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NEW CHIEF SCOUT APPOINTED

Who & How

Deed of Covenant - Budget Changes

National Queens' Scout Reception - Presentation of Certificates

Scout Fellowship Camp - June 14-16, 1996

Scout Fellowship Conference - Coventry 1997

Resource Centre - Material Corrections

Europe for You! - New Resources

Hawkhirst Activity Weeks - August 3-10 or 10-17, 1996

Adult Recruitment - National Success

Challenge Badge - Cub Scouts

Gilwell Park - More Facilities

Kandersteg - Twice the Place it used to be

British Visitors Passports - No Longer Valid

Beaver Scout Programme - Review

Vacancy - Hawkhirst Adventure Camp

National Regatta - Sea Scout Canoe & Pulling

Committee News

Baden-Powell House - Hostel

Loans to Groups:

Regional Community Development Officers:

Community Development sub-Committee

Grants.

Chief Executive Commissioner:

World Scout Jamboree:

National and Specialist Advisers:

Appointments:

The Queen's Scouts:

A new Chief Scout has been appointed to lead the U.K.'s 650,000 Scouts from May when George Purdy, currently Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland, takes over from W. Garth Morrison, Chief Scout since 1988. The new Chief takes over on Sunday May 5 at the special Gilwell Park Picnic being staged to say 'goodbye' to the current Chief.

W. Garth Morrison CBE, DL, BA, C.Eng., MIEE became Chief Scout in 1988, initially for five years. In 1993 he agreed to continue for a further three. During this time he led the U.K.'s largest mixed youth Movement into one of its most searching examinations of its image both in the eyes of its Members and those of the general population. This work led on to assessment of the Movement's future needs in its role of developing young people. SCOUTING Magazine's May issue contains a detailed interview with Garth highlighting some of the many changes that have taken place since 1988.

Garth Morrison continues as an elected member of the World Scout Committee, looking after the interests of the expanding world Movement which has a Membership of over 25 million people in nearly 200 countries and territories.

The search for a new Chief has been underway since February 1995 when the Committee of the Council appointed a selection panel including a Chief Commissioner, two County Commissioners, Chairman of General Purposes sub-Committee, a National Commissioner and the Chairman of the Committee of the Council, Barry Sutton.

At a special meeting held at Baden-Powell House on 30th March 1996, the Council of The Scout Association accepted their recommendation and appointed George Purdy.

As an 8 year old in Belfast, George Purdy joined the Cub Scouts and ten years later he became an Assistant Scout Leader in the 45th West Belfast. In 1963, he was a founder Leader of the 2nd Donaghadee Scout Troop and 'doubled-up' as an Assistant Cub Scout Leader in the 1st Inniskilling. In 1969 he became Scout Leader of the Three Spires Scout Troop in Magherafelt before returning to the 2nd Donaghadee in 1971 where he served in a number of capacities until he became Assistant Group Scout Leader in 1990. He remained with the Group until taking over as Chief Commissioner of Northern Ireland in 1994 - his first ever non-Group Appointment.

He has been instrumental in starting two new Scout Troops and in 1983, led the Northern Ireland Contingent to the World Scout Jamboree in Canada. He has also played a leading role in organising the All Ireland International Scout Camps and was Deputy Camp Chief at Ballyfin in 1993. The Chief Scouts of both the Catholic Boy Scouts of Ireland and the Scout Association of Ireland have warmly greeted the appointment.

George was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1983, the Long Service Decoration in 1980 and Bar in 1993. In the 1996 St. George's Day list he was awarded the Silver Acorn.

He joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1960 and is currently Director of Policy and Legislation in the Department of Health and Social Services.

Born in 1942, he is married with two sons both of whom have been Scouts. An Elder of the Donaghadee Presbyterian Church, he worked as a Youth Club Leader, served as a Sunday School teacher and sung in the choir. He is a founder member of the local Rotary Club. A keen and active interest in sport has included playing hockey for his school and the Northern Ireland Civil Service. He is a keen golfer and still plays tennis and bowls. He claims his wife, Judith, is by far the better golfer and predicts that the demands on his time as Chief Scout will do little, if anything to improve his handicap.

He will be the seventh Chief Scout since Baden-Powell and expects to take Scouts from his local Troop camping this summer as usual.

