. .Have we missed the Autumn newsletter?’...... ‘Perhaps the DC has nothing to say’ ‘That would be most unusual, you know our DC!’ I am sorry you have had to wait and, yes, I do have something to say but I have been holding back until some of our future events have been firmed up.

Many in the District will be mourning the passing of Bill Maxted who started the 7th Eastcote (St Thomas More) Scout Group and who died on 25th Sept.

We welcome to the District and particularly to 6N Sally Theakston from the Chaplaincy Northwood Headquarters who is now BSL at that Group. Our very many thanks go to Toni Mitchell for all her hard work and preparation of our display stall at Northwood Lions Fayre, and for the superb coloured posters she has produced, now to be seen in our libraries, colleges and up at the base with more posters being liberally displayed in shops, surgeries etc..in fact wherever we can to promote Scouting and most important of all our desperate need for leaders. How sad it is that 2E Cubs section has closed and there is the possibility of another pack closing at the end of the year. At the Lions Day we had five serious enquiries for leadership and these are being gently followed up. On behalf of the District I have written to Jim Hunter our CC who has just retired sending him our special thank you and warmest wishes on his retirement; similarly I have written to Chad Lake our new CC with sincere greetings and welcome as

he takes up his new post.

I am looking forward to our Cub Scouts 85th Party on 19th November at St.Martin’s School 6.30 to 8.3O pm.

In the light of the tragedy on September 11th and on going world events, our District will be gathering for a “Celebration of Light at St.Andrews on 10th December, 2001 from 7.00 to 8.15 pm with mince pies and refreshments afterwards. This is intended as a multi faith occasion and we are most grateful to Margaret Nicholson and Janet Clark who are undertaking the arrangements. An essential date in everyone’s diary, all sections and leaders etc and in full uniform.

At our Team meeting the other evening there was a feeling to do something traditional for St.George’s Day next year. I have now received a very warm invitation from the DC of Ruislip to join them on their march and parade for their Scouts Own on Sunday 21st April, 2002 which is not only the Golden Jubilee but actually the Queen’s Birthday. So put the date in your diary now, polish up your shoes, put a smart crease in your uniform and perhaps a little marching practice between now and then might be useful. All sections, all Groups, all leaders and assistants. Northwood-Eastcote is on the march!

We hope to have from headquarters details of our new section programmes early in the new year. In the meantime your DC and the district Scout and Ventures leaders have attending a seminar about the two