district report 2011

8/6/2019 District Report 2011

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Bishops Stortford and District

Annual Report

2010 / 2011


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Annual Report 2010/11

2 Join the adventure

Chairmans Report Geoff Markwell

Congratulations to all of you on helping the District to pass the

1,000 members mark. This is a fantastic achievement and it is

all down to the great Scouting that you are providing.

This year we will see 6 of our young people going off to the

Jamboree in Sweden, an opportunity of a lifetime. Exchanging

ideas, gifts and experiences and making new Scouting friends

from all over the world. I hope they will come back with plenty

of photographs and stories and maybe give us a Jamboree

presentation.

From the ADCs reports you will see all the interesting and

varied programmes that have taken place over this last year, all

due to the dedication and hard work of you, the leaders,

assistant leaders and helpers. I would like to give you all my

personal thanks and gratitude for what you do for our young

members. I dont think most parents really understand just

how much hard work goes into Scouting.

I would like to thank my Executive Committee, who do a

terrific job supporting me and my swimming helpers who

faithfully turn out every Tuesday night. I would also like to

remember Rob Fozzard, a rock amongst helpers who quietly

got on with the job without any fuss, we really miss him.

I am sure you would all like me to thank Fiona for her

contribution to this District. She made a big impact on us in

the short time she was D.C. Hopefully, after some time out,

she will be able to return and take up the reins again.

Lastly I must thank John Henson for the tremendous support

he has been to Fiona and for agreeing to stand in as D.C. for

the next few months. Johns IT skills have given us an excellent

District Directory, a very interesting News Letter and this

Annual Report.

Keep up the good work everyone.

Yours in Scouting

Geoff

www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk
http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/


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John Henson - District Commissioner (Acting)

Firstly I would like to offer my personal thanks for all the hard

work that Fiona has put in over the past year as DC. She has

worked extremely hard and I am sure you all join me in whishing

her well. We look forward to her return in a few months time.

This year we broke the 1,000 barrier for members in the District

for the first time in our history which is a fantastic achievement

and one that we should all be very proud of. Scouting in Bishops

Stortford and District is truly a force to be reckoned with and

our continued success is down to the tireless commitment of all

our leaders and adult helpers well done and thank-you.

Total Membership +6.7%

Beavers +18%

Cubs + 3.1%

Explorers + 38%

Network + 6%

We are the fourth biggest District in Hertfordshire and within

the District have four Scout Groups in the top ten in the county.

It is great to see all of our groups thriving and new sections

opening in them as well. Our Explorer Scouts sections continue

to have fantastic growth and it is testament to good leadershipand planning that we have been able to open another unit in the

last year.

Whilst it is great to see and share some of our success stories

and celebrate our growth Scouting is not just a numbers game,

we need to continue to focus on developing our leaders and

recruitment of adults into the movement. This is critical if we

are to sustain these numbers and continue to look after the 894

youngsters in our charge. I would also like to offer a special

thank you to all of you who help support the training of our

leaders.

It was great this year to see a number of Queen Scout Awards in

the District for the first time for many years and I congratulate

all of them in completing our highest award as well as looking

forward to more in the future.

I also recognise that there are issues around the District that

continue to hamper our lives and put barriers in place to us in

running the best programme possible for all the youngsters in

our charge but I am confident that if we all pull together we can

raise the bar and meet these challenges together.

Group/ District 2009 2010 2011

1st Bishops Stortford &

Hockerill

200 218 232

1st Thorley (St. James) 175 167 206

1st

Sawbridgeworth 139 160 160

1stSt. Michaels Mead 95 94 82

Silver Leys 90 102 104

1st

Much Hadham 89 88 89

10th

Bishops Stortford 62 58 53

2nd

Much Hadham 5 6 5

Explorer Scouts 83 66 91Scout Network 12 17 23

District (not holding Group

appointments)

16 18 18

966 994 1063

I look forward to working with you all over the coming months,

and please feel you can share your issues with me and the

District team we are here for one purpose only and that is to

support you as leaders and helpers!

