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The following are press releases and messages from Scout Headquarters. An archive of these electronic press releases can be found in the ScoutBase UK Library.
For information on these stories contact the Press & Public Relations Officer of The Scout Association at Gilwell Park.
With images of the devastation caused by the tsunami earthquake still fresh in our minds, it is vital that we in the UK act quickly to extend the hand of friendship to Scouts in the disaster areas. The Scout Association has therefore provided a way of making a direct contribution to those in the Asia Pacific Region in this time of great need. It's about Scouts helping Scouts.
To find out more visit: http://www.scouts.org.uk/tsunamiappeal/.
All those who have been tragically affected by the earthquake and tsunami, which has hit so many countries, are in our thoughts and prayers.
Half of the world's 28 million Scouts live in the affected countries, and we know that they will be involved in the recovery work.
You will want to know how you can help. We suggest financial donations for immediate emergency relief work should be made to the "DEC Tusami National Appeal" Please see www.dec.org.uk for details of how to help.
Additionally, the World Scout Organization of the Scout Movement is accepting donations which can be used to fund specific projects of the Scout organizations affected. These may be projects to re-start and re-equip Scout groups, or to support projects to help affected communities. Contributions for this purpose can be made by credit card:
http://www.scout.org/donate/index.shtml
For ideas on how to help our members think about their response to these natural disasters, as part of our programme, download the fact sheet FS260026: Responding to Natural Disasters.
Later, we shall be looking at ways in which Scouting in the UK can help longer term. Your ideas on this, and any other comments, will be very welcome.
David Bull
International Commissioner
Although the timescale is tight, we wish to offer the following opportunity as widely as possible in the time available. Any help you can give to circulating this opportunity would be much appreciated.
Derek Twine
Chief Executive
The Government has decided to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War next year on 10 July 2005 with a National event in London to mark both VE and VJ days.
Due to the restricted space available, numbers will be somewhat limited and attendance to any of the main events will be by invitation only. We would now like you to nominate World War Two Veterans from Scouting to attend one of the three main events taking place on 10 July 2005.
A religious commemorative Service will be held in Westminster Abbey on the morning of 10 July 2005. The Service will be conducted before a gathering of invited veterans, representatives of all major faiths and senior dignitaries. Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family will be invited to attend. Due to the other events taking place later in the day, it will be necessary for attendees to be seated by 10:00. For this reason, it is recommended that only those veterans who are able to arrive in London in good time, should be nominated.
A limited number of veterans and some VIPs will be invited to a privately sponsored lunch probably to be held in a marquee in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, on 10 July 2005. Music will be provided by a military band prior to lunch and the RAF Squadronaires will play during the meal itself. There will also be a televised link providing coverage of subsequent events which will take place on Horse Guards Parade. Her Majesty The Queen will be invited to attend. It should be noted that due to space constraints in the gardens which have still to be resolved, it is possible that not all of those nominated will be able to attend. Successful applicants will be formally invited in due course.
The main Commemoration event will take place on the afternoon of 10 July 2005 and will comprise a series of nostalgic, reflective and commemorative events in front of an audience of approximately 10,000 veterans, relatives and VIPs. The Foreign and Commonwealth nations will be represented by diplomatic missions in London and veterans domiciled in the UK. Her Majesty The Queen and members of the Royal Family will be invited to attend. Upon completion of the event there will be a parade of association/organisation standards up The Mall to Buckingham Palace. After this there will be a flypast over Buckingham Palace, which will include a number of World War Two aircraft.
Individuals may only be nominated for one of these main events. Each ticket permits entry, free of charge, to the nominee and one guest, who may be a spouse or other individual, including a relation or fellow veteran who has not be allocated a ticket. However, if the nominated veteran requires a carer, then the guest must be able to act as such.
The Scout Association is being offered a small number of tickets for each of these events (the Service, the Lunch and Parade).
If anyone wishes to make a nomination or application for someone who is or was in Scouting and who is a World War Two veteran, please register interest by Tuesday 4 January 2005 at the latest.
The following information will be required for each nomination/application:-
(For any guest/carer, only the information marked with an asterisk * is required)
Applications/nominations may be made as follows-
In the event that any of the available tickets are over-subscribed, a ballot will be held. All enquirers will be responded to, and further details provided, soon after the closing date.
Actor and TV action man Peter Duncan is set to take on a new challenge as Chief Scout for the UK's largest co-educational youth charity.
