A Happy New year to you all! I hope you all had a super Christmas.
What a fantastic year it has been for Suffolk Scouts. 45 young people had the adventure of a lifetime in Japan, and quite a few of us oldies had too! The Explorer Belt in Finland was a great success, giving more young people an unforgettable adventure.

The County Scout camp in Pembrokeshire, our fabulous CMAT trip to Scotland plus the many opportunities for more youngsters to be involved in water activities.

The camps and activities I visited throughout the year were awesome. I am in awe of all you Leaders. You give so much in time, effort, inspiration and enthusiasm to your charges - please do remember just what a difference you make.

2016 will bring us fresh challenges.

COMPASS should be back on line which hopefully will make life easier for us all.

Have you signed up for the Orwell Walk? It is the 40th anniversary year and the organisers are hoping it will be the best yet. It is a perfect way for you to raise money for your Group or chosen charity. I will be walking (not running I hasten to add) to raise money for Mission Ebola while husband John will be walking to raise money for Bradfield Campsite.

In relation to the Mission Ebola Challenge, a big thank you to 4th Ipswich Beavers Scouts who raised £250, 6th Ipswich (Monday) Cubs who raised £81 and Bury St Edmunds District who sent a cheque for £428.92 raised at the St George’s Day Service and the SAS Rededication Service. I have lots more woggles to award for those who wish to take up the challenge.

MOOT is only 20 months away and it is going to be bigger and better than 2013. If you want to be involved please contact either me or David Clements. There are plenty of tasks that need to be covered during the event.

John Mabb is stepping down as editor of County News. John has done sterling work over many years and I am truly grateful to him for continuing in the role following his move to Hampshire. His last issue as editor will be the March/April edition. Carl Gloess will take on the role.

Finally, it is with sadness that I draw your attention to two of our members who have "gone home". Wendy Wellum was for many years the Secretary of Ipswich South District Executive and continued to provide invaluable support to 1st Bramford Group. Peter Best was Assistant Scout Leader with10th Ipswich and was a passionate radio enthusiast. He ran many of the fabulous JOTA camps and I am sure inspired many young people to take up his hobby.

Jenny Mullan, County Commissioner