Looking back on the year

Representatives from the majority of the groups in Falkirk District met at Denny Scout Centre to discuss the many highs of the previous year.

In her report District Commissioner Ann Gilchrist spoke of the 2016 Cub’s centenary celebrations and the expression it brought to the English language – DYB, DYB, DYB and the response DOB, DOB, DOB. In fact it stood for, Do your best which was said by Akela, with the response, We will do our best from the cubs.

She said the district also supported the Blair Atholl jamborette, held every two years in the grounds of Blair Castle, by sending four patrols (24) of 14 -18-year-olds.

Ann also had the pleasure of presenting one leader with a 50 year long service award; three with 40 years; two with 30 years and three with 20 years.

She also congratulated the many adult and young leaders who completed their training.

Across the sections there was mention of the Cubs’ centenary; the Beaver’s 30th anniversary; the Scouts’ district flag competition at Barrwood and the brass monkey camp in January at Invertrossachs. Explorers took part in the 70th Blair Atholl jamborette and they joined Scouts from France at Barrwood for a two-week camp. Members of the Scout network, aimed at 18-25-year-olds, took part in weekly indoor rock climbing as well as gorge walking, camping and water sports and the most senior members in the Scout Active Support group held their annual after Christmas dinner at the Leapark Hotel in Grangemouth and in April joined the Seagull Trust for a cruise on the Union Canal.

The AGM rounded off with a trio of presentations describing young members’ travels to America, Africa, where a school and toilets were built, and Iceland where network members joined an international gathering for the 2017 Moot.

In his vote of thanks honorary president Sandy Jack highlighted the many hours of voluntary service given every year to ensure sections across the district continue and that hundreds of children and young people grow and development through the movement.