News Archive ...

From the Marketing and Communications Team at Gilwell Park ...

Trooping the Colour - London 2006

Members of The Scout Association have been given the opportunity to attend the two ‘Trooping the Colour’ parades - the Colonel’s Review on Saturday 10th June 2006 and the Queen’s Birthday Parade on Saturday 17th June 2006.

Please note that the Queen will be attending the Birthday Parade on 17th June but not the Colonel’s Review on 10th June.

As there is a limit of 250 tickets for each day, Groups will be limited to bookings of a maximum of 30.

Tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

If you would like to attend, please EMAIL the following information to info.centre@scout.org.uk putting ‘Trooping the Colour’ in the subject box:
1. Contact name (this person will need to attend the event and also bring some ID, preferably with a photo)
2. Postal address
3. Group name
4. Email address
5. Mobile phone number (important for use on the day)
6. Number of tickets required (max of 30)
7. Preferred date of attendance

Due to the large number of young people who will be attending, Groups should aim to arrive at the Duke of York Steps just off of the Mall between 8.30am and 9.00am, ready to be accompanied to the youth enclosure. The Parade should start around 10.00am and finish around 1.00pm.

Joining instructions will be sent to the main contact prior to the event.

If your application for tickets is succesful please advise Philip Bird so that we can try to generate a news story.

Announcement from April/May Scouting Magazine...

At last The Scout Association is pleased to announce the first accessory for the Membership Services System - the ultimate logging device for the 21st Century Scout Group.  The Information Centre will be selling a hand-held laser barcode scanner (Cat No: F001) that will enable Section Leaders to keep track of those who attend scout meetings.  The data can automatically be entered into the Scout Group database.  It is expected that there may be a little resistance, but due to sponsorship, the barcodes can be applied to Members at no cost.  A pre-launch photo of the prototype scanner is shown below:

Malvern Challenge - 30th June to 2nd July
Sun Run - 7th to 9th July

The Sailing Section will shortly commence another season of introducing Scouts and Cubs to sailing in the Harbour in Bristol.    The Tuesday and Thursday Taster sessions remain extremely popular, and to help us cope with the demand, we would like to encourage new members to join our very friendly team of instructors.

For those who are interested in seeing what is involved, the Section will be having a Refresher/Familarisation Day for Instructors and Helpers on Saturday, 8th April at Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Basin end of the Harbour.

If you have had previous sailing experience in the past and think you might be interested in coming to help the team on even an occasional basis, please come and meet us.  Refresher courses can be arranged as appropriate. 

If DIY rather than sailing is more your forte, then we should be even more delighted to see you as we are desperate for someone to oversee the maintenance/repairs of our dinghies.  (The team can help but need supervision!) 

Preferred time on 8th April:  between 12 noon and 3.00 pm or please contact Sheelagh.Duncan@avonscouts.org.uk

Looking for opportunities to take part in international Scouting?

The Rickard Shield event was held last weekend.  Despite the snow, the event went well.  The winners were 2°29west ESU, with Downend ESU taking second place.

Full results now available at www.avonscouts.org.uk/rickardshield   You can read about the event on www.scouts.org.uk or read the News Release

Today is the last day to vote ...

Over five million hours of compulsory unpaid work is carried out across England and Wales by offenders as part of their Community Order every year.  Part of this work is done at Woodhouse Park.

There is currently a project asking members of the public to vote for which project in the Avon and Somerset Probation Service area that they would lile to see work done on.  One of the five local projects is Woodhouse Park.

The county, therefore, would like to encourage you to vote for Woodhouse Park.  You can vote by calling 0845 363 1026 or vote online

Information on the project is available on the Home Office website 

www.avonscouts.org.uk/vote

Want to "Play Your Part"? Got a good idea to detect or prevent crime in your area?

Nearly £500,000 raised so far nationally by using The Scout Association Credit Card.

The Viewing Day for young people wishing to be in the Avon Unit(s) for the World Jamboree is being held on 1st April, and is therefore fast approaching.

