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Regional Commissioner’s Blog – June 2008 Welcome to my first Regional Commissioner’s Blog. It’s my intention to keep both members and non - members up to date with what’s happening across the region and there is plenty to write about this month. So where do I start? I am pleased that London has another 18 fully trained Young Spokespersons following the first London Region Training Course held last month. These young people will now represent Greater London at a series of Scouting and non Scouting events over the coming months and what better ambassadors could we wish for. Talking of ambassadors, I was extremely pleased to welcome to London our first Greater London Scouting Ambassadors. Mr Jack Petchey OBE and Dr Terry Chimes both agreed to take on the role of Ambassador and they have already taken the opportunity the promote Scouting in London when out and about. I really look forward to working with them both! It was great to present, at a very special event on a luxury floating hotel in Docklands, 24 awards to Greater London’s top leaders from across the capital. These adults have given exceptional service to London’s young people and what an honour it was, along with our two new Ambassadors, to present the awards! I was honoured to be invited to represent the region when HM Queen unveiled a bronze statue of herself at a special ceremony at BP House in London. The bronze was a gift from Mr Jack Petchey OBE for Scouting’s Centenary. I was extremely proud that Scouting in London was singled out for praise by the Jack Petchey Foundation in a speech in front of HM Queen. The Foundation praised our efforts and offered its on-going support with our objective to increase adult recruitment in London. Along with the Regional Development Manager – Martyn Milner, I attended a special dinner hosted by the Met Police at the RAF Club in London to launch a joint initiative / partnership between the Police and a number of youth organisations including the Scout Association. The aim is to direct young people away from anti social behaviour or committing minor offences into positive activities such as Scouting. I will provide you all with more details of how the project will work as things progress. Looking ahead, we have our first Regenerate Event at Gilwell Park. This special weekend will see young adults from across the region coming together to discuss a range of topics including both subjects relating to Scouting in the capital as well as issues that affect young people in London. We are also starting planning for this year’s Lord Mayors show where Greater London will represent The Scout Association. It’s early days but our entry promises to be great! Okay, I think that’s enough for this month’s Blog. Next month I hope to be able to update you on several very exciting and unique projects happening in London later in the year to support our adult leaders in the very important role they play in our association. Regards
Dean
Dean J Milton |