Avon Scouts: In the News . . .


	Bristol Evening Post 20 May 2003 (two-page spread) Scouts find a tonic for the troops' old image The Scout movement is enjoying a revival in Bristol - but a shortage of adult volunteers means 1,000 youngsters have had to go on a waiting list to join. Charlie Morton reports Mention Scouting to most and it conjures images of sing-songs around the camp fire, bob-a-job week and Harold Bishop from Neighbours. Hardly the epitome of cool, one would expect that in an increasingly image-conscious society, the traditional appeal of scouting may have suffered. So it may come as a surprise to learn that the Scouting movement is undergoing something of a revival in Bristol. Year on year, a determined bid to shake off an unfair and dated image has been paying off. In fact so much so that there are now about 1,000 youngsters in and around the city who want to join the movement - but have been told they will have to wait. A shortage of adult volunteers means Avon Scouts simply can not keep up with demand, and they are desperate for new adult leaders - about a further 80 are needed - to come forward and take on new groups. Philip Bird is an assistant county commissioner of Avon Scouts. At 37, he has spent 18 years of his life with the Scouts and remains passionately committed. The problem, he says, is the increasing number of demands on the time of most adults who might be otherwise persuaded to get involved. "Times have changed and many adults are simply too busy. But we're using word-of-mouth to get the message around," he said Despite the problem, the Scout movement has never been bigger, with about 28million members around the world and 10,000 in the Avon area alone. Since its founding in 1907 by Boer War hero Robert Baden-Powell, the Scouts have remained true to its most basic principles. Their famous Be Prepared motto still underlines all that they do. "The Scouts have been forced to move with the times. A lot of what we do now is new, and some things have been dropped. But we have retained all the traditional values on which Scouting was founded," Mr Bird said. So, Scouting isn't entirely what it used to be. The association, with 370,000 youngsters supported by 92,000 adults, now claims to be Britain's largest co-educational volunteer organisation for young people. And its ranks will carry on swelling as the movement continues to reinvent itself. Driving the changes forward is the Scouts chief executive, Derek Twine, who has said he wants to boost numbers in the UK upwards of one million. Change is at the heart of the recruitment drive. The strict dress code has already been relaxed, and Scouts are now far more at ease in sweatshirts and polo shirts. Interestingly, the scarves and woggles have stayed put, on the insistence of the Scouts themselves. Mr Twine said a raft of surveys had been undertaken asking young members what they liked and disliked about the movement. Camping came out top of the list and being bossed around at the bottom. "Young people do not sit around tolerating it when they don't get what they want," Mr Twine said. "They vote with their feet. That is the essence of being a voluntary organisation. There is no obligation on a 12-year old to come to Scouts. They have to want to be there." Changing public perception is crucial if Mr Twine's vision for the Scouts is to be achieved. "It's not a question that people don't know what Scouts do. It's worse than that. It's that they think they know what we do based upon information from over a quarter of a century ago," he said. Keeping Scouting relevant in the modern world is vital if it is to retain its appeal. In that respect it has been successful. Not only are there opportunities to get involved in adventure training, but there are also more