Another year has flown by and we have now entered the real year one of the new millennium. What memories do you have of the year 2000. Or in the word’s of Maureen Lipman “how was it for you”. For me, and more importantly, for Northwood Eastcote District, it was a good year of Scouting. And why, because we are a committed, dedicated and enthusiastic team of leaders, assistant leaders and helpers all with the aim of providing better scouting within our various groups and sections. We are ably backed by a tremendous district team of ADC’s, District Leaders and GSL’s and supported by an equally vibrant network of executives and fellowship. I count myself very fortunate to work with such a team and I want to mark the new year by saying a heartfelt and sincere “thank you” everyone who gives so much within this great movement of Scouting. We see the results in the boys and girls as they progress week by week, and they really do enjoy themselves. But who gets the most enjoyment? We do!

Congratulations to Carole Hazlehurst on her Long Service Decoration and welcome to Karen Ackerman and Sean Turner as they take up their new ACSL warrants, shortly to be followed by Keith Lunson BSL.

It was good to see a packed church with standing in the aisles for our district carol celebration kindly hosted and organised by 2nd Eastcote, and special thanks to the fellowship team for the excellent spread of mince pies and refreshments afterwards. We now look forwards to our next get-together on the Friday evening 27th April,

(put the date in your diary now!). Keith Fanshawe GSL at 6th Northwood has volunteered to organise a “traditional” scout’s St.George’s Day event, so let’s be there in full numbers from all sections to celebrate and renew our promises, details to follow.

I am holding details and application forms for Expedition Courses and Advanced Techniques so please telephone me (01923 824295) for details should you be interested. Whilst on the subject of courses and training would those leaders who need to continue or complete their training make sure they contact Margaret Nicholson if they have not already done so. Remember the undertaking given at the time of your initial warrant to complete your training within the first five years of that warrant. Each year in February the DC along with the Appointments Committee has to review those leaders whose warrants expire and come up for renewal at the end of March.

For other diary dates worth keeping an eye on see the Calendar of Events on the back page.

So finally what has been your scouting new year resolution? Toni Mitchell has recently produced an information questionnaire for each group to submit and her draft District Development Plan is out for discussion. We are all involved in Better Scouting for more Young People.

Barry