COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S BLOG

8th April 2011

As many of you will have heard I have decided not to extend my term as County Commissioner for Nottinghamshire beyond it's initial period of three years. The 3 years has just ended and for a number of reasons (some work, some personal and some Scouting) I have decided I need a change of role.
Over the last three years we have achieved so much together;

Growing our numbers - there are over 250 more young people enjoying Scouting
Reducing our joining lists by 18.3% this year
Over 25% of our Explorers are now female
Female membership has grown by almost 3% this year
County Camp 2009 - thousands of adults and young people celebrating our 100th Birthday
The North Notts Gang Show - a brand new opportunity for young people and adults to enjoy
Amazing Adventurous Activities - One of the best in the UK
County Activity Day - another new event, offering 1000 young people the chance to try something new
More leaders being recognised through the formal awards process

And so much more!

It has been a pleasure and an honour being your County Commissioner. At times it has been challenging, but it has also been fun and enjoyable too! I would like to thank you all for your support and friendship, which I hope will continue.

I wrote to the Regional Commissioner yesterday informing him of the difficult decision I have made. I will continue as your fully committed County Commissioner until the end of April and I will inform you of the plan as it emerges.

Please do not worry, I am fine now that I have made my decision. I will not be leaving Scouting, I intend to join a SASU for a while until I get an exciting offer ;-) The messages of support I have received have been fantastic, thank you.

I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved in the Nottingham Gang Show last week. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole week and it reminded me what Scouting is all about. Now that I have some spare time, I may audition for a future show … who knows?

Scouting is very special to me. For 32 years it has been a major part of my life and will continue to be so. Thank you for being such a fantastic team of people. You are all very special to me. Keep up the good work. The young people are lucky to have such a dedicated leadership team!

My very best wishes and thanks to all of you!

Kathryn

15th March 2011

First, apologies for not getting round to writing a blog for February earlier than the middle of March. It’s been a really busy start to the year.
I was honoured and delighted to be invited to the wedding reception of two dear friends of mine John Oliver and Janice Culley-Oliver who were married just before Christmas in Gretna Green and had their reception on 1 February at Elton Guide camp.

I attended a validation evening for Ashfield District on 9 February where 31 modules were validated and 3 woodbadges were completed. It was clear to me that there is a real appetite for training in Ashfield District and from what the DCs are telling me, it is starting to pick up around the County too.

On 12 February, I represented Nottinghamshire Scouts at the Chairman of the County Council Ball. It was a great evening and a chance to wear a posh frock instead of Scout uniform.

Some sad news for us, Steve Cree has decided to stand down as Deputy CC from the end of March. He will still be around though and will be involved in County Flag and Big Game Live as well as helping at 10th Mansfield where his wife is GSL and running the North Notts D of E Group.

Lee Marriott (ACC Cubs) has decided to return to Central Notts as ADC Cub Scouts and Stuart Thorpe (ACC Scouts) will be leaving Nottinghamshire for Cumbria in May. The Deputy CC and I are meeting tonight (15 March) to look at the future team roles and responsibilities.

Thank you to all 3 of them for the work they have done for Nottinghamshire Scouts.

I met with the merger working party for Retford and Worksop on 20 February at Walesby. The working party will be looking at the structure and the way forward for the new District which will start from 1 April 2012.

Matt Rooney and I ran a Visioning Day for District Commissioner and County Chairmen on 26 February. This was the start of a programme to put together the future strategy towards 2018. Much more work will need to be done in the future.

And, who can believe that the 2011 Nottingham Gangshow is in two weeks time. If you haven’t got your tickets, don’t leave it too late!

Have fun in your Scouting.

Kathryn

31 January 2011

Well, hasn’t the start to the year been nicer than the end of last year as far as the weather is concerned? It’s been great to be able to get out and about on normal Scouting business again.

I know it’s nearly February but Happy New Year to those I have not seen.

It seems to be a year of weddings this year. I hope all those of you who are getting married have a fantastic time and don’t forget to let me see the pictures.

I met with the Nottinghamshire Jamboree Unit and their parents on 8 January. Their preparations are going extremely well and they are all working hard to raise their money. If you are able to support them in any way I know they would be grateful. One way you could help is by giving them some badges to swap whilst they are in Sweden.

