Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016-17

TAKE THE CHALLENGE Cheshire County Scout Council 2016 - 2017 Annual Review

cheshirescouts.org.uk

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

03

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION

CHESHIRE COUNTY SCOUT OFFICIALS

PATRON

PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT

VICE PRESIDENTS

Her Majesty the Queen

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent

FOUNDER

Robert Baden-Powell First Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell, OM

CHIEF SCOUT Bear Grylls

UK CHIEF COMMISSIONER Tim Kidd

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

THE SCOUT METHOD

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: •

enjoy what they are doing and have fun

•

take part in activities indoors and outdoors

•

learn by doing

•

share in spiritual reflection

•

take responsibility and make choices

•

undertake new and challenging activities

•

make and live by their Promise

Be Prepared: To have fun To make friends To take the challenge For the adventure To get connected

Sir William Bromley-Davenport (KCVO)

Peter Ellis Ron Fawkes Frank Hough April Nicholas Ray Sailsbury JP Geoff Taylor Steve Wilkinson Sir Nicholas Winterton Eddie Johnson Margaret Johnson Margaret Oliver

OFFICIALS

County Chairman County Commissioner Deputy County Commissioner Deputy County Commissioner County Youth Commissioner County Secretary County Treasurer County Training Manager County Active Support Manager County Appointments Secretary

Peter Mather TD Graham Phillips DL Val Thomason Dave Hopley Ed Lunnon Sue Appleton Edward Appleton Debbie Phillips Roger Owens Jane Duley

Assistant County Commissioners Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Explorer Scouts Scout Network Special Events Activities International Development

Laura Dyer Pam Owen Sophie Mather Luke Morby Simon Appleton Nigel Flatman Daragh O’Malley Graham Shaw John Duley

CONTENTS

Introductions Foreword Chairman’s Report County Commissioner’s Report

06 06 07

Adventurous Activities Adventurous Activities Cheshire Hike 2017

08 09

Campsites County Campsites Barnswood Campsite Milldale Campsite Queen Charlotte’s Wood

11 13 14 14

Sectional Reports Beaver Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts Explorer Scouts Scout Network

16 17 18 19 20

Adult Training Youth Shaped Scout Active Support Queen’s Scout Award Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Development

21 21 22 23 24 26 26

District Reports

13,432

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Census & Awards Awards for Good Service Census of Membership

38 40

Useful Contacts

41

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

SCOUTS E R I H S E H C MBERSHIP TOTAL ME IS NOW

Alderley District Chester and District Ellesmere Port and Neston Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Mersey Weaver Mid Cheshire South West Cheshire Warrington East Warrington West

05

FOREWORD

S R A E Y 4 1

I am very pleased that once again this report reflects the strength of Scouting in Cheshire with increased numbers again and the achievements of so many people.

The fact that everything you all achieve is delivered by volunteers is even more remarkable.

The activities organised by the County once again support the desire to provide more opportunities for young people to take part in adventurous activities and to simply experience the great outdoors. This has always been at the heart of Scouting and it is really encouraging that Cheshire Scouts has this as a key focus.

It has been really encouraging to learn more about the way that Scouting in Cheshire is trying to have a positive impact through the Million Hands campaign. The projects undertaken by supporting those with dementia or young people who care

UAL OF CONTIN N GROWTH I IN SCOUTING CHESHIRE

for a family member or simply supporting local charities is very heart-warming.

Your County Dinner to recognise adult awards to Leaders for exceptional service in Cheshire is always a highlight and hearing the citations being read out underlines the tremendous work undertaken by all adult volunteers.

Once again I would like to thank everybody for their continued support.

Bill Bromley-Davenport (Sir William Bromley-Davenport, KCVO) President of Cheshire Scouts

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT This year the Executive Committee have worked hard to maintain and strengthen the support given to Scouting in Cheshire.

The main objectives are provisions of: Support, Facilities, Administration and Finance.

2016 saw continued progress on all these fronts.

SUPPORT: The provision of a Development Officer to enable growth started in October 2015.

This is part of a 3 year funding initiative where we have been generously supported

by Halton Borough Council for initiatives in their area and by The Scout Council for development in the whole County. The census figures show an increase in adult volunteers, which should be reflected by the growth in the youth sections next year.

PROVISION OF ACTIVITY FACILITIES: Directly at County level, mainly through our 2 campsites at Forest Activity Centre and at Tatton Park. We now have a Camp Warden team and an Administrator

and together with the guidance of the Camp Site Executive Committee they have successfully updated the booking system for the campsites and continue to improve and enhance the facilities at both sites. As an indication of success the tuck shop turnover has doubled!

The provision of the tented village at Forest has been successfully replicated at Tatton. The infrastructure improvement moves forward. The involvement of all the different parties concerned, coupled with budgetary requirements means that progress is slow but remains positive.

Areas in progress include improving the access to the Forest Camp activity Centre, improving its accommodation, in particular Lake View, as well improving the disabled toilet facilities and effluent treatment.

At Tatton the replacement of the old showers and the update of the toilets finally went ahead and has resulted in improved booking levels. We look forward to a continuation of our lease at Tatton on similar and improved terms allowing us to make proper longer-term plans. This is still under consideration by Cheshire East.

ADMINISTRATION: The County Office moved last year from its Willow Tree address to Asher House at Barsbank Lane in Lymm. We are grateful for the the free use of these facilities provided

by Paul O’Leary of Bright Futures Care.

FINANCE: Through the initiatives instigated by our County Commissioner together with the tight control provided by the County Treasurer we have been able to maintain our reserves while increasing our financial support to the County.

All this has been made possible through the Executive Committee and its reporting sub committees.

The strength of the framework provided through the Executive Committee together with the highly capable team built up by our County Commissioner has allowed Scouting to continue to flourish in Cheshire and is reflected in the pages that follow. Read on!

Peter Mather County Chairman

COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S REPORT MAKING A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Another year of growth in Cheshire making almost 14 years of continual growth shows how relevant Scouting is in today’s society. The demand for Scouting has never been higher and more adults are seeing the benefits of joining Scouting to help us deliver our structured development programme for young people. It’s an amazing success story.

To support our growth ambitions designed to deliver more Scouting to more young people in the County, our Local Development Officer (LDO) Simon Appleton has been busy supporting the opening of new Groups and new Sections.

He is running regular adult recruitment events to help bring more adults into Scouting. Additionally Simon has been supporting a number of Groups with recruitment of both adults and young people. Working in partnership with Districts it’s proving to be a winning formula.

DISTRICT SCOUT NETWORKS Another very significant achievement has been the launch of District Scout Networks across the County. This is a really important initiative as it enables us to offer those reaching 18 the opportunity to continue Scouting, it will support them in achieving their Queen’s Scout Award and provides another option to automatic leadership roles.

The numbers in the census show that good progress is being made.

Last year (2016) saw the Cub Scouts celebrate 100 years of Cub Scouting with a year-long party that included hundreds of events and activities including camps.

The Beaver Scouts celebrated 30 years of Beaver Scouting and it’s interesting to remember that some of the first Beaver Scouts in the UK were here in Cheshire.

YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Work is now underway in preparation for the next World Scout Jamboree to be held in America in 2019. The Cheshire unit Leaders are being recruited and Districts will shortly be selecting their participants for this truly life-changing event. Once again Cheshire will be organising its structured training programme to make sure that those selected to represent the County will have the very best experience and be positive role models for Scouting in Cheshire.

ADULT AWARDS

“The adventure continues with more young people joining Scouting in Cheshire.”

We continue to recognise the dedication of our Leaders through our adult awards and it has been fantastic to see the number of adult awards presented this year, including 4 Silver Wolf awards. The adult award scheme is designed to reward great service to Scouting and to encourage adults to continue their involvement. It is a key part in the retention of adults and District Commissioners play a critical part in putting Leaders forward for awards.

MILLION HANDS

TOGETHER WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE

There are a significant number of Cheshire Groups who have engaged with the Million Hands project and this continues to be a significant focus in making Scouting relevant to local communities. There have been some really interesting projects in Cheshire including a sensory garden, Groups becoming dementia friends and others supporting the work of Cheshire Young Carers (young people aged 6-18 who have a caring responsibility for an adult or sibling).

We should not forget the projects that are supported in Cheshire by the County such as the Cheshire Show where around 150 volunteers support our farming community in delivering 1 of the largest agricultural shows in the Country and the 50+ volunteers who support CarFest that’s raising money for Children in Need.

The adventure continues with more young people joining Scouting in Cheshire, more activities taking place and more adults joining us to support our work.

Working together we can positively change the lives of young people in Cheshire.

Graham Phillips County Commissioner graham.phillips@cheshirescouts.org.uk

07

Cheshire continues to lead the way in youth involvement with active youth

The County Youth Forum continues to offer valuable support to the County in helping us to direct effort and resource to those areas of Scouting of particular relevance to young people. For example they are already playing a big part in helping to shape Chamboree 2018. They have designed and delivered tools to support the delivery of youth engagement at Section meeting nights and are now looking at other initiatives to support Sections in delivering the programme to youth members.

WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE – AMERICA

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

CUB SCOUTS AND BEAVER SCOUTS BIRTHDAYS

forums now in most Districts. Our County Youth Commissioner, Ed Lunnon, is actively supporting local District Youth Commissioners. This is all designed to help us deliver youth shaped Scouting at a local level supported by adults.

ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES Did you know that there are well over 100 different activities that we offer young people in Scouting? In keeping with our passion for “everyday adventure” many of these are classed as adventurous activities where we try and develop skills to pass on to our young people in a variety of activities from scuba diving to white water rafting, climbing walls to zip wires, mountain walking to orienteering.

Our programme for each Section is growing and developing all the time with a real emphasis on adventurous and outdoor activities. In Cheshire we are very fortunate to have a great number of adults who develop the necessary skills and experience to become Instructors and Assessors, thereby providing even more opportunities for the Youth members to try new things and develop their own skills and experiences in a safe and fun environment.

Many of these Instructors take this on in addition to another Scouting role but we also encourage other adults to come and support us, especially those who already have skills and experiences that they can pass on.

For “Adventurous Activities” the Association operates a permit scheme that ensures all those who deliver activities have the necessary technical skills required and fully understand how these should be delivered in a safe and enjoyable way,

paying particular attention to the safety and health of the young people under their charge. This scheme operates in conjunction with the National Governing BodiesTraining but goes further in that it enables Instructors to gain a permit to lead or supervise without the need to actually have the NGB award. The permit ensures they are of the required standard and understand the rules the Association works to when delivering each particular activity.

We provide permit training and assessment to enable adults to deliver activities in an enjoyable and safe manner.

“We have added a wide range of disciplines including Powerboating, Safety Boat Helm, Climbing, Raft Building, Bell Boating, Kayaking, Open Canoes, & Hill Walking.”

We now have over 280 adults who have Adventurous Activity permits giving us 450

permitted Leader/Activity permutations.

In the past twelve months we have added another 105 permits in a wide range of disciplines including Powerboating, Safety Boat Helm, Climbing both single pitch and walls, Raft Building, Bell Boating, Kayaking, Open Canoes, & Hill Walking.

We estimate that if each permit holder runs 3 sessions a year for a group of 6 young people that would result in over 1300 activity sessions with more than 8,000 participants. If each session is about 90 minutes then this equates to over 12,000 hours delivered annually. We actually believe the number is far higher than this!

To help us expand the access to activities we have also been running weekends of water based activities at Tatton Park Activity Centre.

1 weekend for Scouts with over 150 participants and 1 for Explorer Scouts with 100 participating. The huge success of these taster session will be repeated in 2017 as it enables Groups without adventure permits to take part in these activities We continue to grow and develop our offering and look forward to even more permits being issued in 2017 so that more young people can have the chance to experience Adventurous activities.

