Everyday Adventure for Girls and Boys

in the London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley

GREATER LONDON

SOUTH EAST SCOUTS

2009 Annual Report

www.glsescouts.org.uk

County Commissioner’s Re

port

Wow, what a great year! I have been kept very busy and been to some awesome events and activities across the County and I hope that this continues. Whilst the reports from the County Team and Executive will give you an insight into some of the wonderful things that have taken place this year, I have summarised some of the highlights and milestones. Strategy

• Agreed a series of Outcomes (effects or changes brought about by the activities provided by an organisation) as per the model by Charities Evaluation Services for the County;

• Written a Development Strategy where we will concentrate on growing the movement;

• Made great headway with a Marketing & Communication Strategy to make sure our messages are getting to the right people;

• Looked at a Recruitment & Retention Strategy ensuring that both young people and adult volunteers have a positive experience and receive the necessary training and support whilst in Scouting;

• Agreed a set of priorities for Programme Support for the next 12 months.

Governance

• Held a County Conference in July 2009, following the success of the 2008 conference which set out the last twelve months, to look at the next four years;

• Restructured and appointed a County Team, including Working Groups;

• Restructured and appointed a County Executive Committee, including sub-Committees;

• Reviewed all County appointments, whilst preparing for the new appointments process;

• Reviewing all financial protocols to bring them up to date;

Programme

• Planned and implementing an expedition to Austria for approx 550 young people and adult participants in August 2010;

• Planned and implementing a themed activity camp (Camp America) for 400 participants in October 2009;

• Appointed a Queen’s Scout Award and a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Working Group, ensuring consistency and high standards, whilst supporting young people through the awards;

• Made a commitment to hold a young person recognition event and in discussion with The Mayor's Ambassador / Greater London Assembly Member for London Boroughs of Bexley and Bromley.

Adult Support

• Held an Adult Support Day, with workshops covering a range of subjects for all adults in Scouting;

• Appointed a County Training Team and now providing a full adult training programme free at the point of delivery;

• Made a commitment to hold an adult recognition event;

• Planning to set up a network of adult volunteers to support events and activities.

Communications

• Reintroduced County Directory detailing County, Districts and Group Scout Leaders;

• Reintroduced County Newsletter to all members;

• Introduced weekly e-mail round-up to all members and established e-mail groups;

• Designed a Media Plan;

• Training Young Spokespeople to deal with local media;

• Designing a skills register of the adult membership across GLSE.

Volunteer / Member Recruitment

• Introduced a 0844 number for recruitment purposes;

• Designed and printed a flier for use at PR events, including bag packing;

• Designing a recruitment tool, 'Scout Mate', for adults and young people;

• Put together ‘PR / Recruitment’ packs for Districts and Scout Groups to use at public events.

Employment

• Reviewed terms and conditions, contracts and policies, to ensure the County is a compliant and fair employer;

• Recruited an administrator to support the work of the County;

• Reviewing the job description for a development officer.

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Fundraising

• Submitted and won a bid to administer the Small Grant Scheme (£70,000 p/a) for uniformed and sport voluntary groups in LB Bexley;

• Secured funding from Bexley Council for Voluntary Youth Organisations for training and activities during the last financial year;

• Secured funding from Bromley Council for Voluntary Youth Services for training and activities during the last financial year and for the forthcoming year.

Partnership Working -

• Continued the relationships with both Council for Voluntary Youth Services in LB Bexley and LB Bromley;

• Became a member and accessed the services of the Council for Voluntary Services in LB Bexley;

• Became a member of the Youth Strategy Partnership in LB Bexley;

• Became a member of the South East London Chamber of Commerce;

• Established regular contact and hold good relationships with MPs, Mayoral Offices and Councillors across both Boroughs;

• In discussion with both Borough Boards for YOU London;

Lastly, the County increased in membership by 3.44% (a total of 5860 which roughly works out at every 1 in 87 of the population across the County is a member, which is a higher penetration rate than any other County in the Region), of which I am certain is down to the well managed Districts and Groups within Greater London South East. We hope to be able to further support this with the work we have done this year and progress with development work over the next four years. Scouting in Greater London South East is of a high and professional standard and delivers everyday adventure to young people and adult volunteers alike. This has definitely been a team effort over the last year and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Here's to another amazing year! Ben Richardson countycommissioner@glsescouts.org.uk

