Warwickshire Scouts Issue 87 - August 2010www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk

New CC Announced | GSL Support Days | AGM 2010 | County Camp 2011

Following the announcement on 9th July

WISPA is pleased to confirm that Andy

Shorter (pictured centre front) has

accepted the role of County

Commissioner for Warwickshire and will

take over from David Bramston in mid-

August after a period of induction.

Andy currently holds a number of

appointments in Warwickshire, including

Assist. Explorer Scout Leader in

Nuneaton, Nuneaton Districts'

representative on the County Executive

and Warwickshire Jamboree Unit Leader.

Andy says 'At 25 years old I'm probably one of the

youngest County Commissioners to have been

appointed so I've got some challenges ahead of me, and

I've a lot to learn. However, I know we have a fantastic

team here in Warwickshire, delivering top class Scouting

to young people, so I really can't wait to work with you

all!'

Pictured with Andy are some of the more recent County

appointments; Jane Newbould ACC International,

Mike Barrett County Network Commissioner and John

Walsh DC for Rugby. All of whom are under 35 years

old and reflect Warwickshire's commitment to being a

youth led movement.

Warwickshire isnow Youth Led

PS Dave....Did I mention we increased our

membership 4.1% last year!

This is my last WISPA

article. It is almost as sad

as when I wore my

uniform to an event the

other week with no

Warwickshire badge on

it. The first time for 41

years (apart from when

my PL Brett tore it off my

uniform in a fit of rage,

but that was 38 years

ago and my mum soon sewed it back on again). Me

and that Bear have been miles and now he's gone.

Anyhow to the future, Andy has started his induction

and will soon be in a position to take over from me. I

wish him every success and look forward to working

with him in my new capacity.

Stratford's 100 year celebration was a great day

attended by Tim Kidd. He proved a great hit with

our young people and congratulations to all who

made the event happen.

The Jamboree Unit has had two training camps, they

seem a great bunch and are enjoying being together.

One last favour if you are a GSL. Please get yourself

booked on the DC/GSL day on the 12th February

2011 ASAP. Places are going fast and you will gain

much from attending. If you are a leader please ask

your DC/GSL if they are booked on, if the answer is

no, offer to do it for them!

I have really enjoyed my time as County

Commissioner, it has not always been easy but the

support you have given me has been amazing. We

have had a few downs but mainly we have had great

fun and laughs making Warwickshire the place to

enjoy “Premier Scouting.” The Warwickshire County

team are a bunch we should be rightly proud of.

Thank you and keep up the great work.

Dave

Chairman's CornerWe have been saying for some time

there were going to be a number of

changes to the way the County was run

and how true that statement has proven

to be. You know Dave Bramston has

been awarded the role of Regional

Commissioner and so Warwickshire,

after working through an in depth

selection process, has a new County

Commissioner - Andy Shorter.

I am sure that all who have experienced

Dave's style of leadership will affirm he

is very much a 'hands on' type of guy

who has promoted his vision of the

future for Warwickshire Scouting with

enthusiasm. His Friday afternoon calls

were a feature of his style and he always

managed to keep in touch with the

frontline of Scouting, the members and

leaders.

I'm sure you will all join me in wishing

him the same success in his new role as

he had with Warwickshire. (Although it

may take him some time to bring his

other counties up to our standards)!

Onto the future, I'm positive that in

Andy we will experience a different

style of management. To achieve his

goals he will need our support,

especially in the early days. I have no

doubt we are in for an exciting time as

the handover takes place but, as always,

I'm sure we will embrace the change.

All adults in Warwickshire have an

ideal opportunity to join us in

celebrating Dave's time as our CC as

well as welcoming Andy at the County

AGM. It will be held on 22 September

at Volvo, Wedgenock Lane Warwick

from 7.30pm. I look forward to seeing

as many of you as possible there.

Sid Russell | County Chairman

County Outlook

County AGM 22nd September

When Dave Bramston was appointed in

2005 he had a clear vision of turning

Warwickshire into a well focused County

delivering 'premium' Scouting. He has

striven to appoint the right people to the right

roles and never shied away from 'difficult

decisions'. Those who work closely with him have

found his style refreshingly direct. He makes

everyone feel supported through regular

personal contact and he has worked tirelessly for

Warwickshire. He could never do anything that

wasn't ‘right’ and his many hours of work are

probably known best to Jo-ann & Gemma, who

have supported him all the way.

