;

B-P House Reopened - Better than Ever

National Lottery Charities Board - Main Grants Programme

Safety Warning - Man Carrying Blocks

P.O.R. Amendments - Air Activity Rules

Use of MoD Facilities - Take Cover

Gilwell Reunion - Corrected Dinner Dates

Creative Activities - Talent Spotting

The Kneeling Knight - Limited Edition

International Tours - Travel Tasters

National Scout and Guide Orchestra - Double Bill

August on Kielder Water - Never Too Late

Be a Cultural Explorer - Widen Your Horizons

New Factsheets - Ethnic Awareness

Scouting and Schools - New Members

Rural Scouting - Isolated Areas

Uganda Study Tour - November Visit

P.O.R. - Clarification

Group and District Treasurers - Outline Accounts

Jamboree-on-the-Air - International Links

Getting Noticed - Visible Venture Scouting

Stoke Mandeville Olympics - Spaces for Scouts

Scout Prayer Card - Free Resources

BBC Radio2 - On The Scouting Trail

Programme Review - Thank You

Scoutlink Club DevelopmentInformation Days

The Scout Business Trust - Hampshire Experience

Committee News

Annual General Meeting:

National Lottery Charities Board:

Consultation on Shooting:

World Jamboree 2007 Study group:

Awards:

Uniform Outer Garment Badge:

Scout Shops Ltd:

Sponsorship, Promotions and Donations:

Loans to Groups:

Outdoor Activity Award:

Christian Resources Exhibition:

Appointments:

Queen's Birthday Honours:

Greatly improved facilities for thousands of international Scouts, Guides and other visitors to London became available on Thursday 5 June, 1997 when HRH The Duke of Kent, reopened The Baden-Powell House International Scout and Conference Centre after a 2m refurbishment.

The Duke, President of the UK Scout Association, toured the building which was closed for six months for its first major renovation since 1961. As well as meeting staff, some Scouts and some Headquarters volunteers, he visited some of the bedrooms all of which now have private facilities double glazing and air conditioning. The Hostel now offers 180 beds, seventy eight more than before. Many rooms have facilities for visitors with special needs. HRH was also shown the state-of-the-art conference centre facilities, training and meeting rooms and the new kitchen and Refectory.

Many thousands of Scouts, Guides, school-children and youth organisations have used B-P House as a base for visiting London since it was opened in 1961 by Her Majesty The Queen. Its large Assembly Hall and stage frequently provides rehearsal facilities for leading choirs and orchestras and can seat over 300. The new facilities make it possible to provide even better service to national and international guests and first-class facilities to anyone organising meetings, conferences, training courses and similar events in one of the best and most convenient locations in London.

Before arriving at the Hostel, His Royal Highness spent an hour touring the Headquarters offices, meeting with the Chief Scout, the Chief Executive and other staff and being brought up to date on the latest developments taking place in the UK's largest mixed youth Movement.

The main theme for Scouting is "Improving people's living environment". Groups, Districts and Counties would be eligible to apply for new buildings and repairs and renovations to existing buildings provided they demonstrate the building is or will be substantially used by the wider community, i.e. it must be used by a number of community groups other than Scouts. Minibuses are only considered as part of community transport schemes. As in past rounds "Voluntary Sector Development" continues to run alongside and only Districts and Counties are eligible to apply.

Application packs are available until 05/09/97 by phoning the Charities Board on 0345-919191. Completed applications to be returned by 5pm on 03/10/97.

The Lottery states that applicants require written permission from Headquarters to apply and a letter of permission must be sent to the Lottery with your completed application form or it will not be assessed.

The process for obtaining permission letters is as follows:

Applications from Groups and Districts. A photocopy of the completed application form (including business plan if your total project cost is £200,000 plus) and an A4 size S.A.E. must be sent to the County Commissioner. Initial approval by the County Commissioner and County Chairman is required before Stage 2. Please contact your County for the closing date for receipt of applications for approval.Applications from Counties . A photocopy of the completed application (and business plan if applicable) enclosing an A4 size S.A.E. must be sent to the respective Chief Commissioner for initial approval. Please contact your Chief Commissioner for the closing date for receipt of applications for approval.

Applications approved at Stage 1 will be forwarded to Headquarters and letters of permission sent to the respective Group, District or County accordingly.

A Lottery factsheet is available. To receive a copy or if you require advice on applying please contact the Scout Association Lottery Line at B-P House on 0171-590-5123.

