THE BADEN POWELL GUILD OF GREAT BRITAIN

GUILD NEWS

Scouting Spirit in Action

Issue 20

Spring 2011

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Patron – Hon Wendy Baden Powell (Granddaughter of B-P)

President: Derek Elton

Vice President: Alec Fraser

Chairman: David Harbach

Vice Chairman: Julie Wacey

Secretary: Allan Page

Treasurer: Peter Skilton

Editor: Pat Parks

Website: http://www.badenpowellguild.org.uk

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Editorial Hello everyone, welcome to the Spring Edition of the magazine. I‟m

feeling quite virtuous at the moment because I‟ve just posted off my

cheque for the AGM to Bebington Branch.

I hope you like the cover photo, sent to me by Peter Skilton of Malvern

Branch, which shows the lovely spring bulbs at Lacock Abbey.

Lacock Abbey, a National Trust property, is at the heart of the village of

Lacock near Chippenham, Wiltshire and was built upon the foundations

of a former nunnery. It is a quirky country house of various architectural

styles. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of the medieval rooms and

cloister court, giving a sense of the Abbey‟s monastic past.

Pat Parks

WE NEED YOU TO JOIN THE TEAM!

WANTED: NATIONAL MINUTE SECRETARY

A National Minute Secretary is required to take the minutes of the

national meetings including the AGM. There are normally three national

meetings a year. Ideally, the person needs to be located in the Midlands

Region where the national meetings are held.

Please contact Allan Page, National Secretary.

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This archaeological site is a funerary cairn on Mellor Moor above Cobden

Edge, the highest point in Stockport.

On the 9th

December 2010 it would have been a very chilly place indeed.

Fortunately, the members of Tiviotdale Branch held their Christmas lunch

at The Hanging Gate Inn, Stockport. Twenty hardy souls turned up to

enjoy a splendid meal and social event.

Editor

Stourbridge Carol Service

Stourbridge and District Guild held their Annual Carol Service on

Saturday 4th

December. Members of Malvern Branch joined them for this

special event and won most of the raffle prizes! Allan Page hopes the

branch will be invited again next year.

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Thank You Badges

John Holman and Iris Skilton are proudly wearing their Thank You

Badges for their services to the Guild.

John works hard behind the scenes to make sure your copies of the Guild

Magazine arrive. He staples all the copies and packs and labels them

ready for distributing. Having taken all the packages to the post office he

keeps a detailed record of the postage costs which endears him to the

treasurer.

Iris is really the Raffle Queen of Malvern Branch. She organizes every

raffle, collecting the prizes and selling the tickets. A large amount of

money is raised every year from her raffles which enables Malvern

Branch to support the Scouting Movement in the town. Iris can design,

bake and decorate cakes to a very high standard and she has donated

many of these for Guess the Weight of the Cake competitions to boost

Guild funds.

Thank you both.

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Community Service Award

Robin Wadey, Derek Gardner and Gerald Cranford receiving the Henfield Guild’s award at The Capitol in Horsham on Tuesday 12

th October 2010 from representatives of the sponsors Saxon

weald.

The Henfield Branch of the Baden-Powell Guild is an effective force for

uniting the residents of the village, giving particular emphasis to the

young and the elderly, with something for everyone else in between.

Members maintain the headquarters and grounds of the Guide and

Brownie groups and provide transport and tents for their camping trips.

They have helped with financial assistance to youngsters attending

international camps, believing this to be invaluable in aiding

independence and self-development.

The village school is helped with grants through the PTA for specific

projects, and also grants given to the local sports centre. Additionally,

marquees are hired out for local fetes and functions, and members help

with barbecues and bars whenever asked.

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Fundraising events throughout the year are now regular features of the

social calendar and are well attended. These include a shuffleboard

evening, barn dance and race night, and the ever-popular auction at the

annual jumble sale.

Each year, as September draws near, the senior citizens of the village

know it is time for the annual outing and dinner, provided free to all by

the Guild. While coaches whisk everyone away on a mystery tour with a

stop for refreshment, the Guildsmen are preparing the village hall and

cooking a four-course meal, with wine and beer, to be followed by

entertainment. Lifts to and from home are arranged for the less mobile.

Some 160 senior citizens attended this year.

