Colin Stubbs (8th Morden), Nigel Hewitt-Cooper (16th Morden), Ian Newbery (ACC Scouts)

AE opened the Meeting by asking for a volunteer to keep notes. In the absence of any offers, AE kept the Minutes and RM agreed to Chair the Meeting.

AW advised that the licence for the 4th's radios actually expires on 31st December 2003.

AE overlooked advising dates that had been received from County / District. Therefore Diary Dates for 2004 are provisionally as follows:

District Sports

Everyone present thought that it went well as did the Tug of War. Thanks to the organisers. We understand that a similar event is planned for next year and need to know the date(s) please.

County Pilot Camping Weekend
No one present was planning to send any Scouts. DB will be helping on the Saturday PM

County Cyclocross
Details are in the County Yearbook. 10am at Frylands Wood.

District Swimming Gala 
Michelle McNamara attended to discuss and agree some proposed changes. These were agreed by all present:
Age ranges for the Scout section will be the same as agreed for the Sports.
It was also agreed that the first 3 places from each Heat should qualify for the Final rather than rely on (sometimes unreliable) people and stop watches.
It was agreed that the Points should be amended in line with the Sports.

District 5aside Football
Since the last meeting, Colin Stubbs has kindly offered to run the event. It will now take place at Youth Centre 21. 
Since the meeting details have been distributed by CS.
RM pointed out that Half Term was late this year and the event clashes with the last day of half term. 

County Swimming Gala
There being no volunteers to co-ordinate our Team, it looks like it falls to AE. After the meeting AE checked the County Yearbook and it transpires that this stipulates two age ranges: under 12 and under 14. AE is seeking clarification from County as this will have been written over a year ago. If we are short of participants, AE will consider involving Wimbledon Scouts if Wimbledon District are not taking part. Note for AE to remember that closing date for entry is 24th October.

District Troop Quiz 
PD confirmed that he will advise the Priest that the 5th are inviting over some friends for the evening! JB confirmed that he will provide and set up public address system.

The following rounds of questions were agreed:
Music: DH
Sport: JR
Computer Games: A "young" Leader from somewhere?
TV: A "young" Leader from somewhere?
There were various possibilities for the "young" Leader, when someone has a definite volunteer, please confirm to AE.
Trivia: DH
TBA: Colin Stubbs
TBA: Colin Stubbs
TBA: AE
TBA: AE
Please ensure the questions are submitted to AE by Saturday 8th November.

County Scout Section Meeting
23rd November at Bow Lane. AE asked that if he could not attend, were there any volunteers. None were forthcoming, but Colin Stubbs had previously offered to help out if he could. AE will speak to Colin if he is not able to attend.

County Orienteering Competition 
Details are also in the County Yearbook. Please remember that the closing date for entries is 24th November.

Scouters' Christmas Get-Together
Date was agreed for Tuesday 16th December meal and wine at Park Place Mitcham. AE will book 20 places and send out details with closing date for holding deposit. It was agreed that as well as partners we should extend an invitation to all who have played a part in the Scout Section over Wandle's short life.

Handball Competition
RM has lost his association with Garden School and was not sure if he would be able to book the halls or if at the previous discounted price. He will see what can be done and it was agreed that everyone would consider alternative venues.

Older Scouts Training w/e 
AE was keen that the event should be a success as it will be the first for the new District and an ideal chance for the adults to get to know one another. If we leave planning until January it may be too late.
It was felt that Bow Lane may be too small as could probably only sleep 30. 1st Hook was discounted because of lack of outdoor options. AE agreed to investigate Southwood as we have previously had Scouts camping outside.
AE asked for suggestions as to what we wanted to include in the programme. Suggestions were Camping Skills, Games. DB advised he did not mind bringing down equipment for archery and shooting.
Volunteers were sought for an organising committee. RM and GE volunteered, although GE will be on holiday for the Event. 

After the meeting GE advised that he is not convinced at the moment that going for a 2 day event will be wise.  It may be better to look at holding it as a 1 day event, say from 10 - 8pm, to see if it works and what uptake is.  Then if it is decided to run something similar again to maybe look at expanding it to be 2 days. AE will discuss with Wimbledon DSL.