Scout Shops Ltd. advise that one roller on the Scout Double Block sold by them (Code No: 60060-4) has become loose. Would all holders of blocks carrying batch number 716G, followed by two numbers, please return them to the manufacturer Ansell Jones (marked for the attn. of Peter Nicholls). Please ring telephone number 01922 32041 to arrange collection. Would the owners of these blocks please check the security of the blocks to determine that the bolts holding the rollers are secure. Blocks sold after 15 June, 1997 will have been checked prior to sale. If in doubt, please contact Peter Nicholls on the above number.

Included with this issue of Talking Points are details of amendments to Rule 38 Air Activities. The rule changes result from decision made by the Committee of the Council and are effective immediately. In Scotland copies will be distributed and available from Scottish Headquarters

Scout Groups who use military facilities are usually required to sign a formal agreement (often a document identified as F/Lands/429) in which they agree to hold harmless the Secretary of State and the MoD from any responsibility for injury, loss or damage. The document requires the Group to insure for the liability they accept under the agreement and Groups should be aware that THERE IS NO COVER under our existing legal liability policy. Any Group using, or intending to use, MoD facilities or property MUST contact Scout Insurance Services. We now have access to a scheme written for military units, and this is the only know source of cover capable of meeting the MoD's contentious requirements.

The dates for the special four course dinners available in the White House prior to Gilwell Reunion at an all-in price of £27.50 are the evenings of 4 and 5 September and not as stated in the last edition of "Talking Points". Latest date for booking is 1 August via Sam Boylen on 0181 524 5246. Reunion information is available in the July edition of SCOUTING magazine or from the Reunion Office on the number above.

Headquarters and in particular the Activities Office of the Programme and Training Department, would like to extend its contacts with talented groups, choirs, ensembles, bands and individuals with creative skills. Very often Headquarters is asked to provide musicians or other performers for a wide variety of prestigious national and local events. By collating this information, it is hoped that it will be possible to access these people more effectively.

If you believe that your talents could be used to the advantage of The Scout Association, please let the Activities Office at Gilwell Park have details of your expertise and how to contact you.

Lord Robert S.S. Baden-Powell, the Founder of the Scout Movement, is believed to have made only three sculptures during his life. Two of these were of a "Kneeling Knight" which Baden-Powell reportedly did in the 1920's to symbolise the dedication to duty of the Rover Scouts who Baden-Powell frequently referred to as "the knights of today". One of these "Kneeling Knight" sculptures was cast in the 1920's and sold in the Scout Shops throughout Great Britain. They were reportedly used in Rover Scout ceremonies in the 1920's and 1930's. The Second sculpture was given by Baden-Powell to his daughter Heather and until now has never been cast.

Only 125 castings will be made of this sculpture by Scouting Bronzes. One hundred of the edition have been set aside for the benefit of the worldwide Scouting Movement through the World Scout Foundation. Scouters who make an additional gift of $1,000 (U.S) to the World Scout Foundation will be given the opportunity to purchase one of the "Kneeling Knight" sculptures for $400 U.S to cover the casting costs. Payment must be made to the "World Scout Foundation" in the amount of $1400 (U.S) to reserve your bronze sculpture on a first come first served basis.

World Scout Foundation, Box 241, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.

Two tours are planned next year for leaders who have never taken a party abroad and need some guidance. Visits will be to camp sites in Belgium and Luxembourg. Dates: 6/7/8 and 20/21/22 March 1998. Target price: £99. For more information contact Maggie Brady, (ref: Euro Intro Tours), International Department, Baden-Powell House.

The National Scout and Guide Symphony Orchestra will be performing two concerts this summer. The dates for the concerts are Friday 15 August at St. George's Hall, Exeter, and Saturday 16 August at the Winter Gardens, Weston Super Mare. Tickets will cost £5 or £3 for concessions and will be available from Guide Headquarters, The Guide Association, 17-19 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W OPT.

Too late to arrange a camp in August - then why not spend a week in the comfort of the Hawkhirst Adventure Camp Hostel-full accommodation, all meals and activities to keep you busy for a week at £90 each? Contact Derek on 01434 250 217 or fax your address for full details on 01434 250 350.

Do you want to know more about different faiths and cultures? Find out about different religions and how Scouting can work across cultures by attending a cultural awareness day. The next day is on 4 October in Leicester. Please contact Ola in the Community Development Department at Baden-Powell House for further details.