Thank you to everyone who was involved in the NESST events last weekend. It was fantastic to meet almost 1000 young people throughout the day and during the night. Well done to all of you who completed the various walks. It was a great day, well organised and good fun!

Several Districts are starting their centenary celebrations this month – Retford, South West and Worksop. They all have some exciting activities planned. I would like to send my best wishes to all of you for a happy centenary. I hope to be able to attend some of your events throughout the year.

I have been to a few of the rehearsals for the Nottingham Gang Show. If you haven’t considered taking your Group along, it’s a great show. Rehearsals are going well and I for one am really looking forward to it. Thanks to everyone involved – it’s gonna be great!

And a quick reminder, the census is due to be completed today (31st January). Please help your District Secretary by completing your return by the due date. They need to complete the return by 25 February.

At the risk of repeating myself I would like to thank you all for everything you do for Scouting. We offer a fantastic opportunity for thousands of young people.

Kathryn

21 December 2010

Merry Christmas

It wasn’t until I looked at my last blog that I realised that it was October … sorry, time certainly flies when you are having fun!

I hope the recent weather has not affected your weekly programmes too much. We were really disappointed to have to cancel County Flag but we have to take the safety of our young people very seriously. To have them camping at temperatures below minus 10 would have been extremely foolhardy.

As it comes up to Christmas it is always a time to reflect on the year gone by and it has been extremely successful for us in Nottinghamshire.

This year has been very busy for me as always but not only Scouting wise but work wise too. In the summer my role at work was closed and I took on a new role – something I had not done before and it has been a steep learning curve. In October things changed again and I was asked to take on an additional role following a restructure. This has meant that I have not been able to be out and about as much as I would have liked but I have still seen many fantastic events and programmes.

It was a shame too that Mansfield and Worksop Carol Services were cancelled because of the weather. I missed my annual sing along with Worksop District … maybe next year!

Thank you for all your hard work and commitment.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Kathryn

17 October 2010

Does anybody else ever wonder where time goes? It is over a month since my birthday and yet it seems like only a few days ago! It could be because my feet haven’t touched the ground since then. Scouting and work have kept me extremely busy but I am enjoying both, which for me is really important.

So since my last blog, what’s been happening?

I am delighted to say that following a meeting with James Pidgeon he has agreed to be our Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the County and also to look after the role of LTM for the City of Nottingham District. Thank you James, it will be great to have you back on the team.

We had the County AGM at Cotgrave Golf course on 23 September and it was fantastic to see so many young people and adults receive awards for the fantastic work that is happening within Nottinghamshire. The Nottingham Evening Post and the Chief Constable both presented awards to some of our wonderful young people for the work they have done. Thanks to both of them for doing this and for supporting us in the ways that they do.

On 25 September I mixed Scouting with pleasure when I went to a Salsa evening organised by Tracey Box from Central Notts as a fundraiser. I met up with lots of people from my time as DC in Central Notts and enjoyed the evening tremendously.

As acting DC for Ashfield District I attended the AGM for 5th Sutton in Ashfield. Thank you for inviting me. It is great to hear about such a successful Group.

Then on 12 and 13 October I had to travel to Bristol and Southampton for work. This meant I missed the dress rehearsal and first night of the North Notts Gang Show. I was there for the rest of the week though and had a ball. I even made my debut as a solo vocalist on Saturday night singing a line for the White Witch in the Wizard item. Ok, I was behind the curtain so no-one could see me. Who knows I may do a Gang Show yet?

The cast and crew deserve a great deal of congratulations and thanks. It was a fantastic show. Many of them left the stage in Mansfield on Saturday and started rehearsals for the Nottingham Gang Show on Sunday. Good luck to you all for that show which will be on stage next April.

I was very disappointed to hear that the Patrol Leader training, that the Scout team in the County had planned at the request of leaders across the County, had to be cancelled due to lack of support. We are doing a complete review of how our events are decided upon and marketed. If you have a view please let us know.

The County Team and I are here to support you in whatever way we can. Please let us know what we can do for you!

Kathryn

19 September 2010

There is a fantasy in the minds of some that Scouting stops during August . I can categorically deny it – Scouting in Nottinghamshire never stops, it just keeps going and getting better and better.