Dave's biggest strength is his empowerment of

the people around him. He sees their positive

points and builds on them, enabling different

characters to work together in his team. Looking

back over the past 5 years that empowerment has

resulted in a variety of county wide or section

specific high profile events. These range from

the Centenary Celebrations at Warwick Castle, 5

District camp, Scouting 101, LookOut to

Explor09. He has brought the County to a point

where these events are the norm. ‘Get In...’

being a prime example of Dave's style which has

put DC's front and centre of creating this camp.

Warwickshire has grown every year since David

has been CC, with many new sections and

several Groups opening. The old cry of 'we can't

get leaders' is fading each year. Dave cares for

everyone as fully rounded people not just as

Scouters. He measures a meetings' success by

the volume of laughter. He always advocates a

work life balance with family first, followed by

work and fitting Scouting in if there is any time

left.

He believes passionately in

the value of Scouting for

young people, reckoning

that he owes a lot for what it

did for him in his youth. He

has been a strong advocate

in ensuring young people's

voices are heard and valued

and at most high profile

events young people are

fully involved.

Dave has achieved his vision and much more. We wish him every success in the future and a

huge THANK YOU from everyone in Warwickshire.

Celebrating Dave's5yearsas CC

187 Cubs from Leamington District spent a weekend under

canvas recently at Rough Close, for the pirate themed Cub

camp.

11 packs attended, taking part in a range activity bases, such

as: canon making, cooking on an open fire, a gun-carriage

run, a water slide relay and making lots of pirate things.

On the Saturday

night we dressed up

as pirates and took

part in the

Leamington Cubs

Have Talent with

pirate based acts.

Great fun was had

by all! Mike

Leamington CubsPirate Fun!

BeaverMedieval Fun Day

Warwickshire Beaver Scouts

enjoyed a fantastic & sunny day of

fun in July at Coton in Rugby.

Leaders worked hard from early

morning to set up bases ready for

the 250 Beavers attending.

The Beavers enjoyed a wide range

of activities including chocolate

apple eating, water bomb blasting,

Falconry, medieval food tasting, go

cart racing, dragon riding, bouncy

castles, sling shots and lots more.

The day was brilliantly organised,

so a huge thank you to all the

Districts for providing bases, they

were fantastic and a great example

of District working together.

Thanks to the Leaders and Helpers,

without you the boys and girls

would not be able to take part in

such fantastic days having

wonderful Scouting adventures.

Thanks also to the Fellowship for

the much needed refreshments.

We all made lots of 'Friends' and we

certainly had lots of 'Fun'. We came

'Prepared' to have a really good

time and that is what we had.

Brilliant!

Linda Jones | ADCB Leamington

Cubs 'Fun in the Sun'208 Cubs escaped to a land locked beach at the Alfrey

Activity Centre for sun, sea and fresh air. Unfortunately

the tide was out all weekend!

With over 20 different activities to offer from climbing to

a greasy pole, water cannons to a, Bush Tucker trial and

not forgetting a beach patrol and our very own beach to

build giant sandcastles. Thanks to Barretts and the team

for racking out the 20

tonne of sand.

If you are interested in

helping out at these events

or finding out more about

what we do at the activity

centre, then email:

manager@broadwatersc.co.uk

| 24th September - WANG |

Network Forum | Dale Street Church,

Leamington Spa | 7 - 9.30pm

Nuneaton North investing Lucywhilst she tested her balancingskills standing up in a canoe!

Call 999 if:

• The young person's

symptoms do not

improve in 5-10

minutes.

• The young person

is too breathless or

exhausted to talk.

• The young person's

lips are blue.

• You are in doubt.

Ensure the young

person takes one puff

of their reliever inhaler

every minute until the

ambulance arrives.

Remember - people with Asthma should be

able to join in with everything.

See also Factsheet FS250018

A boy died of asthma after being left for hours at

school. Do take symptoms seriously and don't

leave the youngster unattended for hours!

• Asthma is usually well controlled, but can

be sudden and serious;

• The presenting symptom of asthma in

children is usually persistent cough;

• Scouts go outdoors, but common triggers

are exercise, pollens, grass cuttings and

smoke.

Advice adapted from Asthma UK: Immediate

access to reliever medication is essential.

Youngsters should carry their own inhaler as

soon as everyone agrees they are mature

enough. When out or away, leaders should carry

a labelled spare.

What to do if someone has an asthma attack:

• Keep calm.