The Community Development Department has produced three new factsheets on the Sikh community in Scouting, the Muslim community in Scouting and the Hindu community in Scouting. Copies can be obtained from the Community Development Department at Baden-Powell House.

This new project has received external funding from Marks and Spencers plc, so if you want to develop better relationships with the schools in your area or recruit more young people, particularly from secondary schools, contact Karen in the Community Relations Department at Baden-Powell House for further details.

We have received funding from The Dulverton Trust to help develop Scouting in very isolated rural areas over the next few years. If your District or County/Area covers a very rural area then we might be able to help you. Contact Ginette in the Community Relations Department at Baden-Powell House for further details.

An organised tour of Uganda will take place from 16 November, 1997 giving an opportunity for Leaders and Friends of Scouting to visit the country, discover its beauty, its people and culture. For further information contact Uganda Network via the International Department at Baden-Powell House.

P.O.R. Policy Organisations and Rules (1995 Edition) is currently available complete with Amendments 1 and 2 (issued in February 1996 and January 1997 respectively), Appendix A and Appendix B at a cost of £4.50.

Amendments 1 and 2 only are available free of charge to those who already have a copy of the 1995 edition of P.O.R.

Appendix A and Appendix B are available separately, priced 50p each.

The above are available from the Resource Centre, Scout Shops Ltd and Camping and Outdoor Centres. (note: mail order copies of the Amendments and Appendices are only available from the Resource Centre. Please add 38p per copy to cover postage and packing)

Some Group and District Treasurers have not received their copies of the Outline Accounts. These were sent with the November circulation to District Secretaries with a request to distribute to the Treasurers. The District Treasurer should have been given one copy of each of the four types of Outline Accounts. Group Treasurers should each have received a copy of the Receipts and Payments (Single Fund) Outline. If you have not received your copy apply to your District Secretary. Please note this does not apply in Scotland.

Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) takes place this year over the weekend of 17/19 October. Call the UK JOTA Team via the Activities Section at Gilwell Park to obtain advice on organising the event.

How to get more 'street cred' for your Venture Scout Unit is the topic of the latest resource from the Venture Scout Office at Gilwell Park. Getting Noticed is the essential Venture Scout guide to the media and copies have now been distributed to every ACC(VS) for circulation to every Unit and ADC(VS) in the UK. County and District Public Relations Officers will also be receiving a copy, direct from the PR Department at Baden-Powell House.

There are places for ten Scouts, Venture Scouts or young Leaders with physical disabilities at the Olympic Village at Stoke Mandeville over the weekend 19/ 21 September 1997. This is an excellent opportunity to take part in a wide range of sports, fully supported by professional coaches. The cost of the weekend is £55 excluding transport. Each participant is asked to bring a friend to share the fun and activities and to provide any personal care they require. The weekend is being run by the Guide Association. For further details or an application form please contact Anne Whiteford at Gilwell Park.

A Scout Prayer Card has been produced to help prayer be a natural and meaningful part of life for young people. It contains a few simple prayers which Scouts can use at camp, Troop evenings, Patrol activities or individually. The cards are available free of charge form the Programme and Training Department. Please send a stamped, addressed envelope to 'Scout Prayers' at Gilwell Park, indicating how many cards you would like. A 26p stamp should be used for 10 cards and 46p for 20 cards.

Subject to last minute changes, BBC Radio 2 is expected to broadcast a 50 minute documentary progamme about Scouting on 15 July, 1997 at 21:30 hours.

Many thanks to everyone who supported the Exit Interviews with young people who have left Scouting recently. This is part of the work on the review of the programme.

Thanks too, to District Commissioners and Group Scout Leaders for distributing the questionnaires and collating the returns; to Scouts, Venture Scouts, Leaders and Commissioners who filled in questionnaires and to the Leaders who organised activities for Cub Scouts and Beaver Scouts to let them have their say. The questionnaires and Activity Sheets should be returned to MORI as soon as possible, as the return date is 1st July. Databases have been set up to record all the information which will then be analysed. We will keep you informed of the findings and initial feedback will be available at the end of this year.

Scoutlink Clubs provide simple Scouting activities for people with severe learning disabilities. In 1998 Scoutlink Clubs will become Scout Groups and members will be able to make the Scout Promise.

