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Patron – Hon Wendy Baden Powell (Granddaughter of B-P)
President: Derek Elton
Vice President: Alec Fraser
Chairman: David Harbach
Vice Chairman: Julie Wacey
Secretary: Allan Page
Treasurer: Peter Skilton
Editor: Pat Parks
Website: http://www.badenpowellguild.org.uk
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Editorial Hello everyone, welcome to the Spring Edition of the magazine. I‟m
feeling quite virtuous at the moment because I‟ve just posted off my
cheque for the AGM to Bebington Branch.
I hope you like the cover photo, sent to me by Peter Skilton of Malvern
Branch, which shows the lovely spring bulbs at Lacock Abbey.
Lacock Abbey, a National Trust property, is at the heart of the village of
Lacock near Chippenham, Wiltshire and was built upon the foundations
of a former nunnery. It is a quirky country house of various architectural
styles. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the medieval rooms and
cloister court, giving a sense of the Abbey‟s monastic past.
Pat Parks
WE NEED YOU TO JOIN THE TEAM!
WANTED: NATIONAL MINUTE SECRETARY
A National Minute Secretary is required to take the minutes of the
national meetings including the AGM. There are normally three national
meetings a year. Ideally, the person needs to be located in the Midlands
Region where the national meetings are held.
Please contact Allan Page, National Secretary.
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This archaeological site is a funerary cairn on Mellor Moor above Cobden
Edge, the highest point in Stockport.
On the 9th
December 2010 it would have been a very chilly place indeed.
Fortunately, the members of Tiviotdale Branch held their Christmas lunch
at The Hanging Gate Inn, Stockport. Twenty hardy souls turned up to
enjoy a splendid meal and social event.
Editor
Stourbridge Carol Service
Stourbridge and District Guild held their Annual Carol Service on
Saturday 4th
December. Members of Malvern Branch joined them for this
special event and won most of the raffle prizes! Allan Page hopes the
branch will be invited again next year.
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Thank You Badges
John Holman and Iris Skilton are proudly wearing their Thank You
Badges for their services to the Guild.
John works hard behind the scenes to make sure your copies of the Guild
Magazine arrive. He staples all the copies and packs and labels them
ready for distributing. Having taken all the packages to the post office he
keeps a detailed record of the postage costs which endears him to the
treasurer.
Iris is really the Raffle Queen of Malvern Branch. She organizes every
raffle, collecting the prizes and selling the tickets. A large amount of
money is raised every year from her raffles which enables Malvern
Branch to support the Scouting Movement in the town. Iris can design,
bake and decorate cakes to a very high standard and she has donated
many of these for Guess the Weight of the Cake competitions to boost
Guild funds.
Thank you both.
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Community Service Award
Robin Wadey, Derek Gardner and Gerald Cranford receiving the Henfield Guild’s award at The Capitol in Horsham on Tuesday 12
th October 2010 from representatives of the sponsors Saxon
weald.
The Henfield Branch of the Baden-Powell Guild is an effective force for
uniting the residents of the village, giving particular emphasis to the
young and the elderly, with something for everyone else in between.
Members maintain the headquarters and grounds of the Guide and
Brownie groups and provide transport and tents for their camping trips.
They have helped with financial assistance to youngsters attending
international camps, believing this to be invaluable in aiding
independence and self-development.
The village school is helped with grants through the PTA for specific
projects, and also grants given to the local sports centre. Additionally,
marquees are hired out for local fetes and functions, and members help
with barbecues and bars whenever asked.
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Fundraising events throughout the year are now regular features of the
social calendar and are well attended. These include a shuffleboard
evening, barn dance and race night, and the ever-popular auction at the
annual jumble sale.
Each year, as September draws near, the senior citizens of the village
know it is time for the annual outing and dinner, provided free to all by
the Guild. While coaches whisk everyone away on a mystery tour with a
stop for refreshment, the Guildsmen are preparing the village hall and
cooking a four-course meal, with wine and beer, to be followed by
entertainment. Lifts to and from home are arranged for the less mobile.
Some 160 senior citizens attended this year.
During December the Guild's Santa sleigh is a familiar sight as they visit
every road on a carol singing tour and collection.