During December the Guild's Santa sleigh is a familiar sight as they visit

every road on a carol singing tour and collection.

They provide and erect the huge Christmas tree for the village centre,

cover costs and also participate in the Scouts and Guides' annual carol

concert.

On Christmas Day, members give their time to a special present

delivering service round the village, with Santa and his helpful 'elves'.

There are around 40 members, from various backgrounds, who give their

time freely and cheerfully. They are valued contributors to village life.

Nomination made by Anne Adams

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The Cat House, Henfield

At one time the house was owned by a Bob Ward. The story goes that

Bob‟s canary was killed by a cat so he put images of a cat with a bird in

its claws around the house. This would be a constant reminder to the cat‟s

owner, Canon Woodard, that it was his cat that had killed the canary. The

Canon would have to pass the house on his way to nearby Henfield

Church.

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BADEN POWELL GUILD BEBINGTON BRANCH CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2010

I am sad to report that one of our longest serving members, Elisabeth

(Betty) Hinchliffe, died in July after a lengthy battle with cancer.

We have had another reasonably active year.

Apart from our usual „Business Meetings‟, we have had a number of

social events including two Quiz Nights, Musical Evenings, Archery,

District Rifle Shooting Competition and an evening „Garden Party‟ in the

beautiful garden of members Eileen and Vernon Hands with games, chat

and, of course, food.

At our AGM on February 18th, after the business side (approximately 4

minutes) we had a very interesting talk by Mr Arthur Waller, brother of

one of our members, about the development of Birkenhead since the early

1800‟s, including Birkenhead Park (Central Park in New York is based

on the design of this park). After service in the Army, Arthur joined the

ranks of Council employees, finishing up as Manager of one of the

swimming pools. He was awarded the M.B.E. in the last New Year‟s

Honours.

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In March we had a very enjoyable and moving evening in the company of

Lady Grace Sheppard, whose late husband was the Right Reverend David

Sheppard, the sixth Bishop of Liverpool and formerly a Sussex and

England (later Captain) cricketer. Lady Sheppard gave an entertaining

account of the importance of gardens, in her childhood and later when

married to a clergyman. This evening coincided with the launch of her

new book “Living with Dying”, which is about caring for David in his

last months, and gaining strength and courage for what lay ahead. She

brought some books with her which were duly sold and signed.

She had also made a small flower arrangement in a basket, the flowers

collected from her garden that morning. This was presented to our oldest

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member, Len Marshall (Hon. Sec.), and it happened to be his birthday.

He was suitably embarrassed, but became her No. 1 fan.

Lady Sheppard sadly died on 11th November 2010. I had met her a few

times in Liverpool Cathedral and also at her home and she certainly left a

lasting impression. Even though our members had only met her once, all

felt that they had lost a friend. That is the effect she had on people.

Another evening was spent with June Lancelyn Green M.B.E., the mother

of our President, in the music room at Poulton Hall, when she gave us an

illustrated talk about some of the old “stately homes” in Wirral. In her

exceptionally entertaining way she brought to life these buildings, some

now used for other purposes and some sadly demolished.

We had an enjoyable dinner at “The Grange” (hotel and country club)

when Sue and Allan Page were able to join us. This venue is booked for

a meal in the evening when we host the National A.G.M. on 2nd April

2011.

We had two very enlightening visits to the Brewhouse from a Senior

Ranger at Wirral Country Park and also the N.W. Area Fund Raiser for

the R.N.L.I.

Our car parking services were required for the Poulton Hall Garden Open

Day as part of the National Gardens Scheme and also for other various

events around the estate.

We attended the District A.G.M. and looked after the refreshments for the

evening.

During the year we have hosted in the Brewhouse, Leader Meetings for

most sections and the District Executive Committee. Various sections

from different groups have visited and enjoyed the Camp Fire Circle (in

the woods at Poulton Hall) for backwoods cooking etc.

We actually gained a new member, Lorraine Gilchrist, who is a GSL in

Bebington District. She and her husband have attended some of our

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events over a period of time and Lorraine was eventually persuaded to

join us.

Scirard Lancelyn Green our Branch President (and our landlord) has

installed more bells in the Brewhouse, in addition to those already in the

clock tower. We have musical accompaniment at our gatherings, on the

hour.