John Henson



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Treasurers Report Ray Jones

These notes are to be read in conjunction with the 2010 Annual Accounts

First, a reference to the 2009 Accounts. When they were presented to last years meeting the

Explorer units had not been included, and the Examination had not bee n finalised. Im pleased to

report that the full Accounts have been duly signed off by the Examiner.

This year finds us in the same position, with the 2010 books approved by the Executive Committee but

not yet signed-off by the Examiner. The 2010 accounts include all the Explorer units.

At the end of 2009 the Executive Committee agreed a broadly neutral budget for 2010 except for a

commitment to support those representative members from Groups attending the 2011 Jamboree.

The District paid net 9,225 in 2010 to support the six members attending the Jamboree in 2011 in

Denmark.

The outcome for the year was a reduction in balances of 11,567 and our assets now stand at

25,927. Most of the reduction in balances was accounted for by the support for Jamboree attendees

and a loan of 1000 to Silver Leys for hut improvements. Im pleased to report that the Silver Leys

loan was repaid in early 2011.

Income has benefitted from a further increase in membership. Sales from the Scout Shop continue to

make a significant contribution and we were also successful in raising sponsorship for the awards

night.

Our budget for the current year is to ensure income covers expenditure and to achieve this it has been

necessary to increase the annual District subscription by 1 per member.

Thanks again to Robert Garrod, for his work as the Independent Examiner and to the group Treasurers

for their role supporting the finances within the District.

Ray Jones, Hon Treasurer

2 May 2011


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Bishops Stortford and District Scout Council

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 December 2010

UNAUDITED Previous

Year

Total incoming resources for year 35,714 31,901

Total resources expended for year (47,281) (30,527)

Net Incoming/Outgoing(-) Resources (11,567) 1,374

Cash, bank and similar funds brought forward 37,494 36,120

Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 25,927 37,494

Approved by the District Executive Committee on 11 March 2011

and signed on their behalf by:

Ray JonesTreasurer


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Statement of Financial Activities


Unrestricted Restricted Total Total

Funds Funds 2010 2009

Incoming Resources

Subscriptions 2,586 0 2,586 2,902

Jamboree

Income:Groups/Participants 5,325 0 5,325 0

Donations and Grants 770 172 942 715

Fund raising 588 0 588 200

Scout shop 3,500 0 3,500 3,000

Sundry Receipts 24 0 24 21Scouts Activities 2,028 0 2,028 1,813

District Explorers 0 19,994 19,994 21,280

District Cubs 0 444 444 624

District Beavers 163 0 163 1,182

Interest Received 120 0 120 164

Total Incoming Resources 15,104 20,610 35,714 31,901

Resources Expended

Donations and Grants 45 0 45 45

Jamboree 14,550 0 14,550 0

Fund raising 0 0 0 1,681

Management & Administration 3,418 0 3,418 2,378

Purchase of Equipment 174 0 174 0

Loan to Groups 1,100 0 1,100 0

Sundry Expenses 712 0 712 138

Scouts Activities 4,448 0 4,448 1,204

District Explorers 65 19,982 20,047 22,046

District Network 463 0 463 341

District Cubs 425 670 1,095 1,287

District Beavers 1,229 0 1,229 1,407

Total Resources Expended 26,629 20,652 47,281 30,527

Net Incoming/Outgoing(-)

Resources (11,525) (42) (11,567) 1,374

Balances b/fwd 1 Jan 2010 29,868 7,626 37,494 36,120

Balances c/fwd 31 Dec 2010 18,343 7,584 25,927 37,494


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Bishops Stortford and District Scout Council Balance Sheet


note 31 December 2010 31 December 2009

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible Fixed Assets (see note) 1 0 0

CURRENT ASSETS

Scout Association Short Term Investment 17,000 24,000

Bank Deposit Account (District) 9 9

Cash at Bank 2 0 13,256

Cash in Hand 0 229

17,009 37,494

CURRRENT LIABILITIES 0 0

NET CURRENT ASSETS 17,009 37,494

NET TOTAL ASSETS 17,009 37,494

represented by:

Funds

Unrestricted 9,730 29,868

Restricted 3 7,279 7,626

17,009 37,494

Notes

1 A frame tent purchased in November 1997 at a cost of 1149 is valued at nil

A Canon photocopier purchased in March 2008 at a cost of 899 is valued at 100

The value of other equipment is considered not to be material.

