Bishops Stortford and District

Annual Report

2009 / 2010

Annual
Chairman’s Report – Geoff Markwell
Another year has flown by but we can report a very successful
one with increased membership and increased helpers. The
Leaders are obviously pushing the right buttons. Many thanks
are due to all the experienced leaders and helpers but thanks
also to all the newcomers who have had the courage to put on
the uniform.
I would like to thank all those who have helped me in the District
during the year, the Executive members, my swimming team
from Tuesday nights and all those who help during District
events. Where would I be without you all, many of whom have
served for years, thank you.
2 Join the adventure
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
I should like to complement Fiona, our new DC, for the way in
which she has settled into this demanding job. In the 6 months
that Fiona has been our DC she has come up with good ideas
that she follows through, she gets things done in a very positive
way, is very receptive to other people’s suggestions and the
energy she puts into everything she does is quite exhausting!!
Well done Fiona, I’ll try and keep up!
Thanks are also due to John Henson for all the help and
guidance he has given Fiona and for all the administration work
that he does so well, which we all take for granted without
appreciating the time he spends on it. The new District
Directory, the newsletters and the Annual Report, to name but a
few of the tasks he has undertaken. (Probably with a little help
from Kim!)
I look forward to the next 12 months and seeing you all at
various events around the District.
Yours in Scouting
Geoff
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Fiona Bishop - District Commissioner

Bishop’s Stortford & District continues to go from strength to This year we have introduced a District Media Development
strength. Current membership stands at 994 – a whisker away Manager who is tasked with increasing our profile in the local
from 1000! – But still the highest membership for this District media and driving our District Charity initiatives. You all voted
EVER! to support the following charities:-
Bishop’s Stortford & District
Census * St Elizabeth’s (locally)
1000
* Purple Pinkie (nationally – aiming to eliminate Polio
900 worldwide) supported by the Rotary Club
800
700
600
500 It is hoped the benefits will be many fold but also help in our
400
300
recruitment drive for more adults in the Movement.
200
100
0
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
I’d like to thank Nomad Travel for their continued sponsorship
and Dorrington’s for their support on St George’s Day. It is very
much appreciated.
• Total Membership +2.9%
• Beavers +9.5% There are still some major challenges within the District, not
• Scouts + 7.7% least the future of Sawbridgeworth’s premises. We are grateful
• Network + 41.7% to an extremely dedicated team that has worked tirelessly to try
• Adults + 7.6% and give Sawbridgeworth’s youngsters a permanent and secure
venue. Hopefully there will be a positive resolution before the
The 1000 barrier would have been broken if it hadn’t been for a next AGM
drop in Explorer numbers at St. Elizabeth’s due to funding being
withdrawn (Endeavour – special needs’ unit) – which is beyond It would also be great if by 2011 Census, we could significantly
our control! reduce our waiting lists and hit that ‘magic’ 1000 – a major
achievement.
What is highly significant is the increase in adult volunteers. In Group/ District 2008 2009 2010
my short time in this role, I continue to be impressed at the
1st Bishop’s Stortford & 164 200 218
dedication & commitment of all our adult volunteers – many Hockerill
who balance extremely busy full-time jobs and families with
1st Thorley (St. James) 183 175 167
volunteer work – 840 young people are now benefiting from all
your hard work! 1st Sawbridgeworth 111 139 160
1st St. Michael’s Mead 99 95 94
This year we welcomed 5 new Sections to the District – it is Silver Leys 70 90 102
st
never easy starting up and many experienced Leaders from all 1 Much Hadham 72 89 88
over the District have supported the newcomers. We are also 10th Bishop’s Stortford 52 62 58
grateful to all the new TA (Training Advisor) volunteers who 2nd Much Hadham 3 5 6
recently stepped forward to bolster the existing team of TAs to Explorer Scouts 77 83 66
help support more of our newer Leaders in their development.
Scout Network 11 12 17
We will continue to focus on the development/ support of our District (not holding Group 16 16 18
appointments)
Leaders so they can continue to deliver the amazing
programmes for our youngsters – Sailing, Circus Skills, Raft 858 966 994
Building, ‘Go Ape’, Gliding, Geocaching, Intergalactic Trading,
supporting the disadvantaged in India, Malawi & Haiti and much, Most of 2009/ 2010 has been under Greg’s very able
much more……… stewardship and I will take this opportunity again to thank him
for all he has done for the District and wish him the best in his
new, more senior County role.

