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After stepping down as District Commisioner at the end of 2024 following over 15 years service as DC, the District team wanted to say thank you to Julie for her exemplary service to Wyre Forest Scouting.

Groups and the District team clubbed together to purchase a bench for some much needed R&R in Julie and Paul's lovely garden. Here are two pictures to show Julie and Paul getting used to their new garden furniture and of Andy, new District LV presenting the bench last week. The inscription says "Be Prepared - to Rest and Relax"

I am pleased to say that Wyre Forest has retuned yet another year of growth.

Key Figures:

• We are up 3.1% overall on 2024

• 1554 members Total (1152 YP and 402 adults)

• Most Explorers we have ever had at 118, only comparable is 108 back in 2014 (including ventures)

• H&W Growth at 2.4% Info attached with report. Click the link below

https://wyreforest.scoutsonline.co.uk/MyFiles/Global00013/Census 25.pdf

We have some exciting news! Network is coming back to the Wyre Forest!

With the District currently having the highest number of Explorers ever, now is the perfect time to bring the last youth section back to life. Please can you ensure that you share this news with all your leaders aged 18-25 as we’d love to support them in their scouting journey.

Our first meeting will be at the Viaduct Tavern (DY10 1XL) at 19:30 for a Pub Quiz on Thursday 24th April. (Please bring £1 cash to enter)

Please let us know if you are coming by emailing us using the address below.

If you are a little unsure on what Network involves:

Network is the next adventure after Explorers, for ages 18 to 25, and it is all about what YOU want to get out of your scouting (after all, why should the YPs have all the fun!).

You run your own activities and projects, you’ll work alongside your peers, with guidance from the District Network Team to plan, book and make memories.

That might mean a games night, trips out climbing, activity days, hikes, pub quizzes. You could also organise relaxed camps or volunteering locally helping our community. The possibilities are endless, and Network is what you make of it.

We can also offer support and guidance in achieving your Top Awards (King Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Scout of the World).

There aren't any fixed weekly meetings, meeting places or fixed costs, it's all pay-as-you-go. You could be a regular, or drop in around work or university. 

Whether you’re completely new to Scouts or have been all the way through from Beavers, joining Scout Network is a great way to meet new people, seek out new challenges and see the world. You can be part of network and volunteer at the same time, or equally you can stick to just network if you prefer!

So come along and see what we have on offer!

Contact us on: sam.dyc@wyreforestscouts.org.uk

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573988982786

Again, please spread the word to all of your Leaders in your group, we’d really appreciate your help in making this a success!

Yours in Scouting,

Sam Turbutt

Network Team Member

District Youth Commissioner (Wyre Forest)

Our next District Welcome meeting will be held on Sunday 4th May at WF15 Scout Hut in Truro Drive, Kidderminster. I know this is corny but it has to be said - May the fourth be with you!

Start time will be 10 am and should take no longer than an hour. Scouters new to the District will receive an invitation by email from me just after Easter with full details. Please make every effort to attend.

These meetings are held every six weeks or so. The next one after 4th May will be Tuesday 27th May and that will be held at Rhydd from 7pm to 8pm.

New Scouters are reminded that attendance at these meetings is part of the Getting Started programme and forms an integral part of joining.  By holding the meetings on different days with different times we hope to cater for all new members. Group Lead Volunteers should explain this during their own welcome package.

Julie

Just a reminder with the summer term coming up that we have a laser tag set available for hire (£50 for a session) which is great for use at Rhydd for your section nights. Also we have 10 GPS trackers available for £10 per tracker for an event which show position on full OS Maps, ideal for adding an extra level of safety to remotely supervised expeditions. 

For details, to check availability and request a booking visit:https://www.saintmichaelsscouts.org.uk/equipment-hire/

Yours in Scouting

Mark "Mike" Atkinson
Section Leader
16^th Wyre Forest (St Michaels) Scout Troop