Bromley Scout News – May 2015

BROMLEY SCOUT NEWS
DC’s Corner
In our last newsletter, I mentioned Compass had arrived. Well it did but not for long and this has led
to some major challenges to deliver this year’s census. However, with your support we managed to
pull it together by the deadline date.
Numbers across the District have increased across all sections, Beavers total 812 (+48), Cubs 1,025
(+12), Scouts and Explorers 404 (+30). This clearly is a step in the right direction despite the fact that
as a District we have lost 43 adult leaders. Just imagine what we could achieve if we could reduce this
amount.
The main concern here is that it appears to be our newer leaders that we lose. I am not sure the reasons for this, lack of support or
not the role they envisaged, as a District will be working to improve this. ADC Adult Support Christine McNamara has put together a
brilliant system to bring our new appointments through Getting Started and Initial Training and this has been long overdue!
We are also looking at how the District team can add to the support of your new appointments and we are working towards
implementing a development team to support these appointments.
Bromley District took part in an Expo Event in March an event which was aimed at voluntary organisations to show themselves to
the business community. We made a number of interesting contacts not least a new leader but also further discussions with an
organisation called Mind we are planning to introduce them via Explorers and Network. We are also looking at Youth Digital
Network, a Bromley Community Radio that would like to give our young people some air time to publicise scouting in Bromley.
We would like to try some different events like this through the year if possible across the District with the possibility to boost
numbers and hopefully find new leaders it is well worth a try. In May we shall be at Waitrose in Beckenham and July we will have a
stall at the Priory School in Orpington.
I hope you all enjoyed this year’s St George’s Day Parade in Chislehurst as much as I did. Those of you that made the fantastic
dragon and St George customs truly added to the occasion. Both the Mayor of Bromley and James Cleverly commented on how
much they enjoyed the event. I would like to thank Michael Brooks and Claire Hannam GSL Chislehurst Invicta for their support in
making everything come together as well as it did.
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Congratulations to Terry Newman (Chair Appointments Advisory Committee), Jeannette Elliott (GSL 14 Bromley) and Sandra
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Goodwin (GSL 23 Bromley) for being awarded the Silver Acorn this year in the National St Georges Day Awards in recognition of
their specially distinguished service.
I have also received a number of Wood Awards, Mark Smith, Andrew Watkins, Deborah Kennedy, Steve Pegram, Nicole Marie
D’Souza, Gemma Baker, Jane Bagge, Gillian Haines, David Organ, Glenn Dean, Caron Mole, Tom Norris, Miranda Biddle, Amanda
Kilby and Grant Scott. Well done all of you and please can you let me know if you have some events coming up where I can or one of
the team can attend and present them to you.
I would like to conclude by remembering the sad passing of those that had given so much to Scouting, Maurice Stagg formerly of
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2nd Orpington, Connie Randall formerly of the 25th Bromley and Sandie Rance (nee France) ACSL at 7 Bromley.
Gary Peppiatt
DC Bromley District Scouts
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Registered Charity No 303547
Meet the District Team
With a relatively new District Senior Leadership team, we asked them to tell us a bit about themselves, here is a chance to learn a bit
more about them, including some things you may not know!
Alys Helms Deputy District Commissioner (Group Support)
Been in Scouting 20 years, ABSL, BSL, Leader in Charge and GSL of 3rd West Wickham. Also served on
appointments committee several years and a Training Advisor.
Born in Cudham Youth Hostel quite a long time ago and have now returned to live in the village, like
gardening, walking, reading and cooking.
A little known fact - Flew Dr Who (Peter Davidson) and the Tardis to Lanzarote – but we did go in a plane from Gatwick. I am a
Pilates instructor and Health Coach.
Tom Norris Deputy District Commissioner (Events)
As well as his role as DDC (Events) Tom is SL at the 4th Bromley and is closely involved with the Bromley
Network but why is he called “bubbles or bubbs” by so many people?
“At the mere age of 11 when I was a young Scout myself and off at summer camp at Longridge we
managed to sneak away from our leaders (sorry Chris and June) to the tuck shop to get loaded up with
sweets. Well after demolishing about 2 weeks worth of your sugar intake in a matter of hours I became
ridiculously hyper and used the rain coat I was wearing as an igloo - Indulging myself in the coat, This then
became my 'Bubble of fun' - that was it from then on I was known to my friends as 'Mr Bubble fun' over
the years this reduced to 'Bubbles' and more recently 'Bubbs' - We were all silly Scouts once, some of us
just never seemed to grow up!”
Danny Southby Deputy District Commissioner (Programme)
Danny is the camera shy quiet unassuming character who led the story of St George at our recent St George’s Day Parade! In
addition to his role as DDC (Programme) Danny is CSL at Chislehurst Invicta.
Mark Smith District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Mark’s initial Scouting career started in the USA with the Boy Scouts of America and as far as we know he
is the only “Eagle Scout” in our District, unless you know differently.
