a few words, and to Jane Newbold contingent assistant leader for bringing three young people from the Jamboree team to give us a very brief insight to what they have been doing leading up to their trip. The minutes of the AGM will be sent out in due course but my sincere thanks to everyone that has helped in any way for the good of scouting. The evening ended with  some Service Year awards being presented to Anya Reubens for 15 years, Barbara Judd for 30 years and Tom Sanderson for 40 years.

Well done to everyone from Nuneaton District who went along to Sun Run weekend at Malvern and especially to those who ran the Moon Run and the Sun Run. Nuneaton’s Anker Network won the fastest overall Moon Run team in 1hr 54mins. Eliot explorers from Nuneaton Central won fastest 18-30 male Moon Run team. A Special mention for the overall Moon Run winners Phil Alred,Rich Morgan and Christopher Hughes. Also some of our adult leaders attending met with Wayne Bulpitt, the chief Commissioner for the UK, Wayne was interested to hear what they thought of the event and their scouting in general.

More scouting members from our district are and about again this weekend, cubs and scout camps and a delegation at Sun Run in Gloustershire. With fine weather forecast I'm sure everyone will have a great time. I was able to go along to Hartshill Hayes this week with some cub scouts collecting bugs, identifying trees and all whilst tracking their way around the wooded area. 11th Nuneaton held their AGM on Wednesday and I was deligthed to see version 12 of the new HQ build that the group are planning. This is a very exciting time for the team and I wish them well with the project.

Thursday night at Nuneaton Central HQ - Dani & Debbi Finnesey showed a power point presentation to some of their peers, parents, friends, some of the district exec', the group GSL and the County training manager. The girls told us how they had worked through the elements of the Queens Scout Award and also their gold DofE. It was an interesting presentation and demonstrated how hard they had worked over a sustained period and I have no doubt that the next phase of the actual application for the award should prove to be successful in the coming weeks. Anyone in scouting in the Eliot Explorer scout section and The Anker Network unit can acheive this highest of scout awards so if this is something that you would like to know more about please do not hesitate to ask the DESC, Steve Wright or Network Co-ordinator Steph Sanderson or indeed myself. What ever your doing this weekend enjoy your scouting. Clive.

As no doubt you are aware the rule change to allow Beaver scouts the opportunity for a residential experience has changed. By way of reminder the following fact sheet is available-FS155053 'Guideline for Beaver Scout Residential Experiences' (you can find all details on the national web site). Please note the part about alternative accommodation option if camping (remember this applies to cub scouts too)

Redeem your Active Kids vouchers to give Scouts new equipment and experiences

Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers are no longer available, so it’s time to get counting and place your order.
Remember your order needs to be with Active Kids by 22 July 2011. You can either place it online at sainsburys.co.uk/activekids or complete the paper order form at the back of your catalogue. Then send in your vouchers using the FREE collection service.

For more details visit the Active Kids website, or call the helpline on 0844 415 8440 (BT customers will pay no more than 5p per minute. Call costs from other providers may vary).

Last night I met with colleagues from across the County to discuss the highlights of our recent County Camp and the points that we hope to learn from too. This will of course help to improve things for the future. Thank you to the leaders that sent in their feedback via your group contacts and these points were useful to the team along with the organising teams own views.  The event was a great success as I am sure you would agree and it is something that we will repeat. YOU too can be part of that organising team which no doubt could bring something fresh and new, as I know some of you could make a difference judging by your comments and I will of course be asking for help at the appropiate time, this will broaden your skill set and add to your leader experience of scouting. A topic for our management team agenda next week will be the return to our own district camp in 2012 an Olympic year, may be that could be your opportunity to shine :)

The District AGM is on Monday July 11th at Chilvers Coton Conservative club for 7.45pm. We will hear from some of our Jamboree scouts about their upcoming trip to Sweden and the excitment around that, there will be some nibbles and the bar will be open after the formal proceedings. You are of course all invited and wearing uniform is appropiate.

For those of you camping this weekend and there are a number of events, please remember as usual to pack for all weathers, it's about to change! I am lucky enough to be under canvas or a bivvi ? for the next three weekends, and really looking forward to it.

