Winter Wonderland

Since we've had a few fantastic days recently with frost, sunshine, bright weather etc, I've been playing with my camera again, and you should be able see to some of the better pictures on my Flickr listing o'er on the right there --->

My lips hurt!

What a hectic weekend! The majority of it was taken up with gigs with the band (Barnsley Co-operative Concert Band, playing alongside a very talented organist and a multi-instrumentalist at the Penistone Paramount Theatre), plus the rememberance service with Scouts/Explorers on Sunday morning.

Friday evening: Very long gig-7:30 curatin, we started at about 8.15 after the organist and the instrumentalist had done a turn, and eventually left the theatre at 10.45pm!
Saturday afternoon: slightly shorter gig (but not very much!)
Saturday evening: another long gig, although we did get away a bit earlier than friday night!
Sunday morning: Rememberance service at Wadsley Church with our Scout Group.
Sunday afternoon: Another gig
Sunday evening: A meal out and a pile of ironing!

All that playing has left my lips/mouth/jaw aching a bit and my Sax wondering what's hit it!

More Info

Further to my previous post, I've had confirmation that at least 1 of the three copies of the letter has been delivered, so I can tell the world!

I've not been enjoying Explorers recently (this post is just an example of my thoughts). I've requested some additional help on a few occasions to different people, but none has been forthcoming. I feel that the district has been concentrating more on setting up a new unit (in my opinion where there is already plenty of explorer provision) to the detriment of supporting the existing ones.

It wasn't a particularly hard descision to come to, but I will be leaving the role of ESL from Christmas. I don't want to leave Scouting all together, as I feel that it has a great deal to offer young people, and I fully support the aims of the association. I just feel that the role of ESL in a small, struggling unit (6-7 members with average 50-60% attendance) is not the right one for me at the moment. I will wait and see if the district, or my feeder group suggests anything, otherwise I know of a job that needs doing at another group.

I'm just not happy with Scouting at the moment.

Explorers

I've posted a letter to my DESC, AESL and GSL of my feeder group. I don't really want to say any more until tomorrow so they get chance to read it before I tell the whole world (well, those that read this anyway!)