We are well into the autumn term and it’s about time I tell you what I’ve been up to in September.
Gilwell Re-union was held at the beginning of the month. It was a great disappointment to me as I could only manage to get along on the Saturday. What a terrific day it was. I met lots of old friends and attended an excellent campfire jointly led by our own David Walsh complete with Baden-Powell’s camp blanket. The Saturday night entertainment in the lid was fantastic. Ben Dine, our County Network Leader, was a Freddie Mercury look alike… I’ll say no more! I really didn’t want to leave and it was very late when I did finally make my way home!
The following Saturday I attended the National AGM in London, which I always enjoy. Then on the Sunday we had a Development Day for the District Commissioners. Our development plans are progressing and we are working towards our Vision for 2018.
I visited the Sailing Offshore Team to look around their two sailing boats, which are kept at the Haven Marina in Ipswich. This is such a super facility and it’s on our doorstep. Did you know that these boats normally take part in the Tall Ships Race each year and are crewed by Explorer Scouts? This is the first year they will have missed it because of the timings of the Race legs. If you want further information on this activity, log onto www.adventuresoffshore.co.uk. The Team will be only too pleased to show you around and chat about the opportunities there are for your young people.
The County AGM was hosted by Lowestoft District this year and held at Somerleyton Hall by kind permission of their District President, Lord Somerleyton. Wayne Bulpit, the UK Chief Commissioner, was the guest speaker and everyone enjoyed it.
On Saturday I had a fabulous day starting off at 1st Eye for the annual Duck Race. My timings were a wee bit out so I caught them setting up. Nevertheless I had a welcome cuppa with them. Then it was on to Thorpeness for the Annual Meare Day. This event is always great fun. From there I then dropped into Hallowtree where Deben District was having its link camp for Cubs moving to the Scout Section. This introduction is such a valuable experience for the Cubs and makes the transition much more inviting for them. The day was rounded off nicely with a Curry supper to raise funds for 1st Shotley Scout Group. I was back on my old stamping ground.
Jenny