Scout Shop and Badge Account are accounted for separately and only contributions

received during the year are shown in these accounts.

2 Cash at bank analysis

District 1811

Voyager Explorers 5675

Endeavour Explorers 699

Conquest Explorers 185

Magellan Explorers 133Camp Account 277

8780

3 Restricted Funds

01-Jan 31-Dec

2010 Incoming Outgoing 2010

District Cub Funds - Good

Turn 227 444 671 0

District Cub Funds - Other 304 0 304 0

District Explorer Funds 6768 19,075 19,013 6830

Lochearnhead 2008 Camp 327 919 969 277

Purple Pinkie Charity 0 172 0 172

7626 20610 20957 7279


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Bishops Stortford and District Scout ShopAccounts

Trading Profit and Loss Account for Year Ending 31st December 2010

Stock 4,430.55 Shop Stock 31/12/10 4,560.68

Stock Purchase 14,074.98 Shop Sales 2010 17,635.54

Donations 200.00

Expenses 79.26

Profit 2010 3,411.43

22,196.22 22,196.22

Trasfer to District Funds 3,500.00 Shop balance 1/1/10 8,739.66

Balance carried forward 8,651.09 Profit 2010 3,411.43

12,151.09 12,151.09

Balance Sheet at 31 December 2010

General Reserve Account 8,651.09 Shop Stock 1/1/11 4,560.68

Cash at Bank 4,002.80

Cash in Hand 87.61

8,651.09 8,651.09

Audited and Found Correct Signed

Date 14/01/2011 VA Bradford ACMA


9/15




Wendy Claxton

Beavers are going from strength to strength in our corner of

the world.

We have twelve colonies all with waiting lists. We must be

doing something good!

This year we celebrate 25 years of Beavers. We are having a

sleepover at Gilwell Park on the 3rd and 4th June which

should be a great event and probably end up with a few

rather soggy beavers and leaders .

I know the beaver leaders are continuing to put some

brilliant programmes together for the beavers. The variety

is fantastic.

Thank you for all the time and effort that you all put

in to being involved in Beavers.

Wendy Claxton


Ken Gordon

2010 was once again a busy year and a saw the number of

Cubs in the District increase.

March and it was Splash time with another great turnout

from the Cub section. The swimming standards were high and

there were some surprise winners along the way. Saturn pack

were the overall winners for the Cub section.

St Georges Day was a great success with over 100 Cubs taking

part in various challenges in the Whacky Olympics at St

Marys school. The weather was good and everyone had fun

including the adults. The afternoon finished with everyone

renewing their promise and a martial arts display. Parents

have commented on how much their children enjoyed the day.

Summer and the camping season was in full swing with units

visiting Priory Wood, Skreens Park, Little Abington and Gilwell

Park to name a few. The majority of packs enjoyed good

weather which always helps!

Interaction between Cub packs has been good giving Cubs the

opportunity to make new friends and meet up with friends

they have made at previous joint evenings. Packs have shared

programme evenings, gone on walks, visited theme parks,

camped or even had a fun evening at Priory Wood together

playing wide games and ending with hot dogs, hot chocolate

and some camp fire songs.

Christmas and it was Carol Service time. Again the URC in

Water Lane hosted the event on a Monday evening. The

turnout by Cubs and parents was excellent. The Cubs hadfun telling their audience an amusing The Kings Birthday

and at the same time demonstrating the true meaning of

Christmas. The chosen District charities Purple Pinkie and

the St Elizabeth Centre benefited from the Cubs

endeavours to raise money. The Cubs raised over 680 for

the charity by doing

good turns, sponsored night hikes and silences and many

other fund raising ideas.

My very grateful thanks goes to all the Leaders and helpers

who as well as supporting and helping run District events

have had their own pack nights to organise and Groupevents to attend. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and

dedication and with your continued support I know 2011

will see us go from strength to strength.

Ken Gordon

http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/http://www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk/


10/15




Max Streets

It has been yet another busy year for events and achievements.

