Henson Appleby
Gravesham District Commissioner
What a strange year it has been so far. From Lockdown 1, in March, a short recovery and then head down into Lockdown 2 in November which has brought Scouting back to Red rather than fireworks and bonfires!
For those of you who have embraced the “Virtual Scouting” world; well done and thank you; a remarkable effort was made across the District. Virtual Scouting isn’t for everyone (adults as well as young people) and we have maintained from Day 1, we will 100% support each and every individual in their own personal choice of how and when they return to Scouting.
Adult Awards
Just before Lockdown 1 & in the last few days, I have received several large brown paper envelopes through the post, sadly not filled with wads of bank notes!! However, they were filled with a multitude of Long Service Awards & Wood Badges along with some Growth & Development Awards from County.
Wood Badges
Alan Skelton ADC - Activities District
Amanda Willard Assistant Section Leader Cub Scouts
Aran Wade Section Leader Explorer Scouts
Bryan Gadd Section Leader Cub Scouts
Chris Austin District Section Leader Explorer Scout
Chris Norman Section Leader Cub Scouts With Wood Beads
David Fry Assistant Section Leader Cub Scouts
Heather Johnston Section Leader Scouts With Wood Beads
Joseph Appleby District Youth Commissioner District With Wood Beads
Jo Davis Section Leader Beaver Scouts
Karen Treadwell District Scouter Beaver Scouts
Leanne Ferguson Assistant Section Leader Cub Scouts With Wood Beads
Lee Chase Section Leader Scouts With Wood Beads
Rachael Lawler Section Leader Cub Scouts With Wood Beads
Sue Livett Section Leader Cub Scouts
Suzanne Patrick Section Leader Scout
Tracy Jarvis District Section Leader Explorer Scouts
Vikki Welch Assistant Section Leader Explorer Scouts With Wood Beads
Wood Beads are only awarded for the initial Wood Badge. Subsequent awards are certificate only.
Length of Service Awards
5 Years
Alan McPherson
Sarah-Louise Brown
Douglas Ismaili-Field
Tim Hannaford
James Dixon
10 Years
Adam Freeman
Victoria Treadwell
Mike Setter
Wendy Walker
Sally Hannaford
Nigel Gillet
Steve Costin
15 Years
Dave Norris
Stuart Barron
Guy Morfett
Lesley Northam
Kevin Missons
20 Years
Vi Rushbrook
25 Years
Steve Conyers
Growth & Development Awards for Growth in Youth Membership
1st Istead Rise Scout Group
5th Northfleet Scout Group
Riverview Park Scout Group
1st Shorne Scout Group
Growth & Development Awards for Growth in Youth Membership
3rd Gravesend Scout Group
Congratulations to everyone concerned. We shall endeavour to get them all presented as soon as possible once we are allowed to meet again, face to face.
Remembrance Sunday
Thank you to everyone who took part in the two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday –it was fantastic to see so many of you posting your pictures. You all did yourselves, sections, groups and district proud.
District AGM
Our annual District AGM will be held on Tuesday 17th November 2020 at 8pm on Zoom. Please register for and attend (virtually) the District AGM on Tuesday, it will be great to see you there. The link for which is https://www.graveshamscouts.org.uk/event-info/district-virtual-agm-2020
Adult Training
Fraser has written a post on training – we are under increasing pressure from Scout HQ to ensure we are all compliant with our minimum obligations as members, including mandatory initial and ongoing training. Much of this can be done online and it really doesn’t take long – I re-did mine the other week. Please try and complete anything outstanding as soon as possible – I really don’t want to be forced into having to start the new year by suspending adults for non-compliance.
Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you both virtually at the AGM and in person when we can.
All the best
Henson Appleby
Gravesham District Commissioner