This August seems to have been busier than ever. We have had hundreds of people travelling abroad and Scouts from abroad visiting us here in Nottinghamshire. I was delighted to visit Kelham Hall where Scouts from Newark District were playing host to 40 Scouts from the Czech Republic. They visited for two weeks and 80 Newark Scouts camped and took part in activities with them.

Explorer Scouts in South West Notts hosted Explorer Scouts from Portugal and Scouts in Rushcliffe District hosted friends from Norway. I didn’t get to visit them but I am told by their District Commissioners that a great time was had by all.

I’ve also been to see Scouts off to Switzerland from a County contingent organised by Steve Day and his team. They left Nottingham station at a very silly early time on 15 August and I had a new experience of travelling to the station on the tram to wave them off.

Matt Rooney saw the Nottingham City contingent leave for Switzerland and the Mansfield contingent leave for Austria.

My two deputies and I visited a possible venue for the proposed County Camp. This is being planned to take place over the first May Bank Holiday weekend in 2012. Your District Commissioner will be asking your opinions on the camp over the next few weeks.

I have met with most of the District Commissioners during August too. I meet with them about twice a year so that we can discuss progress in the District. I am delighted with the work that is happening and I thank you for it.

On 14 August I went to the wedding of two leaders from Central Notts District – Steven Tupper and Kimberley Martin. The wedding had a real Scouting feel to it with the pew ends being the Scout badge (which Kim had made) and with every person at the reception being given a kneckerchief, embroidered with the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding. It was a truly lovely day.

21 August saw the ground breaking ceremony for the new building at Robin Hood campsite. The new building is now well underway and it’s hoped it will be completed by Christmas.

I visited the Guide Centenary camp on 28 August. It was a great day made special by the many Scout leaders who were there to support our Guiding friends. The same weekend was X-treme, our adult camp lead by Network. It was a great weekend but we still need more people to go and more ideas for things to do.

So, a quiet August? I am delighted to say no it wasn’t. What did you get up to? Why not email me to let me know – Kathryn.wills@notts-scouts.org.uk.

And so a new Scouting year begins. Have fun and as always … thank you!

Kathryn

24 July 2010

Well, the summer holidays have arrived and Scouts from across the County are away for their summer camps … have challenge, adventure and fun!

The last month has been really active for us. How could I not mention the Activity Day at Holme Pierrepont on 17 July. What a fantastic day! Over 1300 of you having a magnificent day of water and land activities! We have had some wonderful media coverage from this event, letting people know that Scouting is still vibrant and relevant for today’s young people.

I was delighted to be able to host our Civic guests during the day. We are starting to get great support from around the County and I must thank them for this.

Some of you may know that I am diabetic and on 4 July I did the ‘Walk the Extra Mile’ for Diabetes UK. The Extra Mile turned out to be around 9 miles but it was worthwhile and nice to do something for another charity. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.

The previous day, 3 July, I visited Mansfield District’s centenary camp at Sherbrooke. What a tremendous event! Well done to everyone who organised it. I was invited to judge ‘Mansfield’s Got Talent’. Some great acts … well done!

Monopoly Live 2010 took place at Robin Hood campsite on 9 -11 July. There were even more entries than last year but it would still be good to see more from Nottinghamshire. So come on Explorers get your entry in for next year. It is a wonderful event, very different to anything else you do and great prizes too!

And so we move towards a new Scouting year. Let us know what you get up to over the summer and what your plans are for next year.

I am looking forward to visiting Peak 2010 on Wednesday (28 July) and Newark’s District event at Kelham Hall on August 1. If there is anything else happening that you would like me to visit, please let me know.

Have a great summer and thank you for all you have done over the last year.

Kathryn

27 June 2010

A day with 500 Beaver Scouts at Twin Lakes, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but let me tell you I had a blast! I spent the day talking to Beaver Scouts and their leaders, going on rides which had I gone on my own I probably wouldn’t have gone on, enjoying the company of lots of smiling happy people.

Well done to Carol, Janet and Tony who had organised the day with ADCs from across the County.

What did the Beaver Scouts think of the day? Well, I asked them what was their favourite thing about the day and they answered in a variety of ways – the rides, the ice-cream, the skating, the sand-pit. No-one had anything negative to say and that included the leaders!

Using the opportunity to listen to the young people, I asked them where they would like to go next time – Wheelgate, Mablethorpe, Legoland were some of the answers they gave!