Asked for his first reactions on being appointed, George Purdy says, "When I looked at the biographies of the former Chief Scouts, I realised how much my background and experience differs from theirs. But that was only momentary, for we have so much more in common, not least a deep-seated love of Scouting and a desire to help young people. I am greatly encouraged by the commitment and enthusiasm within the Movement. We have strong foundations and all the right ingredients to ensure that Scouting can grow from strength to strength in the years ahead".

Below is a list of who receives their own copy of 'Talking Points' and where they should get it from (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only):

County Commissioners - direct from mailing house

County Secretaries - 12 copies direct from mailing house for distribution to the County Executive and Advisers

Asst. County Commissioners - direct from mailing house

District Commissioners - direct from mailing house

District Secretaries - 12 copies direct from mailing house for distribution to Asst. District Commissioners, Advisers and Executive

Group Contacts - direct from mailing house

County/District Secretaries - please note that it is impractical to change the number of copies you receive from the mailing house. However, as a special service, an extra six copies of each edition are available from the Public Relations Department at a cost of £4.00 per year inc. p.&.p.

All Leaders in Scotland now receive copies of 'Talking Points' direct from Scottish Headquarters at Fordell Firs. All Leaders in the Integrated Pilot Project Area also get individual copies to their home addresses.

The Finance Bill proposes that from April 5, 1996, the level of basic rate income tax will be reduced from 25% to 24%. If this becomes law, it will obviously affect the amount of tax which can be claimed back under Deed of Covenant.

Further details will be published in the next issue of 'Talking Points' when the position will be clearer. In the meantime, if you have any queries on this, or Deeds of Covenant in general, please contact the Fundraising Department at Baden-Powell House.

The next National Presentation for 1996 is due to be held at Guildhall, London, on November 30, 1996.

Queen's Scouts wishing to attend should indicate this on their white card given to them on the presentation of their cloth badge.

The camp is due to take place over the weekend of June 14-16, 1996, at Weston Park, Nr. Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Details are available from the Organising Committee, c/o Mrs Betty Worsley. Tel: (01707) 267241.

The National Scout Fellowship Conference is to be held over the weekend of April 11-13, 1997 at the Royal Court Hotel, Coventry. The cost will be £125.00 per participant.

More information will be given in the May edition of the National Chairman's Newsletter.

The following are corrections to item references given in issue no. 42 of 'Talking Points'.

FS120715 August '95 - Dinghy Sailing: Incorrect Code No. - should read FS120605 August '95...

FS120703 January '96 - Water Safety (Incorporating Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids): Incorrect Code No. - should read FS120603 January '96...

This is a combined Fact Sheet replacing FS120132 (4-PT-132/92) Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids, and FS120145 (PT-145/90) Water Safety. We apologise for the production delay. This Fact Sheet is now available.

AC120051 First Aid and the Saving of Life is now replaced by FS120051 November '95 First Aid and the Saving of Life (3rd Edition). For administrative purposes, advantage has been taken of this revision to change the prefix code from AC to FS.

For supplies by Mail Order, please contact The Resource Centre at Gilwell Park for postage value.

Customer Service. There is a Resource Centre Users' Group which monitors all elements of the Resource Centre operation and which welcomes comments and suggestions from Members of the Movement on possible product and service development, or on any element of the Resource Centre service or operation.

Communications in this respect should be addressed to The Chairman, The Resource Centre Users' Group, The General Editor's Department at Baden-Powell House.

The following resources are now available from the International Department at Baden-Powell House. They are designed for use by Venture Scouts and Young Leaders.

1. Where to stay in Europe. A comprehensive directory of Scout & Guide Centres/Campsites in Europe (including the UK). Details on accommodation, travel instructions, things to see and do, and voluntary positions are included. NB This directory is useful for Leaders of all Sections and is FREE OF CHARGE.
2. Eurosteps. A smaller selection of European Scout Centres, which have been specially selected due to a full range of activities and excellent facilities. Projects from 'Passport For Europe' can be completed at these Centres. This directory is also FREE OF CHARGE.
3. Passport For Europe. A project based resource for Venture Scouts which links in well with the existing Venture Scout Programme and Explorer Belt. Vital for anyone wanting to increase their awareness of Europe. Complete all 6 sections and gain the coveted 'Eurobadge'. This resource costs £1.00 only.

