COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S BLOG
24 July 2010
Well, the summer holidays have arrived and Scouts from across the County are away for their summer camps … have challenge, adventure and fun!
The last month has been really active for us. How could I not mention the Activity Day at Holme Pierrepont on 17 July. What a fantastic day! Over 1300 of you having a magnificent day of water and land activities! We have had some wonderful media coverage from this event, letting people know that Scouting is still vibrant and relevant for today’s young people.
I was delighted to be able to host our Civic guests during the day. We are starting to get great support from around the County and I must thank them for this.
Some of you may know that I am diabetic and on 4 July I did the ‘Walk the Extra Mile’ for Diabetes UK. The Extra Mile turned out to be around 9 miles but it was worthwhile and nice to do something for another charity. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me.
The previous day, 3 July, I visited Mansfield District’s centenary camp at Sherbrooke. What a tremendous event! Well done to everyone who organised it. I was invited to judge ‘Mansfield’s Got Talent’. Some great acts … well done!
Monopoly Live 2010 took place at Robin Hood campsite on 9 -11 July. There were even more entries than last year but it would still be good to see more from Nottinghamshire. So come on Explorers get your entry in for next year. It is a wonderful event, very different to anything else you do and great prizes too!
And so we move towards a new Scouting year. Let us know what you get up to over the summer and what your plans are for next year.
I am looking forward to visiting Peak 2010 on Wednesday (28 July) and Newark’s District event at Kelham Hall on August 1. If there is anything else happening that you would like me to visit, please let me know.
Have a great summer and thank you for all you have done over the last year.
Kathryn
27 June 2010
A day with 500 Beaver Scouts at Twin Lakes, maybe not everyone’s idea of fun, but let me tell you I had a blast! I spent the day talking to Beaver Scouts and their leaders, going on rides which had I gone on my own I probably wouldn’t have gone on, enjoying the company of lots of smiling happy people.
Well done to Carol, Janet and Tony who had organised the day with ADCs from across the County.
What did the Beaver Scouts think of the day? Well, I asked them what was their favourite thing about the day and they answered in a variety of ways – the rides, the ice-cream, the skating, the sand-pit. No-one had anything negative to say and that included the leaders!
Using the opportunity to listen to the young people, I asked them where they would like to go next time – Wheelgate, Mablethorpe, Legoland were some of the answers they gave!
And about the activity day next year – what theme would you like? Aliens, Space, Water and Music were a few of the suggestions. I will be passing them on to Carol for her team to start planning.
So what else have I been up to since my last blog?
On 5 June, I was invited to visit 1st Redhill Cubs at the Central Notts District cub camp. It was quite emotional for me as I was the Cub Scout leader at Redhill some years ago and also DC for Central Notts. I intended to only stay for an hour or so but I was made to feel so welcome, and it was such a lovely day, I stayed until almost 10pm having done a few songs at the campfire – I had a great day. Thank you Central Notts! (Sorry about the thunder storm at night – nothing to do with me, honestly!)
I was also honoured to present a Silver Wolf to Howard Parker, long time member at 1st Redhill, currently Group Treasurer. The presentation was on 26 May at the end of the Cub meeting.
On 29th May I went to the City of Nottingham AGM at Walesby. This was part of their District Camp – a brilliant idea to get people to an AGM. The weather was awful but the young people were having a fantastic time. I was delighted to be able to present Silver Acorns to Dave Huxley – District Chairman and Jean Bird – Member of the District Appointments Committee and a long time supporter of Scouting in Clifton.
On 19 June I was at Rushcliffe District’s first AGM. There was a packed room full of enthusiastic, happy leaders who are doing a fantastic job. The District has had a really successful first year … well done!
Kathryn
16 May 2010
This week has been a week of birthdays … my husband, Colin, had his birthday on Thursday and my nephew, Maxwell, had his first birthday on Friday. It made me think how lucky I am to have such a lovely family around me. For me my family not only includes those who are blood relatives, it also includes the family of Scouting of which I am so proud.