If you are interested in learning more about this special provision in Scouting, there are three information days to be held in the autumn. They will take place on 1 November in London, 2 November in Manchester and in Glasgow sometime during the Scottish Conference, probably on Sunday 23 November. The cost for the day is £15. If you are interested in finding out more or coming to one of the events, please contact Anne Whiteford at Gilwell Park.

Hampshire Scout County launched their Scout Business Trust in April with seven Founder members including Associated British Ports and Midland Bank. The aim of the Trust is to increase support for Scouting from the business community by developing partnerships with Hampshire firms. Members companies are donating cash or kind to County, Districts or Groups as they prefer. The Trust is organising Business Challenges to encourage team building and personal development for 16-30 year olds in Scouting and local companies. They are looking at ways employers and Scouts can work together to improve employability and community service. If any other County or region would like to know more about Hampshire's work or how they might set up their own Scout Business Trust, please contact Jenny Lamprell at B-P House.

The AGM and Council in Conference of The Scout Association will take place on 27 September, 1997 at Baden-Powell House. Keynote speaker will be Gabriella Civicio, Chairperson British Youth Council

It has been agreed that like applications for loans, bids for Lottery grants should have the support of the relevant Area/County Commissioner and County Chairman. In the case of Areas/Counties themselves, this should be via the Chief Commissioner.

By the closing date for the return of responses to the consultation on shooting policy nearly 5,000 had been received. Analysis of the responses is expected to take some weeks and will be considered by the Programme and Training sub-Committee before being discussed at Committee of the Council in the autumn.

Work continues in establishing site criteria, identifying potential sites and starting to formulate programme ideas. A presentation was made to the World Scout Committee during its recent meeting at Gilwell Park. Following the appointment of Arup Economics and Planning a substantial number of land owners and all County Commissioners have been contacted as part of the search for a suitable location.

The Awards Board has reported that during the last year, over 2,200 Awards for Good Service, Meritorious Conduct or Gallantry were approved. This included 2 Cornwell Scout Badges, 45 Silver Wolfs and 406 Silver Acorns or Bars to the Silver Acorn.

The World Scout Bureau has granted the Association a license to manufacture a badge for use on outer garments. This will now be produced via Scout Shops Ltd.

The new store in Norwich has now been opened. Three Campex exhibitions have taken place.

The latest badge sponsorships to be announced include Ordnance Survey sponsoring the Cub Scout Map Reader's Badge and the INA Bearings Company the Scout Section Orienteering Badge. Badge sponsorship by the subsidiaries of Kingfisher plc has also produced substantial income to the Association. An increase in income from Legacies has also been reported.

Subject to the usual conditions, loans have been approved to Norfolk County Scout Council (£50,000) and 3rd Sleaford Group (£5,000) in connection with development work.

Currently 20% of Troops and 21% of all Scouts have registered to take part but it is thought than many more are working for the Award. Badges and certificates are being ordered on the basis of registrations so unless people register there could be insufficient supplies. To ensure that there are enough Awards available - please register.

In a joint venture with the Guide Association National Chaplains and local Chaplaincy Teams are being asked to support a stand at the next Christian Resources Exhibition on at G-MEX Manchester on 25/27 October, 1996

The following are corrections to two appointments listed in the previous edition of Talking Points.

County Commissioners: Berkshire - Mr Michael Evans wef 1/7/97, Jersey - Mr. Ian Dulake wef 1/5/97.

A number of Members of the Movement are known to have received honours. These include:-

OBE: Miss Dorothy Kinloch, Chief Commissioner for Scotland; Mr Peter Moxon DL, Chief Commissioner for England

MBE: Mrs Beryl Baddeley, Cub Scout Leader and former ADC (Cub Scouts), Willenhall, West Midlands; Mr Daniel Barr, District Commissioner Dunfermline; Mr Duncan Bradshaw, ADC Renfrew & Iverclyde; Mr Peter Kinton, Vice President G.L.S.W.; Mr Tom Mack, Scout Leader 3rd Clackmannan and County Adviser (Mountain Activities), Clackmannanshire; Mr Arthur Topping, former GSL 1st Golbourne;

LIFE PEERAGE: Field Marshall Sir Peter Inge, Chief of the Defence Staff, former County President, B.S.W.E.

CMG: Mr Alan Hoole, former Governor and Chief Scout, Anguilla; Mr R.P. Ralph, Governor, Falkland Islands & County President.

KCVO: Mr Richard Thornton,OBE, County President, Surrey