opportunities for personal skill development, such as IT training. The revival of the scouting movement is gathering pace in Bristol. At the turn of the year, a team of nearly 40 boys and girls from in and around the city flew to Thailand for the 20th World Scout Jamboree, a gathering of 30,000 Scouts from all over the world. In February, more than 30 teenagers joined the ranks of the Explorer Scouts in a ceremony at the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Last month, Bristol Lord Mayor Bill Martin opened a newly-refurbished Scout hut in St Annes. And, just a few days ago, the Frenchay Beaver Colony was relaunched after it disbanded in June last year. At the helm of the new group is Julie Winchester, who has been a Scout volunteer since her son James joined as a Cub nine years ago. "They wanted someone to supervise camping trips" she said. Julie agreed to help out - and was almost immediately hooked. "I was so impressed by what I saw. There was a real camaraderie amonf them. It was great to see young children bonding like that," she said. According to Julie, the Scout movement has far more to offer than just sing-songs around the campfire. It offers real opportunities for youngsters to get involved in activities which they otherwise would not have the chance to take part in. And being involved fosters greater confidence and social skills in youngsters at a formative stage in their lives. "It is good in every way, from their social and spiritual development to their practical learning of new skills. Being a Scout prepares you for life," she said. The problem, she said, is not recruiting new members - it is retaining them. "Thirteen to 14 year olds have always been a difficult age group because all of a sudden they worry that being a Scout isn't cool. So that is one of the challenges we face - we need to move with the times and make ourselves cool so that people will want to stay," she said. And to prove that Scouting can be a genuinely tough and demanding business, almost 150 youngsters from the Avon area took part in the Ten Tors challenge earlier this month. Described by the event organisers as "two days and nights spent between the anvil of Dartmoor and the hammer of the elements", the Ten Tors is widely regarded as one of the most punishing tests of endurance. But that did not deter the plucky Scouts who speed-marched across the windswept moors, with the elder groups following a 55-mile course. Neil Salter, Avon Scouts' county commissioner, said "The Ten Tors is an event firmly established in the Scouting calendar. They didn't all complete the challenge, but despite the weather are sore feet, they all had a great time and returned safely - and that is what counts." And there is no slowdown in sight for the Avon Scouts, who last weekend took part in a massive five-aside football tournament at their Almondsbury campsite. A total of 90 teams entered, and played more than 300 games were played on seven different pitches. But the big event every Scout is looking forward to is the Avon County Jamboree, due to take place at the campsite in May next year. It will be a celebration of Avon's Scouting past and present, and organisers are hoping to draw around 5,000 Scouts for a weekend of fun and traditional Scouting. Dan Wood, a 22-year-old Queen's Scout, has been a driving force within the Bristol network, having contributed to the association's ten-year strategy and worked on the programme for World Scouting's centenary celebrations in 2007. He has worked hard to ensure a greater degree of youth participation in key decision-making. "Scouting changes lives. It is more relevant now then ever" he said. * For more information about joining Avon Scouts, visit the website at www.avonscouts.org.uk Alternatively, call 01454 613006.