More information is available from Andrew Wilson in the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

A week long programme of activities, instruction provided in at least four sports, other water- and land-based activities to keep you busy. A camp and self-cater week for total cost of £36, or £14 for Leaders. Full details are available from Derek Langford at Hawkhirst Adventure Camp.

The National work is continuing and local people are having much success using the material. In Hampshire, they managed to recruit some 108 adults using the new material. In Staffordshire, a Leader used the material as a project during Leadership Two and recruited 11 new people into the Scout Groups. In Tanworth, a Group have recruited four new Leaders using the material and around the country, local recruitment teams are being set up.

If you would like further information, there will be two Workshops being held in November introducing the material and approach to people. There are also two Swapshops. Further details will be found in the May Headquarters Circulation. A letter sharing good ideas and providing details on these events will be sent to every County/Area Commissioner and District Commissioner in May. If you would like further information, ask your District Commissioner for the Adult Recruitment Newsletter.

A Cub Scout, on entering the Scout Troop, may continue to wear the highest Progressive Award Training Scheme Badge gained and the Cub Scout Challenge Badge, if appropriate, until earning the first Award of the Scout Progressive Award Training Scheme in the Troop. A Cub Scout Progressive Award Training Scheme Badge is worn in the centre of the right hand breast pocket and the Cub Scout Challenge Badge should be worn above the left hand breast pocket on the Scout uniform. Both Cub Scout Badges must be removed on gaining the first Award of the Scout Progressive Award Training Scheme.

With effect from June 3, 1996, Gilwell Park's Hostel and White House will be open to Members of The Scout Association for accommodation and conference facilities, so whether you are visiting London on business or pleasure, please call!

For further details, contatc Samantha at Gilwell Park on (0181) 498 5312.

Anyone familiar with Kandersteg International Scout Centre in the Swiss Alps will know what an ideal location it is for Scouting activities in Winter and Summer. It is a permanent mini-Jamboree, with a large campsite, indoor accommodation and an optional programme supported by volunteer staff.

Now the chalet has been doubled in size to provide more accommodation, better catering facilities and a new range of programme options.

The 'new' chalet will be officially opened over the weekend on June 1-2, 1996 and everyone is invited. That same weekend, the World Scout Committee, the European Committee and the World Scout Foundation will all meet at Kandersteg, the Kandersteg Association will hold its AGM and the Italian Scout Federation will have its Executive Meeting in the chalet too. There will be hundreds of visitors from all over Europe and beyond, enjoying a very special weekend gathering at Kandersteg.

If you would like to join them, further information is available from the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

If you are planning to travel abroad this year, you should know that British Visitors Passports (the one-year variety issued at Post Offices) ceased to be valid from January 1, 1996. Travel documents for day trips to France were also withdrawn. All British Citizens travelling outside the UK must now have a valid, full British Passport. Application forms are available from main Post Offices.

The Passport Agency, who issue the passports, say that up to one million people may not realise that their Visitors' Passports issued last year are no longer valid; they will be returned back at ports and airports and their holidays will be ruined. Don't let any of them be Scouts in your party!

As many of you are aware, the Beaver Scout Section has just launched a new programme and we are at the stage now where we need to review the introduction and use of the programme. There is an article due in the June edition of SCOUTING Magazine asking for feedback from all Leaders and Commissioners in the Movement.

One of the key tasks of the National Beaver Scout Team, as part of the 'Towards 2000' remit, is to devise and co-ordinate plans which will result in increasing the confidence of Beaver Scout Leaders wanting to participate in Family Camps. To assist this work, the group would like to receive any locally produced material in support of Family Camping. Please send this to the Beaver Scout Office at Gilwell Park my Monday, May 20, 1996.

Also within the 'Towards 2000' remit, a group will be devising and co-ordinating plans which will result in effective communication within the Section. In order to gather information, both telephone and written questions will be asked of a variety of people. We would ask for your willing co-operation if approached.

Would you like to move to the country?

Hawkhirst Adventure Camp has a vacancy for a full time cook/caterer. Work with pleasant people in lovely surroundings.

For more information on this opportunity, please contact Anne or Derek Langford at Hawkhirst on (01434) 250217.

