May I take this opportunity to wish you all in Fareham East a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year for 2009.

Since moving to this District from the small area I had before in New Forest South it has been a great challenge for me to move into an area where I new very few people but was welcomed so warmly into this position it has been a fantastic opportunity for me. My personal thanks go to Peter Moody for his unreserved support since I took up this post.

I also wish to thank my District Team for there great support too.

We have worked through various changes to move this district forward and I truly believe we are well on the way to being great for scouting in this area the achievements of our members has been exceptional.

Congratulations to all who attended the Armistice Day Parade on Sunday 9th. I think it was the biggest and best turnout ever, (close to 300 all told of you). At the Mayor's Reception after the church service I was receiving compliments on your behalf from the Mayor and several other dignataries including our District Chairman about how smart you all looked and how well you conducted yourselves during the ceremony.

My thanks too, to the flag and wreath bearers who did their task well and especially to Paul Rutter for organising the parade inside the church grounds.

Give yorselves a BRAVO - very well done.

Dear Leaders and Supporters,

Following me sending out the District Review in September and the Introduction of various items within the District I seem to have made some errors folllowing our meeting which have been brought to my attention. Only one Leader has brought these items to my attention and he has told me that some other leaders feel the same. I would have liked anyone who has a problem with the changes made to have taken time out to talk to me about them. If no one says anything then it is assumed by us that its all ok and thats why I proceeded with sending it out as it was.

Dear Leaders and Supporters,

Please find enclosed the District Review that has come into practise as of the 1st September 2008 and some items from the 1st January 2009. I would ask you all to read through this review carefully and ensure that all these requests are put into practise in your own sections.

Over the last few months as the New DC I have had to deal with some very difficult situations that have made this job very difficult where in some instances they could have been avoided. There are Leaders in sections who I feel seem to be able to do as they like without any thought for District and Scouting protocol in general and I am afraid this is not going to happen anymore. This review is very clear and was discussed at length at the review meeting in July and no one has come back to make any sign of being in disagreement with it so lets make it work.