I write this months article feeling a bit sorry for myself. Having picked up a chest infection, I was forced to miss the County’s Southern 50 Challenge in this, it’s 30th anniversary year. A day out that I really look forward to as I visit the Checkpoint teams and blag a cup of tea (or something). Anyway, I am sure you will read more about this; so all that remains is for me to congratulate and thank the huge team of people that dedicate so much time and effort to make this a wonderfully successful event. Here’s hoping it continues for another 30 years at least.
During the weekend of the 31st Jan/1st Feb 2009, the County held its first Trustee Insurance combining the County Team and District Commissioners. This enabled us to look closely at what has been achieved over recent years and what more can be achieved in years to come. It proved that the County Development Strategy is working and that with a few tweaks here and there, we are well on our way to achieving what we set out to do back in 2007.
We will be watching the census figures to ensure that we continue to monitor development with Co-educational (girls), minor ethnic communities and tackling waiting lists, which still exist in this County.
I also had to miss the Region GSL’s Conference, which was attended by only 11% of our GSL’s, but I am pleased to say that all of the DC’s will be attending the Region Forum at the end of March. I mention these things so that you can see the support structure behind you is working overtime to ensure that we continue to deliver Scouting to the highest quality possible.
During January, another search was made within Southgate District to find a new DC. So far, we have had no response. Therefore, I now open this search wider and would like to hear from anyone that thinks they might like to take on a new challenge in Scouting. Please contact me and I can explain the role in more detail and the support mechanism that is in place for a new DC. cc@gln-scouts.org.uk
Barry Manley – County Commissioner