From the pen of our DC Paul, -13/7/21
Hi everyone, I have now been in my new role as DC for three months. How time flies!
I would firstly like to congratulate all our volunteers for making considerable progress as we ease out of lockdown. I am delighted that all but one of our Groups have now commenced face to face meetings on at least some occasions. I know our young people really appreciate your efforts to bring things back to normal. Of course, this has not been without its challenges and several sections have found themselves bouncing between face to face and zoom meetings due to the need to self-isolate from time to time.
When I last contacted you all I said I would try to rebuild the district team and I am delighted to say that many of our vacant positions have now been filled (although we still have a few vacancies).
- Tansie Congdon I would like to welcome Tansie Congdon to the team as our new Youth commissioner. Tansie is an active member of our Network and this is her first adult appointment. Tansie will be eased into her role by Beth Haines.
- Beth Haines Beth has kindly agreed to be our New ADC (Scouts). Beth has worked with the scout section before and is really looking forward to supporting our scout sections.
- Dave Milton (known as Arthur) is to be our new Scout Active Support (SAS) Manager, taking over from Cyril Mullen who was lost to us recently. Arthur wants it to be known that the SAS has a team of very experienced ex scouters who are particularly keen to offer support to groups wishing to teach their young people the traditional scouting skills such as knots, map reading, pioneering etc.
- Carl Rogers Another member new to the district leadership team is Carl Rogers who will shortly be appointed as DESC (subject to appointments committee approval). Carl has scouting experience in Cardiff where he has most recently been DC in Penarth district. He will be ably eased into his role by Cathy Harding and Nick Winter. Welcome Carl.
- Scott Stowell is now a Deputy District Commissioner (DDC) and is also acting as ADC (activities) and District Training Manager so he will remain as the contact for risk assessments, permits and support for Training Advisers. Although we are actively looking for a new ADC Activities and District Training Manager.
- Remaining in post For those not aware, Cathy Harding has remained in post as DDC along with Teresa Dunsford ADC Beavers, Andy Scully ADC Cubs and James Wall Network commissioner.
Past team members. Thanks to the following as they step down from their roles –
- Nick Eccles, previous ADC (Scouts) has asked to return to 5th Bristol to take up the role of scout leader after his time as ADC(Scouts).
- John Abbott who has stepped down as District Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Adviser but will still offer the district specialist support.
- John Jones (known as Moe) who has stepped down as ADC (Activities) but will continue in other county-based roles.
- Cyril Mullen RIP Sadly missed by all who knew him, he Held many roles but most recently was Scout Active Support Manager.
I would also like to thank our non-uniformed district support teams.
Bob Stanfield, Margaret Slade & their team continue to act as first line of defence in protecting our young people through their role at the District Appointments Committee (DAAC) and
Stephen Williams and Tony Rees continue to ensure the District Executive Committee/ Board of Trustees (BOT) ensure we all meet charity commission rules and stay effective.
District contacts and roles 13th July 2021
| Role | Name | Contact | Other information |
| District Commissioner | Paul Harper | paul.harper@avonscouts.org.uk | |
| Deputy DC | Cathy Harding | cathy.scully@avonscouts.org.uk | |
| Deputy DC | Scott Stowell | scott.stowell@avonscouts.org.uk | Change of Role |
| ADC(Beaver scouts) | Teresa Dunsford | adcbeavers2018@outlook.com | |
| ADC (Cub scouts) | Vacancy | ||
| ADC(Scouts) | Beth Haines | bethanyhaines4@icloud.com | Change of role |
| District Explorer Scout Commissioner | Joe Derrick | To follow | |
| DES Administrator | Nick Winter | mrnick.w1@gmail.com |
| District Network Commissioner | James Wall | james.wall.bristol@hotmail.co.uk | |
| District Youth Commissioner | Tansie Congdon | tansie.congdon@hotmail.co.uk | New appointment |
| District Scout Active Support (SAS) Manager | Dave Milton (Arthur) | dave.milton31@hotmail.com | New appointment |
| Acting ADC (Activities) | Ben Wherrett | DANs, NANs, Risk Assessments, Permits | |
| Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser | Vacancy | Contact Cathy Harding | |
| District Training Manager | Acting- Scott Stowell | scott.stowell@avonscouts.org.uk | |
| District Executive Board of Trustees Chair | Stephen Williams | williamssj@blueyonder.co.uk | |
| Head of Finance Committee. | Tony Rees | rees.tony@talk21.com | |
| District Appointments Secretary | Vacancy | Contact Scott Stowell |
| Honourary Titles | |
| District President | Royston Griffey |
| District Vice Presidents | Brian Deacon, Beryl Deacon, Chris Davies, Margaret Slade, Peter Keitheley. |
District AGM You will know by now that this will be virtual on zoom on Friday 30th July.
To view all the relevant documents relating to this year’s AGM please click on the link below which will direct you to the correct District website page. https://www.bristolsouthscouts.org.uk/events/district-agm-2021 I hope to see many of you at the District AGM.
I will aim to issue these updates from time to time. I hope you all enjoy the summer and to see a lot more of you once the restrictions are finally lifted!.
Paul Harper
Paul Harper
District Commissioner- Bristol South District
Avon Scouts
mobile 07768 952212
paul.harper@avonscouts.org.uk