This will probably be the last input I will have to the bulletin as County Commissioner. I can honestly say it has been an absolute honour to serve you and the City of Coventry Scout County.

In 2003 Mark Waterstreet then County Commissioner asked me to become one of his Deputy County Commissioners. On taking up this position Mark, Chris Sherlock and I decided that the County should operate in a very open manner. A policy which I hope we continue today.

There have been many high points and a few low points during that time. We had decreasing numbers, financial instability and lacked motivation. Mark Waterstreet started to increase the motivation and with the help of everyone in the County our numbers started to improve. When in 2007 Mark went on to become Regional Commissioner for the West Midland region I was appointed as new County Commissioner. It was a privilege to follow the legacy that had been laid down.

Obviously we have had some low times, the passing of valued members of the county left holes to fill. With difficulty these have been filled. Our decline in numbers last year was disappointing but I am sure is a blip in our record recruitment over the previous years.
We went for some time without all three District Commissioners but we have recruited and now have a full compliment and Districts are operating well with many varied activities.

Our increase in numbers over the period 2004 to 2010 was a remarkable achievement and the increase in sections within groups was a great reward for the innovations put in by the Development Team and groups to attract more young people to our movement.

One of the major highlights was seeing the County celebrate the Scout Associations centenary in 2007, our Promise renewal in Priory Place with the Lord Mayor of Coventry and unexpectedly attended by a Troop of Scouts from the U.S.A.
Over the last four years we have managed to send two major contingents to the World Jamborees. I hope these memories will live with these young people all their lives.

The quality of Scouting in Coventry has improved which is down to you as leaders and to the Training team who have seen record numbers of leaders attain their Wood-Beads.
There is still a lot of work to do and I am sure all our young people will remember their skills learnt in Scouting.

Along with this we have been fortunate in being able to attract funding for our camp-site Rough Close. Due to various problems Rough Close had suffered years of neglect and in 2002/3 the cry went out ‘use it or lose it’ you the County decided to use it and major plans were put in place to improve a campsite we had owned for 50 years.

One of the major highlights at Rough Close was being involved with the obtaining of funding and the subsequent construction of the Norton Cabin. The provision of this facility was a major step forward and came at a time when if we were to keep Rough Close we needed this type of improvement.

A high point in the development of Rough Close is that it now shows a profit for the County instead of the loses suffered in the past.

Coventry Scout County has always been able to provide alternative activities for our members. It has been great to be able to support the Coventry Gang Show over this period, it is a tremendous opportunity for young people to learn more skills, raise their confidence levels by appearing on stage at the Belgrade Theatre.
We can also boast of two Scout Bands which also give young people further opportunities.

When it comes to some of our core activities we have a strong team able to help provided the skills necessary to run exceptional outdoor activities such as backwoods living, camping etc.
Over the last 10 years we have built up an activity team who have National Governing Body qualifications. This enables members to take part in training and carrying out activities on mountains and water.

We have managed to keep a stable administrative team which has meant with prudent management we have been able to continue for the last two years without increasing the County element of the annual membership fee.

I would thank everyone in the County for supporting me in my time as County Commissioner, we may be a small county both geographically and in numbers but we have a big heart.
We are able to offer many opportunities to our young people and any more who wish to join us.

I hope that Graham Howe, our incoming County Commissioner, will continue to receive the support afforded to myself and continue to keep Coventry Scout County in the centre of the Scouting map.

I look forward to meeting you all again in whatever role I take up in the future, again thank you, it has been a privilege to be your County Commissioner.

Dave Hart