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As I approach the end of my fourth year in office, I have reflected on the challenges the past 12 months have brought to the County as a whole. The pace of change is impressive and will only increase further over the next 12 months. I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the key changes and events that have taken place since the last AGM. Employment To support the small grants application process (refer to Bexley Borough report) and County administrative tasks, the decision was made by the Executive Committee to form an additional sub-Committee to develop and implement a strategy for employment in the County. The first priority was the recruitment of a County Administrator. The team focused on all aspects of the employment process which included the production of job specification, terms and conditions of employment, staff handbook and interview and selection criteria. At our recruitment day in August, six candidates were interviewed by a panel. I am pleased to announce the appointment of Anezi Ofong as the new County Administrator with effect from 1st October 2009. On behalf of the County, I would like to wish Anezi every success in this newly created role. I would also like to thank the employment sub-Committee for all their hard work and commitment. The employment sub-Committee members are Paul Cosgrave (Chair), Ralph McMillan, Judith Freeman, Elaine Scott, Bruce Murdoch and Martyn Milner. New Appointments process (Module 37) In preparation for the implementation of a new appointments process, 60 members, across all Districts in Greater London South East, have been trained in Module 37 over the summer months. In a r e la t e d ex e rc i s e , Reco rds Department staff from Gilwell provided practical training in the online administration of membership records for Appointments Secretaries and others. County Team members are providing ongoing support over the implementat ion period. Appointments sub-Committees have

been re-launched as Appointments Advisory Committees as the new process was introduced in the County on 1st August. Over the past year the County Appointments sub-Committee has met on five occasions and seen ten candidates; all were considered to be suitable for their roles. Fund raising I would like to thank all of you who have attended the County fund raising events over the past year with special thanks to Bill Gunn, Don Bartley and the fund raising sub-Committee members. In May, Eve Cherek joined this committee to focus on grant applications to help increase County funds. Fund raising brings a constant challenge to all parts of the Movement. Business sponsorship and working in partnership with local businesses supporting our local young people will be our focus over the next 12 months. Membership I would like to once again thank all Districts for completing the Census return on time. Greater London South East increased in membership by 3.44%. This increase is higher than other Counties in the Region; Greater London South East headcount now stands at 6000. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Executive Committee members for their contribution and support to me over the past year. With special thanks to Les Dobbs for his role as County Secretary over the past 4 years. Vince Wright countychairman@glsescouts.org.uk

County Chairman’s Repo

rt

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As the 18-25 representative for the County, I represent the young people within GLSE both at a County and at a UK Scout Council. At a County level, I attend the County Executive Meetings and provide a young person perspective on the

decision making that is happening.

I also represent the County on the UK Scout Council and this year, a highlight of this was that I was able to attend the launch and official announcement of our new Chief Scout, Bear Grylls and our new UK Commissioner, Wayne Bulpitt. The event which took place in May at BP House, gave the search committee an opportunity to explain the process they had been through and their reasons for announcing the new Chief Scout. Bear then gave a brief speech, in which he mentioned 5 of the greatest achievements in his

life:

1. Passing Special Forces Selection in 1994

served with 21 Regiment Special Air Service

2. In 1998, becoming the youngest Britain to

Climb Mount Everest

3. Marrying his wife, Shara Grylls in 2000

4. Having his three sons, Jesse, Marmaduke, and

Huckleberry

5. Today (17th May 2009) becoming the 10th

Chief Scout of the Association.

It was exiting to be part of this event and meet the

new Chief Scout.

This AGM will be my last as the 18-25 representative for the County, as I now do not meet its criteria. If you are interested in this role and been actively involved in decision making

please contact Ben Richardson.

Paul Amass communications@glsescouts.org.uk

18-25 Representative

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London Borough of Bromley

Scouting in Bromley Borough has continued to grow and provide opportunities for more young people as reflected in increased membership in all Districts, most especially in Bromley District which achieved one of the top ten Districts in the country. The year saw both Bromley and Chislehurst Districts celebrating their centenaries, with both enjoying many different activities for both young people and adults alike. Chislehurst were particularly lucky to be visited by our Chief Scout at the time, Peter Duncan at one of their celebratory events. Scouting in all sections across the Districts in the Borough has been very active with exciting activities for all being provided and enjoyed immensely. District teams continue to develop more innovative and diverse ideas to provide even more challenging and adventurous activities for all to enjoy. Looking forward, 2009/10 sees the launch of YOU London (formally Project YOU) in Bromley Borough which will encourage uniformed youth organisations in the Borough to work together to share best practice and resources and, at the same time, promote the organisations to even more young people and encourage adults to consider volunteering in them. Kevin Murphy

dccbromley@glsescouts.org.uk

London Borough of Bexley

2008/2009 has been a busy time for Scouting in the Borough of Bexley. The four districts – Bexleyheath, East Wickham & Welling, Erith & Crayford and Sidcup have provided the full range of fun activities through their weekly programmes alongside their annual camps.

The annual Erith and Crayford Gang Show, ‘Capers’, was once again a great success appealing to audiences each evening. Everyone connected with the show should be congratulated as it was obvious from the enthusiasm coming from the stage that the cast were enjoying themselves. As well as the cast, the unsung heroes of back stage and front of house can be proud of themselves. Well done.

We have been busy forging relationships with various agencies around the borough. These include, the South East London Chamber of Commerce, Bexley Voluntary Service Council, Bexley Youth Strategy Partnership and Leaders of various Council Departments and Councillors, mainly with a view of raising the profile of Scouting in the County.