And about the activity day next year – what theme would you like? Aliens, Space, Water and Music were a few of the suggestions. I will be passing them on to Carol for her team to start planning.

So what else have I been up to since my last blog?

On 5 June, I was invited to visit 1st Redhill Cubs at the Central Notts District cub camp. It was quite emotional for me as I was the Cub Scout leader at Redhill some years ago and also DC for Central Notts. I intended to only stay for an hour or so but I was made to feel so welcome, and it was such a lovely day, I stayed until almost 10pm having done a few songs at the campfire – I had a great day. Thank you Central Notts! (Sorry about the thunder storm at night – nothing to do with me, honestly!)

I was also honoured to present a Silver Wolf to Howard Parker, long time member at 1st Redhill, currently Group Treasurer. The presentation was on 26 May at the end of the Cub meeting.

On 29th May I went to the City of Nottingham AGM at Walesby. This was part of their District Camp – a brilliant idea to get people to an AGM. The weather was awful but the young people were having a fantastic time. I was delighted to be able to present Silver Acorns to Dave Huxley – District Chairman and Jean Bird – Member of the District Appointments Committee and a long time supporter of Scouting in Clifton.

On 19 June I was at Rushcliffe District’s first AGM. There was a packed room full of enthusiastic, happy leaders who are doing a fantastic job. The District has had a really successful first year … well done!

Kathryn

16 May 2010

This week has been a week of birthdays … my husband, Colin, had his birthday on Thursday and my nephew, Maxwell, had his first birthday on Friday. It made me think how lucky I am to have such a lovely family around me. For me my family not only includes those who are blood relatives, it also includes the family of Scouting of which I am so proud.

Over the Bank Holiday weekend I visited Rushcliffe District Camp at their District campsite (Hollygate) in Cotgrave. Over 400 young people, including Beaver Scouts, were taking place in a variety of activities – Craft, Climbing, Archery, Jousting, Inflatables and more. Well done to the organising team and to the young people. It was really cold but there were lots of smiles around which warmed the heart.

Last weekend, 8 May, I visited Central Notts District at Pepperpots. They were having a ‘BEACUB’ Day which was a day for older Beaver Scouts and younger Cubs to get together for the Beavers to find out what being a Cub was all about. The young people were mixed into sixes – half Beavers and half Cubs and took part in Cub related activities. They finished the day with a sing-song.

A wonderful idea which other Districts might like to steal (borrow). A definite aid to MIMO (Moving In, Moving On). Well done Central Notts Beaver and Cub teams.

Yesterday, 15 May, I visited the Nottinghamshire Jamboree Unit who were having their first camp at Sherbrooke. When I got there, they were doing the cannon run … well not strictly true, they were waiting for a cannon to be repaired and then they did the cannon run. They had already done some fantastic pioneering, making tables and benches because when they are in Sweden, they will have to make their own and use them.

I was then asked to judge their entertainments for the campfire that evening. Each patrol had prepared something, all entirely different and all really good.

I had the opportunity to speak to the young people and the leader team. They are already having a great time together and building into a great unit. Well done all of you.

I have just completed review meetings with the DCs. It is great for me to hear of all the good things that are happening within your Districts. As a County we are growing and the programme you are delivering is the reason for that growth. Well done and thank you!

Kathryn

20 April 2010

Well today (20 April) is my 25th wedding anniversary. 25 years ago today I was missing the only St George's Day Parade I have ever missed because I was getting married (and yes my Cubs were there as guard of honour but they did go to the Parade). I have a lot to be thankful for. My husband supports me in my Scouting (you won’t see him but I couldn’t do it without him) I think he deserves an award for putting up with me and Scouting for over 25 years.

On Sunday I went to the parade in Retford District – turnout was great, service was terrific and weather was perfect. It’s not often you see a furry green dragon running down Grove Street in Retford being chased by St George, is it?

Next weekend, I am at Central Notts parade in Southwell on Saturday and then in Newark on Sunday. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Other members of the team are attending the other parades, so look out for them and say hello – and look out for furry green dragons!

I would like to congratulate all of those leaders who have received St George's Day awards this year – did you spot them in the Scouting magazine supplement? Do you know someone you think is deserving of an award? If you do, speak to your DC or to me!

It’s been great to see Scouting all over the media again this week both locally and nationally. We were on Trent FM and Radio Nottingham on Monday and in the Nottingham Evening Post too. Look out in your local paper, there should be something there too.