Over the Bank Holiday weekend I visited Rushcliffe District Camp at their District campsite (Hollygate) in Cotgrave. Over 400 young people, including Beaver Scouts, were taking place in a variety of activities – Craft, Climbing, Archery, Jousting, Inflatables and more. Well done to the organising team and to the young people. It was really cold but there were lots of smiles around which warmed the heart.
Last weekend, 8 May, I visited Central Notts District at Pepperpots. They were having a ‘BEACUB’ Day which was a day for older Beaver Scouts and younger Cubs to get together for the Beavers to find out what being a Cub was all about. The young people were mixed into sixes – half Beavers and half Cubs and took part in Cub related activities. They finished the day with a sing-song.
A wonderful idea which other Districts might like to steal (borrow). A definite aid to MIMO (Moving In, Moving On). Well done Central Notts Beaver and Cub teams.
Yesterday, 15 May, I visited the Nottinghamshire Jamboree Unit who were having their first camp at Sherbrooke. When I got there, they were doing the cannon run … well not strictly true, they were waiting for a cannon to be repaired and then they did the cannon run. They had already done some fantastic pioneering, making tables and benches because when they are in Sweden, they will have to make their own and use them.
I was then asked to judge their entertainments for the campfire that evening. Each patrol had prepared something, all entirely different and all really good.
I had the opportunity to speak to the young people and the leader team. They are already having a great time together and building into a great unit. Well done all of you.
I have just completed review meetings with the DCs. It is great for me to hear of all the good things that are happening within your Districts. As a County we are growing and the programme you are delivering is the reason for that growth. Well done and thank you!
Kathryn
20 April 2010
Well today (20 April) is my 25th wedding anniversary. 25 years ago today I was missing the only St George's Day Parade I have ever missed because I was getting married (and yes my Cubs were there as guard of honour but they did go to the Parade). I have a lot to be thankful for. My husband supports me in my Scouting (you won’t see him but I couldn’t do it without him) I think he deserves an award for putting up with me and Scouting for over 25 years.
On Sunday I went to the parade in Retford District – turnout was great, service was terrific and weather was perfect. It’s not often you see a furry green dragon running down Grove Street in Retford being chased by St George, is it?
Next weekend, I am at Central Notts parade in Southwell on Saturday and then in Newark on Sunday. I look forward to seeing many of you there. Other members of the team are attending the other parades, so look out for them and say hello – and look out for furry green dragons!
I would like to congratulate all of those leaders who have received St George's Day awards this year – did you spot them in the Scouting magazine supplement? Do you know someone you think is deserving of an award? If you do, speak to your DC or to me!
It’s been great to see Scouting all over the media again this week both locally and nationally. We were on Trent FM and Radio Nottingham on Monday and in the Nottingham Evening Post too. Look out in your local paper, there should be something there too.
Have you booked to go to Twinlakes, if you are a Beaver Scout Leader, and for the County Activity Day if you are in any of the other sections? Both days are going to be great fun and good value.
As this year’s camping season starts, can I remind you about the new In Touch scheme which has replaced Home Contact? Please make sure you are following the correct procedures. It’s much simpler than before! If you need help, please speak to your DC.
Best wishes for St George's Day
Kathryn
24th March 2010
Here we are, almost Easter and the year is flying by.
It has been a difficult few weeks for me for lots of reasons but Scouting as always has kept me going. I have had support from many of my Scouting friends – you know who you are … thank you!
I started a new job yesterday (23 March), it will be challenging and exciting for me but it should mean I won’t have to be away from home so often.
On the scouting front …
We have had Gang Show auditions in Mansfield and Worksop, which unfortunately I could not attend. It sounds like the show will be great. I hope to see many of you there in October (13 – 16).
I went to a market place at County Hall on Monday night (22nd). Attended by members of the Nottinghamshire Voluntary Youth partnership. It’s a useful evening for us all to share ideas and best practice, to talk to each other about difficulties and to look at new ways of recruiting volunteers and looking for funding. Thanks to David, Lisa and Spud who came to help.
