www.dartfordscouts.org.uk Issue 9 May 2014

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GREAT NEWS FOR DARTFORD After many months of searching I’m pleased to be able to announce we have now found a new DC for Dartford District. Leigh Villiers formally GSL at the 3rd Dartford has agreed to take on a new role as District Commissioner and will take up the post formally following St Georges Day. Leigh has many years’ experience in scouting and a drive and passion for scouting in Dartford. I am certain he will drive Dartford forward to new levels and I hope you will all join me in welcoming him to his new Role. There will be a period of transition over the coming months and I will continue to support the district as Leigh finds his feet. I would like to thank the District team and Exec committee for their time, efforts and support of the last year and I look forward to the district continuing to thrive under Leigh.

Paul Abel Deputy County Commissioner (West Kent)

WELCOME I thought I’d start by saying how proud I was to be standing in front of Dartford District on Sunday as I move into my new role in scouting. My thanks go out to Andrea for organising the event. As many of you do not know me I also thought I’d give you my potted scout history…. I started scouting in the 16th Royal Eltham (St. Andrews) at the age of 10. Purely by chance, one of my school friends wanted to try this ‘new club’ and I went along with him to see what it was all about, needless to say I liked what I saw and within six weeks I went on my first summer camp to Downe with no sleeping bag and no idea what to expect. I was also luckily enough to become one of the first Young Leaders whist with Ventures and as soon as I was 18 I became a full leader with the Group. Between 2001 and 2008 I took a break from Scouting. When my eldest daughter wanted to join Beavers we were speaking to Elaine and Cavan and got talking about the 3rd that needed an ASL, this was the start of my journey, which leads up to now, and my current role as District Commissioner. I have a passion for scouting and want every young person to have the opportunities that I had as a child, to do this I need the best team I can possibly get and in honesty I think I can say that that team is here in Dartford. We have super leaders and we have fantastic young people who are earning awards and enjoying scouting.

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We do have work to do though; if we want to be better and we want to be bigger then we need more leaders. Once we get those leaders we need to be able to train and develop them to deliver the best programme that we can, we also need to support our existing leaders. As many of you will be aware there are some changes coming along which will affect how we scout today; we have a programme review, which is due out in January, and we also have Compass, which Kent is due to start using later in the year. What is important in all of this is that we don’t lose sight of what we are all here to and that is enjoying scouting. I will shortly be starting work on a district development plan; this will involve the district team, the GSL’s and some young people. This is not going to happen overnight and I do not expect to get everything right first time, but as a District I know we will get it done. Finally what I hope will become a regular item, the DC CHALLENGE!!! Send us your Colony, Pack, Troop or Unit selfies of you doing something up high… There isn’t a prize or certificate; you’ll just be safe in the knowledge that you’ve met the DC CHALLENGE We’ll share them on the Facebook page for all to see! For your records my contact details are, 139 Ashen Drive Dartford DA1 3LY M: 07767 304514 E: dc@dartfordscouts.org.uk

Leigh Villiers District Commissioner

BEAVER NEWS St George's Day Parade Thank you to everyone that turned up on Sunday. Huge congratulations to The Brent Winnipeg Colony for winning the District Standard this year. Despite the forecast the weather was kind and all in all the turn out and presentation of all participants was exemplary - well done. The only up coming event in May is JOTT, details of which follow in the newsletter. Bronze Award photos I will be getting these printed and put into pigeonholes as soon as I can (as yet I do not have any Awards - as soon as I know what it happening with regards badges I will let you know).

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As many of you know, Cavan has stepped down as ADC Beavers. I would like to thank him for all that he has done since being thrown into this role and for putting into place some of the events we have coming up - I hope I can carry on the good work until we get a new ADC!! I may drive some of you mad asking for advice and help so please forgive me in advance! Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries regarding anything.

Jacqui Wilkinson DBSL

CUB NEWS I can’t quite believe another month has passed; it seems like only yesterday that I was writing April’s submission. The main event this month was, of course, the St. George’s Day service and parade. I was delighted to see so many Cubs attending and that everyone had made such an effort to look smart. It great to see all the sections come together to celebrate this special occasion and share their pride in Scouting. In the week leading up to the St. George’s day parade, I was invited to attend 1st Dartford Cub pack to present a silver award. During the visit, I was privileged to watch the rehearsal of their story of St. George. I thought the rehearsal was wonderful and couldn’t wait to see the ‘real’ thing. I was not disappointed; it was, without doubt, the highlight of the day. A huge well done to the many Cubs, Beavers, Scouts and leaders who were involved in this Oscar standard performance! Cyclo Park – 8th June and 29th June All information regarding the Cyclo Park activity days will be emailed out to leaders. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Date of Next Cub Leaders’ Meeting The next Cub leaders’ meeting will take place on Monday 12th May at 8pm. We will meet at 8pm upstairs in Scout House. All leaders, assistant leaders and anyone involved with Cubs are very welcome.

Andrea Head ADC Cubs

SCOUT NEWS Johnson Trophy The details for the competition to be based at Hopehill Scout Campsite on 17th May have been sent out to all troops. Entry deadline is 10th May. If you have not received the information let me know. If there are leaders from other sections that would be prepared to help I'd love to hear from you. Tug of War The ever-popular tug of war competition will be held on 6th June on Stone Rec. Detailed information to follow soon.

