UPDATE – February 2024
Whilst there will be a statement issued in due course by the DMT/DLV, this is to let you know that, regretfully, there will be no single district event to commemorate St. George in 2024. Issues with finding a team to run such a gathering along with obtaining a suitable venue on or about the usual date in April has led to this unfortunate but unavoidable decision. Groups and Units are encouraged to conduct their own commemorations or perhaps a few groups can come together to share an occasion.
As for 2025, the same message is reiterated as below, ‘fresh ideas and fresh faces to run it’ are invited, please contact the DLV Team.
—–20th February 2024—-
Firstly, let’s ‘scotch’ some rumours that are circulating around, possibly caused by a ‘knee jerk’ reaction to a statement made at the 2023 District AGM.
TRUE – in 2024 the parade format that we have been used to for many years will not happen! Why? The District Team does not consider the outlay of £900+ to a council/police contractor so the district can parade ‘on the public highway’ is not a justifiable use of funds. This amount could
1). subsidise a district event
2). make a meaningful contribution towards funding attendance at ‘summer camps’ for young people in disadvantaged situations
3). provide a grant or loan to a group that needs to make urgent repairs to its meeting place so that it can continue to operate
to name but a few options
FALSE – that there is no intention or hope that there will be a celebration/coming together on this important Scouting date.
Options and ideas are being called for by the District Lead Volunteer, why not ask the young people in your groups/units as our organisation is ‘youth shaped’ also for volunteers to ‘head this up and make this happen’ – many hands make lighter work.
There have been calls that the Board of District Trustees should step in and restore this historical event. Such an action is outside of the scope of the operation of The Board of Trustees [even more so with the implementation of ‘Transformation’] and if it did intervene its actions would be ‘ultra vires’ [beyond its powers].
End of Statement.
PS – So, if you can suggest options for alternative ways of celebration in 2024 or even 2025 or help to make this happen please use the link above to contact the DLV. Please don’t just criticise, make a constructive suggestion or two.