Diary Dates

The Lantern Arts Centre presents Christmas Chaos, a show for all the family but specially aimed at children of Beaver/Cub age.  The show will take place on Saturday 17th December in the Lantern  Centre, Tolverne Road, Raynes Park and costs £5 for adults and £3 for children.  Ring the box office on 020 8944 5794 to book your seats.

The new programme and award scheme
It is now a few years since the PRI changes were made. Most sections have incorporated the new programme very well. However I am not so sure about the award scheme that is inexplicably linked with the programme.

Perhaps we need a timely reminder that the award scheme is based wholly on participation in activities, which visit all the programme zones. Of course, some of the participation is challenging and so it should be. The Chief Scouts award is not, however, a judgement by Leaders that someone is good enough. The new scheme is inclusive of all abilities and disabilities; therefore if a full programme covering all zones is provided those young people that attend regularly will ALL achieve the various Chief Scouts awards.

What is important is that, as Leaders, we provide an exciting and challenging programme which young people will learn, develop and enjoy and, just as important, achieve.

Some Leaders have taken longer than others to adapt to the new scheme and now is a reminder that we must embrace the whole of the new scheme for the benefit of the young people.

I want to hear that all our young people are achieving the Chief Scouts awards in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network and, when they do, let us celebrate the fact.

County Training for 2005 to 2007

2005

5th  November  Module 26 - Supporting Adults, Module 24 - Managing Adults
6th  November  Module 24 - Managing Adults, Module 26 - Supporting Adults
10th November  Child Protection Workshop. 7.45 for 8pm.
19th  November  Module 22 - Section Support, Module 23 - Safety for Managers
20th  November  Module 23 - Safety for Managers, Module 22 - Section Support
26th  November Module 20 - Administration, Module 21 - Growing the Movement
27th  November  Module 21 - Growing the Movement, Module 20 - Administration
4th  December   Module 25 - Assessing Learning  (All day.)

2006

15th  January Training Advisers Workshop.
29th January  Module 5 - Fundamental values of Scouting, Module 6 Changes in Scouting, Module 11 Administration
5th  February  Module 14 - Young People Today, Module 15 - Challenging Behaviour
12th  March  Module 8 - Skills of Leadership, Module 9 - Working with Adults, Module 13 - Growing the Movement
5th/6th/7th May  Module 16 - Nights Away Camping at Bears Wood campsite. (Residential.)
21st  May  Module 7 - Valuing Diversity, Module 17 - Activities Outdoors
11th June  Module 12 - Providing a Balanced Programme, Module 18 - Practical Skills
2nd July  Module 19 - International, Module 15 - Challenging Behaviour
24th September  Module 11 - Administration, Module 5 Fundamental Values of Scouting, Module 6 - Changes in Scouting
15th  October  Module 15 - Challenging Behaviour, Module 14 - Young People Today
26th November  Module 13 - Growing the Movement, Module 8 - Skills of Leadership, Module 9 - Working with Adults
10th December  Module 7 - Valuing Diversity, Module 17 - Activities Outdoors

2007
21st January  Module 12 - Providing a Balanced Programme, Module 18 - Practical Skills

All at Bow Lane Scout Centre, Bow Lane, Morden.  First Module on date is am. Last Module on date pm.
Please check middle modules with your Local Training Manager.

Thank you to everyone for making me so welcome in my new role.  It's good to be back in Scouting after my year's sabbatical!

I am slowly making my way around the District interviewing potential new leaders and supporting brand new leaders.

I shall be at the Incident Hike, the Swimming Gala and the Christmas meal and hope to be at the Quiz (I may have to work that evening) so look forward to meeting all of you in due course.

The County Explorer Scout Night Hike was held on Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th October. We had 11 teams from our District at the event. Many congratulations to all who entered and all who completed the various length routes. Raynes Park ESU won the Silver route and retained their possession of the winning ice axe for another year.

We are helping man a base on the Scout Incident hike this coming Sunday 6th November. Full details to leaders early this week.

I have Jamboree forms for applications for any interested parties. These will be emailed directly to ESLs.

Another reminder that we have a Leaders meeting on Monday 14th November, 78.00pm back room at Kenneth Black Hall.

Several Scout Network members helped with various tasks at the County Explorer Night Hike on October 15, and will be turning out again on December 3 for NITEX. In November, four members will be on duty at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, while the following week we hold our Mystery Investiture.On December 9 we have organised a special badge presentation ceremony for those who have recently achieved their Queen's Scout Award. All those concerned have been notified, and further information will be published on the County website. Just before Christmas we will be at the Wimbledon Theatre for the annual pantomime followed by a bite to eat. All Network members are welcome - please contact your Local SNet Co-ordinators, Chris Griffin, Steve Grogan, or Chris Vickers for details.

The New Year gets under way with staffing at the Gilwell Winter Camp on January 6-8, then our own Winter Meet a week later. The annual hill walking trip to North Wales is February 16-19.  Operation Red Flare is on March 4, and Networks are invited either to compete or judge.

Arrangements for the Explorer Belt Expedition to Lithuania next Summer are now well advanced, and following the last roadshow event at Bow Lane on October 31 we expect considerable interest from throughout GLSW.

Finally, all Network members will shortly receive the annual membership registration form, which should be completed as soon as possible and returned with the 2006 subscription to Andrew Florence, our County Administrator. Everyone's co-operation will be much appreciated.

Recent Events
Sunday 9th October - a very enjoyable day walking around the Ham and Richmond area.  Again the weather was wonderful - we even managed to have our Sunday lunch and afternoon tea outside it was so warm.  Many thanks to Rob and Jean Brumwell for organising.

Thank you to the members who helped out at the Beaver Activity Day recently. A number of Fellowship members also supported the recent 1st Lower Morden Quiz Night.

Forthcoming Events

Sunday 20th November - Ten Pin Bowling at the David Lloyd Centre.  Please contact David Gould for details.

The Xmas Party will be at the Wandle DHQ on Saturday 3rd December.  Members will be contacted when further details are known.

We are pleased to hear that Stan Nelson is progressing well after his operation.  Our continued best wishes also go to Bill Walden, June Waro and Florrie and Harry Smith.

District Store

A big thank you to Bernie Pike for sorting out the commission due to the Groups that had used the Store last year.  If you encourage your members to buy their uniforms from us, your Group will benefit from a share in the profits.