3 Join the adventure


Annual
John Henson – Deputy District Commissioner
The last year has seen many changes in the District. We started
the year with yet another significant increase in membership
levels which we all knew would not continue at that rate. Over
the last 12 months it has really been a period of consolidation
but despite this are numbers are still growing, which reflects the
Scout movement nationally.
Greg departed for a new role and no one could thank him more
than me for the impact that he made during his time with the
District. Fiona took up the reigns last year, and I am sure you
would agree has taken on the role with huge enthusiasm, and is
making a real positive difference with many new ideas.
Over the coming year it is important that we continue to focus
the District team efforts on helping the Groups continue in the
excellent job they do in the provision of truly remarkable
programmes across the spectrum from Beavers through to
Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, not forgetting the Network.
It has been especially pleasurable to see the Network in Bishop’s
Stortford and District really start to deliver over the last 12
months. This has been an age group that we have struggled to
focus on since the change from Venture Scouts, but I am
confident that we now have a core membership that will really
drive this forward.
A number of the individual Scout Groups have had and continue
to wrestle with some significant challenges, and I personally look
forward to, along with the District team, helping them guide a
path to navigate through these issues.
4 Join the adventure
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
As you will see from the census figures the number of adult
helpers in the District is where the significant growth has been
over the last 12 months. This is really important to us, and I
congratulate all who have made this possible. The problem we
will continue to work at is how to get more Leaders into the
movement, only by succeeding in this challenge will we continue
to grow and offer the excellent range of activities going
forwards.
You should have all seen invites for a Leadership weekend at
Orchard Farm in the Peak District, which is taking place in June.
This event , which is hopefully the first of many, is designed to
encourage our Leaders to take part in activities that they do not
normally have the opportunity to do, give them some new skills
and facilitate some team building across the different Groups in
the District,
Thanks to all who make Scouting so successful, let’s keep on
delivering the program, and work together to resolve any issues
and challenges that present themselves.
John Henson
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk

Annual
Treasurer’s Report - Ray Jones
First, a reference to the 2008 Accounts. When they were
presented to last year’s meeting the Examination had not been
finalised - I’m pleased to report that these were duly signed off
by the Examiner.
This year finds us in the same position, with the 2008 books
approved by the Executive Committee but not yet signed-off by
the Examiner.
There is a change to the scope of the accounts presented this
year in that they only cover the District, and exclude the
Explorer units. This is because there have been some delays in
finalising all the Explorer unit accounts and these will not be
available for sign-off by the Executive Committee until later this
month. The Executive are looking into ways of changing the
way the Explorer accounts are presented in future.
The 2009 accounts are printed in the annual review booklet, so
I will not spend time going into details now.
At the end of 2008 the Executive Committee agreed a neutral
budget for 2009 with no planned increase to overall balances.
The outcome for the year was an increase in balances of £1,818
and our assets now stand at £30,726.
5 Join the adventure
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
You will notice a big reduction in both incoming and outgoing
resources when compared with 2008. This is because 2008
included both income and expenditure for the Lochearnhead
camp.
Income has benefited from the increase in membership.
Although this has put more strain on resources we have
managed to contain costs. Sales from the Scout Shop continue
to make a significant contribution and we were also successful
in raising sponsorship income.
Our budget for the current year is to balance income and
expenditure and again to achieve this without increasing in
District subscriptions.
We have substantial reserves which we can use to support
recruiting and training initiatives. This year we also begin
making phased payments to support members attending next
year’s Jamboree.
Finally - again thanks to Robert Garrod, for his work as the
Independent Examiner and to the Group Treasurers for their
role supporting the finances within the District.
Ray Jones, Hon Treasurer
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Bishop’s Stortford and District Scout Council

(excluding Explorers)
Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Previous
Year
£ £

Total incoming resources for year 10,621 37,734

Total resources expended for year -8,803 -36,193

Net Incoming/Outgoing(-) Resources 1,818 1,541

Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward 28,908 27,367

Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 30,726 28,908

Note: These accounts exclude the District Explorer groups which have not yet been
approved and signed-off by the Executive Committee.

