County Life Spring 2013

Greater Manchester East News

GROWTOGETHER

Inside>

Scouting’s on the increase

Adventure Camp

GME GROWS IN NUMBERSWITH NEW COLONIES, NEW PACKS, NEW TROOPS NEW GROUPS...!

Linnet Clough campsite services success www.gmescouts.org.uk

Skiing trip in the Southern French Alps is a snowball of SuCCeSS

NEWSIN BRIEFEDITOR’S NOTEFinally the new look edition of County Life for 2013. We hope that you like what we have done with it. The idea is to celebrate everything that has happened in the county over the past few months.

Each edition this year is focusing on a different theme as well as news topics from around the county. For County Life to grow we need input from every member of GME Scouts from the youngest Beaver to the Oldest Leader.

For my part, this is my final issue having spent the past 3 years editing. I have enjoyed the experience and look forward to reading County Life in the future.

Thank you all for the articles, news reports and pictures which have been used in past editions. I am sure you will continue to enjoy County Life in its new format as much as I will.

Andrea Clark Editor, County Lifeeditor@gmescouts.org.uk

NEW GROUPS GET a taste of the action

Percentage of our young peoplewho said that Scouting gave them confidence and helped with long-lasting friendships.

Some of the GME new start up groups got a taste of the action at Linnet Clough ‘try it and see’ day. Activities included backwoods cooking, climbing on the cube, gokarting and lots more.

93%INSPIREDespite numbers standing at over half a

million and growing year on year, Scouting

is still in need of more adult volunteers;

more than 35,000 young people are

currently on the joining list. As one of the

country’s busiest high profile figures, the

Duchess of Cambridge’s inspiring volunteer

work will hopefully encourage other young

adults to get involved in Scouting.

Bear Grylls, UK Chief Scout, comments:

‘The Duchess has an incredibly busy life,

yet since she joined the Scouts, she has

so generously managed to volunteer

some incredible time to help out and get

involved. Over the last few years it has

been our mission to make it easier for

adults to give as much or as little as they

are able; it is how we change our society:

many people doing a little bit.’

Scouts and volunteers from Manchester

have been inspired by the Duchess.

Sandeep Singh, age 10, from Manchester

said: ‘I have really great adventures at

Cubs. The leaders help us out. It’s great

that the Duchess is learning how to do

more great stuff with her Pack.’

WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

ST GEORGE’S DAY AWARDS 2013Chief Scout’s Commendation for Meritorious Conduct “for meritorious conduct of a high standard”

Ruth Breeze, Assistant Cub Scout Leader, 1st Offerton (St Albans)

Silver Wolf“in recognition of services to Scouting of the most exceptional nature”

Andrew Corrie, County Commissioner

Bar to the Silver Acorn “in recognition of further specially distinguished service”

Stuart Dyall, Beaver Scout Leader, 2nd Cheadle

Kenneth Marks, District Commissioner North Tameside

Karen Moores, Cub Scout Leader 105th Manchester (St Peters)

Robert Moores, Group Scout Active Support Member 105th Manchester (St Peters)

Alan Walker (posthumous), formerly Cub Scout Leader, 1st Marple

Silver Acorn “In recognition of specially distinguished service”

John Glenton, Group Adviser 2nd Cheadle

parents became volunteers in 2012

NATIONALLy

342

There are thousands of girls and

boys across Greater

Manchester who would

benefit from the great start in

life Scouting offers. But we can’t

take Scouting into different local

communities without your help.

Which is why we’re looking for

volunteers who are willing to

give a little bit of their time to

help us make a positive impact

on the lives of young people. You’ll take

part in things you’d never expect to do.

You’ll develop skills employers look for.

And helping young people to improve their

lives and reach their potential makes it all

worthwhile.

GET INvOlvEDSo, we need more people like you to

volunteer a little bit of your time. Everyone

has something to give. Whether it’s

organising games, making refreshments

or simply giving current volunteers some

support. Together we can do amazing

things. And, you’ll be surprised at the many

ways you can get involved and help young

people to grow in confidence and believe

in themselves.

BE AMAZED Achieve amazing things as a Scouting volunteer and help to make a real difference to young lives in your local community today.

Scouting has never been so popular. There are over 36,000 young people on the waiting list because we simply don’t have enough adult volunteers to help out. The Duchess of Cambridge publically joined Scouts last year and set the trend for adults joining scouting. Leadership in GMe is up 2% since the Duchess joined.

