July 2009
T he
In this Issue >Beaver honoured >Fun on the Farm >Cub Carousel >World Jamboree >County appointments
N ews
letter
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ty Oxfordshire Coun
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CC Ramblings A
s you are all aware we have recently finished the annual census and the figures are now available. In Oxfordshire our numbers are up slightly, just under 2%, and this is in line with the national increase. We have 5033 young people and 1079 adults involved in Scouting in the County but as always could increase this number significantly if we dealt with the problem of waiting lists. Currently there are 407 Beaver Scouts, 176 Cub Scouts and 118 Scouts, a total of 701 young people who are being denied the opportunity of enjoying the challenge and adventure of Scouting. This number of young people represents more than the total young people membership of each of our Districts, apart from Oxford Spires. We need to think of ways to alleviate the waiting list problem. One of these is obviously the recruitment of more adults to run sections but this is not the only answer. We all moan about the lack of adults but unfortunately don’t always do anything about it. Nationally over 50% of adult membership enquiries are not followed up, I’m sure that’s not the case in Oxfordshire….
As part of the review of the County structure it was decided by the County Executive that Wychwood District would merge with Banbury, Bicester and West Oxfordshire Districts after their AGM this year. The transfer process is currently happening and thanks go to Cliff Shears, Wychwood DC for all his hard work in the District. Cliff will move to another role within the County team, which will be announced shortly, when he finishes as DC. Also thanks to Brian Sargent and Chris Mutlow, DC’s for Banbury & Bicester and West Oxfordshire for their support with this project. We wish all the Groups involved success in their new Districts and I’m sure that these changes will be beneficial and help us provide better Scouting to more young people. Whilst on the subject of Districts, I’m sorry to tell you that Belinda Drake has resigned as DC for Abingdon District. Thanks go to Belinda for her commitment and enthusiasm to the District in the relatively short time she was in the role. We wish her well and are now actively looking for a successor. Liz Farr, DCC, is currently Acting DC for Abingdon whilst this process takes place.
Andrew Gadd has also decided to resign as ACC(Beaver Scouts) with effect from the end of April to concentrate on his other Scouting commitments. I would like to thank Andrew for his contribution to Beaver Scouting in the County and wish him well with his future Scouting. Again we are actively looking for a replacement and I hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. Shaun Kendall has rejoined the County team as Media Development Manager for the County. Shaun will work with Districts to try and promote Scouting and we also hope to establish some Young Spokespersons who can spread the Scouting message. I am pleased to announce that Peter Duncan, the Chief Scout joined us at Zodiac 09. There will be more information coming out showing that it was a weekend to remember. Tarquin May County Commissioner
Oxfordshire Scouting
Appeal – Did you attend the 10th World Jamboree in 1959? Roger Norman is trying to track down members of Scouting from Oxfordshire who attended the 10th World Scout Jamboree in the Philippines in 1959 – the first World Jamboree in Asia. If you were part of the 105 Scouts from the UK or attending from one of the other 68 countries that attended then why not get in touch with Roger and share your stories. Contact him by email at: roger.norman1066@btinternet.com To find out more about Jamborees and the planning toward the 22nd World jamboree to be held in Sweden in July 2011, then please get in touch with Stephen Greening, ACC International as soon as possible.
Success for Cholsey Scouts in National Competition The rejuvenated Cholsey Scout troop got busy with their pencils and felt-tip pens and entered a competition to draw pictures for the 2009 Chubb Fire Safety Calendar. The task was to produce an eye-catching fire safety message for each month of the year. Cholsey’s entries for January, March and April were all winners, so Cholsey won £300 in prize money and their pictures feature in this year’s Chubb Calendar.
Beaver honoured for rescuing infant in swimming pool At a presentation Ceremony on 20th January at the Watchfield & Shrivenham Scout HQ, Beaver Scout Wilf Richardson was presented with the Chief Scout's Commendation for Meritorious Conduct by County Commissioner, Tarquin May. The citation on the certificate signed personally by the Chief Scout reads "In recognition of his quick thinking when his younger cousin fell head first into the swimming pool, his prompt actions to pull her to safety until the arrival of an adult was the major factor in saving her life. Wilmslow, Cheshire, July 2008" The presentation took place at the weekly meeting of the W&S Beavers in front of the Colony and guests including Wilf's parents and grandparents, the District Commissioner and Deputy DC Gill and Paul Sharpe, Mrs Sue Currie, Head Teacher of Shrivenham Primary School, Lt Col Willder from the Defence Academy together with Leaders and Committee members from the Group.
