MINUTES OF GROUP EXECUTIVE

HELD ON THURSDAY 5^th February 2009

IN FAIRMILEHEAD CHURCH HALL

Chair- D. Graham

Present-  D. Graham, T. Clark , R .Hill’ A. McKenzie, A. Walton, C Gruber, A. Wardrop, Mrs. M Mortimer, Mrs A. Mackenzie, Mrs J Elder.

1.         Apologies Mrs. L. Kinnaird, Mrs D Kelso, Mr. A. Morrison & Mr. S. Walton

2.         Minutes of last meeting. Approved.

3.          Matters Arising- Group Scout Leader. Mrs Burrows had approached Judith Wood about the post and she decided to continue with the post of ADC scout in the district. 5 options have been put forward;

            a) Keep the status quo- this was not an option the meeting wished to continue with.

            b) Existing leader to continue with the role along with being SL, this was not a feasible option.

            c) Find a GSL and an assistant.

d) Advertise in the church news letter for a GSL, Bob and Dan to look into this option and report back to the next meeting.

e) Advertise in the regional magazine for someone out with the district.

4.         Treasurers Report- The group accounts are in a healthy state with all the outstanding accounts being paid. Tom is still trying to trace the money which is held in the Marquee account with RBS at this time. RBS can not tell us which branch the money is located at.

5.          Subscriptions- Most subs. are now collected and any boys joining now will pay subs of £5.00 a month.

6.          Scout post- Down 641 cards on last year.

A complaint about non delivery of some cards, this will be addressed for next year.

1 day shorter for the collection this year.

More planning must be done for next year as we were short of parent help for the final sort at the halls on the Friday night.

7.          Section reports-

             GSL- none

SL- With the number of Scouts rising the leaders feel that the numbers should be capped at 40. A number of enquires have been received for families outside the area and the group decided that a waiting list should be kept to try and accommodate these boys. Boys who have come through the group should be given priority for spaces.

The leaders are proposing to arrange a Bike trial event to raise funds for a school in Uganda.

The boys won the District Swimming Gala.

Castlelaw. The pack was the runners up in the District Football competition.

Badge work is under way with the boys working on the Road Safety badge. The local Policeman is paying a visit to the pack to discuss safety with them

            Scaldlaw- Last term was a settling in time for the pack with a new leader.

Pack holiday had to be cancelled due to a break down in communication with the pack and the activity centre. The boys paid a visit to the Pantomime at the Kings theatre. Unfortunately the pack could not take part in the District

            Football as most of the team had a chance to play Rugby at Murrayfield.

Beaver Colonies- Both colonies completed their Faith award, had a night walk through the Mortonhall estate by torch light and are working towards their Outdoor challenge. The boys had a visit from a lady who talked to them about Bats.

This year the boys made Christmas crafts for their fair which raised £366 which has been donated to the Hearing Dogs for the Deaf after the charity came along and spoke the boys about their work.

It is hoped to have a sleep over in the spring.

9.         AOB-a sub committee has been formed to design a notice board to keep parents informed of the group’s activities and hopefully encourage parents to volunteer their help.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING 23^rd April 2009 at 8.15 in the church halls.