Cheshire Scouts Latest News
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Scouting grows
Scouting numbers in Cheshire have grown by more than 2,000 in less than a decade.
The annual census shows that current membership levels in the county are 11,804 representing another year of overall growth.
In 2005 membership stood at 9,560.
South West Cheshire was the top performing district both in terms of overall numbers and percentage-wise. Last year 84 new members joined the movement in the district bringing the total to 1,687, a rise of 5.1%.
"We have performed a remarkable turnaround to the point where there are still 1,000 more young people clamouring to join on our waiting lists.
We have increased the number of adult helpers by more than 200 over that same period, but we still need more to help deliver our programme of fun, challenge and adventure," said County Commissioner Graham Phillips.
The highest profile new adult volunteer in Scouting is the Duchess of Cambridge who helps out at a Cub Pack in North Wales and it is hoped that her involvement will inspire other adults to get involved in Scouting.
Chief Scout Bear Grylls commented: "The Duchess is an incredible role model and she helps us show that Scouting's not just for boys. She's also such a generous volunteer and everyone is so excited to have her in the Scouting family. Many people have followed her lead and are getting involved and enjoying the adventure!"
Scouting is the largest co-educational youth Movement in the UK. On the back of eight consecutive years of growth, total membership has increased over 20% since 2005 to 536,787 this year. (2005: 444,936)
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County Beaver Challenge 2013
On Saturday 20th April, teams of Beaver Scouts from each of the Districts across the county got together to take part in the annual County Beaver Scout Challenge. The event was hosted by last year's winner Ellesmere Port & Neston District at Dee Sea Scout Centre.
The Beaver Scouts took part in eight challenging bases including, code breaking, crossbow archery, crisp tasting, bean bag targeting, smells, table top skittles, hockey dribbling and the ever popular 'splat the rat.'
After negotiating all of the bases, the scores were compiled and the winning team were the team representing Warrington East District, the 27th Warrington East (Woolston). Congratulations to them and a special mention that that is the first time there has been a winner of this compettion from either of the Warrington Districts.
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British Empire Medal awarded to Network Commissioner
Cheshire's Network Commissioner Adam Forshaw (left) has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours list by Her Majesty the Queen.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown. Adam has received the Award for his continuous 'Services to Youth through Scouting and Martial Arts in Cheshire'.
Adam said "I am absolutely thrilled with this great honour, it's the cherry on the top of a fantastic year. My thanks goes out to those that nominated me, it's humbling that people have taken the time to submit my name to the cabinet office, I'm over the moon".
Adam will recieve the award from The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, at a local presentation. He will then head off to Buckingham Palace in May/June for one of the Royal Garden Parties.
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Scouting launches consultation on considering welcoming atheists as full members
UK Scouting has launched a survey to ask its members whether an alternative version of the Scout Promise should be developed for atheists and those unable to make the existing commitment. Everyday Scouting is guided by a set of Fundamentals, and these are expressed through the wording of our Promise and Law, plus our activity programme, policies and procedures. Today we launch a survey asking for views on what impact these revised Fundamentals would have. The online survey will remain open until 31 January 2013 to give people sufficient time to reflect.
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Duke of Kent presents Mersey Weaver award
His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, President of the Scout Association, honoured Mersey Weaver scout volunteers' dedicated work in the community with the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service during a special ceremony at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn.
The Duke of Kent presented Mersey Weaver District with the royal badge of honour - the equivalent of an MBE - in recognition for their work in 'helping young people achieve personal development skills through events and activities'. It is the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK.
After the awards ceremony, His Royal Highness chatted to representatives of Mersey Weaver District to find out more about their voluntary work.
The award was received on behalf of the district by District Commissioner John Duley.
"This is a tremendous honour for the district, especially so with the presentation being made by the Duke of Kent. We are delighted that the many hours of volunteering carried out by our members and the difference we make to our communities have been recognised in this way," said John.
Also attending the presentation was the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, who said: "The work of the group benefits hundreds of families and the wider community by encouraging young people to act responsibly, and helping them to develop into responsible citizens of the future."