That is an understatement, as over these past five years, at this

time when I try and collate the past years events I am sur prised

just how much has been packed in. This does not include your

regular weekly activities and I only highlight a few that have

occurred during the year.

Starting with St Georges Day, in April, in a different format; at

St Marys School.

The Try a new activity session of martial arts, was very well

demonstrated by the local club members, involving all abilities.

This followed by the renewal of promises in the arts theatre.

Boat trips organised by Stuart Jacobs, through the Canal boat

Project in Harlow, taking more troops and packs than in any

previous year, many thanks to Stuart and not forgetting his wife

Sue, for giving up so many of their weekends for this very

enjoyable and popular activity. Your help is very much

appreciated.

Flying in the Herts Scouts Glider over Cambridgeshire has alsobecome a popular pursuit for a number of troops. Only the

number of places available being the limiting factor preventing

more taking part.

Summer Camps

Sawbridgeworth Troops ventured on to Brownsea

Island for a full week, going back to the beginning,

reconnecting with the foundation of the movement.

Buccaneer Troop, also visited Brownsea for a day,

during their camp based at Buddens, Wareham .

St Michaels Mead were down on the same site in

Dorset, mountain biking, walking the Dorset coastal

pathway and visiting the Bovington Tank Museum.Silver Leys ventured abroad with a trip to France,

experiencing the pleasures of the public transport

systems.

Ist BS Group incorporated their AGM with a weekends

camp at Gilwell

Adventurer troop set their sights on the Beaudesert

site, enjoying a very good mix of activities.

Green Beret Challenge

Once again a good representation from the District

joining the ever expanding throng of one hundred andtwenty plus teams from all over the county.

They fared well with most teams achieving a great deal

in some challenging conditions at the Phaesels Site. We

were well supported by a number of Explorer scouts

who helped run activity bases and catering.

Remembrance Sunday

This is becoming the best attended public event of the

year by the scout sections of the district; for which I am

particularly grateful to leaders who have encouraged

their scouts to attend.

Max Streets



11/15




Nigel Reed DESC

This year had seen a 38% growth in Explorer numbers since the last

census in our District. This means Explorers have the highest

sectional growth both in real terms (+25) and in percentage terms.

Here are some reports from each of our Units.

Conquest ESU

Conquest Explorers currently have 22 members and 4 leaders

Tracey, Sharon Jackie and Andy. We have had a busy year with

activities such as Zeroing, Mountain Boarding, Climbing and Canal

Boating.

We are also involved with the North Weald Explorers and get to go

and do Volunteering work at London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo, Last

June we camped in Whipsnade Zoo and helped build a Climbing

frame for the Bears. We are hoping to go back this June and help

with another project.

We have attended Heat this year, we have 2 leaders and 2 Explorers

going to the International camp to Africa this August, and one of

our newest recruits to Explorers from Challenger Scouts is attending

the Sweden Jamboree this July.

Magellan ESU

The Magellan Unit started in June 2010 with 9 young people, since

then we have grown to

more than twice that size.

Encouragingly, we have 6

in the unit who are new to

Scouting and many of

these have been our most

enthusiastic members.

We have been Karting,

Mountain Boarding,

Sailing/Canoeing, Chiltern Challenge and most recently went to

London on our 'Great Monopoly Challenge' where we tried to visit

as many places on the Monopoly Board in 4 hours. For the record

on e group managed 21 and the other 18. This was to raise money

for both the unit and for 2 charities.

It's amazing to think that we have been running for almost a year

now and it has been a fun filled, noisy, challenging, but exciting year

- long may it continue.

Voyager

Voyager ESU had another busy and successful year. The

Unit membership has grown during the year and now

has over 35 regular members. Many of the Explorers

are also helping at other sections as part of the service

requirements for their awards.

The Unit took part in various activities organised by theCounty including Chiltern Challenge and Peak Assault.

We also had another walking weekend at Orchard Farm

early in the year, when enough snow fell to make igloos

and a giant

snowman! The

summer

months saw

many of the

Unit organising

and completing

overnight hikes

as part of theirPlatinum and

DofE Bronze awards.