Tenders were invited from organisations within the Borough to bid for the contract to administer the Bexley Small Grants Scheme for Voluntary Youth Organisations. We, as a County, were successful with our bid and therefore now have the contract for the next two years and will be responsible for the administration of small grants to all youth groups in the Borough of Bexley. Whilst the application criteria has changed slightly, there is still the same pot of money available to be distributed. Information including criteria, registration form and application form can be found on both the County and Bexley Borough web sites.

Links have been formed through YOU London (Project YOU) with other Uniformed Youth Organisations in the Borough. The launch of YOU London at Buckingham Palace on 16th July was very successful with over 3000 people in attendance with most of the youngsters from the Uniformed Youth Organisations. There were displays of various kinds from all of the organisations and Scouting was well represented. It appeared that most of the youngsters were able to meet either Prince Charles or the Duchess of Cornwall. Bill Gunn dccbexley@glsescouts.org.uk

Deputy County Commissi

oners

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We have also completed a large amount of work to raise the profile of Scouting externally. Christo Sofianos, our Media Development Manager, has established a Media Development Plan in liaison with the Regional and National Media teams. As well as local paper press releases, we have also had a number of articles published in the following local publications: Bexley Integrated Youth Newsletter, Spotlight Magazine and the Chamber of Commerce Brochure. We have also run our own County Young Spokesperson Training course and now have young people equipped with the tools and skills to promote Scouting with the media. This year our YSPs have attended YOU London Launch at Buckingham Palace and the G20 Summit to promote Scouting.

We all have a part to play in Shouting for Scouting, within Greater London South East we provide amazing experiences and everyday adventure for our young people. To support the promotion of Scouting we have created a mobile promotion kit with pop up banners, leaflets and posters. This summer alone the kit has been used at the following: Mall Bexleyheath, Woodlands Farm Open Day, Chislehurst Fun Day, Danson Show and Biggin Hill Air Show. Looking forwards, we have come a long way in a year, but there is still plenty more to be done. Last year I asked you to shout at me instead of saying, 'its because there is no communication' or 'its because the communication is awful''. Please continue to contact me if this is the case. This year I am asking you to Shout for Scouting. Promote everything we do please via Christo and the Media team - you will have our full support. Paul Amass

communications@glsescouts.org.uk

Marketing and

Communications

It has been a really busy year for the communications team, which I announced at the AGM last year. During the year we have produced and largely implemented a Marketing and Communications Strategy for the County. Our work falls into two keys areas, internal communications within the Scouting community and external communications. Our first step with the internal communications was the re-introduction of the County Newsletter, the A20 Link. The newsletter is produced quarterly and a printed version issued to every group and unit within the County. We are always looking for good news or information you want to have shared round the County, so if you have anything like this, please send it to our newsletter editor Phyl Gunn newsletter@glsescouts.org.uk. We have also established our Email News Round Ups which are normally issued bi-weekly and provide a quick and easy way to get news and information out to members of the County. During the year we have issued over 30 news round ups with 31,700 emails issued to leaders in the County and local contacts - imagine how much it would have cost to post all of this information out? We have also branched out to use other methods of communication, focusing initially on the social networking website Facebook and more recently on Twitter. Both are popular communication methods with young people, so believe passionately that we use them in a safe, but effective manner. We have also heavily increased the use of the Greater London South East Scout Website for sharing information about events. A key project to support communication is the use of the Membership Management system previously called My BackPack. The Membership Management system supports the new appointments process and holds records of every adult in Scouting. Our challenge has been getting this information up to date and keeping it up to date. Together with John Withey we have been holding meetings with Districts to facilitate both the uptake of the new membership management system and agree strategies to clean the data within it. A summary of the internal communication strategy can be found in the document, 'How we Communicate within GLSE', which is available to download from www.g l s e s cou t s .o rg .uk/commun ica t io n s

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It has been one year since I became Assistant County Commissioner for Development and what a year. The Development Working Group has been working hard to deliver the Development Strategy for the County, which is currently in its final draft and will be released very shortly. We have also been working on the Special Needs and Spirituality support that is required and would like to thank both Derek Beaney and Andrew Hill for their hard work over the past year. Together with the Region Development Team, we have also been looking at how local waiting lists are managed and to see if we can get more people into Scouting. In addition, to help set up a new Scout Group within the Beckenham District. Hard work is also going into developing tools to help Group Scout Leaders to develop their Scout Groups as well as initial information packs to run alongside the Module 37 Introduction Packs (New Appointment Process). The next year is going to be an exciting time during which we will start to deliver the strategy. If you have any ideas or tools to be developed or would like to help on the Development Working Group, please feel free to contact me. Unfortunately I do have to report that Derek Beaney has decided to step down this year as County Special Needs Advisor; I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his dedication and the work he has done. In the mean time for any Special Needs help or advice please contact your local Assistant District Commissioner for Special Needs Advisor or myself. Lee Curtis development@glsescouts.org.uk Chaplaincy Having spent the last year putting together a contact list and finishing my church training, I am now able to offer a Chaplaincy service when required. Chaplaincy duties involve signposting, advising on or organising Scout Services, helping with faith based badges or just being an ear to listen. In addition, whilst I am a Church of England Chaplain, I also have access to contacts and resources of other faiths and can advise on many aspects of faith/spiritual development within the Association’s policy.