In closing this report I would like to thank all our members for their

support and friendship during 2010, in the true spirit of Scouting.

Ray Bailey

Chairman, Bebington Branch

Bebington Branch Events

We had a very enjoyable

evening when Lady Grace

Sheppard, wife of the late

Bishop David Sheppard, also

of cricketing fame, came to

talk to us about her life and

the many gardens she has

enjoyed throughout it.

She started with the essential

garden when as a child her

family was evacuated to the

country and how they had enjoyed the hedgerow flowers around the area

when all gardens were turned over to growing vegetables.

Later after university and marriage came a communal garden when her

husband was in charge of the Mayflower Centre in London and they

enjoyed both sharing the work in the garden and the pleasure of it being

used by lots of people for many community events.

Several gardens later she came to Bishops House in Liverpool. This was

a beautiful large garden and Lady Sheppard spent a great deal of time

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working with the professional gardener. This garden was also open to the

public on many occasions.

Lady Grace also showed us some of her husband‟s paintings and told us a

little about the book she had recently written, Living with Dying, about

the period of her husband‟s last illness and the time and support received

from family and friends.

She is a delightful lady and we all felt that we had shared the evening

with a very close friend. (Lady Sheppard herself sadly died on 11th

November 2010)

In the past the Bebwood Derby has

been run as a fun event for the Cub

Section when a small car kit of

pieces of wood and wheels is taken

home, made up and decorated by the

children. They then race them four

at a time down a ramp and track to

see which one would travel the

furthest.

This time the event was run in

support of the three Explorer Scouts and one Leader who will be

attending the World Jamboree in Sweden in 2011.

It was open to all sections and leaders and a good time was had by all.

Steve Tollady (Tolly) from the Bebington BP Guild, who constructed the

equipment a number of years ago when a Cub Leader, ran the racing part

of the day along with other BP Guild members setting up, scoring and

making the bacon batches and sausage batches which along with hot and

cold drinks were in great demand.

This left leaders to run the tuck shop, lucky dip and badge making stalls

and look after their Cubs and Scouts. Those in charge seemed very happy

with the financial outcome of the day.

Kathie Bailey

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Stourbridge and District Branch News Our Christmas party this year was full and entertaining and we were once

again able to invite our special friends from Malvern Branch. We sang

carols and enjoyed an American style supper.

Don Brooks was Master of Ceremonies for the first time and under his

guiding hand we enjoyed fiddle and mandolin playing and songs. Thanks

go to Mary and friends, Geraldine Shaw, Percy, Grace, Bernard, Anne

Tomlinson, Steve

Ackland and

President Derek

Elton.

A sumptuous meal

was served just

before Christmas at

the Elton Centre

organised by Anne,

ably assisted by

Dawn and Dale.

The Elton Centre Stourbridge

As always we helped the local Lions Club with their Santa Sledge

activities which were restricted this year due to the inclement weather.

Needless to say some people did battle out and some local charities did

benefit from the effort made.

The January meeting found us playing skittles once again with an

American style supper. I think the exercise did us some good.

We have now adopted a neckerchief as part of our uniform: at least we

still feel part of Scouting.

We still continue to improve our existing headquarters: the general

landscaping around the hut is almost complete. We will soon be moving

inside to modify the wiring, add another window, paint and recarpet.

Michael Davies

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This lovely photo is Ken and Connie Brixton of Malvern Branch

celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

Four generations of their family gathered for the celebrations.

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I lost the sun, then it dawned on me…

My parents took my elder brother and sister and me to Ilfracombe for a

holiday and we decided we would like to see the sunrise one morning.

This being 1938, and me being 12 years old and a new boy scout, I said

that I would organize the adventure.

We set out at around 4am and walked to the seafront. On the way, we saw

a little red light coming towards us, accompanied by what sounded like

chains being dragged along.

We took shelter in a shop doorway, only to discover that it was caused by

a road cleaner pulling his shovel and smoking a cigarette.

When he saw us, he smiled and gave us a cheery „Good Morning, my

dears.‟

We carried on, climbed up Capstone Head, and took our seats looking out

to sea.

The sky became brighter and brighter and we became quite excited,

expecting to see the sun break up across the horizon at any moment.

