To those we have not already communicated with, Happy New Year! We hope you and your families are all safe and well. From the feedback received at the District Team Meeting yesterday, it is good to hear that so many sections are still managing to run some virtual sessions on Facebook, Zoom etc. Thank you for all your efforts in achieving this alongside juggling your own busy lives.
Congratulations for award winners
A new Queen’s Scout
Huge congratulations to Lorna Cotter on achieving her Queen’s Scout Award, this award takes a lot of hard work so well done. Hopefully Lorna will be able to attend a Queen’s Scout Award reception in September and attend the Windsor Castle St George’s Day Parade too.
2 Bars to the Silver Acorn and a Silver Acorn
More congratulations to Julie Mair and Andy Chatwin who were awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn. It’s a Good Service Award for further specially distinguished and outstanding service to Scouting. Both Julie and Andy are great supporters of everything we do in the District, County and beyond.
Ian and Robin also add their congratulations to Lynn Tatavossian for receiving a Silver Acorn award.
First Response update
from Mike Baxter – County First Aid Advisor
Just to update you that the Virtual First Response can now be recorded on Compass as Module 10A – First Aid Theory, which also updates your Mandatory Ongoing Learning. Once government restrictions allow (and within 6 months us reaching Green readiness level) you will need to attend a short practical validation session to complete module 10B – First Response practical, which will complete module 10 and be recorded on Compass and also in the reporting. More info attached.
To complete module 10A people need to complete the e-learning plus Zoom session. Info can be found on the Hampshire Scouts website.
Someone in the County Training Team is going through and updating over 350 Compass records of those who have already completed the virtual first response, this may take some time, so please do not be concerned if your record is not yet updated.
Training
A reminder that the next round of Zoom training modules are now available to book on the Hampshire Training websites. There is also some Manager and Supporter skills courses available to book. The dates are 21st February 2021 and 6th March 2021 and you can book on that site.
Please consider Module 36 – Adjustments to Scouts, it is not a requirement of the Wood Badge but contains useful learning for managing reasonable adjustments in your section and really good ongoing learning.
District Chair
We urgently need to find a Chair for the District Executive Committee. If you know anyone that may be interested please pass our contact details on for a no obligation chat. I have a copy of the role description that I can pass on too.
If this could be you, let us know. Plus find out what volunteering is like on our page.
Request for help
Is there anyone in the District, or friends/family, with Sign Language skills?
If so Mike Ferris, 2nd King Troop, would be grateful with some Zoom help to deliver the Communicator Activity Badge. Please contact Mike directly on: [email protected]
Updates on events and resources
It is with regret, but not unexpected, that this year’s St George’s Day Parade has been postponed until next year.
Also with regret, the Chief Scout’s Award activity day has been postponed. The new date for this now is 10th October this year.
As we’re back to virtual and distance Scouting, it can be hard to think of ideas or try new things. For those looking for new ways to inspire, the 1st Virtual Scout Group on Facebook is a really good source of ideas.
GSL / AGSL reminder, please do not close a leader’s final role in Compass, thereby closing the entire record, until consideration is given to any missing or imminent Long Service Awards or overdue Good Service Awards that can be applied for. Please speak to Tim and he will change them onto a role that will keep their record open while we look.
Please take care of yourselves & stay safe.