The important things first. I hpe you have a fantastic Christmas
and many thanks for everything you have done for Cheshire Scouts
this year. 2012 promises to be even more exciting and stimulating
and of course it will be a "Cheshre Challenge" year.
Its always a good time of year in December to review the
previous 12 months while contemplating the forthcoming new year -
so here goes.
Cheshire got off to a really good start with encouraging census
results, which were slightly better than the National results, and
we outperformed the rest of the region in many of the
statistics.The traditional "County events" such as the AGM and St
Georges Day Awards Dinner were all well attended and enjoyed by
those who took part. The Cheshire Hike proved as popular and
successful as ever.
Our Cheshire Show involvement had a bit of a makeover with a new
team organising our participation and a number of new volunteers
helping out. The stand was much improved and won an award from the
show organisers. The Beavers celebrated 25 years with a party and
Explorer Scouts had their first big County event - Tattonbury that
was well received despite the bad weather.
New Communication Initiatives
Early in the year we launched a new email service making
communication with Cheshire County Scouters easier and much more
reliable. Then we launched our new website which has been really
well received and is helping make a positive contrition to the
promotion of Scouting, including attracting "want to join"
enquiries, including adults. Both these initiatives have been
complimented by the launch of "Cheshire Scouting Plus" which is
being used to distribute news and information about 5 times a year.
All of these initiatives are designed to reflect national
branding.
World Scout Jamboree
Certainly one of my highlights has been watching the WSJ
Contingent prepare for the Jamboree and then take part and then
listen to the stories and experiences on their return.All the
participants had a fantastic time and each of the three units
enjoyed a very individual experience with home hospitality.
Summer Activities
There was an encouraging number of camps and expeditions over
the summer months so well done to all leaders who organised these
activities. Please keep up the good work, its makkes a real
difference.
PR
Over the last year Cheshire has received a significant amount of
local press coverage including the census results, Jamboree
contingent members and Chief Scout Awards to name just a few of the
stories. We have also been very successful in getting a letter
published in most of our local newspapers, which carried the name
of each local DC giving a positive impression of young people
following the riots and disorder during August.
Campsites
Both our campsites have benefited from further investment
including £60,000 being spent on activities, which has included a
new climbing wall at Forest Camp and a zip wire at Tatton Park.
Discussions continue with both our architects and the local
authority in relation to further development of Lake View. The
decision to transfer the running of water equipment to the Campsite
Management Team has paid significant dividends providing easier
access to equipment and a staggering increase in its use.
Winners all
Warrington Orientals 14 & under team Dragon Boat Team won at
the National Youth Championships in Marlow this year and the
shooting team also scored another national victory.
Cheshire Leader to head UK team at Roverway
Richard Taylor who is a member of CAMO Network in Warrington has
been appointed as UK contingent leader for the next Roverway taking
place in Finland in 2012.
This is very short overview of the year but I think it shows how
active Scouting in Cheshire really is. Well done to everybody who
has contributed to our success.
Debbie and I wish you a very happy
Christmas