It is important that those wishing to take part contact Graham Brant, ACC(International) as soon as possible if they haven't already done so - graham.brant@avonscouts.org.uk

A new FactSheet has been published providing details of how adults can be involved with the World Jamboree.  The FactSheet includes details of the payment schedule for International Service Team (IST) rates.  DOWNLOAD (.pdf)

The main UK Contingent webpage has also been updated

Funderworld,the UK’s largest mobile theme park, is returning to The Downs in Bristol from Friday 7th April to Monday 17th April.  £1 tickets available for Monday 10th April.

Can you help Bath District with Bath Half Marathon on 18th and 19th March?

Leaders wishing to supervise air rifle shooting are required to hold the National Small bore Rifle Association's Youth Proficiency Scheme Tutors Diploma.  This is the minimum qualification.
There are Diploma Holders in most Scout Districts that are qualified.
Other NSRA qualifications can be arranged. ie: Range conducting Officer,   Air Gun Instructor all of which are NSRA certified courses.
The next Youth Proficiency Diploma course will be held on week end 18th and 19th March.
It is advised that all Leaders of the Youth proficiency keep a brief log book stating where, when and how many scouts instructed and any new qualifications gained along with a photo copy of certificates.  This will help when your Diploma comes around for renewal.
There is a range at Woodhouse Park which can be booked by qualified leaders.
All members of the Association wishing to take part in any shooting activities must obtain written parental consent before undertaking the activity or a series of activities. 
Leaders who hold the YPS please check your dates.
If you have a shooting certificate and have not sent me a copy I can not put you on the County Database, only those persons on the database will be allowed to use the Woodhouse Park Range.

Brian Hunt, County Shooting Advisor
e-mail     brian.hunt@avonscouts.org.uk

Over five million hours of compulsory unpaid work is carried out across England and Wales by offenders as part of their Community Order every year.  Part of this work is done at Woodhouse Park.

There is currently a project asking members of the public to vote for which project in the Avon and Somerset Probation Service area that they would lile to see work done on.  One of the five local projects is Woodhouse Park.

The county, therefore, would like to encourage you to vote for Woodhouse Park.  You can vote by calling 0845 363 1026 or vote online

Information on the project is available on the Home Office website 

Please note that HQ has recently announced a series of changes to POR.  Changes include new adult : young person ratios, including the introduction of ratios for the Scout section.

Tickets still available ...

A night out for all Leaders and adult volunteers.  Saturday 8th April at the Commonwealth and Empire Museum, Temple Meads, Bristol  Plus, the opportunity to support the Thirst for Life project.

The Scout Association has teamed up with Cover Direct so Members and their family and friends can get competitive quotes for a number of personal insurance policies including travel, home, and motor Insurance.

This has the added advantage that a contribution is made to The Scout Association everytime a policy is taken out. You can get a quote by clicking here or calling 0845 345 2580.

The Fundraising department at Gilwell Park will be running a number of road shows around the country throughout this year.  The local roadshow will be taking place on Saturday 8 April at the Corus Hotel, Failand  

During August 2007 the UK will host 40,000 Scouts from 216 countries at the World Scout Jamboree. Before and after the Jamboree visitors will be offered Home Hospitality (HoHo) around the UK. Avon Scouts would like to host 2 units after the Jamboree. Can you offer HoHo to at least 2 young people or 1 leader?

More info on HoHo  http://www.wsj.scouting2007.org/english/hospitality.php

To register your interest contact Alwyn Leverton, Avon Scouts Home Hospitality Coordinator - hoho@avonscouts.org.uk

The countdown to the centenary celebrations has now begun with the selection of the Adults who will lead the County contingent to the centenary World Jamboree in July/August 2007:  Archie Holmes (Bristol South), Sarah Champion (County Scouter), Charlotte Burnett (Bristol South), Dan Masters (Kingswood)   and   Chris Meadows (Cabot), Chris Harris (Cotswold Edge), Matthew Alner (Brunel), Laura Treharne (Bristol South) .

We are now on looking for Young People who will be between 14 and 18 on 27th July 2007 (i.e. born between 28.07.89 and 27.07.93) and who want to be part of this amazing adventure. Details and applications for the County viewing day on Saturday 1st April 2006 at Woodhouse Park are available from Graham Brant via the County office or by email at graham.brant@avonscouts.org.uk

Please ensure that every eligible young person has the opportunity to have a chance of being centenary part of this World event.

