Proposed merger of the three Barnsley Districts

Below is the text of a letter sent by Andy Moore, County Commissioner, on 8th June 2009 to all Group Scout Leaders and Scouters-in-Charge in Barnsley Central, Barnsley Pennine, and Barnsley Fitzwilliam districts. This was briefly discussed over the weekend in an ad hoc Exec meeting. GSLs have been asked to discuss this within their Groups prior to the next Exec Meeting on 6th July. The intention is that Exec meeting will come up with our considered response to the proposals:-

Dear Scouter,

I am writing to all Group Scout Leaders within the Barnsley Districts to inform you that a proposal has been put forward to evaluate changes to the Scout Boundaries within Barnsley. This was a proposal put forward from members of the movement in Barnsley as part of the search process to find a new DC for Barnsley Central and we also know that a new DC will be needed for Barnsley Fitzwilliam next year.

It was felt that because of this we should consider the option of the amalgamation of the three districts. The subject has been discussed with all three of the District Commissioners along with their Chairmen. It is felt that due to the decline in the number of groups within each district; the repeated resources of personnel time taken up for the three districts which could be better used to support Scouting for one area, that this was the right time to form a new district - Barnsley Metropolitan Scout Council.

Obviously this will need to be handled in the correct manner and this is the first part of the process to inform all groups at the same time. The subject will form part of the agenda at all three District Executive and Scouters meetings. The proposal will be to form a new district by the 1st April 2010 so planning/programmes need to be put in place that can be fulfilled and future plans discussed. The finances will also need to be kept in line with the Charity Commissioner accounting periods.

This proposal should only give added benefits to our Youth membership and there should be little change to the groups but I feel it will give added strengths when working as one district. If you or your Scouters have any queries regarding this - the subject will be on your meeting agendas as stated, but you can contact either me or your current DC's for information.

This is an open debate and we are willing to listen and answer and questions. Please let us continue to support Scouting in Barnsley together.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Moore
County Commissioner

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