Diary Dates

Congratulations . . .

to the following, who will be receiving their awards at the District AGM.

 

Silver Wolf for Services of an Exceptional nature for more than 40 years

 

Silver Acorn for Especially Distinguished Services

 

Bar to the Medal of Merit for Further Outstanding Service

 

Medal of Merit for Outstanding Services

 

Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Services

District Commissioner

I was delighted to see so many at St George's Day Parade and Service. There was a significant increase on the 350 who attended last year and we estimate that it was around 650. We had guessed there would be about 500, which proved to be a bit light. My apologies for the tight squeeze, most people got in one way or the other. A lot less chairs in the hall would make all the difference. I was equally pleased with the approach to the problem from all the Leaders, everyone just got on and did their best to sort out the situation with a positive attitude, My thanks to everyone and especially the readers, band, organist Harry, Joan Burgess and many others who contributed either in the preparation or on the day, it was a real team effort.

Please make note of the AGM date Wednesday 11th May 19.45 for 20.00 at Kenneth Black DHQ.

Finally, may I add my personal congratulations to all the award recipients.

Bob Prescott

County Strategy

The final version of the County Strategy "Thinking Differently about GLSW" has been circulated to all GSLs/Acting GSLs.  Its contents will be discussed at future GSLs' meeting and the DC is planning to set up a working party to look into the implications for Wimbledon and Wandle.

Beavers - Andy Elgar

What a wonderful turnout from everyone for the District St George's Day Parade/Service.   The weather was good, and we even had plenty of sunshine!  It was great to have nearly all our colonies represented and to see so many of you there.

Frylands Woods' Fun Day on Sunday 12th June has been booked for the Beaver Scout Section, entrance fee is £5 per head, not including your transportation costs.  If your Colony is interested in attending please let me know.

The next District Beaver Leaders meeting will be held at DHQ Morden on 18th May starting 8pm.  If you or a representative are unable to attend please send your colony report to either Linda Vaudrey or myself.

Cubs - Michele MacNamara

Just a reminder to get your nights away notifications to the DC in good time for any camps/pack holidays you are planning in the near future.

Giant Sleepover - Are any packs taking part in this activity on June 18th?  If you haven't received details, you can register your pack either online at  www.giantsleepover.com or call 0870 240 1640. Cost is £10 and each registered Pack will receive a free treasure chest and a goody bag for each Cub taking part. The organisers are hoping to attract 100,000 young people and break the Guinness world record which was established at the 1st Giant Sleepover, last June.

Scouts - Paul Atkins

Details of the Patrol Camping Weekend on 11th & 12th June were distributed a few weeks ago and Troops are reminded that entries and payment should be with me by Saturday 28th May. Bears Wood has been booked on the assumption that the numbers camping will be at least the same as last year. Please contact me if you or your Scouts have any questions. The event is all about encouraging improvement in camping skills rather than competition between teams so all entries are welcome regardless of experience. Help will be provided for the younger Patrols needing some support.

Andy and myself have reviewed the old Wimbledon Troop Trophy rules as discussed at the last Scouters' meeting and feel that it needs some updating to reflect the nature of Scouting today with the balanced programme emphasising participation, contribution and effort as well as the winning of competitions. We will circulate a draft of the proposed scheme for comments as soon as it is finalised.

I am pleased that 15 of our Troops now either have a Nights Away Permit within the Scout Section or have somebody who has been assessed for one. If your Troop doesn't yet have a Permit Holder and you haven't made other arrangements to cover your activities please contact me.

Explorers - Neil McLaughlin

The fundraising activities have continued. The Wimbledon Unit held a Prohibition Ball including songs and dancing and dinner for all. Cabaret included Explorers 20's Jazz band, singers and dancers and the event raised over £2,000 towards Nepal 2006. The Merton Park Unit with many Networkers held a Blues Brothers Night. As with the Prohibition Ball, all the music, dancing etc. was organised and performed by the members.

Other activities have included a sports evening at Wimbledon College Gym and 'Best night out in London for £12.00' by the Wimbledon Unit. The Raynes Park Unit have put up tents for the 19th Wimbledon Group Camp and the Iceni Unit have been ice skating and golf driving.

The Mitcham Unit had 7 members who were presented with their Chief Scouts Platinum/DoE Bronze by the DC on 22nd April.