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Cricket Competition The cricket competition will take place on 27th June. More information to follow soon. Leaders Meeting Our next leaders meeting will be held on 19th may, 8pm at scout house. Let me know if you would like to put anything onto the agenda.

Gavin Jessup ADC Scouts

ADULT TRAINING It was great to have some feedback this month, I had a very productive meeting with a G.S.L where we went through the training needed for his whole group, if anyone else would like to meet up and do this please email me. It only took about an hour and half Honest! First Aid British Red Cross First Aid Courses: 11th May - Faversham 24th May - Thanet 17th August - Thanet 22nd November – Thanet Please contact me for booking Getting started Occasional helper and above should attend a getting started course. Please send completed training forms to me; our next course is on 8th June 9am – 3pm lunch included. The course after this is in September. Safeguarding 17th June at Scout house Module 15 20th May Challenging Behaviour, to be held at Dartford Judo Club. 7.30 start. 9-10 May Explorer Leading for Dummies! We are running a fun training and information weekend for Explorer leaders. It does not matter if you have been doing it for 10 years or 10 minutes. We will share ideas; play games, see new developments, but most of all have lots of fun. The event will be held at Lower Grange Farm and will be free to any leaders who are working with Explorers. We will run from Friday evening through to Saturday afternoon. More information will be found on the Explorer Pages (Kent scouts)

11th May

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Training for all managers encompassing modules 21,22,24 & 26. Kennington, Ashford Please send me your training application form. In the Planning... Skills day-June- what skills would you like us to offer? Module 38-September- Multi module day- November – which modules should we put on?

Sue Martin Local Training Manager

APPOINTMENTS The Appointments Committee met on Tuesday 22nd April, and approved the following new appointments: Edward Raymond Assistant Scout Leader 3rd Dartford Christopher Pike Scout Sectional Assistant 5th Dartford Andrew Strevens Group Sectional Assistant The Brent (6th Dartford) And the following change of Appointments: Edward Fensome ABSL to BSL 3rd Dartford Joanne Lovett ACSL to ABSL 3rd Dartford Glen Keeling ASL to SL 1st Galley Hill Jacqueline Wilkinson ABSL to ACSL 1st Sutton-at-Hone

Peter McLean Appointments Secretary

JOTT 17 Jamboree on the Trail 10th May This event is not far away now! There is a lot of information surrounding this event to ensure the smooth flowing for all participants from all starting points. Please find all the information at http://www.dartfordscouts.org.uk/event-jott__jamboree_on_the_trail_.html

Andy Gray ADC Activities

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BADGES As you know George our badge secretary retired just before Easter. Whilst we look at the best method of supplying badges I will hold the current stock at my home. If you require badges you will need to email me on the details below then drop payment or order and payment off at my house by Friday each week. Assuming we have stock then I will have your order made up and awaiting for you in the shop at Scout House the following Monday, if we are out of stock then I will order and let you know once you can collect the badges. If your group has an account for badges, I’m sorry but until the badge accounts have been finalised for 2013/14 we cannot take payment on account so it’s cash only. For the next few weeks or until we can find a permanent solution this is the best I can offer. If you know somebody in scouting or a supporter of scouting who would be interested in the role of badge secretary then please ask them to get in contact with me. Current prices Activity/Staged (e.g. Nights away) – 57p each Challenge badges – 67p each District/County – 50p Membership – 67p Participation – 44p 2ndr/6er/APL/PL/SPL – 67p

Leigh Villiers WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE 2015 Those of you at The District George's Day Service would have heard Jessica, Emma, Mia and Ben talk passionately about the 2015 World Jamboree. They are keen to share their experiences with the District both before and after the jamboree. There will be another chance to hear from them at the District AGM. Thanks to everyone who visited the stall at St.George’s Day. Laura Kyle won the “Guess how many sweets in the jar” challenge, and the “name of the bear” challenge was won by Lexi Smith. Dartford also have 4 leaders attending the World Jamboree. Claire Dixon and Dan Boucher as Kent contingent unit leaders and Leigh Villiers and Matt Gibson as part of the International Service Team. Both the young people and leaders need to raise significant amounts to attend the Jamboree. If you can help in anyway I would be happy to pass on any information. Look out for Jamboree badges and draw tickets on sale now!

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DISTRICT JAMBOREE 2015 The location for the 2015 Dartford District Jamboree has been confirmed as Skreens Park Campsite. The Jamboree will run from 22nd to 25th May 2015. More information, including cost will be given out at the district AGM. We are looking for people to form the organising team. If you are interested please let me know ASAP. A Camp Chief will head the Jamboree up. If you are interested in the role please let me know.

Gavin Jessup DASCO 7 of us went to the YHA in the National Forest for Easter and although the weather wasn't great we had three enjoyable walks although Sunday's was cut a little short by the rain! We also discovered 'Hungry Horse' pubs, which offer a wide range of menu at very reasonable prices. Margaret continues to organize monthly day walks the details of which she e-mails out. It would be great to have some new people join us. We can often offer lifts if needed. SAS May's event is our river walk and pub dinner at 'The Pier'. We will of course be helping with the refreshments at J.O.T.T. (10th May).

Ashley Hambridge DISTRICT EXEC MEETING The minutes have been confirmed as true and can be made public from the meeting on the 3rd of March and have been forwarded for your convenience, these are attached to the holding email.