Links - Wimbledon & Wandle District Newsletter - December 2005 / January 2006

GSLs should already have a letter regarding census this year from our District Secretary John Young. Can I remind you that all young people between the ages of 14-18 working in your Group, who are not already in an Explorer Unit, must not be put on Group census figures? They must be notified to District, who will ensure their membership subscription is paid. This particularly refers to young people who are fulfilling the role of "Young Leader". I am very anxious to ensure that this year no one falls through the net, not only for the numbers but, more importantly, that they are covered by Insurance and I can fulfill my responsibility to ensure that every Young Leader has completed Module 1 of their training, which covers child protection issues.

The names of these young people should be notified to John Young, Neil McLauchlan or Dick Hooper. This should be done as soon as possible and prior to the formal census return to allow the District time to complete their administration.

The forms will be distributed to GSLs as soon as they are available from Headquarters and should be returned to John Young, hopefully before Christmas.

Membership fees are £24 per person shown on the census. This includes the discount for early payment. Please send your cheque with your census form. If you require an invoice, contact John and he will arrange for one to be sent to you.

The District is registered under the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 : Section 5; London Borough of Merton Registration No 355.
This means that any Group who wishes to hold a lottery may do so, provided they ensure that the District name is included on the tickets or other paperwork concerning the event. For example it could say:

A return must be made to the District within three months of the lottery being held - contact Eric Hayward for details.

Apologies for the late cancellation of the gala, this was due to problems with the pool and building at Morden. The Boiler had failed leaving the building with no heating and the pool temperature was below normal. In the circumstances it was felt that holding the gala in these conditions would not be acceptable.

Please note that this has now been re-arranged for 11th February, ages will count as of that day. We are assured that the works required to the baths will commence in the first week of December and that they will be completed by the above date. Revised rules will be issued and could you please confirm your intention to participate by Friday February 3rd to me by either phone, e-mail or letter.

I would be grateful if all the adults who had volunteered to help would confirm that they are still available and, if anyone who was not free on 19th November but is on 11th February would like to help, I am sure we can find you a job!

A new publication will be distributed monthly throughout the Morden area and the producers are happy to include details of Scout events free of charge. If you want to advertise your jumble sale or Group Fair, this could be the place to do it. They will also advertise local businesses at exceptionally good rates. Contact phone number is 020 8540 6951.

Trophies

Thank you to the Groups who have returned trophies for engraving. There are at least five still outstanding. If you have a trophy, please get it to Cliff Condon as soon as possible or deliver it to Morden Hall DHQ on a Thursday evening when the store is open.

. . . a good home for a fridge freezer and dishwasher. Neither item is new but they are both presentable and in good working order. They would be ideal for active service in Scout HQs or training centres. Contact Paul Atkins for details on 07730 908725.

The District Store will close after business on Thursday 8th December for the Christmas Holidays and Stocktaking and will reopen on 12th January 2006.

Cliff Condon reports that he has a Victa mower and Still Strimmer. They don't work but apparently are repairable, it is just not commercially viable to pay for their repairs. If you have a use for them and you, or a member of your Group, can fix them, please contact Cliff.

The 1st Lower Morden and the 19th Wimbledon Groups went tree planting in Morden Park at the site of the New Trafalgar Wood to celebrate the 200 Years of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Scout Shops have a large variety of new items available. Have a look on the website at clothing, woggles and gifts - everything from teddy bears to engraved Edinburgh crystal glasses - plus a large selection of centenary items. All these items can be ordered through the District Store as well as on line.

When we start rehearsing the show we always promise the cast, especially the young ones, that we would give them the best week of their lives...and this year we certainly didn't disappoint!

We put on a varied and fast paced show...and did it VERY professionally. We made them laugh and we made them cry. Our Wartime Memories item really did bring a tear to the eyes of those who remembered World War II and the cast AND the audience shed tears when we played tribute to Adam Smith (a Sutton Explorer Scout who was also a cast member) who passed away during the Summer after contracting meningitis.

The cast also pulled out all the stops on Saturday evening after the theatre received a bomb scare call. We had to evacuate and the cast and crew were magnificent during the evacuation. The saying is the show must go on and boy did it! Saturday night was something special...something I have never experienced before!

It was great to see so many of you supporting us but we can always do with more! It's a great event to watch and even better if you are a cast member!

Please do what you can to help us...it's an event like no other in the County and something that Groups & Districts can't provide. It gives a chance for the young and older people to do something completely different, where they can grow in confidence, where they can make lifelong friends and mix with others from the County and guiding movement and to also have the time of their life - who are we to deny them that?!

If you want to know more I am more than happy to come down to your sectional meetings and talk about the show. More details can also be found on the County Website www.glswscouts.org.uk/gangshow .

The 1st Morden had their boat trailer stolen whilst a party of Scouts was out on the Thames a few weeks ago. It was hitched to a vehicle that was parked briefly alongside the river while the Scout Leader took some photos of the Scouts coming through a lock. Thank you to Erica Bishop who was able to help them recover the boat to their HQ.
If anyone hears of a trailer suitable for a 4m boat, please let the 1st know as they are now looking to buy a good second hand one.

Cubs - Michèle McNamara (ADC Cubs)

Leaders Meal - This will take place on 6th January at Park Place, Mitcham (near the Canons Sports centre), the cost is £15 per head and if you would like to attend please call Brian Beckley and let him know as soon as possible.

