;

Offensive Weapons - Knives Axes and Saws.

The National Lottery - Charities Board

VAT-Warning - A Sweet Saga

Better Britain Campaign - Cash is Being Shelled Out

ScoutBase Goes Live - The Official Web Site

B-P House Refurbishment - Hostel Reopens March 1997

Venture Scouts - Leadership Training

Insurance for Large Events - Too Much - Too Late - Too Often

Europe for You - No ECUs Needed

St George's Day Collection 1997

First Response - Coping with Crisis

Food Hygiene Regulations - Free Advice

Swim For Funds - Pool Your Efforts

Energy Efficiency Award - Another Free Resource

Archives: Temporary Closure - Apologies

Small Grants in Wales - Have a Go!

New For 1997, - The Gilwell Experience

Unite Publications - Stock Clearance - Even More Programme Material

Africa Day 3 - February Date

Africa Jamboree - Keen on Kenya?

2nd Russian International Jamboree - Russian Rendezvous

Adventurous Activity Authorisation - Who Is Responsible?

DoE Expeditions - Be Careful!

Land and Sea - Pulling and Pushing

Charity Acts and Accounting - Guidance

Scouting for a Job? - Improve Your Chances

Red Nose Day - 14 March 1997 - Small Change Big Difference

World In Sight Appeal - See the Difference

Hawkhirst Adventure Camp - Bargain Bonanzer

Proficiency Badge Courses

Administrator Days - Calling Group and District Administrators

Committee News

Committee Chairmanships:

Cullen Report:

Firearms:

The Executive Committee:

Charity Accounts and SORP:

2007:

Membership Rules:

Membership Subscription:

ScoutBase UK

Scout Fellowship:

POR Amendments:

Loans to Scout Groups:

Uniform Board:

Responsibilities of Charity Trustees:

Appointments:

The Offensive Weapons Act 1996 has received Royal Assent. It does not significantly alter the acts which are criminal offences but strengthens powers of arrest and increases sentences on conviction. Some Scout activities involve the use of knives, axes and saws. Advice is available from the Legal Department at Baden-Powell House on the use and carrying of these potentially offensive weapons.

The next theme is " New Opportunities and Choices". The focus of this particular round is education and training and the criteria in brief covers: Opportunities for people of all ages to broaden their skills and their enjoyment in life through learning: Improving choices for disadvantaged people through increased access to education, training and learning opportunities: Providing greater opportunities for disadvantaged people through promoting enterprise and self help in rural areas. Guidance Notes on this theme are available by phoning the Lottery direct on 0345-919191. You are advised to obtain them because a considerable amount of preparation can be done from these in advance of requesting the application form. Application forms are to be released in January 1997, exact date to be announced. For further advice on applying to the lottery, contact the Scout Association Lottery Line on 0171 590 5123.

It has been brought to our attention by Customs & Excise that there have been instances in at least one area of Scouts (running either a Scout Shop or a Campsite Providore) making false declarations to obtain zero-rated supplies, generally of confectionery or chocolates. These are, of course, standard-rated to commercial outlets but can be supplied to charities zero-rated. The commonest case where zero-rating does apply routinely in Scouting is advertising, either to support fundraising or to promote the aims of the charity. This would include advertising in the press or printing handbills and posters. You should note that, since June 1996, it is no longer possible to have your printed stationery zero-rated by printing a "strapline" such as "helping young people get the most out of life" which appears on the Headquarters stationery. A series of articles on VAT has already been written to appear in the next few months in Scouting Magazine. The page from the VAT Booklet on Charities, which was falsely altered in these instances prior to photocopying, includes in bold type in a black outline " there are severe penalties for making a false declaration". You have been warned.

The Shell "better Britain Campaign" offers awards of up to £2,000 to support the work of local community based organisations. There are no restrictions on the type of expenditure that might be funded, with the exception that the work must not have already been carried out or paid for. Matching funding is not required to be eligible to apply. There is no closing deadline and application packs are available now. Send your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Shell Better Britain Campaign, Victoria Works, 21a Graham Street, Hockley, Birmingham B1 3JR Tel: 0121 212 9221

ScoutBase, the UK Scout Association's first officially recognised presence on the World Wide Web, went live on 26 October. It is the fastest source of latest news and information. Facilities include the opportunity to register to get your Talking Points mailed directly to your electronic mailbox. The address is http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/

A £2 million scheme to prepare the Baden-Powell House Hostel for the next decade started in November. The five month project will provide greatly improved facilities for the thousands of visitors who use the residential and conference facilities each year. The Hostel opens again on March 16, 1997. Externally little will change but the major internal refurbishment will see a complete modernisation including new air conditioning, improved catering services, purpose designed meeting and conference facilities for large and small events. Increasing the number of beds from 112 to 180 will result in less bookings having to be turned away. The Headquarters Offices situated alongside the main hostel will open as normal.

