3 members from (44th Croydon Scout Group) had the honour to represent Croydon Scouting by attending the premiere of 'African Cats' in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the BFI Southbank on Wednesday 25th April 2012. Jayne King (Scout Leader) accompanied Antonio Akridas (Scout) and Lauryn Yearwood (Cub Scout) to this premiere showing.
Lauryn who's mother is the (Beaver Scout Leader) at the Group was one of the chosen young people to actually meet and talk to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on this most special of occasions. Clearly this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a life changing experience for all.
Please use the link below watch the short video of the occasion.
Group Scout Leaders will be aware that in October 2011 we created and published an A5 colour booklet as a quick reference guide for new and established GSLs and Group Managers. This was designed to highlight the key areas of responsibility in their appointment.
Following on from this on 28/02/12 we held an Executive training workshop at Pinewood. This was very well supported by a good mix of Group Chairs, Treasurers, Secretaries and Group Scout Leaders representing 17 of our Groups in Croydon. Due to the success of this workshop I am very pleased that we have now been able to finalise a sister publication entitled 'Executive Power' which is particularly designed for, and should be given to all members of your Group Executive Committees, including any prospective new members.
Hard copy booklets are available from the DC or ADC (General Duties). Both publications are available as electronic PDF versions and can be downloaded from the District Website - Leader Resource webpage (GSL and Executive tabs)
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 April 2012 14:32
Phoenix ESU Christmas Camp
Written by Steve French (DC)
Monday, 19 December 2011 13:28
I am sure that we all know the story of the Phoenix. The Phoenix is a mythical bird with colourful plumage and a tail of bright colours. It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle and near the end of its life it builds a nest of twigs and then ignites itself and burns fiercely. Following this a new young Phoenix rises from the ashes.
Well closer to home, and over a very cold weekend of 10th / 11th December members from Croydon's newest Explorer Scout Unit camped at Blacklands Farm for their Christmas Camp. This was to be a special activity weekend with the District Commissioner, Explorer Commissioner and County Commissioner for Explorers all joining the unit during the afternoon for a combined investiture service.
The unit were at Blacklands for a weekend full of activities and of course a special Christmas Dinner on the Saturday evening. Midway through an indoor climbing session all 19 Explorer Scouts went to put on uniform and then proceeded to climb across the wall from one side to the other to be invested by Simon Anderton their new ESL and to be presented with their District Scarves by the Commissioners. Prior to this the DC invested Simon as Explorer Scout Leader of Phoenix ESU.
Congratulations to Simon and his team, the new Explorers at Phoenix ESU and of course the 25th Purley their supporting Group for this great achievement.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 April 2012 16:39
District Awards Night 2011
Written by Stephen James French
Friday, 16 March 2012 15:44
On Tuesday 13th March Croydon Scouting again hosted its highly respected Annual Awards Night event. Over 150 members of the District were joined by invited guests from business, commerce and public sectors, including: Cllr Graham Bass, Mayor of Croydon; David Musker, Chief Superintendent and Borough Commander for Croydon Police; Cllrs Sara Bashford and Simon Townend from Croydon Council; Sue Thomas, County Commissioner for Croydon Girlguiding; Dean Jefferys, SA London Regional Commissioner; as well as our own County Commissioner, members of the District Team and District Executive.
Five main awards were presented this year for Development, Achievement, Best Practice, as well as the Chief Commissioner's Award introduced in 2010, and our newly introduced Community Award for 2011.
Development Award: Winners 19th Purley / Runners-up 2nd S & A
Best Practice Award: Winners 28th Croydon / Runners-up 29th Croydon
Chief Commissioner's Award: Winners Linda Ford & Marina French (1st Croydon) / Runner-up Peter Pearce (11th Purley)
Community Award: Winners 2nd Croydon / Runners-up 18th Purley
Highly commended certificates were also awarded to Paul Bates, 11th Purley (Achievement), and to Pat Stannard, 44th Croydon (Chief Commissioner's).
Many congratulations to all Groups and Units in Croydon for all the tremendous hard work they put in to offer the very best of Scouting to our members.
Last Updated on Saturday, 17 March 2012 11:05
Croydon receives 'Royal Seal of Approval'
Written by Stephen James French
Saturday, 06 November 2010 22:46
125 Members from Croydon Scouting and invited guests celebrated the success and achievements of Croydon Scouting at the second annual Awards Night held at Trinity School on Wednesday 27th October 2010.
The Mayor, Councillor Avril Slipper presented Group Awards for Achievement and Best Practice, Mr Steve Waite (Managing Director) of Mansell Construction presented the Development Award and our own Wayne Bulpitt (UK Chief Commissioner) presented the new Chief Commissioners Award.
Download the full editorial and a list of all award winners together with photo's below. (copies of the photo's have already been emailed to the award winners)
I was also very excited when I received an email of thanks from Wayne Bulpitt asking me to check his Blog page on the Scout Association website. Please read the 'Blog' yourself on the Scouts.org.uk website using the link below.
On behalf of the District Executive, the District Team, and indeed Wayne Bulpitt (UK Chief Commissioner) I would like to offer my personal congratulations and thanks to all members of Croydon Scouting for your individual contributions to Scouting. This collective effort all helps to achieve what we have in Croydon and what is certainly being envied around the County. Events like the 'Awards Night' and being able to highlight our achievements all help to raise the profile of Scouting in Croydon which surely must be our combined goal !