Unlike a lot of religious ministries, Chaplaincy is predominantly reactive rather than proactive so whatever the question or need, please get in touch. Andrew Hill

The County Adults’ Skills day proved very popular with the attendees this year. Specific workshops on the Nights Away permit scheme and on Air Activities proved to have good attendance. A mobile flight simulator was availed to try and novice pilots did very well in flying with minimal casualties upon landing! A fully functioning simulator has been used in the past year at the Scot Chard centre at Biggin Hill as well as a number of flying badge courses for Cub Scouts and Scouts. Beavers Scouts have also visited and made friends and had lots of fun. The County activity team have been busy in its normal support role in assessing leaders for activity permits to lead various activities. An initiative by the team for the coming year is to provide opportunities for leaders to have a go through a number of supported “Try It Days” as well as continuing to support the County skills day event. We are running a pilot event this September for skiing organised by Fran Georgel at Bromley Ski Centre. This will be available on a first come first served basis to 20 leaders to have a free Try It Ski. Our aim is to widen awareness of activities available to sections by encouraging our leaders to have a go themselves in the hope that more leaders will be willing to take their young people along to participate in more adventurous events. The new activity permit system was rolled out in September 2007 and seems to have bedded down reasonably well. We now have a number of County assessors in place who have completed their training and now issue activity permits in their respective areas as they come up for renewal. I am happy to announce that we have two new County assessors for activities. For Hill Walking we are fortunate to have Matt Barrett on board and he is proving to be very proactive in his new role. Matt plans to raise the profile of this activity and has some preliminary plans for a try it walk on the South Downs next year for leaders. Also Simon Gould who has taken on the role as County assessor for Hovercrafting. Simon has been involved with hovercrafting for a long time, but last year the Scout Association decided that this form of low level flying would come under the new activity permits scheme. This will officially start in January 2010, but there is a lot of groundwork that Simon needs to get in place in preparation for this. We wish him luck with this. If you have any questions or require any help with activities please feel free to contact me or any member of the activities team directly. Jim Pitts activities@glsescouts.org.uk

Development

Activities

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Taking over this role just about a year ago, I am beginning now to realise the breadth of international opportunities and activity available to Scouting and which are out there for the taking! This does not necessarily have to mean a visit abroad and only a tiny percentage of our members have travelled overseas this year, but the 6-25 Programme also offers many other ways to consider the international element without even leaving the Scout Headquarters! Check out Programmes online for ideas or join in the Jamboree on the Air / Internet to make international links! Visits Abroad Within Greater London South East there is a distinct group of leaders from around the County who appear to travel abroad regularly, some on a tried and trusted itinerary, others more adventurously to new destinations. Some camp, some stay in hostels, others move from place to place with a varied mix of activities both adventurous and cultural. One group went to Austria in February for a skiing holiday. As last year, 8 Groups travelled abroad this summer, reflecting a variety of itineraries and programmes as well as different destinations, mostly within Europe. Nearly half of the 144 travellers were Scouts, whilst around a quarter of the rest were Explorer Scouts and the other quarter adults, whether Leaders, Scout Fellowship, Scout Network or supporters. All but one group travelled over the same period – the last week in July and most were away for about a week. There was also a one day trip to Calais and an extended Scout Fellowship expedition to Kenya in August.

International Opportunities arise regularly and are published on the Greater London South East website and via the regular communications. These take the form of Jamborees, Moots and specific large scale events - some celebrating Scouting Centenaries – both within the UK and around the world. Many give up to two years notice to facilitate long term planning and are certainly worth considering if you would like to take a group and would like to know that a programme is all laid on. Experienced leaders offer to lend their expertise to any leader who might wish to plan their own visit abroad – let me know if you would like assistance in your future planning in this way. Don’t forget also, individual opportunities to participate in international programmes, such as the International Camp Staff Programme, to spend time at Kandersteg or to be part of a Jamboree contingent. World Jamboree Sweden 2011 At the time of writing we are starting to build the team to represent Greater London South East. We will shortly be looking for Contingent members to represent the County for an experience of a lifetime, watch this space! Fran Georgel international@glsescouts.org.uk

International

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There have been two main objectives this year, to provide training for the leaders in our County and rebuild the Training Team. The County has been able to offer modules 5 to 19 at least once this year. With the support and help of our friends in Greater London Middlesex West, we have also been able to provide modules 20 to 26 for volunteer managers. The Child Protection workshops have been well received, over one hundred leaders at three venues. More opportunities in each District will be provided between this September and May next year. Along with the Local Training Managers, modules 1 to 4, including personal learning plans, are in the process of being standardised throughout the County. The idea behind this is to encourage Districts to work together and share their local training with each other as they sometimes suffer from a small number attending those modules, hence improving the quality of learning for the leaders. The training team is beginning to come together. I have had a good response to the letters sent out inviting leaders to join. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact me. Everyone will be given the opportunity whether as a Caterer, Director, Facilitator, Presenter, Skills instructor or Quartermaster. Previous knowledge and skills will be taken into consideration.

