Message from the County Commissioner May 2010 

I hope that you have been enjoying this good Spring weather and are taking every opportunity to "get out" both with your families and your sections.

This is the season for AGMs! As well as reports from the last 12 months, it is also an opportunity to say thank you to all those who have contributed (as volunteers) to provide Scouting to young people. It is also an opportunity to look forward to the next 12 months and to make plans to do even more interesting and exciting activities.

There have been two recent additions at Cranham: a washing-up shelter for the use of campers, and an activity centre built mainly for the use of younger members. The archery area has been improved and enlarged.

I have received good reports from those Districts that held St George’s Day celebrations. 

I was fortunate to be able to attend the Parade of Queen’s Scouts at Windsor Castle. The Parade was reviewed by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and the Chief Scout. Both Prince Charles and Bear took a long time to complete the review and showed a genuine interest in what the Queen’s Scouts had done to complete the award.

And finally … you should all have received a new membership card with the April/May edition of "Scouting". Please check and, if necessary, amend your personal details. It is so important that they are correct.

Tom Harding, County Commissioner 

AROUND THE COUNTY

DISTRICT OUTING 

In April Cub Scouts and Scouts from Stroud and Tetbury District took part in a District Outing to Drayton Manor. As well as lots of scary and wet rides, the zoo and themed areas of the park, the Scouts also met lots of Guides celebrating their Centenary year.  

DREAMING SPIRES 

For four days just after Easter a group of Scouts from Nailsworth enjoyed exploring the dreaming spires of Oxford, visiting the University Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the History of Science, the Pitt Rivers Museum, the Carfax Tower, St Mary's Church, Christ Church College, and a host of other historic sites in the city.

A PROMISING GOOD TURN 

At the end of April hundreds of members of Scouting gathered in Pittville Park, Cheltenham for their annual celebration of St George's Day and to renew their Scout promises. Readings and songs rang out across the park and participants and spectators heard more about world disaster aid charity Shelterbox, which the groups are supporting this year. Pat Hopes, Cheltenham's District Commissioner, said: "It's a chance for all the groups in Cheltenham to come together. Shelterbox is being supported in Cheltenham this year and is the chosen charity of The Cheltenham District Scout Association." Mrs Hopes added: "It gives us all the chance to do a good turn."

EVENTS UPDATES

Updated information for all county events and activities for both young people and adults can be found at http://www.gloucestershire-scouts.org.uk/events.htm