I must mention our Beavers scouts are off for a dsitrict day out on Sunday so have a great time. What ever your doing take care and have a brilliant time. Clive

Leaders attention is drawn to a survey that can be accessed via: www.scouts.org.uk website. The articles show draft documents for high ropes and hill walking and ask if they are sensible and workable before they go live. The updates have undergone lengthy reviews and consultations, the survey also invites comments by a cut off date of july 3rd.

Hey everyone, It's over Warwickshire's biggest Scouting event.. I just wanted to say a huge thanks to my colleagues across the County with whom I have worked with over the past year to make the 'Get In' County Camp a reality and such a success for 4,000 people. I would also like to thank every single one of you from Nuneaton & District who helped in any way what so ever and for bringing your young people from every group across the District to take part . You were awesome and as always I appreciate your effort and the itme that you give so freely. A simple highlight for myself along with a varied weekend of tasks was covering the exit process across the bridge, to see so many tired but very happy faces of our Scouting family and speaking to groups of hundreds asking, did you like it? have you had a good time? and would you like to do this again? and without exception the overiding answer was YES on all counts.  Sleep well :)

I will be in touch via the GSL's for feedback but as always I am happy to chat and get your views as and when you see me. Why not drop me an email and let me know what you thought.  Keep an eye on the County web site for reports and pictures. Clive

The site is marked for our district camp area, the circus big top is up, banners and signage are up, bright decorative panels add a splash of colour in the beaver sleeping barn area,and road barriers are in place. The timelapse tv is filming as things develop, security and first aid are in situ'.

It's all happening over here in Stoneleigh.. see you soon at the opening ceromony on Friday, all 630 from our district and all 4,000 of our scouting family... things are set to go off with a bang!

The count down to County Camp is very real now, the latest Q&A document can be found on the County website along with an overview of the programme, just follow the links on the Get In camp logo.

For Groups attending:   Your Group Contacts have received information regarding arrival, registration and departure, details of parking and how to obtain permits along with a lot of other useful information in early March.   Please make sure you obtain/see a copy of this information.

4,000 attendees are due for a great time and from a district perspective we have 600 coming along and that will be the highest number for our district camp too, so a big thanks to the leader team for your efforts in encouraging our members to come along it's about 65% of the district.

My thanks to Gateway training this weekend for providing First Response-first aid training for twelve of our scouting adults, arranged by Dave Woodward at 1st Bedworth with members from Wolvey, Bulkington and myself, topping up our minimal annual 6 hours of ongoing learning (although this one is mandatory every three years). It was a fun way to learn and I have memories of some of the scenarios designed to help our understanding and learning. It also demonstrated the over acting ability of some of our leaders for which they should be truly rewarded hey Zoe' and a clear message about where you sit in case of a wasp sting... thanks Matt your writhing around holding your 'cheeks' demanding first aid tested the strength of leader friendships and first aiders :)

Bear Grylls greeted nearly 300 new Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle on Sunday 1st May. He was joined by The Hon. Mary Bayliss, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire. The event comes at a boom time for Scouting following the announcement of the Movement’s continued growth in membership. Total numbers now exceed half a million. Furthermore, more girls than boys became Scouts in the past year - the first time this has happened in the Movement's history. 

The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest honour in Scouting and is awarded for outstanding personal achievement. This honour is achieved by young people aged between 16 and 25 who have completed a range of challenges, which includes service to their community, completed an expedition in wild country, undertook a five-day residential project in an unfamiliar environment and learnt a new skill or developing an existing talent.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls said All these young people have lived the adventure of a lifetime to achieve their Queen’s Scout Awards, and I admire them so much. They are huge inspirations to the other 500,000 scouts in the UK and I am so pleased that Scouting has honoured them today. They are amazing.”

The Windsor Castle event has been held regularly since 1934 on the Sunday nearest to St. George's Day (23rd April). St. George is the Patron Saint of Scouting. Since the Queen’s Scout Award was instigated, over 100,000 of these awards have been presented to young men and women for outstanding personal achievements and service to their local communities. They have learnt new skills and taken part in many of the 200 different activities on offer by Scouting across the UK.

You can now enjoy mobile Scouting with the new badge app.

Check it out on the scouts.org website http://scouts.org.uk/news/377/keep-the-programme-in-your-pocket

'My Badges' is The Scout Association’s official badge app and is now available for iPhone and iPod Touch users. Ideal for quick reference at meetings or camp, it contains the requirements for every badge and award in the UK 6-25 programme.