Scouting offers fun and friendship,

challenge and everyday adventure for our

100,000 volunteers and 400,000 girls and

boys in Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers

across the UK. With over 200 indoor and

outdoor activities from abseiling, street

sports and kayaking to drama, paragliding

and archery - there’s something for every

young person, whatever their physical

ability, faith or community background.

91% of our

volunteers said

that Scouting had helped

them develop key skills, such

as leadership, teamwork,

character development and

social skills.

UniformVolunteers don’t have to

wear a uniform

95% of our

volunteers said

that Scouting helped them

improve their physical skills,

including their ability to cope

with outdoor conditions.

AdventureMore young people do

adventurous activities as

Scouts than with any other

organisation

41% of wider

community

organisations said that

if Scouting was on a job

applicant’s CV it would be

a positive influence on their

appointment.

FamousBarack Obama, David

Beckham, Richard Branson

and Steven Spielberg

were all Scouts.

WWW.bEAmAzED.ORGfIND OuT mORE @

WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

NEWSIN BRIEFWElcOmE : GROWING AS A cOuNTYWe’ve had a good start to 2013 and a lot to celebrate, some of which you’ll see in these pages but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Our census has shown that our numbers have increased once again and we now have more members than ever before – over 5,500 youth members and nearly 1500 volunteers. Already this year we have opened 3 new Groups in the centre of Manchester – at Ardwick, Collyhurst, and Cheetham Hill. Several Districts have plans in the advanced stage for opening new Sections and Groups so there’s no doubt the coming months will see us even bigger and better. Two Leaders from the County and 16 Cubs and Scouts from our new Group in Ardwick were privileged to be part of a very special training event at Great Tower Campsite in Cumbria with the Duchess of Cambridge – which generated fantastic media coverage for Scouting nationally and us locally.

The range of opportunities for fun and adventure that are on offer around the County are second-to-none, due in no small part to all the fantastic volunteers who make it all possible, and to whom we offer many thanks. Special congratulations to those whose service dedication and commitment to Scouting have been acknowledged in this years’ St George’s Day Awards.

We look forward to our next major County event – our super special Streetwise – a very different sort of event, partnering with our chosen charity “Retrak”, in the centre of Manchester, which will put us firmly in the public eye. Everyone welcome – hope we’ll see you there.

Andrew CorrieCounty Commissioner

New groups and the snowball effect

Collyhurst: While preparing for last

year’s Jan 2012 census, I was making one

of the groups in the district dormant. This

was in Monsall and was an area poorly

served by Scout groups and the means to

get to one. I approached one of the head

teachers in a Primary school in Collyhurst

with a view to discussing the logistics of

opening a new group based in or around

the school. The ball was rolling.

Ardwick / Plymouth Grove: As

a result of conversations between Andrew

Corrie, County Commissioner, and Kevin

Nuttall from Manchester City Council,

some discussions during early 2012 lead to

the realisation that Scouting was missing

from the City Centre, there were so many

facilities that were underused, and there

was a very real local appetite in that

community for Scouting to be started.

Which was later borne out by enthusiasm

of local youngsters and adults at two

local public events we attended to gauge

interest in setting up a new Group. .

Cheetham Hill: We were

approached by the Muslim Scout

Fellowship about a group of adults who

had attended one of their camping and

Module 16 weekends with some friends

from other Mosques and had shown really

keen interest in starting Scouting back at

home, which happened to be Cheetham

Hill, at the Khizra Mosque.

We’re GrowingOut of the starting blocksWithin a month we had three projects all at

the starting blocks.

I organised assemblies at three primary

schools to build interest in the Collyhurst

groups. I also tried to find options for

accommodation of the group which is

currently St Malachy’s Primary school

basement which opens out onto the large

playground. We helped at several local

neighbourhood park events in Ardwick

& Plymouth Grove over the spring and

summer of 2012 to assess the need and

interest in a group in Ardwick area and

searched many local venues finally picking

the Salvation Army centre on Grosvenor

Street. We met with the leaders and the

elders at the Mosque to discuss what

would be needed to start a group here too.

This also involved a couple of open days

and a speaker spot at a celebration dinner

for 750 people.

Every group is different in its needs and

all are now open or just on the verge of

opening.

It has been really hard work and

continues to be challenging but as a

result of many people’s efforts there are

now three new Scouts groups in North

Manchester Scout District with a potential

for 200 children or so to join in the next 12

months. Still early days, still need urgent

help, but the kids are having a great time...

and so to Chapter 2.

Les Cowell District Commissioner North Manchester

Scout District / Manager, GME County

Development

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%.