Badge Day (Communicator) - this has been arranged for 22nd January 2006 at Bow Lane. If you intend to bring your pack or would like to man a base, please let me know as soon as possible. There will be 2 sessions 9.30 - 12.30 and 13.30 - 16.30 so we need to know how many cubs are expected at each session. Please let us know numbers by the next CSL meeting.

CSL Meeting - Next meeting is 11th January at Morden Hall Park HQ, ideas needed at that meeting for the proposed 2006 County Beaver & Cub fun day at Walton Firs on 2nd July 2006 and for the 2007 District Camp.

Finally on behalf of the District Cub Scout Leaders, and myself may I take this opportunity of wishing you all a very Happy Christmas.

Scouts - Liz Laverick (ADC Scouts)

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy Edmonds for everything he has done while supporting Paul Atkins as District Scout Leader and especially for organising the recent Scout Incident Hike single handed.

The Incident Hike although extremely wet was a great success with 10 teams taking part. The full results can be found on the website however in 3rd place was the 22nd Wimbledon, 2nd place was the 14th Wimbledon and in first place was the 8th Morden A. The results were collated after the event due to spoilt score sheets so I presented the trophy to the winners at the District Quiz Night. I hope to present the 2nd and 3rd place certificates at Troop meetings.

The District Quiz Night has always been very popular so it was disappointing to have only 6 teams taking part! Those Scouts who attended had a great time thanks to the efforts of the 5th Morden for the venue, Paul Atkins as Quiz Master, Andy Edmonds and Dave Hodges for totalling the scores and all the Troop Leaders that brought their own and other Groups' Scouts. Full details can be found on the website but the winners were a combined team of the 5th Morden and 13th Wimbledon.

We had 3 teams competing in the County Orienteering Competition on Sunday 27th November, results yet to be announced.

Unfortunately I am unable to attend the Scouters' meeting scheduled for the 9th January. I will be in contact to reschedule.

A forum agreed to proceed with the usual District Activities for 2006 dates of which are yet to be confirmed.

The next Scouters event is our Christmas Meal on the 20th December (see Andy Edmonds) I look forward to raising a glass or two with you all.

Explorers - Neil M^cLauchlan (DESC)

We are planning a District provision for the Award hikes. These are open to all Explorer Scouts and Young Leader Explorer Scouts (Network members are also welcome). By approaching these as a District we can combine the transport etc. and make best use of time etc. The dates are as below. Will all Explorer Scouts inform their ESL if they are attending and will any Young Leader Explorer Scouts contact me, please.

Network - Chris Dean (CSNC)

The most recent Queen's Scout and Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award Expedition assessment, held in the Peak District during October half-term, was a great success despite atrocious weather on two of the four days. The next venture will take place in South Wales from April 8-14, and anyone interested should contact me as soon as possible, preferably by completing the online booking form www.glswscouts.org.uk/network.

The County had four representatives in the Queen's Scout Guard of Honour at The Cenotaph, Whitehall, on Remembrance Sunday, namely Emma Wilson and Mark Wilding from The Romans (aka Croydon SNet) and Ed Hackett and Duncan Walker from The Saxons (Royal Kingston SNet). The County Scout Network flag was paraded at Teddington this year. Hannah Watts, our new CSNL responsible for State Duties, is to be congratulated for ensuring GLSW was so well represented.

The Mystery Investiture (November 19) went ahead although we had to change plans due to security issues at RMA Sandhurst. Accordingly, the group met at Waterloo station mid-morning, then walked the short distance to the Imperial War Museum before heading by tube and train to Chingford thence on foot to Gilwell Park. Having pitched tents we made an informal tour of the site and new members were invested under the Gilwell Oak in temperatures of -6 degrees celsius ! A meal at Gennaros pizza restaurant was followed by two hours propping up the bar in the White House. The party left early on Sunday morning so that the undersigned could attend the County All Sections Day at Bow Lane.

The most recent Scout Network Committee meeting was held at the 3rd Hampton Hill HQ; and a new Committee elected, namely Ed Wilson (chairman), Sean Weston (vice-chair), Martin Hossell (secretary), and Robert Hiscocks (treasurer). We are looking to strengthen the committee by co-opting new members, so if you wish to volunteer or know of someone else who would please let me know. It has been decided that all future Committee meetings will be held at Bow Lane, Morden.

Fifteen Queen's Scouts have been invited to receive their badges and/or certificates at the County Presentation on Friday December 9 at Carshalton House Water Tower, Carshalton. Kate Hoey MP will be our special guest on this prestigious occasion.

Finally, County Scout Network membership registration and renewal forms will be hitting the mat during December. Please complete and return them as soon as possible. The subscription for 2006 is £25, and this must be paid by 31 January at the latest.

Fellowship - Linda Vaudrey

Wednesday 2nd November - another very successful Beetle Drive/Fish supper. Thanks to Jean Gould for organising and Jean & Rob for refreshments.

Sunday, 20th November - a small number spent an enjoyable evening Ten Pin Bowling - don't forget our next visit to David Lloyd Centre will be on Sunday 5th February.

Carol Concert at Christ Church Hall, Colliers Wood on Saturday 10th December. Help is needed urgently, from 7.00 p.m. onwards, for the evening performance. Please contact Brian Whalebone on 8330 2088 as soon as possible if you can help.

Saturday, 21st January 2006 - New Year Meal. This time we hope to go to the Topo Gigio Restaurant, Kingston Road, Ewell. Names, together with a £10 deposit to David Gould by Friday, 9th December at the latest.

Best wishes to all Fellowship members and their families for a very Happy Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year.