The Scout Association’s first smart phone app is perfect for volunteers, parents and young people alike. It contains a host of features to make Scouting easier wherever you happen to be, including:

With images of every badge, participating in the programme is now easier and more fun for all Scouts. Mums and dads will also be pleased with the badge positioning facility – now there’s no need to guess

Fantastic features

Firstly a huge thanks to Rob Deeming and his team for piloting a new style of St George's parade and service in Riversley Park Nuneaton. Our invited guest were very complimentary on the day and the Mayor Don Navaro and myself enjoyed the experience of taking our turn in being carried in a Sudan chair, thanks to the four bearers. I was delighted with the turn out on the day as we knew a number of our members would be on family holiday and of course others away taking part in DofE challenges. I do hope you enjoyed the afternoon and I look forward to another great year of Scouting. Next years orgnaiser will be 1st Bedworth.

Below is yesterday's short speech and award results.

• TO CONTINUE OUR GROWTH AND ENSURE SCOUTING IS ENJOYED BY MORE YOUNG PEOPLE.
• MAKING A POSTIVE IMPACT IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
• TO EMBRACE CHANGE AND PREPARE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE ACTIVE CITIZENS.
• ABOVE ALL, TO ENJOY THE ADVENTURE OF LIFE AND SCOUTING

Congratulations to the following-

Check out the BBC news item about the growth of Scouting.

http://scouts.org.uk/news/376/membership-numbers-on-the-rise

It's encouraging to see a continued trend and it's great to be involved with inspiring people. I hope to see as many of you as possible this Sunday 17th April as we celebrate the Patron Saint of Scouting, St George where the District will come together in Riversley Park in Nuneaton to share in our success and to renew the promises we made when being invested.

Thank you to those of you, both young and old that were able to come along today for the funeral of Dave Mein. It was a fitting tribute that in the region of 100 scouting family members attended today to pay their last repects. Rest in Peace Dave.

Clive.

The final numbers are in for Camp. Information is being sent directly to group booking contacts. The latest information can be found by going on to Warwickshire Scouts website where you will find activity listings and the latest Q&A's.

Our editor has issued the latest copy of Mutterings and it is now availble on the web site. You can of course read this on line or print a copy off, don't forget to display a copy at your HQ or meeting place for everyone to read.

Leaders may be interested to note the following updates which can as always be viewed on scouts.org.uk

FS155053 Guidelines for Beaver Scout Residential Experience.

FS321004 Criminal Records Checks.

LT435000 Policy Organisation and Rules (POR)

Water activity- SWIMMING - New rules are at the point of issue and will be circulated shortly.

Saturday evening was the annual Alan Flavel shield -District Cub scout event. Over the years this has taken on a number of identities. It orginated as a scavenger hunt, a point to point and as this year once more 'ghost hunt'. The only ghostly shapes I saw were those the following morning at breakfast after a late night coupled with moving the clocks forward. The cub teams were made up of four from each pack and moved around the field to a number of bases. They were required to complete challenges at each base themed on Jamborees from around the World, examples included ski slalom, origami, martial arts, deadly 60,flag and country identification and mini olympics.

The cubs were marked on how they conducted themselves, team work and completion of the challenge. Thanks to Barbara and the cub leaders for making this possible and to our visitor for calling in to see us; Graham Howe ACC cub scouts and his wife Ann ACC special needs a great night and a late night was had by all. Contratulations to this years winners 1st Wolvey.

Nuneaton District Beaver Scouts took part in this year’s “Wally Williams” County Challenge day and won the event.

Good luck this evening to our District Cub Scout road safety quiz team. Two teams from the district are taking part tonight in the Warwickshire Brownie & Cub road safety quiz at the Spa Centre Leamington.Teams from 1st Bulkington and 11th Nuneaton are representing us. I understand there were in the region of 140 cubs taking part and that both of our teams did very well and although they didn't gain an overall placing they conducted themselves well and received personal trophies.

Also good luck to the cast and crew of the Gang Show as they face their opening night tonight. See you later gang.