Numbers of teenagers Scouting has nearly doubled in the past ten years 23,446 in 2003 to 40,578 in 2013.

TEENAGERSTEENAGERS

WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

TREND SETTERThe Duchess of Cambridge publically

joined Scouts last year and set the

trend for adults joining scouting.

Leadership in GME is up 2% since

the Duchess joined.

We’re GrowingGME STATS & FACTS

6,8551,500After eight consecutive years of growth, total county membership is now 6,855.

In Greater Manchester East there are almost 1,500 adult volunteers providing scouting across all sections.

28% Beavers35% Cubs27% Scouts10% Explorers

17% Stockport15% Ladybrook Valley10% North Manchester11% Goyt11% Cheadle9% South Manchester8% Glossop6% North Tameside5% Tameside Valley8% Tameside South

Greater Manchester East County youth Split by District

Percentage of young people in Scouting SectionsWith more adults joining Scouting

this sharp increase in the number

of adults volunteers joining

Scouts can be linked to their newest member,

the Duchess of Cambridge.

As well as attracting more adults the

total number of teenagers in Scouting

has almost doubled in the last 10 years,

from 23,446 in 2003 to 40,578 in 2013.

However despite attracting more adults

the Movement still has thousands of young

people wanting to join the Movement

but are unable to do so because the

organisation still needs more adult

volunteers.

Bear Grylls, Chief Scout, said: “It’s great

that so many adults are joining the Scouts,

and I am sure the increase has had much

to do with the Duchess of Cambridge

becoming a Scout volunteer last year.

“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!”

As one of the UK’s most high profile

figures, it’s hoped the Duchess’ involvement

will inspire other adults to get involved in

Scouting. With waiting lists at an all-time

high of almost 38,000, there is an urgent

need for more volunteers, in order to meet

the growing demand.

Local volunteer said “I didn’t think I’d

have the time to volunteer, but the Scouts

make it really easy to volunteer around my

other commitments – and they let me give as

much or as little time as I’m able. I saw that

the Duchess in Cumbria did some training last

month. If someone as busy as the Duchess

can find time to volunteer, anyone can! I

couldn’t recommend volunteering more

highly; I just wish I’d got involved sooner!”

All this underlines the fact that

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.

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WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

SkI ScOuTS

ADvENTuREcOuNTY EXPlORER uNIT

Stepping from the coach into a temperature of -18˚C brought home quickly the message “we’d

arrived”! 3 course evening meal and Ski Fit later and all was set for a week of skiing.

There was certainly no need to make sure everyone was awake and down for breakfast on the first day...all were fuelling early in keen anticipation for what was to come.

I’m not sure if it was the stunning scenery, excellent snow conditions or the

The annual ski trip has very much been a part of our District’s programme since the 70’s. The aim...to provide a chance for our young members to experience the exhilaration of this fantastic sport at a price they cannot find at schools during the half-term. This year it was in Risoul in the Southern French Alps.

inspiration of the leaders but I have never had a group of beginners progress at

the pace they did this year. Of course to be actually

skiing in stunning scenery is in itself a memorable event, however for one member we had arranged to make it even more so. Phillip Heatley

of Cheadle Hulme Young Leaders unit was invested

at a height of 2,571 metres, something he is sure to remember

for the many years to come. Sadly the week progressed at a rate

that was all too quick and so we reached the final day... ski test day.

Being my first time

abroad I didn’t know what

to expect but the trip was

absolutely first-class.

I couldn’t believe we were

skiing down the mountain

on the first day.

“I’ve never known beginners to make so much progress – to be doing parallel turns by the end of the week is amazing” Dede (Ski Instructor)

WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

ADvENTuREcOuNTY EXPlORER uNIT

There was certainly no doubt that they would all have progressed, however it was certainly a surprise to see just how far they had come in just seven days.

All as a minimum skipped two levels and some, three. Indeed the instructor’s final words were: “I’ve occasionally seen beginners get on blue at the end of week 1, sometimes a steep blue, but never have I had beginners on reds after week one, they are incredible!”

And so it was time to load up the coach and head back to the airport for our trip home, fond farewells from and to the fantastic hotel staff and our flight back to UK with commitment from many of the members to attend our next trip in 2014 to Folgaria in Italy (get your name down now).

I believe our trips are special; not just because we offer a significantly cheaper price than schools but because of the attitude of the members, our ability to move the beginners on quickly and because of the dedication of the leaders. For that my special thanks go to Mark Sackville-Ford and the evergreen Colin Pickles.

