Petworth & Pulborough District Scout Council held their AGM on Monday 6th
September at Billingshurst Community & Conference Centre. It was an event
of Thanks and looking back but most importantly looking forwards.
Dave Grimwood as outgoing Chair ran the meeting and was thanked for his
service and commitment, Georgina Colenutt was nominated and voted in as the
new Chair. Georgina addressed the meeting via Zoom (she was isolating at
home, a reminder that Covid isn't behind us yet) with a message of
rebuilding and growth for the years ahead. Dave was then voted in as
District President, an honour for the self-proclaimed Cub from Fittleworth
that was unanimously voted through (and rightly so!). We're looking forward
to Presidents Day in 2022 already.
Pat Homer was thanked for her years of service and support of Chairs John
Hickman and DG with a Commissioners Commendation; Pat will continue as
District Secretary until Georgina can recruit a new person to this role.
Tim Dodd was voted in as District Treasurer and thanked for his efforts to
amalgamate the District Accounts, Sue Gatland was approved and thanked as
scrutineer of the accounts.
The Exec Committee was voted in on block and Ann Pike (Diversity Advisor)
was voted onto the committee as the DC's nomination.
Thanks were given to the outgoing Badge Secretary; Liz Leggett for her
efforts, this role remains open although an unnamed person has been
approached.
District Commissioner Glyn Pullen then addressed the meeting continuing the
message of Thanks for all those who worked tirelessly to keep Scouting going
during the pandemic shutdown; especially the GSL's for their continued
support of their leaders and Marcus Barnes and his team including Sarah
Jordan and Allan Brown for taking Scouting via Zoom into everyone's house
(seemingly every night!). Marcus was presented with his Wood Badge as Scout
Leader at Ashington. Mention was also given to our virtual District events
including Camp at Home, Race to the Moon, Petworth Park Camp, The District
Challenge, Halloween Hike, St Georges Day and all those other never before
seen events that kept the spark of Scouting alive in 2020-21.
New members were welcomed including Sue Barden as DDC Support, Lucy Garret
as DESC, Toni Mitchel as DYL, Sarah McNeil has become our new ADC Global and
hot off the press Tracy Evans has agreed to be ADC Cubs.
Congratulations were given to the recipients of special service awards, to
be presented at our Thanks Event and Leaders Camp on 18th September at
Nowhurst Camp Site. These were: Award for Merit Adrian Colenutt
(Appointments), Helen Pullen (Billingshurst Gang Show) and Hazel Barkworth
(District Treasurer and Exec Committee Member); Bar to Award for Merit Chris
Evans (Events & Activities) and the Bar to the Silver Acorn Stella Ribbens
(Beavers Scouts, Ifold) which was presented at a county event in August.
The DC's Trophy was presented to Pulborough & Bury Group for their
turnaround from being homeless and struggling for leaders and young people
to the now thriving position that they find themselves; richly deserved the
award is too.
A final Commissioners Commendation was given to Kath Bridger who has been
part of the District for so many years and now steps down as training
advisor (managers). Kath will be continuing her Scouting closer to home in
Pagham.
County Representatives Connor Holmes (County Youth Commissioner) and Matt
Pike (Deputy County Commissioner) addressed the meeting echoing the
sentiments of thanks for the efforts of the past 18 months and the message
of optimism for the year ahead and rebuilding the District.
Dave Grimwood wrapped up the meeting on behalf of Georgina echoing the
message of optimism, once again in times of adversity, Scouting found new
ways to exist and bring activities to young people and provided a welcome
distraction for those adults who found themselves adrift in unfamiliar
circumstances.
There is much to look forward to over the next year and Scouting will
continue to thrive.
If you would like to know more about Scouting in Petworth & Pulborough visit
our website www.pandpscouts.org.uk or contact us: info@pandpscouts.org.uk