DC’s COMMENTS - A YEAR OF CELEBRATION…..
What a start to the year? Sam and Tom attained their Queen Scout and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. Well done to these two who have work extremely hard to achieve the two highest awards. (See Explorer Scout section below)

It is good to see our youngsters wearing their Centenary scarves, as I go to different meetings and events. Each Group has applied it own approach to the year, however all are involved. Thank you.

We are stepping up our PR and so far have achieved about 20 column inches. Not bad compared with previous years.

The next opportunity to celebrate 100 years will be the day out at Alton Towers on Sunday 22nd April. Forms have now been issued to all Groups to purchase tickets etc. If you haven’t received yours give me a call a.s.a.p.

Remember this is an opportunity to bring family and friends. Shortage or unavailability of Leaders should not be a barrier to our youngsters being given the opportunity to go with their Parents.

We have held the District Cub Quiz and also the District Scout Incident Hike. Both continue to be a popular event for our Cubs and Scouts. I am always amazed and very grateful for the support from Leaders and adults who support these events.

On occasions we are able to recognise the exceptional contributions made by a particular person. I am pleased to announce that the Chief Scout has awarded the Medal of Merit to Rosie Dias, presently a District Executive member and Chair for 2nd Hulland Scout Group. Rosie has been involved in many uniformed roles in the old Ashbourne District and 2nd Hulland Scout Group going back to 1986. Well done.

It will soon be the camping season, although the 5th Matlock (All Saints) have already had a Group birthday (82 years) camp at our District site at Tansley.

1st Matlock (Crich) also celebrated 77 years with a Pack holiday in January at Buxton Field Centre.

I am sure there are others stories you could tell – please do share them.

The Census was completed on time – a first. Thanks to all of you for responding. It does make the job less of a hassle for the District Secretary. I am pleased to announce that our numbers increased by 14.5%. All sections showed an increase, particularly the Explorers, which increased by 44%.

Since the end of January ten more adults have been recruited.

To meet the training need we ran a Module 1 - Essentials and Module 3 - Tools for the Job course in February. 18 Leaders attended. The course was held at the Hope and Anchor inn at Wirksworth starting at 0730 hrs!!! Bacon butties started the day off well. The morning was well received and we finished at 1300 hrs. Evaluation forms received so far showed the course being well received and the venue/start time and duration just right. We will be putting on another Module 1 & 3 course in the near future. Please accept my thanks for the time and commitment given by all who attended and presented the sessions. The year has started well.

We did very well last year both on entries and placings. Again the District will be well represented. In addition to the Event trophies the DC’s special Trophy will be up for the Group who does well on the day.

PUBLICITY IN 2007
Reminder we are seeking to make good NEWS during 2007. To do this can everyone please work through Duncan Davies, who is our Media Manager for 2007 His contact details are: Email: duncan_davis341@hotmail.com.

Three young spokespersons will be attending media training at Gilwell Park shortly.

2007 – DISPLAY TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
There must be someone out there with memorabilia and knowledge of a suitable venue to put on a Centenary display. Please do come forward with ideas. It is a good opportunity to show Scouting through the ages and dust off some of our relics (No comments please, District Secretary).

BADGE SECRETARY - Please note that Liz has a new contact email address as follows: timogle@lineone.net.

Furry Fred Challenge continues as part of the years theme.
On Sunday 8th July the Beavers will be visiting Drum Hill Campsite at Derby for their Beaver Bonanza Day. This is a brilliant event and not to be missed. If you are free and would like to help (whatever your section), please contact Hilary Maltby, District Beaver Scout Leader

Contingent Badges
Bleaklow and Kinder
These two are available from from the DC
a cost of £2 each inc p&p

email:info@derwentanddove.org.uk

As I write this, there is less than 6 months until the Jamboree starts – we will be leaving Derbyshire on the 26th July, a day ahead of our International Visitors. This is so that we can get used to the site, and more importantly the Hub and Sub Camp layout.

Since I last wrote members of the Jamboree Unit have been busy, they have continued fundraising for both their own funds and for Central Funds. In the days before Christmas, as well as attending local events – over half of the Units members turned out to pack bags at Morrisons in Derby. Through our assistance at the event, over £1000 has been raised allowing us to look at additional items we can provide or purchase to benefit the members. In addition to this, Badge Sales continue to be a good source of both individual and central fundraising. In recent weeks we have also received a substantial anonymous donation.

National Unit Leaders Meeting
At the end of November 4 of the Leadership team attended the second Unit Leaders meeting. On this occasion we were treated to an indoor weekend. This weekend again gave us an opportunity to meet the leaders of the 115 other UK units that will be attending the Jamboree. This weekend was full of information about the Jamboree itself. More specifically, what the atmosphere will be; what a typical day’s programme at the Jamboree will be; information about food and it’s distribution (always an important subject to me); and what the Jamboree Organisers would like us to do in preparation for the Jamboree – they would like us to bring something to do; something to see and something to eat! Each of which should be representative of the UK, Derbyshire, or the East Midlands Region.

Young Spokespeople
4 Members of the Jamboree Units attended a Young Spokespeople training course organised by the HQ Media Department. Each of them came away (albeit it slightly late….next time, I’ll double check the finish time before stopping for a cuppa with a mate on the way, ooops) full of information about appearing on camera; writing articles for the print media and giving interviews. Each member has now had an opportunity to put their skills to the test, 2 have assisted in the writing of the Jamboree Report for the County AGM, and two have written articles for the press about the Gilwell Winter Camp.

Brownsea Island Sunrise Ceremony
We have nominated three members from Derbyshire to represent the UK Contingent at this very special event – we are now waiting to hear if they have been successful in their application.