Have you booked to go to Twinlakes, if you are a Beaver Scout Leader, and for the County Activity Day if you are in any of the other sections? Both days are going to be great fun and good value.

As this year’s camping season starts, can I remind you about the new In Touch scheme which has replaced Home Contact? Please make sure you are following the correct procedures. It’s much simpler than before! If you need help, please speak to your DC.

Best wishes for St George's Day

Kathryn

24th March 2010

Here we are, almost Easter and the year is flying by.

It has been a difficult few weeks for me for lots of reasons but Scouting as always has kept me going. I have had support from many of my Scouting friends – you know who you are … thank you!

I started a new job yesterday (23 March), it will be challenging and exciting for me but it should mean I won’t have to be away from home so often.

On the scouting front …

We have had Gang Show auditions in Mansfield and Worksop, which unfortunately I could not attend. It sounds like the show will be great. I hope to see many of you there in October (13 – 16).

I went to a market place at County Hall on Monday night (22nd). Attended by members of the Nottinghamshire Voluntary Youth partnership. It’s a useful evening for us all to share ideas and best practice, to talk to each other about difficulties and to look at new ways of recruiting volunteers and looking for funding. Thanks to David, Lisa and Spud who came to help.

I have started reviews with the DCs and my two deputies who in turn will be doing reviews with their teams. If you are a GSL, when was the last time you had a review with your leadership team?

A couple of dates for your diary – if you are a DC or a GSL, there is a day for you on 20 November 2010 at Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire and if you are an ACC or an ADC, there is a day for you on 21 November at the same venue. The days last year received excellent feedback and so please try to be there.

Census is now finished. Well done to the Groups who have grown! I will be working with the DCs to look at development in the areas where numbers have declined and checking against the interim census where numbers are considerably lower.

Overall the County grew by 1.9%. It is the 6th successive year of growth and takes us over 8000 for the first time since 2001. Keep up the good work, but if you do need help – shout out and we will be there!

Best wishes

Kathryn

8 March 2010

8th March 2010

Working in partnership is the theme of the moment, both in my day job and in Scouting. Over the last few weeks I have been to a few events where we have worked in partnership with our friends Girlguiding Nottinghamshire.

On February 27, I was invited by Beauvale Guide Division to be one of the judges for their ‘Guiding’s got Talent’ heat. The winner was a Guide called Tallulah, obviously destined for the stage from a young age. It was nice to be asked to be involved and to see the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides belly dancing, Salsa dancing and playing drums – a great afternoon!

On Saturday 6 March, I went along to County MAD which is an event run by Nottinghamshire Scouts but assisted by many Guide leaders. Over 300 young people took part in ‘mad’ activities including having their arms up to their armpits in jelly to find various objects – freezing cold jelly, I might add.

Saturday was a busy day because on the same evening it was Mansfield District’s Centenary Dinner. Thank you for inviting me and congratulations!

It’s been a few years since I attended a swimming gala but on February 6, as acting DC for Central Notts, I went along to Arnold Baths. I had forgotten how hot it was at these events! I had a great night though and it was good to be invited.

On February 21, I went along to meet our Jamboree Unit for the first time. 36 young people had a fun day and learned lots about what they would be doing in Sweden.

And yesterday (March 7th) was the first of the auditions for the Gang Show at Mansfield Palace Theatre in October. There’s another opportunity to audition in Worksop next week – so if you fancy a go …

So, a busy month for me and for you! Thanks for all you do for the young people of Nottinghamshire.

27 January 2010

End of January already, where has it gone? 4 weeks into the new year already!

I have started a new challenge this month. I have started a Master’s degree. Why? You might ask. Well, I am a firm believer in the fact that you never stop learning and you don’t grow old, you let yourself be old. I did the first module and for the first day I wondered why I was there as well but by the end of day 4 I was glad I was there.

Last weekend was the annual NESST walk and can I say thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the events for the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network. I was amazed by the numbers and the organisation that went into the weekend. Thanks folks!

And, well done to all of you (over 850 people) who took part. It was cold and certainly the long walk was what is said on the tin … very long! Look forward to seeing you next year!

