Saturday was the last day of March! Where has the time gone? On checking my diary I can see how it was spent, but that doesn't make it any easier to accept the march of time.
In late February the annual Founder's Supper organised by Gordon Biden was held. Regretfully I had another commitment on the same evening but I understand that it was yet another successful evening.
Over one weekend I attended a Beaver Leaders' Sleepover at Hallowtree on the Saturday organised by David Wardley. It was a resounding success. Such a buzz in the big hall at Hallowtree, it was fabulous. This event was followed immediately on the Sunday by the Explorer Scout Leaders' Conference organised by Leigh Foster. We were privileged to have Wayne Bulpitt, the Chief Commissioner, attend and he was most complimentary about Suffolk and the Leaders in attendance. February closed with a Bury St Edmunds District Support Day run by the Regional Development Service Team. They provide such a valuable service for us all.
At the beginning of March I attended a GSL Support Day at Gilwell and had to 'sing for my supper' by doing a couple of presentations. What fun and another tick off my list of things I want to do! In the next week, I attended the 1st Carlton Colville Air Scouts RAF Recognition Inspection. This is always a highlight and this time it was the Young Leaders who organised the evening. They did an exceptional job. I presented an Award for Merit to Alison Curtis at 1stHalesworth Scout HQ, returning two nights later to present one to David Clack.
Last Sunday we held the GSL Support Day, which was attended by 36 GSLs from Suffolk. Tim Kidd, the Chief Commissioner for England answered loads of questions, Chris Foster the National Media Advisor gave a presentation on Media (of course) and Sonja May finished off the day with a super presentation.
On Monday, I was invited to the Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre to present Ross Richardson with his Queen's Scout Certificate. The event took place on the water involving the Explorer Scouts in canoes and Ross had to walk over them all after receiving his certificate. His proud parents and the Leaders looked on while the news photographer recorded everything for posterity and hopefully a good spread in the local papers. The barbecue was well received! Incidentally, Ross along with Lawrence Chapman have been selected as Queen's Scouts to join the flotilla of small craft accompanying Her Majesty and Prince Philip in a water-borne procession on the Thames during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. They will be paddling their own canoe.
On Friday I was pleased to present Niall Pettit with his Queen's Scout certificate. Niall has been a real driving force in the Scout Network in Bury St Edmunds in spite of being at university in Wales.
My final task of the month was to draw the winning tickets in the Bradfield Park Campsite draw. My thanks go to John Mabb for organising the draw, to Peter Buckle for sending out the tickets and receiving money and stubs and finally to those of you who supported the draw by selling and buying tickets. The final figure raised is not yet known but will be reported on the website as soon as it is.
It must seem that I am always out and about. This is true but I only report it to show you all just how much is happening round the County in Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, Scout Troops, Explorer Sections and Scout Networks. We have a vibrant County, full of Leaders and young people enjoying themselves. If you feel left out, why not ask me along to your Group? If I can make it, I will come along. In the meantime, enjoy the Easter Break!
Jenny