Approved by the District Executive Committee on 4 March 2010. and signed on their behalf by:

Ray Jones Treasurer

6 Join the adventure

 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Bishop’s Stortford and District Scout Council

(excluding Explorers)
Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31 December 2009

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total

Funds Funds 2009 2008
Incoming Resources
Subscriptions 2,902 2,902 2,461
Jamboree Income:Groups/Participants 0 0 0
Donations and Grants 715 715 4,543
Fund raising 200 200 1,620
Scout shop 3,000 3,000 3,000
Sundry Receipts 21 21 36
Scouts Activities 1,813 1,813 23,272
District Explorers 0 0 500
District Cubs 0 624 624 1,194
District Beavers 1,182 1,182 25
Interest Received 164 164 1,083

Total Incoming Resources 9,997 624 10,621 37,734

Resources Expended
Donations and Grants 45 45 751
Jamboree 0 0 0
Fund raising 1,681 1,681 2,026
Management & Administration 2,378 2,378 3,149
Purchase of Equipment 0 0 5,245
Sundry Expenses 138 138 29
Scouts Activities 1,204 1,204 23,214
District Explorers 322 322 209
District Network 341 341 0
District Cubs 122 1,165 1,287 1,225
District Beavers 1,407 1,407 217
Total Resources Expended 7,638 1,165 8,803 36,065

Net Incoming/Outgoing(-) Resources 2,359 -541 1,818 1,541

Balances b/fwd 1 Jan 2009 27,714 1,194 28,908 27,367

Balances c/fwd 31 Dec 2008 30,073 653 30,726 28,908

Incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

7 Join the adventure

 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Bishop’s Stortford and District Scout Council

(excluding Explorers)
Balance Sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2009

31 December
note 31 December 2009 2008
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Fixed Assets (see note) 1 0 0

CURRENT ASSETS
Scout Association Short Term Investment 24,000 24,000
Bank Deposit Account 9 9
Cash at Bank 2 6,717 5,027
30,726 29,036

CURRRENT LIABILITIES 0 0

NET CURRENT ASSETS 30,726 29,036

TOTAL ASSETS
less CURRENT LIABILITIES 30,726 29,036

represented by:
Funds
Unrestricted 30,195 26,142
Restricted 3 531 1,225
30,726 27,367

Notes
1 A frame tent purchased in November 1997 at a cost of £1149 is valued at £nil
A Canon photocopier purchased in March 2008 at a cost of £899 is valued at £200
The value of other equipment is considered not to be material.
Scout Shop and Badge Account are accounted for separately and only amounts received during
the year are shown in these accounts

2 Cash at bank includes £327 in Camp Account being the balance from Explorers camp in summer 2008.

3 Restricted Funds 01-Jan 31-Dec

2009 Incoming Outgoing 2009
District Cub Funds - Good Turn 768 624 1,165 227
District Cub Funds - Other 426 0 122 304
1194 624 1287 531

The purpose of the District Cub Fund is to support Cub Scouts at District level. The funds include
annual Good Turn activities which support charities.

All funds (Restricted and Unrestricted) are included in Net Current Assets.

8 Join the adventure

 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Hazel Mead – ADC

A superb Sleepover at Skreens Park went as smooth as In May we shall enjoy an orienteering event in Pishiobury Park.
clockwork with over-excited Beavers and worn out Leaders at
the finish – but also a request as to when the next one will be With the new County structure coming into place we have Skills
held! In the Autumn Term we held out tried and tested Torch Booster Days being introduced and Bob Cooper as Assistant
and Wellie Walk in Pishiobury Park with soup and sausages County Commissioner for 6 – 14 age range.
expertly presented by Conquest Explorers to welcome us at the
end.

