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St. George’s Day on the 23 April was the day that Circus the Dragon was tamed by East Norfolk’s very own St. George.

Over 300 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Scouters from across our District took part in an activity afternoon to celebrate St. George’s Day, and met Circus the Dragon.

Three St. George’s Day Awards that were given during lockdown, were represented by the former District Commissioner, Jennifer Chetwynd:

Robert “Trooper” Trueman – Bar to the Silver Acorn

Gillian Mays – Bar to the Silver Acorn

Janet Rope – The Silver Wolf

The District Flag was given into the care of 1st Acle Scout Group for the year as it starts its circulation of East Norfolk, and the following Flags were awarded to recognise achievement during the last year:

The Union Flag – Nelson Explorer Unit

The St. George’s Flag – 1st Gorleston Scout Group

A District Commissioner’s Commendation was presented to Robert “Trooper” Trueman to to recognise the support that he and the 1st Bradwell Scout Group gave to others during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Trooper gave a the Bradwell HQ as a meeting place to another Scout Group, to enable them to restart Scouting for their young people.

We currently have opportunities to join the East Norfolk District Team.

District Explorer Scout Commissioner – Working with the District Commissioner to support the operation of the five Explorer Units of the District and offer quality programme opportunities.

District Explorer Scout Administrator – Coordinating information for the 14 to 18 age provision of the District, including the Young Leader Training Scheme.

Network Programme Coordinators – Helps to organise a social programme for the 18 to 25 age provision of the District.

I am so pleased to return to East Norfolk as your New District Commissioner and have the opportunity to support the adults and young people of the District.

For those that don’t know me, I have worked for 24 years at Group, District and County level, my last role as Deputy County Commissioner led to a wide range of experiences that I am hoping will stand me in good stead as I take up the challenge of leading East Norfolk, as we continue to strive to emerge from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  I have also been involved with delivering  the NORJAM Jamboree for many years. In 2006 and 2010 I led sub-camps then more recently, I was accountable for the activities provision of the Jamborees of 2014 and 2018, and this has equipped me with skills for life in the wider Scouting sense.

If I had to say why I am a Scout and what it means to me, my answer is simple: I like to see young people given the opportunities that Scouting provides and sometimes life does not. And the Scout Promise and Laws are the guidelines for how I choose to live my life.

The words of our Founder, Robert Baden-Powell are often a source of good advice and these words of wisdom made me think…

“The Scoutmaster teaches Scouts to play the game, by doing so himself.”

Scouting is a great game, and I strongly believe the more the adult leaders enjoy their Scouting, at weekly meetings or night’s away experiences, the more the young people in their charge will benefit from Scouting. To explore skills for life with young people or just have fun in a setting that allows everyone to be themselves in a safe environment is key to our success. 

Good programme is vital in growing our movement and the growth in numbers that we are striving for together, coupled with the benefit of sound management and support via Group and District Executive Committees are the keys to success that will ensure that Scouting in our District is sustainable and thrives.

I look forward to sharing many adventures with everyone Scouting in East Norfolk in the years to come