Famous for his round-the-world expeditions, as well as his stint on Blue Peter and Duncan Dares in the 1980's, Peter is delighted to be breaking new ground with the Scout Movement in the United Kingdom.
Peter takes up the five-year appointment from the 5th of September. He follows in the steps of only eight others who have held the role of Chief Scout since Baden-Powell.
Peter Duncan, a former Cub Scout said "Scouting is alive and well in twenty first century Britain. I can think of no better organisation to provide a creative and challenging frame work for the positive development of young men and women.
"Getting involved in Scouting as an adult is about having fun and adventure mixed in with a real sense of purpose. Being a Leader gives people the chance to contribute to the positive development of tomorrow's adults".
Having recently backpacked around China with his family, Peter is looking forward to the UK Scout Association hosting EuroJam in 2005 and the World Scout Jamboree in 2007. Each event will bring tens of thousands of Scouts from around the world to the UK to celebrate Scouting's centenary.
Sally Milner, a nine-year-old Cub Scout said, "I've met the new Chief Scout and he's cool. He really knows how to talk to children." She added: "It'.s great we have a real action man as our new Chief Scout!"
For more information please contact:
Simon Carter: 07889 130 812 or 020 8433 7260. simon.carter@scout.org.uk
Chris Foster: 07889 804 726 chris.foster@scout.org.uk
Michele Hatwell 07947 020738 michele.hatwell@scout.org.uk
Or log onto www.scouts.org.uk.
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A Memorial Service to celebrate and give thanks for the life of Betty Clay will be held in Wells Cathedral, Somerset on Monday, 12th July 2004 at 2.30pm.
Betty was the youngest daughter of our Founder, Lord Baden-Powell and Lady Olave Baden-Powell, and in her own life she gave inspiration and encouragement to thousands of Scouts and Guides around the world. She will be fondly remembered.
The Memorial Service will be attended by family and friends, and by many people from Scouting and Guiding. The family is being supported in the arrangements by the national offices of The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK.
It is anticipated that interest in attending will be significant. Enquiries and requests for tickets for attendance should be addressed to Miss Anne Brown, The Scout Association, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW [email: anne.brown@scout.org.uk ]
Derek Twine
Chief Executive
It is with deep regret that The Scout Association and Girlguiding UK announces the death of their Vice President, the Hon Mrs Betty Clay, CBE, and youngest daughter of our Founder, Lord Baden-Powell. She died peacefully in her sleep in a nursing home alongside her home in Somerset, on Saturday morning 24th April 2004, just a few days after she and Gervas, her husband had celebrated their joint birthday - her 87th and his 97th.
In 1997 her unique services to Scouting and Guiding were recognised with the award of the CBE in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year's Honours List.
Camping, events, meetings, Jamborees - Scouting and Guiding were Betty's life. She was at ease chatting with the King of Sweden as she was with the youngest Cub Scout or Brownie Guide.
Betty continued that completely unselfish, warm-hearted sharing all her life and through the link with her parents kept them 'alive' for millions of young people and adults who had never seen them.
Today the Scout Association is the largest coeducational youth Movement operating in the United Kingdom with 500,000 Members. GirlGuiding UK is the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women in the United Kingdom with 620,000 Members.
For further details on Scouting today visit www.scouts.org.uk. Information on Guiding can be obtained at www.girlguidinguk.org.uk
Further details and pictures can be obtained by contacting Simon Carter - Head of Communications on 07889 130 812 or Paul Werb (from Monday) at Girlguiding UK on 0207 592 1837
A larger version of the above image is available.
Press photographers are welcome and need to be at the Advanced Gate, Castle Hill, Windsor no later than 1.30 pm where they will be met by a representative of The Scout Association Press Office.
Hundreds of Queen's Scouts are preparing to step out smartly and boldly for the annual St George's Day Parade at Windsor Castle on Sunday, 25th April 2004. The review will be taken by HRH The Duke of Kent, President of The Scout Association, representing Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of The Scout Association.
The Queen's Scout Award is the highest presented for personal achievement within the Movement and gained only by those showing the highest level of personal commitment. Holders, usually aged between 16 and 25, will have demonstrated exceptional standards of self-discipline and achievement in community service, activities and interests.
Escorted by the Chief Scout George Purdy, CBE, and Parade Leader David Williamson, National Commissioner for Scout Network, The Duke will also meet a group of young people from all Sections of Scouting who have received a Scout Award for Gallantry. Some have been recognised for acts of heroism, while others have been acknowledged for their courage during illness.
