I do hope you enjoyed your summer break. It must seem a long time ago. We are well and truly into the Autumn term and the nights are drawing in,. although it is good to see that some of you are still camping.
Gilwell Re-union. I was very pleased to meet many Scouting friends once more. If you haven’t been to the Re-union before, I can thoroughly recommend it as a place to relax for the weekend and let others lay on the activities. This year there was everything from water divining – how to do it – to hot-air ballooning – how to watch!
It was a delight to visit the 31st/9th Ipswich Wednesday Beaver Scouts and present them with their 4Cs woggles for planting trees and bulbs at Hallowtree. This is something that will give us all a great deal of pleasure in the future as they grow and bloom.
I visited one of the Jamboree camps at Bradfield. Everyone was having a really good time. The Suffolk Jamboree contingent badges are now on sale – contact Malcolm Bell, the contingent Leader.
The Mere Day at Thorpeness was fabulous. Because of windy conditions in the afternoon the young people had some difficulty in leaving the bank but it didn’t spoil their enjoyment. Many thanks to Andy Carr and Simon Leeding for organising the event
The County AGM was held last month at Thurston and there was an excellent turnout. Many thanks to the Explorer Scouts and the Leaders at 1st Thurston for lending their much-appreciated support on the evening.
At the end of September I visited the site of the new East Anglia Children’s Hospice in Ipswich. It is quite a remarkable building and the progress that has been made both in fundraising and structure is impressive. We have been asked to assist in their next fundraising event the Dads and Lads Walk round Ipswich on Saturday 24th October. It is not too late for you to sign up. Just contact the County Office on 01473 711678 for more information and to sign up. Our role will be to act as marshals during the walk.
The national AGM at Baden Powell House was excellent. Tina Vickers and I met up with Niall Pettit, who is the Youth member for Suffolk, and had a really good day.
The County Scout Fellowship Re-dedication Service took place at Thurston Village church. Thank you to Bury Fellowship for the excellent, colour co-ordinated afternoon tea. It was good to talk to everyone afterwards about the change to Active Support.
The Scout Network/Explorer Scout Link afternoon had to be postponed. I have decided the events will now take place in the Districts. The East of England Regional Network Conference will take place on the 2nd-3rd April 2011 at Gilwell Park.
More information will follow.
JOTA – I popped into Hallowtree on Sunday to meet the radio enthusiasts. While there I not only eavesdropped on a conversation between an Indian and a Dutchman but also spoke on the air to a Group Scout Leader in….Essex! What fun.
I’m looking forward to the Bangers Beans and Mash supper with the 24th Ipswich on Friday 22nd October to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Group
Well that’s what I’ve been up to. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Jenny