Daragh O’Malley Assistant County Commissioner (Activities) daragh.omalley@cheshirescouts.org.uk

CHESHIRE HIKE

D WATCH SCAN ME AN EO ID V R OU

We certainly pick the weather again for the hike – for 2017 it was perfect. A little rain to start in the morning, then warm and dry with a slight breeze.

The number of Scouts and Guides wanting to take part in the Hike was up this year with 596 entries in total. Most Sections were full this year however there was some room in the Senior and Senior Plus Section. There was an improvement in the number of teams who turned up at the Starts with 89% of booked teams starting the hike on time.

Entries were received from only 92 different Groups, making a total entry of 596 competitors, 64% boys, 16% mixed teams and 20% being from our girl Scouts and Guides.

The 3 starts were Worleston Village Hall for Juniors, Chelford Scout HQ for Inters and Lostock Gralam Scout HQ for Seniors. These were staffed from early on the Saturday morning as teams arrive from 7.00am. The checking of kit does take some time but is essential; pleased to report that nearly every team had done an excellent job in packing their equipment with very few rucksacks overweight.

We are again indebted to the farmers of Cheshire who allow us the use of their meadows to camp on and provide us with standpipes. This year was no exception.

The support we have for this event amazes me - we are able to draw on so many Leaders from all over Cheshire. Over 400 adult helpers this year shows the dedication they all have towards the training and guidance of these young people. Scouts and Guides will surely hold their memories for many years.

The Juniors were brilliant this year with a route that had a good mix of footpaths and minor roads – they proved that practice pays off, giving field control a test at times.

The Intermediate route was quite testing and they certainly tested the Hike control.

Seniors and Senior Plus did very well this year.

At the Congleton High School finish there were many proud parents applauding the young people. They were not the only ones - the Leaders who trained them and the Hike Team that followed their every footstep over the weekend felt just as elated.

Trevor Burgess Cheshire Hike Organiser trevor.burgess@cheshirescouts.org.uk

SAVE THE DATE 52ND CHESHIRE HIKE

2018

14TH - 15TH APRIL

OVERALL WINNERS JUNIOR SECTION

Sally Dodd and Saranne Wright 3rd Thellwall and 2nd Lymm Guides

INTERMEDIATE SECTION

Joe Larner and Josh Boissery 3rd Macclesfield and 1st Buglawton (Macclesfield and Congleton)

SENIOR SECTION

Rob Bradshaws and John Jessup

SENIOR PLUS SECTION

RS OUR LEADE VER DELIVER O

0 0 0 , 5 5

BRIAN KERSHAW AWARD

Alex Baldwin and Sam Cliffe 39th South West Cheshire

RESULTS

District winners and full results sheets available from www.cheshirescouts.org.uk/cheshirehike

09

ED STRUCTUR HOURS OF RK EACH YOUTH WO ESHIRE YEAR IN CH

Zac Hunter and Chloe Leyland Cestrian ESU (Mersey Weaver)

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

1st Guilden Sutton (Chester)

BECOME A CHAMBOREE BUCANEER

D SCAN ME AN VIDEO WATCH OUR

28TH JULY - 4 AUGUST 2018

DON'T MISS OUT ON CHAMBOREE 2018

SIGN-UP FOR UPDATES AT WWW.CHAMBOREE.ORG.UK

OPEN TO SCOUTS & GUIDES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE!

CAMPSITES On behalf of the Activity Centre Team I can tell you that we have had a very challenging but exciting year at the County Campsites. Let me highlight some of the challenges but particularly the positive impact they will have on the experiences of our visitors.

At Tatton Park Activity Centre, we have installed a fantastic new Bouldering Wall suitable for all ages inside the dry shelter.

We have purchased a mobile climbing tower which will soon be available for visitors to practise their technical climbing skills, this will remain at Tatton Park for the season.

To complement these activities, we have refurbished the Tented Village with new tent bases, newly painted building complete with new chairs

Our water activity equipment remains well used and popular and we are looking at developing our paddle sports provision for weekends, evenings and weekdays.

We have held several Regional, County and District Camps this year, which have been well received.

At Forest Camp Activity Centre, we are awaiting on the installer for a Crate Stack High Ropes activity and the campsite team are working hard to complete a blindfold challenge.

We anticipate bringing the Tatton Park Activity Centre mobile climbing tower and tree climbs to Forest for the winter season We are already planning a Halloween themed weekend and preparations are in hand for Winter Camp 2018.

The information that we can now easily access allows us to identify quieter/busy weekends and the actual use of activities throughout the year, enabling better use of our resources and more appropriate maintenance and upgrade works.

We are currently populating the system with all our staff details including qualifications and permits allowing more effective use of our full-time activity staff and our dedicated volunteer Activity Team.

We have refreshed our branding for 2017, with an easily identifiable new design, both Forest Camp Activity Centre and Tatton Park Activity Centre reflect this, as does all our marketing material.

11

The number of visitors at both Forest and Tatton sites increased throughout 2016 and we continued to support our partnership commitment with High Adventure Outdoor Education Company deliver a fantastic and developmental week to around 1500 young adults.

Whilst we were in full swing we began the introduction of the new electronic booking and management system principally implemented by Deborah Ardern. The system went fully operational across Forest and Tatton in January 2017, and has so far proved a great success, bookings are now able to be viewed and updated in real time by all our management team.

The information provided to visitors has improved considerably including a clearly defined price for all the individual resources and activities booked during a visit.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

We are currently awaiting the installer for our new Crate Stacking High Ropes activity and the installation of anchors for our Tree Climbing Activity with our ‘dry tool’ routes to really challenge those prospective ice climbers. Our tree climbs come with newly developed climbing holds which we are currently the only Activity Centre in the UK to use them.

We have carried out a significant amount of general maintenance all around the site and the results speak for themselves.

We did say goodbye and thank you to several members of staff during 2016, Guy Marsden who looked after all our site maintenance and many, many other jobs decided to move on to concentrate of developing his own business after nearly 10 years, Ian Taylor our caretaker left us as we sought to increase the amount of hours and function of that role after nearly 4 years, we wish both of them well, their contribution to the development of the activity centres is recognised by us all and they will be missed as colleagues and friends.

Liam Watson our Lead Activity Instructor left us in December to take up a position as a Senior Instructor at Lochgoilhead Activity Centre, Scotland. We wish him every success in his new role and for the contribution he made to the development of our business and activity provision.

So, the early part of 2017 meant we had to begin the process of recruiting our replacement staff and keep the maintenance and business at both sites going.

We expanded our volunteer team at Tatton Park with Trevor and Tracey Burgess who have taken responsibility for grounds maintenance, general maintenance, cleaning as well as supporting those Volunteer Duty Wardens who spend their weekends making sure our visitors have a great time. Trevor also has responsibility for managing larger countywide events hosted by our Activity Centres such as the Winter Camp, Chariot Race and Halloween Camp which are open to anyone across the County.

Mat Spalding has also taken on an expanded role as our Volunteer Activities Team Co-ordinator and is working hard to

develop that team into a much broader skilled team of people who will support the provision of even more activities across both sites as well as arranging staff timetabling. Mat continues to lead the archery provision.

Steve Ross re-joined the team on an extended contract in March and took a significant amount of the outstanding work and activity delivery under his wing.

“A mobile climbing tower will soon be available for visitors to practice their technical climbing skills.”

We have now have a new Lead Activity Instructor Patchouli (Patch) O’Donovan who has already begun the task of reviewing the use of the current activities and looking at how we can make them available to even more of our members across the County as well as local schools and youth groups. Patch is working on developing new ways to use the activities we currently have and how we can develop further activity packages at both sites.

Also joining the team is David Fox as a full-time Activity Instructor for the season, David is getting to grips with some of the activity maintenance at both sites and using his skills to inspire visitors to our sites.

With our team of full time Activity Instructors, we are now developing new

commercial and schools’ business Monday to Friday. This is all designed to help keep the prices low for Scout Groups whilst improving the facilities and range of activities.

Sarah Bailey has taken charge of cleaning at Forest Activity Centre, Sarah is responsible for improving the cleanliness of both George Begg and Lakeview buildings as well as the other buildings on site. She is developing cleaning and minor maintenance programmes and schedules to ensure we manage the care of our facilities and reflect our commitment to providing our visitors with good quality accommodation.

We are working hard to increase the use of both sites whilst at the same time making sure we get good value for money from our suppliers and contractors. We are looking to develop a new marketing strategy and identify new business opportunities. In order to do this we have taken the opportunity to apply for available grants to add some new activities.

We look forward to the forthcoming refurbishment of the kitchen and toilets at Lakeview which will really make that building even better for larger groups and schools, we are hoping this work will be completed by autumn this year.

As a team, we are pleased and positive about the progress made this year, we look forward to using our growing delivery team to achieve even higher goals for coming 12 months.

Dave Metcalfe Activity Centre Manager

BARNSWOOD CAMPSITE If you haven’t camped at Barnswood recently then maybe it’s time you did.

Barnswood Scout Campsite is set in 63 acres of mixed woodland and boasts more than 20 open grassed camping sites and a selection of buildings.

The camping sites vary in size from Centenary and High Veld, with ample room for the largest Group Camp or a gathering of Explorer Scout Units, to intimate sites such as Foxes Hollow or Wincle Grange which would suit a Troop or Patrol Camp. Additionally, Barnswood offers 4 buildings which provide accommodation and catering facilities suitable for large or small groups.

Barnwood’s greatest asset is its location.

Views of Rudyard Lake – after which Rudyard Kipling was named - can be seen from the western side of the camp, and can be used for a variety of water activities. The Roaches are within easy reach for climbers, and the glories of the Peak District and the Staffordshire Moors afford wonderful hiking opportunities.

Add in Barnswood’s own activity areas like our recently upgraded Low Ropes Course, the Activity Play Area, professional Orienteering course, 2 campfire circles (one under cover), and our Scouting Museum and even the liveliest Group is unlikely to get bored.

To us, Barnswood’s greatest facility is the opportunity to hone traditional Scouting skills. Bivouacs can be built and slept in, altar fires provided for open fire cooking and pioneering poles can be borrowed.

The only modern facilities you may want to take advantage of are the hot showers!

transport of equipment and materials, and the removal of rubbish.

The past year has seen camper numbers maintained, with utilisation of both campsites and buildings slightly increased.

Changes to our booking procedures, which we hope will be an improvement of service to our campers.

“Views of Rudyard Lake can be seen from the western side of the camp, and can be used for a variety of water activities.”

Our programme of improvement to the facilities has continued.Particularly exciting this year have been: The major refurbishment and expansion of the Low Ropes Course. This can now be used as an exhilarating and challenging activity for all. Also, the course is now protected by secure fencing to prevent unsupervised use.

The purchase of a Polaris Ranger allterrain vehicle. This is very useful for the maintenance teams, facilitating the safe

Refurbishment of the girls’ showers in Toilet Block 3, with a similar refurbishment of the boys’ showers planned for the autumn.

Sadly we have recently seen the death of Norman Gosling, former Macclesfield and Congleton District Commissioner and longtime friend of Barnswood. Norman was the founder and curator of our Scouting Museum. Norman is sorely missed, but would be pleased to know that new curators have volunteered to carry forward the museum in the same vein as he established.

Also, rhododendron shoots are reappearing across the site. DEFRA require these to be destroyed completely, but this time financial assistance is not being provided. Fortunately, we have not been required to revert to footwear and vehicle wheel disinfection, and are currently investigating a possible organic solution.

We are working to continue to enhance both the facilities and the on-site activities so watch this space. Better still, come along to sample the joys of Scouting at its best.

Once again, I must thank the members of the Management Committee and the Thursday (Maintenance) Team. Without their enthusiasm, inspiration and endless hard work there would be no Barnswood.

Scouting owes a great deal to this dedicated and talented group of people.