The Unit's Summer camp was held at Great Tower by

Lake Windermere. We tried a range of activities

including canoeing, sailing, rock climbing and wind

surfing, but the highlights were hiking up Helvellyn and

gorge running. Everyone had a great time.

We are pleased that a number of the Unit have

combined all of the fun activities with working hard to

gain Platinum and DofE Bronze awards during the year,

and we hope to continue the level of achievement inthe coming year.

As you can see all the Units have been very active

during the year and that is what helps keeps their

membership up. If the numbers keep increasing as they

have been then we will need to open a fifth Unit in the

District to accommodate all the Explorers. My thanks

go out to all the leadership teams who provide such an

active programme for all our Explorers.

Nigel Reed



12/15




Christmas Meal

2010

Network and Voyager members at

the summit of Helvellyn, Lake

District

Alexander Ratcliffe, Simon

Reed and LucyReed

receiving the Queens Scout

Award

Luke Bibbey, Emma

Moverley, Luke Kittridge and

Alexander Ratcliffe having

conquered Loch Ness

- Zander Ratcliffe

Over the course of the past year, the Bishops Stortford & District Scout Network has continued to grow and offer its

members fantastic opportunities through a varied and adventurous programme.

In July 2010 Network members accompanied the Voyager ESU to their

summer camp at Great Tower in the Lake District. Helping other units in the

District is at the heart of our Network programme and we were delighted

again to help out with the canoeing, wind-surfing, walking, climbing and the

potentially record-breaking game of Spoons!

Also during the summer, we went on our own Network Summer Camp to

Norfolk, sent a contingent to join the District Leaders Weekend at Orchard

Farm and ran another climbing trip to Whaley Bridge. All were incrediblyenjoyable trips and we look forward to doing it all again this summer.

At the beginning of September we continue to hold

our annual Leavers/Joiners BBQ. We were again

pleased to welcome new members who had left Explorers over the summer, but also sad to

bid farewell to the members that soon afterwards left the District to start new terms at

university.

On the 18th December 2010 the unit met for the annual Christmas Meal, where we love to

touch base with all our members who have been away for the latter part of the year at

university. The event was, as usual, the best attended event of the year. The food and

company was again excellent, only sullied by the fact that we must wait another year beforedoing it again!

Most notable however is our progress on the Queens Scout

Award. You may remember from last years update that some of our members had

recently completed the Queens Scout Expedition. In October 2010 Simon Reed, Lucy

Reed and Alexander Ratcliffe then completed the rest of the award and were

presented with their certificates at the national ceremony in the Science Museum,

London. Those three members deserve special congratulations for achieving the first

such awards in the District in some years. In August 2010 it was also inspiring to see

that Emma Moverley, Luke Bibbey and Luke Kittridge also completed their Queen

Scout Expedition by canoeing from one side of Scotland

to the other by way of the Caledonian Canal. We lookforward to those members receiving their awards soon.

We continue to encourage our new members to pursue

this prestigious award and make our District proud!

The next year is already shaping up and we are looking forward to more adventurous

activities and more Queens Scout Awards. We are always looking to recruit more

members and so if you are aged 18-25 and would like to take advantage of the

opportunities that the Network can offer, please get in touch.

Zander Ratcliffe www.bishopsstortfordscouts.org.uk


13/15




Training Veronica Dewey

Well, here we are again thinking about reports.

Firstly, congratulations to all the Leaders who have gained their Wood Badge during the last twelve months, your hard work has

finally been rewarded. I know that you have put into practice all your learning and you are giving your young people the best

Scouting

Well Done.

Secondly, I would like to say THANK YOU to the Leaders who have stepped forward to a challenging new role in their Scouting

career. They have become Trainer Advisors and are willing to help new leaders with their skills and knowledge.

Thirdly, I would like to remind all Wood Badge holders that we are committed to furthering our training by learning something new.

This could be a refresher course for First Aid (this has to be renewed every three years) When did you do yours last? You could

learn a new skill which you might use within your section. Some leaders will attend a module course at Well End because all training

moves on; hope to see you there one day.

As you are all aware First Aid training has been hit by county trying to reduce the overall cost of training. We are hoping to resolve

this problem within District, so watch this space. Gratefully thanks go to Julie, who has been keeping everyone on track with their

First Aid training and dealing with the admin. Not an easy task.