'Prayers at Windsor for Abigail'.

Prayers were said for Abigail Witchalls, (Hollins) in Saint George's Chapel, during the Queen's Scout ceremony at Windsor.
Abigail, who attended the ceremony in 1997 as a Queen's Scout with the Wimbledon Explorer (Venture) Unit, is recovering from a terrible knife assault while she was out walking with her young son. Scouts around the country are asked to pray for Abigail and her family.

Network - Chris Dean

The Queen's Scout and Duke of Edinburgh's Award hikes in the Yorkshire Dales immediately after Easter were completed successfully. We were blessed with excellent walking weather, and the sun really came out as one team climbed over Ingleborough on their final day. We are already building up a 'clientele' for our next 'open week' in the Lake District from 22-28 August. Details of this can be found on the County website.

Once back from Yorkshire we had a busy week leading up to the GLSW Scout Network Conference at the Wilberforce Scout Centre on April 9. This was not well attended alas, possibly due to the location, and next year we will ensure it is 'accessible' from all points of the County. However, the discussions were constructive with plenty of new ideas for making Network even more exciting and relevant.

Network members attended the various District St George's Day Parades this year, and several were at Windsor for the Queen's Scout Parade. I joined Royal Kingston Network (a.k.a The Saxons) and we marched to church and back, flags flying and led by the three District bands - most impressive.

There is a very active Network programme running right through the summer period - the dates are listed in the diary. On Saturday 21 May we are rhododendron 'bashing' at the Pinewood Training Centre in Croydon, a great antidote to exam and work pressures ! Then on Friday 10 June there is the Network Barn Dance, for which tickets are available from Chris Dean, price £6 or 4 for £20. All are welcome.

The Network has been asked to steward a Royal Garden party on 14 July at Buckingham Palace. 23 people, all of whom must be over 18, are required. During August there is a caving trip to South Wales, and some sailing at Whitstable, so plenty of opportunity to learn or improve these skills.

In the autumn we are planning another 'Mystery Investiture', almost certainly it will be the best to-date !  If you require a GLSW Network scarf please ask your Local Co-ordinators, Chris Griffin or Stephen Grogan.

Fellowship - Linda Vaudrey

Recent Events:
Wednesday, 20th April - Thank you to Jean and David for organising the Beetle Drive and Fish & Chip supper.  It was a most enjoyable evening.

Thank you also to the stalwart members who turned out for St George's Day.

Forthcoming Events:
Please note our evening ramble for 13th May has been changed to a walk on Sunday, 15th May.  We are hoping to start at Hampton Court and walk along the towpath to Kingston.  Details for the day have yet to be finalised but, if you are interested in going, please let Rob Brumwell know as soon as possible.

If anyone is interested in playing Bowls, probably on a Friday evening, during the summer period, could you please give Stan Nelson a ring.  No previous experience of playing bowls is necessary.

Saturday, 11th June, 7.30 p.m. - Summer Meal at the 4 Horseshoes, Chobham.  Numbers are limited so please let Linda know if you will be going ASAP.

Change of date:  BBQ will now be held on Saturday, 23rd July to avoid a clash with Sports Day.

Sports and Swimming Gala

The following dates for our District sporting events have been booked:

    Sports at Sutton Arena
    Field events - Friday 8th July from 6pm - 9pm
    Track events - Saturday 16th July 1pm - 5pm

    Swimming Gala - 8th October

District Store
NEW :  For each Section

The Little Book Of Badge Requirements  -  Pocket  size. These books cover all the Challenge and Activity Badges. Cost £1.

First Aid

Frylands Wood are running a series of first response training courses.  Cost is £30 a head and the course runs from 9.30am to 4.30pm.  Forthcoming dates are 5th June, 3rd July, 4th September, 2nd October, 6th  November and 4th December.  Ring 020 8657 1154 to book.

You are invited to the

Wimbledon and Wandle District Scout Council

Annual General Meeting

 
to be held on

Wednesday 11th May 2005

In the Kenneth Black Memorial Hall,

Worple Road,

Wimbledon.

7.45 for 8.00pm start

Uniform to be worn if appropriate

We hope that you can join us for this very important occasion.

The difference between a dream and a goal is a plan.