A Leadership One Course for Venture Scout Leaders (VSLs, AVSLs) will be held at Gilwell Park from 28 July to 1 August, 1997. Cost £89.00. The Course will be based indoors. The price includes food but not accommodation on a 'bring your own tent basis'. The Course will cover practical skills, such as, Executive Training, planning, camping skills, etc. For more details contact the Venture Scout Office or if you require an application form, the Training Records Office, both at Gilwell Park.

Every year staff in the Insurance Department at Lancing are surprised at the short notice given to provide cover for some large events. This year has been particularly bad, with some organisers leaving it literally to the last minute seeking insurance.

We seek to provide the best possible service so when planning please try and think ahead and ascertain what types of insurance you may need. If you are not sure ring and we will only be too happy to help and advise. We can also send a "Major Events Questionnaire". Fill this in as soon as possible and we will know exactly what you require and can start to make the necessary arrangements. Whilst we appreciate that organising a large event is time consuming for all concerned, it is imperative that the correct insurance is in place. Contact us as soon as you can before the event and you will have peace of mind that every eventuality is well covered. Further details Scout Insurance Services, Lancing.

The International Department still has some free copies of 'Europe for You!' available. A package of resources and programme material for Venture Scouts, it includes a general directory of Scout and Guide Centres in Europe, a more specialised directory covering the activities on offer at certain Centres, and a project based award Scheme, which Venture Scouts can use to work towards the new "Eurobadge" - a smart metal pin badge (worn on the left hand pocket flap or equivalent place on a blouse). Contact Andrew Wilson, International Department, Baden-Powell House.

Organisers of St George's Day Services are invited to consider the Sunrise City Project in the countries of the former Yugoslavia as a worthwhile charity to donate collections. This Scout run project is helping children traumatised and injured by war to begin the process of recovery by taking them on Scout summer camps. The results and the changes in lives are amazing. For further information and a resource sheet containing suitable prayers and readings, contact the International Department at Baden-Powell House. Cheques should be made payable to "Sunrise City (UK Support)" and sent to the same address.

This course is designed to help Leaders gain competence and skills in coping with a variety of emergency situations, wherever they occur. It concentrates on incident management, patient care and the safe handing over to a more qualified person or the parent/guardian.

At Scouting events, it is not always essential to have a qualified first aider on site but it is reassuring to everyone, especially parents/guardians, if the adult Leaders are able to cope with emergency incidents. The course is the minimum emergency aid requirement for those seeking Adventurous Activity Authorisation. It lasts eight hours and is available through the County/ Area Training Team. Trainers notes (£1.55) and participant work books (£1.56) are available from the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park.

Through the November Headquarters Circulation, District Secretaries have been provided with copies of a free booklet for all Scout Groups. It explains the general food hygiene regulations and suggests how they can be put into practice. The information is only advisory. Further free copies are available. Please collate your orders through the District Secretary. Orders can be placed by telephone on 0181 498 5330 ( Office Hours) or answerphone 0181 498 5338 or by fax 0181 498 5329.

Scout Groups are offered the chance to join in the BT Swimathon taking place in over 500 pools nationwide between 17-23 March 1997. This time there is a special 'Happy Hour' event where the Scout Members have the exclusive use of a lane in the pool and can swim as many lengths as they like for an hour whilst constantly being monitored by a lifeguard. A special reduced rate of admission has been organised for all Scout Groups. The Swimathon is an ideal opportunity to raise funds for other charities and your own Group but it's also fun too, with each participating Member receiving a free swimming hat and certificate. It's also great opportunity for members to earn their swimming badges! All groups should have received a Registration Form, if not, please telephone the marketing Department at Baden-Powell House on 0171 584 7030.

The attention of Scout Groups is drawn to a free pack programme activity ideas for all Sections on the theme of "Energy Conservation". The programme ideas link readily to the Award Scheme in all Sections. If you have not received your free pack (one per Scout Group), please phone 0181 498 5330 (Office hours); 0181 498 5338 (answerphone) or fax 0181 498 5329.

Owing to essential maintenance and redecoration work in the Headquarters offices at Baden-Powell House, the Archives Department is now closed until 20th January 1997. The Archivist will be unable to respond to queries by phone or letter during this period.

The small grants pilot project is still running in Wales offering grants of between £500 and £5,000. It is open for applications all the time and there are no deadlines or set themes. Several Scout Groups have already been successful and if your Group is based in Wales, applications are still being invited. Call the National Lottery Charities Board Welsh Office on 01686 -622253.