• Encourage the young person to sit up and

slightly forward - do not hug or lie them

down.

• Make sure the young person takes two puffs

of reliever inhaler (usually blue) immediately.

• Ensure tight clothing is loosened.

• Reassure.

If there is no immediate improvement:

Ensure the young person takes one puff of

reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or

until symptoms improve.

For Adult Training Dates check www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk/calendar/

Anne Howe | Special Needs Co-ordinator

Asthma - Children with Asthma should be able to join in with everything

Stratford Celebrate 100 years!Stratford District recently gathered for a wonderful day of fun, challenges in baking sunshine.

Activities ranged from circus skills to stocks and ended with a centenary afternoon tea with cakes

laid out in the shape of 100.

Guests included Tim Kidd Chief Commissioner for Scouts (England), David Bramston and a number

of local councillors.

Tim Kidd said “What a wonderful experience and a great start to the Centenary year in

Stratford on Avon”.

Gill Turner District Commissioner said “A fantastic day with so many boys and girls in scouting

enjoying a challenging fun day”.

And Beaver Scout was heard to say “It was all so great, wonderful when can we do it again”.

WASU BARBECUE - 4th September - see ACTIVE SUPPORT web page

All GSL’s and DC’s in

Warwickshire are encouraged to

end one of these workshops. The

purpose is to hear from the UK

Chief Commissioner about

progress towards our 2018 vision

and to hear your views and to help

shape the future work and

support.

East Midlands - 20th Nov 10

West Midlands -12th Feb 11

Attendees will have the option of attending 3 of the

following workshops:

Engaging With Parents - provide with practical new

ideas to encourage better support from parents

/guardians. This session will use real-life examples of

how resources, approaches and events can help you

recruit quality new adults in a variety of roles. The

session also highlights the impact of using parents to

effectively involve other parents and adults to

volunteer.

Effective Reviews - Opening up debates and

concerns around the review process to help you

unpack what you need to do to carry out positive

reviews that help contribute to supportive working

relationships and set positive goals for the future.

Group Scout Leaders & DC Forums DC's and GSL's Working Together -

Designed to focus the thoughts of DCs and

GSLs on the way the two roles work

together and the value in developing a

strong working relationship.

Role of the GSL -To help you understand

the role if you are newly appointed. It will

help you review and refresh your approach

to the role if you have been a GSL for some

time. Using practical and real examples and

input from other GSL we will look at six key

areas that will help to make you more

effective, your role more enjoyable and

your leaders feel better supported.

Please note that the session content will

be able to be delivered at either entry

level or advanced level for those who

have been post a while.

www.scouts.org.uk/gslanddcdays

On 26th June we held a Human Monopoly event for Scout Troops. Scouts spent 2 hours

visiting properties on the Monopoly board around Kenilworth before returning to Castle

Farm for more fun.

On arrival at each property the Scouts answered a question to gain points and leaders

were placed around town with Chance & Community Chest cards.

Afterwards, parents came along for a Big Adventure BBQ. During which a Scout v Parents

rounders match took place. It was amazing to see Scouts compete against each other and

then be united together during the rounders match.

During the evening parents learnt more about Scouting and what we do as Leaders. The

evening was a great success and plans are in place to run it annually for the Scout section.

For more information contact: Chris Barnwell 01926 851693

Kenilworth Scouts Big Adventure Kevin Perks gets to grips with activities!

News:Water Orton & Coleshill Carnival Fun

Water Orton Beavers & Cubs plus Coleshill

Scouts decorated a float for the local carnival

in June. This was the second time the two

groups had worked together as they meet in

the same HQ in Water Orton.

All 22 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had a great

time on the back of the lorry. There can't be

many Groups who have pitched a patrol tent

on the back of a lorry!

Trevor Weston | GSL Neather Whitacre

Safeguarding Up-date:Updated Child Protection Policy: January 2010

edition of POR includes a number of changes to the

Child Protection Policy in areas such as the use of

alcohol on Scouting activities* and the creation of the

Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator role (that's me!)

New Yellow Card - 4th edition: An updated Yellow

Card now incorporates 'neglect'. You should get yours

with the August/September issue of Scouting along

with an article highlighting the change.

Safeguarding training at appointment review: All

those subject to an appointment review must have

completed safeguarding training within the period of

their appointment. Please ask your training manager

to book me in to deliver training to you locally!

Keeping Children Safe - online: This training

package is now available online for just £4 (plus VAT)

and can be used as an alternative to receiving the

safeguarding training.

