From Paul, our DC

Census

Thanks to all of those who submitted their numbers and payments on time. I am delighted that you will all be receiving some money back! Our young people numbers have bounced back. We now have 1,182 young people in beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers/young leaders across the district, which is an increase of 178 on last year. They are supported by 309 volunteers, an increase of two.

All sections are up. 12 Scout Groups plus our Explorers/Young Leaders have increased their numbers and 6 reduced (5 by less than 10 young people).  This is a great achievement.

The first Squirrels section has been approved at 11^th Bristol Air scouts and is expected to open soon so we can learn from their experience.

Now that adult volunteer numbers have steadied, we know it’s time to start focusing on adult recruitment to create more room for the young people.

The past two years have been a challenge, but we have come through. Gang Show & St Georges Day were both back up and running after the “pandemic pause” and both were a great success.

Gang Show

 This year the Gang show was back, and it was absolutely brilliant. It was wonderful to see so many of our Groups supporting this great scouting showpiece.

Fred Webb the County Gang Show Adviser said “The chorus singing was outstanding. The choreographers were excellent the dancing was superb. The gang had to work hard in rehearsals under very difficult conditions and drawing from various Groups across the district they produced an excellent Gang show which lived up to its red scarf standards.”

Next year we will be opening it out to all our members over 8 years old. That could be you. We are also inviting our friends in Brownies and Girl Guides to join us.

Apply to join the 2023 Gang Show

• You must be a member of the Scout or Girl Guide movement.
• Minimum 8 years old by 13^th February 2023. All are welcome.
• Rehearsals are September to February.
• Sundays at 148^th Stockwood.
• Junior cast 4pm to 5pm.
• Senior cast 5pm to 7pm.
  To apply, just email suelewis2808@gmail.com

St George’s Day Parade

On 24^th April, we held our first St George’s day parade since the pandemic to honour our patron Saint. We gave our beavers, cubs, scouts, explorer scouts, young leaders and leaders the chance to showcase scouting in Bristol South. It was a highly impressive turnout, with many hundreds of young people and adults as you can see from the time lapse photography on our Bristol south volunteers Facebook page. The church wardens said they were amazed how we filled the church.

Nowadays it is rare to get the opportunity to march in a full parade formation with fifty colour parties in attendance. The feedback I have received is that our young people loved it! We raised the roof off St Mary Redcliffe church with campfire singing and yells.

Thanks to Roger Whiter, who organised the service and, supported by Noah, his son, who stepped in at short notice, dressed as “Doc” and “Marty” from “Back to the future” backed by a time machine to grow the scout leaders of tomorrow. It culminated with Scott Stowell jumping out of a box.

Congratulations to Joe Derrick who was parade marshal for the first time and to Arthur and his team of SAS volunteers who ensured it all ran smoothly.

For more images see the ‘Volunteers’ Facebook page.

A collection was taken for the local provider of Food Bank services on behalf of The Trussell Trust. The sum of £267.00 being handed over to InHope.

The Big Fiesta Friday 10^th to Sunday 12^th June 2022. 

This is going to be a great event.

Numbers are building nicely. We have passed the minimum numbers now so there will be well over 500 young people in attendance.

There are already loads of great activities but as numbers build, we will be adding extra activities such as Laser tag, inflatables and others.

If your group has not registered yet, but want to attend, time is running out so please do so, and if you have not already paid, please do so. We are still seeking more volunteers to help with the activities, so volunteers who are not attached to groups are also welcomed to register directly on the website. https://woodhousepark.org.uk/events/fiesta-cotswold-edge-bristol-south

Update from Ben Wherrett, our ADC Activities, for the Fiesta

 Groups can attend Fiesta without Nights Away- Andy Scully can be registered Nights away support for any groups needing it. Parents staying overnight at the Big Fiesta will need a valid DBS. All DBS requirements must be the scouts enhanced DBS. Others are not acceptable.

New District Nights Away Adviser

 Congratulations to Aaron Wheatley who is now our third District Nights away adviser, working with Jerry Perret and Bill Thomas.

New Acting ADC- Cubs

 Ben Wherrett, ADC Activities has volunteered to be acting ADC Cubs over the summer to kick things off until a new ADC can be found. Ben has already agreed to lead with a district Pinewood Derby in October. Information will follow.

Future Events

 The following have been requested or are in planning

• Cubs Pinewood Derby – October TBC (Ben)
• Scouts Leadership skills and leadership camp for adult volunteers– 8-9^th July (Beth)
• Scouts Leadership skills and leadership camp for PLs, APLs and Scouts– 30^th September to 2^nd October (Beth)
• Cub Leaders skills night TBC
• Cubs Football competition TBC
• Cubs Mad March– March 2023 TBC (Andy)
• District Thanks Day – TBC. (Tansie & Scott)

Congratulations

 Congratulations to Andy Scully (pictured with his guest and sister Cathy Harding) and Daniel Stubbins who were both invited to the St George’s Day of celebration and achievement at Windsor Castle.

Mandatory Training

 Thanks to all our leaders who have ensured their Safety, Safeguarding and first aid training is up to date. For the few who have something still outstanding, please move quickly as we need to ensure we keep everyone safe.

Young Leaders

Please ensure that any young person (14-18) who attends group or section meetings is registered as a Young Leader or Explorer Scout and groups must pay their membership fee. If not, they are not insured.
Please register them with Joe Derrick joe.windmillhillscouts@hotmail.com even if they do attend Supernova ESU or Spinnaker SESU, so that they can be supported through the Young Leader programme and don’t miss out on relevant opportunities.

District Vacancies

 We are recruiting for the following roles, if you or someone you know may be interested, please let me know! We will also soon be sharing a letter for your use to parents about our recruitment

• ADC Cubs and/or team to support Cubs across the district
• ESL (young Leaders). Working with the DESC to support Young Leaders across the district
• District Treasurer
• District Secretary – Not just taking notes at our meetings
• Social Media Manager – Managing the website and social media platforms
• Appointment’s Secretary – Managing the process to get new volunteers onto the database and through the appointments committee. The role can be split between multiple people.
• Training Manager – working with the DDC to ensure all our adult training is up to date

Thanks for everything you do for our young people

Paul Harper

District Commissioner- Bristol South Scout District

mobile 07768 952212

paul.harper@avonscouts.org.uk