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Shorter's Scribbles...
Bye bye bank holidays!
That’s it folks, the last bank holiday until the Christmas period over and done with! I hope you all made it a good one; I even managed to get out for a bit of a boogie on the dancefloor… although the less said about that the better!
This past week has all been about our District Commissioners, having met Andy from Warwick, Mick from Atherstone and Gill from Stratford. All this capped with my first DCs meeting last night!
It has been a fantastic opportunity to learn all about the teams we have around the county, as well as set out my vision for the next 3 years, and I look forward to my first County Managers meeting next week.
Next on the agenda is my second induction meeting with Stephanie from the Regional Development Service, so it’s another quick pasta dinner and out of the door… the fun continues!
Good luck and all the best to those of you starting back to Scouting activities after the summer holidays, have a great one!
Andy
The county team tour continues!
Well it’s been all around the houses for me this past week as my ‘meet and greets’ with the county team continue.
Last week Dave Barclay and Kerrie McCann talked me through all things development and communications (respectively), as well as our plans for the County AGM on the 22nd of September. Things seem to be shaping up nicely and I hope to see as many of you there as possible, if for no other reason as to see me fumble my words! It should be a fun night, and I would like to thank all those currently working hard to organise it.
This week I’ve been introduced to the inner workings of our county secretariat by Andy Walker, the County Secretary, and had a great night last night learning all about our Programmes and Activities Team courtesy of Kevin Perks. It’s fantastic to hear about all the initiatives we have going on, be that Motiva10n (for Explorers in September) or Get In! (The county camp next year), and many more… I honestly cant wait to see how these events take shape and encourage you all to get involved if you can!
Must dash now though as I’m off to meet Andy Clarke, DC for Warwick, to get the low-down on scouting within their district.
Oh and for those that are interested following my last blog my off-roading vehicle of choice was the Range Rover Vogue – ok so maybe more associated with the streets of Chelsea but a cracking ride off road too! Great day!
See you all soon,
Andy
Life’s getting a bit hectic!
Well 13 days in and my tour of the county team is up and running!
I’ll be honest; it’s actually quite daunting taking on the job of County Commissioner, especially from a guy like Dave. So I would just like to say a massive THANK YOU to all those who have shown me such support as I start to get to grips with the role, and I really look forward to meeting more of you in the near future.
This week has mostly been about preparing myself for the coming months, and the inevitable learning curve I am about to embark upon. Stephanie from the Regional Development Service talked me through the practical side of my induction, Dave and I continued our handover, and I spent an evening with Sam Marshall discussing the important work training are undertaking, as well as my own training requirements. Looking at the online calendar I’ve already spotted a few of the training courses that I want to get on, so be prepared to find yourself sat next to me at one of our courses sometime soon!
Also this week I’ve met with John, DC of Rugby, to find out how he is getting on with his role and to learn more about the team he has in their district, as well as caught up with Tony, Will and Jane, my fellow Jamboree Unit leaders, to make sure we’re still on track for July 2011.
So a busy time but loving every minute of it! This weekend I’m going to be meeting up with some friends to try my hand at a day of off-road driving, I can’t wait!
Happy weekend everybody!
Andy
New County Commissioner, New Blog!
It’s a bit like when Dr Who regenerated from David Tennant into Matt Smith. Nobody wanted David to go; he had made the role his own, a unique style which was not only enjoyable but at times thought provoking and certainly creative, eventually winning over even the most die hard of ‘Who’ fans. Then Matt Smith came along, the youngest Dr Who ever. It’s fair to say everybody was a little sceptical, there was no way he could fill the sizable shoes David had left… but we gave him some time, let him find his feet, and it turned out that yes, he may be a different Dr, but in the end not too bad at all…
OK so this is a slightly odd way to introduce myself to you all, and you probably now consider me barking mad, but my point is that I know that as I start this role I have a lot to learn,and its going to take me a while to find my feet… but just like every scout I’ve made a promise to do my best, a promise which I thoroughly intend to carry out with energy and enthusiasm, and when It comes to being County Commissioner I simply cant wait to get cracking!
Warwickshire has come a long way in the past 5 years, but it is important to remember that we are still on a journey. Whilst we can be proud of our achievements, we can’t afford to sit back and relax. In time I will turn my attention to developing our team, making sure that what we ask of our volunteers is achievable and fair, that scouting remains fun for all and that everybody feels supported in their chosen role. I’m passionate that the voice of our young members is heard at all levels, and I have a keen interest in finding new ways to promote diversity amongst our membership… so plenty to concentrate on and not a moment to lose!
But first, and probably reassuringly for you all, I’ve a comprehensive induction planned. Over the next few weeks I’m going to be meeting with our Regional Development Manager, having a number of handover meetings with Dave, and of course beginning my own CC woodbead training courtesy of Sam our County Training Manager.
I’m going to be showing my face around the districts at every opportunity. I want to understand as much as possible about all the great work currently being undertaken in the name of scouting within Warwickshire. I don’t like scouting by e-mail, I do like having a laugh – so expect to see me at a scout hut near you soon!
So, as I draw to the end of my first blog, I would just like to say that I am proud and privileged to have been selected to represent you all. I am really excited about the next few years and hope that you bear with me whilst I learn my new role, forgive me my initial mistakes, but more importantly continue in what you do best – improving the lives of young people.
Thank you, I look forward to meeting you!