. “Tempus fugit” time flies when you are having fun, and that is what Scouting is all about, having fun. For some of our team recently time has been flying and congratulations are in order. A twenty five year Long Service Decoration and Bar to John Nutkins and 15 year Long Service Decorations to Gordon Cocks and Jonathan Miller.

Then Cub Scouts have just passed their 85th birthday and what a fantastic District party it was in St Martin’s new school hall on the 19th November last. Well over 100 Cub Scouts from each of our groups having the time of their lives, the noise and excitement of the evening had to be experienced to be believed. And for another of our team even more years have been flying by, over 50 in fact of Cub Scout leadership, as the District said a very special thank you to Heather Pedel with a crystal presentation.

A quieter evening for us as a District on the 10th December as we met together for our Celebration of Light at St Andrews. Our special appreciation for organising this new occasion goes to Janet Clark and Margaret Nicholson and to all who took part sharing their faiths

with us. I found it a moving experience to share in a multi faith evening especially in the light of recent tragic world events and it brought home just what “Our duty to God” means as part of

our Scout Law and Promise.

As we step forward into the new year as a District and within our Groups I would like to wish everyone an encouraging new year. As District Commissioner I am aware that for some in our team the new year brings concerns, over work, within families and facing serious illness. I feel it is part of us all as a team to share burdens, to encourage each other in the good times and the bad, and to unite in our role of leadership in helping young people make the most of life.

Finally would GSL’s note census returns are due at the end of the month. I’ll end on the theme of stepping forward and encourage a full turn out as we march as a District in our Groups with Ruislip District at the St George’s Day Scouts Own on Sunday 21st April, 2002. More details later.

Your D.C. in Scouting.

Barry