District Commissioner's Report It was incredible to see last Sunday at the St Georges Day celebration both the increased numbers from this years census and more importantly all groups and sections being represented. It was a very proud moment to suddenly see coming over the hill our District St George Flag and our newly acquired District Union Flag being carried by two youngsters both of who I recall being cubs. They are now one of our oldest scouts and one of our youngest Explorers. Where does the time go! In our ordinary lives family can often play a vital and influencing role, providing an increased strength. Outside our sections and groups the wider family of scouting starts with the District. A s a parent I always value and support both the Group my children belong to as well a s the District we are part of. This is why the events co-ordinated by the ADC's are invaluable as they are always a great opportunity to offer not just the youngsters but the adults who support them a wider circle of contacts by coming together as a scouting family. It was one such District led event last year that saw the birth of a new group. I still sometimes wonder how it happened. I know it hasn't been without problems but I will never forget the families who turned out in June all because they value what you as volunteers give to a community, because they see a strong and vibrant District with equally solid Groups and Sections and because they want to be a part of it. If success can be measured in terms such as the fun, skills, learning and life experiences we give the youngsters then it can be considered a direct payback for all the hard work, time and effort you all put in. Indeed I thank you sincerely for that. In going fontvard we need to look at building on this further. The District has enviable strengths but needs to use those strengths to continue to address sustainability and growth issues. As part of the wider scouting family we can become even stronger by focusing our collective resources. The last 12 months was indeed an extraordinary year. We saw the launch of a new group, the London Olympics and Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. We also saw a huge rise in numbers - our overall membership rose this year by 13%, we regenerated our link with the RAF base who Im proud we are now actively supporting And firmly established our place in the community by taking part in various local schemes such as Fleet Action Day and the Jubilee celebrations. Of course it goes without saying that none of the above would of been achieved without the support of the District Executive Committee. I am very lucky that at the helm I have a strong fonward looking Chair and a Treasurer who keeps us on the right track. I would also like to thank a couple of other very special people who not just inspire but motivate me to keep things moving, Adam our C C , Trevor A C C , District Support and Frank 101"* Chair. All three of them are always unfortunately for them an email away at times when I'm pulling my hair out, or I have just come up with my next cunning plan! All I can say to them is Thank You and sorry as you know it's only a matter of time before the next email arrives!
Jal(l(i Holland, DC