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County of Greater London South West
Annual Reports and Accounts 2002
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County Commissioner's Report
Looking back over last year it is hard to imagine how much has been packed in and achieved. Certainly in my time as County Commissioner there has never been a year quite like it. Many things that have been prepared for over quite some time have now come into being.
The County Expedition to the Seychelles has taken place successfully under Stephen Clark and Jean East, building friendships and experiences for all those who took part and strengthened our County links with the Seychelles. Indeed we had a visit from the International Commissioner John Marie and some of the Scouts who took part in the Windsor Queen's Scout Parade.
Our County Development Officer Jo Launchbury was appointed in December. She is now firmly part of the Greater London South West Team with plenty of projects to help develop Scouting in the County. Jo's hands are full with plans of help to recruit new Leaders and Members. She is there to help and advise, make use of her, as her time is precious and needs to be well spent if we are to see true development in our County.
Again this year our numbers dropped, but not so much in the areas of Leaders but more in our younger Membership. This is a worrying trend, which we need to urgently address. Hopefully with PRI now firmly in place, with new programmes, new Sections and Section Logos plus the uniform change, we have the tools and resources to shout for Scouting and maximise this effect by turning in an increase of numbers in the future. There is no going back, Scouting has launched itself into the future and we need to capitalise on everything the new image gives, to bring it to as many young people as possible - the benefits of Scouting.
Census figures, thank goodness are not the only criteria to judge what is good in Greater London South West. There remains a tremendous amount of good work being done, and I thank you all on behalf of the young people who benefit.
We have increased the County Support Team with appointments of Christopher Dean (Scout Network), Caroline O'Hagan (Assistant County Commissioner Explorer Scouts) and Richard Holmes (County Scout Leader). Christopher, Caroline and Richard came on board with the PRI launches and have stayed ever since.
Launching the new Programme was an enlightening experience; it brought teamwork out into the open and strengthened the County with so many individuals having so much to offer. We are indebted to all those who worked under Nigel Steward's guidance for so long over so many weekends.
PRI was not the only change brought to the County. Richmond & Barnes District combined with Twickenham to become the new District of Richmond upon Thames under Robin Corti's leadership. Alex Minajew was appointed National Commissioner for Activities. John Seaton and John Perkins have taken up the posts of District Commissioner in North Croydon and Sutton & Cheam respectively.
During the year Districts along with the County have taken and will continue to take a look at how Scouting in Greater London South West is organised to give the maximum benefit to our Membership. There has been a reduction in the number of Scout Groups, and this may continue as everyone strives to develop Scouting from a position of strength, able to give a balanced programme to the Membership. But to counter this 'Satellite Sections' are being opened, supported by already established strong Scout Groups, providing Scouting in areas where it is needed. In the future I believe that this will become an established pattern with a 'Parent' Group nurturing an offspring Section or Sections, to help them reach maturity.
Internationally as a County we have blossomed. During last year we had more International Expeditions and visits than ever before. We were one of the highest in the Country. Apart from our Jamboree contingent we are also providing a large number of members for Contingent Support Teams and International Support Teams in Thailand, long may this continue.
My Report can only be a snapshot of my view of the past year and the general issues. As always I urge you to read the Sectional reports for further details.
What does the future hold for us in Scouting? There is the Jamboree to look forward to, where we can all take part in some aspect and we wish Mark Patrick and his contingent of fellow Leaders and Members good luck and enjoyable times.
The new Programme and the beginning of Explorer Scout and the Scout Network will provide interesting and exciting times for us all. There will be a reorganisation of Leader Training and details of this will be coming soon in the autumn. No doubt it will mean more hard work at first to those involved in delivering training, but it will be an improved package, so let us embrace the changes and make them work effectively just as we have done with PRI.
Finally, none of what has happened in Greater London South West in the last year has been without tremendous effort, commitment and support at all levels. Thank you to all of you for your efforts. Thank you also to the County Support Team, Tony Edwards and the County Executive Committee, who without their support I could not do my job as County Commissioner. Also let us not forget all those who help in the background providing the many unseen areas of support that helps to keep Scouting going in the County.
Scouting has a strong, bright and exciting future, let us do it and enjoy it together.
Good Luck and Best Wishes.
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