Category: Uncategorised

Make a difference by getting involved in our Executive Committee

Make a difference by getting involved in our Executive Committee

Midlothian Scouts does not have a key member of our Executive Committee – a District Secretary and we really need willing volunteer to become a member. Please join our leadership team. We need new volunteers to function AND make a difference at the ‘business end’ of our Scout District.

Please email us to find out more at richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk

The Executive Committee plays a vital role in the running of the Midlothian Scout District. The Executive Committee makes decisions and carries out administrative tasks to ensure that the resources are available so that the best quality Scouting can be delivered locally across our Groups.

You will play a key role by leading the administrative work for Midlothian Scouts. No previous secretarial experience is needed, we just need someone who is good at admin and keeping records.

Joining our Executive Committee is an exciting way to be part of Scouts in a non-uniformed role, playing a valuable role in making sure we deliver the best experiences to our young people.

Midlothian Scouts need a new District Secretary:

Click to read the full role description – Secretary

  • Do you have good administration skills?
  • Would you prefer to support more ‘behind the scenes’?
  • Are you an organised person?
  • Can you help keep our records in order?

The District Executive Committee:

Our Executive Committee is made up of people who shape our decisions, approve our strategy, and monitor our performance.

Though ‘Executive’ sounds a bit formal, it is not like that at all! We are a relaxed group of like-minded individuals! This role is ideal for anyone who does not necessarily wish to work directly with young people but would like to help to support and develop Scouting for a couple of hours or so a month.

As you know, Scouts is both a young person and adult experience – making friends, trying something new, doing something good for both your community and yourself and importantly making memories. It’s adventurous and rewarding. This Scouting adventure is only possible thanks to our superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like YOU, making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives.

Read about some of our other superstar volunteers:

Click here to read some existing volunteer stories and experiences from Beaver and Cub Leaders to Executive members. https://sesscouts.org.uk/volunteer-stories/ especially some of our other Executive members from the region.

Your opportunity:

This is your chance to be extraordinary and help in a flexible way! Joining our committee is not as posh as it sounds but we do like to have fun.

  • Minimal commitment – only a couple of hours a month
  • Flexible volunteering to fit around you – your skills/interests/time
  • Alongside like-minded people – we’re easy to get on with
  • Great fun – it sounds formal, but it isn’t!
  • Make a difference – get that ‘feel good factor’

As a District Secretary, you will help keep our records in order. Generally, the Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

  • Members of the Executive Committee must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:
  • Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
  • Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District.
  • Manage the District finances.
  • Provide insurance for people, property, and equipment.
  • Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities.
  • Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
  • Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally.
  • Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
  • Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-Committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-Committees.
  • Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District.

This is an exciting time for Midlothian Scouts. As a District Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee, you can play an essential part, be impactful and make a difference! This is flexible volunteering to fit around you.

What next?

Would you like to have an informal conversation? Please reach out to Richard Fairbairn, District Commissioner – richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk, for a chat. Feel free to nominate someone and/or share this with your network. Please.

Why not read our Trustee Information Pack HERE.

Please don’t assume someone else will step up, really, we need your help please.

Thank you!

Richard Fairbairn
District Commissione

Virtual Volunteering Information event

Thursday 27th January, 7.30pm on Zoom

Scouts is both a young persons and adults experience – making friends, trying something new, doing something good for both your community and yourself and importantly making memories.

This is only possible thanks to our superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like you, making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives. Can we Scout on you?

Register to attend this informative online event and find out more about the flexible volunteering opportunities directly with young people and behind the scenes in say our Executive Committee.

The event will last for one hour and be fun.

If you have a question please contact our Scouting Support Officer, Kirstie Armsworth, via email kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk

Register Here

The event:

Discover how you can give young people the skills they need to succeed in life and how being part of the Scouting family can be as rewarding for you as it is for them.

As a District we want to continue to offer your child and other local children across Midlothian the ability to participate with all the fun and challenging experiences we do in scouting and continue to offer more young people the ability to try these new experiences and have adventures such as, camping, fire-lighting, climbing and abseiling, and yes, learning how to tie and use knots.

We are looking for new adult volunteers to support our existing leader and executive team. So please consider what you can do and if you know anyone who may be willing to get involved ask them to come along to the event too. Please help us by talking to your friends and family and through your personal social media outlets about this event.

You don’t need to have any specific skills or be Bear Grylls to lend a hand. We have lots of different and flexible roles which means you can give as little or as much time as you like, working with young people directly or behind the scenes.

Scouting has a reputation for helping young people to develop self-reliance, strong character, respect for others, good community skills, and physical and mental fitness. For more than 100 years, our programs have instilled in young people the values and knowledge that they need to become leaders in their communities through developing these Skills for Life.

We would love to be able to explain more about Scouting and the opportunities we have for you to get involved. Please share this invite with a friend.

We anticipate the online event lasting only one hour and we will make it fun and informative for all. In the meantime, if you have any questions about Scouts, volunteering or the event please email Scouting Support Officer Kirstie Armsworth – kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk and she will help you.

