This report is part of a series from members across the district for the Annual General Meeting to be held online on 8th July 2020.
April – September 2019
The Scout section across the District continues to provide with support from Scout Active Support and section Leadership teams a wide range of activities and competitions for the Scouts to take part in.
I am pleased to report that as a section we provided the following opportunities for the Scouts:-
May – 6-a-side football competition won by Everett Troop
End June – Elm Tree Trophy, Patrol Camping Competition. The organisation was led by the 1st Lyndhurst. There were 4 teams entered initially – 2 teams had to withdraw due to scouts having double booked themselves. This year’s event was run at the 6th NFN Campsite at Woodland Rd and a team from 1st Lyndhurst and a team from 5th Garland took part. All scouts had a great weekend with the 5th Garland winning the event.
The Troops have been represented at the District St George’s Day event and have been involved with their Groups representing scouting at Remembrance Sunday parades and other Group Parades and events at various locations around the District.
The County team continues to provide opportunities for the scouts to take part in activities that are slightly different or larger events. A couple of Troops have taken up the opportunity to attend Caving days organised by the County Caving team. There are County water; shooting and archery opportunities available too. Several Troops have sent scouts to County Expedition training & Patrol Leader and Assistant Patrol Leader training weekends.
In the Summer of 2019, the majority of Troops attended Summer Camps in various different locations for either long weekends or full weeks.
We continue to maintain strength in Troop numbers and involvement at District run events which is really pleasing.
I am delighted to report that as of 1st September 2019 I have been able to hand on my role as ADC Scouts to Simon Down as I have joined the new NFN Team DC leadership team.
Robin Mair
Former Deputy District Commissioner
September 2019 – May 2020
The District Scout Section have continued to provide, with support from Scout Active Support and leader volunteers, a wide range of activities and competitions for the Scouts to take part in, up until the lockdown.
I am pleased to report that as a section we provided the following opportunities for the scouts:-
End September – The Soap Box Derby was unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather.
End January – District Swimming Gala organised by and strategically managed by the 6th Netley Marsh and Scout Active Support won by 2nd Everett Troop
February – The Eagle Trophy was again organised by Kerie Wallace. The Scout leaders from the 5th spent the day setting up the event HQ and distributing equipment to bases in readiness for the night events. The event was based around Ferny Croftsand ably won by the 6th Netley Marsh. This was another excellent overnight event with a very good turnout.
March – Then it all changed. Best laid plans and all that.
I am pleased to say that some of the scout sections are managing to provide
activities for the young people using OSM , Zoom and Facebook. I also asked Joe Simes from 5th Testwood to set up a Facebook page for the district Scout Section Leaders to be able to share ideas. This has been a very difficult time for many of us, but I am sure it has made most realise what they may have taken for granted in the past.
Simon Down
Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)