AE reiterated what he had communicated in an email following the Team meeting in July, this is reproduced and updated below:

"Bob Prescott said that he thought it was important people feel they have a voice. The merger will present more opportunities for young people and bring together the best of both existing Districts. Scouting can provide a structured place for everybody from age 6 until we meet our maker.
He is meeting with John Smith the District Chairman Designate to set up a Steering Committee with 4 members from each District. The role of this Committee will be to ensure all areas are visited rather than make decisions.
Whilst some work may need to be done with specific Groups and to ensure they best serve the needs of their communities, nothing will happen before the merger. It will take a while to get to know Wandle District.

Bob hoped to have a starting plan available for 27th September when we hold an "Away Day" where GSLs or Scouters-in-Charge will be invited to represent their Groups as well as District Executives and Teams.
Hopefully then a member of the District Team will be appointed to liaise with the Leaders of two or so Groups between October and December 2003.
It is not sensible to have a District structure different to the County so therefore an ADC will be appointed for each Section, supported by a number of District Leaders.
He hopes to sort the new District Team by October. 

It is not the role of the District Team to run Sections for Groups. This is the responsibility of GSLs and Group Executives. Rather, the Team should provide support.

The two District Executives will continue to run in parallel until merger, likely in January or February 2004. If it needs to be later, it will be. Wimbledon already have their District HQ booked for 28th January and 11th February for events that can be changed to accommodate AGMs for the old and new Districts.

The new District Executive will be structured into committees, including one for Finance and Property.

Wimbledon have recently started holding St George's Day Parades and Promise Renewal Events on alternate years. It is the turn of a Parade next year and it will be on 25th April.
There will be no Parade in 2005. The Promise Renewal will take place at the District Camp that is scheduled for the late Spring Bank Holiday 28th - 30th May 2005 (Whitsun) at Walton Firs.

It is understood Dave Gould plans to run the Sports for 2004, however we were unsure of the date. It is believed it may be 10th July?

The question of Swimming Galas was not discussed in any detail. It was believed it may be more viable to have separate Scout and Cub events.

Anyway, nothing is set in stone and all will be discussed as detailed above before any final plan is prepared."

RM queried a possible increase in District Leaders as surely one of the points of the merger was to reduce the need for such numbers. AE pointed out that the enlarged District would probably prove too big for one ADC to visit all the Troops.

All at the meeting were happy to be kept updated with developments and had no other issues they wished to raise at this time.

1st Morden - DB

Troop evenings had included wide games on Oxshot Heath and conservation in the river at Morden Hall. Had a very successful camp at a "cracking" site Lydney Deer Park, a District site costing 75p per night with water and an elsan disposal. Thanks to the 11th for help with transport and 6/12th for water activities. Had an enjoyable activity on the High Ropes Course. Future activities include Croydon Airport Museum, Survival skills training leading to a weekend at Bears Wood and activities for a day at Phasels Wood. Numbers are expected to be 30.

2nd Morden

Believed Troop not meeting at present.

3rd Mitcham

No report or contact

4th Morden - AW

Expect to start the new Term with 5, all yet to be invested. Did not manage to co-ordinate diaries for the summer but did manage to join in a weekend camp with the Cubs at Walton Firs.

5th Mitcham

No report or contact

5th Morden - PD

Missed the Sports as took 12 Scouts to Youth Afloat run by Poole Council, won good behaviour award. Went to Sandown Ski slope and witnessed some spectacular crashes as the rubber rings came to rest at the end of the run. No summer camp as despite an abundance of leaders on paper, in practice it proves difficult to co-ordinate shifts and diaries. Will be attending the National air rifle competition. Numbers are fluctuating between 16-20;  all very young.

6/12th Mitcham - PT

An "interesting" Summer Camp at Longridge. Thanks to DB for use of 1st's powerboat. Expects numbers to be down again to around 16. Is meeting up with a loose grouping of Sea Scout Leaders to discuss the effects of the new age ranges on the Sea Scout training programme.

