Office closed for just a short while!

Just to let everyone know that the County Scout Office will be closed for a short break from THURSDAY 14th NOVEMBER 2019 to FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER 2019.

During this time there will be MINIMAL staffing and messages & mail may NOT be picked up.

In cases of EXTREME EMERGENCY (only) please contact the Scout Information Centre at HQ on 0845 300 1818 or, after hours, the Duty Media Office or the Duty Safeguarding Officer using the out of hours service on 07977 539630.

Business as usual after this early Winter break!!

Andrew Sykes given the high Accolade of "Inspirational Apprentice of the Year"

Congratulations to Andrew Sykes, Assistant Explorer Scout Leader, Great Smeaton LINX Explorer Scout Unit, Northallerton Scout Network and District Skills Instructor, who has been named Inspirational Apprentice of the Year at the 2019 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprenticeship Awards. Andrew was presented with his award at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster and property entrepreneur, Sarah Beeny at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London last week. 

See report from HAMBLETON TODAY - here

A superb achievement - very well done Andrew from the whole County!

Be Aware!!

The Scout Movement is not connected with any political body and The Scout Association wishes to remind us all that the law says charities must be, and be seen to be, independent from all party politics. Leaders should be very careful, for example, if contacted by any election candidates asking for visits, photographs or support for their campaign. When representing Scouts or wearing your uniform in the lead up to the General Election on 12 December, please make sure that you aren’t seen supporting or criticising any specific political party

There’s useful guidance from The Charity Commission (particularly the charities, elections and referendums section), as well as the rules we have in our own Scouting POR Rule 14.1 & 14.2

Sound advice!

Soon needed.....new DC for York Ebor

We are now searching for a new District Commissioner for York Ebor District FROM APRIL 2020. The largest District in the Scouting County, in terms of membership, York Ebor is a successful and vibrant District, with some 13 Scout Groups, 4 Explorer Scout Units and a Young Leader Unit. 

At this time we would like to thank Kathryn Dunn, our current District Commissioner, for all she has done and is still doing for York Ebor District.  However, due to work commitments she needs to stands down from the role in April next year.  She has therefore given us plenty of time to find her successor and hopefully allow for a substanstial handover period.  So, are you up for the challenge?

The District Commissioner is a uniformed, management role and we need someone who can provide leadership, motivation and guidance to our other adult volunteers. You don’t need any prior experience of Scouting to apply for this role and we welcome applications from people of any age. The role can also be undertaken individually or as a job-share as part of a District Commissioner Team.

The District Commissioner Vacancy Pack (click HERE) provides invaluable advice on this rewarding volunteer role and a link to the application form.

Well.....is this for you?

How careful are you with regard to food safety?

This, by kind permission, from the November Edition of the Ingleboro' District Monthly Newsletter:

Scouting often involves catering or food handling, so all leaders, supporters and young people must be extra vigilant if they are to avoid contamination, especially when preparing food outdoors! Food poisoning can be fatal, so we all have a duty of care to all our fellow members!

Food can be polluted physically, e.g. by grass or leaves, or it can contain chemicals such as meths or detergent. The food itself, such as nuts, eggs, flour, milk, fish, or even celery and mustard, etc., can be an allergen for some people, and microbial contamination is also a huge danger.

The temperature of food, especially high risk foods like raw meat, cooked meat products, dairy produce, shellfish, eggs and cooked rice, is critical, with the most dangerous zone being between 5°C - 63°C.

Humans are the biggest carrier of microbes, so hand washing is vital both before, during and after food preparation.

Aprons and gloves should be worn and hair tied back at all times. Different coloured cloths and chopping boards should be used for different tasks and temperature probes should always be available in a kitchen. The safe storage of food and the regular cleaning and temperature checking of fridges and freezers is also something that should be addressed by GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES who are responsible for Scout Premises.

For further details, please contact Sue Haddrill (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

Act responsibly - Act NOW!!!