Scouts... Taking the lead is a new publication designed to help adult leaders in the Scout section to develop leadership skills with young people.  The publication is based on the success of an earlier publication for Explorer Scout Leaders.

You can download both documents at www.scouts.org.uk/takingthelead

Once again, Avon makes the frontpage of www.scouts.org.uk   This time it is a report from Mercury ESU, and their recent trip to Madrid.

Please note the opening arrangements for County Office and the Warden's Office at Woodhouse Park over the Christmas / New Year period:

• Saturday 24th Dec – Christmas Eve - Closed
• Sunday 25th Dec – Christmas Day - Closed
• Monday 26th Dec –  Boxing Day - Closed
• Tuesday 27th Dec – Bank Holiday - Closed
• Wednesday 28th Dec – Closed
• Thursday 29th Dec – Closed
• Friday 30 Dec – Closed
• Saturday 31st Dec – New Years Eve – Closed
• Sunday 1st Jan – New Years Day – Closed
• Monday 2nd Jan – Bank Holiday - Closed

The Bristol Evening Post has today (8 December) published a story regarding Woodhouse Park.

Groups operating in BANES may be able to apply for grants to assist with Sporting activities

Do you have what it takes to be part of Scouting's Replica Camps Team?

During the World Scout Jamboree next year, on Brownsea Island -  the place where Scouting began - there will be a replica of the first experimental camp. This camp will probably attract a high media presence. Late last year applications were opened for Leaders to apply to be part of the Replica Sub Team. This deadline ends at the end of February and so if you want to be involved in this fantastic opportunity then time is running out. Imagine finding out after the deadline and missing out on this historic opportunity!

The supplements from the February/March edition of Scouting Magazine are now available at: www.scouts.org.uk/magazine/FebMar06/supplements.html

There are a series of special offers at Baden-Powell House Activity Centre between 7th April and 22nd April.  Details at www.scouts.org.uk/noticeboard/270106a.html

The new uniform badge to mark 90 years of Cub Scouting in 2006 is now available.  The badge can be worn on uniform until the end of 2006. A special woggle is also available.

The new uniform badge to mark 20 years of Beaver Scouting in 2006 is now available.  The badge can be worn on uniform until the end of 2006.  A non-uniform badge, and a special woggle is also available.

Please note that the Worlds Faiths Day scheduled for 27th November has been CANCELLED.

24th to 26th February 2006   ALL PLACES TAKEN!

Would you like to broaden your hillwalking skills and gain experience in winter hillwalking? This is a chance to experience the higher mountains in winter and to learn the techniques necessary to safely lead parties in these regions at this time of year. If we have the right weather (hopefully), then basic snow craft skills can be learnt.

ALL PLACES TAKEN!

www.scouts.org.uk/onemovement

Volvo Ocean Race * Roverway 2006 * Big Lottery Fund's Young People's Fund *

Gordano District is once again inviting other Districts to take part in their Annual orienteering Competition.  The event is being held at Ashton Court on Saturday 28th January 2006.  Full details at www.avonscouts.org.uk/gordano/gordano-orienteering.pdf

The Chief Scout has announced the appointment of Peter Nicol as Deputy Chief Scout.

Information on the Beaver Scout "Let's Celebrate" party on 25th March has been added to the page at www.avonscouts.org.uk/beaverchallenge

Don't forget that the closing date for the 'Design Challenge' entries is 17 December.  Full details in the Challenge Pack at www.avonscouts.org.uk/beaverchallenge

There is still the opportunity to volunteer to apply to be part of the Avon Jamboree Unit Leadership Team.  Closing date 12th December. 

Chiltern Challenge is an event which is run for Explorers and Scouts from anywhere across England, and is being run on 25th & 26th February.  It is a two-day event, beginning on the Saturday afternoon, running through to Sunday afternoon, and is being held at Lees Wood Campsite, Chandlers Cross, Herts.