ThinkUKnow training: I am trained to deliver these

materials to Scouts (and leaders to raise awareness).

Over 3,000 young people in Scouting have now

completed ThinkUKnow.

Please do make contact with me:

haywardhouse@sky.com

Mike Hayward

Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator

*Adults must not consume alcohol when they are

directly responsible for young people on

a Scouting activity &

must not permit young

people (aged under 18

years) to consume

alcohol on

Scouting

activities.

Motivat10n - Explorer Camp - 17/19 Sept 2010

WAGS 40th Show - we need a cast!

The next WAGS show in 2011 will be our

40th. The programme is well advanced and

plans for rehearsals in the autumn are

coming together. The show will not be a trip

down memory lane but looking forward to

the next 40 years. But we can't do the show

without a cast. Any of our members can take

part in the show.

Dates for Auditions/first rehearsals are

given below.

Wed 22 September 7.30 pm - Dance

Team (aged between 14 and 25 on 26

September 2010)

Sun 26 September 2pm - Scouts, Explorer

Scouts, Network Scout, and Leaders

Sun 7 November 2pm - Cubs

Beavers - January date to be announced

For more information see the WAGS page

on www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk or

contact me on wagscontact@aol.com

Nigel Hailey

Diary Dates:20104 Sept - WASU BBQ

17-19 Sept - Motivat10n | Explorers

22 Sept - County AGM, Volvo Warwick

24 Sept - WANG | Network

2 Oct - Frank Latcham Trophy | Cubs

1-3 Oct - NKA Weekend | Alfrey Centre

9-10 Oct - Cub Leaders Weekend

13-14 Nov - Bear Trek Scouts

21 Nov - E.Midlands ACC Development

Advice & Support Days

20 Nov - E.Midlands - Group Scout

Leaders & DC Forums

201112 Feb - W.Midlands GSL & DC Forums

13 Feb - W.Midlands ACC Development

Advice & Support Days

For more information & specific training

details please consult the County website

calendar.

Next WISPA deadline:

NOTE DATE CHANGE: 1st October2010 - all articles & adverts. If your Group needs a website.

Contact: Alan Peedle - 5 Broomybank, Kenilworth CV8 2SF | 01926 851195 | alan@acstededesign.co.uk

Do you want to:

• Team build with the leaders in your Group?

• Learn some new skills?

• Swap programme ideas with other leaders?

• Try all those activities you don't get chance to when you're

at camp?

• Validate training module or gain some continued learning?

We've got a weekend every bit as fun and exciting as those

we arrange for Cubs & Scouts only there's one little

difference - it's not for kids, it's for you the adults!

£30 per person (Fully Catered)

Cub Leaders & HelpersTraining Weekendfor all adults at

Alfrey Activity Centre9th-10th October 2010

FREEFREE

www.warwickshirescouts.org.uk/cubs/

for moreinformationcall Graham

on 01926 431384

17 to 19 September 2010FINAL PAYMENT NOW DUE

MOTIVATMOTIVAT1010Nm o t i v 8 - 2 0 1 0

MOTIVAT10NNotice of Annual General Meeting | Wed 22nd September - 7.30pm

Volvo, Wedgenock Lane, Warwick CV34 5YA | Everyone Welcome

Gordon joined 3rd Nuneaton as a Wolf Cub in the 1930's,

becoming a Rover Scout before enlisting into the army

aged 17. During his life he 'Scouted' in Nuneaton, Sheffield

and Chesterfield before moving back to Atherstone with

Alma, his wife.

By 1971 Gordon was DC for Atherstone before being

appointed CC of Warwickshire in the mid-1980's. In time he

set up our County Scout Fellowship with Les Alfrey and he

was also an early member of the Griffin Fellowship.

In 1990, while also holding the role of County Chairman,

Gordon was made an Honorary Scouter of Warwickshire as

a thank you. His outstanding work in Scouting was rewarded in 1994 with

the Silver Wolf.

One of Gordon's main interests in his latter Scouting years was his

Museum of Scout & Guide memorabilia. With the help of the County

Fellowship this was exhibited all over the county before coming to rest at

the Alfrey Activity Centre.

The full tribute to Gordon can be read on the County website.

Geoff Russell | County Scout Fellowship

John Gordon Richards - 1928-2010

County useful numbers:County Commissioner David Bramston 01926 498168

CC Designate Andy Shorter 02476 328166

County contacts can be

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