John Pearson Chairman Barnswood Management Committee

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17 13

CHESHIRE EACH YEAR VIDES O SCOUTS PR TH RS OF YOU MORE HOU N NEARLY WORK THA TH THER YOU ALL THE O TIONS PUT ORGANISA TOGETHER

MILLDALE CAMPSITE Located just off the A51 close to Nantwich, Milldale is South West Cheshire District Scouts own campsite covering 24 acres of secluded countryside. The campsite has enabled 1522 young people to achieve 2411 Nights Away during the past year.

It is open to all members of the Scouting and Guiding movements, youth groups and schools. A stream, 5 acres of mature woodland and a 7 acre camping field make Milldale the ideal location for traditional Troop and patrol camping activities as well as for large Group events or District camps.

For the past 10 years Milldale has hosted South West Cheshire’s bi-annual District Camp, each time accommodating more than 1200 campers from all Sections with a wide range of activities.

The site also has a large barn, which provides wet weather alternatives should the British weather prevail.

The site has a strong team of scouting volunteers who keep the site in tiptop condition. During the camping season, wardens are on site all weekend to help where needed.

The site has several new developments for 2017 camping season including a backwoods cooking area with fire pits and a pizza oven (you can cook more than a pizza, everything from baking bread to roasting a chicken). The new Aerial runway kit will make for some high flying thrills through the woodland and over the stream, you can help build it with our team or let us do the hard work and just enjoy the ride.

QUEEN CHARLOTTE’S WOOD We have had yet another busy year with The Hideaway having a greater than usual demand on our time and resources.

To conform to changes in fire regulations, a number of improvements have been made to the building’s safety features. These include emergency lighting, automatic closure of fire doors and automatic lighting in toilets and showers to prevent excessive running of ventilation fans. Our electrics have also been upgraded. The Hideaway got a further improvement when a group of volunteers from a local firm helped us to paint the outside.

Other safety work included the construction of a brick wall to support the section of road through the lower car park and remaking of several flights of steps. The step work was carried out by The Earth Skills Project who stayed with us again last year.

“There was plenty of camping in 2016 but as usual the Hideaway proved to be very popular” It has been a fairly wet winter and early spring which has restricted work on the grounds. This has also put some restriction on camping but a more recent spell of drier weather has put us back on track. 2 of our camping areas have suffered particularly badly from excessive wet, over use and damage from rabbits. We have had to take them out of use this year and are going ahead with major improvements in time for next season.

There was plenty of camping in 2016 but as usual the Hideaway proved to be very popular and was rarely left unused for a weekend. The last event in the building was a celebration of 100 years of Cub Scouting organised by the 4th Widnes Pack. Many Packs from Mersey Weaver joined them at a campfire for the national renewal of the Cub Scout promise at precisely 19.17p.m.; a fitting end to the year.

Students from Reaseheath College have been visiting the site regularly managing the sites woodland areas.

We have lots of onsite activities and all necessary equipment can be booked with instructors if needed, activities include: a climbing wall, bouldering wall, outdoor shooting, indoor shooting, archery, tree climbing, tomahawk throwing and a purpose-built grass cart track, crate stacking, a caving simulator and pioneering kits. Campers will never be short of something to do. We have continued to increase South West Cheshire’s bank of qualified activity instructors so that Groups who do not have activity qualifications can make the most of all the on-site activities.

To book the site or find out more visit www.milldalescoutcamp.co.uk or email bookings@milldalescoutcamp.co.uk

Ian and April Nicholas Joint Campsite Managers

L A N O SECTI S T R O P RE

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

15

BEAVER SCOUTS This year has been a particularly exciting year for Beaver Scouts as we are 30!

Our Leaders and Helpers have continued to work hard to provide the Beaver Scout Section with a variety of outdoor and adventurous activities varying from hikes in the local community to some further afield.

Throughout all of the Districts in Cheshire the Beaver Scouts have been able to achieve their top award, the Chief Scout’s Bronze Award, due to the dedication of their Leaders and Helpers in delivering a balanced programme.

“It has been yet another fantastic year for Beaver Scouts across Cheshire”

Once again this year we held our annual Beaver Scout Challenge Day, which was hosted at 1st Moore Scout Hall in Mersey Weaver District. This saw the majority of Districts enter a team to compete in a carousel of outdoor/adventurous activity bases. Districts were asked to bring along an outdoor or an adventurous activity that the other Beaver Scouts could take part in. This allowed Beaver Scouts from all over the County to take part in a range of new activities testing their skill and teamwork abilities. This year’s winners were 2nd Middlewich representing Mid Cheshire District.

The County Faith Day was another huge success with over 120 Beaver Scouts receiving their Faith badge at Chester Cathedral.

Chester Cathedral was taken over by Beaver Scouts from across the County for an afternoon of fun filled activities. The Beaver Scouts learned about the history of the cathedral, important objects and people within the place of worship and even had a go at dressing up as monks and retracing their steps around the cathedral.

It has been yet another fantastic year for Beaver Scouts across Cheshire with so many of them achieving their Chief Scout’s Bronze Award. As always a huge amount of thanks needs to go to the leadership teams who provide such a varied programme to facilitate this and give our youngest members the experiences that they do.

Laura Dyer Assistant County Commissioner (Beaver Scouts) laura.dyer@cheshirescouts.org.uk

100 NEW FOR EVERY OUTS BEAVER SC , THIS YEAR STARTING WILL HAVE E W 5 3 0 2 BY IAL NEW 18 POTENT LEADERS

CUB SCOUTS Cub Scouting continues to thrive in Cheshire with hardworking Leaders ensuring the young people find their training programme exciting and varied with many outdoor activities.

2016 was a wonderful and exciting year for a Cub Scout.

Following on from the regional event at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in February, the Cub Scouts of Cheshire continued to celebrate the Section’s 100th Birthday in style. In May, over 1400 young people and 500 Leaders headed to Capesthorne Hall for the ‘Wildest Birthday Party Ever’ celebration camp. A disco on the Friday night started the party and all day Saturday and Sunday morning the young people visited each District where a themed birthday party had been planned and designed by the Leaders – Space, Pirates, Wild West, Jungle, Circus, Party Challenges, Craft and the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. There was a fabulous birthday party on the Saturday evening – who can ever forget playing ‘Pass the Parcel’ with giant balloons?

During this camp the Cub Scouts will have earned 2 Nights Away Activity badge and the activities covered many parts of the training programme – the Cub Scouts just didn’t realise the amount of programme work they were undertaking. The whole weekend was fantastic and the weather warm and sunny.

2 Cub Scouts from 1st Moore represented Cheshire Scouts at the Evening Service prior to the start of the Cheshire Show and certainly made an impact on the congregation with their uniform smartness and excellent presentation.

2 Cub Scouts from Macclesfield and Congleton and Warrington West, accompanied by the Assistant District Commissioner

“The whole weekend was fantastic and the weather warm and sunny.”

We kept the outdoor theme for the County Art & Craft competition recently held at Milldale Campsite. Teams brought a minimum amount of craft material with them, but were provided with a board, play sand and green sticks.

They had to create a camp site using as much natural material as possible – sticks, leaves, stones, etc. and a great time was had by all as they ran around the site gathering the material. The weather was so warm that they worked outside for the duration of the competition.

There is always something exciting to look forward to in the Cub Scout Section and plans are already being made for our weekend camp at Chamboree 2018.

17

Val Thomason Deputy County Commissioner and (Acting) ACC Cub Scouts val.thomason@cheshirescouts.org.uk

All Packs are working well with the revised programme and it is always a pleasure to be invited to attend the District Chief Scout’s Silver Award presentations and see the proud faces of the young people as they receive their certificates.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Districts and Groups also held their own celebration camps throughout the summer and at 19.16 hours on Friday 16th December, all Cub Scouts and Leaders renewed their Promise.

Some Districts followed this event with a party and a sleepover, whilst some Packs had their own special celebration.

(Cub Scouts) Alderley, and the Deputy County Commissioner were the North West Region’s representatives at the Cubs 100 Parliamentary Reception held in the Speaker of the House of Commons’ appartments on 13th December. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience of meeting many MPs, Scouting Ambassadors and other Cub Scouts and Leaders from around the country.

SCOUTS The implementation of the new programme provided some challenges over the year in terms of transitioning progress towards the old badges into the new system.

However, it was managed successfully on the whole with 186 Chief Scout’s Gold Awards achieved in 2016. The continued focus on the personal, teamwork and leadership challenges in the new programme gives us the opportunity to develop Scouts’ individual skills and interests further, as well as inspire them to continue to work towards their Queen’s Scout Award.

County-run events offer the opportunity for adventure and challenges, with a focus on outdoor-based activities, a focus also shared by District activity weekends and events. Many districts are actively increasing the number of opportunities on offer for their Scouts, focusing on areas that are more challenging to achieve during weekly meetings.

Despite being the worst June weekend possible, Tatton Adventure was still a success, with the Scouts enjoying up to 6 hours on the water, mixed in with a variety of challenging land activities.

Both the County and Regional Lord Derby Competitions offered a chance for competition based around the challenge badges, with a team from Cheshire winning the Regional trophy! Chariot Race saw some innovative designs and ideas, as well as some closefought competition over the weekend.

For 2017 the event has been moved to earlier in the year so more teams can take part. Winter Camp gives the participants the chance to camp at a different time of the year and take part in a contrasting set of challenges and activities. These exciting events will all be back in 2017, to help encourage more participation in outdoor adventures.

COUTS ARE S E R I H S E CH LARGEST E H T F O E ON S OF DOFE PROVIDER TIONS IN A C I F I L A U Q CHESHIRE

Sophie Mather Assistant County Commissioner (Scouts) sophie.mather@cheshirescouts.org.uk

“Many Districts are actively increasing the number of opportunities on offer for their Scouts”

EXPLORER SCOUTS The Explorer Scout Section across the County has had another busy and successful year, constantly driving forward and delivering a strong and active outdoor programme.

129

Across the County we have had a year focusing on the Young Leader programme.

We now have a County Young Leader Co-ordinator who works with District YL Leaders to support them in the delivery of the award, and to work towards consistent delivery across the County. We have also run 2 Young Leader permit weekends, allowing YL’s to gain permits in climbing, rafting and kayaking. Already 42 permits have been awarded, allowing YL’s to further support the Groups they work with. It is clear that YL’s are key to every Group across the County and we will continue to support and improve the scheme in the year to come.

Luke Morby Assistant County Commissioner (Explorer Scouts) luke.morby@cheshirescouts.org.uk

“we will have a big focus on the Section’s growth and retention of Scouts” Overall, the Explorer Scout Section is an active Section across the County and with some work between the Explorer Scout Leaders and Scout Leaders we can improve the retention of young people into the Section and provide more Explorer Scouts with the opportunities they want and deserve.

19

DIRECTLY WHO ARE , G BEAVERS SUPPORTIN ER TS, EX PLOR CUBS, SCOU SCOUTS.

The Section had a massive focus on awards last year, and the highest number of awards were presented since records began with 95 Chief Scout’s Platinum awards and 54 Chief Scout’s Diamond awards. This year we also recognised Young Leader Belts at the County awards ceremony and 6 belts were presented. Hopefully this recognition on Young Leader belts will increase the interest and uptake of the Young Leader awards.

Unfortunately, the number of Explorer Scouts has declined into the beginning of 2017 with only 2 out of 10 Districts with growth in the Section.

This means we will have a big focus on the Section’s growth and retention of Scouts into the Section. We will be focusing on links with Scout Groups; ensuring that Scout Leaders know who the Explorer Scout Leaders are and how to contact them, that Explorer Scout Leaders are visiting Troops to promote the Section and know who is turning 14 over the coming year. We strive for Explorer Scout units to have a bigger presence within Districts and are delivering the highest levels of programme, DofE and awards giving Scouts and Explorer Scouts the opportunities they crave.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

ED E RECRUIT IN 2016 W ED AND TRAIN ERS D A E L T NEW ADUL

Many Explorer Scout Units across the County are delivering challenging activities on the water, up the mountains and in the air. Many Explorer Scout units and Districts are planning international trips and expeditions for this year and 2018, where we will also hope to have our largest attendance of Explorer Scouts at Chamboree 2018.

