;

Motor Transport - Driver Licensing and Seatbelts

POR Amendment No.2 - Update your 1995 Edition

Project 808 - Bargain Offer

18-25 Year Olds - An Opportunity For All

Adult Recruitment Network - Get Plugged In

Cub Scout Challenge - March Deadline

Norfolk Broads - Be Warned

National Scout Regatta - September Sailing

Health and Fitness - Weetabix Sponsorship

PR Badge Energised - Plug-in for Help

New for 1997 - The Gilwell Experience

Revision of PC Forms - No Change - Yet

Gilwell Park - White House Hotel

Free YHA - Group Benefits

Europe for You! - New Venture Scouts Resource

Make Your Opinion Count - Find Your Group Pack"

ScoutBase Grows - Talking Points by E-Mail

Free Easter Eggs! - No Yoke

Lottery - Charities Board - Last Minute Reminder

Lottery - Charities Board - Small Grants Programme

Helpers - Undervalued Assets?

VAT - Warning

Clip Art Discs - Ingenious Inserts

Concessionary Prices - Microsoft Software

Changed Your Address? - Plain Brown Envelope

All At Sea - An Opportunity

Apologies - Post Late for Xmas

Committee News

Royal Visit:

National Honours:

Insurance Matters:

Voice For Young People:

Child Protection:

Scout Fellowship:

Senior Management Appointments:

Appointments

The new regulations for the driving of Minibuses and fitment of forward facing seats with seatbelts in Minibuses and Coaches for each child aged 3 to under 16 years, came into force on 1 January 1997 and 10 February 1997 respectively. The new driver licensing regulations will not affect those drivers entitled to drive cars prior to 1 January 1997 as they can continue to drive a Minibus provided they are 21 years of age or over, the Minibus has a maximum of 16 passenger seats and is not being used for hire or reward. New drivers will be able to drive a Minibus with up to 16 passenger seats without having to take further tests provided that; (i) the vehicle is used for social purposes by a non-commercial body not for hire or reward (ii) they are aged 21 years or over (iii) they have held a car (category B) licence for at least 2 years, (iv) they are providing their service on a voluntary basis, and (v) the Minibus maximum weight is not more than 3.5 tonnes excluding any specialist equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers. Minibuses up to 4.25 tonnes will be permitted in certain circumstances. Full details of these new regulations have been published in the March edition of Scouting Magazine, Headquarters Notices.

Your 1995 Edition of Policy, Organisation & Rules will not be up to date unless you have a copy of Amendment No.2 (January 1997) and the two supporting documents, Appendix A (Progressive Youth Programme Requirements) and Appendix B (Guidance on the New Accounting and Audit Requirements for Groups and Districts). Copies of these are being sent with this edition of Talking Points. Extra copies of the POR Amendments are available from branches of Scout Shops Ltd.

Venture Scouts, Scouts (13 Years and over) and Ranger Guides are invited to take part in the eighth major Conservation Project in Epping Forest from 17/23 August 1997. Meals, camp-fees, a day's outing to London and a special T-shirt will cost you only £20. Project 808 will be restricted to the first 100 who apply by 1 April. Application Forms from Mrs. Pauline Dawson, Greenview, Snodland Close, Downe, Kent, BR6 7HW.

Between April and September this year the Scout Association will be piloting a new provision for 18-25 year olds. This new and exciting approach to Scouting will involve Members joining a National Network of people within the age range and involving them in a limitless range of activities. This provision is open to everyone whether they are current members or not and whatever their current Scouting involvement or appointment. If you would be interested in joining the Scout Network then for further information or application form please contact the Scout Network Office at Gilwell Park, or by E-mail to ukgilscout@aol.com.

If you use the "six step approach to adult recruitment" and want further information about swapshops and sharing good ideas, put your name and address on the national mailing list. Telephone, fax, E-mail or write to "Adult Support" at Gilwell Park.

A reminder that the Cub Scout 80th Birthday Challenge Kit involved the possibilities of sending a postcard or Pack Profile, (Challenge 11), to the Cub Scout Office at Gilwell. Please note 27 March 1997 is the closing date.

Commissioners and Leaders are reminded that the Norfolk Broads are classified as B1 and B2 Waters. Groups planning expeditions on the Broads, either by private or hired craft are required to be under the Leadership or supervision of a person holding the Scout Association's Authorisation for the water and craft concerned. When notifying the Expedition as required under Policy, Organisation and Rules, Chapter 10 Rule 39.5 (d) please give details of all Adventurous Activity Authorizations held.

This will be held 6 - 7 September 1997 at Rudyard Lake, North Staffordshire. Further information, please contact the Activities Office, Gilwell Park.

Weetabix are to sponsor the Cub Scout Health and Fitness Badge for three years. Groups will soon receive a colour leaflet with details and a comical colour poster. The company, who also manufacture Alpen, Ready Brek, Weetos, Weeta Flakes and Crunchy Bran, has always encouraged healthy eating especially at breakfast time, so sponsoring this Badge is a very appropriate link. Much thought has gone into designing the tasks for the Badge and include; producing a poster, preparing a nutritionally balanced meal, keeping a diary of physical activities. Watch out for further opportunities associated with the health and Fitness badge as Weetabix has some exciting opportunities to serve up!

