;

Criminal Record Checks - Good News

New Uniform Catalogue - New Website

National Queen's Scout Parade - Windsor 2001

B-Ps Paintings - Limited Edition Prints

Sailcamp 2001 - Three Day Adventure

New Legislation - Rights of Way

Adult Scout and Guide Alliance - First Meeting

Legal Advice - Useful Contact

National and Specialist Advisers

Individual Learning Accounts - Training Assistance

Scout Lottery Line - Ask for Help

Scout Holiday Homes Trust - Offers

Gift Aid - A Bargain

Funds - Help From Headquarters

National Road Safety Week - 31 March - 6 April 2001

Scout Conservation Badge - British Gas Sponsorship

Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges - British Meat Sponsorship

Kayaking and Dinghy Sailing - Hawkhirst Training

OUTDOORS - Scout Shops On-Line

Cub Scout Photographer Badge - Kodak Sponsorship

Sky High 2001 - Lift-off in Lincs.

War Memorials - Unusual Project

Baden-Powell House - Coffee Break

Stop Press - Foot and Mouth

Committee News

New Uniform:

British Youth Council:

Mountain Activities:

H.M. The Queen's Golden Jubilee:

Appointments:

Next Meeting:

The Government has announced that checks from the new Criminal Records Bureau will be free for voluntary youth organisations. Welcoming the news, Chief Executive Derek Twine said, "Not only has a potentially damaging financial burden been lifted from the voluntary sector but this will also encourage organisations who do not currently check applicants to do so. This is a significant step forward for any organisation committed to keeping the young people in its care safe from harm."

The Chief Executive also thanked Members of the Scout Movement throughout the UK who had joined with other local voluntary organisations to brief their MPs about the damaging implications of the charges. They would have been especially felt in areas of social deprivation and economic hardship.

Full details of the new uniform proposals have been sent to every Scout Group in the United Kingdom and are available on the ScoutBaseUK website (http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq-info/uniform/). A copy of the uniform catalogue from Outdoors (Scout Shops Ltd.) has been mailed to all Groups with this edition of Talking Points. The catalogue can also be viewed on the new Outdoors website (http://www.outdoors.ltd.uk/).

There are attractive discounts for ordering early.

HRH The Duke of Kent, President of The Scout Association, has kindly accepted the invitation to Review the Parade of Queen's Scouts at Windsor Castle on Sunday 22nd April 2001.

Lord Robert Baden-Powell was an excellent artist. As part of the lead up to the Centenary of Scouting in 2007, The Scout Association is releasing a limited edition of prints taken from its unique collection of The Founder's watercolours. This is the first time these landscapes and depictions of African wildlife have been used to produce life size reproductions.

The first three paintings selected for reproduction are now available at a cost of £99.00 each. This price includes a certificate of authenticity, a specially illustrated packaging tube and postage and package to any address in the UK. Proceeds from the sale of these prints will help ensure that the events to mark 100 years of Scouting are a fitting celebration of the Movement's work with young people around the world.

If you are interested in owning a piece of Scouting history please call 0845 300 18 18 or order online through the Scout Information Centre e-shop at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/trading/resource/.

Would you like to take part in a three day sailing adventure on Kielder Water 5-7 May 2001? Crews must have a capable helmsman and a good degree of sailing ability. Wayfarers (Crew of 3-4) and Drascombe Longboats will be provided. For further details contact Hawkhirst Adventure Camp on 01434 250217.

The Countryside Council for Wales has brought The Countryside Rights Of Way Act 2000 Nature Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to the attention of The Scout Association Legal Department. This Act will undoubtedly apply also to the rest of the country.

The main thrusts of the legislation seem to be aimed at the management if the SSSI land, notification of changes of land ownership and also access to SSSI land. In respect of access it is said that officials would always seek permission before entering land to monitor the SSSI and your permission will be sought if possible. However on the 30th January 2001 in the rare event that they are refused access, the new Act gives them power to enter the land. 24 hours notice will normally be given. The Council also says that the Act gives it more power to prosecute third parties who intentionally and knowingly damage special features of an Scientific Site of Special Interest.