I had my review meeting with our Regional Commissioner, Dean Smith, a couple of weeks ago and I am delighted that he is pleased with the work that is happening across Nottinghamshire. I am hoping that the excellent work that is happening will continue and that the census figures will reflect this.

As I write this, the team who will be helping Scout fellowships in Nottinghamshire move over to Scout Active Support, are meeting to put the plan together. Please don’t worry, it’s not going to be that much different. Don’t listen to the scaremongering that seems to be happening. If you belong to an already supportive fellowship, things for you won’t be much different. No, you don’t have to do loads of training. No, you don’t have to be running Beaver colonies every week!

I went to a conference in the middle of last year when the speaker said “the world is changing and we must change too”. Change is part of all of our lives, not always easy, not always perceived for the best but we have to embrace it or be left behind.

Kathryn

11 January 2010

Well, what weather! Those of you who know me well will know that I have Chionophobia (Snow phobia). So, the last few weeks for me have been an absolute nightmare. It has been good to see Scouts out and about doing things to help people less fortunate than themselves – taking food parcels to older at risk people, transporting elderly people and helping in schools. This is what true Scouting is and I thank those of you who have been involved.

This has meant some excellent media coverage too. We have been on Central ITV news and in many of the local newspapers including Nottingham Evening Post, Retford Times and The Chad.

Apparently, it has been the worst weather since 1963 – let’s hope its another 40+ years before we have weather like this again.

So, we are in to a new year and a new decade. Scouting has changed so much over the last decade. I wonder what will happen over the next 10 years. We are fortunate that we have so many dedicated adults who give their time freely to support the adults of the future.

There is going to be a significant change in my life this year. I am going to be starting a Masters degree next week which will mean that as well as working full time and being County Commissioner, I am going to be taking some time out to study. This may mean that instead of me coming to your event, it may be one of the other members of the County team. If you specifically want me to come, let me have plenty of notice and if I can, I will.

Have a good Scouting month!

Kathryn

14 December 2009

‘We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!’

Last week (9 December) I was delighted to attend the Worksop District carol service at St John’s Church in Worksop. It was lead by the young people from 4th Worksop and was truly child focussed. My thanks to Mick and Mavis Taylor who organised it and invited me. As always I received a warm welcome.

At the carol service I was able to present a 20 year award and a wood badge to the District Commissioner, Terry Fitchett. Terry presented long service awards to several other leaders in the District.

Tonight, I am attending another carol service. This time I am at the other end of the county in South West Notts, presenting a Queen's Scout Award to Stephen Hessey and a woodbadge to Local Training Manager and Deputy DC, Dave Bagshaw.

Congratulations to all of you!

Awards are an important way of saying thank you to leaders for the work that they do. Anyone can nominate someone for an award. You will need to speak to your District Commissioner for them to approve it. People at Group level are often overlooked for awards but do some really valuable work. If you know someone you think is deserving, please don’t let be passed by.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Have fun! Take care and enjoy the break!

Kathryn

29 November 2009

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with leaders training Module 15 – Challenging Behaviour. It was really interesting to learn of the issues that challenge them as leaders and to discuss areas that may challenge their young people. We played a game that had been devised by some of the Nottinghamshire training team when they had a day with the Gilwell training team. It was a new way to put over some really serious issues in a fun way. Thanks to those who devised the game and for the people on the course who taught me things too.

Last week too I attended one of the road-shows to promote the Jamboree in the County. Over 20 young people were there and wanted to know why they couldn’t all go or at least why we weren’t sending two units. Reality is that there are limited places for people from the UK and so as a County we are sending one unit of 36 young people and 4 leaders. If you are lucky enough to be selected by your District I want you to know that you are one a very small group of young people to have this privilege, so please take it seriously.

Every day I read stories in the newspapers and items on the news about young people who do bad things. It makes me proud to know that the work we do in Nottinghamshire Scouts is helping to promote good behaviours in young people. Please keep sending in your good news stories so that we can tell people that not all young people are bad.

It will soon be Christmas and I have been invited to a number of events – if I don’t get to yours I hope that you have fun and remember ‘A Scout is for life – not just for Christmas’.

Best wishes. I will speak to you again in a couple of weeks.

Kathryn

15th November 2009

People often ask me why I put so much time into Scouting. I have only one answer to give and that is because I get so much back from it and this weekend has been a prime example.

