Well it was a year ago Wednesday last that I became the DC of Fareham East. I know that it has been a challenge to me as I came in from outside the area and I didn’t know many people and I have made a lot of new friends and I have to say I have been given a very warm welcome by you all. The DC’s post is a very lonely one and sometimes we have to make decisions that may not be agreed by everyone but in the long term they are the best way forward for everyone. I did an initial review, I felt that we had a good team within the District and I have changed a few roles but on the whole we have a good Team on board. We are still very desperate to fill four very important roles in this District, firstly the District Secretaries post Peter although staying doing the appointments wants to step back from the secretary position and he will be a sad loss to us he does a great job along with his wife and he will be a hard act to follow so please look hard as we need a replacement as soon as possible. In this District we have Three of the best Explorer Units in the County well I would say that as DC but Its true but Joe Mitchell is stepping down in June and we need a new ESL for the Pheonix Unit again please look hard so we don't have to loose this great facility for the young people. The other positions are ADC’s for Cubs and Scouts which I am hoping to fill shortly if you feel that you can help in these roles call me for a chat. The one job I would like to see filled is a GSL at 2nd Portchester, I have been and meet this Group and they are a very small family group but they are offering what scouting is all about so again if you feel that you can offer help then let me know.
We have had our ups and downs over the past year and I truly believe that the good points out way the bad points. A few Yellow card issues needed to be addressed which we have done successfully. I was very taken back since coming here to loose two very special people to the District Alf Breeze and Alan Newman both these people gave so much to Scouting in Fareham East I only new them briefly but seeing them in that time show me how dedicated they were. They will be remembered for many years by the Awards we have set up for the Alf Breeze Awards for Beaver, Cub, Scout, and Explorer of the Year. And the Alan Newman Cup for the Cubs Six aside Tournament which went down very well. So what have we achieved in the last year has been great our Census figures are slightly down in the sections but Explorers were up and we now have a District Network Unit which we welcome Kate Williams as the new Chairman and they are on the census now so overall our numbers are up so lets keep up the good Scouting in Fareham East.
What about the good points well Training is up by 80% in the District I have presented four Wood Beads now and more on the way so well done everyone keep it up. We do have these drop in evenings which are very helpful if you don't have a TA or not come along and update your training and get your modules validated.
I have visited many sections and have given out numerous Chief Scout Awards which is great. We had five County Commissioners Commendations given out for outstanding contribution to Scouting in Fareham.
The Highlight of this year must be the outstanding actions of Charley Decker of which I'm sure you all read about when she save the life of an elderly lady during the summer holidays of which she has been awarded the Chief Scouts Award for Meritorious Conduct and she now has the Medal to proudly wear on her Uniform. I am pleased that Charleys last function will be the guard of honour at the St George's Day Parade as she and her family are moving to New Zealand and Im sure you will join me in wishing them all the luck in their future.
Well finally I wish to thank you all for your support during my first year lets keep up this outstanding work for the young people of Fareham East. We have the opportunity to show off here in Fareham what we offer to young people locally by having a 100% turn on the forthcoming St George's Day Parade let this be our proudest moment of 2008/09 and I look forward to seeing you there on the 23rd April.
Tony Parkinson
DC
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