Training Weekend Three
During the last weekend of February we held our Third Training weekend, this event was again held at Drum Hill. The weekend saw the Units operating far more independently of each other than in previous weekends. The weekend also gave an opportunity for each of the Unit Leadership team to look at our potential Patrol Leaders, and following the weekend, both Units have identified who they intend to have as PL’s.

During the weekend, as well as socialising with each other, the members looked at two distinct area’s of preparation for the Jamboree. Firstly, all day Frank and Pete from the 73rd Derby group assisted us by ensuring that our members Pioneering Skills were up to scratch, they started the day with both Units practicing their knot and lashing skills, before the Bleaklow Unit built a bridge across “River Drum Hill”. This exercise was repeated in the afternoon by Kinder Unit. The other half of Saturday were spent on activity workshops – all Unit members looked at what entertainment we may be able to give at the Jamboree – we now have a plan for both Units. We also looked at what activities we would be able to share at the Jamboree, a plan for our gateway, and a craft activity looking at what members may be able to make and take to the Jamboree as give away items.

We also looked at and voted on the food we will prepare for the Sunrise Day Gastronomic Delights. The weekend finished with some team work “mind” games.

Much of the activities during the weekend had been planned in order that we can pack items into containers making one cubic metre that we can pack onto a container at Gilwell Park in early May, at the same time as we pick up our kit and equipment on Distribution Day (D’Day).

Gilwell Winter Camp
Unit Members started the Centenary at the earliest opportunity by attending the Gilwell Winter Camp. 38 Young people, 5 Leaders and two guests attended the Camp. It was nice to see Derbyshire represented by many different groups. All our members enjoyed the weekend. Each and every one took part in as many activities that they could including the late night disco and party; Climbing Wall; go-karting; air rifle shooting amongst many others. The most heard descriptions from the members were awesome; it was great; it was brilliant. The Leaders had a slightly different take on the weekend and could sum it up in one word – muddy! We were generously assisted in this weekend by East Midlands Vehicle Hire who “hired” a van to us for nothing.

Day Visitors
There will be an opportunity for 10,000 visitors to attend and experience the Jamboree each day for eight days (some days are “closed” for special events). More information can be found by following links from (www.ukcontingent.org.uk)

Help Make it Happen
The World Jamboree organising team are looking for assistance before and after the Jamboree. This is open to anybody aged 14+. This may be a good opportunity for Explorer Units to see the Jamboree site, and really make a difference for all 40000 participants, there is no cost involved (except travel), food and camping space will be provided. Anyone helping for two or more days will be thanked by having the opportunity to visit the Jamboree as a Day Visitor – free of charge. For further information, please see (www.ukcontingent.org.uk)

Upcoming Events
Please check the Online Diary on the county website (www.derbyshirescouts.org) for specific details, but in the coming months we have some events arranged for Central Fundraising – these funds will be used to support purchase of items we need or desire for use at the Jamboree; Additional Uniform; Informal Uniform and many other items to make the 21st World Scout Jamboree the Experience of a Lifetime for all members.

Current Planned activities are a Casino Night and Supper on the 14th April; 2 Car Washes at McDonalds in Derby; and a Sealed bid Auction – details can be found for the Auction online at (www.derbyshire-auction.mysite.orange.co.uk)
We are also hoping to start a Friends of the Jamboree Club in the next few weeks.

For further details on any of the above activities, or the Derbyshire Jamboree Units, please contact me – jamboree@derbyshirescouts.org or from the County Team Page of the County Website.

Neil Horbury
Jamboree Troop Leader

How does: Treasure Quiz, Talks on various subjects, buffet evening just chatting, walks, trips grab you?
Interested then let the DC know. email:info@derwentanddove.org.uk

13 teams were entered involving 60 Scouts and the event was supported by 30 Leaders, parents and Explorer Scouts from all three units.

The 16km route started at the Waterloo Inn at Biggin, followed a snake route using the High Peak Trail as a backbone. There were four incidents along the way, a mapping test at the start and a compass bearing task along the way.

There were some interesting map reading errors by Teams, which involved a few more miles to retrace their steps. Interesting how it is the checkpoints that are in the wrong place!!
All Team finally arrived at the finish at The Miners Arms at Carsington.

The Winning Team was 2nd Ashbourne (Pioneer) ‘A’ Troop, who completed the route in just under 5.75 hours with a total score of 51. Second was 1st Matlock (Crich) Troop, despite picking up a one hour penalty, in a time of 6 hours six minutes with a total score of 48 points. Third were 2nd Ashbourne (Panther) ‘A’ Troop completed in 5 hours 12 minutes with a total score of 46 points.

The Scouts seemed in good cheer at the finish, if a little tired, hungry and foot sore.
The verdict - definitely on for next year.

CAMPING & COOKING COMPETITION
The date: Weekend 8/9th September, The Venue: District campsite – Tansley
Details of the competition rules and entry forms will be circulated later this month.

The Competition is being organised by James Tubby, SL of 1st Osmaston, Brailsford and Shirley Scout Troop.

For 18 – 25 year olds – Interested then go to:(www.scoutnetderbys.org.uk)

WOODBADGE TRAINING AWARDS
We are pleased to announce that Helen Staple ESL Leopard ESU and James Tubby have completed their Leader Training.

MEMBERSHIP FEES
Another record! All monies have been paid by Groups before the deadline. This has helped to qualify for the 50p/head discount and also avoid the District having to draw down investments and the associated penalties this can give.

Thanks you to all the Treasurers and GSL’s for responding.

CENSUS
As mentioned by the DC earlier, the District has grown by 14.5% and since has grown further with a new Beaver Colony starting at 1st Matlock (Crich) Scout Group.