News and Blogs

I am pleased to announce that Andy Brooks has accepted the role of District Lead Volunteer for Scouts Wyre Forest effective from 1^st January 2025.

I want to thank Julie Goodyear for her many years of service as District Commissioner. Julie championed and lead various changes, including the merger of Severn & Team District with Kidderminster.

Andy is already discussing handovers and continuing support with Julie, which, again, I would like to thank her for.

Andy will spend the next few months meeting with the Group Lead Volunteers and the District Teams and generally getting up-to-date with everyone.  

When the initial visits are complete, Andy will confirm the renewed District team. I am sure the intention is to hold a District Development Day to consult as widely as possible and consider as many views and suggestions as possible for the district's future strategy and scouting programme.

Andy hopes the new teams will all be fully in post by July, working closely with Leadership team and the trustees to lead Scouts Wyre Forest.

In the meantime, please continue to Scout as you normally do.

I am sure we all wish Andy well in his new Scouting role and will give him our ongoing support.

Yours in Scouting,

Sid

Robert Sidley

County Lead Volunteer

Scouts Hereford & Worcester

Check out this link for more information on what is happening within groups in the Wyre Forest District. Compiled by Sam Turbutt, District Youth Commissioner (Wyre Forest)

https://wyreforest.scoutsonline.co.uk/MyFiles/Global00013/District%20Newsletter%20-%20Edition%202%20-%20October.pdf

Rhydd Run – Mark A

Thanks to all who supported the event. 100 took part which is up on 2023. Plan now to make it a bi annual event with the next one 2026 and to be a glow event

Gang Show – Mark A

Weekend of 14-16^th March 2025. Now recrutiing Explorers and adults for production team. All sections will then be recruited in Jan 2025 with Squirrels and Beavers taking away a soing to leanr whilst Cubs, Scouts and Exlorers will reherse that March weekend and perform 2pm Sunday 16^th March at Stourport High School.

Christmas Post – Jane S

Packs remain for WF1, 4 & 10 who were not present. Extra stamps if rei=uired before 12^th December contact Jane or after 12^th December it will be Rachel S or julie G.

This year all old stamps are bieng used up.

Duke of Edinburgh – Lauren W

Local scouting will agin be looking at offfering DofE. There will be a leaders info evening on Thursday 5^th Dec 7.30pm at WF15. Any adults interested

Transformation – Leo S

Compass now goes down on 6^th November. New sytem comes online end November. Training part 1 is for everyone and part 2 for GLV & group chairs. Only part to ignore is Nights Away

Date of next Meeting - Tuesday 7^th January 2025 7.30pm

Thats about it from me, but I would like to once again thank you so much for being the most amazing team of volunteers that any district could possibly have.I am as ever absolutely awed by the sheer amount of hard work and commitment that goes into providing our young people with so many challenges, such a varied and diverse programme, and so much safe fun and adventure.

I am in a rather strange position in that his could be the last time I stand before you at the DL Meeting in my current role.The closure date for the new District Lead Volunteer was last week, but as yet I have heard nothing.If County appoints, then the successor will be taking over from the beginning of January, so it might not be me at the next DLM. That said, I will still be around in some capacity, So, in true scouting tradition, it’s all a bit confusing, with limited information , but as I say I will see you all again very soon. And thanks once again for all the good wishes and messages to both me and Paul, it really does mean the world to us.

First Aid Courses

Faith has added the following dates for everyone to book on.

NEW! !NEW!! NEW!!

24th November at WF17  9.30 am to 4 pm Full course COURSE NOW FULL

The courses so far for next year are as follows:-

18th January 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF15

16th March 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF17

24th May 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF15

20th July 2025 9.30am to 4pm at WF17

All the above will have an opportunity to complete the Practical session at 4pm.

For those who wish to complete the Blended approach there is an opportunity to complete Part 2 on 21st January or 19th March. Both sessions will run 6.30 to 9.00pm.

Faith

Please book directly with Mark Strain at County, when they are available on the County  website. A link is below.

Those dates not suitable, then please go here First Aid Training | Scouts Hereford & Worcester (scoutshw.org.uk)  and you will see courses elsewhere in the County or the "Hampshire Model" an online session to cover module 10a. The next module 10b can be completed locally. Demand for these FREE courses is bound to be high as we move into Transformation so please take the opportunity to book early. Check your compass record to see when your renewal is due.

Contact Faith directly faith@westoaks.org.uk for further information or look in the Training Diary page on Hereford and Worcestershire Scouts website for alternative FA courses outside of the district.  Remember to check when your FA expires and book in good time to avoid travelling.

Reminder that under Transformation, First Response will be mandatory for:

• Group Lead Volunteers
• Section Team Leaders
• Section Team Members
• District 14-24 Team Leaders

• In other words, ALL face-to-face leaders and team members.

• There are a small number of volunteers in the District who are not compliant, please contact Faith if you are unsure about your status.

Introducing our new Chief Scout. We’re excited to announce Dwayne Fields, adventurer and TV presenter, as the UK’s new Chief Scout. Dwayne's been appointed to lead our half a million young people and adult volunteers for his values, commitment to help young people, and outstanding leadership qualities. During his time as Chief Scout, Dwayne aims to inspire even more young people and adult volunteers to join from all backgrounds. Find out more in our video.

https://vimeo.com/1008034553?share=copy&utm_campaign=2527865_September%202024%20All%20members%20email&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Scouts