They provide and erect the huge Christmas tree for the village centre,
cover costs and also participate in the Scouts and Guides' annual carol
concert.
On Christmas Day, members give their time to a special present
delivering service round the village, with Santa and his helpful 'elves'.
There are around 40 members, from various backgrounds, who give their
time freely and cheerfully. They are valued contributors to village life.
Nomination made by Anne Adams
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The Cat House, Henfield
At one time the house was owned by a Bob Ward. The story goes that
Bob‟s canary was killed by a cat so he put images of a cat with a bird in
its claws around the house. This would be a constant reminder to the cat‟s
owner, Canon Woodard, that it was his cat that had killed the canary. The
Canon would have to pass the house on his way to nearby Henfield
Church.
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BADEN POWELL GUILD BEBINGTON BRANCH CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2010
I am sad to report that one of our longest serving members, Elisabeth
(Betty) Hinchliffe, died in July after a lengthy battle with cancer.
We have had another reasonably active year.
Apart from our usual „Business Meetings‟, we have had a number of
social events including two Quiz Nights, Musical Evenings, Archery,
District Rifle Shooting Competition and an evening „Garden Party‟ in the
beautiful garden of members Eileen and Vernon Hands with games, chat
and, of course, food.
At our AGM on February 18th, after the business side (approximately 4
minutes) we had a very interesting talk by Mr Arthur Waller, brother of
one of our members, about the development of Birkenhead since the early
1800‟s, including Birkenhead Park (Central Park in New York is based
on the design of this park). After service in the Army, Arthur joined the
ranks of Council employees, finishing up as Manager of one of the
swimming pools. He was awarded the M.B.E. in the last New Year‟s
Honours.
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In March we had a very enjoyable and moving evening in the company of
Lady Grace Sheppard, whose late husband was the Right Reverend David
Sheppard, the sixth Bishop of Liverpool and formerly a Sussex and
England (later Captain) cricketer. Lady Sheppard gave an entertaining
account of the importance of gardens, in her childhood and later when
married to a clergyman. This evening coincided with the launch of her
new book “Living with Dying”, which is about caring for David in his
last months, and gaining strength and courage for what lay ahead. She
brought some books with her which were duly sold and signed.
She had also made a small flower arrangement in a basket, the flowers
collected from her garden that morning. This was presented to our oldest
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member, Len Marshall (Hon. Sec.), and it happened to be his birthday.
He was suitably embarrassed, but became her No. 1 fan.
Lady Sheppard sadly died on 11th November 2010. I had met her a few
times in Liverpool Cathedral and also at her home and she certainly left a
lasting impression. Even though our members had only met her once, all
felt that they had lost a friend. That is the effect she had on people.
Another evening was spent with June Lancelyn Green M.B.E., the mother
of our President, in the music room at Poulton Hall, when she gave us an
illustrated talk about some of the old “stately homes” in Wirral. In her
exceptionally entertaining way she brought to life these buildings, some
now used for other purposes and some sadly demolished.
We had an enjoyable dinner at “The Grange” (hotel and country club)
when Sue and Allan Page were able to join us. This venue is booked for
a meal in the evening when we host the National A.G.M. on 2nd April
2011.
We had two very enlightening visits to the Brewhouse from a Senior
Ranger at Wirral Country Park and also the N.W. Area Fund Raiser for
the R.N.L.I.
Our car parking services were required for the Poulton Hall Garden Open
Day as part of the National Gardens Scheme and also for other various
events around the estate.
We attended the District A.G.M. and looked after the refreshments for the
evening.
During the year we have hosted in the Brewhouse, Leader Meetings for
most sections and the District Executive Committee. Various sections
from different groups have visited and enjoyed the Camp Fire Circle (in
the woods at Poulton Hall) for backwoods cooking etc.
We actually gained a new member, Lorraine Gilchrist, who is a GSL in
Bebington District. She and her husband have attended some of our
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events over a period of time and Lorraine was eventually persuaded to
join us.
Scirard Lancelyn Green our Branch President (and our landlord) has
installed more bells in the Brewhouse, in addition to those already in the
clock tower. We have musical accompaniment at our gatherings, on the
hour.
