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Regional Commissioner’s Blog – November 2008 "Vibrant, Adventurous & Every Bit Relevant to Today's Modern Society" The words that can only describe our entry in this year’s - Lord Mayors Parade in London. I was extremely proud to join the crowds to cheer on Scouting’s entry in this years show. In the early stages of planning our entry, we decided that we wanted to get across some very simple messages that we are a truly modern, young, vibrant and adventurous organization. Seventy young people from across the region, proudly wearing their ‘i.Scout’ T.Shirts and Hoodies showed the many thousands of people along the route and millions more at home just how much fun Scouting really is. A bright Orange bus displaying the Scout Logo and Scouting images, 28 bouncy Bokkers, Hikers, Segways, a band and let’s not forget the Cubs and Beavers - wow! My thanks to everyone involved and we look forward to our entry for 2009. We’re just a week away now from our first ‘Regional Development, Advice and Support Day,’ at Gilwell Park. This should be an excellent day, starting with a plenary session updating attendees on both Regional and HQ matters, followed by sessions for those present on a number of topics relevant to their section / interest group. This day will be followed by two Group Scout Leader Workshops and a District District Commissioner Day in early 2009. If you have not yet signed up, please do so. I am pleased to be representing the Scout Association at the forthcoming ‘European Chief Commissioner’ conference to be held in Zurich Switzerland later this month. We will be discussing a range of topics every bit relevant to Scouting in Europe and I look forward to briefing you in next month’s Blog. It was great to address the audience and present medallions at the recent GLSW Jack Petchey Awards Presentation evening in Croydon. A brilliant evening of entertainment and it was wonderful to see so many very proud young people and their parents present. Finally, many of you may have recently seen the launch of London Mayor Boris Johnson’s ‘Youth Strategy – Time for Action.’ The document talks about the many problems relating to young people growing up in London and makes reference to working with organizations like Scouting in London as the only way to ‘get things done.’ It goes on to state that ‘Scout Troops and Army Cadet Squads are the kind of gangs we like, it’s time to expand their turf.’ We will be formally responding on behalf of the Scout Association to this consultation document and we are currently arranging a meeting with the Mayors Office to discuss how we can engage to bring about this change. Well that’s it for November. Please continue with your excellent work. My thanks as always to our adult volunteers for their exemplarily work and for our young members for choosing Scouting in Greater London! Dean J Milton
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