Plymouth District Scouts

2011_Scouts_Annual_Financial_Review_combined.doc

 

PLYMOUTH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31^ST MARCH 2011

INTRODUCTION FROM THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

Once more I will draw the reader’s attention to the reports by the Sections that follow. It is truly a tremendous amount of District activity which when added to the programmes carried out by our 20 Scout Groups equals many many hours of adventure for our 800 plus young members. This valuable contribution to the development of our youngsters could not take place without the volunteer leaders who give up their time to make it all work. Not everyone can contribute as much as others but I salute them all and thank them for their part in the success of our District no matter how small that contribution may be.

Despite the fact that we have processed a total of 30 applications for leaders or assistant roles in the last year, there are areas of the District which are very much in need of extra adult help. It is very much the case of a ‘rolling group gathering more leaders’. Having gathered the leaders every care should be taken to look after them, to involve them, to communicate with them and to help them through their training – that is if we want to keep them.

As the District looks forward to another year of exciting and adventurous activity, I would like to thank all those who have helped me through the last seven years as D.C. It has been an adventure for me as well. Too many people to name individually but to my District Team and Executive Committee in particular – THANKS.

 

Graham Eagle

District Commissioner Plymouth

District Chairman’s Report

The District Executive Committee has continued to execute its duties as laid down in Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. In doing so it has given support, encouragement and advice to the District Commissioner, the youth Sections and the Groups in the District. It has also encouraged the Plymouth Scout Properties Trust and it’s Management Groups who are responsible for the three properties we jointly own. The District Executive Committee has kept a watchful eye on our finances and through its sub-Committees such matter as Appointments, Developments and other matters of importance. It is our aim to ensure that Scouting progress in Plymouth.

Peter Johnson

District Chairman

 

Beaver Scout Section Report

During the year Leaders from the District’s colonies have met together regularly to plan activities, pass on both successful programme ideas and failures and to help solve any problems Colonies may be having.  This has proved to be a useful forum for those Leaders who attend the meetings. 

St George’s Day was celebrated by Beaver Scouts at both the church service at St Andrew’s Church and at an evening activity at Blindman’s Wood on St George’s Day itself. In May Beaver Scouts from across the District joined in the annual Tug of War at the 31^st Plymouth headquarters. A cross sectional event, it was enjoyed by all those Beaver Scouts who attended and their families.  Later in May we tried a new activity which proved extremely popular with both Beavers and leaders who came along when, led by ‘Professor Jo’, Beavers experienced science activities which earned them their Experiment badge. Enthralled, everyone watched a hard-boiled egg disappear into a tomato sauce bottle!

The District Outing this year was to Paignton Zoo in June.  Two bus loads of children and adults set off and had a wonderful day with lovely weather and brilliant views of the baby rhino. 

In November one of our regular, very popular craft afternoons was held at Blindman’s Wood on the theme of remembrance.   Again the Beavers were able to earn a badge with little extra input from their Colony leader. December arrived all too soon and Beavers were off to have Brunch with Father Christmas.   Whilst the weather was not good transport wise, the snow enhanced the magical atmosphere and the children built a snowman with Father Christmas before boarding the steam train at Coypool.  Several deer were even seen from the windows – such excitement!

2011 began with Wishy Washy entertaining the District Beavers for the whole afternoon.  A lovely relaxing activity for the adults!  February saw a Sleepover at Blindman’s Wood on the theme of Outer Space.  There were over 40 attendees from the District and all except the ‘waking night staff’ not only enjoyed the activities but slept too!  Having adults awake during the night has been invaluable (children’s safety at all times) and entertaining – it is interesting the number of conversations that go on and the amount of movement!

Our year culminated with a celebration of 25 years of Beaver Scouting on 26 March during an international ‘Around the World’ afternoon when Beavers travelled the world, met Trish Carne the ACC Beavers and had a street party.  All who attended were given a special woggle to commemorate the 25^th anniversary by Trish.

As always there is a need for more Leaders to be recruited and it would be good to see more Colonies taking part in the District activities provided for them.  Please remember that District activities are here not just to support and encourage colonies but also for your expertise to other Leaders. Come along!

Jenny Dibben

Assistant District Commissioner (Beaver Scouts)

Cub Scout Section Report

Why O Why do I have to write another cub report when one look at the cubs faces when they leave a district event you can see what a GREAT time they have had. But some of you like to read what has happened in the last year so here goes and maybe at the end some of you may wish to be cubs again. Well the good news is that we are down to only one pack that has after seven years not entered a district event & we will keep sending them the information in the hope that one day they come in and join us. We can only say what a lot they have missed over those seven years. So on to what we have done in once again a well organised and successful year.