In closing this report I would like to thank all our members for their
support and friendship during 2010, in the true spirit of Scouting.
Ray Bailey
Chairman, Bebington Branch
Bebington Branch Events
We had a very enjoyable
evening when Lady Grace
Sheppard, wife of the late
Bishop David Sheppard, also
of cricketing fame, came to
talk to us about her life and
the many gardens she has
enjoyed throughout it.
She started with the essential
garden when as a child her
family was evacuated to the
country and how they had enjoyed the hedgerow flowers around the area
when all gardens were turned over to growing vegetables.
Later after university and marriage came a communal garden when her
husband was in charge of the Mayflower Centre in London and they
enjoyed both sharing the work in the garden and the pleasure of it being
used by lots of people for many community events.
Several gardens later she came to Bishops House in Liverpool. This was
a beautiful large garden and Lady Sheppard spent a great deal of time
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working with the professional gardener. This garden was also open to the
public on many occasions.
Lady Grace also showed us some of her husband‟s paintings and told us a
little about the book she had recently written, Living with Dying, about
the period of her husband‟s last illness and the time and support received
from family and friends.
She is a delightful lady and we all felt that we had shared the evening
with a very close friend. (Lady Sheppard herself sadly died on 11th
November 2010)
In the past the Bebwood Derby has
been run as a fun event for the Cub
Section when a small car kit of
pieces of wood and wheels is taken
home, made up and decorated by the
children. They then race them four
at a time down a ramp and track to
see which one would travel the
furthest.
This time the event was run in
support of the three Explorer Scouts and one Leader who will be
attending the World Jamboree in Sweden in 2011.
It was open to all sections and leaders and a good time was had by all.
Steve Tollady (Tolly) from the Bebington BP Guild, who constructed the
equipment a number of years ago when a Cub Leader, ran the racing part
of the day along with other BP Guild members setting up, scoring and
making the bacon batches and sausage batches which along with hot and
cold drinks were in great demand.
This left leaders to run the tuck shop, lucky dip and badge making stalls
and look after their Cubs and Scouts. Those in charge seemed very happy
with the financial outcome of the day.
Kathie Bailey
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Stourbridge and District Branch News Our Christmas party this year was full and entertaining and we were once
again able to invite our special friends from Malvern Branch. We sang
carols and enjoyed an American style supper.
Don Brooks was Master of Ceremonies for the first time and under his
guiding hand we enjoyed fiddle and mandolin playing and songs. Thanks
go to Mary and friends, Geraldine Shaw, Percy, Grace, Bernard, Anne
Tomlinson, Steve
Ackland and
President Derek
Elton.
A sumptuous meal
was served just
before Christmas at
the Elton Centre
organised by Anne,
ably assisted by
Dawn and Dale.
The Elton Centre Stourbridge
As always we helped the local Lions Club with their Santa Sledge
activities which were restricted this year due to the inclement weather.
Needless to say some people did battle out and some local charities did
benefit from the effort made.
The January meeting found us playing skittles once again with an
American style supper. I think the exercise did us some good.
We have now adopted a neckerchief as part of our uniform: at least we
still feel part of Scouting.
We still continue to improve our existing headquarters: the general
landscaping around the hut is almost complete. We will soon be moving
inside to modify the wiring, add another window, paint and recarpet.
Michael Davies
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This lovely photo is Ken and Connie Brixton of Malvern Branch
celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
Four generations of their family gathered for the celebrations.
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I lost the sun, then it dawned on me…
My parents took my elder brother and sister and me to Ilfracombe for a
holiday and we decided we would like to see the sunrise one morning.
This being 1938, and me being 12 years old and a new boy scout, I said
that I would organize the adventure.
We set out at around 4am and walked to the seafront. On the way, we saw
a little red light coming towards us, accompanied by what sounded like
chains being dragged along.
We took shelter in a shop doorway, only to discover that it was caused by
a road cleaner pulling his shovel and smoking a cigarette.
When he saw us, he smiled and gave us a cheery „Good Morning, my
dears.‟
We carried on, climbed up Capstone Head, and took our seats looking out
to sea.
The sky became brighter and brighter and we became quite excited,
expecting to see the sun break up across the horizon at any moment.