Training dates for 2010-2011 will be published shortly so that leaders can plan in advance and book their place early on the courses. All I ask is that people bear with me. There has been no County based training for over four years and behind the scenes, there is much still to organise, plan and recruit for. We have started to put procedures in place but, like anything new, it takes time. I would like to say thanks to a few people. First to Trisha Webb for taking on the Administrator’s role, especially as there is paperwork for about thirty training days a year - no mean feat. Trisha keeps me in check! To the Local Training Managers for their help, support and guidance - please use them, there is now one in every district. To all those who have rang and emailed with offers of help, support and encouragement. Finally I would like to pay tribute to Jean Barrow, who sadly died in October 2007. Jean was a member of Greater London South East training team for many years and was a great support, encouragement and friend during the good and bad times. Mark Knill training@glsescouts.org.uk

Training

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Scouting is growing, that is a fact and the Explorer Scout Section is no exception. Most Districts in Greater London South East have a good provision for Explorer Scouting, ranging from a single district unit to multiple district units with some having partnership agreements in place. Over the past several years, Steve Pegram has run an event for Chislehurst District called MESH and September 2008 saw over 100 Explorer Scouts mixing with others in a very well organised event. Steve has now taken on the role of County Explorer Scout Leader and has agreed to run MESH as a District based event for all Explorers in the County. Between us we have been looking at Programme Priorities for the section and have been preparing a strategy to increase the quality of programme delivery at Explorer Scout meetings and weekend events. Looking at the number of Platinum and Diamond Chief Scout’s Awards gained last year clearly shows that we need to provide better support to ensure that GLSE reaches and surpasses the national average of Explorer Scouts who gain these awards. One area that is currently being addressed is the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme with Lewis Taylor working to improve the knowledge and abilities of Explorer Scout Leaders to ensure that they are able to operate as competent supervisors to run the scheme successfully. Several Greater London South East Explorer Scouts have performed National Scout Association duties this year by attending the National Founder’s Day Service at Westminster Abbey in February where they took part in the main service as readers, National Scout Flag bearers and escorts. Well done to all those who represented the County wearing the new county scarf in public for the first time. Explorer Scouts also attended the National Launch of YOU London at Buckingham Palace and really enjoyed the experience. I am looking forward to the next twelve months when we see further District based events being opened up to Explorer Scout Units from other Districts and recognition events for holders of the Platinum and Diamond Chief Scout’s Awards. Oscar Gould 14-25@glsescouts.org.uk

Explorer Scouts

Beaver Scouts and

Cub Scouts

Scout sections throughout the County have had a successful year with a rise in Scout numbers across the County. This is obviously due to the high quality of Scouting that is being delivered in the many Troops across the County. Over the past year I attended the Scout Super Patrol Competition and the Camp Cooking Competition, which are two of the fanatic opportunities being offered to Scouts within Greater London South East. I will shortly be announcing a new Assistant County Commissioner Scouts who will be responsible for delivering the Scout programme priorities, providing further support and value added to the existing excellent work that continues in the County’s Scout Sections today. Ben Richardson countycommissioner@glsescouts.org.uk

Having recently joined the County team, I am looking forward to this new and exciting role very much. Over the next few months I would like to concentrate on: a. Building a multi disciplined team. b. Get together with the Assistant District

Commissioner (Cubs & Beavers) to see where the County team can help

c. Work on a programme for 2010 I am looking to recruit at least one person from each district either Cub or Beaver (evenly proportioned). If you know of anyone that would be interested in being part of this very new and exciting team please could you contact me for an informal chat Lyn Beeson 6-10@glsescouts.org.uk

Scouts

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The Scout Network section is very much like MI5 and other organisations and groups of people that we know exist but don’t know much about them or who is a member and part of that organisation. I am pleased to say that we do have Scout Network members all over the County and that they are currently raising their profile and taking part in as many events and activities as they can. Part of my role together with the County Scout Network Leader Steve Gunn is to make sure that the whole County knows about our Scout Network and what the members get up to. I can report that there have been two Queen’s Scout award expeditions undertaken this year in the UK, one on Dartmoor and the other on the Brecon Beacons and we will soon be seeing these young people gain the highest section award possible in Scouting, The Queen’s Scout Award. Although this is good news, we want to ensure that more young people in the County have the opportunity to attempt this and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. With this in mind, the County has set up the GLSE Queen’s Scout Working Group to promote, encourage and support Scout Network members in their quest for these awards and a bi-monthly Queen’s Scout Award panel meeting will be held around the County so that Explorer Scout and Scout Network members can discuss various aspects of the awards. This will enable them to select activities and skills that will be a challenge to them and agree them with the panel. Lewis Taylor, the County Duke of Edinburgh’s Award advisor is also part of the Queen’s Scout Working Group and has been working with others to increase awareness of the scheme’s requirements among the leadership to ensure that standards are met and maintained across all of the awards.

