Presidents Viewpoint

Just as before the Olympics, a torch travelled the world, so the Queens Baton (containing her special message) will have travelled through 70 countries, around 190,000 miles over 288 days before the start of the Commonwealth Games at the end of July in Glasgow. The Commonwealth of Nations has 2 billion members making up 30% of the planets population. It has been good to view online the photos of the Baton with the various athletes, children and ordinary citizens of each country it has visited, everyone savouring their moment! It struck me that as it has travelled it passed through many countries in which there is BB. The incredible route started in Asia including Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei. Then the Pacific, then Oceania including Australia & New Zealand, through Africa, visiting Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon & Nigeria and finally to the Caribbean including St Lucia before touching base back in the UK (First port of call being Jersey within our own District). I wonder how many young people from the BB came out to see the Baton or be a part of its special journey around the World.

The event has brought happiness, enthusiasm and a feeling of unity. But it has probably encountered many logistical nightmares as it has unfolded. Such as our own continuing journey within the BB constantly recruiting, encouraging, planning, training, giving up our valuable personal time and competing against many ‘other distractions’ of society today. Yet it is all worth it when we celebrate the achievements of our young people week by week. The new skills learnt, the friendships made, the awards they receive, the progression into leadership and the smiling faces, laughter, fun, a feeling of unity………

2014 is a busy year with the Commonwealth Games and a little football tournament going on in Brazil in June and July. But it is also an important year for our District as we are celebrating our Centenary. I really do hope that you have all heard of the various activities and events that are planned. The District has even commissioned a special badge to commemorate the occasion. But very similar to the Queen’s Baton, the District has its own Baton touring the West of England at this very moment!! The Baton will pass through each Battalion until eventually arriving at the District Display in September. It is a chance for EVERYONE to get involved, to gain some local publicity and to promote the BB’s image and values.

I tuned into BBC Radio Cornwall and was delighted to hear an interview featuring Andrew Howell and one of the young leaders from 2nd Camborne discussing their plans for the Baton. I think the interview was brilliant. This was great publicity for the BB, exactly what we need to raise our profile in order to benefit the young people that need what the Brigade can offer.

Please enthuse your members to get involved in the Centenary activities; it’s quite a while until the next one!!! As leaders we owe it to our youngsters to make this a time to relish and remember. This year presents a great opportunity to bring our vast District together, a feeling of unity………….

With every best wish in all of your endeavours this summer, have fun, take good care and please as always remain to be ‘Sure & Steadfast’.

Jason Frost
District President