C4RFEST NORTH 2016 In July 2016 we again had a presence of volunteers at the C4RFEST NORTH event, this year held at Bolesworth Castle. While the event gets bigger each year, so does the number of volunteers, who give their time over the event weekend to be the first and last smiling faces the visitors meet in the campsites and at the entrance gates – there’s nothing more reassuring to the public than a volunteer wearing a necker, especially for those who turn up with tents still showing a price tag. We again had a Stand within the event, enabling us to promote Scouting to nearly 50,000 visitors, and gain some new youth members and adult volunteers.

As part of the Cubs 100 celebrations we were lucky enough to be able to run a competition with the event organisers where a Cub Scouts and their family gained free entry into the event for a day.

From the many entries where we asked Cub Scouts to let us know what the greatest thing about being a Cub Scout was, Ryan from Chester District told us that “you never stop learning things and it is always an adventure”. Not only did Ryan and his family enjoy a unique day out, but they also got to enjoy a ride in a Maserati supercar, and then Ryan himself had the privilege of assisting the BMMC track marshals and starting off some of the cars on the track parade, whilst the rest of the family watched the parade from the driver’s lounge.

We are looking for volunteers to be part of the team for the fifth year that we are associated with the event, again being held at Bolesworth Castle over the weekend of 28th to 30th July. If you would to join the fun and festivities then please contact Simon Appleton for more information about this year’s event (simon.appleton@ cheshirescouts.org.uk).

Simon Appleton County Scout Network Commissioner simon.appleton@cheshirescouts.org.uk

ADULT TRAINING A key to providing the support needed for Leaders to complete their Wood Badge training is effective local support led by dedicated Local Training Managers (LTM’s).

Over the last 12 months this team has been expanded so that all Districts have allocated LTM’s.

Alderley - Alison Wright Chester – Richard Johnson EP&N – Richard Johnson Knutsford – Alison Wright Macclesfield & Congleton – Ann Eden Mid Cheshire - Tim Owen Mersey Weaver – Mary Wynne South West Cheshire – David Brough Warrington East - Jon Davies Warrington West – Dave Anwyl Cheshire continues to look at ways to support the role of TA’s (Training Advisers) who work at a Group level to support the work of LTM’s. Again some new TA’s have joined the team Cheshire continues to strengthen its training team with new members starting to present modules or tutor on courses.

This is designed to build capacity to deliver training and although this is a slow process it is designed to make sure quality delivery

is maintained to reflect the importance of our Wood Badge training provision.

Weekend courses continue to be popular with a significant number of Leaders attending these. Most Leaders book onto the 3 weekends on offer to enable them to gain their Wood Badge with some completing within 12 months. The modules run on these courses are designed so that they can be validated on the day.

We also change the days around when each module is offered, this enables those who can only give up 1 day over the weekend to attend this day and then the same day the next time the modules are being run.

In November we ran a very successful Training School at Winsford Academy where 35 Leaders attended with the majority achieving completion of 3 Modules.

However, remember weekend courses are not the only way Leaders can complete their training, there are single module courses available for those who are not able to give up a full weekend. Also learning can be done in a variety of ways, workbooks, DVD’s e-learning etc. You

should always discuss your training with your Local Training Adviser and Local Training Manager who are always ready to support Leaders in completing their required training.

A major new training initiative has recently been launched nationally that is designed to improve the quality and usefulness of the Manager training modules. These are now delivered at a Regional level with specially trained Trainers and a dedicated team of Local Training Advisers. The new courses start in the autumn and Cheshire has teamed up with Merseyside Scouts to deliver courses at The Heath Conference centre. Dates are 7 & 8 October 2017 (Skills of Management), 17 & 18 March 2018 (Meeting the Challenge & Achieving Growth), 23 & 24 June 2018 (Skills of Management)

Debbie Phillips County Training Manager debbie.phillips@cheshirescouts.org.uk

YOUTH SHAPED 2016 has seen some amazing Youth Shaped Scouting across the County. We’ve seen some brilliant examples from 1st Buglawton Cub Scouts, whose Sixers ran a night of kitchen safety for their peers, 24th Macclesfield Cub Scouts, where the Young Leaders taught the Cub Scouts Aikido as part of their DofE Silver Award and 1st Winnington Scouts, who went back to basics with their Patrol Leaders teaching the other Scouts about the Promise, Laws and opening and closing ceremonies.

2016 has also seen the introduction of Youshape in a box, an initiative run by our District Youth Commissioners and County Youth Forum members. This has allowed Groups to develop their Youth Shaped Scouting, by giving them an example of how easy it is to get their young people’s ideas and input in fun and imaginative ways.

Ed Lunnon County Youth Commissioner ed.lunnon@cheshirescouts.org.uk

21

6th Ellesmere Port Beaver Scouts 1st Capenhurst Beaver Scouts 1st Saltney Beaver Scouts 42nd Chester Cub Scouts 1st Guilden Sutton 1st Malpas Beaver Scouts 1st Burton Cub Scouts Dee Sea Beaver Scouts 1st Buglawton Cub Scouts 1st Handforth Cub Scouts

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

A full list of Groups that participated during youshape month 2017 can be seen below:

1st Tilston Beaver Scouts 40th Chester Scouts 1st Buglawton Beaver Scouts 27th Warrington East 1st Winnington Scouts 13th Warrington East Beaver Scouts Glazebury Beaver Scouts Glazebury Cub Scouts 6th Wilmslow Cub Scouts 24th Macclesfield Cub Scouts 1st Burton Cub Scouts 12th Warrington E (1st Birchwood) Beaver Scouts 12th Warrington (1st Birchwood) Cub Scouts 6th Wilmslow Scouts 28th Warrington Beaver Scouts 1st Burton Beaver Scouts

SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT Active Support provides a support framework for local Scouting events across the County. At many of these events, Active Support members turn out in force, across age generations, from members in their 20s to retirees.

Flexible volunteering is very much about our own attitude to welcoming and encouraging people into Scouting.

However the key to flexible volunteering is to create tasks and roles around the availability of the adult volunteers.

Each District in the County has at least 1 District Active Support Unit and some Districts have created an additional Unit(s) to meet local needs. There has also been an increase in the number of District Active Support Units providing adventurous activities. A number of Districts also have Group Active Support Units, although this is an area where there is more scope for growth, especially in large Groups with a membership of around 100 or more.

“We have increased the number of adults who are new to Scouting, resulting in nearly 40% of the membership”

The majority of the County Active Support Units require their members to hold an ‘activity’ qualification, relative to their specialism. This is particularly so with the County First Aid Unit where there is a breadth of well qualified and experienced members who can support the majority of County events. With the increased focus in the ‘Scouting’ programme to be outdoors, there is now a greater need for this to be reflected more in the skill sets of the various Units.

The Active Support Section is now able to offer a much more varied skills set than it was in the early years, with a wider range of support being available from the various Units. This has resulted in a much needed shift in the age profile as we welcome more adults from all age groups and now there are a significant number of members in the ‘mid-age’ group. With

some flexible volunteering we have also increased the number of adults who are new to Scouting, resulting in nearly 40% of the membership having their main role in Active Support. The number of females/ males members is one-third/two-thirds, respectively. The 2017 County Units annual census showed another increase, this year it was nearly a 10% growth in the Active Support Section.

It was really great to see Active Support members in action at various events, this didn’t just happen, it took thought, time and effort to pull things together. The challenge for many District Units in their recruitment, is to engage with different generations to the benefit of the individual Active Support Units. As we look ahead many Active Support Units will be involved in the International Chamboree in 2018, these include 4 of the County Active Support Units - Field Activities, Faith & Belief, First Aid and Adventurous Activity Permits.

Roger Owens County Active Support Manager rogerowens17@gmail.com

QUEEN’S SCOUT AWARD

CHESHIRE SUPPORTING NATIONAL SCOUTING

The Queen’s Scout Award is the highest accolade a young person in Scouting can achieve. It’s the culmination of everything that a young person does in Scouting. To complete the Award a young person needs to commit to developing and challenging themselves. They develop their communication, organisational and teamwork skills. It is an achievement to remember for the rest of their life and is also recognised by many educational establishments and potential employers. While standards in the Queen’s Scout Award are very high, there is a choice about how to complete it based on skills, interests and talents. Personal commitment, determination, self-discipline and effort are essential, which must be sustained over at least 18 months. In today’s ever busier social climate, with pressures of exams, qualifications, work and apprentice schemes, this achievement is harder than ever, and completion warrants celebration. Around 500 young people in the UK achieve their Queen’s Scout Award every year. These special people are invited to ‘a day of celebration and achievement’ at Windsor Castle to mark their achievements.

Ann Eden Member of the UK Programme Support Team

This UK wide team of volunteers helps to promote innovative programmes by facilitating workshops, attending Regional and County days, supporting events and presenting on Programme related topics.

David Bull Secretary, British Scouting Overseas

Providing administration and management support to British Scouting Overseas (nearly 3,000 members in total, operating in 26 countries around the world).

Dave Hopley Member of the Council of the Scout Association

Represents Cheshire at the Council of the Scout Association AGM. Member of the Talent Management Working Group

As a member of this group Dave specifically leads on the introduction and roll-out of Mentoring & Coaching, which will form part of the Adult Training Scheme.

Debbie Phillips Deputy Area Commissioner British Scouting Overseas

Helping the Area Commissioner to support groups in our area. We have over 3000 members who are spread across 26 Countries. I am at present mentoring a new District Commissioner and am the Safeguarding lead for the area, running monthly Safeguarding Webinars Eddie Aspden

Communications Manager – Technical, British Scouting Overseas

HOW TO BECOME A QUEEN’S SCOUT? NIGHTS AWAY 18 nights away must be completed with Scouting, of which 12 must be camping.

Eddie is part of a 3 person team, that develop and run communications in British Scouting Overseas, to keep members in touch and to make sure the right messages get to the right members. This is a challenging task, given the large geographical nature of BSO (26 countries around the world, such as Ascension Island, Japan and Oman). Eddie’s role ranges from managing social media to developing and maintaining email systems and websites.

Member of the Council of the Scout Association

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Represents Cheshire at the Council of the Scout Association AGM.

23

INTERNATIONAL, ENVIRONMENT AND VALUES LIST Complete 6 activities, 2 from each topic area.

Rachel Sheridan-Warburton

CHALLENGES Complete the 5 Queen’s Scout Award Challenges or hold the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Rachel is part a group of young people leading on community impact and the A Million Hands partnership. She has worked mostly with Dementia Friends from Alzheimer's Society to develop, test and compile resources for the Demential Friendly resource pack.

PRESENTATION Make a presentation covering all elements of the Award to a suitable audience, with the aim of inspiring and motivating others to achieve the Award.

SIGN-OFF Once all the above requirements are completed, a Commissioner needs to approve the Award.

11 young people in Cheshire achieved this award over the past 12 months. They are an example of Scouting at its best and this goes towards influencing other young people and changes lives for the better.

Member of the Community Impact Group

Val Thomason

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD 2016 marked the Diamond Anniversary of the DofE and throughout the year there were special events and celebrations organised. Everyone was given the chance to take part in a Diamond Challenge, where they could choose their own Physical, Volunteering or Skill activity and try to raise a minimum of £60 for the DofE. Here in Cheshire we had people attempt both the Yorkshire and National Three Peaks, the Paps of Jura and also personal goal challenges such as climbing 8,488m or walking 2016km. All were successful and there are a few proud Leaders as well as young people wearing Diamond pins as a result.