Phil Santana-ReedyCounty Ski Course Leader

Phillip (Invested Explorer) - Cheadle Explorer Scout This was my first ever skiing trip and it was amazing. I learned way more than I thought I ever would in a week! Getting invested on the top of the mountain was really special and something I will always remember. The leaders and all the others on the trip were great and I can’t wait to join them again when we go to Italy next year!

Conor – Stockport Explorer ScoutFor me, being my first time abroad I didn’t know what to expect but the trip was absolutely first-class.

The resort we stayed at was nice and the scenery was breathtaking. The actual skiing was, by far, the highlight of the trip. Three hours free skiing in the morning and then ski school in the afternoon meant for an all-round fantastic trip. Italy next year, I have no doubt it will be better still!

Laura – Cheadle Scout This was my first time skiing and I was really looking forward to it. My school was going in Easter but it would have cost a lot more so I went with the Scouts instead and I’m really glad I did.

Our Leader Phil got us going very quickly and I couldn’t believe we were skiing down the mountain on the first day. Having lessons in the afternoon and free ski in the morning with the leaders really helped us to ski better. The whole trip was fantastic and I can’t wait to go to Italy next year.

I even tried the Frogs’ legs and Snails but glad they didn’t take a photo of me doing it.

Look out for next year’s event!WWW.GmEScOuTS.ORG.uk

IN TOucHcONTRIbuTIONSCalling all group and districts in Greater Mancheser East! Have you got a good story?

The part you play in making the news is very important. Whether it is breaking news or a featured item, your contribution can make a difference.

It might just be a picture and a caption, it might be a full feature of a Cub doing their best on Camp or something significant, bizarre or unusual happening in your group?

Send us your news at countylife@gmescouts.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHS AND vIDEOSIf you capture or create an event on a camera or mobile phone, either as a photograph or video, then we’d like to hear from you. Send us your images along with a caption and short description to:images@gmescouts.org.uk or dropbox us at gmevideo@gmescouts.org.uk

WEbSITE EDITORCan you help us with our website? Uploading content, editing stories, social media or keeping up to date with the diary. As little or as much as you like email. countylife@gmescouts.org.uk

The information in this newsletter is considered to be accurate at the time of publication. However, Greater Manchester East Scouts will not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.

Greater Manchester East Scout CountyYouth Service Resource CentreReddish Vale Road, ReddishStockport SK5 7HQE: info@gmescouts.org.ukT: 0161 480 5621

www.gmescouts.org.uk

PEOPlEChampion for young People - Jean Wilkinson

Jean serves as the Scout Leader at the

1st High Lane Scout Group, but her

commitment to the young people in her

care far exceeds this title. She has doubled

the membership of the section for 14-18

year olds and runs an exciting programme

of adventure and outside activities

including dozens of camps – this year

featuring five days in the Lake District.

Said Group Scout Leader Mark Baxter

in his nomination: “Jean’s attention to

pastoral care is immense as she tailors

activities to the mental, emotional and

physical abilities of her members. She

dedicates herself to the Explorer Scout

section and supports all other sections in

our group.”

Since this award Jean has been invited

to the Chief Constables dinner in aid of

Retrack.

Linnet Clough held another successful

Camp Site Service weekend in

February. They had five Explorers and

15 Scouts staying at the site from Friday

evening until Sunday evening.

The weekend started with an Ice

Breaker where all the young people had a

Bingo style sheet of questions to answer.

Over the next two days everyone took

part in a number of activities including

clearing bushes, painting, learning how to

do basic plumbing and nature conservation.

It is hard work but everyone seemed to

enjoy it. Everyone did all the tasks which

are led by volunteers at the site who show

them the correct and safe way to work. In

the evening the young people were able to

take part in one of the site’s activities. The

whole group are catered for all weekend,

eating hot and filling food.

Everyone who is involved in the

weekend, adults and young people, have

a good time. The regular comment is that

they are exhausted and dirty but they have

had a really good time.

Many of the Explorers have now joined

Junior Crew at the site and are there

regularly during weekends and holidays

making sure that the site is ready for

visitors carrying out in practice what they

learnt over the weekend. The site could

not operate without their help.

The next site service weekend will be

held on 15-17th November 2013, staying

at the same cost of £15 per person. If

any leaders would like to book Scouts

or Explorers on to the weekend then

they should contact Linnet Clough for a

booking form.

cAmPSITE SERvIcES

GmEScOuTS @GmEScOuTS