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WEST SOMERSET SCOUT FELLOWSHIP

 Chairmans reports to District Executive

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Report for District Executive Meeting 30/3/09

 

Following a successful SF Annual Dinner the first Quarter of 2009 has been a relatively quiet period for the section.  A number of active members and their partners are coping with significant health issues as well as other family demands and active social lives outside of scouting.

 

Ron attended Tangier with ex-DC Mike Ireland in an attempt to “add value” to Georges collection by adding names to faces on some of the hundreds of the collections photographs - the significant amount of work this could involve is only now becoming clear.

 

George Taylor represented the WSSF at the recent County SF meeting at Tangier.

 

Ron has sold on Ebay, 20 of the duplicated badges from Georges ex-district Badge secretaries collection and it is hoped that when the  final account is prepared a sum approaching £200 will be paid over to the District. This is in addition to the £100 pounds repaid to the District of a short term loan for the purchase of  storage materials and furniture for the collection now at Tangier. This money was raised by an appeal to ex-scout members.

 

As the age profile of the existing Fellowship members increases all members are concerned about the future and viability of their section.

However despite the problems already mentioned including individual capitation costs 26 SF members were registered on the Annual 2009 census.

 A number of members continue to serve the District in other capacities.

 

SF members will be assisting at St Georges day parade and the 1st Watchet Admiralty inspection.

The SF AGM has been postponed from the 2nd April until Thursday 30th April.

 

Although no further progress has currently been made on Project Mercury it is hoped that those members now using Skype are finding it an asset both for Scouting and social/family purposes. The only reaction from our offer to include County in the trial is an ear splitting silence. However the views and experiences of District members would be most welcome at this meeting.

 

Ron Blundell

 

Chairman WSSF

30/3/09

 

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Report for District Executive Meeting 5/1/09

 

Since the last report the following activities have taken place:

 

19/10/08 - George Reynolds scouting collection has been handed over to Peter Bourner on long-term loan to County HQ at Tangier. There were costs totally £100 for identity stamps and storage cabinets which have been covered by District but it is planned will be repaid as a result of an appeal to ex-scouts organised by the WSSF.

18/11/09 - A Cheese and Wine Party and Quiz night was organised by Jane and Stephen which was very enjoyable.

12/12/08 - The Chairman attended the Williton Group Carol service.

12/08 - One member helped at the Christmas tree festival.

17/12/08 - Members attended 1st Watchet Carol Service.

 

Assistance was given to 1st Exmoor fund raising efforts at Tesco’s and Co-op.

I have worked with Graham on West Somerset’s Project Mercury, which is an ongoing project.

Three members hold District appointments.

Capitation costs and SF reorganisation is an on-going problem.

Ron Blundell

Chairman WSSF

Capitation costs were discussed: it was noted that Scout Fellowship members are required to pay the Headquarters membership fee. The District is happy to subsidise this as a matter of principle. Ron will present the views of the Committee to other Fellowship members and report back on their reaction.                                                                                                  ACTION: Ron

 

The Red Cross now charges for its presence at the Knockout. Costs are unknown but likely to be significant. Graham suggested that it might be preferable to send one or two Fellowship members on a First Aid course so that they could replace the Red Cross. Ron will investigate the cost and feasibility of doing this                                                                                                ACTION: Ron

 

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Report for District Executive Meeting 29/9/08

 

 

Since the last report the following activities have taken place:

 

1. 2 members of the Fellowship namely John & Ross McGuire acted as judges at the District Cub Craft Competition.

 

2. Assistance was given to Williton Cubs with a knotting Pack meeting.

 

3. SF members provided refreshments at the District AGM.

 

4. SF members assisted at the Annual St Georges Day Parade

 

5. The majority of SF members attended the Child Protection course at Watchet on the 9/6/08

 

6. The SF organised and ran a District “Skills Tea Party” on the 15/6/08 at Exmoor HQ which was poorly supported maybe because it clashed with Fathers Day?

 

7. On the 22/6/08 at Knockout at Horner SF members provided hot and cold drinks and organised one game.

 

8. On the 15/7/08 Jean Mote organised a conducted tour of Dunster with details of its people and locations as well as a tour and talk on the refurbishment of the Tithe Barn. This was followed by a cream tea.