Well what can I say... it was a good opening show with just a few nerves. However, juding by the Mayor's comments to the gang back stage afterwards it was vibrant, colourful and varied and of course it was. A huge well done to everyone I am super proud of your achievements. For me, particular items to watch out for are 'MIT' you guys worry me :) the dance scene Ji Ho was great, some humour from the pocket pantomime and appearing for the first time the beaver scouts managing to steal a few hearts and of course a traditional gang show singing finale. Enjoy the rest of the week. Clive

You may have heard about Jacksons of Old Arley and their camping and equipment supplies reopening weekend on the 14/15th May. This is a fantastic chance for publicity and recruiting new members. If your group are going to take part please let Geoff know asap and he will put it in the diary to get along and report it in the next Scout Log in Nuneaton News, which should be out Monday 6^th June. geoff@russell414.orangehome.co.uk.

Scout uniform should be worn and items purchased for scouting usually get discounted support from Jacksons and the company has been a great supporter to scouting in our area for many years. They will be delighted to see you looking at items trying things on and talking about the equipment and how you would use it etc.

Nights away experience continue again this weekend with Coton Beaver scouts taking the opportunity to sleep away from home enjoying their scouting. I was delighted to go along to two events today, firstly to see cub scouts working on mapping and navigation planning. Also along with many of the scout troops from the district I was able to be in time to see some of the outdoor football tournament for the 3rd and 4th play offs, the wooden spoon award and the final game. Thanks to the organising team at 11th for running this and as usual I took the oppotunity to speak to a number of the scouts and they seemed to enjoy the footie and of course getting wet and muddy.

Yes people another wet weekend.. but scouting sections from our District are out and about with around 85 this week enjoying an overnight experience. Beaver scouts from Bulkington & Central on a sleepover with a nature walk and church visit, Scouts from Weddington hiking from their HQ to Mancetter, Explorers from Central on Bronze & Silver expedition training and also Nuneaton North & 11th Weddington explorers as groups, from our Eliot Explorers Unit at the Rugby District 'Pineapple hike challenge'.. so bring on the rain who cares

Yesterday was Founders day and there was a National expression of thanks for the founder of Scouting Robert Baden Powell. More locally it was the funeral of Roy Evans and the family have asked that an expression of thanks is passed to the large number of scouting colleagues both young and old that attended. Particulaly touching for the family was the guard of honour formed upon arrival.

Simply 'Thank you' The Evans family.

Well done to the cub scouts from groups across the district for completing their map reader award. I was impressed with the range of planning tasks leading upto their walk from Attleborough to Bulkington along the planned route across open ground. Once the cubs moved off on their walk the beaver scouts moved in for the district beaver scout quiz, congratulations to the winning team, and in true scouting spirit a mixed team from 1st Bulkington and Nuneaton Central.

This evening I will be going along to a meeting about the County-Districts camp 'Get in'. The information is sent to GSL's and everything is available to see on Warwickshire scoutings web site which is accessible off our front page. At the moment around 2,500 have booked but there is still time to add more by booking on line on the 'Get in' link.

Finally good luck to 1st Bedworth for their group show and to those cub packs from groups that will be taking part in overnight experiences this weekend, Nuneaton Central, Chilvers Coton, 1st Wolvey, 1st Bukington and 1st Nuneaton-Walsh

Enjoy your Scouting, Clive.

Government plans to scale back vetting and barring scheme

11/02/2011

Today the Government has revealed plans to scale back the vetting and barring scheme (VBS) and criminal records scheme.

The existing scheme has been comprehensively reviewed, but some of the main proposals being put forward include:

• A large reduction in the number of positions requiring checks to just those working most closely and regularly with children and vulnerable adults.

• Portability of criminal records checks between jobs.

• An end to the requirement for those working or volunteering with vulnerable groups to register with the VBS and them be continuously monitored by the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

• The merging of the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding authority (ISA) to form a new body that will provide a barring and criminal records checking service.

These changes apply only to England and Wales. Full information on the scheme can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/vetting

The Scout Association's official response

The Scout Association carries out more CRB checks than any other single voluntary organisation with over 60,000 CRB checks undertaken every year. We are supported by 100,000 volunteers and have seen the number of volunteers working with young people in Scout groups up and down the country increase year on year for four years.

There is plenty about the new scheme to recommend it and we are pleased that the Government has listened to most of our concerns.

