April 2011
DISTRICT AWARDS PRESENTATIONS
HELP FOR JAPAN
Another packed presentations afternoon at Chester Guildhall! The Lord and Lady Mayoress had a great time and also send their thanks and congratulations to the award winners and everyone else who came to enjoy the day.
You can show your support and assist our Scouting friends in Japan. The Scout Association of Japan (SAJ) is accepting donations. You can help those Scouts participating in the relief effort by donating to the Scout Association of Japan’s fund: http://scout.org/en/information_events/news/2011/updated_ news_from_scouts_in_japan
Many thanks to Iain McIntyre and all members of the District who helped to organise the day and to the Active Support Unit for the refreshments. Because the number of people taking part is increasing each year, we are now looking for a suitable new venue!
Meanwhile, the manner in which Scouts all over the world have expressed solidarity and sympathy with counterparts in Japan has been recognised in a moving tribute. Kinisada Kume, International Commissioner, has posted an official message which extended his gratitude to ‘brothers and sisters in Scouting around the world for expressing sympathy and condolence toward the people who have suffered the severe damage from the recent earthquake and tsunami.’ Mr Kume confirmed that some Scouts and leaders in the Miyagi Scout Council had been lost in the terrible tragedy which struck on 11 March. A number from Scouts have volunteered to travel to Japan to help the relief effort. However with the continuing uncertainty regarding the Fukushima nuclear plant, SAJ is still not at the stage of accepting such generous offers. Read the full message from the Scout Association of Japan (PDF): http://www.scout.or.jp/newtopics/110311earthquake/Messa geIC110320.pdf
JOIN THE ADVENTURE THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION CHESTER AND DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL District Centre: adjacent Westlea County Primary School Weston Grove Chester CH2 1QJ E: enquiries@chesterscouts.org.uk T: 01244 398635 W: www.chesterscouts.org.uk/ Facebook: http://groups.to/chesterscouts2011/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/@ChesterScouts Registered charity no. 511406
FAIRTRADE RECORD BREAKING ATTEMPT The 42nd Chester Cubs took part in the recent world record attempt in aid of the Fairtrade movement.
Tunisia, Egypt and most recently in Libya but the protests are taking place across the region. The Scout Association has sent its best wishes and offers of condolences for those who have gone home during the protests to both the region and individual countries. The Scouts in the region have been very active in providing civil support by providing first aid; distributing food and helping at refugee centres etc (see http://bit.ly/gnoC4p) It is important that we in this country learn more about how these events have arisen and what impact they may have. However, in doing this as part of the Scout programme, Leaders often experience difficulty in addressing the issues. To help, two documents have been produced, dealing with the situation in Arab countries and also political protest more widely. You can download the two documents in portable document format from: http://bit.ly/i37KDv Please feel free to distribute and use the documents.
BEAVER SCOUTS INVADE MANCHESTER! APPOINTMENT FORMS Please remember to put the correct postage on envelopes containing appointment forms (they will often be large letters rather than standard ones). We have had to pay excess postage a number of times recently! GANG SHOW - SINGLE LADIES - RED NOSE DAY COLLECTION They waxed their legs, donned leotards and high heels and performed at Gang Show, also raising money for red Nose Day. Have a look at
170 members of the Beaver Scout Section from the District had a fantastic trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester on 26 March. They had a great time and were a great example of Scouting in Chester. Well done to the Beavers and many thanks to Richard Johnson and Jason Clarke for doing all the organising of coaches and the programme and to all the Leaders and volunteers who looked after the young people. Congratulations all round!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2OPO7mqQj4 In total, they raised £1002.91 – fantastic result. Well done!
UNREST IN ARAB COUNTRIES No one can have missed the recent news coverage from the Arab region. The media have focussed on activity in
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NEWS FROM NEW ZEALAND Richard Hargreaves is an Assistant Explorer Scout Leader in the Renegades Units. Last year he moved to Christchurch, New Zealand to work as a tutor at the Local University, and got caught up in the recent earthquake. Christchurch city centre has been completely devastated, and the damage extends across the whole city. The suburbs have been affected just as severely; many houses have collapsed, cars are crushed and muddy silt has bubbled up through huge cracks in the ground. Fortunately, thousands of volunteers have all pulled together to remove damaged chimneys, shift rubble and shovel away the silt. Students, church groups and local Scout units have all joined the army in the clear-up operation. Richard says: “My Rover Scout unit have all been volunteering, and I've joined them in helping clean up the suburb of Avonside, one of the worst hit areas. It's been really inspirational to see so many people giving up their time, and to see Scouts amongst them serving the community”.
And with their extensive kit list and staff expertise, you can't be better prepared than by making a visit to Cotswold Outdoor. Just remember to bring your appointment card with you for a generous discount. The discount is currently available to Leaders only, but will soon be extended to parents and Scouts.
SPONSORED WALK Please note that the sponsored walk will now be held on 1 October (to avoid clashes with major events in Chester on the original date).