Many thanks go to Jackie and Kate who keep me sane with their cheerfulness and laughter no matter what I throw at them. I

appreciate all your hard work and time spent at and on a computer. Thanks

Thank you to everyone who supports training in any shape or form

May we all have another fun filled year of Scouting

All the best

Veronica Dewey



14/15




District Appointments Advisory Committee Mike Thorpe

April 1 2011 marked the second anniversary of the introduction of the revised approvals process. This required,

amongst other changes, the establishment of a new District Appointments Advisory Committee and it has been my

pleasure to act as chair of the committee since that date.

We have been so busy seeing both new leaders and those changing roles that as with the first year we have met every

month again in the second year. While much of the early part of the first year was a bedding in and refinement of the

way the Committee worked the second year has been characterised by a consistent and pragmatic approach to

considering whether proposed leaders are "fit and proper" to undertake the roles they have applied for.

The Committee tries very hard to make applicants as welcome as possible, but the fact is that in order to do our role

successfully we do have to ask questions covering both the applicants interest in and understanding of Scouting and

our key policies, and how applicants will deal with practical situations that they are likely to face in their proposed

role. We have a shorter list of questions for those who are already leaders in the District and who are changing their

roles.

Some applicants come to the Committee clearly very well prepared, and others less so, and I would encourage all

proposers to spend the necessary time with applicants to cover the areas of interest to the Committee. Various

materials are available to help both proposers and applicants (e.g. getting started DVD, an introduction to our key

policies, the "yellow card" on child protection), and the GSLs have folders explaining the process together with a

supply of such materials.

However if anyone is unsure of what needs to be done then please do not hesitate to phone Kate Reed, the

Committee's secretary or myself. In mentioning Kate I should note that although to many the most visible part of the

committee's work is the monthly meetings at which we meet applicants, none of this could happen without the

sterling work that Kate undertakes "behind the scenes" in administering all the elements of the application process.

Without Kate's tireless efforts the Committee simply couldn't operate so I would like here to publically express mygratitude to Kate. Similarly I would like to thank all the members of the Committee who so willingly give up their time

and I would like to particularly thank Greg Stewart for joining the Committee during the year.

Finally I would like to thank the previous DC (and more recently the acting DC) for being so receptive to suggestions

made by the Committee to ensure that we have leaders able to operate at the high standards that we have come to

expect of our leaders.

Mike Thorpe



15/15




District Awards

Overall Group Growth 1st Thorley

New Sections Opened

Drake Beavers - 1st Thorley

Magellan ESU

Beaver Scout of the Year Sam Williams

Cub Scout of the Year Oliver Dellow

Scout of the Year - Mitchell Corbishley

Explorer of the Year - Jemima Whitney

Young Leader of the Year - Laura Edwards Suarez

Interesting Programme Saxon 1st Thorley

Leaders of the Year

Maureen Hargrave

Gary Robinson

Team of the Year Ocean 1

st

Bishops Stortford and Hockerill

Non Uniformed Helper of the Year Colin Nichols

Best Residential Experience Voyager ESU and Endeavour ESU

Best Inter-Group Activity Gary Swift 1st

St Michaels Mead

DC Special Award Kate Reed Appointments Secretary

National Awards

Linda Brett Silver Acorn

Brian Field Silver Acorn

Geoff Markwell Silver Acorn

Chris Attfield Award for Merit

Susan Bibbey Award for Merit

Phil Copland Award for Merit

John Ireland 50 Years Service

Jeanette Attfield 30 Years Service

Graham Bishops 30 Years Service

Sue Jacobs 30 Years Service

Stuart Jacobs 30 Years Service

Chris Attfield 25 Years Service

Phil Copland 25 Years Service

Tim Payne 20 Years Service

Gary Swift 20 Years Service

Sue Byford 20 Years Service

Sue Bibbey 20 Years Service

Maureen Hargrave 10 Years Service

Martin Knowles 10 Years Service

Anna Sullivan 5 Years Service

Peter Tearse 5 Years Service

Alexander Tomkins 5 Years Service

district report 2011

Documents