Diary Dates

Census

It has now been confirmed that the District has grown by 78 to 1415. This is fantastic news and a real endorsement of all the good things happening in Scouting throughout the District.   14 out of our 20 Groups showed increases, with 6/12th Mitcham leading the way with 19. Well done to GSL Peter Treagust and his team for their tremendous hard work in a more difficult area of the District.

This result also reflects all the effort put in by Bob and the ADCs - leading a District this size is not an easy task and thanks must go to them for the inspiration and support they offer to the Groups.

For a printable version of the Census figures in PDF format, click here.

District Store

All the commemorative items for sale in the catalogue which came with last month's Scouting magazine can be ordered through the Store and will gain your Group commission at the end of the year.

Currently available at the Store:  survival bags @ £3 each.

Badges

Scouters are reminded that it is not best practice to pay by personal cheque and that Group/Section cheques or cash are preferred.  Alternatively, Groups or Sections can open an account.  This has the advantage that badges can be ordered and sent by post or collected by other Scouters or parents without worrying about payment.  More details from Lesley Bixby.

Websites

The 1st Lower Morden are pleased to announce that their new website is up and running. Their web address is www.1stlowermorden.org.uk 

How about other Groups promoting their websites through Links?

Centenary Camp activities

Peter Hutton is coordinating the activities and emailed a spreadsheet to Leaders regarding the names of participants and friendship groups.  This should be returned to him by the end of March once you know who will be attending.

Monies for the camp are also due at the end of March.

Volunteers to help on the various zones are still needed.  Please contact Peter or the zone coordinators if you can help. Full details are available by clicking The DIstrict Camp button.

County Training for 2007 - Brian Beckley

First Aid Training. Ring Janet Drinkall for information.

To apply :

1. If you are revisiting the Module as 'ongoing learning'. Apply via GSL to Joan Condon.

2. If you already have a 'Training Adviser' please go via that Adviser to the Local Training Manager.

If you have any questions or queries or need application forms please contact either Joan Condon or Brian Beckley, Local Training Manager.

Please note that, as it is a very busy year for Scouting, there are NO modules planned from April to September 2007.

Just a little reminder that the District Activity Day cycle ride, at Morden Hall Park on Sunday 25th March, is only a few weeks away.  Clare and I have met the Park Warden to finalise the details.

Please can Linda have all the replies by the 18th March.

Please be prepared to help on the day by cycling, marshalling the route or perhaps running a game after the bike ride.  Don't forget your Beaver to Adult ratio and a home contact for the day.
Full uniform should be worn.

Reminder:
The next Leaders Meeting has been changed to Wednesday 28th March, so it would be nice to see you, as there will be plenty to talk about.  Tea and coffee will be provided.

Details of the District Adventure Day for Cubs aged 9 ½ and over, at Frylands Wood, have been circulated and numbers should be in to Mia by 23 March

Handball Competition - Sunday 11th February 
We all had a very enjoyable time thanks to the expert organisation of Gary and Donna Baker and all at the 23rd Mitcham, thank you so much.
It so very nearly didn't come together though!  Gary and Donna had their home broken into on the day before and were boarding up the front door at 1am!  So a very big thank you to them (and Duncan).

The 23rd brought a garage tent (as those attending previously know that, apart from the competing teams, the rest of us are outside) and it did rain.  Not to dampen the spirits we had hot drinks, bacon sandwiches and hot dogs so those not attending missed a really good 4hrs!

The competition was exciting and because there were only 6 teams, at Les's suggestion we ran a league, so they all played each other, with the top 4 teams in the semis and the 3rd place play off running at the same time as the final.  As there was no hanging around at all for any of the teams and with the refreshments on site, I was informed that there was no unruliness and no one nipping off down to the shops as had previously occurred!

Thanks also go to the referees: - Roy from the 6/12th, Les from the 8th Morden and back from retirement Andy Edmonds.  Thanks also go to Dave Suckling for holding up the display board for the results and announcing the matches.

