Adults involved with Scouting in Avon can have an email address of the format This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Email sent to this address are then forwarded to an existing email account.

Click here to set up an email forwarding account.

This page explains how the system works and some common questions and answers.

What is the service?
As part of a contract for webhosting space, the County has the facility to set up email addresses within the @avonscouts.org.uk domain. Mail sent to these addresses is automatically forwarded to an existing email address.

What does it cost?
Nothing. This is a free service offered to Avon Scouts.

Who can have an avonscouts.org.uk address?
The service is available to any adult member of The Scout Association in Avon.

What format do the addresses take?
Users of the service are allocated an email address of the format This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Generic addresses can also be set up, for example, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Additional addresses are used for some people at county level - for example This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What happens to mail sent to the new address?
Using secure password protected software, members of the County Internet Team set up the address(es) to which your mail should be forwarded. When mail is received it is then automatically and instantly redirected to your "real" email address(es).

Where can I have my email re-directed?
You can use any valid email address for your email to be redirected to. This can be, for example, your office email, your home email, or a web-based email service (like hotmail). Mail sent to the address with format This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it can be sent to multiple addresses. So, for example, your mail could be sent to both your work and home email addresses.

How will this affect my other email address/es?
It won't! You will continue to receive email in the existing way for mail sent to your existing address(es). In addition, you will also receive email sent to your @avonscouts.org.uk address

What happens when I change email address?
You need to notify the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it of your new email address. Important: you will need to quote the password you entered on your sign-up form. This means you can change email address without having to tell everyone about your new email address. This will enable you, for example, to take advantage of offers from ISPs without having the burden of notifying everyone about your new email address.

What can I use the address for?
The avonscouts addresses have been set up to help others 'guess' your email address, to promote our county website (www.avonscouts.org.uk), to give a more corporate image, to protect details of your employer, and to make it easier for you to change ISP. Whilst the email addresses were designed for Scouting use, they are not restricted to it.
You should note, however, that individuals suspended from Scouting may have their avonscouts.org.uk email redirected to someone else who can handle Scouting matters during their suspension.

What do I need to do with my email software?
Nothing to receive emails. You may be able to change your "from" address to your @avonscouts one depending on your email program and provider. See here for more details.

What if I have problems?
If you have problems or difficulty in using this service please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

How do I know when the new address is set up?
You will receive an email to advise that the new address has been set up, and the email will be sent to your new address. Following confirmation of set up, you should send yourself a test message to your new address to check that everything is working correctly.

What if someone gets my email address wrong?
Mail sent to non-existent addresses of the format This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it are either returned to the sender automatically, or passed to the Webmaster for onward forwarding.

What about spam?
There is no reason why having an @avonscouts.org.uk email address should increase the amount of spam that you receive. Some basic filtering of emails is carried out as part of the services provided by our Internet Service Provider. We also use the services of an additional company to help filter-out spam. If you can a lot of spam from one address please advise This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so that we can amend our filtering accordingly.

Is it only email forwarding available?
In addition to email forwarding (where emails are forwarded to an existing email address), we can also provide you with a POP3 email account and/or a webmail account to check your email through a web browser. For further information on these services please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or put a suitable comment in the sign-up form.

What happens if I leave Scouting?
If you leave Scouting, then your @avonscouts.org.uk address will be deleted from our servers. However, users are usually given plenty of opportunity to advise others of their new email address. Alternatively, if you leave a role your emails may be forwarded to your successor, or someone that we anticipate could assist the enquirer.

What happens if I am suspended from Scouting?
If you are suspended from Scouting for whatever reason, it is normal practice for the terms of the suspension to include a prohibition from you being involved with Scouting activities. It is therefore normal practice during periods of suspension to either forward emails to someone who may be able to help (i.e. someone looking after your role), or to arrange for emails to 'bounce' back to the sender.

Can I set up an auto-responder?
It is possible to have an auto-responder attached to your @avonscouts.org.uk email address. If you have a webmail account then you can administer your own auto responders. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

How do I sign up for the service?
You can join the service by completing the on-line form - just click here. You will be advised when the new email address goes live. Please note that the sign-up is not an automated process, so will take time to be activated.

I've read all of the above, but still have a query. Who can help?
Further information is available from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This service may be withdrawn at any time