It then became daylight and we found out that we had been looking in the
wrong direction.
Some boy scout I turned out to be – I never lived it down.
This delightful story was sent as a letter to the Mail on Sunday by Ken
Payne of Worthing, West Sussex.
Thanks to Allan Page for forwarding it to me. Editor
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A trip on the Bluebell Line Steam Railway
Guild members from Henfield might like to skip this item, as it is unlikely to contain anything that you do not already know! However, for us West Midland folk, a trip to the Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex (just 18 miles from Henfield and around 7 miles from Uckfield) provided a most enjoyable day out during the February half-term holiday.
Since it was a school holiday, the railway was running a full summer timetable. This gave us a choice of six hourly departure times between 11:00 and 16:00 from the southernmost station at Sheffield Park to Kingscote, 9 miles to the north and currently the end of the line: although an extension of the line to East Grinstead is scheduled to open on some days from April 2011. Two pristine
locomotives were operating on the day we visited: a 1902 South Eastern and Chatham Railway C Class and The Earl of Berkeley, a former GWR loco in British Railways colours, originating from 1938 but built from earlier (1899 and 1906) parts.
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Even in February, the scenery during the hour and half round trip was very pleasant as the line from Sheffield Park crossed the winding River Ouse and headed towards the halfway station at Horsted Keynes. Engine sheds at both of these locations contained a good collection of locomotives on public view.
The Bessemer Arms – which includes a real ale bar – at Sheffield Park proved a good and popular place to eat. Speaking with the
volunteer head porter over lunch, it became apparent just how much volunteer effort and money goes into keeping the railway running. With more than 50 years experience of operation and still developing, we found this to be an excellent location for a day out.
Peter & Iris Skilton, Malvern
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Fakenham Lancaster Baden- Powell Air Scouts
We first met in the Fakenham Rugby Club, but the ever-increasing demand for places meant that we soon had to look for a larger home. Since then we have been meeting at the Fakenham Children's Daycare Centre - but our Group has continued to grow and for some time we have been aware that we now need to have our own place.
The Site We have signed an agreement for the use of an amazing site for our HQ. Located
close to the Bullock Hills, Fakenham Racecourse and the town, we believe that this
is the ideal location to allow us to offer many more opportunities for activities and
adventure.
The site will require a considerable amount of clearing and landscaping before we
can operate from it. We will also be needing to ensure that we are able to obtain
planning consent for our proposed HQ building and arrange for services to be laid
on. We are actively seeking support and sponsorship from local and national
businesses and individuals. We will continue to operate from the Children's
Daycare Centre until the project is complete.
Updates on the restoration of the site will be posted in the Group News section!
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The Project
The plan for our HQ involves using a Portacabin-style building as our reception and
activity area, ideally coupled to a converted airliner fuselage. This would create a
visual impression similar to a small airport terminal, and enable our Scouts to
practice their aviation skills and aircraft maintenance in a safe and controlled
environment away from moving aircraft. The scheme would also include an area
for outdoor activities.
Richard and Guy have been looking at the cost of modular buildings, and Richard
has located a suitable airliner available for purchase at a very realistic price.
The illustration above shows how a BAe146 airliner could be converted to serve as
part of our HQ complex. The BAe 146 has become our preferred option as it was
the last type of airliner built in the United Kingdom, and is of a type frequently
seen over Norfolk. We would, of course, be open to any other similar types were
an airframe to be offered to us! Apart from being an ideal base for an Air Scout
unit, the use of a recycled airliner also fits in well with our intention to make the
site as environmentally sustainable as possible.
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Once we have located an aircraft, we would hope that one of the local airlines
might be able to help us build suitable sheerlegs to mount it on, or be able to
provide us with expired equipment to refit cosmetic avionics.
Phase One:
The first phase of the scheme involves completing the deal for the use of the land,
obtaining planning consent and clearing the site ready for use as a training field.
We estimate that this phase will cost £2,000 to £2,500 and is the key to the rest
of the project. Any excess funds raised during this phase will be used in Phase
Two.