This, from our County Commissioner, Mark Edwards:

"Following a recommendation by the County Appointments Advisory Committee, I am pleased to announce the appointment of a new District Commissioner for York Minster District with effect from  Friday, 1st November 2019.

ANDY CARTER  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

An experienced Scout leader for over 25 years and a former member of the UK Scout Association HQ staff, Andy’s leadership, managerial and Scouting skills should help to develop and reinvigorate the District to support even better its Scout Groups and Explorer Scout Units. Andy has held Scouting appointments in Ramsgate, London, Diss and more recently in Ryedale District. York Minster District now has a further opportunity to develop positively, which Andy will embrace fully along with your support."

We ALL welcome Andy to his new role

29 Leaders Honoured in October 2019.

We are pleased to report 28 County Scouting awards and one award from the NE Region.

THE AWARD FOR MERIT

Ken Brill (District Active Support) York Ebor District
Alan Butler (Group Skills Instructor) 1st Clifton Sea Scouts, York Minster District
Dick Chalmers (District Chair) Ingleborough District
Robert Childs (Group Administrator) Dunnington Scout Group, York Ebor District
Mike Fitzsimmons (District Treasurer) Ingleborough District
Anne Fry (Group Active Support) Dringhouses Scout Group, York Ebor
Cherry Flitcroft (Group Chair) 1st Castleberg (Settle) Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Alan Furby (District Appointments Chair) York Ebor District
Joe Glover (Assistant Cub Scout Leader) West Thorpe (Methodist) Scout Group, York Ebor District
William Hattersley (District Active Support) York Minster District
Vince Jenner (District Active Support) York Ebor District
Paul Mills (Group Skills Instructor) 1st Clifton Sea Scouts, York Minster District
Daniel Nelson (Scout Leader) 1st Castleberg (Settle) Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Michael Richmond (District Active Support) York Minster District
Richard Rowson (Group Skills Instructor) 1st Clifton Sea Scouts, York Minster District 
Tara Stephenson (Scout Leader) Dringhouses Scout Group, York Ebor District
Graeme Taylor (District Treasurer) York Ebor District

CHIEF SCOUT'S COMMENDATION FOR GOOD SERVICE

Gill Allan (Cub Scout Leader) Ingleton Scout Group, Ingleborough District
John Allan (District Scouter) Ingleborough District
Jane Nelson (Group Executive Member) 1st Castleberg (Settle) Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Carole Ogilvie (Group Secretary) 1st Castleberg (Settle) Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Gill Pinkerton (District Supporter) Ingleborough District
Jackie Rowe (Assistant Beaver Scout Leader) Ingleton Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Cathy Tazzyman (joint-District Commissioner) Ingleborough District
Carl Unsworth (joint-District Commissioner) Ingleborough District
Kat Unsworth (Scout Leader) Ingleton Scout Group, Ingleborough District
Jennifer Wood (Group Executive Member) Ingleton Scout Group, Ingleborough District

COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S COMMENDATION

Gemma Tyrie (Beaver Scout Leader) Ingleton Scout Group, Ingleborough District

NORTH EAST REGION AWARD - THE BAR TO THE AWARD FOR MERIT

Mark Edwards (County Commissioner) North Yorkshire

Well done to EVERYONE from the whole County

Additional County Training Delivery Manager appointed

Following advice from the County Appointments Advisory Committee, the County Commissioner, Mark Edwards is pleased to announce the following County appointment with immediate effect:

County Training Delivery Manager - DAVID VINEY - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mark adds: "With considerable Scouting and training experience, David will be a key member of the County Training Team and will oversee the management of Local Training Managers and the delivery of training in 6 Scouting Districts: Harrogate & Nidderdale; Ingleborough; Selby; South Craven; York Ebor and York Minster. Simon Hickling, our other County Training Delivery Manager will now take on the same responsibilities with; Easingwold; Leven; Northallerton; Richmondshire; Ripon & District; Ryedale and Scarborough & District.

I am sure that you will support David in his new role and help to improve further our management and delivery of training across the County."

We all welcome David into his new Role