Henson Appleby
Gravesham District Commissioner
Hi Everyone,
I’d like to say “What a year it’s been” since we tumbled headlong into lockdown with restrictions on Scouting and our way of life, but words fail me. “Unprecedented” is probably the best description of this last year and it has thrown the whole concept of Scouting into extremely strange times.
I said and maintained, from the beginning, that for some, the lockdown was hard enough without the inclusion of Scouting in their day-to-day lives. Home life and work must always take priority and I’m sure this has been a particular struggle for all of us, some more so than others.
It goes without saying, the resilience required to soldier on with some form of normality has been a continued effort for many. So, a massive “THANK YOU” to all those of you who have managed to get involved and support your Section or Group.
We are all sitting with bated breath, waiting in anticipation for the return of “Face-to-Face” Scouting and I, for one, am looking forward to returning to normality. As soon as we are able, we can get back to regular meetings and those activities we have all missed over the last twelve months.
There has never been any pressure from either the District Team or myself to leap into the virtual world of “Zoom”, but there are some individuals who have been brought to my attention, that have gone over and above the call of duty in our District by continuing to maintain Scouting where it was needed most.
I am privileged to have at my disposal, the ”Commissioner’s Commendation Award”, two of which I awarded during the first stages of lockdown last year.
It is now with a great deal of pleasure I would like to announce the following awards to those who have gone the extra mile:
DC's COMMENDATION AWARD
This is a local award used by Commissioners to recognise adult members, youth members, volunteers, and non-members for their contribution to Scouting
Andrea Jarman 1st Higham Scout Group
Andy Treadwell 5th Northfleet Scout Group
Caz Breeds 31st Gravesend Scout Group
Chris Norman 31st Gravesend Scout Group
Chris Wallis 31st Gravesend Scout Group
Doug Ismaili-Field 1st Windmill Hill Scout Group
Ed Corble 1st Northfleet Scout Group
Evelyn Loft 1st Windmill Hill Scout Group
Fraser Patrick Deputy District Commissioner
Heather Johnston 1st Istead Rise Scout Group
Laura Scott 11th Gravesend Scout Group
Mike Setter 1st Meopham Scout Group
Morgan Wade 1st Istead Rise Scout Group
Richard Annable 1st Northfleet Scout Group
Sandra Ferguson 31st Gravesend Scout Group
Stephen Conyers 1st Northfleet Scout Group
Of particular note is the award made to Morgan Wade of Istead Rise Scouts. These commendations are not restricted to just adult leaders or volunteers. So many congratulations go to Morgan for a significant contribution in connection with his project "cakes for the community", nominated for spending his free time baking cakes and delivering them to local care homes.
All the above will receive a certificate by post and an accompanying badge when the Scout Shop is able to supply them – they are currently out of stock!! So, my apologies.
In addition to the above, we have been able to successfully apply for several Adult Awards over the last year and it gives me a great deal of pleasure to publicly announce the following:
SILVER ACORN
Awarded after at least five years of further outstanding service after receiving the Award for Merit. Awarded after at least 20 years' service, which should be specially distinguished and appreciably better than outstanding.
Andy Treadwell 5th Northfleet Scout Group
Alan Skelton District Centre Manager
AWARD FOR MERIT
The Award for Merit Awarded for outstanding service. It implies keen, conscientious, imaginative and dedicated service over a sustained period, of at least 12 years duration (exceptionally 10).
Richard Painting 1st Windmill Hill Scout Group
Fraser Patrick Deputy District Commissioner
Marion Weston ADC Beavers
Jamie Whitaker 1st Istead Rise Scout Group
CHIEF SCOUT'S COMMENDATION
The Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service Awarded in respect of not less than 5 years good service, which stands out. It should be regarded as the Chief Scout's recognition of the very real contribution made to Scouting by the individual concerned.
Chris Austin District Section Leader - Explorer Scouts
Andrea Jarman 1st Higham Scout Group
I look forward to catching up with all of you in the next few months and, fingers crossed, we can start to put the whole pandemic behind us.
Please continue to take care and stay safe.
Henson.
Henson Appleby
Gravesham District Commissioner