I have started reviews with the DCs and my two deputies who in turn will be doing reviews with their teams. If you are a GSL, when was the last time you had a review with your leadership team?
A couple of dates for your diary – if you are a DC or a GSL, there is a day for you on 20 November 2010 at Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire and if you are an ACC or an ADC, there is a day for you on 21 November at the same venue. The days last year received excellent feedback and so please try to be there.
Census is now finished. Well done to the Groups who have grown! I will be working with the DCs to look at development in the areas where numbers have declined and checking against the interim census where numbers are considerably lower.
Overall the County grew by 1.9%. It is the 6th successive year of growth and takes us over 8000 for the first time since 2001. Keep up the good work, but if you do need help – shout out and we will be there!
Best wishes
Kathryn
8 March 2010
8th March 2010
Working in partnership is the theme of the moment, both in my day job and in Scouting. Over the last few weeks I have been to a few events where we have worked in partnership with our friends Girlguiding Nottinghamshire.
On February 27, I was invited by Beauvale Guide Division to be one of the judges for their ‘Guiding’s got Talent’ heat. The winner was a Guide called Tallulah, obviously destined for the stage from a young age. It was nice to be asked to be involved and to see the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides belly dancing, Salsa dancing and playing drums – a great afternoon!
On Saturday 6 March, I went along to County MAD which is an event run by Nottinghamshire Scouts but assisted by many Guide leaders. Over 300 young people took part in ‘mad’ activities including having their arms up to their armpits in jelly to find various objects – freezing cold jelly, I might add.
Saturday was a busy day because on the same evening it was Mansfield District’s Centenary Dinner. Thank you for inviting me and congratulations!
It’s been a few years since I attended a swimming gala but on February 6, as acting DC for Central Notts, I went along to Arnold Baths. I had forgotten how hot it was at these events! I had a great night though and it was good to be invited.
On February 21, I went along to meet our Jamboree Unit for the first time. 36 young people had a fun day and learned lots about what they would be doing in Sweden.
And yesterday (March 7th) was the first of the auditions for the Gang Show at Mansfield Palace Theatre in October. There’s another opportunity to audition in Worksop next week – so if you fancy a go …
So, a busy month for me and for you! Thanks for all you do for the young people of Nottinghamshire.
27 January 2010
End of January already, where has it gone? 4 weeks into the new year already!
I have started a new challenge this month. I have started a Master’s degree. Why? You might ask. Well, I am a firm believer in the fact that you never stop learning and you don’t grow old, you let yourself be old. I did the first module and for the first day I wondered why I was there as well but by the end of day 4 I was glad I was there.
Last weekend was the annual NESST walk and can I say thank you to all those involved in the organisation of the events for the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network. I was amazed by the numbers and the organisation that went into the weekend. Thanks folks!
And, well done to all of you (over 850 people) who took part. It was cold and certainly the long walk was what is said on the tin … very long! Look forward to seeing you next year!
I had my review meeting with our Regional Commissioner, Dean Smith, a couple of weeks ago and I am delighted that he is pleased with the work that is happening across Nottinghamshire. I am hoping that the excellent work that is happening will continue and that the census figures will reflect this.
As I write this, the team who will be helping Scout fellowships in Nottinghamshire move over to Scout Active Support, are meeting to put the plan together. Please don’t worry, it’s not going to be that much different. Don’t listen to the scaremongering that seems to be happening. If you belong to an already supportive fellowship, things for you won’t be much different. No, you don’t have to do loads of training. No, you don’t have to be running Beaver colonies every week!
I went to a conference in the middle of last year when the speaker said “the world is changing and we must change too”. Change is part of all of our lives, not always easy, not always perceived for the best but we have to embrace it or be left behind.