During August Gilwell Park is offering two special Activity Weeks. They involve three days based on ten on-site activities and two days for off-site events. These are supported by a full evening programme including swimming galas, campfires and wide game. Further information:

Tel: 0181 498 5412, Fax: 0181 498 5417 or send a s.a.e to Activity Weeks, Gilwell Park Campsite, Chingford, London E4 7QW.

A small number of books originally produced for the Unite Project are being sold off at bargain basement prices. Whilst the project is over, the books contain a wealth of extremely useful programme material and good ideas. They are now available at a knock down price of £1.25 each. This offer ends 31st December 1996. Order now from The Resource Centre at Gilwell Park while stocks last and use this excellent material in next years programme.

Taking a major expedition to the developing world? Thinking about an international community involvement project? Want to share good practice with those who have the experience? Then Africa Day 3 is for you. The main emphasis will be workshops and information exchange, suitable for Venture Scouts and Leaders. The one day event will be held at Baden-Powell House on Saturday, 15 February 1997 Register your interest by contacting David McKee at the International Department, Baden-Powell House.

In support of Scouts in Kenya, the International Department is keen to recruit Venture Scouts and Leaders who could offer programme support to the organisers of this event which will be held at Rowallan Scout Camp, Nairobi from 5-15 August 1997. Scouts and Venture Scouts interested in being participants are also welcome. Contact the International Department, Baden-Powell House.

This will be held at Noginsk, near Moscow from 1-8 August 1997. The Russian Network are coordinating UK participation including a UK service team. Write to the International Department for further information.

At its Autumn meeting, the National Activities Team considered the subject of the transferability of Adventurous Activity Authorisation. Under current rules, the Home District Commissioner is responsible for the Authorisation of all such activities involving Members from their District. This can cause a problem as it does not allow the use of instructors authorised by another District or County. Suggestions have been made to modify the current rules to allow this while maintaining the Home District Commissioner's right to approve the use of such authorised persons from other Districts and Counties. A discussion paper detailing specific scenarios and ways of proceeding is available from the Activities Office, Gilwell Park.

It appears that some expeditions are being organised by Scout Groups and offered to others for the purposes of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award. If this is happening in your area, please ensure that you are complying with the Activity Centres (Young Person's Safety) Act 1995 and associated regulations. Further details from the Activities Office, Gilwell Park.

The National Scout Car Races will be held in Scarborough on 5 July 1997. The Pulling And Canoeing Regatta 1997 at Kingston on 5/6 July 1997. Further details, please contact the Activities Office, Gilwell Park.

The Resource Centre still has some sets of Charity Commission manuals. The set comprises: Charity Accounts - Charities under the £10,000 threshold (CC5), Accounting for the Smaller Charity (CC54) and Accruals Accounting for the Smaller Charity (CC55), Accounting by Charities - SORP

Please send £5 per set for postage and packing (complete sets only) to The Resource Centre at Gilwell Park

'Scouting Can Help Your Job Chances' is a useful booklet that can help you use your adult Scout training and experience to apply for a new job. It helps you translate your Scouting into words that potential employers will recognise on job applications and in C.Vs. Available from the Resource Centre at Gilwell Park, £2.30.

Calling all Leaders! Comic Relief wants you to join in the biggest fundraising event of 1997 on 14 March and wear your Red Nose with pride by getting involved in fundraising. Comic Relief is out to prove that small change can make a big difference to the lives of disadvantaged people at home in the UK and in Africa by targeting everyone's small change. For every £1 raised by the public on Red Nose Day at least a pound goes into the grants pot, as fundraising costs are covered by the generosity of Comic Relief's friends in industry. This Red nose Day will be your chance to ensure that your small change makes a big difference. To get involved call Anne Callaghan/Jo Barr at Comic Relief on 0171 636 1373

Here is your chance to get involved in a worthwhile project- designed to improve the living standards of people in the Developing World. The Women's Institute is backing Help the Aged and opticians Dolland & Aitchison in this year's World in Sight Appeal to collect unwanted spectacles and dispenses them to people in the Third World. If you'd like to help, it could not be simpler - just collect any unwanted spectacles from friends and family and take them into your local branch of Dolland & Aitchison - see Yellow Pages for details. Special collection bins are provided at all the company's 450. Any quantity of spectacles will be welcomed. If you need more information about how you can help contact: Andrew Peel, World in Sight, Help the Aged, St. James's walk, London EC1R 0BE