It was good to see Joe after being with his Contingent.

Results
In 6th place were the 6/12th B team and in 5th place were the 6/12th A. 
In the 3rd place play off the 8th Morden team lost 1 - 4 to the 11th Mitcham. 
The final was won by the 23rd Mitcham 5 - 1 to a composite team of the 13th Wimbledon and 23rd Mitcham.
To see the full results click here.

I had to present a Trophy that was nearly as big as me and so heavy I had to use 2 hands; luckily the Scout on the receiving end was twice as big as me!

Contrary to an email I received suggesting that I should respond negatively to the low turn out, I am not going to berate the Troops who did not attend.
I have actually stated at a District Troop Leaders meeting in response to the question of low turn out to district events that I do not expect every Troop to turn out to every event as there is a very full calendar of County and Group events and, this year in particular, National events.  As long as the Scouts and their Leaders want these events in the calendar and someone is prepared to help me run them and the Scouts who do attend have a good time, these events will continue to be put on. 
We have a large number of Troops in the District and events would be difficult to run if everyone turned up every time.  We are lucky to have a nucleus of Troops who do attend and we all have fun.  All those who come have a thoroughly good time (I have yet to see a long face from a Scout or a Leader) and those who didn't attend in my opinion missed out.

I enjoyed spectating some of the matches and being a linesman for the final.  Thanks also go to family and Group members present to shout their teams on and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable time!

5-a-side football Competition
5 - a - side football will take place on the 25th March in Norbury, 10am to 2pm details to follow soon.

In common with most of the other sections, the Scout Network has grown in numbers again this year, albeit fairly modestly. A breakdown of the data is available on request.

Network activities in the centenary year are now in full swing. After a most successful volleyball competition in January several members attended a very enjoyable 'reception' - and a good opportunity for some brown-nosing - at the GLA 'gerkin'. Coming down to earth Network Support Team members took part in this year's Southern 50 Challenge across the Chilterns, finishing a credible 8th in a time of 21 hours 54 minutes. But for the torrential rain, wet conditions under foot caused by melting snow, and a lack of match fitness, the result would have been even better !

At the end of February Saturn Network organised (for the whole of GLSW as their contribution to the centenary) a climbing event at High Sports near Redhill, the objective being for everyone to climb 100 metres on the indoor climbing wall.

In March, Network members will either be competing in or staffing Operation Red Flare, which this year takes place in the Tunbridge Wells area. It is primarily an Explorer event, and to date entries have been received from four of the five Districts in GLSW.

On April 14 the Network is joining forces with Explorers and Ranger Guides to host a Barn Dance. This takes place in South Croydon, and tickets are now available price £7.50 (£6 for under 14's), which includes dancing to the Bonabrill Band and a buffet supper. There are discounts for parties of four or more - details from the undersigned.

The weekend of May 12/13 sees us return to Brownsea Island for an Investiture ceremony. We shall be camping on BP's site next to the south shore, and enjoying a range of activities in and around Poole Harbour. The cost is £30 plus a share of petrol. Last date for bookings is March 10.

Finally, the Network now has a group contract with Cotswold Camping which gives a 15% discount on all products, from rucksacks to sleeping bags, stoves to tents. Ask me for the contract number !

We have had a quiet month but a busier time is coming up.  Our first, most important event will be our AGM on Sunday, 18th March, at the Morden Hall Parrk DHQ 7.30 for 8.00 p.m. We hope to see all members there. This is your Fellowship and the Committee welcomes your support and ideas. If you are unable to attend please let Betty Cronk know.

Reminders:
Sunday, 22nd April - St George's Day - help will be needed.  Please contact David Gould if you can help.
Wednesday, 25th April - Beetle Drive and Fish 'n Chip Supper - details to follow.

WANTED has anyone a Tilley Lamp they no longer require?  If so please contact Jill Hill. Her contact details are available from Linda.