	Bristol Evening Post 5 May 2003 Young Pirates patch things up Woodhouse Park in Almondsbury was awash with more than 200 young pirates over the weekend. Cub Scouts from Bristol took over the park in South Gloucestershire to hold camp over the bank holiday. Camping has been a popular element of the Scouting programme for the last 100 years. This year young Scout members enjoyed a pirate-themed event with activities ranging from abseiling, and crossingf an ravine. As well as having to endure the many different activities the Cub Scout Pirates set an extra special challenge for their local chip shop - dinner! More than 200 portions of cod, sausages and chips were the order of the day. Murray Hemmati, of Fishers Traditional Fish and Chips in Henbury, said: "When we found out how many portions they wanted for dinner, we knew it was going to be an interesting challenge, but we were convinced that we would meet it." Clare Waggett, assistant district commissioner for the Bristol West Cub Scout section, said: "This weekend our Cubs were camping with friends from their own Scout pack as well as making friends with Scouts from other areas. "We decided that a fish supper would be a great addition to the camp - there were so many people attending so we simply had to order that quantity." You can also see this article on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post.

	Bristol Evening Post 28 April 2003 New Activity Centre for Scouts Reopened Bristol Lord Mayor Bill Martin has officially opened a new scouts activity centre in St Anne's. The East Winds centre in St Anne's Terrace, which has cost more than £40,000 to refurbish, can sleep 14 people and has toilet facilities for disabled people as well as a fullyequipped kitchen. Councillor Martin visited the centre on Saturday to perform the opening ceremony. He said: "I was delighted to formally open the new activity centre. I fully respect the great work that the scout movement does, and am sure the activity centre will be a great asset to them." The building is set in quarter of an acre of woodland with a small river nearby, which is ideal for camping and other open air activities. Phillip Bird, a spokesman for Bristol South East Scouts, said: "The centre will enable us to provide an even more varied programme for our members. "A lot of time, effort and money has gone into the development of the site." The centre is also available to be hired out to other groups. For more information log on to www.avonscouts.org.uk/eastwinds or ring the Avon Scouts County Office on 01454 613006. [Enquiries please to 0117 985 8242] You can also see this article (and photo) on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post. Information on East Winds Activity Centre and information and photographs from Opening Ceremony

	Bristol Evening Post 20 February 2003 Teenage Scouts Bridging the Gap More than 30 young people officially became Explorer Scouts in a ceremony at the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The new section of the Scouting movement has been introduced for 14 to 18-year olds and the Bristol West district of the Scout Association already has 70 members. Liz Roberts, the District Explorer Scout Commissioner for Bristol West, said: "The Scout Association conducted a thorough review of Scouting and consulted thousands of members, ex-members and many that have never been involved in Scouting. "As a consequence, a number of changes have been made, including the introduction of the Explorer Scout Section." The new Explorer Scouts come from Shirehampton, Henbury, Westbury-on-Trym and Clifton. They enjoy a wide range of activities including archery, cooking and first aid. As well as doing traditional Scouting activities, the Explorers will soon be working towards Duke of Edinburgh awards. Information on becoming a Scout is available from the Avon Scouts website at www.avonscouts.org.uk, by calling 01454 613 006 or emailing joinus@avonscouts.org.uk You can also see this article (and photo) on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post.

	Bath Chronicle 20 February 2003 Scouts Enjoy Mountaineering Trip A group of 20 Explorer Scouts and their leaders from Bath spent an actionpacked two days in the Black Mountains The group is part of the recently formed Fusion Explorer Scout Unit, a new section of the Scout Association for young people aged 14 to 18. The weekend was the first of the unit's activities planned for the coming year. The aim was sampling the adventure the Black Mountains have to offer. During the weekend, the Scouts spent a day mountaineering. The last activity was a trip to the local pool to wash off some of the grime collected over the weekend. One of the highlights of the weekend was a starlight investiture ceremony where the Explorers and new leaders were invested into the unit. The ceremony took place on the edge of the Llangattock Plateau in the hills above the cottage where the unit was staying. To find out more about what Explorer Scouts have on offer for young people and adults, contact James Fishlock at jamesfusion@esu.org.uk or call 07765 411550. Alternatively visit the unit's website at www.fusion-esu.org.uk You can also see this article on thisisbath.com the on-line version of the Bath Chronicle.

	Bristol Evening Post 29 January 2003 The Appliance of science for Cubs More than 500 Bristol Cub Scouts have earning their Scientist badges in a series of action-packed days held in @Bristol. Up until February 8, the groups of future Einsteins are being thrown into a fun programme of workshops, quizzes, trails and shows. The budding scientists will discover the amazing world of hands-on science in Explore and take part in an investigation trail in Wildwalk. They will also use the state-of-the-art laboratories to discover the science behind magic potions, creepy insects and gooey slime. And they will even be taken on a journey through the solar system during planetarium shows in Explore's Orange Imaginarium. Anna Jolliffe, @Bristol's' education officer, said: "It should be a fantastic series of days. "All the cubs participating will take part in a wide range of fun activities designed to help them earn their Scientist Badge. "These days have been so popular it's been a total sell-out. I'd definitely advise booking early for the September series." You can also see this article (and photo) on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post. Photographs of this event on our website