I was also lucky enough to be invited to the official Diamond Celebration at Westminster Abbey with HM The Queen, Prince Philip and the Duke and Duchess of Wessex. It was a very proud day to represent Cheshire and to hear some inspirational stories from DofE award holders such as Hannah Cockcroft, our Paralympic wheelchair racer, and a young man who completed his award whilst in prison.

The Diamond Challenge was a one-off celebration but each year we celebrate many great achievements by the young people of Cheshire Scouting. In 2016 we awarded 80 Bronze, 52 Silver and 17 Gold awards and each one is hard earned and proudly worn.

A few years ago the Chief Scout’s Award scheme was given a new look and brought into line to sit alongside the DofE Award. It is simple to work towards both schemes whilst taking part in your scouting program. Both require participation in a skill, a physical activity, a volunteering program and an expedition. At Gold level you are required to also take part in a residential experience. As you work your way through the levels, you have to show increased commitment and improvement accordingly.

As part of our commitment to the young people of Cheshire we made another addition to the calendar this year, a Gold Residential opportunity, held at Forest Camp and delivered by the campsites team. The first 6 Explorer Scouts successfully achieved permits on Zip Wires, Raft Building and also began their BCU Level 1. It was a great 5 days and something we hope to run again in 2017.

To all the Leaders and adults who help support the DofE programme in Cheshire, thank you. You are key to the successes that our young people are achieving.

“In 2016 we awarded 80 Bronze, 52 Silver and 17 Gold awards and each one is hard earned and proudly worn.”

To those who have started their DofE journey in 2016, good luck. Relish the challenge, inspire yourself and those around you and most of all enjoy your achievement and success.

Carol Frain Duke of Edinburgh/Queen’s Scout Award County Adviser

Congratulations to you all.

carol.frain@cheshirescouts.org.uk

ALDERLEY DofE GOLD 2016 James Mitchell Sam Mitchell Matthew Watson Sam Mottershead Thomas Swinnerton Christian Howitt Ryan Lysycia DofE SILVER 2016 Sam Bennett Harry Buglass William Downes George Harrison Tom Hibbs Thomas Howes Benjamin Jackson Matthew Jackson Ryan James Randal McAlister Alastair Nicol Achille Ramambason Oliver Scrafton Jonathan Shaw DofE BRONZE 2016

MID CHESHIRE

DofE SILVER 2016 Mark Howard Matthew Taylor DofE BRONZE 2016 Megan Coulter Jordan Evans Sarah Hickson Thomas Niestroj

KNUTSFORD AND DISTRICT DofE GOLD 2016 Amy Tudge Catherine Eadie Eleanor Woods Grace Haselden DofE SILVER 2016 William Cooke George Keeble Edward Lawton Rebekah Lynes Zoe McBride Elin Rees Iwan Rees Gleb Vinnychenko Tom Woods DofE BRONZE 2016 Toby Gunter Alex Lunnon

MERSEY WEAVER DofE SILVER 2016 Rachel Anderson Nathan Bentley Thomas Campbell Charlotte King Joshua Wilson DofE BRONZE 2016 Joe Davies Niall Wilson

DofE SILVER 2016 Ben Keeble

CHESTER AND DISTRICT

DofE BRONZE 2016

DofE BRONZE 2016

Annabel Hay Carl King

Lucas Dorsett

WARRINGTON EAST

WARRINGTON WEST

DofE GOLD 2016

DofE GOLD 2016

James Fathers

Ewan Brown Nathan O’Hara

DofE SILVER 2016 Emily Lowndes William Ridge Adam Westwood DofE BRONZE 2016 Rhian Bland David Browning Gabriel Bullock Charles Cooke Dale Francis Matthew Gardner Ellis Hughes Matthew Jones Joshua Lowndes Stuart McComb Bryn Mitchell Emily Sproson Adam Westwood Amelia White

MACCLESFIELD AND CONGLETON DofE GOLD 2016 James Martin Patrick Waite Ruth Wallace DofE SILVER 2016 Samuel Amey Joel Bearn Daniel Bulman Jessica de Sousa Gregor Ford Alexander Hooton Alexander Reed Freya Ritson Luke Staniland DofE BRONZE 2016 Rory Allen Callum Ashcroft-Brown Alexander Cliffe Eleanor Cliffe Charlie Cowburn Alistair Greenwood Stephen Hughes Alice Maitland Luke Staniland Zoe Thomas

DofE SILVER 2016 Rebecca Cowie Grace Duffy Adam Gibbons Tom Herrington Sarah Jackson Emma Lavens Hannah Little Daniel Meadows Isabel Mitchell Christopher Quinn Ciara Rohan James Thomas-Carter Charlotte Wilks DofE BRONZE 2016 Tom Barnes Jake Brown Emma Clarke Christopher Cox James Earnshaw Jessica Hale Lucy Harrison Joseph Hartless Jamie Hogan David Kahn Jonathon Lewter Maddison McCornick Zack Mills Oscar Pimlett Owen Pimlett Max Robinson Niall Rohan Daniel Rotherham Thomas Rotherham Rachel Sheridan-Warburton Amy Sprott Billy Thomas Alastair Tombs James Tombs Alex Vicar

SOUTH WEST CHESHIRE DofE SILVER 2016 Bethany Edwards DofE BRONZE 2016 Bethany Edwards

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Thomas Chatten Catherine Child Max Danihel Oliver Davies James Dupere Benjamin Fazelynia Patrick Gerrard Katy Gilsenan Hannah Grimwood Harrison Hirst Archie Jespersen Rhys John Tom Laverick Jamie Longworth Daniel Main Louis McKay Tarun Pass James Prime Joe Richardson Max Thompson Ella Townend Jack Watson Alex Wheeler

ELLESMERE PORT AND NESTON

25

INTERNATIONAL Cheshire’s Scouts love to travel, with Austria, Belgium, Eire, France, The Netherlands Norway and Switzerland among the most popular destinations.

2016 was no exception and many Groups now make a Visit Abroad part of their regular programme. Roverway 2016 saw Scouts from Cheshire journeying across France to meet up with 5000 Rovers and Rangers from across Europe at Jambville for 4 days of discovery and friendship.

If you’re thinking about taking Scouts overseas, you may wish to consider one of the many organised events that take place each year. You can find details in the International Opportunities newsletter, published each month and available via scouts.org.uk/international.

2017 sees Scouts from Cheshire taking on some larger-scale visits abroad.

Contingents from Mersey Weaver, Warrington East and Warrington West Districts will take part in Nord 2017, the world’s most northerly Jamboree. The Arctic Circle is sure to provide another level of adventure and participants are hoping to see many spectacular sights in addition to a fantastic programme.

Meanwhile, almost 100 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders will travel to Normandy in August for 6 days of Adventure and Discovery. As part of the County’s desire

DEVELOPMENT This has been the first full year of the County’s employment of a Local Development Officer, Simon Appleton, part funded by the Developments Grant Board, Halton Council and the County.

Development, in terms of growth, within the County is undertaken by four main groups:

Local Development Officer Simon continues to be involved in a range of work in support of growth, through running of sessions to attract new adults and young people, promoting Scouting with recruitment stalls in business and other commercial premises and development resource material for Group/ District use. Simon has also established a Development Website where national and

to promote visits abroad, this county-led trip will take young people from 7 Groups, spread between 3 Districts. Most of the Leaders have never led an international visit and this trip will help to create a model that other Districts and Groups can use in future. We hope the Scouts and Leaders involved in this trip get the international bug and lead trips of their own in future years.

“The Arctic Circle is sure to provide another level of adventure and participants are hoping to see many spectacular sights”

Scout Network members and is a real challenge for our older members. Find a project at ukscoutnetwork.org.uk or start your own.

I hope you enjoy your international adventures, wherever they may be in 2017

Graham Shaw Assistant County Commissioner (International) graham.shaw@cheshirescouts.org.uk

Every Section has an exciting global programme. The My World Challenge (Beaver Scouts), Our World Challenge (Cub Scouts) and World Challenge (Scouts and Explorer Scouts) really open up the world of scouting. It’s a large part of the programme and lots of resources are available online.

Please contact me if you need any assistance.

The Scouts of the World Award has now been relaunched. This award is solely for

local material has been pulled together to provide Districts and Groups with a convenient point to view resources and ideas to help with recruitment.

West Cheshire and Warrington East. They have supported a District Commissioner Development Day and assisted with District Commissioner recruitment in Ellesmere Port.

The year has seen new Groups and Sections open and work with Groups to increase young people and adult numbers.

This has resulted in the year 1 targets for this 3 year project having been met.

Supporting Local Development

Youth United

The year has seen some good growth as a result of the various development activities.

There are a range of current projects in hand including the opening of new Groups to meet the ever increasing demands from young people to join us. My thanks go to all who have supported development over the year and I look forward with confidence for further growth.

We continue to be actively involved in supporting Youth United events. They are currently recruiting a Development Worker who will undertake some growth projects for us.

Regional Support Team This Headquarters team has supported a number of Districts. Development Workshops have been held in South

A number of Districts have had success in opening new Groups and Sections with the County providing support as required.

John Duley Assistant County Commissioner (Development)

T C I R T S DI S T R O REP

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

27

ALDERLEY

ALDERLEY Once again Alderley had a successful year, increasing the number of youth members by 22 (3%). Growth was particularly strong in the Explorer Scout Section with an increase of 15 (15%).

This is partly due to the opening of a new Explorer Scout Unit (Vulcan) in the North of District based at Handforth. This fills a gap in the Explorer Scout provision which has been difficult to resolve.

100 years of Cub Scouts. It’s a long time since many of the Leaders have participated in a Grand Howl. There were some creaky knees but everyone enjoyed it especially the Cubs Scouts!

By their nature Scout Groups are somewhat cyclical in growth and decline and we are seeing a couple of long established groups in Wilmslow that were struggling, starting to grow again as a result of determined efforts by the leadership in the Groups supported by the District Team. In addition, the County Development Team have supported refreshing the provision in Chelford which has resulted in new Leaders joining the Group. I expect to see these 3 Groups expand as the Leaders build in confidence and experience.

The Groups held a variety of camps and expeditions throughout the year delivering the usual excellent range of outdoor activities. The Beaver Scouts held a successful District Camp at Linnets Clough which despite the adverse weather was well attended and hugely enjoyable.

The majority of the Cub Packs in the District joined the Cubs 100 celebration at Capesthorne Hall and enjoyed the Big Birthday Party and a wide range of superb activities. On December 16th, Cub Scouts celebrated the 100 years by renewing their Promise in a variety of ways including sleepovers and wide games.

The District organised and ran its traditional Renewal of Promises on St. George’s Day in Alderley Edge. This was the first year that Cheshire Police had not policed the parade in living memory.

However, with some help from Cheshire East Council, the NW 4x4 Response Team, the Road Dragons MCC and lots of volunteer marshals the event went off safely. One highlight of the event was a “Grand” Grand Howl to commemorate

Nearly 150 Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts earned their Swimmers Badge in an enjoyable but hectic event. A number of the Groups took part in the You Shaped Scouting Week with a number of successful role swaps.

In addition to the usual activities that happen every year, new events were held for example Holmes Chapel Cub Scouts

participated in the Regional Shelterbox Challenge in Liverpool.

Stephen P Buckley District Commissioner (Alderley) stephen.p.buckley@cheshirescouts.org.uk

DISTRICT COVER: Handforth, Wilmslow, Lindow, Alderley Edge, Chelford, Goostrey, Holmes Chapel

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS

996 12

BEAVERS SCOUTS

224

(Male - 198) (Female - 26)

CUBS SCOUTS

238

(Male - 209) (Female- 29)

SCOUTS

178

(Male - 152) (Female - 26)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

112

(Male - 95) (Female - 17)

SCOUT NETWORK

25

(Male - 15) (Female - 10)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT (Male - 91) (Female - 66)

157

CHESTER AND DISTRICT

CHESTER AND DISTRICT Within Chester and District we continue to have a full and varied programme of activities and events throughout the year. So much has happened we can’t list everything so here are a few achievements and activities that have taken place over the past 12 months:-

We appointed a District Youth Commissioner, Megan Porter, who has become a great asset to our team. Since her appointment, she has encouraged and embedded Youth Shaped Scouting. Using the County YouShape in a Box she has delivered YouShape sessions to 23 Sections across 15 Groups so far! Our District Youth Forum is well attended by Explorer Scouts and Network. Megan also holds pop up forums at the younger Sections’ District activity days.