Kathryn
11 January 2010
Well, what weather! Those of you who know me well will know that I have Chionophobia (Snow phobia). So, the last few weeks for me have been an absolute nightmare. It has been good to see Scouts out and about doing things to help people less fortunate than themselves – taking food parcels to older at risk people, transporting elderly people and helping in schools. This is what true Scouting is and I thank those of you who have been involved.
This has meant some excellent media coverage too. We have been on Central ITV news and in many of the local newspapers including Nottingham Evening Post, Retford Times and The Chad.
Apparently, it has been the worst weather since 1963 – let’s hope its another 40+ years before we have weather like this again.
So, we are in to a new year and a new decade. Scouting has changed so much over the last decade. I wonder what will happen over the next 10 years. We are fortunate that we have so many dedicated adults who give their time freely to support the adults of the future.
There is going to be a significant change in my life this year. I am going to be starting a Masters degree next week which will mean that as well as working full time and being County Commissioner, I am going to be taking some time out to study. This may mean that instead of me coming to your event, it may be one of the other members of the County team. If you specifically want me to come, let me have plenty of notice and if I can, I will.
Have a good Scouting month!
Kathryn
14 December 2009
‘We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!’
Last week (9 December) I was delighted to attend the Worksop District carol service at St John’s Church in Worksop. It was lead by the young people from 4th Worksop and was truly child focussed. My thanks to Mick and Mavis Taylor who organised it and invited me. As always I received a warm welcome.
At the carol service I was able to present a 20 year award and a wood badge to the District Commissioner, Terry Fitchett. Terry presented long service awards to several other leaders in the District.
Tonight, I am attending another carol service. This time I am at the other end of the county in South West Notts, presenting a Queen's Scout Award to Stephen Hessey and a woodbadge to Local Training Manager and Deputy DC, Dave Bagshaw.
Congratulations to all of you!
Awards are an important way of saying thank you to leaders for the work that they do. Anyone can nominate someone for an award. You will need to speak to your District Commissioner for them to approve it. People at Group level are often overlooked for awards but do some really valuable work. If you know someone you think is deserving, please don’t let be passed by.
May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas! Have fun! Take care and enjoy the break!
Kathryn
29 November 2009
Yesterday, I spent the afternoon with leaders training Module 15 – Challenging Behaviour. It was really interesting to learn of the issues that challenge them as leaders and to discuss areas that may challenge their young people. We played a game that had been devised by some of the Nottinghamshire training team when they had a day with the Gilwell training team. It was a new way to put over some really serious issues in a fun way. Thanks to those who devised the game and for the people on the course who taught me things too.
Last week too I attended one of the road-shows to promote the Jamboree in the County. Over 20 young people were there and wanted to know why they couldn’t all go or at least why we weren’t sending two units. Reality is that there are limited places for people from the UK and so as a County we are sending one unit of 36 young people and 4 leaders. If you are lucky enough to be selected by your District I want you to know that you are one a very small group of young people to have this privilege, so please take it seriously.
Every day I read stories in the newspapers and items on the news about young people who do bad things. It makes me proud to know that the work we do in Nottinghamshire Scouts is helping to promote good behaviours in young people. Please keep sending in your good news stories so that we can tell people that not all young people are bad.
It will soon be Christmas and I have been invited to a number of events – if I don’t get to yours I hope that you have fun and remember ‘A Scout is for life – not just for Christmas’.
Best wishes. I will speak to you again in a couple of weeks.
Kathryn
15th November 2009
People often ask me why I put so much time into Scouting. I have only one answer to give and that is because I get so much back from it and this weekend has been a prime example.
I spent about 9 hours yesterday at County Flag. I saw Cubs, Scouts and Explorers out walking, taking part in activities along the way and full of smiles. Well done to Rufford Explorers and 5th Hucknall Scouts.
It’s been a busy couple of weeks again. On 4 November I went to a presentation at County Hall to hear about how we can put leaders through for National Honours - MBE, OBE etc. Nottinghamshire has something like 7% of the population but less than 2% of the honours. We’ll see if we can do anything to change that.