Leaders enjoyed their social get together and meal at the

beginning of the year with a chance to exchange ideas and chat
over all those things you never have time for anywhere else.

We have seen many changes in the leadership of colonies in

recent months. We are saying goodbye and a big thank you to
Jackie Williamson and Debbie Rawding at St. Michael’s Mead
after many years with this happy Colony. Gary Wilmott will be
the new Leader as he moves from 1st Bishop’s Stortford &
Hockerill Ocean Colony and we have welcomed Martin Payne-
Smith and Sean Rochester to the Ocean Colony. Silver Leys have
had changes with Dave Joel and Kevin Green moving on and we
welcome Amanda Brown and Harsha Mistry. As ever Beavering
is growing at a fast pace and the 11th Colony, in the District,
Ottawa, was opened in January at 1st Sawbridgeworth Group
and we welcome Danielle Osborne, Jamie Berrecloth, Gina
Patten and Billy Canty.
A warm welcome to Wendy Claxton as District Beaver Leader
The enthusiasm and energy of all Leaders is apparent with the who will have some fresh ideas for future events.
long waiting lists as parents are keen for their children to enjoy
the varied and interesting programmes which Beaver Colonies This is my last AGM report and I would like to thank everyone
provide. for the warm welcome there has always been when visiting
Beaver Colonies where I have enjoyed seeing Beavers having a
Splash Night was as always a very successful evening with great deal of fun – and long may it continue.
Watership Down gaining the trophy this year. Thanks to Geoff
Markwell and his team for organising this event.
St.George’s Day event is looked forward to with circus skills to
learn before renewing our Promise. www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk

9 Join the adventure


Annual
Ken Gordon – ADC
2009 was once again a busy year and saw the number of Cubs in
the District increase. 1st Bishop’s Stortford & Hockerill and
Sawbridgeworth groups have both expanded their Cub sections,
opening their third packs – well done!
March and it was “Splash” time with a fantastic turnout from the
Cub section. The swimming standards were high and there were
some surprise winners along the way.
St George’s Day was a great success with over 100 Cubs taking
part and completing the Athlete badge. The weather was good
and everyone did well and had fun including the adults. Parents
have commented on how much their children enjoyed the day.
Summer and the camping season was in full swing with units
visiting Priory Wood, Skreens Park, Little Abington and Gilwell
Park to name a few. The majority of packs enjoyed good
weather which always helps!
10
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
Interaction between Cub packs has been good giving Cubs the
opportunity to make new friends and meet up with friends they
have made at previous joint evenings. Packs have shared
programme evenings, gone on walks, visited theme parks,
camped or even had a fun evening at Priory Wood together
playing wide games and ending with hot dogs, hot chocolate and
some camp fire songs.
Christmas and it was Carol Service time. Again the URC in Water
Lane hosted the event. Changing the service to a Monday
evening instead of Sunday afternoon proved to be popular with
everyone. The turnout by Cubs and parents was excellent. The
Cubs had fun telling their audience an amusing “Santa’s Story”
and at the same time demonstrating the true meaning of
Christmas. The local charity ‘Kisses for Kids’ was chosen to
benefit from the Cubs endeavours to raise money. The Cubs
raised over £600 for the charity by doing good turns, sponsored
night hikes and silences and many other fund raising ideas.
My very grateful thanks goes to all the Leaders and helpers who
as well as supporting and helping run District events have had
their own pack nights to organise and Group events to attend.
Thank you all for your enthusiasm and dedication and with your
continued support I know 2010 will see us go from strength to
strength.
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
Join the adventure
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Max Streets - ADC

A busy year once again for the Scout sections. The
new troop at 1st BS under the guidance of Daniel Clark and his
team is now well established.
Numbers are up on last year’s census.
Leadership teams at some troops are reforming with new
personnel taking the key roles.
Well done to those who have continued their training and have
gained their wood badges during this past year. The effort was
all worthwhile.
Achievements
These have continued again with at least 12 Chief Scout Gold
awards being presented by the end of this year in April.
Green Beret Challenge.
This year held at Gilwell, a very wet and windy 24 hours were
endured. It did not dampen the spirits of the 7 teams that were
participating.
Once again a very well supported event, 1st Thorley Adventurer
leading the challenge gaining a creditable 25th place overall out
of the 120 teams that were participating.
My thanks go to the Explorers scouts and their Leaders for help
in running the day and the night activity bases.