Membership this year showed an increase of 10% in the past 12 months. This increase includes new Sections opened and some Groups have expanded.

We are delighted that there have been Queen’s Scout Awards achieved in the District this year along with Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.

We had a good representation from the District participating in Cheshire Hike in all age groups.

St.George’s Day saw the District parade through the centre of Chester to the sounds of Chester City Brass Band for a service held at Chester Cathedral. The Lord Mayor of Chester joined us for the service.

JOTA was held in October with many Groups participating and the Sheriff of Chester attending.

Training is strong in the District and there were many adults who gained their Wood Badges over the past 12 months.

Many of the Groups attended their local Remembrance Day services. The District Team attended the service at Chester Cathedral and our District Youth Commissioner laid a wreath at the cenotaph.

A sleepover for in excess of 200 Cub Scouts celebrated the 100th Birthday of Cub Scouts.

Network has been re-launched in Chester.

There were small numbers to start with but it’s now growing and has become a strong Group.

Joanne Turner District Commissioner (Chester and District) joanne_turner@aol.co.uk Megan Porter District Youth Commissioner

DISTRICT COVER: The City of Chester and surroundings, Bickerton, Farndon, Malpas, Tarporley TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1797 20 371

(Male - 320) (Female - 51)

CUBS SCOUTS

497

(Male - 435) (Female - 62)

SCOUTS

386

(Male - 305) (Female - 81)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

83

(Male - 68) (Female - 15)

SCOUT NETWORK

2

(Male - 0) (Female - 2)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT

276

(Male - 153) (Female - 123) 29

We continue to work towards our District plan, implementing, monitoring and evaluating at regular intervals. This ensures our focus on progression, development and quality in all aspects of Scouting in Chester and District. As with many Districts we need to increase our leadership dramatically to be able to offer Scouting to all the young people wanting to join the movement. We remain conscious that we have so many on our waiting lists that cannot currently join due to lack of Leaders.

We would like to thank all the adults who volunteer in the District which enables Scouting to grow and flourish by offering such a fantastic programme for our youth members.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

There have been various District Sectional activities including a craft competition, bowling competitions, bell boating, canoe expeditions, Lord Derby competition.

Gang Show held in February this year proved to be excellent with the Gang being predominantly youth members.

ELLESMERE PORT AND NESTON

ELLESMERE PORT AND NESTON On April 23rd we held our first District day at Forest Camp and this was a huge success with almost every member of the District taking part. Activities ranged from catapults to bell boating and allowed all Sections to try new things and cover badge work. The Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders acted as service team and had their own activities on the Sunday.

The St. George’s Day service was held in the campfire circle at the end of the day.

This will be my last report as I am standing down as District Commissioner at our AGM in May. Fiona Speakes will be taking over and I wish her every success.

The District has grown and a new Group has been opened at Capenhurst. The new Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts were invested at the Annual District Carol Service.

The Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts have had a busy year. There have been numerous Beaver Scout sleepovers, a Beaver Scout Sports Day and a 30th Birthday party complete with cake! The Cub Scouts celebrated 100 years of Cub Scouting with Thank You parties and joined the County camp in May. In December, as the year came to an end, just less than 300 Leaders and Cub Scouts went on the lantern walk at Chester Zoo and re-made their promise. The Scouts have enjoyed camps in various places and as a District took part in a canoe camp at Tatton Park. The Rest-a-while competition was well supported with13 teams walking and taking part in different challenges. Some of these teams went on to participate in the Cheshire Hike.

The Explorer Scouts have joined in District events and have held Forum evenings

which included cooking omelettes in plastic bags and a Dragon’s Den evening.

Network has also enjoyed a diverse range of activities including scuba diving and taking part in the Mersey Moot.

Our annual Honours evening was held on Feb 3rd in the Civic Hall in Ellesmere Port.

This celebrated the high quality of Scouting in the District. We presented 29 Chief Scout Bronze Awards, 39 Silver, 14 Gold, 9 Platinum, 2 Diamond Awards and 6 Young Leader Belts. There were also 4 Bronze and 2 Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards presented.

Harold Stockdale received the Commissioner’s Commendation for his work with the Christmas post. 8 Leaders were awarded the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service and 2 received Awards for Merit.

The new Ken Young Rotary Trophy for Community Service was presented to 1st Great Sutton Young Leaders for their work with community projects as well as with the District and their own Scout Group.

The Wendy Hyndman Trophy for Scouting through adversity was presented to a Cub Scout from 1st Great Sutton Woden, Ellie Butler, who had donated bone marrow to her sister. The 2 girls and their family came on to the stage and received a standing ovation.

Our Youth Commissioner has been busy taking “U shape in a box” round to Groups and running Youth Forums.

Training is strong in the District and 7 Leaders have achieved their Wood Badges this year.

Without the help of all the adult volunteers and the Young Leaders none of this would be possible so I would like to thank them all.

Sue Goddard District Commissioner (Ellesmere Port and Neston) susanjgoddard@btinternet.com DISTRICT COVER: Parkgate, Neston, Little Neston, Burton, Willaston, Hooton, Little Sutton, Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port, Capenhurst TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS

814 8

BEAVERS SCOUTS

198

(Male - 181) (Female - 17)

CUBS SCOUTS

209

(Male - 187) (Female - 22)

SCOUTS

133

(Male - 116) (Female - 17)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

34

(Male - 25) (Female - 9)

SCOUT NETWORK

27

(Male - 18) (Female - 9)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT (Male - 80) (Female - 49)

129

KNUTSFORD AND DISTRICT

KNUTSFORD AND DISTRICT It has been another year packed with adventure for our Scouts of all ages. Our proud tradition of taking Scouting to the top level in Knutsford has continued with another 4 Knutsford Scouts achieving the Queen’s Scout Award this year, the highest youth award in Scouting. All attended the Queen’s Scout Parade at Windsor Castle in recognition of their achievement.

Our commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh award and Chief Scout’s award scheme continues and there were expeditions in the Lake District last year and further practice and qualifying expeditions arranged this summer in Snowdonia.

Overall our Scouts have achieved 15 DofE awards and 27 Chief Scout’s Gold, Diamond and Platinum awards.

All these awards have a great impact on CVs and strengthen our young people’s position with potential employers at the outset of their careers and in a competitive employment market.

Our Scouts and Explorer Scouts have enjoyed another adventure-packed year outdoors which has included a snow capped winter weekend walking in the Langdale valley, raft building in Edale, the ever popular hammock camps and archery at Forest, Mountain days in Snowdonia, District hike in the Weaver valley, Cheshire Hike, knives and axe work, summer camp at Great Tower in the Lake District, orienteering, and over 70 Scouts took part in an adrenaline-fuelled Battlefield Live team event set within 7 acres of woodland.

Martin Relton District Commissioner (Knutsford and District) m.relton@ntlworld.com

DISTRICT COVER: Knutsford, Mobberley, High Legh, Pickmere, Tabley, Cranage and surrounding areas TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS

487 4

BEAVERS SCOUTS

105

(Male - 98) (Female - 7)

CUBS SCOUTS

96

(Male - 79) (Female - 17)

SCOUTS

109

(Male - 90) (Female - 19)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

44

(Male - 29) (Female - 15)

SCOUT NETWORK

16

(Male - 8) (Female - 8)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT

64

(Male - 39) (Female - 25) 31

The Beaver Scout Section has continued to prosper and is still in demand with an active programme including sleepovers at Ashley campsite, a night hike through the woods with torchlight investitures,

Providing international Scouting experiences for Knutsford Scouts has always been important to us and the District maintains an International fund to support these activities. We currently have an Alpine theme, last summer Mobberley Scouts visited the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg, this summer Kite Explorer Unit are all set to visit and next summer we have District led trip to the alpine activity centre. Also this year we have begun the planning and selection process for the next World Jamboree in USA in 2019 where we hope to be sending both Scouts and Leaders from Knutsford.

In order to continue to support this activity we had 6 Leaders this year at Yr Hafod, the Scout national activity centre in Snowdonia, undergoing training and assessment for their hillwalking permits.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Last year 2016, was a celebration of 100 years of Cub Scouts. There were several events to mark the occasion that our Cub Scouts took part in including a special Cub Scout visit to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a Cheshire Cubs 100 party camp at Gawsworth Hall and we finished the year off with a traditional campfire on Knutsford Heath and fireworks display. This year the Cub Scout activities have included the Jamboree on the Trail mini-hike within Tatton Park to learn and test their skills.

farm visits and pond dipping, water safety with the RNLI and as it was special year for Beaver Scouts too, a 30th birthday campfire.

MACCLESFIELD AND CONGLETON

MACCLESFIELD AND CONGLETON We have had many successes in 2016. From Sections reopening after a Leader shortage to brilliant Section programmes, from dedicated Leaders progressing training, to excellent District events. It includes having a full District Leadership team and active participation by Groups in 2 of Gilwell’s major initiatives: Million Hands and Youth Shaped Month.

3 of the District wide activities MaccHike: A brilliant example of all ages working together to help develop the young people whilst enjoying the beauties of our countryside and having fun. Leaders organise, Explorer Scouts help in running and Scouts participate in teams of 2 in this 2-day hike in hilly country carrying everything needed for 36 hours.

JOTA Camp: This is a world camp. Groups attend, each putting on activities and food associated with their chosen country. The young people move from “country to country” sampling food, playing games and learning about that country, before having their “passport” stamped. A great way to learn about the world and the breadth of scouting, and another example of the District working together.

Remembrance Sunday: Almost 1000 smartly dressed and well behaved young people and adults parade through the streets of most towns in the borough presenting a wonderful advert of the health and strength of scouting.

Million Hands Many Groups in the District have participated in this, including sponsoring guide dogs for the blind, clearing up along major roads, clearing along canal and river banks (including balsam bashing), helping in water distribution, clearing a garden of remembrance and making it more suitable for mental health and wellbeing.

All have been done with other Groups thus improving links with local communities.

Youth-shaped Month Many Groups held youth forums at which young people expressed opinions covering games, badges, camps, visits and leadership. However, I wish to highlight a Group where each Six took it in turns to be the Leader team for a night, planning, providing and running activities, games and ceremonies. A very positive byproduct was that behaviour improved once they had experienced the other side.

Youth-shaped life Another area of youth development where the District is strong is the Young Leader training scheme. Young Leaders are Explorer Scouts who give up a night a week to help adults run one of the younger Sections. Just as Leaders have a full training programme leading to a Wood Badge, so do Young Leaders. Only they have to top it off with 4 missions to get their Young Leader Belt. In 2016 Macclesfield and Congleton had 6 of the 7 belts presented. This is testament to the Young Leaders’ enthusiasm, the organisation of the ‘Young Leader’ Leader, the quality of the presentations by experienced Leaders on their specialist topic, and the weekly support and encouragement from the Section Leaders they are working with. Thank you everyone, you are contributing to another great success story.

Personal Ending on a sad note, I will miss my chats with Norman Gosling, our President, who died recently. I would sometimes call round and ask his advice or help. He would then give it unstintingly and with a smile. A true friend and gentleman.