On Sunday morning the Queen's Scouts will participate in a full rehearsal at the nearby Barracks with a practice marching session conducted under the eyes of the Drill Instructors from the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, led by Drill Sergeant Dean Hammond.
Scouts from Northern Ireland have the privilege of forming the Colour Party with the 3rd Davyhulme Scout and Guide Band leading the parade, supported by the Tonbridge Scout and Guide Band which will provide the Corps of Drums. The Band of the Coldstream Guards will add its support.
The Parade will be followed by the National Scout Service in St George's Chapel, planned by members of the Scout Network with guidance from the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner, who will provide the address.
The event is always held on the nearest Sunday to St George's Day in honour of the Patron Saint of the Scout Movement. The tradition of this Parade and Service began in 1934 and since then thousands of young people have celebrated their achievement and renewed their Scout Promise under the leadership of the Chief Scout. The Scouts who gather at Windsor are part of the UK's largest mixed youth Movement, which boasts some half a million members.
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For further information, contact Assistant Director of Communications Simon Carter on 07889 130812 or Deputy PR Officer Chris Foster on 07889 804726.
Scouting for Boys is one of the world's all time bestsellers - and a new edition based on the original 1908 work is set to hit the bookshelves on March 11.
To mark this special event, a commemorative plaque will be presented to Wimbledon Windmill Museum on 6 March at 12 noon, just yards from where Baden-Powell wrote parts of the original manuscript. Among those attending will be the Chief Scout George Purdy CBE and the Founder's grandson, the present Lord Baden-Powell.
Translated into more than 50 languages, B-P's revolutionary work, offering advice to young people taking their first steps into the outdoors, became the publishing sensation of its day, staking its claim as one of the most popular books ever behind the Bible and the Koran. An immediate success when first published, the book continues to fascinate today, though it is no longer targeted at young people.
TV survival expert Ray Mears is just one former Scout who values Scouting for Boys. 'It's great news that it's being republished,' says Ray. 'It's a book we recommend to clients taking survival courses as it contains hundreds of practical tips still useful today. In some parts, it's certainly a book of its time, but much of B-P's rough guide to the outdoors still stands us in good stead.'
Its legacy is extraordinary. Worldwide, the Movement now boasts nearly 28 million members in 216 countries. The original Scout Motto 'Be prepared' was recently rated in MORI research as the most recognised of five national and international organisations' slogans. But while it has remained true to its values and principles, Scouting has continued to adapt and evolve over the last 100 years.
Scouting offers young people - now girls as well as boys - adventure, friendship and the chance to change the world for the better. Globally, Scouts are taking a leading role in peace, health and environmental projects, including HIV prevention and education in Africa. The Movement's unique role in providing vital team-working and communication skills to young people is recognised by potential and existing employers.
Funds raised from the sale of the book, published by Oxford University Press will be put towards Scouting's 2007 centenary celebrations, enabling Scouts around the world to get a slice of the action at the 2007 World Scout Jamboree; and towards developing local community projects to make a difference globally,
Statement from Chairman,
Committee of the Council
The Scout Association
13 February 2004
The Committee of Council has agreed a strategy to develop four campsites in England as "centres of excellence". It is intended that this strategy will contribute to the long-term provision of high quality residential and camping opportunities for members of the Movement and support the centrality of camping and outdoor activity within our youth programme.
The Committee's vision is that these centres of excellence will:
offer first class activity and residential facilities.
provide a range of visitor packages and progressive learning experiences for young people.
be "shop windows" for Scouting in the local community and, through Scouting and external partnerships, support the development of young people in the wider area.
The first phase of the strategy has been a review of the "Headquarters owned" campsites. There are currently 14 of these, which, with the exception of Gilwell Park and Hawkhirst, are leased to and operated by Counties and Districts. This review first started when several existing operators approached Headquarters with a view to returning the sites, as they were unable to make the necessary level of capital investment, or have the manpower to run them. Rather than look at each site in isolation, Headquarters wished to consider the wider strategy.
The Headquarters sites are located in three identifiable geographical areas: North of England; Home Counties North and Home Counties South. The Committee has agreed initially to develop one centre of excellence in each of these three areas, in addition to Gilwell Park.
Following detailed research, including external validation and analysis of all available information, the campsites to be developed in this way are:-
North England - Great Tower, Windermere, Cumbria
Home Counties North - Youlbury, Oxfordshire
Home Counties South - Downe, Orpington, Kent
In selecting these sites, the Committee considered the location and future strength of the sites rather than just their current facilities. Site-specific plans and management arrangements for these three sites are now being discussed with relevant stakeholders. Initial meetings have been held with representatives of all 14 sites to discuss the options available to them.