Details at www.chilternchallenge.co.uk

Bristol West, and the remaining groups in Bristol North West, today merged to form Cabot District - www.avonscouts.org.uk/cabot

* Compensation Culture - Thank you  *  Football fever  *  Gimmie5  *  The fun of science  *  Fair and tasty  *  Get your socks on  *  chance of a lifetime  *  Faiths and Beliefs team  *  Flight of the fantastic *

Details of Adult Training Courses available during 2006 is now available on the Adult Training pages at: www.avonscouts.org.uk/adulttraining

Don't forget that the Annual Census was conducted on 31st January.

Section Leaders should have collated membership information at 31st January for the GSL or Group Secretary.

Don't forget that "Young Leaders" need to be included on the District return (along with all the other Explorer Scouts) not the Group return.

GSLs/Group Secretaries will have been issued with a Used ID and Password by the District to enable acess to http://census.sbuk.org.uk

There appears to be a lot of 'dodgy' emails around at the moment.  Many of them pretend to come from a bank and ask you to confirm your security details.  What these are actually trying to do is obtain your security codes for any on-line banking facility you may have.  Presumably they work on the principle that if they send out millions of these dodgy emails, then someone, somewhere will give away their security codes, and therefore give away their money.  Make sure it isn't you!

GSLs, and Acting GSLs, will shortly be receiving details of a series of forthcoming GSL Forums.

The annual night-navigation competition for Explorer Scouts & Senior Section Guides (aged 14-18 yrs.) within Avon will be held over the weekend 11th / 12th  March.  Full details and entry form at www.avonscouts.org.uk/rickardshield

You're invited to Somerset County Jamboree, Friday 26th to Monday 29th May 2006 ...

11th and 12th February, Castle Quarry, Tytherington

There are a series of offers available from The Scout Information Centre for goods costing just £1.  Items costing just £1 include recruitment/promotional posters, a CD-Rom with Word templates for letters etc, and a knotting book.  Details at: http://www.sbuk.org.uk/info.centre/catalog.php?cat=240#SPOST

On behalf of the County Team and the County Executive Committee, I'd like to pass on our sincere best wishes to you and your family for the festive season, and hope you have a peaceful 2006.

Many thanks for your continued commitment and dedication to Scouting, and to the welfare of the young people in our care during 2005.

Neil

* Together for peace - Saudi Arabia 2006 * Vacancy: Field Development Officer *  Crisis Winter Walkabout * Get in the spotlight * New Chaplains and Faith Advisers resource *  Become a part of the Cub Scout Support Team * A cracking resource and competition *  Creative competition  *

Vacancy 2007 Jamboree, Founder's Day 2006, Job Vacancy Nottinghamshire, Sailing Opportunities, Sunrise Milawi 2007, Commonwealth Skillshare 2006, International Links Scheme

Headquarters is planning for the launch of "Programmes On Line" (POL); an on-line programme resource.  They are looking for people to submit programmes ...

www.urbanoutdoors.org.uk provides access to a wealth of programme and fundraising ideas.

Please be aware that there appears to be a lot of virus emails circulating at the moment.  The emails either say that one of your emails has been bounced, or offer you the password you've requested.  In both cases their is a .zip file attached which contains a virus.  You've been warned!  

The North Avon District is now known as Cotswold Edge.

Don't forget that the Annual Census is being conducted on 31st January.

Section Leaders should start collating membership information ready to pass to the GSL or Group Secretary after 31st January.

GSLs/Group Secretaries will be issued with a Used ID and Password by the District to enable acess to http://census.sbuk.org.uk

Peter Shore, of Cabot District, was made a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Scouting in Bristol and services to the Friendship Medical Clinic in Nepal, as part of the New Years Honours List.

* Your opinions sought on Compensation Culture * Explorer Scout Resources * Christmas/New Year Break *

On the 29th October Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson, OBE spent the day at Chew Valley Sailing Club with twenty-three youth sailors from Bristol, Bath and the surrounding area to share some of her vast racing knowledge.

www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey

The opening arrangements for County Office and the Warden's Office at Woodhouse Park over the Christmas / New Year period are now available.