It then became daylight and we found out that we had been looking in the

wrong direction.

Some boy scout I turned out to be – I never lived it down.

This delightful story was sent as a letter to the Mail on Sunday by Ken

Payne of Worthing, West Sussex.

Thanks to Allan Page for forwarding it to me. Editor

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A trip on the Bluebell Line Steam Railway

Guild members from Henfield might like to skip this item, as it is unlikely to contain anything that you do not already know! However, for us West Midland folk, a trip to the Bluebell Steam Railway in East Sussex (just 18 miles from Henfield and around 7 miles from Uckfield) provided a most enjoyable day out during the February half-term holiday.

Since it was a school holiday, the railway was running a full summer timetable. This gave us a choice of six hourly departure times between 11:00 and 16:00 from the southernmost station at Sheffield Park to Kingscote, 9 miles to the north and currently the end of the line: although an extension of the line to East Grinstead is scheduled to open on some days from April 2011. Two pristine

locomotives were operating on the day we visited: a 1902 South Eastern and Chatham Railway C Class and The Earl of Berkeley, a former GWR loco in British Railways colours, originating from 1938 but built from earlier (1899 and 1906) parts.

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Even in February, the scenery during the hour and half round trip was very pleasant as the line from Sheffield Park crossed the winding River Ouse and headed towards the halfway station at Horsted Keynes. Engine sheds at both of these locations contained a good collection of locomotives on public view.

The Bessemer Arms – which includes a real ale bar – at Sheffield Park proved a good and popular place to eat. Speaking with the

volunteer head porter over lunch, it became apparent just how much volunteer effort and money goes into keeping the railway running. With more than 50 years experience of operation and still developing, we found this to be an excellent location for a day out.

Peter & Iris Skilton, Malvern

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Fakenham Lancaster Baden- Powell Air Scouts

We first met in the Fakenham Rugby Club, but the ever-increasing demand for places meant that we soon had to look for a larger home. Since then we have been meeting at the Fakenham Children's Daycare Centre - but our Group has continued to grow and for some time we have been aware that we now need to have our own place.

The Site We have signed an agreement for the use of an amazing site for our HQ. Located

close to the Bullock Hills, Fakenham Racecourse and the town, we believe that this

is the ideal location to allow us to offer many more opportunities for activities and

adventure.

The site will require a considerable amount of clearing and landscaping before we

can operate from it. We will also be needing to ensure that we are able to obtain

planning consent for our proposed HQ building and arrange for services to be laid

on. We are actively seeking support and sponsorship from local and national

businesses and individuals. We will continue to operate from the Children's

Daycare Centre until the project is complete.

Updates on the restoration of the site will be posted in the Group News section!

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The Project

The plan for our HQ involves using a Portacabin-style building as our reception and

activity area, ideally coupled to a converted airliner fuselage. This would create a

visual impression similar to a small airport terminal, and enable our Scouts to

practice their aviation skills and aircraft maintenance in a safe and controlled

environment away from moving aircraft. The scheme would also include an area

for outdoor activities.

Richard and Guy have been looking at the cost of modular buildings, and Richard

has located a suitable airliner available for purchase at a very realistic price.

The illustration above shows how a BAe146 airliner could be converted to serve as

part of our HQ complex. The BAe 146 has become our preferred option as it was

the last type of airliner built in the United Kingdom, and is of a type frequently

seen over Norfolk. We would, of course, be open to any other similar types were

an airframe to be offered to us! Apart from being an ideal base for an Air Scout

unit, the use of a recycled airliner also fits in well with our intention to make the

site as environmentally sustainable as possible.

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Once we have located an aircraft, we would hope that one of the local airlines

might be able to help us build suitable sheerlegs to mount it on, or be able to

provide us with expired equipment to refit cosmetic avionics.

Phase One:

The first phase of the scheme involves completing the deal for the use of the land,

obtaining planning consent and clearing the site ready for use as a training field.

We estimate that this phase will cost £2,000 to £2,500 and is the key to the rest

of the project. Any excess funds raised during this phase will be used in Phase

Two.