Congratulations to all the scouts who have achieved this highest

award for a scout, and to their leaders for providing the
programme and activities to allow the scouts to gain this award.

Herts. 100
The summer saw a major county event take place at Tolmers -
organised by the County team to celebrate a centenary of
Scouting in Hertfordshire.

Nearly 3000 people attended the event having an opportunity to
try a wealth of different activities over the weekend. The circus
parade on the Saturday and a firework finale on Sunday ensured
a great event. Scouts from 1st Much Hadham, Thorley
Buccaneer and Sawbridgeworth attended enjoying the
atmosphere of a big event.
Summer events
Remembrance Parade
This was very well attended by Explorer and Scout sections.
Scout members representing the largest group amongst all the
youth sections on parade.
We were thanked again by the Mayor and a number of veterans
on our turnout and the Explorers for distributing the order of
service leaflets.

Troops throughout the District arranged their own summer Looking forward to 2010 with the anticipation of even greater
camps, and have participated in a huge range of activities - achievements, keeping scouting at the forefront!
Gliding, Climbing, Back to basics camp, Canal boat trips,
Geocaching, Service crew events, 24 hour cycle ride, to name
just a few.

This is a real testimony to the dedication of all the Leaders. I www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk

thank every one of you, and for inviting me to join in on some
occasions; it has been a pleasure.

11 Join the adventure

 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Nigel Reed - DESC

Review
The last year has been a year of consolidation for the three Units
and numbers have remained around the same level as a whole.
What each Unit has done has recruited extra leaders to help
them deliver the adventurous program that explorer Scouting
demands.
The Explorer County activities have been well supported with
Voyager ESU entering 2 teams in the Peak Assault and Chiltern
challenge competitions. Conquest ESU and Voyager ESU also
joined another 350 Explorers Scouts for a Christmas meal in
Stevenage in December.
Conquest ESU had far the most exotic expedition this summer
when they joined the County’s Thirst For Life expedition to
Swaziland. 11 from the Unit joined others from around
Hertfordshire to work together on the Community Development
Project “Working with Children at Risk”. They also had some
home hospitality, a camp programme and 2-day excursion to the
Kruger National Park. Conquest had the largest contingency
from all the Explorer Units in the County. They are planning to
return in 2011 to finish what they started.

Highlights
The highlights of the year were the Units summer camps and
expeditions that started off with Endeavour ESU having a joint
camp with 2nd Much Scouts at Thriftwood Scout Campsite near
Brentwood.

It was their first camp away from the St Elizabeth’s grounds for
many years. They took 16 young people and 16 carers to camp
plus the Leaders which was a fantastic effort. They even had
Explorers come over for the day that enabled them to do
activities that they don’t normally do. Voyager ESU joined them
on Friday night and helped put up their tents so when they 2010
arrived they weren’t hanging around too long.
This year we are planning to open two more Units in the District.
Voyager ESU took 27 people to the Isle of Wight this summer. The first will be opening on 9th June at 1st Bishops Stortford HQ
They hired a Scout HQ near Cowes that they used as their base run by Mike King and Lynn Bashford-Pinto. The second will start
and they camped in their grounds. They were able to do a in early September at 1st Much Hadham HQ run by Andy Dowse
number of activities including: sea kayaking, surfing, body and Alison Whenman.
boarding, hiking and an evening supporting the local speedway
team against a visiting team from Buxton! The star activity of I wish them all the best in these new ventures and finally I would
the week was trying a new activity called coast steering. The like to thank all the Explorer Leaders and helpers who have
Explorers are still talking about it now so if you want to know given up their evenings and weekends to keep our Explorer
more track one down and they will tell you what it is all about! Scouts so active in the last year!