In June we ran the Field Gun Run at BMW, along with fun activities. As always we were supported by the Devonport Field Gun Association who provided the cubs with badges to wear on their uniforms. We thank them for their support and a special thanks to Mike Thomas for making the presentation to the winners and also making a presentation to the two apprentices from Babcock Marine who made us four new guns for the competition. In July we ran our well established Mini Ten Tors on Dartmoor, this year we were joined by some scouts and we will welcome them to join us this year. Again we were supported by Millets Outdoor who provided us with prizes & the Dartmoor Rescue Group who helped in running the event & provided us with back up support. We did raise £75 on the day which we presented to the rescue group.

In September we held our annual Mike Cannon Challenge based at BMW & Mount Edgcumbe Park. An all weekend event based on scouting skills in which the cubs can earn up to 5 badges over the weekend. This event is still as popular as it was when we started in 13 years ago which must say something as we have made only minor changes to the programme over those years. In October after reintroducing it last year & making some changes t the format we held our Incident Hike around the rivers Plym & Meavy & the Dewerstone area. The cubs and their leaders hiked around the course reaching the bases & carrying out the challenge on each base. A good day was had by all and we finished the day with a free BBQ. In November we moved the 6 a side football from its normal slot. With packs from three districts taking part a fierce but sporting contest was held & thanks must go to Graham Hancock for his help in running the event. In December & January we took a break to recharge our batteries & plan for the New Year.

In February we started back again with our Uni-Hoc competition held at the Mayflower Centre. Again with packs from three districts taking part a fierce and sporting contest was held with sticks flying in all directions. In March we held our Quiz & again changed it for this year making it a morning only event which worked very well with many packs entering. In April we held the Sponsored walk around Plymouth’s historic waterfront fining at Jenhycliff. The cubs that took part gained the Local Knowledge badge and the Hikes badge. We hope that plenty of money was raised & will be put to a good cause. A great effort by the 120 that attended.

In May after our first attempt a running a Grand Day Out last year, this year our day out was to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. What a grand day out we had. After filling three coaches with cubs & leaders we made our way to the museum where we were greeted by the head of staff and given a wonderful day which includes hands on sessions, quizzes & a competition for prizes. On top of all this they provided the cubs with a goody bag worth over £12. On our way back we stopped of a McDonalds for our evening meal & trying to get 145 people sat in a 70 seater restaurant proved quite a task but we managed it just.

Nearly finished now but hang on in there because I am getting to the point where I start to thank everyone and you could be mentioned. But before I do, to the one pack that are still not entering district events – WHY? Now to the thanks part – to the District team for providing back up to all that we do, to the young & not so young Active Support Unit just for being there and knowing we can call on your help wherever. The BMW maintenance team for keeping the site in top condition & ready for our use. To the cub leaders for their support & willingness to give anything a go. To the cubs themselves who are a credit to the movement in the way they behave when on events and finally to anyone who has helped the cubs district team in any way. Finally just in case they thought I had forgotten them the girls Barbara & Julie – what can be said about these two that has not already been said – nothing so I will leave it there. Only kidding without these two we would not achieve all that we have in the past seven years going from strength to strength. Their input is second to none and many times their work goes on unnoticed and unrewarded. So form the bottom of my heart (yes I do have one) a BIG THANK YOU.

 

Paul Roberts

Assistant District Commissioner (Cub Scouts)

Scout Section Report

Plymouth District Scouts have had another active year, taking part in events organised by the District and County besides the normal weekly activities organised by their own Scout Troops.

One highlight of the year was the Chief Scout Gold Award presentation day when Scouts from all over Devon had a day of fun activities followed by a presentation ceremony to receive their certificates from Rear Admiral Mike Thomas, accompanied by the new County Commissioner.

Many of our Troops also took part in another County Event, the Woodlands Fun weekend at Woodlands Leisure Park. Two troops took part in the County Aviation weekend Camp.

Events organised by the District included the Chess Competition, the Adventure Hike, the Activity Camp and the Swimming Day.

My personal thanks go to Chris Hoskin and the 29^th Plymouth Scout Troop for their help and enthusiastic support of the District events.

Several of our Troops are struggling along with low membership but hopefully with the help and support of stronger units, they will eventually come back to strength.

 

Brian Roberts

Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts)

Explorer Scout Section Report

One of the good things about Explorer Scouting is its adaptability – so although Explorers are no longer at Ernesettle or Tamerton Foliot we still have Explorer meetings on five nights a week at five different locations. The numbers did go down a little this year, by 9, but that can largely be accounted for by an unusually high number passing their 18^th birthday – and they have to cease being Explorers at that age whereas the age they move up into the Section from the Scouts is still flexible.

It has been a good year for the Section, the number of leaders has increased and there have been some exciting weekly programmes and plenty of outdoor activity. Once again we entered the Ten Tors Challenge with a team completing the 35 mile route. The coaching effort and time devoted that goes into preparing our team is quite considerable and deserves the thanks of all involved. But a tremendous satisfaction at a job well done.

We are pleased that 6 of our Explorers will be part of the Devon Unit attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden this summer – and equally satisfied that two Explorer Units are having a fringe camp in Denmark with a day visit to the Jamboree whilst still another Explorer group is off to Kandersteg in Switzerland.