There will be a guide to owners and occupiers of SSSI initially from the Countryside Council for Wales and probably from other regional authorities at a later stage.

The inaugural meeting of the UK Adult Scout and Guide Alliance will take place in Carlisle at 12.30pm on Saturday 19 May. The Alliance replaces the former Joint National Committee and provides a route for adult Members of The Scout Association to be members of the International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) if they so wish. Anyone wanting to know more, or interested in standing for a place on The Executive Committee of the Alliance, should contact Maurice Cornelius on (01953) 885684 or maurice.cornelius@virgin.net.

The National Solicitors Network, a group of over 500 practices across the country, has offered to help Members of The Scout Association seeking legal advice.

By entering the Network's website, our Members can specify a geographic location and what kind of legal assistance is required. They will then be put in touch with a suitable solicitor.

The main website is www.solicitorsnetwork.co.uk. You can also use tnsn.com (the initials of The National Solicitors Network). The local solicitor will provide up to half an hour free legal advice, after which you can decide whether or not to instruct the solicitor to act on your behalf.

The National Solicitors Network, 65 Curzon Street, Mayfair, London W1J 8PE Tel: 020 7244 6422 Fax: 020 7370 6893

National and Specialist Advisers are appointed to assist the Programme and Development sub-Committee (in conjunction with the National Commissioner for Activities and the staff of the Programme and Development Department). They provide support and guidance to Members of the Movement, on a variety of (specialist) activities.

Currently, there is a need to appoint the following:

• National Adviser for Air Activities
• Specialist Adviser for Parascending
• Specialist Adviser for Archery
• Specialist Adviser for Caving
• Specialist Adviser for Mountain Biking
• Specialist Adviser for Shooting
• Specialist Adviser for Snow Sports
• Specialist Adviser for Amateur Radio
• Specialist Adviser for Information Technology [as a means of supporting programme delivery]
• Specialist Adviser for Jamboree on the Air
• Specialist Adviser for Jamboree on the Internet
• Specialist Adviser Private Mobile Radio
• Specialist Adviser Power Boating
• Specialist Adviser for Pulling

Nominations and applications are being sought for those with appropriate experience in one of the activity areas given above. The Programme and Development sub-Committee makes appointments on the recommendation of the National Commissioner for Activities in consultation with the County/Area Commissioner (if appropriate). Appointments are initially, for a period of three years although may be extended - usually for further periods of three years - following review.

A job description and person specification and application form is available from the Activities Office at Gilwell Park. The closing date for the receipt of nominations/applications is 31 March 2001.

This government-backed scheme entitles you to a discount on a learning scheme of your choice. It can also be used for Scout Leader training, becoming a sports instructor, or First Aid for example - in fact any course that has an emphasis on learning so you can help other learn. You cannot use it simply to take part in an activity or sport.

The first 1.000,000 people to register get a free £150 voucher to spend with any registered provider. The Association has recently encouraged all Counties/Areas to register as providers but many other activity centres, companies and organisations are also registered.

To register you need to complete a simple form. It's well worth registering now on 0800 072 5678 or on line at http://www.dfee.gov.uk/ila/

Unfortunately, due to the move to Gilwell Park we are no longer able to provide a Scout Lottery telephone line. If Scout Groups/Districts or Counties require any assistance with their Lottery applications or need any information please contact Jo Billingham in the Fundraising Department on 020 8433 7232.

The Trust offers affordable accommodation to families with special needs. If you know such a family who would benefit from a holiday, why not ring the Trust Office who will happily send them a brochure.