 

9. The SF Annual Bar-B-Q arranged for the 16/8/08 had to be cancelled due to bad weather.

 

10. Assistance was given at the Scouting Exhibition Stand during the Minehead raft race.

 

11. SF members continue to serve as District Officers and are TA’s.

 

As reported at the previous meeting on the subject of leader training from a personal perspective as a TA I have found that despite a clear understanding of what is required all my allocated leaders appear to have lost momentum – I have asked for the GSLs help in this regard. The situation continues as I have to date had no response from three new leaders.

On a brighter note I am please to report that Graham Burt was awarded his Wood Badge at the recent County AGM at Bridgwater.

I would ask the meeting if they could encourage any ex-leaders they know to consider joining the SF as well as any District Officers who may not be members.  

 

Ron Blundell

Chairman WSSF

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Report for District Executive Meeting 29/1/08

 

 

Since the last report the following activities have taken place:

 

1. Members attended the Christmas Tree Festival & Watchet Carol service.

 

2. The Fellowship provided the questions and Question Masters for the District Cub Quiz

 

3. In response to a request from Dave Parkin for support for the proposed 2008 Gang Show Ron on behalf of SF members said that the Fellowship would do whatever it could in a support role with several members saying they would appear on stage if necessary although all members felt that the young people were the vital ingredient in any production.

 

4. Two SF members attended a meeting with the DC and ENP in an effort to facilitate a solution to the licensing and planning issues with Horner Camp Site

 

 

 

Ron Blundell

Chairman WSSF

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Report for District Executive Meeting 15/11/07

 

28/9/07

At Townsend House Minehead members were shown a video of an Australian Holiday, this was followed by a general meeting.

 

6/10/07

The Fellowship organised an “Experience Day” at 1st Exmoor HQ’s. This half day event was aimed at new and experienced Leaders whose scouting skills could be exchanged. Knotting and map reading were amongst the skills covered together with some scouting ceremonies. This was a trial event and although well supported by the DC, ADC’s and Fellowship members the number of other experienced leaders and new leaders was disappointing. Unfortunately the date may have clashed with other commitments.

If required another similar event will be run in March 2008 on a Sunday afternoon.

 

8/10/07 

John Burt & Ron Blundell attended the County Scout Fellowship meeting at Tangier.

 

17/10/07

Members attended a presentation at the invitation of 1st Exmoor by Angela Naylor on her attendance at the Centenary World Jamboree. Angela’s talk was supported by a display of her jamboree souvenirs. This was an enjoyable insight into a valuable International Scouting Experience which I am sure Angela will draw on in her new role as ADC Scouts. 

 

9/11/07

At a “Remembrance” seasons meeting at Townsend House members were reminded of the sacrifices made by previous generations through a presentation by Living History member Justin Blundell on his participation in the “2006 Pals March” along the line of the Somme battlefield. Two Camelot Fellowship members from Yeovil (Chris & Joan Jones) were welcomed to the meeting.

£50 was raised by members for the Poppy Appeal.

 

13/11/07

An email has been sent to all District Leaders outlining the potential mutual benefits of Fellowship Membership for our young people’s parents. Leaders are asked to draw these benefits to the attention of as many parents as possible.

 

14/11/07

Eight Fellowship members attended 1st Watchet Naval Inspection. The continued Admiralty recognition for 1st Watchet is well deserved and the Fellowship would like to congratulate the Watchet team of Leaders and their supporters on a very impressive presentation.

 It is my opinion that all other Groups in the District would benefit from an annual inspection which could form a focus for their Groups AGM.

 

Ron Blundell

Chairman WSSF

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship Report for District Executive Meeting 27/6/07

 

Sat.16th June

Members attended a Centenary Bar-B-Q at Horner by invitation of Stephen Sharpe (ADC Scouts) This was an excellent event enjoyed by all with an exceptional choice of food. Thanks to Stephen, Jane and his team.

 

Sun 17th June

KO at Horner - Fellowship members served hot drinks throughout the day.

 

7th July

A day out in Lynmouth travelling by public transport with a quiz organised by Tony & Jenny Bullen. The weather was wonderful, a contrast with the rest of the Summer!

