The District AGM was held at Holmes Chapel Headquarters on Thursday 17th May. This is the DCs report.
2011 was a good year for Scouting in Alderley District.
Youth Membership increased by 5.8% which is our fourth year of growth
I visit sections regularly and am always impressed by the breadth of activities that we deliver to our members. And it’s not just the weekly meetings, it’s the camps, visits and trips. Most weekends we have somebody out somewhere.
All this takes planning, preparation and tidying up afterwards. There was a time when you could just take Scouts out on the hills without any preparation. That time has long gone. Now leaders need training and permits. Thanks to all the leaders who given yet more of their time to get the appropriate permits to take kids out on the hills or on the water. Thanks also to Janet for running the Nights Aways Scheme.
In 2011 we had yet another year of good participation in the Cheshire Hike (both as walkers and organisers). What you don't see is all the preparation and training that goes in before the event. Thanks to all the leaders and parents for their support.
Leader training has moved into business as usual and presenting Wood Badges is a pleasurable but regular event. This has not been an easy change to make happen. Thanks to Wendy and all the Training Advisors
We have just started the Young Leaders Unit where we train Explorers to be leaders in the younger sections. Basically the Explorers do the same type of training as the adult leaders and then put the training into practice by helping with Beavers, Cubs or Scouts. We are very close to awarding our first Young leaders belt which recognises when a YL completes all their training and four missions. Thank you to Jackie and Chris
We had Explorers attending the Queens Scout Parade in Windsor and this year members of the Band also played at the event.
The Band continues to flourish. It is a real struggle to recruit young people and their parents because of the enormous commitment it requires. Every time I hear them play I am really proud of them and I think its great that they represent the District on so many events. Thanks to Simon, Emma, Judith, Paul and all the other supporters.
Thinking of the Band makes me recall two events last year where I was with the Band and we all got drenched to the skin. County Scout Sunday in Chester and the WSJ send off party in Tatton Park.
Last year we had five Explorers from Lindow representing the District at the WSJ. - a fantastic event and achievement. They fundraised the costs through lots of events and the generosity of lots of people. Congrats to them and thanks to all who supported esp. Ed and Elaine. You must have been really proud of them.
This year a group from 6thW, AE and the Edge Explorers are going to the US for a three week trip. This is part of a long standing exchange and will be a fantastic opportunity. I understand bears are expected!
Next year the Young Leaders are planning on going to Iceland which will be a fantastic event.
It’s not just the older members who are doing exciting things. Debs from Handforth was telling me about the Beavers she took abseiling at Teggs Nose. Beavers, abseiling ! Fantastic !
Centenary celebrations have included: - Sunrise Camp - Home and Away - Swimming Gala - false moustaches ! - Alderleys Got Talent - Beating the Bounds - Big Camp and looking forward - Beaver Camp - Sunset Event - District Dinner.
I was at the opening of the new Holmes Chapel headquarters last Saturday – a great event with Fiona Bruce and Graham Philips. In his speech, Graham made reference to the “Opportunities” that Scouts gives young people. I hope that you can see that we in Alderley are giving our Scouts so many Opportunities. I am sure I have forgotten some and I probably don’t even know about others!
It just remains for me to say a final thank you to all the people who make these opportunities happen. You make a real difference to many kids’ lifes and on their behalf, I thank you.