Greater London South East Scout Network has had its fair share of national events with no less than five Scout Network members taking part in the Queen’s guard of honour outside the Foreign Office during the National Remembrance Service in Whitehall last November. We did see them on National TV when the Queen left the building and once again when she returned. Well done to you all for taking part and for being part of a tradition that has been in place for many years. These opportunities are always there, are you in a Scout Network and want to be involved? Come to the next County Scout Network gathering and meet the Greater London South East Scout Network Chairperson be involved! Another interesting fact is that I am receiving enquiries from young people aged 18-25 asking how they can join Scouting in general and the Scout Network in particular. We are placing these people in the nearest unit to where they live. Finally, the team is always looking forward and seeking out new ideas and events to raise the Scout Network profile, both within the County and publicly, so that everyone will know that being a Scout Network member offers many unique opportunities and is also great fun!! Oscar Gould 14-25@glsescouts.org.uk

Scout Network

Having been involved in Greater London South East County for only 6 weeks, I do not have very much to report on this occasion! I am sure, however, that with the relaunch of the Scout Fellowship as Scout Active Support from September, next year’s report will be brimming with what has been going on in the County. It was great to meet some members of the County at the County Conference at Broadstone Warren and to hear some of your views about how we can move forward with Scout Fellowship in Greater London South East. The coming year looks to be an exciting time with the launch of Scout Active Support and I am looking forward to meeting and working with many of you during the transition and beyond. Until then, have fun! Michele Gaze fellowship@glsescouts.org.uk

Scout Fellowship

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Austria 2010 Camp Ameri

ca

Camp America was born back in January f r o m C o u n t y discussions. Having decided there was a place for an activity day, we were tasked with putting on a day w i t h a difference. However, a s d i s c u s s i o n s continued and a team was put in place, it was evident that we needed more than one day and this unique weekend was given the go ahead. Camp America was originally planned for July but sadly this clashed with many other events and many leaders felt it was ill placed. We therefore listened to these comments and after some discussion set a new date of 10th/11th October. Cudham is the venue and fits extremely well into Camp America’s plans. We have two large fields which will accommodate all of the areas including the arrivals, transport, the activity areas, the BBQ and the evening entertainment. When looking for a venue we wanted somewhere that allowed all the young people to run freely around, that was safe and accessible and we found this in Cudham. Camp America was planned to celebrate Independence Day but we feel the October event will still enable everyone to learn a bit about America and have a great deal of fun. All ages and sections are catered for from 100 acre wood for Beaver Scouts to Quad Bike riding for the over 14s. In the evening we have a High School Musical for Beaver Scouts to Explorer Scouts and a casino area for leaders and Network Scouts, not forgetting the BBQ on Saturday night. This is an event not to be missed and hopefully the first of many more activities provided by the County. Ann Beard campamerica@glsescouts.org.uk

My first 6 months as the expedition leader has flown past. I’m very pleased to say we now have 500 confirmed bookings for the trip to Austria next summer. Not only do we have Scouts from Greater London South East but have now been joined by troops from Barnet in North London and Hastings, very glad you can join us! Between the whole team, we carried out over 15 presentations to various districts and groups in Greater London South East. If anyone else would still like to see the presentation it’s not too late. We are making plans for a grand send off from City Hall, with entertainment and lunch before setting off on our journey. We’re hoping to have a couple of special guests and to get Scouts into the positive headlines, watch this space!

During a pre-visit to Austria this summer, we were able to meet the staff from Jeka and see how they cope with many groups arriving in the height of season. We spoke with the groups and leaders to get their experiences of Jeka and the feedback was very positive. We visited some of the many and varied activities on offer including white water rafting, extreme canyoning and experienced an unforgettable ride on the Alpine Coaster. During our stay we will be accommodated in three villages with open air swimming pools nearby, brilliant walks and cycle paths the length of the valley. We are planning to take part in a local community project; we just need to establish what would be most suitable for the villages. We’ve made contact with the local Scouts in Reutte a town a few miles away and hope to arrange to meet more scouts from the Tyrolean Valley. Lastly, can I extend my huge thanks to all the team that are helping me to make this a fun, successful expedition. I honestly would not be able to do it without them, so thank-you one and all!

