A very Happy New Year to you all. What an incredible year 2012 has been. The soggy Queen’s Diamond Jubilee didn’t dampen our spirits one bit, the whole country was awash with red white and blue. We had two Queen’s Scouts, Ross Richardson and Lawrence Chapman, rowing with the Flotilla on the Thames, such a proud moment for them. It was such a special time for the Queen’s Scouts who attended Windsor last year.
Then came the Olympics and Paralympics where other people found out how good it felt to give something back by volunteering. Keith Gleen, DDC Development, gave two months of his time, and let us not forget the torch-bearers; Ryan Tutthill, Tom Duncan and Stuart Bethell. I’m sure that there were more Suffolk Scouts who gave that little bit extra - what brilliant memories.
The camps and activities I visited over the year were fantastic. I was full of admiration for the Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members who achieved their Explorer Belt in Poland last July. They gave a fabulous presentation in December and thoroughly deserve their Awards.
The National Conference was superb and the County Team and I will begin to move forward with the vision for 2018.
I hope by now you have all been able to look at the revised Fundamentals, which were published in the October/November Scouting magazine. To have your say on this key decision go to www.scouts.org.uk/fundamentals
Finally I have regretfully accepted resignations from two District Commissioners, Michael Hansen from Orwell and Stephen Dodd from Sudbury. Both have given exceptional service and I thank them for all they have done for Scouting in Suffolk. However, I am delighted to announce that Stephen has accepted the role of ACC Scouts.
2013 might seem a bit dull in comparison to 2012 but I’m sure you will make it exciting and memorable for your young people.
Thank you to you all for giving that bit extra, you make a difference.
Jenny