Mark Eden District Commissioner (Macclesfield and Congleton) scoutdcmac@aol.com

DISTRICT COVER: Macclesfield, Congleton, Poynton and local villages

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1779 21 377

(Male - 341) (Female - 36)

CUBS SCOUTS

466

(Male - 413) (Female - 53)

SCOUTS

327

(Male - 271) (Female - 56)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

147

(Male - 108) (Female - 39)

SCOUT NETWORK

47

(Male - 34) (Female - 13)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT (Male - 162) (Female - 116)

278

MERSEY WEAVER

MERSEY WEAVER 2016/2017 has been another year of growth in membership for the Mersey Weaver District. We’ve increased our numbers in all but one of our age groups and it was a particularly good year for recruiting adult volunteers.

Our District Treasurer, Darroll McCulloch, retired after many years of service to both Mersey Weaver and one of its predecessor Districts, North West Cheshire. We owe him our thanks for all his hard work and send him our best wishes.

His successor, Cath Mudford, has wasted no time in getting to grips with the role.

We’ve entered the modern world of electronic banking and are starting to get used to life in Scouting without cheques!

Our District Secretary, Steve Walker, also retired from his role after many years with both Mersey Weaver and Widnes and District Executive Committees. Steve was instrumental in the implementation of the Compass system within our District and we are enormously grateful for his hard work and effort on such a challenging and difficult project.

Our Awards Committee has once again been busy and we were well represented in the St. George’s Day recipients announcement. Special congratulations go to Alec Wynne on receiving the highest honour of all, the Silver Wolf.

Mersey Weaver District is now the proud owner of 2 16-seater minibuses. This is a first for our District and they have already been in heavy use with our Explorer Scout units. We’re putting the paperwork in place at the moment and we’ll be making them available to all our Groups in the next few months.

Our Technical Active Support Unit (TASU) has been busy rolling out our Digital Presence strategy. All Groups in the District have been offered the use of our Office365 and web hosting facilities at no charge. Most have now accepted that offer giving them dedicated email addresses for all their Leaders, a Group website and the full capability of Microsoft’s platform to use as they wish.

We’ve also created a new Hillwalking and

Owen Campbell District Commissioner (Mersey Weaver) owen.campbell@merseyweaverscouts.org.uk DISTRICT COVER: Runcorn, Weston, Weston Point, Frodsham, Helsby, Ince and Elton, Kingsley, Norley, Moore, Whitley, Farnworth, Hough Green, West Bank Ditton, Halton View, Barrows Green, Cronton, Hale Bank TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1563 14 343

(Male - 271) (Female - 72)

CUBS SCOUTS

392

(Male - 321) (Female - 71)

SCOUTS

317

(Male - 235) (Female - 82)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

83

(Male - 63) (Female - 20)

SCOUT NETWORK

19

(Male - 15) (Female - 4)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT

247

(Male - 134) (Female - 113) 33

In June 2016, we launched our largest ever international expedition - we are sending a contingent of 33 Scouts, Explorer Scouts and adult Leaders to the Nord2017 Jamboree

To date the participants have been on navigation skills days, weekend camp at Clogwyn to practice those skills in the mountains, completed First Aid training and are scheduled for a 5 day camp at Great Tower to bring all their skills and training together.

Trekking Active Support Unit, headed by Richard Hamilton, to build on the success of our Mersey Trek event and practise sessions for Cheshire Hike. Richard and the team are looking to extend the range of activities across all our age groups and already have some exciting ideas for our younger members.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Steve’s successor is Derek Hillbeck and he has picked up the role with his customary grace and wise counsel.

in July this year. It takes place north of the arctic circle during the period when the sun doesn’t set. The camp is open 24 hours a day and our young people will not only have to cook for themselves, they will also have to decide when to sleep. It’s bound to be a life changing experience for all and they are working hard to raise the £40K needed to make it happen.

MID CHESHIRE

MID CHESHIRE Mid Cheshire District has again enjoyed a successful and action packed year resulting in our 9th year of continuous growth of 98 members or 7%, both adults and young people.

Our younger Sections of Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts continued to show strong growth with the new Colonies and Packs in existing Groups that have opened in previous years now reaching capacity while the newly re-opened 1st Whitegate is growing fast. It is hoped that in the coming 12 months other Groups that have re-opened during the past few years will develop new Scout Sections as the young people in these Groups approach the age to move up and join the Scout Section. We encountered a small reduction in members within the Scout Section this year, however it is hoped that this will reverse as the new Groups mature. Our 5th Explorer Scout Unit was opened in the District responding to a large number of Scouts moving up. Mid Cheshire Network secured a significant growth after becoming more active within the area.

Kanderstag - 1st Hartford had a successful trip to Kanderstag international campsite in Switzerland over the summer with a mixture of Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders enjoying 10 days of challenging activities.

Gang Show - The District’s 6th production continued to develop with a change of venue involving a bigger cast and audience. The challenge and commitment for young people is one that shines through with an entertaining show that brings Scouting to the wider community.

With the extensive building currently being undertaken across the area the requirement for Scouting is set to continue to grow in the coming years and the District is adopting ways of promoting and raising awareness aiming to increase available Sections and Groups.

It is a pleasure to witness the extensive programme of activities being held across the 15 Groups in the District aimed at developing young people and my thanks go to all the volunteers involved.

Andrew Little District Commissioner (Mid Cheshire) andrewlittle67@hotmail.co.uk

DISTRICT COVER: Northwich and surrounding areas, Antrobus, Comberbach, Barnton, Cuddington and Sandiway, Darnhall, Davenham, Hartford, Lostock Gralam, Middlewich, Moulton, Weaverham, Wharton, Whitegate, Winnington, Winsford TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1339 17 320

(Male - 295) (Female - 25)

CUBS SCOUTS

374

(Male - 321) (Female - 53)

SCOUTS

225

(Male - 167) (Female - 58)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

72

(Male - 52) (Female - 20)

SCOUT NETWORK

23

(Male - 15) (Female - 8)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT (Male - 119) (Female - 92)

211

SOUTH WEST CHESHIRE

SOUTH WEST CHESHIRE As I reflect on another year of Scouting in South West Cheshire I cannot help but be impressed by what our young people have achieved. From performing in the Gang Show and attending Beaver Scout, Cub Scout and Scout Camps to working on A Million Hands projects and shaping the service at County Scout Sunday they have had as varied a year of activity as I can remember.

Crewe Gang Show was again held at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe at the end of April with a cast of over 100 Beavers Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and adults putting on a very enjoyable show which was well received by audiences throughout the week. Highlights included a Taiko Drumming group, a sketch based on Cheshire Hike and a celebration of 100 years of Cub Scouts.

The District provides a number of activities from Archery and Shooting to Sailing and Canoeing as well as running various events through the year. Alongside the varied and challenging programme of activities provided by the Groups this resulted in 142 Chief Scout’s Bronze Awards, 75 Silver Awards, 23 Gold Awards, 1 Diamond Award, 3 Platinum Awards and a Young Leader Belt.

These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of every adult volunteer in the District and I would like to thank them for all they do in providing Scouting for the young people of

Ian Potts District Commissioner (South West Cheshire) dc@southwestcheshirescouts.org.uk DISTRICT COVER: Crewe, Nantwich, Haslington, Sandbach, Shavington, Audlem, Bunbury, Wrenbury, Wybunbury and surrounding areas TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1944 24 416

(Male - 321) (Female - 95)

CUBS SCOUTS

480

(Male - 344) (Female - 136)

SCOUTS

400

(Male - 280) (Female - 120)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

121

(Male - 84) (Female - 37)

SCOUT NETWORK

27

(Male - 16) (Female - 11)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT

335

(Male - 175) (Female - 160) 35

During the year the District continued its youth engagement with the running of 3 District Youth Forums. Representatives from a number of the Scout Troops and Explorer Scout Units met to discuss a number of issues, including the forthcoming

A number of Groups worked on the Community Impact campaign A Million Hands during the year and undertook various activities to support 4 social issues.

1 Group has worked with the Canal and Rivers Trust to help tidy an area of canal towpath while another helped with a garden at Leighton Hospital for use by Dementia patients. A village Group continued to develop the sensory garden they started last year and invited representatives from Dementia Friends and the Alzheimers Society to talk to their young people.

South West Cheshire. Our adult volunteers are key to us being able to cater for the increasing demand for Scouting and there are many different ways to get involved.

If you are able to give any time to assist the dedicated and enthusiastic teams of volunteers already enjoying Scouting in South West Cheshire please contact me.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

In June the Beaver Scouts held a Family Camp at Milldale, the District campsite, with the Beaver Scouts and their families enjoying a wide range of activities from Climbing and Grass Carting to Bottle Rockets and a traditional camp fire. In September the Cub Scouts held a camp to celebrate the centenary of Cub Scouts with 16 packs attending and taking part in a variety of activities and finishing with the District Cubs Sports Day. At the end of October the Scouts held a camp with the aim of completing a large part of the Outdoors Challenge badge. Scouts from 5 Troops spent a weekend looking after themselves, gathering and chopping wood, cooking on open fires and learning a variety of skills from bivouac building to first aid.

District Camp and County Scout Sunday.

South West Cheshire District led the service at Chester Cathedral and the format of the service, based on a theme of Looking Backwards, Looking Forwards, was shaped by ideas from the Youth Forum.

WARRINGTON EAST

WARRINGTON EAST It’s been another great year of Scouting in Warrington East. All the Groups have been hard at work delivering exciting and varied programmes, to provide the very best opportunities for the young people in the District. Over the rest of 2016 the celebrations for the Cub Scouts’ Centenary continued and a contingent from the District joined more than 1000 others at Capesthorne Hall for the County Cubs 100 Camp.

Within the District, over 100 Cub Scouts celebrated with a special Centenary Camp fire at Dunham Massey in November and rounded off the year with a joint District Promise Party with Warrington West. This involved a takeover of a Bowling Alley and Trampoline Warehouse. Amongst all the fun they also renewed their Cub Scout Promise to tie in with the anniversary.

Groups that have been struggling to provide the quality of Scouting that is required to give young people the very best opportunities. This work coupled with the continued work improving and developing links around the District means I am able to report more great growth in this year’s Census with Warrington East showing a 6% growth, an increase of 88 members.

July 2016 also saw the running of the District Adventure day. Over 450 members descended onto the Tatton Park to take part in adventurous activities. The day was split into half a day of Land Activities like Climbing, Archery, Slack Lining. The second half involved getting young people onto water activities including Kayaking and Bell Boating.

This last year has seen another great return of the Chief Scout’s Awards. From Beaver Scouts up to Explorer Scouts, there were a total of 139 awards gained, demonstrating the wonderful balance many of the Sections have in their programmes to support young people. Also, 31 Adults gained a Scout Association Good Service award for their contributions to Scouting.

A further 3 were also recognised with a Silver Acorn, Bar to the Silver Acorn and Silver Wolf in the St. George’s Day Awards for their exceptional service to Scouting.

Over the last year there has been a significant push in creating new provision within Sections, where there is little or no spare capacity for new members. This was a continuation of the great work last year in the South of Warrington East, where a new Beaver Scout Colony was opened at the 25th Warrington East (St Wilfrid’s) Grappenhall. This led to opening a new Group within the District - the 29th Warrington East (Statham). At present, there is a Beaver Colony and Cub Pack, and we must celebrate the speed of the setup from holding taster sessions in December to opening the new Group in January 2017. There has also been a considerable amount of work from the District Team working with Sections and

On to the future and where is the District going from here? Following a Shaping the Future Development day, continuing the successful recruitment of adults to support Groups and District was identified as a high priority. This is being tackled by using Social and volunteering Vacancy sites as well as providing support to Groups with resources to use more traditional methods of recruitment. We are also looking to be continually proactive in developing the provision for Scouting places in areas of the District where there are proposed housing developments.

I would like to conclude by extending my thanks to all the members within the District, the District Team and the Executive Committee. Their efforts, commitment and drive have combined to create a fantastic year within Warrington East that is set up to be continued over the next year.

