The Medway Towns District's 4th AGM took place on Monday 19th September and was a great success with over 60 members of our District present.

Attendees had the chance to chat with 5 of our WSJ2011 Sweden contingent, Jamie, Harrison, Evie, Peter and Alex. They each brought along bags stuffed with memorabilia that they had gathered on their time away. The enthusiasm shown by these youngsters was captivating and it was very clear that they had each thoroughly enjoyed their Jamboree experience.

Each of them are preparing presentations and talks so that they can discuss their experiences with others so please invite them along to your section meetings in order to instil some excitement for WSJ2015 Japan.

Below is my report as presented at the AGM. Minutes of the 2011 AGM will be circulated to GSL’s once completed.

This year has been another successful one for the Medway Towns Scout District. The Census shows us as still being the largest District in the County if not the Country! Although numbers didn’t grow year on year we consolidated through a tricky period. Looking at the number of enquiries to join that I receive week in week out then I am certain that we will have some growth this year.

The number and variety of events and activities arranged by leaders for the young people never ceases to amaze me and the fact that all of these help in the progressive training of them is superb. I was lucky to attend a presentation evening for the Chief Scouts Gold Award this year and it was great to see so many of the Districts Scouts and Explorers there receiving Awards. I have also witnessed, and indeed presented, numerous Chief Scout Awards across all sections.

Another highlight of my Scouting year was attending St Georges Day at Windsor Castle. The best bit of the day was seeing two Queens Scouts from Our District parade in the grounds, congratulations once again to them.

As you have or will hear tonight, the trustees at Buckmore Park are still working tirelessly to come to a settlement on the long term future of the Park. I hint at this every year but I am confident that we will see a conclusion fairly soon which will help the District more forward enormously. I have felt that we have been lacking in a District focal point and I am certain that the enthusiasm generated once we have the Park will help with this greatly.

The District team work tirelessly and often without recognition, often in the background, to assist in arranging District Wide activities. Unfortunately far too often these are either poorly attended or have to be postponed after the initial enthusiasm surrounding the event. I urge you all to attend District Sectional meetings and help in deciding which events should be successful and spread the word about the events to your YP’s. If the YP’s want to attend but leaders can’t please speak with the District Leader involved to see what can be arranged.

As you are all aware Kelvin is stepping down as County Commissioner and I would like to pass on all of our thanks for his excellent efforts in making Scouting available for such a large number of youngsters and adults alike. It will be interesting to see who takes over this very challenging role.

There will be some change in District Leadership in the coming months too. As you are no doubt aware Michelle has stepped down from her dual role and is now responsible for Beaver Scouts only. My thanks go to Michelle for her enthusiastic leadership and continual support. The Cub District team will be continuing with their excellent efforts and I will be meeting with them soon to discuss the future of Cub Scouting.

At the last AGM I mooted that I wouldn’t be looking to renew my position as DC during my review. This has become more complicated with the news that Kelvin will be stepping down. I look forward to meeting the next County Commissioner to discuss my appointment with them.

One of my goals this year is to put more focus on the two elder sections of our District that being Explorer Scouts and Network. I really want to promote both sections and show the benefit they have on the development of YP’s in our community. If you can help me with this then I will be very grateful.

We were very lucky to be able to support 6 of our Young People in the opportunity to attend the WSJ2011. By now you will have heard of their experiences and I am so pleased that we were able to help them achieve what they have.

I would like to thank the members of the District Exec and District team who do work so hard behind the scenes in supporting me to ensure the smooth running of the District.

My Thanks also go out to the hundreds of Adult volunteers that give up so much of there time to deliver excellent Scouting throughout the Medway Towns. Please never underplay the effect that you and your Scouting Colleagues have on the lives thousands of youngsters every year in helping with their development both morally and spiritually. Please also pass on my thanks to those adult volunteers that couldn’t attend tonight’s AGM.

Keep smiling and keep Scouting,

Mark
District Commissioner Medway Towns