To say “time passes quickly when you’re having fun” is an understatement.  At the beginning of May I was fortunate to have a ride in Jamroll (Lord Baden-Powell’s Rolls Royce).  Squashed in the back seat with David Walsh and Andrew Cracknell, we journeyed from Christchurch Park to Felixstowe in a parade of classic vehicles.  The rain rather spoiled the day for those attending.  On arrival at Felixstowe we found that Orwell District had set up a stall selling hot drinks and yummy cakes as part of a Development Day for the District. Their Jamboree contingent were also present and I was pleased to chat to them.

I was proud and privileged to represent Suffolk Scouts at the Guide Centenary Service in Bury St Edmunds cathedral.  It was a super ceremony.  I attended the 13^th Ipswich Royal Navy Recognition Inspection, which they passed with flying colours.  The young people were a credit to their Leaders and the day was a great success.

The Stowmarket District Centenary Camp was held at Haughley Park and in spite of the awful weather everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.  There must be something about the May bank holiday weekend.  It hardly ever seems to be kind to Scouters – remember the Millenium and Centenary camps?

The Suffolk Show went well and thanks are due to Brian Roe for organising the Scout pitch.  There was lots of interest in our activities, so well done to the Leaders who worked on those two days.

I managed to attend most of the District AGMs and it was good to catch up with old friends.  It was evident that the District teams do a fantastic job in supporting and organising activities.  However, it was disappointing to see so few Leaders in attendance.  The AGMs are an opportunity for the Groups to show their support for the DCs and their teams and to be represented at the meeting of the Council.

I was at Hallowtree last week running a training module and couldn’t move for Beaver Scouts.  There were over 200 from Orwell District having their Sausage Sizzle.   The son of one of my work colleagues was there and she said he couldn’t stop talking about it all week.  What a super advertisement for Scouting – well done.

I visited the Sudbury District Beaver Sleepover and thought I had walked into the big top.  The Leaders were all dressed in circus costumes and were having as much fun as the youngsters.  Well done to Margaret Hotchkiss and her team for putting on such a fun event.

Although I didn’t attend the County Cub Sixer and Seconder Day, I know it was a great success. Thanks go to Charmain Southgate and her helpers for giving the Cubs the opportunity to visit the Tower of London.

The seventh Annual Mela was run by Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association  at Christchurch Park.  For the first time Suffolk Scouts were invited to put up a stall.  David Walsh organised the Mobile Display Unit from Gilwell.  It was intersting to note that it takes 90 minutes to assemble the MDU and another 90 minutes to pack it up.  It was well worth the effort and was a fantastic day.  We had a number of enquiries and I am hopeful that we may have some new Leaders and helpers as a result.  I wonder if there is a badge for bhangra dancing?

This will be my last blog before the summer break..  I hope that you all enjoy your holiday and the weather is kind to you.

Jenny