In order to implement this strategy it will be necessary to make significant further investment in the three sites. To this end a National Campsite Fund has been established to raise revenue from the sale or more commercial leasing terms of the other sites. We recognise that the short-term implications for some of these sites are significant and we remain committed to working together to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome.
The implementation of this strategy is likely to take a number of years. At some point in the future, and based on our experiences, it would be our hope to develop further centres of excellence in other parts of the United Kingdom, and also to discuss ways in which other Scout owned sites may participate in the project.
This is an exciting opportunity in the continuing development of our Movement's facilities for young people; the external image of Scouting; and what the Movement has to offer those who choose to become members and to other young people.
We will continue to update you on our progress as the project is implemented.
John Asplin
Chairman, Committee of Council
There are known to be over 700 places in the UK available for Scout camping that are directly connected to Groups/Districts/Counties or Areas.
Camping skills lie at the heart of the Movement's activity programme. There can be few, if any, Scout Groups where access to a local campsite to undertake basic camping is a major problem.
The Trustees of The Scout Association have agreed a strategy to develop four campsites in England as "Centres of Excellence" for Scout activities including camping. These sites will also be developed to offer day and residential opportunities to non-Scouting youth groups and schools.
The strategy seeks to direct funding and resources into strategically located sites offering enhanced camping facilities and activities enabling Leaders to offer an even wider range of opportunities and challenges to young people.
Those Headquarters owned campsites leased to Counties and Districts
Headquarters owned and operated campsites
Headquarters leased and operated campsites
No. Discussions are being held with each of the sites to discuss a range of options which include purchase or leasing by the existing operator (County or District), return the site to Headquarters or continue under the terms of their existing lease. It therefore follows that some of the sites will continue as campsites and that Members should continue to book with their selected sites unless told otherwise by that site.
Camping is central to our programme, and basic camping skills lie at the heart of the Movement's activity programme. There are known to be at least 700 Scout campsites in the UK, and probably many more. There can be few, if any, Scout Groups to whom access to a local campsite to undertake basic camping is a major problem To continue to ensure that campsites will meet the demands and expectations of our Members into the future we must start to plan. The Committee of the Council is taking the lead in this.
To help us understand what will be required in the future, we used a wide-ranging market research report, sampling both Members and non-Members. The use of our facilities by non-Members is also a very important part in showing what Scouting has to offer, and it helps to fund better facilities for our Members.
Moreover, while we have seen a steady decline in the number of Scout "camper nights" over the past 20 years, by contrast we have also seen growth in the number of adventurous and activity centres offered by commercial providers that have proved very popular with organised groups. We needed to understand why. Additionally, "going camping" is still rated by Scouts as one of the activities they like most.
Our research showed that many Scouting sites will require significant capital expenditure over the next few years to continue to offer safe, attractive and quality opportunities. We need to start now to ensure that over the next decade we begin to build a network of centres that can provide an even higher quality of camping, residential and day activity experiences to Members and non-Members. These centres, together with County and District campsites, will help us to provide the widest choice of provision.
Naturally, we would like to develop more sites in the longer term. However, in the short term we need to be realistic and accept that we do not have unlimited access to funding. This first phase is also designed to demonstrate to others the benefits of investing in provision of the 'outdoor experience' whilst fulfilling our objective of developing and supporting young people.
It is acknowledged that the geographical location of these sites may not provide an appropriate level of coverage for all members in the UK for short weekend breaks. In later phases of the project we hope to address this by developing further sites and working in partnership with other Scout operated sites that meet the standards set for Centres of Excellence to widen access to what Scouting can offer young people.
No. The decision explicitly requires that all proceeds from the sale or leasing of the sites be only used for investment into the Centres of Excellence. We are therefore only using the proceeds to enhance further the benefit of the outdoor experience for young people. To achieve this, we have established a designated reserve, The National Campsite Fund.
Gilwell Park is subject to a separate development and fundraising initiative and no proceeds from the sale of any of the sites will be used for the Gilwell re-development. We are simply using those assets we have more efficiently, and for the greater benefit of young people in offering the widest choice of provision of activities and accommodation.
Scout Association
Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW
13/2/2004
A new exciting partnership has been forged between The Scout Association and the Youth Hostels Association (England and Wales). And it's winners all round!