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Now in addition to his role as DESC Mark is the AESL at the 7 Orpington
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New Appointments
We are delighted that there have been a total of 21 new leader appointments since our last newsletter in January and a warm
welcome and thanks to the following who have recently taken on new or revised Group roles;
Michael Lewis ASL 5th Chislehurst
Sandra Lawrence ACSL Crofton Oak
Alexandra Harris AEXSL 22nd Bromley
David Blake UA (EX) 9th West Wickham
Christopher Adams ASL 19th Bromley
Sharon Chima ABSL 1st Biggin Hill
Chloe Murphy ASL 3rd Petts Wood
Victoria Giddins CSL 4th Mottingham
John Avery ASL 3rd St Pauls Cray
Julia Hart SL 22nd Bromley & ASL 7th Bromley
Jade Oliver ACSL 3rd Bromley & AEXSL 15th Bromley
Anthony Scott ASL 5th Chislehurst
Melanie Roffey AEXSL 5th Petts Wood
Monica Calvo- Garcia ACSL 4th Beckenham South
Simon Abberly ACSL 19th Bromley
Ian Pitman ACSL 1st Farnborough
Neil Rowland ACSL 1st Farnborough
Amanda Rose ABSL 9h Orpington
Emma Stiling ASL 7th West Wickham
Ryan Bidwell AEXSL 4th Mottingham
Elaine Kythreotis BSL 8th West Wickham
Group Support Update
I really enjoyed meeting so many of the GSLs at the recent series of GSL on the road sessions and am receiving some interesting
reports from the Groups. I see my role as supporting all the Bromley GSLs so that they can support their own leaders and we can
work together to give the young people a wonderful Scouting experience! To achieve this good communication between all of us is
vital so remember to keep the District team updated with any email changes etc.
St Georges Day Parade went well despite the weather and I felt the youngsters who attended enjoyed it. The march was organised
as a result of comments made by Groups who felt it should be done – so was it worth it? Did the Beavers and Cubs enjoy dressing
up and participating? What should we be planning for next year? We need feedback from everyone so we know what is required
for 2016.
District Trophies were not presented at the Parade because it was felt that members in the District did not know the criteria for
awarding them so a fair decision could not be made. At the GSLs meetings we discussed the benefits and drawbacks of trophies and
it was felt that, in such a large District, it is not possible to design a system that gives an equal opportunity to all Groups regardless
of their size. The consensus of opinion amongst the GSLs was that District trophies should stop. This topic can, of course, be
revisited in the future.
The GSL conference is booked for 30 June at Wilberforce and I need suggestions as to what topics should be covered.
We have all had to struggle with the problems created by Compass (or the lack of it!) This matter is totally out of our hands but do
remember to ensure all adults attending camps have an up to date DBS check. Any difficulties getting this done – let me know and I
will do my best to help.
Enjoy the Summer!
Alys Helm
Deputy District Commissioner
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Events update
The start of the year has kicked off with some amazing events. We have got to see hundreds of youth members from across the
district from Beavers all the way to Explorers. Just a quick note from me to every one of the volunteers that make these events work
– Thank you! Below is just a small insight into some of the events we have seen over the last few months.
The Emergency Aid 3 Badge Day for Scouts. The all-day event was run across 2 different venues and lead by medical professionals.
Huge congratulations to the 51 participants who all passed the course and gained the badge.
Explorer Challenge – Explorer teams headed out in mass to take over the city in
February.
Teams had to work out a list of riddles and make their way across the city to get photos
of the answers.
Despite the freezing weather a great day was had by all! Congratulations to the first
explorers to get their name on the trophy the 28th Bromley and 3rd Orpington (joint
first place).
Outdoor Challenge Plus – A fantastic 2 weekend course run by the district for Scouts to be able to gain their outdoor challenge plus
badge and despite the horrid weather on the second weekend, and one of the District Scout team blowing up the electricity – Tony
Elwood - all the scouts had a fantastic time, made some great new friends and, to top it all off, they all walked away with their
challenge badge.
The Cub Scout Challenge – Held in Jubilee Park, Cub Scouts from all
across the Borough had the opportunity to have a go at 15 different
challenges including putting up an old Force 10, blind string trail,
inflatable obstacle course and much, much more.
An amazing morning had by all but there could only be 1 winner so a
huge congratulations to the Cubs who took park from the 23rd
Bromley!
This Easter we got to see the first ever Beaver Easter Egg Hunt.
Over 70 Beavers running around The Shaws in Cudham was a sight to see! All the
beavers had to complete challenges to keep the Easter Bunny’s Eggs safe and help him
protects the eggs from the Horrid Hen.
Luckily they did a cracking job (Pun intended) and all managed to walk away with an
Easter egg.
District Beaver Sleepover – I’ve had some great feedback from the team this year. Beavers got the chance to try out the new
camping badge. It’s great to see the new programme in full swing! Apart from a lack of sleep I’m sure all the beavers had a great
time!