British Energy, parent organisation for Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear has sponsored the new Scout Section Public Relations Badge and is offering to assist Scouts who want help with any aspect of the award. Contact the British Energy Public Relations Team on 01452 652443.

In August Gilwell Park offers two special Activity Weeks. They involve three days based on ten on-site activities and two days for off-site events, supported by a full evening program. Further information from Gilwell Park.

In an earlier Talking Points, a consultation process requested comments on the existing PC Form. As a result a number of other issues were identified. More work is needed before a new form will be available. This will not be completed before next summer. The current form will be used until the new form is completed. Whenever Beaver Scouts are involved (i.e. Family Camps) the numbers should be added to the present form.

When visiting the London area for business or pleasure, please remember you can stay at Gilwell Park, using it as a 'Travelodge'. We provide good accommodation at a very competitive price, a full catering service, bar etc. Just 10 minutes from J26 off the M25 or a few minutes from Chingford station. Additionally, facilities can be booked for conferences, meetings, interviews etc. at very competitive rates. Please ring us first to reserve a room / facilities on 0181 524 5246. We would like to welcome you to stay at Gilwell - the home of Scouting.

Free membership available to all Scout Groups is offered again in 1997. An individual membership is available at the special price of £3.50 to Leaders and adult Helpers belonging to a Group holding a Group Membership. (Normal price £9.50.) This applies to YHA Family membership too. There is also a free County/ District Training Group Membership to facilitate the use of Youth Hostels for County and District training or meetings. Existing Group Membership Holders - PLEASE NOTE In order to renew the Group Membership free of charge, please write SCOUTS FREE on the renewal notice which will be sent near the expiry date of the current card. Scouts moving to Venture Scouts during 1997 are eligible for a half-price individual membership (£1.75). A free individual membership is available to all those achieving the Queen's Scout Award during 1997. Details and application forms from: YHA Customer Services, Trevelyan House, St. Stephen's Hill, St. Albans, Herts, AL1 2DY. Tel: 01727 845047.

Sorry but this does not apply to the Scottish YHA.

Venture Scouts:- interested in Europe? The International Department can send you the exciting new "Europe for You!" resource with programme ideas, activities and projects. It gives details of over 250 Scout and Guide Centres. Send your address to Andrew Wilson at the International Department. A cheque for £1 would be appreciated to cover the cost of postage.

The Association is currently reviewing its Youth Programme to be attractive and relevant for all young people beyond the year 2000. Calling all GSL's - have you seen your copy of the 'Group Pack'? No? Then contact your District Commissioner to give you your copy and help you work through the pack. It is the main method of obtaining information on the strengths and weaknesses of the current 6-20 programme. Exit interviews are also taking place in Districts across the UK. Key steps in the gathering of information - don't miss out - make your opinion count!

Surfers can obtain Talking Points by E-mail by registering using the form on http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/direct/addme.htm

Not only Easter eggs but a whole lot of activities both on land and water over the Easter weekend at Hawkhirst. Ask for details of the Easter Patrol Camp. Also Canoecamp '97 - 4/6 April, your chance to discover the hidden delights of Kielder Water on your two day canoeing adventure. Contact Derek Langford at Hawkhirst.

The current round of applications cover the themes of "New Opportunities and Choices" and "Voluntary Sector Development" (N.B. The Voluntary Sector Development Programme may only be appropriate for Counties and Districts). Application Packs can be obtained until 07/03/97 by phoning the Charities Board on 0345 - 919191. Completed applications must be returned by 5pm on 04/04/97. Counties have already been advised of these dates.

The Lottery require applicants to obtain written permission from Headquarters to apply under this round. If your Group is in England or Wales a letter for this purpose may be requested from the Finance Department at B-P. House. All requests must be accompanied by a written outline of the project including, which two criteria in Question 11 you intend to apply under, how the project fits the two criteria, the total project cost, how much you have raised towards it to date and a S.A.E.

If you are based in Scotland or Northern Ireland please write to your respective Headquarters for permission letters. Further details or advice on contact the Lottery Line at B-P. House on 0171 590 5123.

This programme offers grants of £500 to £5,000, has no specific themes to apply under or deadlines to meet and applications are welcomed all year round. Originally piloted in Wales the programme has been extended to three more areas and now covers: Wales, Scotland, North East England and South West England. Further details from the respective regional offices:

Wales (01686 - 622253), Scotland (0131 221 7100), North East (0345 458458), South West (0345 223399).

Most Leaders know that they have a degree of Personal Accident Insurance provided by the Association. It provides a fairly basic level of protection but it does help - especially in those cases where a Leader is laid up for some weeks in plaster!

Alas, the illusive 'Helper' has no such luxury. We cannot provide 'Automatic' cover because we have no idea how many there are but Groups can buy in to the main policy, for their valued committee members and Helpers, for as little as 26.25 for up to 25 unnamed people. Surely they are worth that!