The target is to market Baden-Powell House in the heart of London's 'Museum Land' on Queen's Gate, Kensington, to a wider, but not dissimilar audience. It will bring new opportunities to ensure greater use of the prestigious hostel by like-minded young people and adults.
The Scout Association and YHA are ideal partners sharing worldwide branding and vision. And both serve young people venturing away from home.
With its current hostels in London busy, particularly during the summer, YHA is delighted to extend its range of accommodation. Indeed, two YHA directors were highly impressed by facilities and quality of service offered at Baden-Powell House when they stayed overnight to sample it for themselves!
Scouting's flagship hostel is now featured in YHA's 2004 brochure and website, and is included in YHA's marketing programme to schools, seen as a key market for the future. Baden-Powell House is at the more 'luxury' end of hostel accommodation. Schools are more likely to opt for Baden-Powell House where quality and service is paramount. With YHA already established in the schools market, the partnership has all the hallmarks of being a successful one.
Initially a two-year agreement, it is anticipated it will become a rolling one, and measures sown now will reap success in two or three years' time.
YHA is seen as both the right and appropriate fit, encouraging more young people to stay in the hostel as well as appealing to families. The partnership is an opportunity for the two organisations to learn from each other and exchange ideas.
With the 2005 European Jamboree, 'Eurojam', a little over a year away, and with even bigger celebrations set for 2007 when the Movement celebrates its centenary, it's never been a better time to spread the word about Scouting's very own hostel in London. Staff at BPH must be prepared ... for a busy future!
Baden-Powell House was built in 1961 as a living memorial to the Founder, Lord Baden-Powell, where young people from around the world could stay together in central London. This partnership endorses those aims and also raises Scouting's profile to a new audience.
Professor Jane Lewis has two passions in life - marine biology and Scouting! Now with the University of Westminster's support, she is all set to serve Scouting as a Chief Commissioner of England.
The prospect excites her. She said: "Being a Commissioner is not something I'd thought about. But when the letter came, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to do something worthwhile with young people. This has always been a driving force for me, one that's close to my heart. And the University agreed too and has been good enough to allow me to go part-time, so it's full steam ahead!
"In my opinion, without the University's support I couldn't undertake the Scouting job."
With a father who was a Scout Leader himself, Scouting is clearly in her blood. Her Scouting career kicked off at the age of 16 in Wokingham, Berkshire, where she became a Cub Scout Instructor.
"I was a Queen's Guide and we had a local arrangement where Scouts and Guides worked and played together - terrific fun! I wanted to be a Venture Scout, but at that time the Unit wasn't set to be a mixed one - unlike today's Movement. Working with young people was an interest, so I offered to help with Cubs. I did a lot of canoeing, and then went into sub aqua."
As a marine scientist, she studies single celled plants, with her research tending to be done remotely off ships rather than in the water itself, though she admits she's always keen to check out the underwater scenery whenever there's a chance!
She was delighted to be on The Scout Association's Programme Review Implementation (PRI) panel, which undertook a fundamental revamping of its activity programme for young people. And she was equally proud to be among those who worked on the Young Leaders' Scheme for Explorer Scouts aged 14 to 18, who choose to devote much of their time to assisting other Scouting sections.
"Scouting wise, I've worked in England, Wales and Scotland, I started off with Cubs, then also ran the service part of a Scout and Guide Club. In Scotland and London, I moved on to the Scout section. When I found myself in Slough I rang up the DC and became a Leader Trainer and also supported Beavers who were just getting off the ground then.
"I returned to Scotland and I was asked to set up Rainbows on the Isle of Cumbrae. When I headed back to Slough I became Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, then Assistant County Commissioner for Scouts in Berkshire and became a regional representative on the National Scout Team. More recently I have been a member of the Slough Scout Fellowship."
In 2003, she turned her hand to assisting on the WINGS (Windsor InterNational Guide and Scout ) Camp which is staged every five years. The aim of WINGS is to provide an exciting and complete International experience for the 10+ age group of Guides and Scouts. More than 30 countries were represented at the 2003 event, with contingents from 30 counties around the UK, adding up to around 4,000 participants and staff. Participants came from as far afield as Japan, Israel, Grenada, Tunisia, Thailand, Lebanon, Canada, Nigeria, India and Ghana.
Jane has two daughters aged nine and six and is a parent helper at her younger daughter's Rainbow meetings in Slough. Her husband, George Rowing, shares her love for sub-aqua and is a dive instructor.
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