WEST SOMERSET SCOUT FELLOWSHIP

Newsletter 20 – March 2008

Hello

Well so far this year program planning has proved somewhat difficult but I am doing my best!! (which some may say is a worry in itself!)

NB Unfortunately I had to cancel the program planning meeting and I have also had to postpone the quiz planned for 14^th of this month although Jane has had the questions prepared for some time. See program of events.

Despite JM best efforts we were let down by the Taunton Crematorium staff on our recent planned visit and we had to spend more time in the pub than was planned originally.

However on a more positive note I hope those of you who attended our Annual Dinner at the Northfield had an enjoyable meal in comfortable surroundings.

Subs.

This year’s subs remain at £10/head and are now due. There may even be some outstanding from last year! You may know who you are? If in doubt please contact Audrey.

As I have based membership on the completed census unless I have already received a written resignation these subs are now due. Hopefully there are a number of new members for who I am awaiting their completed paper work and it would be helpful if they could also pay this subscription as an indication of commitment to SF membership

Outstanding subs to Audrey as soon as possible please.

Resignation of County Commissioner

The following email has been received from Gareth:

Dear Friends

It will be almost six years at the end of May that I will have been County Commissioner for Somerset.

In consultation with the Regional Commissioner and the County Chairman I will cease to be CC as of the 31st May 2008.

I informed the County Executive of this decision at their meeting on the 7th January 2008.

I have had the most fantastic time and it has been a real privilege to lead the County.

You have given me so many opportunities to experience great Scouting and the most tremendous fellowship as well as having a direct influence on our work with young people. I also believe that the County is stronger now than it was five years ago, certainly the census shows our numbers have improved considerably.

We have seen some significant changes to our movement in these five plus years and also had the most wonderful Centenary Celebration through last year.

I would like you to have an overview of what happens now and stress that this is only a guide, full details will be in a letter from the Chairman. The outline programme looks like this:-

Shortly the County Chairman will send out a letter which is to be distributed as widely as possible in the County asking for nominations for the position of County Commissioner (the letter will contain a nomination form, information etc.). I would encourage you to forward to any external parties that you feel appropriate as well as those within County Scouting.

The County Chairman will set up a Search Group.

Nomination forms are to be returned by early April (date to be confirmed in the letter).As soon as possible after that the Search Group will meet. Following recommendations from this Group interviews will be held at an agreed date.

Hopefully a new County Commissioner will in place by 31st May or shortly after that date depending on any existing commitments.

Until the 31st May 2008 I will continue to be your County Commissioner.

Yours as always

Gareth M. Davies

County Commissioner (Somerset)

Telephone +44 1278 455889

Mobile telephone +44 7831 171194

Facsimile +44 1278 450707

E-mail daviesmgareth@hotmail.com

Somerset Scouts 'Helping Young People Join the Adventure'

Fellowship Spring/Summer Program

District Cub Flag Competition Sunday 30/3/08

This year’s competition will be held on Bossington Beach. Two SF judges are required for this event from 14.00 to 16.30 – warm water proof clothing and stout footwear is required by the judges. Please let me know ASAP if you help as a judge.

County Fellowship meeting at County Scout HQ Monday 31/3/08 19.30

Representative members of the Counties SF’s meet about every six months to discuss progress, compare programs and plan joint events. John Burt came with me to the last meeting and it would be helpful if other members could attend from time to time. Please let me know if you would like to attend.

Skills/Training at Exmoor Hut Sunday 6/4/08 14.00 –17.00

The DC has asked us to organise a skills afternoon for leaders old and new. It will be an informal afternoon to give leaders and Fellowship members an opportunity to exchange skills including knotting & mapping – please come along and contribute or learn a new skill.

Fellowship AGM Friday 18/4/08 19.30

This years Fellowship AGM will be held at Porlock Methodist Church at 19.30 on 18/4/08. The meeting will be followed by a supper at a cost of £5.00/head. Please do your best to attend this important meeting – it would be helpful for catering arrangements if you ring me with any apologies by 11/4/08. i.e. we will assume you are coming unless you let us know.

I would like to use part of this evening to plan some events for our future program so please bring your diaries. Can you please wear uniform if possible.

St Georges Dinner Saturday 19/4/08 19.30

Our DC Graham Haw is arranging a District dinner details below:

St George's Dinner

West Somerset District Scout Council on Saturday, 19th April 2008

at Porlock Village Hall - 7.00pm for 7.30pm invite you and your partner to a

two course meal with tea/coffee for £12.00 per person Please bring your own drinks, but glasses will be provided.

RSVP as soon as possible, but by 12th April at the latest, to G. Haw, Horner Mill, Horner, Minehead TA24 8HY with your cheque payable to

West Somerset District Scouts

St Georges Day Parade Sunday 27/4/08 (See times below)

George Taylor, John Burt and I attended a recent planning meeting for this event and plans are well advanced thanks largely to the efforts of the District Chairman, DC, ADC Cubs & GT.

The Scout Fellowships agreed roles are as follows:

Receiving the flags – Sylvia & John Sharp – attendance required on both the practice on the 20^th and on the 27^th April both at 14.30 respectively.

John Burt will brief & lead the ushers in the church and has asked for the assistance of Tom & Shirley Harrington, John McGuire, Clive Bateman, Robert Piears and Dennis Corner to be in the church by 14.30.

George Taylor will be assisting with the service.

I have agreed to deal with parking in the Park as last year and would very much appreciate the help of Terry Mote, Peter Curtis and Jane Butland to be at the NT car park by 13.45.

I would be helpful if Tony as District Treasurer could be in the Church to take care of the collection at the end of the service.

It would be helpful if all remaining SF members could be at the church for 2.45 at the latest in uniform if possible. Alternatively if you would particularly like to help with any of the above tasks please let me know.

District Cub Craft Competition Saturday 10/5/08 14.00 -16.00

District Cub Craft Competition at Exmoor Hut. Ross & John McGuire have agreed to judge this competition.

District AGM Monday 19/5/08 20.00

The District AGM will be held at Townsend House on 19/5/08 at 20.00. Could I please have some offers of help to serve refreshments – Thanks.

Quiz & Cheese and wine party Townsend House

This is the quiz that was postponed from March 14^th. Jane will be our Quiz Master.

NB However after several attempts to find a suitable date I have agreed with Jane that this activity should now take place in the Autumn

Progressive supper ?/6/08 ?

The date of this event was provisionally arranged for the 21/6/08. However due to unforeseen holiday commitments of some principle organisers this event will need to be re-programmed. Sorry - Just one of those years!

It a Knock Out 2008 Sunday 22/6/08 12.00.

The Fellowship have once again been asked to provide hot drinks starting at 12.00. This is an enjoyable annual event and all members are encouraged to attend in uniform if possible please. I am sure that as well as the catering our help would be welcome on some of the bases.

Walk around Dunster. ?/7/08 ?

Jean Mote has agreed to organise this walk followed by a pub supper – Date and meeting place and time to be finalised.

Annual SF Bar-B-Q Saturday 16/8/08 16.00

Audrey and Clive have once again agreed to host this popular event. Usual arrangements apply i.e. bring your own meat and drink with the rest (salad – deserts) being provided with a reasonable charge to cover the cost. Please let Audrey know by 1/8/08 so we can cater appropriate amounts. Clive has booked the weather.

Ron Blundell Chairman

6/3/08