170 members of tha Beaver Scout Section from the District had a fantastic trip to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester on 26 March. They had a great time and were a great example of Scouting in Chester.
Well done to the Beavers and many thanks to Richard Johnson and Jason Clarke for doing all the organising of coaches and the programme and to all the Leaders and volunteers who looked after the young people. Congratulations all round!
Scout Section Ten Pin Bowling
Thank you to those Troops who were represented on 24 March at the Bowling Competition.
The results were: 1st - 40th Chester (average points score over two games - 199.2) 2nd - 1st Guilden Sutton (average points score over two games - 198.3) 3rd - 1st Ashton and Manley (average points score over two games - 193.8)
Individual Bowlers: 1st Harry - 242 over two games (1st Ashton & Manley) 2nd Ben P - 239 over two games (1st Guilden Sutton) 3rd William - 238 over two games (40th Chester)
Well done to all and thanks to Charly Hillier for the organisation of the event - looking forward to next year!
Awards Presentations
Another packed presentations afternoon at Chester Guildhall on 20 March! The Lord and Lady Mayoress had a great time and also send their thanks and congratulations to the 157 award winners and everyone else who came to enjoy the day.
Many thanks to Iain McIntyre, Pam Jones and all members of the District who helped to organise the day and to the Active Support Unit for the refreshments. Because the number of people taking part is increasing each year, we are now looking for a suitable new venue!
Chief Scout's Service Awards Congratulations to members of the District who are receiving awards for length of service:
30 Years Malcolm White, District Member
10 Years Tim Clarke, Sectional Assistant 1st Malpas
5 years Sue Darlington, CSL 1st Malpas Mel Hall, District Fellowship ASU
Gang Show 2011
Congratulations to all who made this year's Show a smash hit!
Chief Scout’s Service Awards
Congratulations to the latest adult volunteers in Chester to receive awards in recognition of their length of service:
30 Years Malcolm White, District Member
10 Years Tim Clarke, Sectional Assistant 1st Malpas
5 years Sue Darlington, Cub Scout Leader 1st Malpas Mel Hall, District Fellowship Active Support Unit
Chester Scouts - Still Growing!
The total membership of the Scout Movement in Chester and District is 1487, representing an increase of 6.5 per cent over 2010. This follows a similar increase in the previous year and continues the trend over the past seven years. Eleven of the 19 Scout Groups in the district have increased their membership, some for the third or fourth year.
Significant this year is a 27 per cent increase in the number of Explorer Scouts – the section for young people aged from 14 to 18.
David Bull, District Commissioner, said: “This result shows the result of all the work by our volunteer leaders all over Chester and District. It shows the popularity of Scouting. We know that the potential for growth is great but we need to attract even more adult volunteers to help us to meet the demand.”
British Youth Council
Luke Thornton (Dewa ESU and 40th Chester) has been appointed as one of ten delegates who The Scout Association sends to The British Youth Council.
He will be working as part of a close team to represent the views of the Association’s young people, in a term that lasts for two years.
Good luck to Luke in this important work!
Awards for Service
Many congratulations to more Leaders in the District whose service has been recognised by the Chief Scout:
Award for Merit
Alan Reay, GSL, 1st Ashton and Manley
Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service
Reza Rahmani-Torkaman, GSL 1st Guilden Sutton
Cub Scout Craft Competition
The annual Cub District Craft Competition was held at St Michael's Church Centre; thanks to Cormac Bowell and the 48th Chester for organising the venue.
There were six Packs represented, forming five teams:
1st Place - 1st Malpas
Joint 2nd Place - Tarporley Portal
Joint 2nd Place - Tarporley Arderne and 48th Chester
Joint 3rd Place - 18th Chester Maclaren
Joint 3rd Place - 1st Saltney
Congratulations to Malpas, who will be representing the District at the County Competition on 12 March in Handforth.
All participants gained their Artist Activity Badge by doing the following tasks:
Create a greetings card
Make a poster advertising Cubs
Design and create a model of a bridge
Thanks to our judges, Cathy Bland Assistant County Commissioner (Cub Scouts) and Mike Hillier, District Treasurer.
Thanks also Alan Wilding and his team of helpers, Dave Evans, Chris Owens, June Hughes and Luke Thornton.
Beaver Scouts On Line!
Fifty eight Beavers from across the District earned their IT Stage 1 badge at an event organised by Richard Johnson and Jason Clarke on 15/16 January.
The Beavers had to:
* design a poster
* draw a work of art using a computer programme, for painting
* save their work, and
* know various key parts of the machine
The sessions finished with refreshments, a group photo and a badge for all their hard work.
Grateful thanks to all who helped, and the five groups who attended. Hopefully this can be repeated next year.
Recognition of Service
Congratulations to all those who received their awards for service recently, at ceremonies at Eaton Hall and Stanley Palace.
Carol Service
Thanks to all who came to the Carol Service on 9 December in the Cathedral. It was a wonderful service - short, relevant and enjoyable. Well done to Alan and Richard for organising the service, to Colin for the music, to all our readers, young and no so young, and to Active Support for their expert back up.
Cub Scout and Scout Swimming Galas
On 3 November seven Cub Packs entered nine teams in the District Gala. The winners were 1st Malpas Team A (pictured) and the Runners Up were Guilden Sutton.
On 27 November, Cubs from 1st Malpas, 1st Guilden Sutton, 1st Tarporley (Portal), 1st Farndon and 18th Chester formed the team to represent Chester and District at the County Swimming Gala in Woolston.
The team came third out of the eight Districts who took part! The County Gala was won by North West Cheshire.