7th Morden

No report or contact

8th Morden - CH on behalf of CS

We return to Scouts this Friday and will hopefully see membership retained at about 25 Scouts with 3 Warranted Leaders, 2 Instructors and 2 Explorer Scouts running the programme. In July the Troop attended a Group Camp at Banstead Park Farm where they  integrated with the other sections on a theme of Independence Day. Also in July the Troop

commenced the Global Challenge Award tackling issues such as Wealth and Fair Trade on Troop nights & on the final Troop night before the Summer David White (son of Mary, District Badge Secretary), a Cub Leader from Austria visited for a BBQ and gave the boys a chat on Austrian Scouting and hopefully International Contact can be made with members of their Troop via email and the internet. Troop's Summer Camp was held in Belgium with 20 boys and 5 Leaders/Instructors visiting Merkenveld International Scout Camp Site about a 10 minute train journey from Bruges, a great time was had by all who attended and gained a great deal from an International Experience. Coming up we have a joint Bivouacing Sleepover with 11th Mitcham in September and are looking to take the Troop Water Skiing and Knee Boarding at a reservoir in Middlesex in October. We have booked Kemsing Youth Hostel for a weekend in December where we hope to have many of the Troop attempting their Expedition Challenge Award.

11th Mitcham - DH

A successful camp at Broadstone Warren with 14 Scouts, took part in lots of activities. Expect numbers to be down this term at around 20.

16th Morden - NHC (by email)

Troop numbers have dropped to 13. I've culled the older few and all are now in the new range. Since the last meeting we held a PL/APL camp at Boidier Hurst, summer camp in Brecon was cancelled due to lack of interest (4 kids), so we held a 3 day camp at Chalfont Heights. This term I'm back around and hoping to get back in to the swing of things, though this last term I've really felt the strain of running the two business's and have considered stepping down. However I know I'm around more from now, and this is the time I really get to enjoy the role! For this term we have planned swimming, skating & bowling at Spectrum, a narrow boat weekend, a camp in November at (probably) Birchmere, and the usual Friday nights. Still the two of us running things, but we should have a new ASL soon (ex-member), and two helpers.

20th Mitcham - RM

Planning and enthusiasm has been restricted before and after his operation. Is still on his own with help from one Grandfather. Has 12 regular Scouts and expects more up from the Pack.

23rd Mitcham - GE

Had a weekend camp in Staffordshire and attended American Adventure and Cadbury's World - lots of free chocolate! A weeks Camp in North Yorkshire with a Troop from Scarborough a total of 40 participants. Camp next weekend at Bears Wood. Will shortly be starting rehearsals for their Christmas Panto, 4 dames! Expect numbers to be around 15.

BW advised he had seen details of a new cross sectional computer skills badge, sponsored by the computer industry.

PT sought views / comments on an incident arsing from his summer camp. A Scout was injured at camp and details were entered in the accident book. Upon return from camp it transpired that the Scout had fractured his arm/wrist. There were no visible signs during the camp and the Scout had taken a full part in activities.
The question has arisen as to when and how to notify patents of an incident. PT is currently awaiting advise from District as the parent has made a complaint.
During a parents' meeting tonight PT advised that his practice to date had only been to notify parents when it had been necessary to seek external medical aid. RM agreed with this and also when a Scout had bumped their head. PT advised that his parents were of the view that similar to Schools they wished to be advised of any incident that had been entered into the accident book. In the case of camps it would be at the end of camp, in case an incident developed into something more serious.
A card index system had been suggested with a card for each individual Scout being returned to parents at the end of camp. BW thought that most Leaders would have dealt with the incident as a parent would have done ie as PT had stated.
CH cited an incident on Cub Camp where an autistic Cub was just prevented from running out into a main road. He enquired as to Scout Association rules as to whether the Leaders in the Troop were obliged to accept the Cub into the Troop. JR advised that it will be necessary to undertake a risk assessment in conjunction with parents. RM confirmed that if the Troop Leaders were not prepared to take full responsibility, they did not have any obligation so to do.

Meeting closed at 9.38pm.