Phase Two:
This phase involves the placing of buildings on the site to allow us to move our HQ
operations to the field. We estimate that, unless suitable structures are donated
to the Group, this will cost in the region of £15,000 for the airliner to be prepared
and brought to site and another £50,000 to £60,000 for a suitable modular
building. We believe, however, that this price can be dropped considerably
through sourcing a second-hand building.
We are looking for a building with a hall/classroom, toilets and provision for a
small kitchen. If you or your business has such a building available we would love
to hear from you.
Although we have a suitable airliner in mind, if you work for an aviation company
and have a potentially suitable airframe available we would love to hear from you.
We would be quite happy for such a donated airframe to be maintained in your
company's livery as a way of saying thanks!
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Fundraising
We are serious about providing an amazing amenity for young
people in our area, but, as you can see, this involves a serious
commitment to raising the required funds.
In the past we have had a number of people offer to help with
fund raising. This is where we will call you on your kind offers.
Remember, this is your Group and every penny raised will go
towards providing facilities for the young people in your area.
As of October 2010 we are starting a major fund-raising
programme, and will be contacting local and national businesses.
We are a registered charity and have no paid staff - meaning that
every penny raised goes towards the project.
Remember, some donations to charity are tax deductible
expenses. These donations can reduce your taxable income and
lower your tax bill.
Personal Donations We are also hoping for donations from members, supporters and local people who
believe in the potential of the town's young people. All donations, whether £1 or
£1,000, will be used to help us provide a location for our young people to build the
skills they need to become useful citizens.
Donations can be made to any of our leaders, or sent to: 17, Green Lane, Pudding
Norton, Fakenham, NR21 7LT
Editor‟s Note:
Guy Harris is a Town and Country member of the B-P Guild and a GSL
for the Baden Powell Scouts of Fakenham. I am pleased to include this
interesting article in the magazine.
For more information on this project Google www.fakenhamlancaster
scouts.org go to the home page and click on HQ PROJECT on the right
hand side.
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International News Australia: Members of the Sydney and Ryde St Georges Guild attended the
Australian Fellowship AGM at Baden-Powell Training Camp, Pennant
Hills, when Guildmaster John F Booth,AM presented a $ 500 cheque to
assist the Pakistan Scout and Guide flood appeal fund.
B-P GUILD of MALDIVES: 7 Members of the B-P Guild Maldives joined the Central Branch of ISGF:
more members to follow.
European year of volunteering 2011. (Be Involved)
During the 7th
European Conference Anne Dupont, Vice Chairman of the
ISGF World Committee, invited all National Scout & Guide Fellowships
within the European union to take part in the European year of
volunteering. The programme successfully kicked off in Brussels on
Dec3rd 2010. The last event will take place in Warsaw Dec 2011.
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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BURUNDI PROJECT
One thousand schoolbags
distributed in Burundi
Situated at the border of Tanzania, in the East
of Burundi, in the region of Cankuzo,
Cendajuru, Twinkwavu & Nyamugari are
three among the many villages, the most
remote and the least accessible of the country.
The “forgotten” of this beautiful Burundi.
During the war, the inhabitants, having lived there for many years, left their villages and
went behind the mountains as refugees in the UNHCR camps in Tanzania. They came
back; they are poor, even extremely poor; many children are orphans and live in their
enlarged families.
It is why Simone and I went, on behalf of ISGF, with some Girl Guides of Burundi, and in the presence of the UNHCR, to give 1000 bags full of school stationeries to 1000 poor children among the poorest.
In each school, the welcome has been amazing and the giving of about 300 bags in each school very moving. It was a dream which was becoming a reality; never could those children have imagined that one day, a very nice little bag with pencils, notebooks etc would be given to them to take the place of the poor little piece of plastic they use to protect their pencil and their notebook, when in December notebook and pencil are not out of order and will not be replaced.
“I am happy because I could not write any longer with my
pencil; now I will be able to write again”, a little girl told
us. Most of the children were very shy; but, when we saw them on the path, going back home, they were proud and
happy with their little bag on their back.
Martine Levy, 7
th December 2010, Bujumbura, Burundi
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Haiti Youth Rebuild Fund: Active Projects
The International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) express their heartfelt condolences
to all those who have lost their near and dear ones. We stand united in Scouting and
Guiding spirit with all those who have suffered in tragedy as well and offer our
sympathies and support in this hour of need.