We are pleased that the Government has recognised that many volunteers do so in a number of different capacities and has made provision for CRB checks to be portable.  This will be welcomed by our many volunteers who often offer a significant amount of their time to support numerous charitable organisations.

However, we fear that the proposed changes to criminal record checks will add to the burden faced by voluntary organisations such as the Scouts.

The decision to send a single copy of the CRB disclosure to a potential volunteer who must then pass it to their local Scout leader will undoubtedlysave the Government money but it will increase the amount of bureaucracy expected of local volunteers, who give their time to support young people not to chase CRBs.  We call on the Government to retain a system where a copy of the CRB disclosure is sent direct to the organisation to ensure that local volunteers remain free to do what they do best, unfettered by unnecessary bureaucracy. 

We accept the concern that in some cases this might mean that incorrect information could be disclosed to voluntary organisations before an individual has a right to redress, however we believe that a seven day delay could be introduced between the individual and the registered body receiving the CRB check.  This would allow a person the opportunity to check and appeal any inaccurate information without tying existing volunteers on the ground up in bureaucratic knots.

We would welcome the opportunity to work with the Government to find solutions to these issues to ensure that young people are properly safeguarded from harm and organisations like ours, committed to supporting young people across the country, are not burdened by unnecessary bureaucracy.

Last nights District scout section quiz had 13 teams enter as around 70 scouts used their knowledge. I was able to talk to every team on each table of scouts during a short break and it seemend that they all enjoyed the event and comments ranged from 'some questions seemed easier-but there the ones we got right!' to 'really hard' so well done to everyone taking part. Thanks to 15th Nuneaton for hosting and 1st Nuneaton for setting the questions. The results should appear in Mutterings due out in the next day or so.

Census is almost complete and the group work sheets are in the process of validation for final submission. This will be a measure of success in terms of membership after we have accounted for changes in some sections at group level, so we hope to be able to report on this in the next couple of weeks.

To those of you camping this weekend, I think you may be wearing your water proofs, have a great time.

Together with our Chairman, our training manager and the adc's for beaver scouts and scouts we were at 1st Bulkington's presentation evening and family disco last night.

There was a fabulous turn out as the group celebrated the achievements of Bronze Beaver scout, Silver cub scout and Gold scout awards. Also a Silver DofE for Jack Morton. I am always pleased to see our young people gaining their awards and we should never under estimate the amount of work they put into their acheivements over a sustained period.

Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) defines the structure of Scouting in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and provides information about its management and training.

POR is available to view and download on line at http://scouts.org.uk/

Visited Gang show rehearsals today.... I am sure the 30th year show will be great. Well done gang I can't wait to see the complete show, the work you have put in so far is shining through what a fabulous afternoon :)

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I do hope that you have a wonderful time, what ever you and your families are doing at this special time of year.

Thank you for all the hard work, support and time that you give so freely to enable our members both young and older to enjoy great Scouting in Nuneaton and District.

Best Wishes. Clive.

It was a pleasure to be invited to Christmas lunch on Sunday at Bulkington Village Centre. Other Guests were the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth and his wife, the local MP, County Councillors and local elected Councillors. We were the guests of the Carnival commitee who decided to give 70 over 70's a Christmas lunch. Young people from Scouting and Guiding in the village were waiting on the tables and enjoying some time together with the elders of the village and they were a credit to their organisations. Nuneaton District Scout and Guide Gang show were also in attendance and sang some show songs and Christmas carols for everyone to join in with. It was a superb afternoon and a clear community sprited event. The Mayor presented cheques to the Guides and Scouts which was a donation from the carnival held earlier in the year.

Thank you to everyone for taking part in the services of remembrance in Nuneaton, Bedworth and Bulkington. A huge turnout from our scouting district across the Borough. It is an impressive sight to see so many young people stretched out along the parade route and being part of an important community event. I have received positive comments about the repsect and behaivour of our members and we should be proud of that.

eleven explorer teams competed this evening pitching their cooking skills against each other. They each had a country and based their three course dishes on that theme. Thanks to my co-judge Maragret Russell and to Joanne Bramston CC Warwickshire explorer scouts for visiting us and presenting the trophy to this years winners by just two points, 11th Nuneaton Explorers. A great effort by all the teams that came a long, it was great to see so many of you.

Can you please cascade to Network age members at your groups.