Phase Two:

This phase involves the placing of buildings on the site to allow us to move our HQ

operations to the field. We estimate that, unless suitable structures are donated

to the Group, this will cost in the region of £15,000 for the airliner to be prepared

and brought to site and another £50,000 to £60,000 for a suitable modular

building. We believe, however, that this price can be dropped considerably

through sourcing a second-hand building.

We are looking for a building with a hall/classroom, toilets and provision for a

small kitchen. If you or your business has such a building available we would love

to hear from you.

Although we have a suitable airliner in mind, if you work for an aviation company

and have a potentially suitable airframe available we would love to hear from you.

We would be quite happy for such a donated airframe to be maintained in your

company's livery as a way of saying thanks!

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Fundraising

We are serious about providing an amazing amenity for young

people in our area, but, as you can see, this involves a serious

commitment to raising the required funds.

In the past we have had a number of people offer to help with

fund raising. This is where we will call you on your kind offers.

Remember, this is your Group and every penny raised will go

towards providing facilities for the young people in your area.

As of October 2010 we are starting a major fund-raising

programme, and will be contacting local and national businesses.

We are a registered charity and have no paid staff - meaning that

every penny raised goes towards the project.

Remember, some donations to charity are tax deductible

expenses. These donations can reduce your taxable income and

lower your tax bill.

Personal Donations We are also hoping for donations from members, supporters and local people who

believe in the potential of the town's young people. All donations, whether £1 or

£1,000, will be used to help us provide a location for our young people to build the

skills they need to become useful citizens.

Donations can be made to any of our leaders, or sent to: 17, Green Lane, Pudding

Norton, Fakenham, NR21 7LT

Editor‟s Note:

Guy Harris is a Town and Country member of the B-P Guild and a GSL

for the Baden Powell Scouts of Fakenham. I am pleased to include this

interesting article in the magazine.

For more information on this project Google www.fakenhamlancaster

scouts.org go to the home page and click on HQ PROJECT on the right

hand side.

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International News Australia: Members of the Sydney and Ryde St Georges Guild attended the

Australian Fellowship AGM at Baden-Powell Training Camp, Pennant

Hills, when Guildmaster John F Booth,AM presented a $ 500 cheque to

assist the Pakistan Scout and Guide flood appeal fund.

B-P GUILD of MALDIVES: 7 Members of the B-P Guild Maldives joined the Central Branch of ISGF:

more members to follow.

European year of volunteering 2011. (Be Involved)

During the 7th

European Conference Anne Dupont, Vice Chairman of the

ISGF World Committee, invited all National Scout & Guide Fellowships

within the European union to take part in the European year of

volunteering. The programme successfully kicked off in Brussels on

Dec3rd 2010. The last event will take place in Warsaw Dec 2011.

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THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE BURUNDI PROJECT

One thousand schoolbags

distributed in Burundi

Situated at the border of Tanzania, in the East

of Burundi, in the region of Cankuzo,

Cendajuru, Twinkwavu & Nyamugari are

three among the many villages, the most

remote and the least accessible of the country.

The “forgotten” of this beautiful Burundi.

During the war, the inhabitants, having lived there for many years, left their villages and

went behind the mountains as refugees in the UNHCR camps in Tanzania. They came

back; they are poor, even extremely poor; many children are orphans and live in their

enlarged families.

It is why Simone and I went, on behalf of ISGF, with some Girl Guides of Burundi, and in the presence of the UNHCR, to give 1000 bags full of school stationeries to 1000 poor children among the poorest.

In each school, the welcome has been amazing and the giving of about 300 bags in each school very moving. It was a dream which was becoming a reality; never could those children have imagined that one day, a very nice little bag with pencils, notebooks etc would be given to them to take the place of the poor little piece of plastic they use to protect their pencil and their notebook, when in December notebook and pencil are not out of order and will not be replaced.

“I am happy because I could not write any longer with my

pencil; now I will be able to write again”, a little girl told

us. Most of the children were very shy; but, when we saw them on the path, going back home, they were proud and

happy with their little bag on their back.

Martine Levy, 7

th December 2010, Bujumbura, Burundi

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Haiti Youth Rebuild Fund: Active Projects

The International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) express their heartfelt condolences

to all those who have lost their near and dear ones. We stand united in Scouting and

Guiding spirit with all those who have suffered in tragedy as well and offer our

sympathies and support in this hour of need.

