Good afternoon,

I hope you’re well.

Here is a summary of the information in the email below:

  • North Leigh Hike 2026
  • Gang Show 2026
  • Awards Day 2026
  • ALP Synergy – Connecting more communities with nature.
  • Managing a safe premises.
  • Tent Material
  • Riffle shooting sessions
  • King Alfred District Lead Volunteer Search
  • County Team update

North Leigh Hike 2026

North Leigh Hike is taking place on 14th March 2026.

You can view the website at: https://northleighhike.wixsite.com/north-leigh-hike-202

Please email northleighhike@gmail.com with any questions. 

Oxfordshire Gang Show

Please include a trip to watch Oxfordshire Gang Show as part of your activities this term. The performances take place at Radley College Theatre during half term week but this is no different to organising a camp or other activity which so many of you do in school holiday times through the year. 

It’s the easiest activity to organise and could open the doors to an opportunity some of your members really need. They might decide to join next year and for some, being able to find expression and be their authentic self, is transformative. For many of our members, camping and other physical activities are not as enjoyable as theatre skills would be. 

And as the County’s biggest public-facing event, support and visibility from our uniformed members is vital. 

Group booking discounts are available and parents pay for the tickets via you. There are evening performances plus a matinee on the Saturday. You ask the parents to bring their young people to the theatre (they can even join you if you offer them the chance). Free parking for you on site. You walk the young people into the building, they buy refreshments and any other merch which their parents are happy for them to purchase, you take your seats. Other than a quick bathroom break halfway through, you need do nothing other than sit and enjoy the Show. Just over two hours later, the parents collect them from the front of the theatre building and take them home. You don’t have to organise transport, no overnight stay documentation and nothing to arrange to keep them entertained. It’s all there and you’ll have a great time too.

It’s the easiest trip to put together and you look like a superhero! Plus, you are supporting a Scouts activity which is bringing the public and our members together in one space – a magical space which is inspiring, uplifting and generates a sense of true pride in what we do and why we do it.

If you ever need a reminder of the ‘why’ of volunteering, this is it!

Bookings can be made online via TicketSource or via cheque/BACS payment direct with the organisers (avoiding booking fees). For more information, email: info@oxfordshiregangshow.org.uk or visit our website at www.oxfordshiregangshow.org.uk 

Awards Day 2026

Awards day 2026 is on Saturday 9th May 2026 at Youlbury Scout Adventure.

The nomination deadline is Friday 13th March 2026 – no nominations can be taken for 2026 Awards day after this date, please do ensure you have nominated your young people ahead of this deadline.

For more information on the event and how to nominate, visit our website here: https://oxonscouting.org.uk/youth-resources/youth-awards/awards-day/

ALP Synergy – Connecting more communities with nature.

ALP Synergy (based in Chepstow) is delivering an exciting new UK wide programme all about connecting more communities with nature. This could fit in with your Young Leader training or other aspects of your existing plans, and will help make good connections between local and national environmental issues.

It looks at how changes in the environment, climate and new technology are affecting everyday life in communities across the UK, through two linked projects called Nature Secure and Nature Smart. A big focus is on including people whose voices are often missed in conversations about the environment and the future.

There is a free online launch webinar coming up, and I thought you and your groups might be interested. It will explain the programme, share ways schools and community groups can get involved, and give ideas for bringing in people who are usually left out of these discussions.

If you would like to join, you can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/every-community-needs-nature-connecting-beyond-the-usual-voices-tickets-998378776797?aff=oddtdtcreator, and please do pass this on to anyone else who might want to come.

You can read this blog to learn more about the programme: https://alpsynergy.co.uk/connecting-unheard-voices-nature-environmental-futures/

Managing a safe premises.

The Premises Audit Tool was updated in September 2025 and can be used by anyone who manages and operates a Scout premises. It helps identify any actions and areas for improvement. If your group or site uses an AED (defibrillator), please make sure you have a robust system for regular checks, including charging, maintaining correct and current parts, as well as being accessible as needed.

Tent Material

Do you have any old tent material or know someone that does? Please contact info@oxonscouting.org.uk

Riffle shooting sessions

We have a contact at true aim archery who are currently offering to come and do riffle shooting sessions. If you would like us to link you up, please drop an email to Paul at trueaimarchery@live.co.uk

King Alfred District Lead Volunteer Search

We’re still looking for someone to step into the District Lead Volunteer role for King Alfred District, and the deadline has now been extended to 28 February 2026.

This role is all about working with people. You’ll be supporting and encouraging adult volunteers, helping them feel confident, appreciated and able to deliver great Scouting for young people. You’ll work alongside the County Lead Volunteer and help set the overall direction for the District, making sure everything runs smoothly and in line with Scout values.

You won’t be expected to do this on your own. A District Team will support you day to day, with the County Team offering guidance and backing as the team continues to grow. As part of Scouting’s Transformation, the role can also be shared between more than one person, offering flexibility in how the leadership is delivered.

If you’re interested in one of the roles, or would simply like an informal chat about the opportunities available, please contact katy.hadfield@scouts.org.uk

County Team Update

We sent out an email a couple of weeks ago but had some reports that not everyone had received it.

A copy of the email can be downloaded here.

Have a great month!

Many thanks,
Rhys

___________________________________

Rhys Harris

Pronouns: he/him 

District Administrator

Oxfordshire