Christopher Hooper (pictured) from the18th Chester won two Gold Medals for the 9 Year old Breaststroke and Backstroke.
Adam Boggiano, Tom Bamber and Brandon Hone of Cestrian and Liam and Alex Southall from 48th Chester represented Chester.They had great team spirit, and great attitude – and made 10 out of 11 finals.
Well done to all – and many thanks to Alan Wilding and Charly Hillier for their work as well as to all who supported our representatives.
Awards for Leaders and Supporters in Chester
Congratulations to those who have recently received awards:
Awards for Good Service
Silver Acorn
His Grace the Duke of Westminster – District President
Charlotte Churchill – District Skills Instructor, District Appointments Advisory Committee
Vicki Courtney – ACSL Cestrian
Dawn Steaton – CSL 8th Chester
Vicky Taker – SL 8th Chester, District Badge Secretary and Scout Shop Manager
John Wolfendale, GSL 1st Upton by Chester
Paul Wright – ACSL Cestrian
Chief Scout’s Service Awards
15 years
Jason Clarke5th Blacon
5 years
Andrew Jones1st Waverton
Simon AshtonDESC
Chris Arner1st Upton
Leaders' Weekend in the Lakes
The Leaders’ weekend went very well – the weather after the storms earlier in the week was good enough for plenty of activities: ascending Coniston Old Man, a lower level walk, shopping in Bowness and Ambleside, a cruise on Windermere, fireworks, Remembrance Sunday in the camp chapel – and lots we‘ve forgotten! There was also plenty of good food and drink at Cartmel Lodge at Great Tower Activity Centre.
This was a revival for our Centenary year of similar weekends run by the District in the past. Shall we do it again?
Many thanks to Keith Harding for all the planning and to all those who took part - and mucked in throughout the weekend. Thanks also to Great Tower for their hospitality.
Alton Towers
On 23 October, on a cold crisp early start fifteen Explorer Scouts from around the District set off to Alton Towers for a Halloween treat. After a short journey in the Malpas mini bus we arrived safe and sound, but a little shaken due to the huge number of people queuing to get in. After such an early start for a long day, we managed to meet up with members from across the County at the gate, more by luck than planning. We all agreed to meet up at lunch time for a group photo at Oblivion, as it was time for some very quick investitures (very quick as the drop takes only a few seconds). The day was drawn to a close with some fun and games and one last ride on the runaway train, (a ride for kids but so much fun for all). We have put the date in the District Explorer diary for 2011 and if there are enough advance takers for the day, we will look at arranging a coach, both making the day cheaper and more fun (always better with a big group of party monsters).
Speaker’s Reception at the House of Commons
Six young members of the Scout Movement in Chester took part in the Speaker’s Reception at the House of Commons on 18 October. Representing both the City of Chester and Eddisbury constituencies, the Scouts were able to attend thanks to the sponsorship of Stephen Mosley MP and Stephen O’Brien MP. Mr Mosley is an honorary Vice President of the Chester and District Scout Council.
The reception is an annual event and is held in the Speaker's State Room at the Palace of Westminster by kind permission of Mr Speaker, The Rt. Hon John Bercow MP.
Jonathan Ducker, one of the participants, said: “It was an experience to be inside the Houses of Parliament and the tour we received was great. We were all able to ask questions that interested us.” Chris Harris, Regional Commissioner for North West England, commented: “Very well done Cheshire; glad everyone had a really good day and were able to 'fly the flag' so effectively.”
The Chester representatives were part of a larger number of Scouts from Cheshire and the UK generally. The Chester participants were: Jonathan Ducker, Simon Ebo, James Gibson, Robert McMahon, Luke Thornton and Paul Wolfendale.
Jamboree on the Air
For the 29th year, a JOTA station was set up at the Cestrian Group headquarters, led as always by Arthur Brighton. The Lord and Lady Mayoress visited and there were many contacts with other stations around the world, including Mafikeng (Mafeking). David Mullock also organised a station outside the District at Forest Camp.
Our picture shows the Lord Mayor on his visit, when Arthur received his twenty five year service award.
Service Awards
Many congratulations to more leaders in Chester on receiving service awards:
50 years
Eric Plenderleath, District Vice President
30 years
Maureen Ivens, District Appointments Advisory Committee
Chris Owens, District Cub Scout Leader and 18th Chester
25 years
Arthur Brighton, Appointments Administrator
Ian Harrison, 1st Tarporley
15 years
Colin Devine, 1st Farndon
10 years
Jonathan Brown, 1st Guilden Sutton
Emma Ivens, 18th Chester
Karen Shearsmith, 42nd Chester
Steven Smith, 1st Farndon
5 years
Angela Hardwell, 1st Farndon
Steve Huxley, Cestrian
Jordan Smith, 8th Chester
Helen Willman, 48th Chester
Community Champion Nominated
A member of the District has been nominated for a Your Champions award for Person of the Year in the scheme sponsored by the Chester Chronicle.
John Riley has devoted more than 20 years of his life to the Scout Movement and also helps to cook for charity for the elderly with the WRVS and is a volunteer walk leader for Age Concern.
John was nominated on behalf of the District, who described him as a 'pillar of support'.
“He has been a youth leader as well as a trustee and continues his involvement as a manager of support for the Movement in Chester. He has provided financial and accounting advice to the District Scout Council for more than half of his service and has helped steer Chester Scouting through demanding times, resulting in an 18% increase in membership in 2009/2010 – the centenary year of the District Scout Council.
“John combines his work for the Scout Movement with other voluntary work, including serving in a luncheon club for the elderly. Chester Scouts are pleased to nominate John for a Champion award!”