	Bristol Evening Post 2 January 2003 Scouts win a Thai break A Scouts from Bristol are having the time of their lives at the 20th World Scout Jamboree in Thailand. The group of 38 Scouts and Explorer Scouts from the Avon area, boys and girls aged 14 to 18 who all had to apply and win their places, are in Malaysia [!] enjoying the event. More than 30,000 Scouts from all over the world came together for the 12-day gathering, including 2,061 young people from the UK. The jamboree gives some of the 28 million Scouts worldwide a chance to learn new skills, develop lasting friendships, help the community of the host country, learn about other cultures and have fun. Simon Leverton, from Westbury Park, Bristol, said: "I'm having a great time. I've never met so many Scouts in my life." Amy Burrell, from Weston-super-Mare, said: "The weather is very hot and we're all having a really great time." Louise Bradley, of Lawrence Weston, said: "Yesterday we went off the jamboree site and visited a tiger zoo. It was really interesting learning all about the tigers." Mark Wiltshire from Wick, South Gloucestershire, said: "We visited a safari park. The best bit was the big cat enclosure with all sorts of tigers." Philip Bird, an assistant county commissioner for Avon Scouts who is at the jamboree, said: "Scouting is a great thing for young people to enjoy, and the World Jamboree will surely be remembered for the rest of their lives." The 20th World Scout Jamboree is being held at Sattahip, Thailand, a naval base 180 kilometres from Bangkok. The closing ceremony will take place on Tuesday. After the jamboree, Scouts from the UK will spend time in Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea and Taiwan. The youngsters from Avon will visit Japan and stay with local families. But Scouts bound for the Philippines will be forced to fly home early after terrorist warnings of a bombing campaign by militants over the New Year holiday. World Scout Jamborees only take place every four years, and the next one - in 2007 - will be held in Chelmsford, Essex and will celebrate 100 years of Scouting. Scouting is the world's largest youth movement and is available to all young people from six upwards. For more informtation about local scout groups log onto the website www.avonscouts.org.uk telephone 01454 613006 or email joinus@avonscouts.org.uk

	Bath Chronicle 12 December 2002 Intrepid Explorers Recruit for Fun A group of Explorer Scouts and Leaders handed out flyers to thousands of Bath shoppers on Saturday to publicise the opportunities available in the new Explorer Scout section. The group, dressed in some of their activity gear, attracted shoppers' attention with their 21ft Powerboat, two canoes, and other activity equipment. Explorer Scouts is the new section of the Scout Movement for young people aged between 14 and 18. It offers a diverse range of opportunities to meet up with friends and take part in weekly meetings and a huge range of adventurous outdoor activities. The Explorers are hoping to recruit more young members, and also adults who are keen on being part of the fun to help run the activities. For more information visit the Explorer website at www.fusion-esu.org.uk or contact James Fishlock james.fishlock@avonscouts.org.uk..., alternatively you can all 07765 411550. You can also see this article on thisissomerset.com the on-line version of the Bath Chronicle.

	Bristol Evening Post 4 December 2002 Scouts Prepared for Mammoth Christmas Card Delivery Scouts across the city have launched their Christmas card delivery service. A total of 80,000 specially printed stamps costing 14p each are now available at newsagents and libraries across the city, where boxes have also been placed to collect cards bound for Bristol postal addresses. The scheme, now in its 11th year, was set-up in 1991 to raise funds for Scout groups across the Bristol area and for charity. This year 1p from the sale of each stamp will be donated to the Rainbow Centre - a charity based in Knowle which works with children affected by bereavement and life-threatening conditions. The Scouts' final collection will be on December 16. You can also see this article (and photo) on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post.

	Bristol Evening Post 19 November 2002 All aboard! All aboard! Explorer scouts took the role of "ship's keepers" during a one-night stopover aboard the Endeavour replica in Bristol docks. They took turns on watches, making sure the ship was secure and taking water depth readings throughout the night. The 14 to 18-year-olds, from the South Cotswold Scout District, are from the Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell areas of South Gloucestershire. Explorer scout leader Chris Harris, said: "Our unit has only been operating for two months and we've already been able to provide a wide range of activities for our members." James Cook set sail in the Endeavour in 1768 and discovered New Zealand, Australia and the Dutch East Indies. You can also see this article (and photo) on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post.