www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk

12 Join the adventure

 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

- Zander Ratcliffe

In the past year the Bishop’s Stortford & District Scout Network Since then we have packed in
has enjoyed a period of significant growth. We have seen our many other events like
membership increase dramatically and we are regularly weekend camps at Priory
welcoming new members. Recently Network members have Wood campsite, rock
taken part in a wide range of activities and in the year to come climbing weekends in the
we look forward to an even more exciting and varied Peak District, a hotdogs and
programme. fireworks evening in
November and ten-pin
We kicked off the summer with a barbeque social event in order bowling. Perhaps the
to attract new members. We try to hold this event each year highlight of the year is our Christmas Dinner when most of our
and we encourage all those who have recently finished Explorer members are back from university. This year we went to the
Scouts to attend and find out more about us! It was a great Three Horseshoes in Spellbrook and had a wonderful time while
evening and we were pleased to welcome several new members enjoying record attendance! In the year to come we are
to the unit. planning even more weekends for hill-walking and climbing in
the Peak District, days sailing at ESSA and a big summer camp
Later in the summer four of our somewhere in the UK.
members organised a Queen
Scout Expedition in the Scottish When we are not away for the weekend or enjoying some other
Highlands. They spent 6 days activity, the Network meets every fortnight to simply socialise
away in the glorious sunshine and talk about ideas for the programme. We have a continuing
paddling up Loch Tay in emphasis on attracting new members, so if you are (or anybody
Canadian canoes and walking you know is) 18-25 years of age and want to get involved with a
over the nearby munroes. pro-active and friendly group of Scouts, please get in touch and
While the Network is a very sociable organisation, we are still come along to meet us.
proud to encourage the pursuit of the Scouting fundamentals,
especially through obtaining awards like the prestigious Queen
Scout Award. Zander Ratcliffe
Network Chairman.
Likewise, as Network Scouts we
are keen to encourage our
members to be helpful
components in the District.
Many of our members are
simultaneously leaders in Cub, www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
Scout and Explorer units. For a
week in August some of our
members accompanied the Voyager ESU on their annual camp in
order to help and again, in February, they helped out at the
Voyager ESU Orchard Farm hill-walking weekend.

13 Join the adventure


Annual
Fellowship – Dorothy Chancellor
We are currently embarking on re-establishing a Fellowship in
the District - It would be great to see this being a success.
The starting point is needed to brainstorm ideas which all adults
in Scouting or ex Scouters could enjoy being part of - for
example, social get-togethers, rambles, places of interest to
visit, helping at various District events etc. etc.
Adult Support – Veronica Dewey
Well, here we are again thinking about reports.
Firstly, congratulations to all the Leaders who have gained their
Wood Badges during the last twelve months, your hard work has
finally been rewarded. I know that you have put into practice all
you’re learning and you are giving your young people the very
best Scouting.
Well Done!
Secondly, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to the Leaders who
have stepped forward to a challenging role in their Scouting
career. They have become Trainer Advisors and are willing to
help new leaders with their skills and knowledge.
Thirdly, I would like to remind all Wood Badge holders that we
are committed to furthering our training by learning something
new. This could be a refresher course for First Aid (this has to be
renewed every three years anyway) When did you last do yours?
14
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
It would be fantastic to get a group of people to champion this
and make it happen and ideal for all sorts among us - anyone
looking to change roles, those with a wealth of experience in
Scouting or completely new to it all - there must be many good
ideas lurking out there. I am looking forward to you being in
contact so we can get this on the road to success.
Dorothy Chancellor
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
You could learn a new skill which you might use within your
Section. Some leaders will attend a module course at Well End
because all training moves on; hope to see you there one day.
Lastly, I would like to welcome Julie Thorpe, who has agreed to
become our First Response Coordinator and thanks for taking on
this role, hopefully you will not get too many headaches!!
Grateful Thanks to Geoff Crabb who first organised this role and
has decided that he wants to spend more time on his working
hobbies. Thanks Geoff for all your time and effort
Many thanks go to Jackie and Kate who keep me sane with their
cheerfulness and laughter no matter what I “throw” at them. I
appreciate all your hard work and time spent at and on a
computer. Thanks
Thank you to everyone who supports training in any shape or
form.
May we all have another fun filled year of Scouting.
All the best
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
Join the adventure