An opportunity has been offered thanks to Tom Ind & Mark Smedley at 11th Nun for inviting all Network age members from across the district to get together and camp overnight too, catering will be managed.

cost £7.50

27th Nov near Rugby

 Please do encourage these young adults to take part to further pull our Network age together.
 

Contact Mark 02476 744963

Saturday was the Poppy appeal launch and Scouting was represented in the district by 4th Bedworth on a short parade and ceromony. 4th Bedworth are this years custodian of the French Memorial (district flag) which was carried by Holly and I have received comments on how very smart Holly's appearence was and how proud her mum was too :)

Don't forget to support this worthwhile charity and obtain your poppy, which of course can be worn over the next few weeks and on the 14th November for Remembrance parade.

Thanks to 1st Bedworth for the invitation to their presentation evening last night attended by the District Chairman Keith Morton and his wife Janet, our County training Mangaer Sam Marshall, all of the section ADC's and Elaine and myself. Of course not forgetting a large number of young people and leaders from the group. It was pleasing to see young people across the sections gaining the Chief Scout awards presented by the ADC's and also DofE bronze awards were presented and leader training certificates. Well done to everyone and a celebration of a successful year for the group.

and finally well done to the Explorers taking part in the district Nike event last night, a night hike challenge event.

Our District Scout ghost hunt ended at midnight last night. Did anyone find any ghosts? you may need to ask some scouts to find the answer, I reckon they were Explorers but couldn't catch one! Thanks to 1st Nuneaton for organising this years incident ghost hunt-night hike and the all important catering. Our host was Fox Coverts Scout Camp site in Kirkby Mallory and I must say the on site staff this morning took the trouble to mention how well mannered our scouts were, very pleasing to hear.

Around 70 scouts took part in patrols, using their navigtaion skills to find their way around a route with a number of staged points. These ranged from scout craft, team challenges and illuminated rifle target shooting. Most did get off trail for a short while but all found their way back and arrived safetly at base camp and were delighted to come into the warmth of a log fire, hot soup and a roll. After a good nights sleep and after breakfast the winners were announced in the warmth of the Autumn sunshine and were, 11th Nuneaton, and in second and third place were 1st Nuneaton followed by Nuneaton Central.

My thanks to Paul Merchant for hosting Jamboree on the Air & Internet at 5 ways Lakes this year on the 16th-17th and especially to Dave Stanley and Dave Parker and their colleagues from Coventry Amateur Radio club, without whom this could not take place. Also thanks to Luke for setting up the laptops and internet hub. This year topped one hundred from the district attending the event so a measure of success I feel. There was also the opportunity to camp on site over the weekend and for the thirty of you that did, I hope is wasn't to cold on Saturday as we endured our first frosty night!

Last week I met with our CC to discuss how Nuneaton District is getting along and talked about developing our Network scouting, diversity and the challenges we have in gaining adult volunteers. On Wednesday I was delighted to present some scout gold awards at 1st Nuneaton and take the opportunity to say hello to explorers & network scouts whilst there too. At the weekend I attended with scouting colleagues from across the County at the Alfrey Activity Centre-Broadwater as Graham Howe ACC cubs, arranged a training and best practice sharing weekend for leaders. It was very relaxed and informative with some presentation from HQ staff and I was delighted to be asked to help. Also over the weekend our District Explorer kayak challenge took place at Hartshill Marina with an excellent turnout from units Central, Bulkington, 4th Bedworth, Nuneaton North, Weddington and 1st Nuneaton. I also understand with limited capsizes taking place too, well done to Central for coming in first place.

Monday evening was our district staff meeting where the ADC's and activity advisors meet to discuss past and present developments. Topics were along the need for adults to continue in their training as we look to help more leaders obtain their wood beads, to continue in our communication and ensure a consistent exchange of information takes place, encouragement of leaders creating a website log-on (any questions on this please do ask) the final topic was for the ADC section leaders to get together and review their points systems toward 2011. This will be to ensure a fair process for all groups to engage with district events, ensure a broad activity programme at section level; award based scoring for young people all of which lead to the chance of groups being presented with a trophy for their efforts. This is something that has of course been in place for many years but is a process that is a living one and needs to reflect change. On Wednesday evening it was 'bonkers for conkers' our yearly tournament for cub scouts, held at 1st Bedworth with around 60 cubs joining in playing conkers and also taking part in a living science piece too, leaving the venue with a conker in soil to grow on and into a young tree ready for planting out next year. At the same time our Explorers had the opportunity to take part in forum of debate, reflection and young people requirement at Nuneaton Central. So what’s next, Jamboree on the Air & Internet over this weekend based at 5 ways Fishing Lakes, so please do come along and have a chat to some scouts elsewhere in the world either on line or via radio.  Finally welcome to Darren Keach as part of the district team, he will be taking over as ADC scouts from Tony Greenway in Decemebr as they work through a hand over period.