6 November saw me at the Regional CC meeting at Hinckley Island. This was continued on 7 November. The CCs were able to join the Regional Development and Support Day (RDAS). We had a small turnout from the County which was a shame. Thank you to those who did come though. Feedback was that it was really useful and there are plans to move some joint county activities forwards – watch this space!
And then Remembrance Sunday (8 November). I was pleased to join 2nd Bramcote for their parade and service – a magnificent turnout of Scouts and young people. The service was special – 2 Scouts and 1 Cub Scout told us about 3 young people of their age who had done some magnificent war work. Very moving!
I then did a mad dash from Bramcote to Walesby to join 7th Nottingham Cubs and Scouts at their Group Dinner following a successful Camp. The food was fantastic – thank you. The young people were great and it was lovely to be reminded by our ACC Cub Scouts, PK that I had known him since he was a Cub – thank you PK.
On 10 November, I was invited to join 3rd Netherfield Cubs to work with a group of Cubs who were doing their Communicators badge. A couple of years ago I passed my Level 1 British Sign Language. The Cubs were brilliant and learned a few sentences. Thank you for inviting me.
Remember – we still want your news and pictures. Please send them to matt.rooney@notts-scouts.org.uk.
Speak soon.
Kathryn
26 October 2009
I said in my last blog that I would tell you who are our unit leaders for the next Jamboree. Congratulations to Alison Taylor, Unit Leader and her assistant unit leaders, James Greenfield, Nathan Dias and Mary Brain. They began their work with a road show in Mansfield District last Friday (23 October). Speak to your District Commissioner about when the road show is in your District.
If you were born between 25 July 1993 and 27 July 1997 this could be your opportunity to take part in the experience of a lifetime. At least go along to the road show to find out. Your District will probably be holding selection days in your District, if you want to know more ask your District Commissioner.
There are a few exciting things to tell you since we last spoke. On 12 October I was invited to accept a cheque from the Worksop lodge of Masonry. Along with many other charities we were presented with £400, which will be used in the North of the County.
I attended the County Commissioner’s conference in Daventry on 17 and 18 October. It was a different kind of conference. We continued the work that has been happening throughout this year on defining the vision for Scouting to 2018. Work will now continue and we will all see the outcome shortly.
The first meeting of the new Exec took place last Thursday (22 October). It was good to see some new faces … welcome and thank you to the whole team.
And then on Saturday (24) … Heaven certainly did have talent. What is she talking about? I hear you ask. Well, I was invited to the show by 9 Newark and Balderton Scout Groups held at Magnus School in Newark. It was called ‘Heavens Got Talent’. The young people and adults put on a marvellous show about famous people who had died. It all took place on Cloud 9 and was a mixture of song, dance, poetry and sketches. The audience even joined in with the encore.
Well done, I loved it and thank you for inviting me. Already looking forward to next year!
Don’t forget that we really want to hear and see what you have been up to. Send your stories and pictures to Matt Rooney – matt.rooney@notts-scouts.org.uk. We will put them on our website and where possible into the local press in your area.
Have fun, speak to you again in a couple of weeks!
Kathryn
October 12th 2009
My life as County Commissioner is very varied and can find me doing many different things. Over the last couple of weeks for example I have met with many leaders but also been involved in a number of activities with young people.
On Saturday 10 October I was at Larch Farm HQ where two really important events were happening. One was the selection of our unit leaders for the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden in 2011 – Thank you to the leaders from the County who had put themselves forward for selection. I will tell you who the successful people are in my next blog.
The other event was a get together for the young people and leaders from the County who are going to Kandersteg in Switzerland next year. They seemed to be having a great day under the leadership of Steve Day.
Last week (6 October) Phil Currier, County Chairman, organised an evening for new executive members. 3 Districts had registered to come, unfortunately only 2 turned up. The feedback from the evening was excellent though. I think we will do some more in the future and hopefully more District executives will get involved.
More soon
Kathryn - CC