Annual
Appointment Advisory Committee – Mike Thorpe
The Appointments Advisory Committee's major responsibility is
to make an independent assessment of any adult (some
exceptions apply) wishing to take up an appointment in Scouting
in the District. Formally the Committee advises the District
Commissioner on the suitability of applicants, and it is for the DC
to make the appointment. The new approvals process was
introduced into the District in April 2009. A new Committee,
replacing the previous Warrants Committee, was appointed at
last year's AGM and underwent training both in the new process
and how the Committee would undertake its duties. The GSL’s
were provided with training on the new process, and provided
with a folder providing full details and documentation to
support them.
The Committee sees applicants who are both new to the District,
or who are moving role. For those new to the District questions
are asked to allow the Committee to assess the applicant's
suitability to carry out the role applied for and to assess the
applicant's willingness to accept the values and policies of the
Scouting Association. For those changing role a shorter interview
covers suitability only.
Growth in Adult Volunteers
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
15
Bishop’s Stortford and District
Report 2009/10
The continued growth of the District together with changes in
adult’s roles caused by reorganisations or people leaving has
meant that the AAC has met every month since the last AGM in
order to keep up with demand. Typically the Committee sees
4 or 5 applicants at each meeting. After some initial teething
problems with the new process, applicants now receive a letter
from the DC within a couple of days of their meeting with the
ACC. GSL’s are kept informed of "their" applicant’s progress. To
date the AAC has not recommended to the DC that any
applicant be declined, though certain conditions have been
suggested and agreed to by the DC. On some occasions the
Chairman has spoken to the relevant GSL either before or after
the Committee meeting to seek further information or to bring
any relevant matters to their attention. Generally applicants
have been adequately briefed by the relevant GSL or their
nominee, but standards do vary across the District. The two
main aims of the Chairman this year is to ensure consistency of
these standards (by providing more feedback to GSL’s) and to
introduce an efficient renewal of appointment process.
The Chairman would like to thank the Committee members
and GSL’s who have worked so hard to successfully introduce
and operate the new approvals process. Special thanks go to the
Committee's Secretary, Kate Reed, whose unfailing enthusiasm
and hard work deserves particular recognition.
www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
Join the adventure
 Bishop’s Stortford and District
Annual Report 2009/10

Awards
UK National Scouting Awards

The Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

Emily Stewart – Scout Leader – 1st BS & Hockerill
Sean Dellow – Assistant Scout Leader – Sawbridgeworth
Dave Rouse – Scout Leader – 1st Much Hadham,
Tracey Dobinson – Explorer Scout Leader – Sawbridgeworth
Sharon Lacey – Assistant Explorer Scout Leader – Sawbridgeworth

District Awards 2010

Overall Scout Growth – Sawbridgeworth

Section Growth – Sawbridgeworth Challenger

Nights Away – Explorer – George Thorpe

New Sections Opened:

Silver Leys – Shooting Starts – Beaver Colony

Sawbridgeworth – Ottawa – Beaver Colony
1st Much Hadham – Tigers – Cub Pack
1st Bishop’s Stortford & Hockerill – Navajo – Cub Pack
Sawbridgeworth – Cheyenne – Cub Pack

Beaver Scout of the Year – Archie Lambert

Cub Scout of the Year – Thomas White

Scout of the Year -

Explorer of the Year – Lee Boswell - sponsored by Nomad

Special Event

Interesting Programme

Leader of the Year

Special Commendation

DC Special Award

16 Join the adventure