These awards are only given for exceptional acts of service to others and Wilf's actions are something of which he and all of us can be proud. The District Commissioner also stressed how important it was for young people to learn to swim and be confident in the water. Chief Scout Peter Duncan said "I am delighted that Wilf's quick thinking helped save this young lady's life. Scouting is not only about giving young people adventure, but also about providing lifelong skills. Wilf's actions demonstrated that he was able to use these skills to help his cousin" Well done Wilf.
Special Needs What is Special Needs? A question I am often asked. The official terminology is any condition, impairment or situation that could make it difficult for a young person or adult to participate fully in Scouting. They can cover both short and long term needs as in mobility impairment, learning difficulties, hearing difficulties, visual impairment, medical conditions, bereavement, divorce and many others. There are fact sheets to cover some of these and there is a lot of information by relevant organisations to help. However has anyone thought that being left handed could be a special need? A large percentage of the population is left handed but we still live in a right handed world in which left handed are expected to adapt. Knotting is particularly hard to learn as the person teaching is generally right handed and trying to copy when using the other hand is difficult. Sewing is another skill hard to pick up as the left handed person
sews from the left to the right and the right handed person the other way. Scissors, the cutting blade is another difficulty made for right handed people and left handed people need to turn it the other way. If it is little things like this that make life complicated for a left handed person, just imagine the difficulties people with more severe special needs have to cope with. A programme idea - try to use your other hand (left hand youngsters to use their right hand and vice versa) to write, paint and perhaps to brushing teeth holding the toothbrush in the other hand. If we find this difficult just imagine those gifted people who paint wonderful pictures using only their feet. If you would like to explore any of the above ideas further, or have any questions about special needs and Scouting, give Jo a call and Challenge that Adventure a little further. Jo Hawtin ACC Special Needs
Fun on the Farm
1st Hanborough and Freeland Cub Scout pack enjoyed a morning out on Saturday 21st March at Rectory Farm, Water Stratford near Buckingham. Cubs had a great time watching lambs being born, feeding the orphans, numbering and learnt about how much looking after they needed in the first few weeks of life.
We also erected a number of bird boxes that the cubs had made over the winter in George’s woodland to benefit the colony of tree sparrow found on the farm. The farmer George Eaton and his wife Annie offer educational access visits to the farm funded through Natural England’s Environmental
Stewardship scheme, this means that your visit is free – you just need to get your group to the farm. Visits can be tailored to suit the visiting group and can even be linked to the school curriculum, visits usually include general farm education for children - linking food and farming, with additional facilities such as pond dipping from a purpose made platform, bird watching from the hide, nature walks and quad bike trailer ride. If you would like further information contact Andrew.russell@ naturalengland.org.uk
Cub Carousel “We’re half way through the year” one of my colleagues at work said on Friday. Now I’m not sure what calendar he is working from but I sort of know what he means. It’s nearly the end of April and where has the year gone to. The Cub Scout section has been busy with many Districts holding their own “Scrap heap challenges” in order to find a team to enter the County event. All over Oxfordshire people have been saving toilet roll insides, yoghurt pots and lots of egg boxes. As adults we all think we know what it’s best to use for a model but as for Cubs ……….. Saturday 21st March saw many of us at the 33rd Oxford headquarters surrounded by piles of junk – or useful recyclable material as I like to think of it. Amazingly having been told a story that involved aliens a submarine and someone called Tarquin the Cubs set to and made whatever came out of their heads, well not literally as Health & Safety would not allow that to happen. We ended the day with the most amazing constructions and what seemed like more junk than we brought. Luckily in order to ensure no one felt left out each Cub was allowed to take a bag full of recyclable material home for their parents. The photos show the Bicester District Cubs getting really stuck in during their event and also the County event. The winners were from Oxford Spires. Banbury District held a walk in aid of Red Nose Day. 82 cubs, parents and leaders from in and around Banbury raised £248 for Comic Relief by paying to take part in a 6.5 mile hike on Sunday 15th March. ADC (CS)
Claire and Adrian Howlett said ‘it was great that so many of the Cubs came along to support this event, they were all really keen to raise money for this great cause’. Oxford Spires held their annual Boot & Compass challenge on 29th March at Bernwood Forest. Fourteen teams of cub scouts took part. I went to see the event in action. It brought back the memories of my showing my pack how to use a map and compass and the very next event they take part in they go in the wrong direction. I especially enjoyed the leaders taking great trouble to put one team on the right track only to be told by the Cubs that they were going the other way as that was where they thought they should be. Luckily no one got lost and a great time was had by all. The winners were the 4th Oxford. They are shown holding the unique trophy. So whether you are just hanging on by your fingertips or sitting astride the galloper I do wish you and your Cubs a good time in the next few months. Janet Duxbury Assistant County Commissioner Cub Scouts.