I spent about 9 hours yesterday at County Flag. I saw Cubs, Scouts and Explorers out walking, taking part in activities along the way and full of smiles. Well done to Rufford Explorers and 5th Hucknall Scouts.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks again. On 4 November I went to a presentation at County Hall to hear about how we can put leaders through for National Honours - MBE, OBE etc. Nottinghamshire has something like 7% of the population but less than 2% of the honours. We’ll see if we can do anything to change that.

6 November saw me at the Regional CC meeting at Hinckley Island. This was continued on 7 November. The CCs were able to join the Regional Development and Support Day (RDAS). We had a small turnout from the County which was a shame. Thank you to those who did come though. Feedback was that it was really useful and there are plans to move some joint county activities forwards – watch this space!

And then Remembrance Sunday (8 November). I was pleased to join 2nd Bramcote for their parade and service – a magnificent turnout of Scouts and young people. The service was special – 2 Scouts and 1 Cub Scout told us about 3 young people of their age who had done some magnificent war work. Very moving!

I then did a mad dash from Bramcote to Walesby to join 7th Nottingham Cubs and Scouts at their Group Dinner following a successful Camp. The food was fantastic – thank you. The young people were great and it was lovely to be reminded by our ACC Cub Scouts, PK that I had known him since he was a Cub – thank you PK.

On 10 November, I was invited to join 3rd Netherfield Cubs to work with a group of Cubs who were doing their Communicators badge. A couple of years ago I passed my Level 1 British Sign Language. The Cubs were brilliant and learned a few sentences. Thank you for inviting me.

Remember – we still want your news and pictures. Please send them to matt.rooney@notts-scouts.org.uk.

Speak soon.

Kathryn

26 October 2009

I said in my last blog that I would tell you who are our unit leaders for the next Jamboree. Congratulations to Alison Taylor, Unit Leader and her assistant unit leaders, James Greenfield, Nathan Dias and Mary Brain. They began their work with a road show in Mansfield District last Friday (23 October). Speak to your District Commissioner about when the road show is in your District.

If you were born between 25 July 1993 and 27 July 1997 this could be your opportunity to take part in the experience of a lifetime. At least go along to the road show to find out. Your District will probably be holding selection days in your District, if you want to know more ask your District Commissioner.

There are a few exciting things to tell you since we last spoke. On 12 October I was invited to accept a cheque from the Worksop lodge of Masonry. Along with many other charities we were presented with £400, which will be used in the North of the County.

I attended the County Commissioner’s conference in Daventry on 17 and 18 October. It was a different kind of conference. We continued the work that has been happening throughout this year on defining the vision for Scouting to 2018. Work will now continue and we will all see the outcome shortly.

The first meeting of the new Exec took place last Thursday (22 October). It was good to see some new faces … welcome and thank you to the whole team.

And then on Saturday (24) … Heaven certainly did have talent. What is she talking about? I hear you ask. Well, I was invited to the show by 9 Newark and Balderton Scout Groups held at Magnus School in Newark. It was called ‘Heavens Got Talent’. The young people and adults put on a marvellous show about famous people who had died. It all took place on Cloud 9 and was a mixture of song, dance, poetry and sketches. The audience even joined in with the encore.

Well done, I loved it and thank you for inviting me. Already looking forward to next year!

Don’t forget that we really want to hear and see what you have been up to. Send your stories and pictures to Matt Rooney – matt.rooney@notts-scouts.org.uk. We will put them on our website and where possible into the local press in your area.

Have fun, speak to you again in a couple of weeks!

Kathryn

October 12th 2009

My life as County Commissioner is very varied and can find me doing many different things. Over the last couple of weeks for example I have met with many leaders but also been involved in a number of activities with young people.

On Saturday 10 October I was at Larch Farm HQ where two really important events were happening. One was the selection of our unit leaders for the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011 – Thank you to the leaders from the County who had put themselves forward for selection. I will tell you who the successful people are in my next blog.

The other event was a get together for the young people and leaders from the County who are going to Kandersteg in Switzerland next year. They seemed to be having a great day under the leadership of Steve Day.

Last week (6 October) Phil Currier, County Chairman, organised an evening for new executive members. 3 Districts had registered to come, unfortunately only 2 turned up. The feedback from the evening was excellent though. I think we will do some more in the future and hopefully more District executives will get involved.

More soon

Kathryn - CC