THE DISTRICT TEAM There are some changes to the District Team - aimed at helping us have a structure that will provide increased support for Groups and Explorer Scouting in Chester and District. The new structure is: District Commissioner: David Bull District Chair: Joanne Turner District Secretary: Jayne Maloney District Treasurer: Mike Hillier Deputy District Commissioner (Youth Programme and Events): Iain McIntyre Deputy District Commissioner (Adult Support): Dave E Evans Assistant District Commissioner (Section Support): Alan Wilding Assistant District Commissioner (Activities): Charly Hillier Assistant District Commissioner (Event Support): Roger Hewitt District Explorer Scout Commissioner: Simon Ashton Manager, Scout Fellowship Active Support Unit: John Riley (there are also Active Support Units for Activities, Events and Gang Show) Local Training Manager: Richard Johnson County Scout Network Leader for Chester: Richard Clarke In addition, we have appointed Dave M Evans to manage the District Stores at Trafford Street. Following the re-structuring of the District Team, we are looking for people to take on District Scouter roles for all Sections. This would not mean that you have to stop working with your Colony, Pack or Troop – and it will be a great experience Contact Iain McIntyre or Alan Wilding for more information
DISCOUNTS AT COTSWOLD OUTDOOR Cotswold Outdoor and The Scout Association have teamed up to offer in-store discounts to Members. • •
Say hello to 20 per cent off in April 2011 Year-round discount of 15 per cent
The Scout Association has chosen Cotswold Outdoor as its recommended outdoor high street retailer for all things outdoors. Our shared enthusiasm for adventure makes this the perfect partnership.
NEWS FOR CHESTER SCOUTING
DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S NOMINATIONS TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE At the District Annual Meeting, there are elections to the Executive Committee. The DC also makes nominations of some members. If you would like to serve on the Committee for the next year, have a word with David Bull.
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DISTRICT DIARY
GET WELL! th
Good wishes to Hilary Clarke (5 Blacon) and Wayne Challinor (8th Chester), both of whom are receiving hospital treatment. Best wishes for a speedy return to health.
SAFE SWIMMING As part of the ongoing review of all Scouting activities, the rules on swimming have been amended. The new, simplified arrangements will ensure that running such activities is easier for leaders. The details can be found at www.scouts.org.uk/swimmingupdates The main changes are: • •
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Paddling has been clarified and requires no qualification by leaders No further qualifications are required in instances where a lifeguard is provided (including swimming pools and beaches) Swimming in pools and Class C waters are now managed in line with other Class C water activities. No qualifications are required by leaders Swimming in all other open waters (B1 and higher) has been simplified and safety cover can be provided by either a water activities permit holder (when following the guidelines outlined in the swimming fact sheet) or someone who holds the Royal Life Saving Society Water Safety Management Programme (WSMP) or any equivalent or higher award.
Full guidance is available in the swimming fact sheet: www.scouts.org.uk/fs120620 Any activities planned under the existing rules can still take place under these revisions, which are implemented and in use immediately. A number of Water Safety Management Programme courses will be taking place through the RLSS: www.scouts.org.uk/wsmp A team of trainers is being recruited to help deliver the WSMP courses: www.scouts.org.uk/wsmptrainer Guidance has been updated in the shape of the swimming fact sheet and a revision to POR (http://newsletter.scouts.org.uk/t/50144/8878085/1810728/ 0/).
7 April – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 9/10 April – Cheshire Hike 16 April – St George’s Day celebration 16 April - County Dinner, Cranage Hall 22/24 April – Network Gathering, Great Tower 30 April/1 May – D of E Award expedition training 5 May – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 7 May - Beaver Barbie Bash, Huntington 7 May – County Beaver Challenge, Alderley 9 May – First Response Refresher 14 May – Jamboree on the Trail 15 May – Dragon Boats, Chester 21 May - District Cub Scout Totem Pole Competition 25 May - Sectional Support and Development Meeting 2 June – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 7 June – County AGM, Chester Town Hall 7 June – Speaker’s Reception, House of Commons 9 June – District AGM, Chester Guildhall 11 June – First Response 12 June – County Scout Sunday, Chester Cathedral 16 June - Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove 17/19 June - Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition assessment 21/22 June – Cheshire Show 23 June – Safeguarding Training 25 June - Beeston Hike for Beavers 2 July – Beaver Birthday Party, Runcorn 7 July – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 16/17 July – Tattonbury (Explorer Scouts) 17 July – Jamboree Contingent send-off 30 July/12 August - KISC 2011, Kandersteg International Scout Centre 1 September – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 4 September – County Platinum and Diamond Chief Scout’s Awards Presentations, Northwich 17 September – First Response 22 September - Validation sessions for GSLs/District Team, Weston Grove 22 September - Sectional Support and Development Meeting, Runcorn 1 October – Sponsored Walk 6 October – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 14/16 October – Jamboree on the Air/Jamboree on the Internet 17 October – First Response Refresher 28/30 October – Halloween Camp (Network and Explorer Scouts), Forest Camp 3 November – District Leaders’ Meeting (General) 6 November – County Gold Chief Scout’s Award Presentations, Warrington 13 November – Remembrance Day 17 November – Safeguarding Training 19 November – County Cub and Scout Swimming Gala, Warrington 1 December – District Leaders’ Meeting (Sectional and GSLs) 3 December – First Response
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