The ISGF World Committee proposes that it will collect money for the purpose of
supporting Scouts and Guides who have lost equipment during this terrible act of nature.
This support will be in the form of the replacement of uniforms, badges, books, training
aids and other equipment as requested by the Associations within the money collected by
the World Bureau. Contact will be made with the local Scout and Guide Associations over
the next couple of months and our assistance offered to re-establish their organizations
as an aid to the youth of the country.
The World Committee will commit one thousand (1000) euro’s to each from the
International Development Fund on behalf of our membership to initiate this action.
National Scout and Guide Fellowships and individuals are invited to forward further
money to the ISGF World Bureau identifying the money is for the Haiti Youth Rebuild
Fund.
For any information on the transfer of money please contact [email protected]
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For any other enquiries please contact our International Projects Team [email protected]
ISGF account:
Banque de la Poste : 000.1829182-53 - IBAN : BE53 0001 8291 8253 - BIC : BPOTBEB1
ING : 310-0369433 46 - IBAN : BE33 3100 3694 3346 - BIC : BBRUBEBB
As Chairman and on behalf of our World Committee I guarantee that 100% of the
contributions will be used for the deserving youth movements. Any other operational
costs will be carried within the ISGF working budget and World committee members. The
Fund will be coordinated by the International Development Team and updates will be
published on the ISGF website.
The following is a list of contributing NSGF’s of which we received a generous gift:
United Kingdom (Adult Scout Alliance), Germany, Ireland
Thank you for your donations.
Brett D. Grant
Chairman ISGF World Committee
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7TH
EUROPE REGION CONFERENCE OF ISGF AIGA NAPA , CYPRUS November 3
rd -7
th 2010.
Approximately 350 delegates, observers and guests took part in the
Conference in the beautifully situated Adams Beach Hotel at Aiga Napa
Cyprus. There were 23 European Region countries represented and guests
Came from Australia, Saudi-Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Libya.
The Chairman of the organising committee was Photis Mamides from
Cyprus. Jim Thompson member of the UKASA attended the heads of the
delegation meeting on the first evening to represent us and together with
others present was taken through the procedures for the day to day
running of the conference by Europe Region Chairman, Jane Wardropper.
The Conference day started at 8am on the 4th
November and between that
time and 11.45am we fitted in Reflections –by Sweden, a country meeting
–outside in the sunshine, a workshop on „The way forward for Europe‟, a
flag hoisting ceremony outside and a cup of coffee.
We then had the Opening Ceremony in the Conference Hall where the
flags of the participating countries were paraded on to the stage. Liz
Aveston, a Trefoil Guild member, carried the UK flag.
We were welcomed by representatives of the Scouts and Guides of
Cyprus and by a former President.
There was some delightful „Greek‟ dancing by young Cypriot dancers
depicting Aphrodite which was followed by a speaker-Thermis
Themistocleous –who spoke eloquently on the theme of the conference –
Fellowship and peace.
It was great fun for so many of us to have this social time together and we
must thank the Cypriot team who organised this trip for us. They
organised extra days and nights in the hotel for people and got us back
across the island to catch our flights. This team also organised the
accommodation, leisure time for guests and observers and our evening
entertainment during the conference.
Beryl Aldridge
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A letter from one of our members who attended the ISGF European Conference Cyprus. 2011.
In perfect weather we were all greeted and taken to the Adams Beach
Hotel Agia Napa where the Conference was held. The Conference opened
with the presentation of flags attended by 370 people from 26 nations.
Business events began and many matters were discussed and voted on
over the four days.
The conference ended with the election of a new European Committee
and a camp fire on the beach.
Cyprus ISGF had organised a grand time for those of us staying on for a
further week‟s holiday in Pafos.
We did many wonderful things including visits to archeological sites,
wine groves, boat cruises around the islands, from which shoals of flying
fish were seen and on the north of the island walked in their huge national
park and visited the magnificent Kykkos monastery.
Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness and friendship. Each
evening at the hotel, spectacular National dance and songs took place.
How sad we were when it ended with “Auld Lang Syne” and look
forward to meeting again both long standing and new friends at the next
Conference.
Eirwen Fine.
