Over 470 top awards presented at Celebrating Success 2024

Held at the Parr Hall in Warrington on Saturday 16th November, our annual Celebrating Success event saw 470+ awards presented to Scouts, Explorers and Volunteers.

The event was hosted by Dan Skinner, County Youth Lead, and Charly O’Brien, County Programme Team Leader, with the awards being presented by Cheshire Scouts President and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE.

Lady Redmond MBE presented over 470 awards this year at Celebrating Success in Cheshire, our annual top awards event for young people.

250 Scouts earned their Chief Scout’s Gold Award, signed by Dwayne Fields, who took the role in September, an increase of 50 on last year!

80 Explorer Scouts earned their Chief Scout’s Platinum and Chief Scout’s Diamond Awards.

49 Young Leaders completed all their training, modules and missions and earnt their Young Leader Awards.

17 Scouts and Explorers earnt their BTEC Level 2 Award in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, in partnership with the Cadet Vocational College, a 50% increase on last year!

68 Scouts and Explorers completed their YouShape Awards, having planned, led, and represented their group while shaping their Scouting experience!

8 young people achieved the highest award in Scouting, the King’s Scout Award for outstanding personal achievement and service to their local communities.

The King’s Scout Award being awarded, photographed with Dave Hopley, County Lead Volunteer.

We also had a young person Jessica de Sousa from Macclesfield, who was one of several Cheshire Scouts to have been awarded the HM Coronation Medal for their support with State Duties at the Coronation of HM King Charles III our Patron. Jessica opted to receive the medal locally from the Lord-Lieutenant. Other Cheshire Scouts who received a Coronation Medal at National events were; Brandon Hone, Grace Brookhouse, Sophet Sirisot, and Thomas Woodworth.

Four Scouts shared their adventures with us; Joseph Duckett a Scout Network member from Widnes, who gained their King’s Scout Award and Explorer Belt; Rayya Selwood an Explorer Scout from Knutsford, who gained their Diamond Award; Grace Wilkinson, an Explorer Scout from Wilmslow gained their Platinum Award; Freddie Arkelaos, a Young Leader, also from Wilmslow, who gained their Platinum Award, Young Leader Award and YouShape Award.

Joseph Duckett said:

“I am incredibly proud to have been presented with both my King’s Scout Award and my Explorer Belt at this year’s Celebrating Success event. It was a privilege to be invited on stage to talk about my highlights of these awards, which included my work as Chair of the Bangor University Guide and Scout Society, my Explorer Belt expedition through Ireland with two Anglesey and Snowdonia Area Scout Network members, and parading with other King’s Scouts at the 2024 Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle, which was an unforgettable experience. I was also very lucky to be able to share some details about my time playing the clarinet as part of the National Scout and Guide Concert Band course this summer, which was such a fantastic opportunity.”

Joseph Duckett receiving his award from Cheshire Scouts President and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE.

In addition, we had a presentation from our Roverway contingent from their adventures this Summer in Norway. The 10 Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members joined 400 others from the UK and 4,000 Scouts from 38 countries for the event. The presentation was led by Patrol Leaders Ed Knight from Chester and Liam Foster from Northwich, along with their Assistant Patrol Leaders Russell Snowden from Northwich and Josh Pitteway from Warrington, plus participants Isobel Roberts from Chester and James Mottram from Northwich.

The Roverway Patrol Leaders were presented with a Commendation Award by the County Lead Volunteer.

One inspirational young person is Scarlett Whittaker-Foggin from Widnes who achieved her Chief Scout’s Diamond Award, along with her BTEC Level 2 Award in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, and her Young Leader Award, as well as her YouShape Award! Scarlett was also a member of the Roverway Contingent. Having been awarded the Cornwell Scout Badge in 2021, for her outstanding bravery, patience and positivity beyond her years, it is inspiring to see her continuing to achieve in her Scouting journey.

Scarlett Whittaker-Foggin

County Lead Volunteer, Dave Hopley, said:

“We are immensely proud of all of our Scouts who received awards this year. Each of our young people have made their own journey, developed new skills, and grown in confidence. We heard so many inspiring stories this afternoon. They rightly deserve to feel proud of their incredible achievements. Their success will set them apart and enable them to stand out to employers, colleges and universities alike. Well done to them all, I hope they feel inspired to reach even greater heights in their Scouting journey!“

In addition to expressing pride and reflecting on the success of all recipients, Dave thanked the volunteer leaders and parents and carers for supporting their young people. He also encouraged award recipients to put themselves forward for future opportunities, including, the World Scout Moot in Portugal next year, Cheshire’s International Jamboree ‘Chamboree’ in 2026, and the World Scout Jamboree in Poland 2027. Dave also launched the brand and theme for Chamboree 2026.

You can view the full photo gallery here.

The event saw lots of smiles from young people, adult volunteers, and parents at Parr Hall, in Warrington.