The ISGF World Committee proposes that it will collect money for the purpose of

supporting Scouts and Guides who have lost equipment during this terrible act of nature.

This support will be in the form of the replacement of uniforms, badges, books, training

aids and other equipment as requested by the Associations within the money collected by

the World Bureau. Contact will be made with the local Scout and Guide Associations over

the next couple of months and our assistance offered to re-establish their organizations

as an aid to the youth of the country.

The World Committee will commit one thousand (1000) euro’s to each from the

International Development Fund on behalf of our membership to initiate this action.

National Scout and Guide Fellowships and individuals are invited to forward further

money to the ISGF World Bureau identifying the money is for the Haiti Youth Rebuild

Fund.

For any information on the transfer of money please contact worldbureau@isgf.org

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For any other enquiries please contact our International Projects Team projects@isgf.org

ISGF account:

Banque de la Poste : 000.1829182-53 - IBAN : BE53 0001 8291 8253 - BIC : BPOTBEB1

ING : 310-0369433 46 - IBAN : BE33 3100 3694 3346 - BIC : BBRUBEBB

As Chairman and on behalf of our World Committee I guarantee that 100% of the

contributions will be used for the deserving youth movements. Any other operational

costs will be carried within the ISGF working budget and World committee members. The

Fund will be coordinated by the International Development Team and updates will be

published on the ISGF website.

The following is a list of contributing NSGF’s of which we received a generous gift:

United Kingdom (Adult Scout Alliance), Germany, Ireland

Thank you for your donations.

Brett D. Grant

Chairman ISGF World Committee

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7TH

EUROPE REGION CONFERENCE OF ISGF AIGA NAPA , CYPRUS November 3

rd -7

th 2010.

Approximately 350 delegates, observers and guests took part in the

Conference in the beautifully situated Adams Beach Hotel at Aiga Napa

Cyprus. There were 23 European Region countries represented and guests

Came from Australia, Saudi-Arabia, Israel, Egypt and Libya.

The Chairman of the organising committee was Photis Mamides from

Cyprus. Jim Thompson member of the UKASA attended the heads of the

delegation meeting on the first evening to represent us and together with

others present was taken through the procedures for the day to day

running of the conference by Europe Region Chairman, Jane Wardropper.

The Conference day started at 8am on the 4th

November and between that

time and 11.45am we fitted in Reflections –by Sweden, a country meeting

–outside in the sunshine, a workshop on „The way forward for Europe‟, a

flag hoisting ceremony outside and a cup of coffee.

We then had the Opening Ceremony in the Conference Hall where the

flags of the participating countries were paraded on to the stage. Liz

Aveston, a Trefoil Guild member, carried the UK flag.

We were welcomed by representatives of the Scouts and Guides of

Cyprus and by a former President.

There was some delightful „Greek‟ dancing by young Cypriot dancers

depicting Aphrodite which was followed by a speaker-Thermis

Themistocleous –who spoke eloquently on the theme of the conference –

Fellowship and peace.

It was great fun for so many of us to have this social time together and we

must thank the Cypriot team who organised this trip for us. They

organised extra days and nights in the hotel for people and got us back

across the island to catch our flights. This team also organised the

accommodation, leisure time for guests and observers and our evening

entertainment during the conference.

Beryl Aldridge

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A letter from one of our members who attended the ISGF European Conference Cyprus. 2011.

In perfect weather we were all greeted and taken to the Adams Beach

Hotel Agia Napa where the Conference was held. The Conference opened

with the presentation of flags attended by 370 people from 26 nations.

Business events began and many matters were discussed and voted on

over the four days.

The conference ended with the election of a new European Committee

and a camp fire on the beach.

Cyprus ISGF had organised a grand time for those of us staying on for a

further week‟s holiday in Pafos.

We did many wonderful things including visits to archeological sites,

wine groves, boat cruises around the islands, from which shoals of flying

fish were seen and on the north of the island walked in their huge national

park and visited the magnificent Kykkos monastery.

Everywhere we went, we were met with kindness and friendship. Each

evening at the hotel, spectacular National dance and songs took place.

How sad we were when it ended with “Auld Lang Syne” and look

forward to meeting again both long standing and new friends at the next

Conference.