The Kykkos monastery
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ASA hold AGM in the ‘Black Country’
The Elton Centre, Stourbridge was the venue for the 2011 ASA AGM,
held on Saturday 5th
March. Members who came for the weekend stayed
at the Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge, which is just 500yds from the venue.
After registration refreshments were available and everyone took the
opportunity to „catch up‟ with old friends and exchange news and views.
The day started with Central Group members holding their meeting which
was followed by an excellent roast lunch with a choice of dessert and
cheese & biscuits, served in the Centre‟s new restaurant.
The AGM opened at 2.15 pm; the chairman, David Mowbray, welcomed
all present, including our guests, Margaret Routley, Chairman of the
Trefoil Guild, Carol Bowen, Trefoil Council Member, and Jane
Wardropper, past Chairman of the ISGF European Region Committee.
Apologies were received and the minutes from the 2010 AGM were read
and approved, along with the Annual Report, Treasurers Report and
recommendation that there be no increase in the annual fee for 2010.
Election of members to the Committee followed. David Mowbray &
Brian Staines were standing down after 5 years as representatives of the
Central Group and nominated to replace them were Peter Short and
Laurie Tickner. Also standing down were Ray & Kathie Bailey and
Allan Page; nominated to replace them to represent the Baden Powell
Guild were Adrian McDowell and Alec Fraser. Allan Page has agreed to
be co-opted back onto the committee. Willie Taylor and Robert Nicol
were also standing down due to the withdrawal of the B-P Scout Guild
(Scotland) as a component organisation of ASA. All nominees were duly
elected.
The meeting moved on to the motion, notified to members in advance and
put forward to this AGM by the B-P Scout Guild (Scotland) and seconded
by the Baden Powell Guild of Gt. Britain, to set up and fund an
International Donation Fund (IDF); with the fund being administered by
the National Committee, with the monies to be used to make donations to
future international appeals put forward by the International Scout &
Guide Fellowship. Members were then asked to vote on the principle of
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setting up the fund, to be administered by the ASA Committee. The
motion was passed by 25 in favour to 5 against. The Chairman then
explained that due to the wording of the present ASA Constitution, it
would not be possible to fund this proposal by placing a percentage of the
annual subscription into the fund. It only then became apparent that of
the 3 methods outlined in the motion for funding this proposal, only
funding by voluntary donations would be allowed. Following a discussion
and clarification some members present were not happy that they had
been asked to vote on the principle of setting up the fund, before it was
then explained that the only option for funding was by voluntary
donations.
Margaret Routley, Chairman of Trefoil, was invited to address the
meeting and took the opportunity to explain the Trefoil‟s decision to
withdraw from ISGF. This decision had not been taken lightly and they
did realise the impact it would have in terms of membership and finance
for ISGF. Margaret said those Trefoil members wishing to remain
members of ISGF after December 2011, would be encouraged to join
ASA via the Central Group.
Jane Wardropper then spoke and thanked ASA members for their support
while she was on the ISGF European Region Committee and particularly
her period as Chairman.
Following a short break when tea and coffee were served, Mike Warton
gave a talk on Chernobyl 2000. This is a charity set up by Mike and his
family which for 10 years has been taking clothing, furniture, food etc by
road, to Chernobyl. This was followed by Peter Skilton, a Guild member,
who spoke about his work helping Chernobyl Children Lifeline,
whereby children arrive in the UK for a holiday, giving them a break
from the Chernobyl area.
Finally the Chairman thanked members, guests and speakers, and the
management and staff of the Elton Centre.
Allan Page
30
BRANCH SECRETARIES
Bebington Len Marshall
Wirral
Gravesend Mrs Enid Ingham
Kent
Henfield Derek Gardner
W Sussex
Malvern Mrs Geraldine Shaw
Worcestershire
Stourbridge &
District Steve Ackland
W Midlands
Tiviot Dale Arthur Stevens
Cheshire
Central Branch Allan Page
An independent National Association of Men and Women who believe that the spirit of Scouting should be extended into Adult life, including many who were not Guides or Scouts in earlier days.
By its help and practical assistance in a variety of local charitable causes the Baden Powell Guild make a
worthwhile contribution to the community.