Forthcoming Events –
Scouts and Explorer Moonwalk – 16th - 17th May – Broadstone Warren
Cub Athletes Badge Day – 23rd May – Normans Park Running Track
Beaver Badge Day – 14th June – Frylands Wood
Cub and Scout Touch Rugby – 11th July – Park house Rugby Club
Tom Norris
Deputy District Commissioner
Explorer Scouts – Update
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Now in its eleventh consecutive year MESH 2015, with a theme this year of Rock, is being held at Downe Activity Centre on 11th,
12th & 13th September.
I am also pleased that Tom Abbott is joining Explorer District team as ADC Queen Scout and D of E Lead and Pauline Deacon joining
Explorer District team as Young Leader, Leader.
Mark Smith
District Explorer Scout Commissioner
Bromley Scouts on Youth Digital Network
As of the 1st May 2015, a new era of collaboration between the Youth Digital Network and
Scouting has been born. Bromley District Scouting has been the pioneer district to get involved
and have now secured 3 web based radio broadcasting shows per week.
Based at 179 High Street, Bromley, Elliott V-Smith will be hosting webcast sessions using his cub
name “Uncle Dizzy” and his aim is to get our message of the brilliance of Scouting out into the
world.
Offering air time to small groups who want to talk about what they get up to, any talented musicians among us, and of course any
children who want a taste of relative fame. Visitors of all ages welcome, from Beavers all the way to the GSLs up for a bit of fun.
Every Monday afternoon Uncle Dizzy will be joined by Co-Host Chloe Day of the 3rd Orpington between the hours of 4pm till 7pm.
Every Tuesday afternoon Uncle Dizzy will be joined by Co-Host Danielle Freeman-Grantham of the newly formed 27th Bromley
Hornets an exciting new Explorer Unit based at Wilberforce Scout Campsite broadcasting again between 4pm and 7pm.
Wednesday afternoons are open to anyone who wants to join him, if you feel you’d like to help Co-Host Elliott on a regular basis or
just the once or maybe you feel like you want to come down and have a look at what we are doing please get in touch.
“The Radio Scouts” want your help to spread the fun with songs stories and any kind of games we can play over the radio.
Get in touch via email, Facebook or call in to the show:
uncledizzy.radioscouts@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/theradioscouts
http://www.yourdigitalnetwork.org.uk/YDN_radio.asp?Title=Bromley%20YDN%20Radio
27th Bromley Cubs & Scouts in the News & On TV
Back in November a group of Cubs and Scouts from the 27th Bromley Scout Group attended a
sleepover on board the World War 2 Destroyer HMS Cavalier based at Chatham historic
dockyard.
The Cubs and Scouts found out 2 weeks before the event that the BBC were also holding part of
their Children in Need at the dockyard so some last minute fundraising took place so we were
able to donate a fantastic £571 to the appeal.
The Cubs and Scouts chose how they wanted to raise funds and so we had lots of sponsored events occurring in the days before the
event ranging from sponsored Swimming, Trampoline and silence as well as a book, Bring & Buy and hot dog sale.
Edition 4 – May 2015
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District Treasurer
We were sorry to learn recently that Graham Murphy the District Treasurer will be moving out of the area and has
understandably indicated he will not be standing for re-election at the AGM in July. Graham, who had no prior
Scouting experience before taking on the role has been a great servant to the District during his time in the post
and we thank him for the support he has given and wish him and his family well as they move to the South Coast.
Therefore we are now seeking nominations for a new treasurer at or prior to the AGM, previous Scouting experience not required,
nor a formal accounting qualification, but a good understanding of financial management and a desire to support Bromley Scouts.
Please contact Colin Goodwin District Chairman 01689 831654 or e-mail district.chairman@bromleyscouts.org for further details of
the role or to volunteer or nominate someone for the role.
Group Annual Accounts
As we have recently passed the traditional financial year end at end of March can all Groups please remember to send a copy of
their annual accounts for 2014/15 once approved to the District Treasurer, which is a Scout Association
requirement preferably by e-mail to district.treasurer@bromleyscouts.org
Also a few Groups are still to send last years accounts, if you have not sent a copy of 2013/14 Group
accounts to the District Treasurer can these also be sent as soon as possible.
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Annual General Meeting & Jamboree Farewell Event – Wednesday 15 July 2015
Our AGM this year is being held on Wednesday 15th July in the Great Hall at the Civic Centre in Bromley and will
be combined with an event to say farewell to the GLSE Troop who shortly thereafter will be leaving for a trip of a
life time to the 2015 World Scout Jamboree.
Wilberforce Update
Life at Wilberforce carries on apace and I am very pleased that bookings remain at a satisfactory level. Even midweek is keeping
busy with the 27th group now meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.
The tall tree by the entrance to Great Oaks unfortunately has had to be taken down as it
was knocking against the canopy in high winds. We felt that this was preferable to the
canopy being pushed over.
Please remember if anyone feels a burning desire to help the Tuesday Club with general
site maintenance we would be really pleased to see you. Yes! ! You've guessed it- on a
Tuesday morning between 9.00 and 12.30.
Please feel free to telephone me if you so wish on 020 8467 7072.
Kind regards to all
Brian Allen
Chair – Wilberforce Management Committee
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