Carol Jackson 2010manager@glsescouts.org.uk

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On Thursday 16th July, 3200 people from leading youth organisations in London attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, along with some politicians, Government Ministers and VIPs, to celebrate the launch of YOU London. Among these organisations were the Scout Association with a large number of Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders from the Greater London Region. Included in this were the representatives of the Greater London South East County, who were all given yellow County scarves and iScout T-shirts. For the Party, each organisation had set up a “Showcase” for the representatives of the other organisations to experience; the Scout Association’s showcase included a palm tree climbing wall a camping display, and a range of activities for people of all ages to enjoy including pioneering, a camping challenge and the parachute game, which proved a hit with all of the guests! The Greater London South East representatives spent the first hour manning the showcase along with those from the Greater London Middlesex West County and then spent the last two hours meeting the other guests, seeing the other showcases and getting their afternoon tea, which included a delicious range of cakes, ice cream, orange juice and, of course, tea!

From this day I discovered that the o t h e r y o u t h organisations (such as St John’s Ambulance, Sea Cadet Corps and The Army Cadet Force) al l enjoy activities like we do in Scouting, although with some differences, but they were willing to learn more about what we do and it was interesting to learn more about them too.

All of the our representatives at the garden party were a credit to the County and our leaders on the day helped make the experience even better- so thank you guys!

Hannah Kentish Explorer Scout

Founder’s Day is about commemorating the birthdays of Robert Baden-Powell and Olave Baden-Powell, the founders of both the Scouting and Girl Guide organisation. I was asked to take part in this ceremony as an escort to a national flag.

I had to be there early to rehearse and then I had to walk next to the flag and behind the previous Chief Scout, Peter Duncan. There were 3 flags, including the one I was with and they had to proceed from the entrance to the abbey to the altar. This was more difficult than it sounded, as the escorts and the flag needed to be in a line and they also needed to be a certain time behind Peter Duncan. After the flag was escorted to the altar, the others and I had to walk behind the altar to get to our seats. The ceremony then took place with different readings and speeches from scouts and guides of various ages. Reverend Libby Spence gave a very evocative speech that made everyone present think about how they could start to make changes to the world. From this experience, I have gained an insight into the worldwide organisation of Scouts and Guides, as there were groups from all over this country and a few from other countries. I also learned that everyone must work to create a better world for those in need, thanks to the speech from Reverend Libby Spence.

Ashley Clarke Explorer Scout

YOU London

Founder’s Day

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Back in October 2008, I was asked by the County Explorer Scout & Scout Network Commissioner to perform the duty of a Queen’s Scout by standing as honour guard to the Queen at the Cenotaph in London for the Remembrance Day Parade. I felt very privileged to have been asked and without hesitation accepted. After attending a rehearsal a few days before, I turned up at the Foreign Office on 9th November 2008 at 8.30am.

Altogether there were 18 Queen’s Scout Award holders performing their duty that day serving the Queen as her honour guard. Before the service began our first task was to go out to the waiting crowd and hand out the Remembrance Day service sheets. So out we went, I went to one of the two main entrances, while others walked the parade giving out thousands of service sheets. This was the first time I have ever been to a Remembrance Day in London and it was awe inspiring to see how many people attended that service, they were there in their thousands. After about an hour, we returned back into the Foreign Office for a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Soon it was time, so at 10.30am we formed up, two rows of 9 and marched the corridors towards the doors opening onto the Cenotaph. Of the 18 performing their duty that day, a mixture of male and female, four were Air Scouts of which I had the pleasure of being one. So to the doors we marched, all in our smart full uniform and everyone with a butterfly in their stomach and a smile on their face. Once at the door we all brushed down our uniforms a last time, tidied our scarves, straightened our poppies and the four who wore them, lined up our berets. Then the order was given, we marched out into the street forming up just outside the door, all the way to the kerb, two lines facing inwards awaiting the dignitaries. All the representatives of the armed forces were already in place, hundreds of them standing either side of the Cenotaph. At 10:48am the procession of dignitaries appeared, so our parade leader called us to attention and stood as we watched the procession of VIPs walk in between us down to the Cenotaph. For around 10 minutes they walked past, representatives of Commonwealth Nations, Government MPs, religious heads of all the major religions, Mayor of London, heads of the Armed Forces, PMs past and present, members of the Royal Family and bringing up the rear, Princes Harry, William, Charles, Phillip and walking beside him, Queen Elizabeth II and, as she walked past our parade leader, he saluted.

Once all the dignitaries were in place around the Cenotaph, Big Ben chimed 11 o'clock and the Last Post was sounded, we then stood for our 2 minute silence. Even though there were thousands upon

thousands of people there that day, not a sound was heard and as I stood there thinking about all those men and woman who died in all the wars for us, as well as those in my family who fought and some died, I felt that, although standing there was a great thing for me, it was small compared to their great sacrifice. Eventually the 2 minutes silence finished with the sound of a single bugle playing Reveille. This was followed by the laying of the wreath by the dignitaries and at this time we were ordered inward face, facing the Cenotaph. Wreaths were laid, songs were sung, sermons preached and prayers said, but always remembering.