I look forward to meeting you!

Yours sincerely,

Richard Fairbairn,
District Commissioner

Motion Picture License for Groups and District

Midlothian District Scouts has secured a blanket license for the District and all 8 Scout Groups within Midlothian to show Movies, TV Programmes on any entertainment video on DVD, Blu-ray, video cassette, downloads that are available for rental or purchase

The licence does not however cover performances where you charge entrance, or advertise the film showing publically.

The MPLC Umbrella Licence is the comprehensive yearly blanket licence provider for over 900 studios and producers which include covering major studios such as Walt Disney, Buena Vista, Dreamworks, Touchstone, Twentieth Century Fox, Hollywood Pictures, MGM, United Artists, Miramax, Paramount, Pixar and Universal Studios. MPLC also represent independent producers including Lionsgate, Momentum Pictures, HIT Entertainment, Ealing Studios, Metrodome, Eros International and Sony Pictures Classics as well as the major TV producers, including the BBC.

Further information
https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/administration/motion-picture-licensing/

Full list of rights holders here.
https://www.themplc.co.uk/page/rightsholders

Any further questions email dc@midlothianscouts.org.uk

Midlothian District AGM 2021

We are delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting of Midlothian District Scout Council, which will this year be held Face to Face and on Zoom.

The AGM will be held on Thursday 7th October 2021 at 7.30pm in Bonnyrigg Scout Hall, Eldindean Road, Bonnyrigg EH19 2HJ

Those that wish to join by Zoom, you will need to Register Online by Clicking Here by Tuesday 5th October, to receive the login details.

For those attending in person:

  • If you have symptoms, test positive for coronavirus or feel unwell you must stay at home.
  • You must wear a mask indoors (unless exempt)
  • There are Hand Sanitising stations around the hall
  • The Hall will be ventilated, please ensure you have a Jumper / Jacket
  • Being back together face-to-face is still new, and we will all be at different stages of feeling comfortable around other people. Please be respectful of other people’s space.
  • Tea / Coffee and biscuits will be provided.

The AGM is open to all Adult Midlothian members. including the Regional Commissioner and Chair.
All Explorer Scouts; A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum, selected from amongst the membership of the Forum; All parents of Explorer Scouts. President, Vice Presidents and invited guests.

Documents

MDEC-Agenda-AGM-2021Download
Midlothian-AGM-Minutes-2020Download
Midlothian-Financial-Statement-2020-2021Download

Blair Atholl 2022

We are delighted that Scouts Scotlands the 38th Scottish International Patrol Jamborette will take place in Blair Atholl from Monday 18th July 2022 until Friday 29th July.

500 Scottish Explorer Scouts will camp alongside scouts from around the world, working as a dual patrol of 12, in one of six subcamps.  There is an exciting programme of activities and the opportunity to form lasting international friendships.

Blair Atholl is open to Scouts and Explorers who are 14 – 17 on the first day of the camp. The Jamborette is hugely popular and unfortunately not everyone can attend so selection events will take place locally.

The camp itself costs £350 per participant for all the activities, catering, evening entertainment etc. Training Camps / Transport will be additional, and we will do our best to get grant money and fundraising opportunities to help with the cost.

Should you wish to Register Interest for your Midlothian Scout or Explorer in the Midlothian Patrol please can you complete the form below by Friday 1st October 2021

Applications have now closed.

Midlothian District AGM

The of the District AGM is Thursday 7th October 2021 at 7.30pm. It will be held in person at Bonnyrigg Scout Hall, with the option of logging via Zoom.

Futher information and papers to follow.

Take part in Big Garden Birdwatch

Our members can this weekend, take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch between Friday 29th – Sunday 31st January.

They can do the Birdwatch for 1 hour at any point this weekend.

The birdwatch should be done from the safety of your own home, either overlooking a green space, such as your garden, greenspace or courtyard next to your home.

Full information is in the attachments below.

  1. Pick a time
    You can choose any hour between 29 and 31 January. So whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, you can still take part.

  2. Tell us what you see 
    Count the birds you see in your garden or from your balcony*. Ignore any birds that are still in flight. To avoid double-counting, just record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not a running total.

    *This year our advice is to take part in the safety of your own home. This could include a birdwatch from your window if you overlook a green space or courtyard.
  3. Submit your results
    Online: You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 29 January until 19 February.
    By post: If you’d rather send your results by post, you can download a submission form below. Please post your results to us before 15 February.

Every count is important so, if you don’t see anything, please still submit your result. Finding out which birds don’t visit your area is as important as understanding those which do!

Annual General Meeting

Midlothian District Scouts will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 29th October 2020, 7.30pm on Zoom.

Zoom login details will be sent to all Adult Midlothian members in due course, including the Regional Commissioner and Chair

  • all Explorer Scouts;
  • A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum, selected from amongst the membership of the Forum;
  • all parents of Explorer Scouts;

Will be able to obtain the AGM Login details via their Local Leaders