The Oxfordshire World Scout Jamboree Contingent 27th July – 07th August 2011 Rinkaby, Kristianstad, Skane,
Will you be there? Be part of a once in a lifetime experience with Scouts and Guides from all over the World. To be a Contingent member you must; • Be a member of the Scout Association and be aged between 14 & 17 years old on the fist day of the Jamboree (born between 25/07/1993 & 27/07/1997) • Commit to fund raising, that is Parents and Scouts working together to raise the Jamboree fee. This will be approximately £2,500 and will include the Jamboree fee, travel to and from the Jamboree, the Jamboree uniform and luggage, Home hospitality in a Northern European country and all Oxfordshire training costs for the 18 month period prior to attending the Jamboree
• Complete an application form and return to the ACC International by the 20th July 2009 for the Contingent Leader post, selection weekend will be 12th- 13th September 2009 and by the 30th October 2009 for the Assistant Leader post, selection weekend will be 21st – 22nd November 2009 For more information about attending the World Scout Jamboree please come to an information day at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre (Training Centre) on Saturday 19th September 2009 Who is it for? When is it happening? Young People/Parents
10.00 - 1130
Adults Young People/Parents
11.30 - 1300 1400 - 1530
Adults
1530 - 1700
For more information visit the World Scout Jamboree website:
• Complete an application form and return to the ACC International by 20th December 2009 and attend the selection weekend at Youlbury Scout Activity Centre on 15th 16th 17th January 2010 To be a member of the Contingent Leader Team you must; • Be a member of the Scout Association • Commit to fund raising the Jamboree fee along with the Scouts and their parents
http://www.worldscoutjamboree.se/en/ or http://www.scoutbase. org.uk/inter/jambo Or Contact Steve Greening, ACC International Oxfordshire, 13, Browns Close, Botley, Oxford OX2 9DB Tel: 01865-863152 Email: steve.greening@ntlworld.com
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT APPOINTMENTS June 2009
District Commissioners: Abingdon (Acting) Banbury
Liz Farr (acting) 25 Grahame Close, Blewbury OX11 9QE
01235 850362 liz.farr1@btinternet.com
Brian Sargent 74 Hereford Way, Banbury OX16 1UD
01295 273687 Mob 07777 663855 brian@bsargent.me.uk
Bicester (Acting)
Brian Sargent 74 Hereford Way, Banbury OX16 1UD
01295 273687 Mob 07777 663855 brian@bsargent.me.uk
Didcot King Alfred
Rob Vaines 5 Mereland Road, Didcot OX11 8AP
01235 819742 Mob 07981 808783 dc@scoutsindidcot.org.uk
Gillian Sharpe (Gill) 10 Colton Road, Shrivenham SN6 8AZ
01793 782178 07803 184306 dc@kascouts.org.uk
Oxford Spires
Val Butcher 39 Brasenose Drive, Kidlington, OX5 2EQ
01865 841817 Mob 07711 677514 Butcher898@btinternet.com
South Chiltern
Martin Strong 20a Rosehill Park, Emmer Green, Reading RG4 8XE
01189 479848 tma.strong@btinternet.com
Wallingford
Richard Booys The Rectory, Manor Farm Road, Dorchester-on-Thames OX10 7HZ
01865 343232 dc@wallingford.oxonscouting.org.uk
West Oxon
Chris Mutlow 28 Walkers Close, Freeland, Witney OX29 8AY
01993 881727 chrismutlow@dsl.pipex.com
Wychwood
Cliff Shears 85 Briar Road, Shepperton, Middlesex TW17 0JB
1932 562735 cliffshears@btinternet.com
Assistant County Commissioners:
Activities Beaver Scouts
Chris Burnell 01491 833251 Mob 07775 628740 7 Monks Mead, Brightwell cum Sotwell, chrisburnell@openfields.demon.co.uk Wallingford OX10 ORL Contact County Commissioner
