Bobs Bit...

Some of you who had some refreshments at the party after the BCVYO Ltd AGM would have seen my brief entrance. I felt I had to go having recovered from major surgery just a few weeks earlier. May I take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of you who sent me get well messages. Many of you also remember that some years ago I suffered quite severe injuries in an accident where I lost my beloved big black motorbike. Well it seems that a possible internal injury to my insides came home to roost just before Easter and I woke up ten days after major life threatening surgery having been rushed to casualty as an emergency. Although I am back I still have to have more surgery so please bear with us should the answerphone be on again. I would also like to thank the committee for their support especially Fred Vidler, our Chairman, for chasing around whilst I was laid up.

While the Chief Scout was at Campdowne2004, along with the Chief Elect, Peter Duncan, he presented me with an award, which left me speechless. 'You should have seen his face' said George, 'I wish I had a camera'. Needless to say there were several cameras at hand and I managed to get a picture for my Mum. The Chief Scout said 'I have awarded Robert Chapman, District Commissioner for Sidcup, The Certificate of Meritorious Conduct and the citation read: In recognition of his determination and commitment to Scouting despite having to endure intensive hospital treatment following a major road accident, his dedication is a true inspiration to others. Thanks to all of you, it's good to be alive.

Enough of that. Unfortunately I have missed so many AGMs and important meetings, what a shame! The BCVYO Ltd AGM saw the Chairman announce a small increase in our grant allocation, which means a small increase for your groups, so please find your forms and fill them in to claim your money. If you have 'mislaid' your forms, you can download them from the website. Our Board of Trustees stays the same although we are looking for two more members, so if you are interested in helping please contact the office. Our Guest Speaker, Graham Clewes gave an amazing talk and due to popular requests a copy of his speech, Common Sense, is printed further on.

My illness combined with George Reynolds having a rare 'off day' meant the sailing day had to be cancelled, so apologies to those groups who could not be contacted. Hopefully there will be another date next Easter, watch out for it in the next issue.