Over and out for now. Enjoy your scouting

Well I survived the taste test and I have to say some varied and interesting cooking was on offer. This years theme was food from around Europe so from soup, salads, Rissotto, Schniztel to peppered steak, bangers and mash followed by crepes, trifles, and so on were all on offer for the Saturday evening meal judges. (my thanks to our external judge Steve as I made sure Steve tasted first !!) Eight teams entered with an unusual young age range this time all of whom showed developimg Camping and Cooking skills. The results: Cooking - NuneatonCentral, 4th Bedworth,1st Nuneaton. Camping - Central, 1st Bulkington, Nuneaton North.

Special Thanks to Tony our ADC scouts (his last C&C as he steps down later this year) and to the judging team for their work over the weekend held at Johns Lee Wood Scout camp site.

Hello all, on the basis that Barbara's email is down at the moment and by way of a reminder: For those attending the cub day out to Snibson Sunday 3rd Oct there is a slight hiccup with regard to the coach arrangements and the actual pick up times should be confirmed hopefully tomorrow so please keep an eye on your email or expect a phone call from either Barbara or myself.

ALSO

Todays District fishing competition ran extreamly well, my thanks to Charlotte Merchant. Scouts and Cubs scouts with their assistants used their skills to the best effect and the total catch today was almost 10lb in weight. Places for cubs were third William Croft, second Ben Waite, and 1st Liam Hall with 4lb 13oz. all from 1st Bulkington and for Scouts third Josuha Hall, second Zack Wallace both from Bulkington and first Chris Fisher from Wolvey with 3lb 2oz. Well done to everyone for taking part today and we look forward to next year, if you missed it you missed good day !

Just a quick reminder of the district fishing competition this Saturday at 5 ways fishing lakes. It is open to all members and starts at 10.00am until 4.00pm Anglers pay £4 Trophies and certificates will be awarded for heaviest catch, biggest fish etc.

As the summer break draws to a close and a return to education is just around the corner for our young people and of course a return to more active scouting for those that have taken a break. I'd like just to remind leaders that we too need to return to training and urge you to look at the dates up and coming and contact Sam to log your interest on the training session on offer.

You may wish to check out the National scout website and have a look at some advertising resource featuring Bear Grylls. See the article posted today on the front page or go to the Brand centre link. This can be obtained to help with your group recruitment, remembering that we are all working to attract more adult volunteers.

IN THE MEAN TIME YOU CAN SEE CLIPS ON THIS WEB SITE IN THE JOIN US SECTION

Work is continuing on the refreshed website in the background. Please do register in the coming days and this will assist us in the security and access to data, that you may find very useful as a leader in the district and our continuing deveopment.

This evening is the launch of our Refreshed District Web site. Many thanks to our web manager Chris. A number of features will be familiar but we are making some changes and they will be communicated in the coming weeks. Considerable time has been spent to ensure we get things as we would like and in particular; a members log in area which will be an important place for our leaders to find data that is not on open view.

Whilst visiting Rough Close at the weekend for a scout camp, which I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed; young scouts learning new skills and in particular about the types of wood that can be selected for open fire cooking and camp skills, the start of scouting for some members. I bumped into Andy Morris a leader in Coventry and also part if the site crew and an active support member and good friend of leaders at 1st Bedworth. Andy is fortunate to be going along to the World Jamboree next year in Sweden as a contingent leader for Coventry County. It was great to catch up with Andy and hear his news and it was a pleasure to be invited to go along to their fund raising evening on site in the Storm hut and Retreat, a live band of scouters, explorers and network entertained their guests, well done team., Oh and a bonus, I won a raffle prize along with around twenty other winners.... good times.

