New Regional Commissioner

The Chief Commissioner has accepted the Search Group’s nomination of Alex Duncan as Regional Commissioner for East Scotland Region, the appointment to be effective from 1 September 2010. 

Duke of Edinburgh Award Volunteering in Scouting

The training requirements for those volunteering within Scouting for their DofE has been reviewed. Following consultation I am pleased to inform you that we have made some changes and the new requirements are that all under 18's undertake Module A of the Young Leaders Scheme and then an additional 2 hours of training at each level of the DofE and that all over 18's undertake the Getting Started Modules of the Adult Training Scheme and an additional 2 hours of training at each level of the DofE.

This additional training can be anything, maybe an additional Young Leader or Adult Training Module, some activity training or an extension to their first aid training. The key is that it is appropriate to the individual.

Please do not hesitate to contact Fiona at SHQ on 01383 419073 (Option 4) or fiona@scouts-scotland.org.uk if you would like any further details

Fiona Dalzie

Programme & Development Officer

The Scout Association, Fordell Firs, Hillend, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 7HQ

The Adamson Trust

The purpose of the Trust is to provide assistance with the cost of holidays and/or respite breaks for young people aged 17 and under with either a physical, mental or emotional disability and only applications for this purpose will be considered.

Applications on behalf of groups of children, organisations or other registered charities will be considered on receipt of a completed Application Form and a copy of the last audited Accounts. Applications for grants will be considered by the Trustees in January, May and September in each year and preference will be given to requests on behalf of Scottish children.

Please Note: the closing dates for applications for the above meetings are the 30th November; 31st March and the 31st July.

Contact details - General Enquires : 07770 842 502, Fax:01764 682 359

Address - Orchil Den, Braco, Dunblane, Perthshire, FK15 9LF

Safety Advisory Notice: Pierceable Gas Cartidges

Scout Insurance Services Ltd monitors every accident notification made under Association rules. One of the reasons for this is to identify patterns or trends in order to inform and advise the Movement.

Over the last few years, there have been a number of serious incidents involving the use of gas cookers and lanterns which employ pierceable cartridges.

Equipment of this type often referred to as ‘Bluet’ were amongst the earliest examples of personal, lightweight cookers and lanterns. As such, much of this equipment held by Groups may be over thirty years old.

Over the last ten years or so, the old pierceable cartridge has been superseded by lightweight aluminium cartridges which incorporate a screw or clip valve fitting. These can be fitted and removed repeatedly, with a minimal risk of the escape of gas.

The old type of cartridge was, as its name suggests, pierced by a spike in the appliance. Once pierced, the canister could not safely be removed until empty.

The main risks with this older type equipment, are age, lack of familiarity and misuse. Examples are:-

• extracting a ‘spent’ cartridge and attempting to ‘screw’ in a replacement without removing the burner assembly.

• Screwing in a burner assembly ‘cross threaded’ which pierces the cartridge without being able to screw right down to form a seal.

• Equipment which is old and in which the rubber seal has become damaged or perished, preventing a good, gas tight, seal.

In all these cases, leaking gas can be the result and, due the lack of a valve, the leak cannot be stopped.

The results, in a number of Scout cases, have been serious burn injuries to users and those nearby. In France, as a direct result of repeated serious injuries, attempts are being made to prohibit the manufacture of pierceable cartridges.

For these reasons, The Scout Association is taking the unusual step in strongly advising Groups to cease using equipment which employs pierceable cartridges.

It is appreciated that such advice will require Groups to replace older equipment and that this has cost implications. However, the evidence of risk is overwhelming.

It is accepted that equipment cannot be replaced overnight and that some of this type may have to be used in the short term. Where this cannot be avoided, Leaders are advised to check, carefully, to ensure that seals are in good condition and should record the inspection. In addition, use of such equipment should be closely supervised and, above all, cartridge changes and assembly should only be undertaken by adults, in the open and away from sources of ignition.

All cooking and lighting equipment utilising flammable gases or liquids are potentially dangerous but, with care, can be used safely. However, pierceable cartridge equipment has been shown to present unique hazards, not only within Scouting but within the general public as well.

Groups are recommended to cease using such equipment and to implement a policy of replacement within twelve months at the latest.

Information provided by Comrie Croft Bikes

If you are organising activities for your scout group and would like to experience the excitement of mountain biking then Comrie Croft Bikes is the place for you.

We have a fleet of Giant Terrago mountain bikes with lightweight aluminium frames, hydraulic brakes and suspension forks. Each hire comes with a helmet and repair kit to ensure that your ride goes safely and reliably. We can also offer guided rides for those of you that don’t fancy handling the navigation yourself. On top of this we can arrange for lunches to be prepared for your group and

even provide four-star hostel accommodation so you can relax in comfort after a day in the saddle.

Our hire centre is based at Comrie Croft hostel in the beautiful Strathearn Valley. We have a variety of tracks and trails, which are accessible from the hostel, suitable for every level of ability or energy, and a wealth of local knowledge, to ensure you get the most from your biking experience.

Whatever your requirements, give us a call on 07933 781133 and we will tailor a package which will suit your needs. We offer discounts to groups of 10 or more and can even deliver bikes to a specified location if you can’t make it to the hire centre, or want to start your ride from a specific point.

Guided rides have a separate leader for every six bikers, which helps to ensure that your group are given the best leadership. We tailor prices per group and length of time you’ll be out so feel free to discuss your plans with one of our knowledgeable staff members. If you prefer, you can input your details on our website www.comriecroftbikes.co.uk and someone will contact you directly.

I look forward to the opportunity of working with you.

Colin Mcphail, Comrie Croft Bikes, Comrie Croft, Comrie Road, By Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4JZ

07933 781133         www.comriecroftbikes.co.uk

Badges / Uniforms

Blairgowrie - Tracy Robertson at "Nicoles", 80 High Street, in Blairgowrie stocks Scout items (Tel 01250 875805).

Badges can also be obtained in person or by post from the Glasgow Scout Shop

Uniforms can be obtained from the Glasgow Scout Shop, also from - Scouting, Guiding and Outdoor Essentials, Helen Morton and Darrian Wilson, 27 Townhall Street, Inverkeithing, KY11 1LX

Longcraig Scout Centre

Loncraig Scout Centre (LSC), in the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge, can provide boating sessions on weekday evenings and w/e daytimes during the summer term AND during the summer holiday and the early part of the autumn term.  A programme on a plate - oops - boat !  Troops or Explorer Units that are thinking of camping at sites like Fordell Firs or Edinburgh's Bonaly site, we are ideally placed to provide a significant addition to an adventurous camp programme.

www.longcraig.org.uk
 
Grant Funding

Perth and Kinross Grants Direct

The website www.pkgrantsdirect.com gives information about funding available to voluntary organisations through Perth and Kinross Council -
as well as giving links to non-local sources of funding.     Worth a look!