Two special offers. Start the year with a camping weekend. Join us on this 'hot' weekend for a full programme of activity and excitement - a camp and self catering weekend at only £5 per person with activities included. Second, comes the winter camping with free activities Introduce your patrols to winter camping in a sheltered environment with supervision by site staff if required. Any dates in January, February or March (before Easter Holidays), patrol camping will be available with a number of activities free of charge - only normal site fee of £2 per day per person. Free activities, subject to weather conditions could include, rowing, pioneering, archery, orienteering, fitness trail and a launch trip combined with walking. Other activities at listed charges. Hawhirst Adventure Camp, Kielder Water, Hexham. NE48 1QZ. Tel: 01434 250217 Fax: 01434 250350

Gilwell Park Scout Campsite, near NE London has been hosting Proficiency badge courses for Scouts for many years now. At the moment we offer the following badges: Communicator. Information Technology and Radio Technician Badge. Each course is residential and lasts for a weekend. They are suitable for unaccompanied Scouts either individually or in small groups. The next courses are: 14-16 February and 7-9 November 1997. Further information from Gilwell Park Camp.

If you are a Group or District Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer this is for you. Come along and meet others, share ideas and find out about your job. We are running two one day events on 1 March 1997 at Gilwell Park and 8 March 1997 at the Sitwell Arms in Sheffield. £26 which includes lunch. Application Forms from the Training Records Office, Gilwell Park.

Committee of the Council Met on 26/27 October at Gilwell Park

Mr J.S. Bevan is now Chairman of the Committee of the Council. The Chairmen of the sub-Committees are:

General Purposes: Mr J.C. Bailey; Finance: Mr W. McDonald; Programme & Training: Mr D. Capper; Community Development: Mr G.H.G. Mitchell.

The Chief Scout has written letters to four Ministers of State expressing support for the Home Office White paper "On the Record" but expressing disquiet at the considerable costs that might be involved is the proposals to set up a accrediting body for the vetting of all in a leadership role in youth work.

In advance of more detailed and proper consideration by the National Activities Team and the Programme and Training sub-Committee, it was agreed to draw to the attention of County Commissioners the desirability of reviewing local firearms activities with a recommendation that if in doubt, they be suspended.

It has been agreed to bring forward the scheduled review the working of the Executive Committee from May to February 1997.

Background to the new Accounting Regulations and Statement of Recommended Practice produced by the Charity Commissioners was considered and the need for improved standards. This was supported by surveys of Group, District and County accounts carried out in the last five years. The series of workshops to explain the requirements of the new Regulations had been well received.

A presentation was given on progress by the 2007 World Jamboree Feasibility Study Committee. It is believed that the objectives of the 21st World event should be to celebrate 100 years of Scouting by commemorating past achievements whilst showing a vision of Scouting for the 21st Century and providing a platform for Scouting's continued development. A contract has been entered into with Ove Arup & Partners who had been commissioned to find a number of possible sites for a World Jamboree. County Commissioners have been sent details and invited to offer suggestions. A private limited company might have to be established to organise the event.

Changes to the rules covering Membership and Membership management of the Association will be announced in mid 1997 to become effective in time for the 1998 census.

The 1997/98 Subscription will be £8.50 with a rebate of 35p for prompt payment, plus a 10p supplement for the World Scout Bureau on a per capita basis and not subject to any rebate, discount or reduction.

The Committee welcomed the launch of ScoutBase, the Association's officially recognised presence on the World Wide Web. This can be found at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/

Approval has been given to the production of an Anniversary Badge to be worn on uniform in 1997 by any Member of the Movement over the age of 18.

It is proposed that an amendments be produced and circulated early in 1997 with Talking Points and through Scout Shops Ltd and the Resource Centre.

£8,000 to 78th Leicester for riverbank and landing stage work subject to securing matching funding. £14,000 to 1st Wigtownshire (Stranraer) Groups towards extension and refurbishment of Headquarters, subject to conditions.

Nominations for a Chairman are still being sought.

Amendments are to be made to POR which relieves County and District Commissioners and Chairmen of the unduly onerous burdens of being liable for the acts and omissions of every Executive Committee within their Counties and Districts.

Graham Coulson has been appointed National Commissioner for Beaver Scouts with effect from 1 January, 1997.

County/Area/Island Commissioners: Leicestershire Alan Tyler w.e.f. 31/3/97; Kincardine & Deeside Mrs Heather Morrison w.e.f. 1/9/96; Isle of Wight Paul Rock w.e.f. 1/1/97.

Extension of Tenure: Coventry Keith Cornford to 2002; Derbyshire Miss Jean Barton to 2000. Chief Commissioner of Gibraltar: Alfred Reoch w.e.f. 31/12/96.