Details of the current levels of benefit (which have recently changed) can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Scout Insurance Services, Dept. PA, at Lancing.

It has been brought to our attention by Customs & Excise that there have been instances, in at least one area of the country, of a Scout Unit (who runs 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. There are extremely few purchases which are 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 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.

SCOUTING Magazine offers three volumes of clip-art for both MS-DOS/Windows and Apple Macintosh compatible computers. Recently released Volume 3 includes images of all the main logos of the Sections and The Scout Association, as well as all of the Activity and Proficiency badges, Awards and Decorations of the Association and Sectional related artwork. See SCOUTING Magazine for details and an order form.

Special prices for some Microsoft products available from Phoenix Software in York were announced in the Talking Points IT Update published last year. For an new list of the latest products and offers, please contact the Public Relations Department at Baden-Powell House.

If your copy of Talking Points arrives in a plain brown envelope, it comes from the Public Relations Department, probably because you are a PRO or Newsletter Editor. If the address is incorrect or you have resigned, please tell the PR Department at Baden-Powell House. If Talking Points reaches you in a plastic wrapper, it comes from our mailing house and the label was generated from the national Records Office computer at Lancing. If the address is incorrect or you have handed over your job as GSL, District Secretary or similar appointment then somebody needs to tell Lancing - otherwise really important information might not reach the right people when it should.

HM Barque Endeavor Replica is in the UK between March and October and is looking for anyone who would like to crew the vessel. You must be over 18 and have some sailing experience. For further information contact the Endeavor Foundation on 0181 293 5522.

Due to computer assisted problems in generating address labels, compounded by the Christmas break, some copies of Talking Points 46 were very late being distributed. Please do not blame your District/County Secretary - it was our fault - sorry.

It has been confirmed that The President of The Scout Association, HRH The Duke of Kent, will visit Baden-Powell House on 5 June, 1997 when he will see the results of refurbishment work carried out to modernise the Hostel facilities for guests and meet Headquarters staff.

The Committee of the Council has congratulated members of the Movement honoured by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year Honours List.

Knights Bachelor: Herman Ouseley, Member of the Council and John Zochonis County President, Greater Manchester East.

K.C.V.O: Mr John Lowther, County President Northamptonshire.

C.B.E: for Services to Guiding awarded to The Hon. Mrs. Betty Clay, Vice President of The Scout Association;

M.B.E: Mr. J. Duncan, former Area Commissioner Gordon, Scotland; Mr. J.M. Elliot, County Chairman East Sussex; Mr. C Garratt, former DC BSWE; Mr A.N.B. Loach AGSL 26th Bristol Northcote; Mr. W.J. McAlpine, CSL 1st Newry County Down; Mrs I. Marilyn Park former Area Commissioner Dumfries.

The Finance sub-Committee has expressed concern that very few Groups and Districts are taking out the Non Member Personal Accident Insurance cover in respect of supporters. This can be achieved at under £30 for an unnamed number of 25 supporters. The sub-Committee recommended that greater publicity and awareness be promoted to encourage all Groups to re-examine the cover provided.

It has been agreed that the remit of this project should be expanded to examine the decision making opportunities which are available to members of the Scout Section and District and County/Area level and to recommend any additional support which may be required to ensure these opportunities are reflected. It will also provide guidance as to how young people are to be appointed to Committees and sub-Committees.

It has been agreed that a post of Child Protection Co-Ordinator be created at Headquarters to spearhead the important initiatives to be done in this area following the recommendations of the Child Protection Working Group. A key function of this post will be to assist Counties and Districts with the increasing responsibilities arising from child protection issues.

Mr. David Shaw from Cheshire has been elected National Chairman of the Scout Fellowship.

David Shelmerdine, Chief Executive at Scottish Headquarters has been appointed Secretary of The Scout Association from 17 March, 1997. Stephen Peck has been appointed as Director of Programme and Training and will take up his new post shortly; he is currently Chief Executive of Endeavour Training.

County Presidents: Buckinghamshire Sir Nigel Mobbs wef 1/1/97; Hertfordshire Mr Morris Le Fleming DL wef 7/7/97; Warwickshire Mr Martin Dunne LL JP wef 15/2/97.

County Commissioners: Gloucestershire Michael Baston (currently County Chairman) wef March 1997; Greater London South West Mr Roger Hurrion wef July 1997; Greater Manchester West Brian Mouat wef June 1997; Somerset Marjorie Williams wef March 1997; County Antrim - Ian Craig wef May 1997; Glamorgan West Anne Harries wef March 1997.

County Commissioners (extension of tenure): West Sussex Mrs Yvonne White extended by 3 years; Wiltshire Mr Stephen Chandler extended by 5 years; Aberdeen Mr Alex Keith extended by 5 years; Orkney Mr Ian Macleod extended by 5 years; Shetland Mr Peter Davis extended by 5 years; Western Isles Mrs Sybil Macleod extended by 2 years.