Cub Scouts Janet Duxbury Maycroft, Bourne Lane, Hook Norton, Banbury OX15 5PF Scouts Ben Matthews
07964 745842 ben.matthews.accscouts@live.co.uk
Explorer Scouts (joint appointment)
Jeanette Neller and Steve Marris 3 Ypres Way, Abingdon OX14 1NG
07779 011908 Acc.explorer_scouts@oxonscouting.org.uk
International
Steve Greening 13 Browns Close, Botley OX2 9DB
01865 863152 Steve.greening@ntlworld.com
Special Needs & Duke of Edinburgh Scout Fellowship
Jo Hawtin 11a Vicarage Road, Kidlingdon OX5 2EL
01865 373907 Jo.hawtin@ntlworld.com
Contact County Commissioner
01608 737959 janet.duxbury@talk21.com
County Scouters:
Activity Support
Ben Smith The Old Cottage, Bicester Road, Kingswood HP18 0RA
01296 770030 Benjy.Smith@btinternet.com
Assistant County Sec. (Database) Assistant County Sec. (Census)
Richard Wharton 211 Manor Road, Witney OX28 3UG
07732 626371 scouts.database@richardwharton.co.uk
Ray Applegate Applegarth, 9 Townsend, Abingdon, OX14 5LG
01235 523753 r.applegate2@ntlworld.com
County Appointments
Fred Mogridge 12 Rahere Road, Littlemore, Oxford OX4 3QG
01865 778459
County Advisor (Catering)
Sue Shattock Mullions Castle St, Deddington OX15 0TE
01869 338880
County Water Activities Advisor
Lane Redgwell Mapledurham Lock, Mapledurham Drive, Purley on Thames, Reading RG8 8BE
0118 9417776 Day time, 0118 9423039 PM mob. 07775922134 l.redgwell@btinternet.com
Gang Show
Anthony Morris 71 Bagley Close, Kennington, Oxford OX1 5LT
01865 321081 Anthony@oxfordgangshow.org.uk
Mountain Training Activities David Burton 01491 839445 Mob 07776 202377 180 Crowmarsh Hill, Crowmarsh Gifford, dave@theburtons.org.uk Wallingford, OX10 8BG Website and Communications Zodiac 09
Matthew Lodge 6 Wellesley Close, Banbury OX16 3QP
07870 656343 cs.comms@oxonscouting.org.uk
Phil Earl 31 Chiltern Crescent, Wallingford, OX10 0PG
01491 201636 mob. 07808 298746 phil@zodiac09.org.uk
Other appointments: County Scouter - Angela Cousins County Team Development Carters Close, Main Street, West Hanney, Wantage OX12 0LH
01235 868274 angela.c.cousins@btinternet.com
Deputy County Commissioner Deputy County Commissioner
Liz Farr 25 Grahame Close, Blewbury OX11 9QE
01235 850362 mob 07879 897353 liz.farr1@btinternet.com
Sarah Joyner 48 Abelwood Road, Long Hanborough, Witney OX8 8DD
01993 882369 Sarah.joyner@tiscali.co.uk
Child Protection Coordinator
Alison Matthews 51 Nethercote Road, Tackley, Kidlington OX5 3AT
01869 331310 Mob 07854 646137 ali@creativedesign.uk.com
County Commissioner County Training Manager
Tarquin May 34 Priory Orchard, Wantage OX12 9EL
01235 760141 mob. 07866 699616 tarquin.may@sky.com
Pat Farr 25 Grahame Close, Blewbury OX11 9QE
01235 850362 Mob 07771778365 pat.farr@btinternet.com
Scout Network Commissioner
Jo Scott 6 Oakland Road, Banbury OX16 9DT
01295 251741 josscott@hotmail.com
County Media Development Manager
Shaun Kendall 127 Bicester Road, Kidlington OX5 2PX
01865 422483 Mob 07982 639150 Shaun@kendall.sh
Executive Officers: Chairman
Robert Buckeldee 57 Church Street, Kidlington OX5 2BA
01865 374809 Robert.buckeldee@nielsen.com
Treasurer
Lionel Cousins Carters Close, West Hanney, Wantage OX12 0LH
01235 868274 lbcousins@btinternet.com
Oxfordshire Scouting 2009 Diary Day
Date
Description
Location
Start Time
Contact
Attendees
Monday
6th
ADCs (Cubs) Meeting
Thames Valley Police HQ Kidlington
19.00
Janet Duxbury
ADC (Cubs)
Saturday
11th
Mobile Scout Unit
‘The Bury’ Abingdon
Liz Farr
Everyone!
