Present

Name

Post

Name

Post

Roger Gibbs

DCC

Graham Henshaw

CSNAL Central

Phil Collins

CSNL

Peter Comper

Coord Eastbourne

Steve Allen

CSNAL South

Dale Shepherd

Coord Peacehaven

Scott Feltham

CSNAL East

Rob Cave

Coord Seaford

Steve Sims

CSNA (minutes)

Apologies for Absence

Name

Post

Name

Post

Del Smith

CSNC

Item

Action

1

Phil Collins took the Chair in the absence of Del

2

Roger was invited to speak first. He confirmed that Del has decided to relinquish the CSNC post to permit him to concentrate on his other activities. Del’s replacement has been identified and was due to be confirmed by the Appointments Committee in the next two weeks or so, but pending the appointment could not yet be named. Roger undertook to inform Phil, for onward transmission to the Network as soon as the new CSNC was appointed.

RG

3

Roger had progressed the matter of the absence of Graham’s warrant. A new one was in the process of being prepared at Gilwell, and is expected within the next week.

RG

3.1

Steve Allen suggested that the Kenya Team selection day at Broadstone Warren be extended into a weekend event, possibly a camp, and that Graham be formally presented with his warrant there. The planned date is Easter Weekend, 26^th to 28^th March. Steve Allen to progress.

SA

4

Canadian Scout, Iain Crawford, who is studying with Queen’s University at Herstmonceux, has offered his services as a helper with Hellingly Group. Complications have arisen with his CRB Clearance. As a Leader in Canada he has been cleared there, and so a copy will be submitted along with the UK CRB. Roger has been informed via Sarah Baileff that his clearance will be a first for Scouting. Hellingly are currently processing his forms. Roger will keep in touch with the process. Clearance, and Helper status will automatically give Network membership.

RG

4.1

There are potentially up to 10 other Canadian students who might like to become Network members during their stay, as they are already involved in following the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme whilst here. Graham undertook to make contact with the DoE coordinator (who it is believed will be handing over to someone else shortly) to discuss the matter. If a Network Group ‘shell’ is established at Herstmonceux it was agreed that all members would have to pay full subscriptions. Their clearance process will have to be established for future reference, as course groups are here for approximately 18 months and then all personnel change.

GH

5

Steve Sims extended, once again, his offer to attend an evening at which members could complete their CRB forms. Very few current members are cleared. A selection of dates should be supplied and Steve will attend a convenient one. Before the evening he will supply details of the documentation that each member will need, and details of the information that is required. Steve Allen suggested Sunday 13^th March and will confirm.

6

Steve Sims explained that the Website was largely out of date, but that removing out of date information would mean the site becoming extremely bare. He emphasised that it was the lifeblood of the site for people to send in as much information as possible. It was agreed that the site would be updated as soon as the new CSNC was appointed.

SS

6.1

Data for the website can be emailed to Steve Sims at any time. Peter Comper confirmed that he now has a stable email address. He can be contacted at petercomper@aol.com

ALL

7

Discussion took place about the poor response of Groups and individuals to the request for information sent out by Chloe Stevens, Network Treasurer. Steve Sims asked Scott to pass on an invitation for Chloe to contact him for names and addresses. This data is essential for the Census and for Subscription amounts to be calculated.

SF

7.1

The forthcoming period will see a significant number of Explorer Scouts reaching the age to transfer to Network. Eastbourne DESC, Frank Woods has devised a notification card for Explorers reaching 17½ years. Roger will talk to Frank to see if a similar design might be made available for the entire County. Steve Sims will prepare a facsimile form for inclusion in the website. Frank has used the cards to inform us of two Eastbourne Explorer Scouts who will be of Network age during the first part of 2005, Heidi Watling and Stephen Tudor will be contacted, by Steve Sims and put into contact with Peter Comper.

SS

8

Steve Allen and Phil have had a meeting with Matt Gardener who is considering the possibility of becoming CSNAL for the West. Steve will keep in touch with him and follow up.

SA

9

Scott reported from the East that he was very involved with local Groups and was aware of a number of Explorer Scouts who would shortly be of Network age. He reported some difficulty in communications with Dave King who had not answered emails or telephone calls. He confirmed his email as s.feltham@virgin.net Contact is to be made with Explorers at County and District level when the new CSNC is appointed. Roger noted this.

SS

10

Peter reported that a planned programme in Eastbourne had started off well but faltered due to lack of participants, dwindling to a current interest level of four. These new people have requested a programme and it is hoped that they will form the core of new activity, which will incorporate new Explorers as they transfer.

PC

11

There were apparently some interested people in the Lewes town area, but Graham had received no contact from Liz Metcalfe. Graham undertook to contact Liz and investigate the situation in Lewes.

GH

12

It was reported that Seaford numbers were expected to diminish seriously in September due to University, leaving perhaps only two existing members. A very small number of Explorers in the District were seen as being likely to transfer. Steve Allen to follow this up.

SA

13

Phil detailed some recent post. This included an appeal for labourers at bushy Wood on the weekend of the 29^th and 30^th January to assist with the digging of new drainage ditches for the Huts. Bring your own spade. Final trench required is 23 meters long x 30cm wide and deep.

ALL

13.1

Phil also had details of the Regional Team meeting to take place at Dormansland on Tuesday 22^nd February. Roger accepted the task to find a delegate.

RG

14

Roger commented that, despite the drop in numbers experienced by Network, we were not alone, as similar affects have occurred in the rest of the Country. He felt that East Sussex Network was still ahead of many of the rest, and that we were still in a positive frame of mind.

15

Roger proposed a vote of thanks to Phil for holding the reins during Del’s unavailability.

16

The next meeting is to take place on Sunday 13^th March at 7:30 pm at The Red Lion, Willingdon. ALL TO NOTE CHANGE OF DAY AND TIME.

ALL