I am pleased to say following a recent vacancy, an individual has come forward to volunteer to become our climbing assessor for Nuneaton District. This will of course take some time and subject to training and appointment requirements being set up I hope to be able to report further in the near future and of course this will allow us to publish contact details. 

11th Nuneaton held their AGM last night and it is encouraging to see the group celebrate their success of last year and the plans for the future which have challenges for the Beaver section and of course the longer term plan for a new HQ. Thank you Doug for the invite and for the cheese and wine afterwards. 

Last weekend saw a double victory for scouting as our Gang Show members won first place for their beach party and best float in Bulkington village carnival, together with the Bulkington group coming in at first place as the large walking group as cowboys and Indians with a chuck wagon, totem pole and two real horses. The Mayor of Nuneaton was also in attendance and he looked great in his futuristic space outfit instead of the usual suit, tie and his chains of office, a refreshing change indeed Mr Mayor. 

Also on Sunday our first shooting and archery event took place at 5 ways lakes in Wolvey, organised by Paul Merchant and around thirty young people took part, 12 medals were awarded, 2 shields and a new trophy in memory of Ed Dodd a Wolvey resident and father of a leader at the group. 

Last night was the introduction of a new explorer scout event The Big Food Fight, held at Hartshill Hayes Country Park. Unfortunately or was it fortunately I was unable to go along and observe teams of young people hurling mashed potato at each other, ending with a large scale water pistol extravaganza, sounds like manic fun and judging by the facebook comments it was. 

Well, having just returned from a restful holiday last night we were straight back into a scouting weekend.

It was a great day today too for a Pirate adventure and Nuneaton District cub scouts did not disappoint. Nearly 100 pirate cubs enjoyed a range of activities on a pirate theme from walking the plank and other water adventures to making swords, eye patches, hooks, pirate training school and compass challenges whilst hunting for treasure a truly wonderful day, thanks as always to a great team effort from Akelas United. It should be noted that Jack Sparrow was spotted re-hydrating at another venue later.

Tomorrow is the Bulkington village carnival and I will be supporting our Chairman Keith Morton, as he is also the chair of the carnival committee. The village beaver scouts, cub scouts, scouts, explorers, gang show members and of course our sister movement of Guides will be there in force taking part in this community event. 

Hello all, the new County Commissioner has been announced and I can inform you that it is Andy Shorter from Nuneaton District. I am sure you will agree this is a challenging role and wish him every success. The formal date is subject to agreement following a hand over from Dave Bramston.

Thank you for the large turn out for those of you, that were able to come along to the AGM last night and thanks to Nuneaton North for their hospitality. Below is a brief extract.

It was especially pleasing to hear the account of the expectation of a world jamboree and the excitement from three of our young people that will be part of the Jamboree contingent. 

2009 has been a time of change and development in the District and this was reflected with some detail in the report at the meeting. Successes have been our development day an increase in our membership by 4% and some good progress in the young leader training scheme, our leaders of the future with ten completing and additionally leader training has been moving forward too, with ten more adults completing their training. This will remain an ongoing topic and leaders must take the opportunity to complete the training appropriate to their role. 

Adventurous activities remain high on the agenda and groups continue to offer opportunities on a regular basis. I am informed by our water activities advisor Kev Haynes that in 2009 every group has been on or in the water, and in my case up-side down in the water. Also over the past year around 200 nights away being taken across the district from one night to full week camps or more both at home and abroad incorporating a range of activities and including once again, a fabulous District camp.

A number of groups have been successful in obtaining grants to develop and maintain their meeting places, which invests in the future to ensure a sustained delivery of premier scouting in the area. Our finances are in good shape and during 2009 we have purchased a complete new set of archery equipment, new climbing ropes, harnesses, accessories and sail boat centre boards. 

We are now focussed on the following objectives -1-To deliver more, young leader training. -2- to improve cross group and resource sharing of equipment and skills. -3- Increase recruitment of young people and the proportion of young people moving on through sections i.e. retention. -4-To encourage more flexible volunteering and increase District support for recruitment in our diverse community. - 5- To increase the number of young people in our decision making. -6- To strengthen support for GSLs.


I believe the District has once again made significant progress during the past year and we appear to be in good shape going forward in the future.