Firstly, I hope that everyone in Gloucestershire Scouting has a very happy and peaceful New Year.  

The start of 2008 has opened the door to the second century of Scouting with all the opportunities that offers. I believe it is appropriate therefore, that as we look to the future and build on the tremendous success of our Centenary year, that a new County Commissioner has been appointed.

I am delighted that Tom Harding will succeed me. He has been a tremendous support during my six years in the post; he believes passionately in Scouting and has the ability to take Gloucestershire forward to achieve bigger and better Scouting in the future.

It therefore just remains for me to say what a privilege it has been to be your County Commissioner during a period of significant change. However, all that has been achieved is due to a superb TEAM effort at all levels in the County. To say Thank You seems so inadequate for the support, encouragement and friendship that have been shown to me during my appointment, but I am very grateful to you all. I am also confident that you will support Tom in the same way, for when we all work together, anything is possible.

I wish Scouting throughout Gloucestershire a long and successful future.

With my very Best wishes

Joan Goldsmith, County Commissioner

As a member of the audience I was amazed at the whole performance especially as I now know that rehearsals on the Friday had to be cancelled as access to the dome was delayed. With this in mind the few technical hitches during the afternoon’s performance were insignificant.  From large musical extravaganzas to cooker competitions, Explorer Scouts abseiling in from the Dome's roof to the Beaver Scout Rap the range of talent was fantastic, and the event was a truly remarkable festival of Scouting.

Those who attended in the evening witnessed a special award being presented to 3^rd Tewkesbury for the marvellous way they fed and watered (perhaps not the best choice of words) citizens of Tewkesbury during the floods in the summer. The Chief Scout welcomed Eddie, Edna and Kevin onto the stage to receive the award. I am so proud of you all, and others that you represent. You richly deserve the recognition.

For some time now it has been a requirement for Groups to forward to their District Secretary the names of all adult and youth members in the Group. This information together with accurate figures on the census is becoming even more important, in particular for insurance purposes.

Forms can be found on ScoutBase, Factsheets, Forms and Certificates - GREG

With thanks

Each month Headquarters interrogates the system to order membership cards, which will be sent directly to the individual adult. I have been advised that this process may well take several weeks, although the appointment will have commences.

As far as County Appointments are concerned (ACCs DCs LTMs etc) it has been decided that the County Appointments Secretary arranges for a letter, signed by the County Commissioner, to be sent to the appointee as soon as the new appointment has been recorded. It may be that Districts will wish to follow the same practice.

As I value the time and commitment that volunteers give to Scouting I feel that recognition of an appointment should not be delayed and I hoped that a letter will reassure adults that their appointment has been formalised.