Dear BCVYO

I thought the item written by Alison Bruce about the County being awarded the 'Investors In People' Award would be very relevant to BCVYO Ltd. It is because of the financial support to GLK over the years that has enabled us to provide the training for the adult and young leader volunteers. The 'Investors In People' assessors were impressed by the overall standard throughout the County, but the continued training for all areas in Girlguiding GLK can only be maintained with the support of companies like the BCVYO Ltd. Thank you to all past and present members of the BCVYO in helping Girlguiding GLK in achieving this very special award.

Yours sincerely
Zoe Phillips
Programme and Training Co-ordinater
Girlguiding GLK.

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To the BCVYO Ltd

May I, on behalf of the members of the 14th West Kent Boy's Brigade Company in Bexleyheath, as we celebrate our centenary, wish all your groups and their leaders a Merry Christmas and a busy New Year as we work for young people of our Borough.

Bernard Clewes MBE

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Bexley Moorings Project.

Bexley Moorings Project has launched a new befriending project for young people between 8 - 13 years who live in the Borough of Bexley. The project aims to bring new opportunities and support to those young people who have experienced difficulties in life. Moorings recruits and trains adult volunteers before being paired up with a child who would benefit most from that persons support. Being a befriender is a responsible role and Moorings would like to hear from anyone over 18 who is interested in getting involved. Please contact Tanya on 020 8304 6524.

The Scouts Association has asked the BCVYO Ltd to promote a new fundraising idea based on SchoolsPlus, which has been very successful in local schools. Known as ScoutsPlus, it is a book of vouchers worth hundreds of pounds that you sell to your friend's etc for £10. £5 goes to your group for every book sold. Visit their website www.scoutsplus.co.uk or phone Brendan on 020 7428 8849.

Bexleyheath's Boy's Brigade still going strong after 100 years.

'Adapt or Die' is the secret of this most traditional of uniformed organisations. Bernard Clewes MBE has been Captain of the 14th West Kent Company for the last 36 years and is also Vice Chairman of the BCVYO Ltd (a mere 10 years). Their centenary celebrations were kicked off by an exhibition, which was opened by two 'old boys' Edgar Tucker aged 90 and John Wood aged 88. Other events have included a Dinner Dance, which had past members of every decade from the 20s, socialising with current members and parents.
First Aid Training

By the end of 2004 a recognised First Aid Qualification will be a compulsory requirement for ALL leaders in the Scout Association. It is the policy of the Greater London South East County that this training should be to the standard of at least 'Appointed Person'. First Aid courses are available from many well known providers but now there is a recognised provider locally, known as ScoutMed, registered with the Health & Safety Executive. 'Appointed Person' one day courses can be run for your group (not just Scouts) at very attractive prices, but book soon to avoid delay and disappointment. Contact Steve Harvey on 020 8302 3924.

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Shikaris put the OUT back in Scouting.

By Akela, Brenda Morley.
After spending 2 weeks working with Bexley Rangers clearing footpaths (Global Conservation Badge) it was time for fun. As an end of term treat we visited Danson Park to play pitch and putt (try new sports for the fitness challenge). But why stop just because the schools close for the summer. For those boys not going away for the summer we worked towards the Water Activities Badge. First we went to Woolwich Waterfront for swimming and had lots of fun on the slides and in the waves, then we went back to Danson Park for some fun on the lake, where the boys tried open boating, sailing, canoeing and wind-surfing. Camp is already booked at Kingsdown for next year.

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Parkmere Football Club would like to wish all the Executive Committee and all the members of the BCVYO Ltd 'Warm Christmas greetings and best wishes for every happiness now and in the New Year'.

Happy Christmas from Peter Lampon, Chairman.