We have made a serious effort to get lots of Young Leader Training taking place and hope to have a Young Leader Unit set up in the autumn. A more concerted effort on Duke of Edinburgh award completions is also in the offing.

Graham Eagle

District Commissioner

 

District Scout Active Support Unit Report

Those who were concerned with the re-branding of the Scout Fellowship as Scout Active Support need not have worried – apart from the new name and new scarf nobody noticed the difference.

Looking back over the minutes of our meetings and my own diary I was gratified to see the range of activities supported by Active Support Members. Although some were more visible such as catering for the AGM and St Georges Day tea most of our support, like an iceberg, was hidden below the surface.

As usual we assisted at the Cubs District and County Field Gun Runs, Mini Ten Tors, Incident Hike and Mike Cannon Challenge and with the Beavers activity day. The District publicity stand was on show at Lord Mayors Day and Armed Forces Day on the Hoe. The latter really raised Scouting’s profile in the community, sited as we were adjacent to the saluting base. December saw us take the Peace Light to the Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Lord Mayors Carol Service where we assisted with lighting the candles and taking the collection. In October we provide support for the County’s Chief Scout’s Gold Award presentation held in Plymouth and in December ran activities at the Devon 103 event at Exeter.

We managed to squeeze in a couple of social events, a barbecue at Blindmans Wood and an enjoyable meal at the Foxhound, Brixton on the eve of our St George’s day celebration. We also entered a team in a General Knowledge quiz at Tamerton and came first, donating our prizes to a raffle at the Foxhound where that raised £50 for Shelterbox.

On an ongoing basis members have served on the District Executive and Appointments Advisory Committees, acted as instructors for water activities at Saltash Passage, served in the Scout Shop and assisted with the delivery and support of Adult Training others assisted as backstage staff at the Gang Show.

Those who make up the Management Group at Blindmans Wood deserve special mention for their latest project of improving access to the campsite. The new parking area at the top and the magnificent gates at the entrance give some indication of the hard work involved. Members have also provided support to various Scout Groups on an individual basis by assisting with the delivery of activities.

In conclusion my thanks to all those who have contributed in any way to the actives support of Scouting t group, District and County events and the delivery of any enjoyable and challenging programme for our young people.

Dave Corcoran

Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AWARDS

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service

Christopher Wardle SL 19^th Plymouth

Kath Bennett CSL 29^th Plymouth

Donna Griffiths SL 10^th St Budeaux

Queen’s Scout Award

Ross Drummond ASL 42^nd Plymouth

 

AWARDS (continued)

Chief Scout’s Awards

Bronze –

Matthew Cox – 1^st Keyham

Daniel Cox – 1^st Keyham

Corey Saunders – 1^st Keyham

Joseph Jagger – 1^st Keyham

Sophie Herring – 1^st Keyham

Jacob Bawden – 1^st Keyham

Jamie Burton – 3^rd St Budeaux

Joe Melmoth – 19^th Plymouth

Isaac Ash – 19^th Plymouth

Joseph Hayward – 29^th Plymouth

Lili Cornish – 29^th Plymouth

Cordelia Dawson – 1^st Keyham

William Hexter – 29^th Plymouth

Saul Higgins – 29^th Plymouth

Daniel Newman – 27^th Plymouth

Matthew Noble – 27^th Plymouth

Ben Newman – 27^th Plymouth

Megan Dibben – 27^th Plymouth

Finlay Knox – 27^th Plymouth
William Hicks – 27^th Plymouth

Joseph Scholes – 27^th Plymouth

Daniel Woodman – 27^th Plymouth

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silver –

Ben Crossland - 1^st Keyham

Jade Dawson – 1^st Keyham

Nathan Firth – 1^st Keyham

Isaac Pethic – 1^st Keyham

Sam Southard – 1^st Keyham

Sam Peck – 19^th Plymouth

Rebekah Marr – 19^th Plymouth

Georgie Pollard – 10^th St Budeaux

Morgan Sunsburg – 10^th St Budeaux

Emily Weeks – 10^th St Budeaux

Brandon Fosker – 33^rd Plymouth

Erica Ashton – 33^rd Plymouth

Ciaran Holloway – 19^th Plymouth

Natalya Davie – 19^th Plymouth

Adam Jury – 27^th Plymouth

Euan Cunningham – 27^th Plymouth

Thomas Allbutt – 47^th Plymouth

Denver Brennan – 47^th Plymouth

Ryan Culleton – 47^th Plymouth

Lewis Kempster – 47^th Plymouth

Byron Hall – 47^th Plymouth

Mark Jeffery – 47^th Plymouth

Tom Baldock – 47^th Plymouth

James Stoneman – 1^st Crownhill
Morgan Annis – 1^st Crownhill
Euan Leslie – 1^st Crownhill
Bethany Hembury – 1^st Crownhill
Mason Beck – 1^st Crownhill
Daniel Maddock – 1^st Crownhill