 

1st August

Members participated in the Sunrise ceremonies in West Somerset with Tony entering into the spirit of Scouting by walking to Dunkery from Minehead and then to Horner for an excellent breakfast provided by Ist Porlock Group. –Thank you Porlock.

 

11th August

Annual SF Bar-B-Q which was well attended and we again enjoyed good weather.

 

Members continue with their District duties as Treasurer, padre and TAs.

 

An active winter program is planned and we would be grateful if groups could bring the Fellowship to the attention of their parents as we need younger members in order to fully support local scouting.

 

We are taking part in a consultation process with HQ’s at Gilwell over the future of Scout Fellowships.

 

Ron Blundell

 

Chairman WSSF

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship Report for District Executive Meeting 1/2/07

 

The Watchet carol service was well attended by scout fellowship members and Shirley Harrington a SF member conducted the service. Thanks were extended to the 1st Watchet Scout Group for their hospitality.

 

Four members of the fellowship attended the District dinner which was enjoyed by all.

 

All SF members who are tax payers are being encouraged to complete the gift aid application form so that the benefits of tax concessions can be secured.

 

Dennis Corner MBE and Ron Blundell continue to work with Graham in the planning of the Centenary book. A good selection of photos are now to hand and the next step is to secure the necessary funding estimated at £3000. Investigations are ongoing with various funding bodies to secure these funds.

 

Ron Blundell

 

Chairman WSSF

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship Report for District Executive Meeting 24/11/06

 

Since the previous report the Scout Fellowship has had a quiet time however:

 

1. The county Scout Fellowship meeting was attended at Tangier and the minutes can be read at : http://www.ron.blundell.btinternet.co.uk/pgtres/countynewsletteroct06.htm

 

2. Two members were available to do the scoring at the District Cub Football but this was cancelled due to water logged pitch.

 

3. The DC requested assistance from the SF to assist with the scout section at Williton, unfortunately there were no suitable members available.

 

 

 

Ron Blundell

 

Chairman WSSF

 

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship Report for District Executive Meeting 6/7/06

 

Since the previous report Scout Fellowship members have carried out the following services/activities.

1. Carried out tree clearance work at Horner Camp site.

2. Provided refreshments at Annual Knock Out Competition.

3. Assisted at District “Cream Tea” fund raising event.

 

Ron Blundell

 

Chairman WSSF

 

West Somerset Scout Fellowship

Annual Report for County Report 2006

 

The past year has been another successful one for our Fellowship with a good balance of activities including services to scouting and social events.

 

Members of the Fellowship continue to hold a number of positions in local scouting including Geoge Taylors role District Chaplain, Tom Harrington as Chair of 1st Watchet, John Burt as President and executive member of 1st Exmoor, 2 members serve on the District Appointments committee, Two District training Advisers Ron Blundell & George Taylor (an increase of one since last year), and 2 Members of the District Executive. SF member Tony Bullen has agreed to become District Treasurer.

Anomalies in terms of local Fellowship membership have now been largely resolved due to the efforts of the DC Graham Hall. Consequently membership has increased to 29 which together with Sedgemoor is the largest Fellowship in the County.

 

Contributions to local scouting activities included:

Assisting with the Annual St Georges Day parade.

Attending 1st Watchet Carol Service.

Providing Questions, Question Master and judges at District Cub Quiz.

Providing Judges for District Cub Handicraft Competition.

Attending District Executive meetings.

Attended 1st Watchet Admiralty inspection.

Unfortunately a number of District events were cancelled otherwise more events would have been supported.

 

Social activities included:

Annual Dinner.

Photo competition.

Bar-B-Q

A talk by Tony Bullen on researching your family history. Links provided by Tony to useful sites form the basis of a page on the Fellowships web site at:

 

 

Having resolved the ongoing problem of the cost of membership the Fellowship aim to achieve the following:

  1. Further increase its membership.
  2. Continue to play an active part in local scouting both as a group and individually.
  3. Increase awareness of its role with all leaders in the District.
  4. Encourage SF members to wear uniform.

 

The Fellowship website at: http://www.ron.blundell.btinternet.co.uk/pgtres/Scoutfell.htm continues to develop and links directly with the new district web site at http://www.wsscouts.org.uk/

Ron Blundell

Chairman

West Somerset Scout Fellowship.

29/4/06