Members of Scouting are welcome to enjoy an out-of-season holiday or last minute high season holiday (caused by cancellation) at any of the 14 caravans or 2 chalets located on commercial holiday parks. A new caravan will be opened at Haven's Seashore Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk this Easter. Call Scout Holiday Homes Trust on 020 8433 7290 or email scout.holiday.homes@scout.org.uk for more details.

Gift Aid is a guaranteed way of raising money for your Groups and an opportunity not to be missed. A step by step guide can be downloaded from www.Scoutbase.org.uk or alternatively a copy can be obtained from the Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.

A number of Headquarters funds, previously administered from Lancing have been transferred to the Fundraising Department at Gilwell House. These include the Sea Scout General Fund, The Needy Groups Fund, various Scout Charitable Trusts and others. For more details please contact The Fundraising Department at Gilwell House, 0845 300 1818.

What have you done recently or plan to do in the future to improve the Cub Scout's level of care on the road?

If you have a story about a local safety initiative, Joanna Hammond, at Key Communication (working on behalf of Jet Petroleum), will be pleased to hear from you. Contact her on 0121 456 3199 or joannahammond@keycommunications.co.uk. Jet Petroleum, sponsors of the Cub Scout Road Safety badge, aims to make Cub Scouts more careful when using roads. Their resource pack is available as a support aid from the Scout Information Centre on 0845 300 1818.

British Gas is sponsoring the Scout Conservation Badge to help promote energy efficiency. All Groups should have received details of the Think Energy programme which challenges all Scouts to complete home energy surveys for their families and friends. Groups who complete the most home energy surveys will have the chance of winning a cash prize of £500. When returning the surveys please state how many young people in your Group took part.

British Meat is sponsoring both the Cub Scout and Scout Cook Badges for two years. To help Leaders deliver the badge criteria a resource is currently being produced called 'Cook, Share and Care'. It is packed with tasty recipes, hints and tips on healthy eating and food hygiene. It will be sent to all Groups in March.

There is an extensive range of courses for BCU and RYA Awards at Hawkhirst Adventure Camp, Kielder Water, Northumberland from April through to July. For details email hawkhirst@aol.com or telephone 01434 250217

Take a look at the new website http://www.outdoors.ltd.uk/ for the latest information on the extensive range of equipment available from the Scout Shops Ltd. and their 26 High Street outlets the Outdoors chain.

Kodak is sponsoring the Cub Scout Photographer Badge for two years. The sponsorship will assist Cub Scouts in achieving the Photographer badge and in developing photography skills. Special Scout Association branded Kodapost envelopes are being sent to all Groups shortly which Cub Scouts and their families can use for film processing.

(Kodak and Kodapost are trademarks of Kodak)

If you are looking for an action packed weekend camp, why not try parascending at Sky High 2001. The event takes place over the weekend of 6/8 July on the Airfield, St. George's Barracks, Luffenham. Details from, Mrs Ann Underwood, Sky High 2001, 41 The Orchard, Leven, Beverley, East Yorkshire HU17 5QA.

If you are looking for a slightly unusual project for your Section or Fellowship why not take part in a national project to identify and record war memorials? Because there has never been a central archive holding details of war memorials within the British Isles, a national research project was initiated in 1989 by the Imperial War Museum and the Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England (RCHME merged with English Heritage on 1st April 1999).

A Project Co-ordinator was appointed who organised a programme of voluntary fieldwork and recording throughout the country. The Inventory defines 'war memorial' as any tangible object created or installed to commemorate those killed in or as a result of military service. Every type of memorial is recorded, with the exception of gravestones.

In November 1997 the project was awarded a generous three year grant by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Once complete, the Inventory will be an invaluable archive holding information on Britain's estimated 50 - 60,000 war memorials. It will include not only memorials erected after the First World War, but also a wealth of information on memorials for earlier conflicts like the Crimean and Boer Wars and on commemorative activity from the Second World War to the present day.

Standard recording forms are sent out to voluntary organisations such as local history societies and family history groups as well as individual fieldworkers. Full details are available from http://www.iwm.org.uk/lambeth/niwm.htm. You can also contact Lorraine Knight, Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ.