Eirwen Fine.

The Kykkos monastery

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ASA hold AGM in the ‘Black Country’

The Elton Centre, Stourbridge was the venue for the 2011 ASA AGM,

held on Saturday 5th

March. Members who came for the weekend stayed

at the Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge, which is just 500yds from the venue.

After registration refreshments were available and everyone took the

opportunity to „catch up‟ with old friends and exchange news and views.

The day started with Central Group members holding their meeting which

was followed by an excellent roast lunch with a choice of dessert and

cheese & biscuits, served in the Centre‟s new restaurant.

The AGM opened at 2.15 pm; the chairman, David Mowbray, welcomed

all present, including our guests, Margaret Routley, Chairman of the

Trefoil Guild, Carol Bowen, Trefoil Council Member, and Jane

Wardropper, past Chairman of the ISGF European Region Committee.

Apologies were received and the minutes from the 2010 AGM were read

and approved, along with the Annual Report, Treasurers Report and

recommendation that there be no increase in the annual fee for 2010.

Election of members to the Committee followed. David Mowbray &

Brian Staines were standing down after 5 years as representatives of the

Central Group and nominated to replace them were Peter Short and

Laurie Tickner. Also standing down were Ray & Kathie Bailey and

Allan Page; nominated to replace them to represent the Baden Powell

Guild were Adrian McDowell and Alec Fraser. Allan Page has agreed to

be co-opted back onto the committee. Willie Taylor and Robert Nicol

were also standing down due to the withdrawal of the B-P Scout Guild

(Scotland) as a component organisation of ASA. All nominees were duly

elected.

The meeting moved on to the motion, notified to members in advance and

put forward to this AGM by the B-P Scout Guild (Scotland) and seconded

by the Baden Powell Guild of Gt. Britain, to set up and fund an

International Donation Fund (IDF); with the fund being administered by

the National Committee, with the monies to be used to make donations to

future international appeals put forward by the International Scout &

Guide Fellowship. Members were then asked to vote on the principle of

29

setting up the fund, to be administered by the ASA Committee. The

motion was passed by 25 in favour to 5 against. The Chairman then

explained that due to the wording of the present ASA Constitution, it

would not be possible to fund this proposal by placing a percentage of the

annual subscription into the fund. It only then became apparent that of

the 3 methods outlined in the motion for funding this proposal, only

funding by voluntary donations would be allowed. Following a discussion

and clarification some members present were not happy that they had

been asked to vote on the principle of setting up the fund, before it was

then explained that the only option for funding was by voluntary

donations.

Margaret Routley, Chairman of Trefoil, was invited to address the

meeting and took the opportunity to explain the Trefoil‟s decision to

withdraw from ISGF. This decision had not been taken lightly and they

did realise the impact it would have in terms of membership and finance

for ISGF. Margaret said those Trefoil members wishing to remain

members of ISGF after December 2011, would be encouraged to join

ASA via the Central Group.

Jane Wardropper then spoke and thanked ASA members for their support

while she was on the ISGF European Region Committee and particularly

her period as Chairman.

Following a short break when tea and coffee were served, Mike Warton

gave a talk on Chernobyl 2000. This is a charity set up by Mike and his

family which for 10 years has been taking clothing, furniture, food etc by

road, to Chernobyl. This was followed by Peter Skilton, a Guild member,

who spoke about his work helping Chernobyl Children Lifeline,

whereby children arrive in the UK for a holiday, giving them a break

from the Chernobyl area.

Finally the Chairman thanked members, guests and speakers, and the

management and staff of the Elton Centre.

Allan Page

30

BRANCH SECRETARIES

Bebington Len Marshall

Wirral

Gravesend Mrs Enid Ingham

Kent

Henfield Derek Gardner

W Sussex

Malvern Mrs Geraldine Shaw

Worcestershire

Stourbridge &

District Steve Ackland

W Midlands

Tiviot Dale Arthur Stevens

Cheshire

Central Branch Allan Page

An independent National Association of Men and Women who believe that the spirit of Scouting should be extended into Adult life, including many who were not Guides or Scouts in earlier days.

By its help and practical assistance in a variety of local charitable causes the Baden Powell Guild make a

worthwhile contribution to the community.