This lasted for around 45 minutes and then the dignitaries walked back into the Foreign Office in reverse order. During this time we were facing forward again and as they walked past we were commented on for our smartness by Prince Phillip to which the Queen nodded agreement, thanked by Prince Charles, commended by Boris Johnson, smiled at by Gordon Brown and praised by the Archbishop. All that for just doing our duty, you can imagine the buzz we were on. Once all the dignitaries had passed, we were marched back into the Foreign Office towards our room. That was it and while we sorted ourselves ready to leave, the parade was in full swing outside, with hundreds of wreaths being laid by veterans, service men and women and by organisations one after the other including a mass of Scouts representing the Scout Association.

That was it, our honour guard duty done and how pleased we all were to have done it. Not many people in the country or world to that matter can say they stood as guard for the Queen and that, among others, she walked past me less than 2 metres away. I feel very honoured and privileged to have been a part of that. Now, the next mission - how to get out of an island surrounded by a parade and police barriers towards the station and then home. But that's another story for another day.

Simon Thomas Scout Networker

Cenotaph Guard of Honou

r

15

The Trustees confirm that the summarised financial statements on the following pages are a summary of the information extracted from the full financial statements which were approved on 7 September 2009.

The summarised financial statements may not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the financial affairs of the County Scout Council.

For further information the full annual financial statements, the independent examiner’s report and the report of the Trustees on those financial statements should be consulted.

Copies are available at http://www.glsescouts.org.uk/annualreport or may be obtained free of charge from the County Secretary.

A copy of the full financial statements upon which the independent examiner has reported without qualification will be delivered to the Charity Commission.

By order of the Trustees

Austin Barradell treasurer@glsescouts.org.uk

Financial Statements

16

I have examined the attached summarised financial statements of Greater London South East County Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2009. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The Trustees have prepared these summarised financial statements from the full financial statements which they are responsible for preparing in accordance with the Charities Act 1993 and the recommendations of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). In this statement I report to you my opinion on the consistency of the summarised financial statements with the full financial statements and Report of the Trustees, on which I have reported as Independent Examiner. I have also read the other information contained in the Annual Report 2009 to consider the implications for my report if I became aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summarised financial statements. Basis of opinion I conducted my work solely on the basis of ensuring that these summarised financial statements are a true and fair summary of the full financial statements, on which I have given an unqualified opinion as Independent Examiner. Opinion In my opinion these financial statements are an accurate and consistent summary of the full financial statements and the Trustees Report of Greater London South East County Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2009.

George Ronson FCA Chartered Accountant 19 Buckingham Close Petts Wood Orpington Kent BR5 1SA

Independent examiner’s

statement to

the Trustees and membe

rs of the

County Scout Council

17

General Designated Restricted Total Total

Funds Funds Funds 2009 2008

£ £ £ £ £

Incoming resources

Membership subscriptions 116,510 2,603 119,113 118,637

Less: Payable 105,481 105,481 106,336

11,029 2,603 13,632 12,301

Investment income 4,698 4,698 5,314

Downe Activity Centre (share of profit) 4,790 4,790 1,500

Donations and grants (including gift aid

tax) 520 554 1,074 1,618

Fundraising 7,865 7,865 11,927

Events and activities 4,076 4,076 4,520

Adult Training 1,148 1,148 1,525

Grants received 1,500 1,500 1,100

Sundry income - 150

Total incoming resources 25,113 11,616 2,054 38,783 39,955

Resources expended

Direct charitable expenditure:

Events and activities 4,862 771 5,633 4,709

Adult training 2,267 2,267 2,249

Donations and grants 3,320 4,250 1,796 9,366 4,610

Storm hut expenditure - 408

Special Needs fund expenditure - - 108

Scout management expenses 3,599 3,599 2,310

11,781 6,517 2,567 20,865 14,394

Fund raising and publicity 7,596 7,596 8,766

Administration expenses 13,903 13,903 10,498

Total resources expended 25,684 14,113 2,567 42,364 33,658

Net incoming (outgoing) resources

for the year (-571) (2,497) (-513) (-3,581) 6,297

Statement of financial ac

tivities

for the year to 31 March 2

009

18

2008

£ £ £ £

Fixed assets

Tangible assets 943 1,940

Current assets

Stocks 499 517

Debtors 7,562 3,531

Investments 95,644 101,317

Cash at bank and in hand 43,865 84,659

147,570 190,024

Less: Current liabilities

Amounts due within one year 37,720 77,588

Net current assets 109,850 112,436

Net assets 110,793 114,376

Represented by:-

Unrestricted funds

General 93,141 94,833

Designated funds 13,002 14,380

Restricted funds 4,650 5,163

110,793 114,376

2009

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Vince Wright on 7 September 2009

Balance Sheet 31 March 20

09

19

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