This event will be held over the weekend on July 6/7 at Kingston-upon-Thames. Further details are available from the Activities Office at Gilwell Park.

The Hostel is now over 35 years old and modernisation proposals for the installation of new and up-graded services for guests using the Hostel have been approved. Full modern facilities are to be provided in every bedroom together with improvements to reduce noise and improve comfort. The plans aim to improve bed capacity from 112 to 180 to meet increased demand and also to provide more flexible provision of residential, catering and conference facilities. It is proposed to start the work, which would take about five months, in October.

The following loans have been made for building and improvement purposes. 32nd Bromley (St. Mary's) Greater London South East: £9,000 towards purchase of a 99 year lease. 1st Larch Farm (St. Peters) Nottinghamshire for land purchase. Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, Hampshire: £29,000 contingency loan for construction works.

It was agreed to extend the duration of the Regional Community Development Officers posts to 31 January 2000 from November 1996 bringing them in line with the two newly filled posts.

Revised Terms of Reference have been agreed as follows:

• membership to include two persons under the age of 26 with experience of Community Development
• to recruit members to the sub-Committee who need not be Members of the Movement
• to ensure that the lessons of the Community Development initiative are disseminated widely throughout the Movement and the implications of increasing access to Scouting are recognised by other sub-Committees.

The Grant from the Department of Education & Employment to support the work of the Community Development Dept. is to be increased by nearly 30% to £125,000 for each of the next three years. A second grant, in respect of a joint application with the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs for the promoting of Development Education, was slightly less than applied for.

At the meeting of the Council of The Scout Association held on March 30, 1996, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Barry Sutton, announced that advertising for the vacant Chief Executive Commissioner post would appear in the national press in mid April.

Steve Peck has been appointed Contingent Leader for the 19th World Scout Jamboree in Chile with Stuart Little as his Deputy.

The following appointments have been agreed by the Programme & Training Committee:

National Adviser for Air Activities - Derryck Draper.

Specialist Advisers: Parascending - Tom Beardsley; Ground Training - Tom Kelley; Flying - David Barrell

National Adviser for Creative Activities Malcolm Lycett.

Specialist Advisers: Bands - Derek Jackson; Scout Entertainment - Iain Waddell.

National Adviser for Land Activities - John Muston.

Specialist Adviser: Caving - Bruce Jones.

National Adviser for Technology - vacant.

Specialist Advisers: Amateur Radio - Geoff Dellbridge; Communications - Alan Chambers; Information Technology - Alan Wallbridge; Jamboree on the Air - Clive Catton.

National Adviser for Water Activities - Robin Wager

Specialist Advisers: Dinghy Sailing - Derek Langford; Canoeing - Terry Roff; Sea Scouts - Mike Nadin; Offshore Sailing - Ken Wright.

County/Area Commissioners:

Avon Mr Roger Starr wef 31/3/96;

Greater London SouthMr Mike Jackson wef 1/4/96;

Pembrokeshire Mr Wynford John wef 14/2/96;

Armagh Mr Trevor Canning wef 1/9/96;

Hampshire Mr Richard Merefield wef 1/9/96;

Hereford & Worcester Mr Victor Morgan wef 6/6/96;

Fermanagh Mr Maurice Lee wef 23/4/97;

Cleveland Mr John Taylor wef 17/6/96;

Clackmannashire Mrs Lynne Mack wef 1/4/96;

Radnorshire Mr Stephen Ashley wef 21/4/96.

On the day that 1000 Queen's Scouts will be parading and the National Scout Service will be held at Windsor, our Patron will celebrate her 70th Birthday. The following message has been sent by the Chief Scout to Her Majesty The Queen:

"Your Majesty has graciously agreed that the Queen's Scouts may this year hold their annual St. George's Day Parade in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle on 21st April.

"As Chief Scout, with humble duty I have the honour to submit the most loyal and warm greetings of those Queen's Scouts who are on Parade, and of all other members of The Scout Association past and present, on the special occasion of Your Majesty's sevetieth birthday on that day".

Her Majesty was gracious in replying as follows:

"Thank you for your kind message of loyal birthday greetings. As your Patron, I received this with great pleasure and take the opportunity of sending you and all those gathered today at Windsor and, indeed, all members of The Scout Association, my heartfelt thanks and good wishes for a memorable occasion. ELIZABETH R."