Many people contacted me after I wrote about the extraordinary Masixole Mkrakra, the young man from a rural township in South Africa, who discovered a passion for cricket and the Award. I’m sorry to have to report that earlier this week a tragic accident took place and Masixole drowned. As his friend Ross has…
The UK Scouts have launched an historic consultation. Amongst other things they are considering whether or not to introduce a version of the Scout Promise for those who feel uncomfortable promising to do their duty to (or in the case of very young children, to love) God, Allah or their Dharma, as doing so…
This week, I made my inaugural address to The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Forum, our world conference, which is held every three years. What follows are my speaking notes – and some of the slides that I used as illustrations. We are the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences…
Major Sir Michael Parker, the man for so many years behind such enormous events as the Royal Tournament and other wonderful events that I remember from childhood, has just written his autobiography. In it he suggests eight essential rules for life: ‘One: have a very big idea — then double it. ‘Two: if it’s…
Every so often, usually when I’m visiting the USA, people do a double-take when they find out my name. “John May,” they question, “aren’t you a character in ‘V’?” http://v.wikia.com/wiki/John_May I normally smile, nod and admit to being an urban legend. Earlier this year, in the middle of a large reception held in…
Robertson Davies, one of Canada’s best known novelists, once commented about his homeland: “Some countries you love. Some countries you hate. Canada is a country you worry about.” Well, judging by the weekend I have just enjoyed, he needn’t worry now. From Thursday to Sunday, over 150 young people, aged between 14 and 25, gathered…
I am turning into a stereotype. Despite protestations of individuality, supported by being half-Australian with a proud Jewish heritage, I know that I am viewed by several non-British friends as being quintessentially English, middle class and highly conventional. They’re right. I’m becoming my Dad. And my Mum too – who, despite being completely Australian, is…
Do you know people that just seem to be happier in general? Do you say to yourself, "I want to be more like them"? Often, the happiest people in the world don’t have the best of everything…they just make the best of everything! via Life is like Coffee Movie.
At yesterday’s UK Scout Annual General Meeting, Fi Durrant, a young(ish!) Leader, presented a reflection before the main business of the meeting. It was brilliant. And it’s worth reading… http://fidurrant.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/the-scout-association-reflection-for-agm.html