Wednesday
15th
County AGM
Exeter Hall
County Exec
Everyone
Monday
20th
Closing date for Jamboree Contingent Leader
4th – 6th
Gilwell Reunion
July 09
19.30
ACC (I)
September 09 Friday
Gilwell Park
Saturday
12th
Scout Association AGM
BP House, London
Saturday
12th -13th
Jamboree Contingent Leader Leader Selection
YSAC
Steve Greening
Saturday
19th
Jamboree Information Day
YSAC – Trg Ctr
Steve Greening
Adults & Young People
Foxcombe Lodge
County Chair
County Executive
ACC Explorers
Explorer Leader from each Unit
CC
CC+ACC+DC
Janet Duxbury
ADC (Cubs)
Wednesday
23rd
County Executive Meeting
Thursday
24th
County Explorer Meeting
Monday
28th
County Team Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
Tuesday
29th
ADCs (Cubs) Meeting
Thames Valley Police HQ Kidlington
Fri - Sun
2nd -4th
CPCW/CSEW
Youlbury Scout AC
Ben Smith
Scouts/Explorer sections
Saturday
10th
Bonner Trophy
Eynsham Scout HQ
Janet Duxbury
District Cub Teams
Sat/Sun
17th/18th
JOTA/JOTI
Horley Campsite, Banbury
Janet Duxbury
All sections
Monday
26th
County Scout Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
19:45
Ben Matthews
ADC (Scouts)
Wednesday
28th
DC Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
19:45
CC
CC + DC
Friday
30th
Closing date for Jamboree Leaders Selection
Saturday
7th
Chief Scouts Silver Award Presentations
Friday
20th
County Cub Scout Early Christmas Social & Bracken Challenge
Saturday
21st -22nd
Jamboree Leaders Selection weekend
19:30
19:30
October 09
Steve Greening
November 09 Wantage
08/09 CS Silver Award Recipients
Janet Duxbury YSAC
Monday
23rd
ACC Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
Wednesday
25th
County Executive Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
Saturday
28th
Regional Programme Day
Monday
30th
County Explorer Meeting
Nov/Dec 09
Janet Duxbury
Steve Greening
19:30
CC
CC+ACC
County Chair
County Executive ACC’s
19:30
County Explorer Event
ACC Explorers
Explorer Leader from each unit
ACC Explorers
All Explorers
December 09 Saturday
5th
Beaver Sing-a-long with Santa
YSAC
Sunday
20th
Closing date for Young People applications for World Scout Jamboree
Wednesday
24th
County Executive Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
15th - 17th
Young People selection for World Scout Jamboree - Sweden
YSAC
26th
County Executive Meeting
Foxcombe Lodge
ACC(BS) ACC(I) 19:30
CSec
County Executive
January 2010 ACC(I)
May 2010 Wednesday
19:30
CSec
County Executive
Training dates, information & course bookings details are on the training website: http://groups.google.com/group/oxfordshire-adult-training-dates For regular updates about Scouting in Oxfordshire you should subscribe to the e-mail list at http://oxonscouting.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/announce_oxonscouting.org.uk