A new coffee and sandwich bar has been opened in the reception area of the B-P House Hostel in Queen's Gate, London SW7. Ideal for anyone visiting London for business or pleasure, the facility is open until very late in the evening. Whilst visiting the Hostel pick up a leaflet detailing the very reasonable accommodation charges for anyone wanting to stay in London. You might also like to have a look at the splendid new outdoor 'roof garden' that has been created adjacent to the meeting and conference rooms on the second floor.

As this edition of Talking Points goes to press the Foot and Mouth Crisis continues. The following guidence was issued on 2 March.

General Scouting Activities

Do not camp on, walk across, or visit :-

• farmland, or land used by farm animals;
• woodland or parkland where deer may be present;
• National Parks or open countryside.

Scout County/Area and District Camp Sites and Activity Centres

Local managers and Commissioners should follow advice available from their relevant local authority, or direct from MAFF (telephone 0845 050 4141, or via the MAFF web-site at http://www.maff.gov.uk/.

Scout Association National Centres

Until further notice, The Scout Association's Adventure Activity Centre at Hawkirst (in Keilder Forest, Northumberland) is closed for all activities. At Gilwell Park there will be no activities extending off the estate into Epping Forest.

The situation continues to be monitored and reviewed. Further guidance will be provided as the situation develops. The latest advice to the Movement will continue to be made available on www.scoutbase.org.uk and from the Information Centre.

The Committee of the Council met at Baden-Powell House on 13 December 2000.

The Committee received and considered the report on the Uniform Consultation with its results and recommendations. The Committee noted that while the exercise had been a consultation and not a referendum, the membership of the Movement had expressed clear opinions on the questions asked and in most cases and that it would be inappropriate to disregard those view, other than for very cogent reasons. The last date for the change to the new uniform remains 1 January 2003 and at that date, young people may still continue to wear the existing uniform, if they wish to do so, until they change Section.

(The detail of the final decisions has already been communicated to the Movement and copies are available from the Information Center on request and can be viewed and downloaded from http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/). The new uniform catalogue can be viewed at the Outdoors (Scout Shops Ltd.) website http://www.outdoors.ltd.uk/

The Director of Programme & Development reported that the British Youth Council had requested the help of The Scout Association in furthering its aims as a national youth forum through which young people could directly express their views. It was agreed that The Scout Association will send a delegation to the BYC annual meetings for the next three years and a further assessment be made of the effectiveness of the Council as a representative body for young people. The Committee agreed changes concerning the composition of the delegation.

The Committee received a further progress report on revisions to the authorisation scheme for mountain activities. Revised Fact Sheets have been prepared and a series of briefing meetings has been organised throughout the UK for the appropriate Area/County personnel. The Committee confirmed and agreed that all existing hill and mountain walking authorisations should remain valid pending re-assessment and re-authorisation but with a fixed expiry date of 31 December 2002. At this date all exiting authorisations which have been replaced under the new scheme will automatically become invalid. Up to this date, and with effect from 1 March 2001, those authorisations may however only be exercised up to the level already contained within them or the level implied by the new revised authorisation grading scheme, whichever is the lower.

Initial proposals for a National Programme Initiative for 2002 were considered including a celebration badge to be available for sale with some element of profit being donated to a project with Commonwealth links. This would support Her Majesty's expressed wish that the Golden Jubilee of the Accession to the throne should have Commonwealth links.

Warrants were presented to Mr. Roger Starr on his appointment as National Commissioner for Programme and Fr. John Seddon as The Scout Association Adviser for Religious Development. The appointment of Mr. P. Nicol as Chief Commissioner for England (North) w.e.f. 1 April 2001 was noted. The Committee also agreed to support the nomination of Mr. John May for Election to the World Scout Committee in 2002.

24-25 March at Gilwell Park.