	BBC Points West TV News 16 November 2002 Evening News Bulletin 6.35pm Transcript of broadcast: Studio:Well, one lot that's hoping it's not too nippy down at Bristol's Harbourside tonight is a very team of lucky Scouts. They're to be Night Watchman on the visiting replica of Cook's famous adventure ship The Endeavour. Not that they'll get much sleep mind you, the ship will be right at the heart of this tonights Christmas lights celebrations. [pictures of Scouts and Explorer Scouts boarding Endeavor] Amanda Parr, Presenter: All aboard the Endeavour here for one for day, and here keeping it safe from attack tonight this montly crew. They come from Winterbourne and Frampton Cotterell. Down the hatch [pictures of S and ES going below decks] to inspect the sleeping arrangements [ES looking at hammocks] . [interviewing ES on deck] ES1: it's small down there ES2: It looks quite uncomfortable, it doesn't look as if we're going to get any sleep. Presenter: Oh, there goes the Matthew [picture of S watching The Matthew go behind The Endeavour] Lots of activity at the Harbourside this evening, and a huge ceremony for the switch on of the Christmas lights. Tiffany Merritt, Captain, The Endeavour: We'll be going out up to the Floating Harbour, there will be a parade of other boats following us up there. Coming back down, the lights will go on, the lights will go off, then the Harbour Master counts down from 10 and that's the lighting ceremony. So it will be good. It will be interesting to see the ship with lights on. Presenter: Before we left them to their watch, the Scouts surprised me with a whopping cheque for Children in Need. £920 for packing shopping in a supermarket, good effort. Amanda Parr, BBC Points West aboard the Endeavour. Studio: Yes, well done.

	Bristol Evening Post 15 November 2002 Letters Page Bristolians should be proud of Gang During the past three weeks my wife and I have enjoyed two marvellous evenings of entertainment at the Bristol Hippodrome. I refer to the Bristol Gang Show and BLOC's Jesus Christ Superstar. The Gang Show, with its mixture of sketches, singling and dancing was excellently staged. The dancing and singing was of the highest standard. The talent of these young people never disappoints us. BLOC's presentation of Jesus Christ Superstar again demonstrated the quality of our local performers and we congratulate them on a superb show. Bristol can be very proud of the amateur groups that entertain is so professionally. Our thanks to you all. Mr & Mrs G J Jenkins, Fishponds

	Bristol Evening Post 30 October 2002 page 71 Half page with 6 colour photos Scouts are on a roll at canoe class SCOUTS from Bristol were getting prepared for rougher waters at the Shirehampton Swimming Baths where they were learning vital canoeing skills. The Scout Association in Avon has just bought two new kayaks so more children can enjoy the fun watersport. But before the young adventurers can venture on to the open water in their canoes, they need to learn how to cope if it flips over in dangerous river rapids. And the Scout Association is running courses every Monday at Shirehampton pool to teach them the basics. Instructor Kevin DDean is pictured right demonstrating how to recover from rolling over. And among the Scouts enjoying the lessons was Tom, above. The water may be a bit calmer than wild water rapids, but the association says that it is the safest environment to learn. Peter Hart, who co-ordinates Scouts canoeing at Shirehampton, said: "Canoeing is a popular activity amongst local Scouts. "With the sessions in a swimming pool the youngsters get the opportunity to build confidence and enjoy canoeing in more controlled, warmer, conditions than on a river. "The two new kayaks will enable us to provide canoeing for even more of our members." You can also see this article on thisisbristol.com the on-line version of the Bristol Evening Post.

Media Enquiries should be referred to:
Philip Bird, Assistant County Commissioner (Communications)
Office Hrs Tel: 0845 1304729 - Mobile Tel: 07970 514827 - Pager: 07623 981037
philip.bird@avonscouts.org.uk

Support on gaining media coverage for Scouting events is also available from Philip Bird.

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