Paul Brown District Commissioner paul.brown@cheshirescouts.org.uk

DISTRICT COVER: Culcheth, Croft, Glazebury, Gorse Covert, Grappenhall, Hollins Green, Locking Stumps, Lymm Eagle Brow, Lymm Pepper Street, Oughtrington, Padgate, Statham, St. Elphins Thelwall, Winwick, Woolston TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS BEAVERS SCOUTS

1355 16 314

(Male - 276) (Female - 38)

CUBS SCOUTS

319

(Male - 256) (Female - 63)

SCOUTS

247

(Male - 193) (Female - 54)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

113

(Male - 81) (Female - 32)

SCOUT NETWORK

11

(Male - 7) (Female - 4)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT (Male - 139) (Female - 114)

253

WARRINGTON WEST

WARRINGTON WEST All Sections have been busy during the year with Competitions, Camps, Expeditions and trips out. All Sections have been busy working towards their highest Award.

We have seen 12 months of Cub Scout Activities around the District celebrating 100 years of Cub Scouts. The year was rounded off with a joint party with Warrington East Cub Scouts where they all renewed their Cub Scout Promise.

Network and Scout Active Support Unit continue to help and support the District whilst at the same time run their own activities.

Congratulations to Richard Millar who has gained his Queen’s Scout Award this year.

Last year we started a new Group at Chapelford Primary School starting with Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts. We have now started a Scout Troop in the Group.

Under the guidance of Christine Ralston the Group are going from strength to strength.

They have managed to recruit new Leaders and members of the Group Executive this year.

The Youth Forum is growing from Strength to Strength and is something that Callum will now pick up as the Youth Commissioner.

As a Group they have decided they want to help the homeless on the streets of Warrington so we are looking at what they can do to help whilst thinking of the young people’s safety. We are in talks with the YMCA who have offered to come down to our next meeting to talk to the Forum.

We were approached earlier in the year

by Warrington Young Carers asking if we could give some of their members a taster of what Scouting is about in the hope they will join Scouting. This was led by Ian Gornall, Assistant District Commissioner Scouts, who organised a day of activities at our District Campsite. The young people had a great day where they could be themselves and have some fun. We are now organising a weekend camp joint with Scouts and some of the Town’s Young Carers in June.

The above is only a snapshot of what goes on in the District, it does not touch on what goes on at Group level. I hope from this you can see that a great deal of fun has taken place with many friendships formed by our Young People and the adult Leadership teams. The District Team will be working with a number of Groups to look at how we can help to grow their number

Debbie Phillips District Commissioner (Warrington West) debbie.phillips@cheshirescouts.org.uk

DISTRICT COVER: Appleton, Bewsey, Burtonwood, Callands, Chapelford, Dallam, Great Sankey, Howley, Kingswood, Latchford, Lingley Green, Old Hall, Orford, Penketh, Stockton Heath, Stretton, Walton, Westbrook TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NUMBER OF GROUPS

1327 14

BEAVERS SCOUTS

284

(Male - 240) (Female - 44)

CUBS SCOUTS

296

(Male - 230) (Female - 66)

SCOUTS

292

(Male - 223) (Female - 69)

EXPLORER SCOUTS

106

(Male - 80) (Female - 26)

SCOUT NETWORK

29

(Male - 16) (Female - 13)

LEADERS/ADULT SUPPORT

224

(Male - 125) (Female - 99) 37

We have lost our DESC and Network Commissioner this year as both have

Congratulations to Christine Ralston who was awarded the Silver Acorn and Phil Tidbury who was awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn in the St. George’s Day Awards.

of young people and Leaders with the possibility of opening another Group in the next 12 months.

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

This year has seen 2 new Young Leader Belts awarded with many more getting close to receiving theirs, with both Explorer Scouts taking out Leader roles at the end of it. Thanks go to Linda and Dennis Buckley for all they do with the Unit.

moved away from Warrington. Thanks must go to both Sarah and Karen for all they have achieved during their time in their roles. Ryan Harper has agreed to become the new DESC and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Section.

AWARDS FOR GOOD SERVICE 2016-2017

SILVER WOLF Michael Bennion John Duley Christopher Jenner Alexander Wynne Debra Phillips

South West Cheshire County Warrington East Mersey Weaver County

BAR TO SILVER ACORN QUEEN’S SCOUT AWARD Thomas Swinnerton Richard Millar Robert Davies Laura Lambert Joshua Lynes Catherine Eadie Eleanor Woods Grace Haselden Saul Skirvin Andrew Hammonds James Fathers

Alderley Camo Network Chester Network Griffon Network Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Mersey Weaver Warrington East

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD James Mitchell Sam Mitchell Matthew Watson Sam Mottershead Thomas Swinnerton Christian Howitt Ryan Lysycia Laura Lambert Amy Tudge Catherine Eadie Eleanor Woods Grace Haselden Patrick Waite Ruth Wallace James Martin James Fathers Ewan Brown Nathan O’Hara

Alderley Alderley Alderley Alderley Alderley Alderley Alderley Griffon Network Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Macclesfield and Congleton Macclesfield and Congleton Warrington East Warrington West Warrington West

Robert Galloway Peter Hough Ronald Meachem Michael Rhodes Philip Tidbury Barry Westwood

South West Cheshire Mid Cheshire Macclesfield and Congleton Warrington East Warrington West South West Cheshire

SILVER ACORN Arthur Brighton Carol Frain Peter Goodger Vivienne Pike Eric Plenderleath Christine Ralston Lesley Regan Stephen Walker Alan Wilding

Chester and District County Mid Cheshire Knutsford and District Chester and District Warrington West Warrington East Mersey Weaver Chester and District

BAR TO THE AWARD FOR MERIT Richard Johnson Pamela Jones Trevor Jones Gillian Owen Neil McAleece Allan Burck Midge Watkins Reginald Chambres Christopher Chapman David Allman Ray Bryan Daphne Eastburn Neville Griffiths Linda Hamlett Edna Smith

Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Mersey Weaver Mid Cheshire Mid Cheshire South West Cheshire Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East

AWARD FOR MERIT David Giles Helen O'Brien Deborah Robson Alison Wright Kristine Bertinet Victoria Courtney Mark Gray Charlotte Hillier Helen Shone Victoria Taker Michael Thomson Karan Warburton Rose Weaver Andrew Williams Peter Walters Bonita Wilson Simon Parker Robert Worrall Mark Simpson Colin Chambers Paul Cummings Martin Horsley Timothy Owen Donna Whalley Susan Aldridge Les Coffey Marie Cooper Neil Cooper Lynn Haughton Brian Morrow Samantha Skidmore

Alderley Alderley Alderley Alderley Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Knutsford and District Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver South West Cheshire South West Cheshire Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East

CHIEF SCOUT’S COMMENDATION FOR GOOD SERVICE

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION AWARD Harold Stockdale Ann Crawford Emma Cummings Richard Hamilton Ross Heaton Mark Jackson Steph Jackson Sue Pearson Mark Relf Paul Rogers Dexter Whitmore Eddie Aspden Miles Dolman Christian Daintith Thomas Housby Sue Lowndes Shaun Mundy Jay Oliver Wendy Vernon Liz Wilmot Jayne Bourne Colin Quinn

Ellesmere Port and Neston Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mid Cheshire Mid Cheshire Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington West Warrington West

39

Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Chester and District Ellesmere Port and Neston

Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Ellesmere Port and Neston Knutsford and District Macclesfield and Congleton Macclesfield and Congleton Mersey Weaver Mersey Weaver Mid Cheshire Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East Warrington East

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

Kieran Anthony Garrick Barton Jonathan Brown Alexander Challenor Carol Gorman Melvin Hall Andrew Hardman Stephen Huxley Denise Huxley Murray Luckas Shirley Polley Steven Shone Jane Shortall Wendy Woodman Thomas Woodworth Peter Adamson

Anthony Atkins Lesley Bowes Ian McCready Andrew Rimmer Jenna Samuel Sarah Soames Fiona Speakes Craig Lunnon Beverley Dykstra John Greensmith Rebecca Beardsworth Maria Carr Sharon Price-James Emma Collen Paul Gelder Michael Hadfield Robert Hamilton Jason Hankey Michael Hankey Gillian Hughes Matthew Kindon Rachael Kindon Nick Latham Nichala Lilly Debra Patterson

CENSUS MEMBERSHIP IN CHESHIRE MALE

FEMALE

TOTAL

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

BEAVER SCOUTS

2,541

2,402

411

390

2,952

2,792

CUB SCOUTS

2,795

2,782

572

484

3,367

3,266

SCOUTS

2,032

2,101

582

609

2,614

2,710

EXPLORER SCOUTS

685

703

230

266

915

969

SCOUT NETWORK

144

84

82

35

226

119

8,197

8,072

1,877

1,784

10,074

9,856

LEADERS INCLUDING GROUP SCOUT LEADERS

937

864

729

673

1,666

1,537

SECTIONAL ASSISTANTS & SKILLS INSTRUCTORS

218

216

182

179

400

395

SCOUTERS (DISTRICT & COUNTY)

19

27

21

23

40

50

COMMISSIONERS (DISTRICT & COUNTY)

43

48

25

29

68

77

1,217

1,155

957

904

2,174

2,059

ADMINISTRATORS

8

8

12

9

20

17

OFFICIALS

17

21

12

13

29

34

SCOUT ACTIVE SUPPORT

204

175

198

141

402

316

INDIVIDUAL & ASSOCIATED MEMBERSHIP

365

145

368

94

733

239

TOTAL ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT

594

349

590

257

1,184

606

10,008

9,576

3,424

2,945

13,432

12,521

TOTAL YOUTH MEMBERSHIP

LEADERSHIP

TOTAL LEADERSHIP

ORGANISATIONAL SUPPORT

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP

USEFUL CONTACTS CHESHIRE COUNTY SCOUT SHOPS CHESTER AND DISTRICT District Scout Headquarters, Westlea Primary School, Weston Grove, Upton, Chester CH2 1QJ Open Thursday evening: 7.00pm - 8.30pm in term time 01244 398635

MACCLESFIELD AND CONGLETON DISTRICT Scout Headquarters, 32 West Bond Street, Macclesfield SK11 8EQ Open Tuesday evening: 7.30pm - 9.15pm 01625 423338 email: shop@mcscouts.org.uk

MERSEY WEAVER DISTRICT ONLINE SHOP www.merseyweaverscouts.org.uk/district-shop District Shop Direct Telephone Number: 01928 352121 Email: district.shop@merseyweaverscouts.org.uk

SOUTH WEST CHESHIRE DISTRICT Scouts, Guides & Outdoor Leisure, 131 Bedford Street, Crewe CW2 6JB Open Tuesday and Friday evening: 6.00pm - 9.00pm 0742 514 8000

WARRINGTON SCOUT AND GUIDE SHOP Vale Owen Road, Orford, Warrington WA2 8PG (adjacent to Warrington West District HQ) Open Tuesday evening: 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Saturday morning: 10.00am - 12 noon 01925 634510

USEFUL ADDRESSES email: info.centre@scouts.org.uk www.scouts.org.uk

BADEN-POWELL HOUSE 65-67 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS 020 7590 6909

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW 020 8433 7100 or 0345 300 1818 (local rate) Bookings online: www.meininger-hotels.com

Monday - Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm Marlborough Road Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 8UG 01903 766921 www.scouts.org.uk/shop

UNITY INSURANCE SERVICES (the trading name of Scout Insurance Services Limited) Suites 10 & 10A The Quadrant • 60 Marlborough Road • Lancing Business Park Lancing • West Sussex • BN15 8UW Tel: 0345 040 7702 scouts@unityins.co.uk www.unityins.co.uk

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

SCOUT SHOPS LIMITED

41

Cheshire Scouts Annual Review 2016 - 17

43

cheshirescouts.org.uk Cheshire Scouts, Asher House, Barsbank Lane, Lymm, Warrington WA13 0ED All reports are the views of the authors and not necessarily the views of the Editor. Any questions or comments should be forwarded to the County Office.

Designed by Fabrik Studio