view 2013 e R l a u n n A
rate b le e c o t r A yea
...
Welcome to the 2013 Annual Review from Cumbria County Scout Council. A copy of the formal Annual Report of the Trustees of the Cumbria County Scout Council is available from the County Scout Office, Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, KENDAL, Cumbria LA9 4PU.
County Commissioner
3
Scouting in Cumbria
4
Beaver Scouts
5
Cub Scouts
6
Scouts
7
Explorer Scouts
8
International
9
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
9
Nepal
10/11
Training
12
Activities
12
Scouting Awards 2012/13
13
Cumbria County Scout Council
14
Summary of Accounts
15
County Executive Committee
16/17
Scouting Facilities in Cumbria
18
County Team Directory 2013/14
19
Already in 2013/14
20 2
Cumbria has once again grown the numbers of adults and young people involved in Scouting across the County, outstanding leadership, quality programme delivery, excellent publicity and huge numbers of supporters, ensure we continue to attract young people from 6 to 25, and adults, who want to be part of this great game called Scouting. The Profile of Scouting in Cumbria has been boosted this year by a Royal visit: The Duchess of Cambridge came to Great Tower Scout Centre to do some training and Cumbria provided Cub Scouts and Leaders to join in the fun. We also had a visit to Cumbaree13 by our Chief Scout Bear Grylls, who joined 1800 young people and 300 leaders in a fun activity day at the County Show Ground where we had wind, rain, hail and sun all in one great day. International expeditions this year have included Ireland, Malta, USA, France, Switzerland and 10 Explorer Scouts to Nepal. The Nepal Explorer Belt expedition was 18 months’ hard work for the young people who planned, organised and raised the funds to make sure the trip went without a hitch, and they succeeded (I wish I had been with them). I must thank Community Action Nepal and specifically Doug Scott for the support provided to this trip. Key events this year at home have been the conference in November when our UK National Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt joined 200 adults for a successful day at Coniston. The Youth Forum for Explorers and Network 14 to 25 age group, now called Youth Ink with young people from every District coming together to discuss topics they have brought from their Districts. The future for Cumbria Scouting is good; we have two development officers working in 5 Districts to strengthen the existing Groups and open new sections and Groups in areas where Scouting is missing. There is also a County Youth Forum for all sections, selection of leaders and participants for the 2015 World Jamboree in Japan, and over 3000 young people meeting every week across the County in Scouting events. As with all organisations we do have challenges; those include recruiting managers of Groups and Districts, ensuring we are safe in all we do without restricting the fun and adventure we all enjoy, and providing our volunteers with adequate training to carry out their roles professionally. Yes we are all volunteers but we have a duty of care to our young people and we must be professional in how we do our Scouting. Plans are in place to reduce these challenges; this will take time and effort but we will get there in the end with support from all. Finally I would like to thank all those involved in Scouting for another great year, especially my two deputies, the County Chairman, the Assistant County Commissioners and the District Commissioners for their support. Graham White – County Commissioner 3
ent
Movem g in w o r G A
Number of adult volunteers required to fulfil waiting list
Total Young People
Total Adults
Total
22
3400
695
4095
323
10
3304
671
3975
807
285
13
3090
631
3721
1149
848
268
2
3233
636
3869
877
1093
812
241
1
3024
598
3622
891
1097
797
230
1
3016
590
3606
Groups
Beaver Scouts
Cub Scouts
Scouts
Explorer Scout Scouts Network
2013
70
953
1175
931
319
2012
70
939
1171
861
2011
72
899
1086
2010
72
966
2009
66
2008
70
4
iends Fun and Fr Very nearly 1000 young people have the opportunity to be Beaver Scouts in Cumbria’s 70 Beaver Scout Colonies. This represents very nearly 10% of all 6 and 7 years olds in Cumbria. This is thanks to the efforts of the 135 adults who work with this age range. There is a great deal of opportunity for growth demonstrated by the number of communities across Cumbria where 50% of all 6 and 7 years olds are benefiting from Beaver Scouting. There is only one major obstacle to many more communities realising the opportunities – the need for even more support from these communities in the form of volunteers to be leaders. 2012 has provided rich pickings for the Beaver Scout programme as they celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with pageants, parties and parades. This was simply Beavers in training before they ran faster, jumped higher and dived deeper in preparation for Beaver marathons and medals throughout the County as the Olympics took hold of their enthusiasm.
5
enture v d A n a y Everyda The last year has been a quiet one for the County in respect of its Cub Scouts but very busy locally as Packs throughout the County have capitalised on the opportunities provided by the Diamond Jubilee and London 2012. The Assistant District Commissioners have continued to meet and lay plans for the future. A major achievement was the training event to showcase methods of representation and feedback from Cubs. This was successfully trialled by Kentdale District and it is hoped that ADCs and Leaders will use similar events across the County to shape planning. A Facebook page was set up for leaders and an email sent to all registered leaders to try and co-ordinate events for 2013. Trying to find a common narrative for most Packs is difficult with such a diverse county; the largest challenges being transport and capacity for events. I am confident though that these can be overcome and County based events will continue in 2013/14.
6
llenge a h C e h t g Embracin There are over 900 Scouts in Cumbria, 8% more in 2013 than there were in 2012 and 20% of them are girls! Clearly a programme of outdoor activities is striking the right note with 11 to 14 year olds as they camp, canoe, cycle, climb, cook, cave and come together for the annual Cumbria Frostbite Camp. The 2013 Frostbite Camp showed Cumbria Scouts to be as intrepid as ever. The camp started on a Friday that saw major roads across Cumbria closed due to heavy snow but still the Scouts arrived at Great Tower for a weekend of adventure. The first challenge was the very practical need to clear snow in order to pitch camp. From then on the snow provided opportunities for snowmen, igloos, sledging and rather more than the occasional snowball fight! In between fun in the snow the Scouts also took part in archery, crate stacking, the assault course and mountain biking. The Cumbrian weather took a further turn on the Saturday night with heavy rain and strong winds. Despite this the overall opinion of the Scouts was that the camp had been awesome and that they wanted to be the first to put their names down for 2014.
7
le
Peop g n u o Y r u o mpowering
E
Explorer Scouting continues to thrive in Cumbria with 26 units operating around the County. A variety of County wide events have taken place in the last year including the Dragnet competition, Re-energise County camp at Ennerdale plus the County presentation evening at Rheged. Trips and expeditions in the last year have included an Explorer Belt European Trip to several capital cities (Xenolith ESU, Ulverston), a unit trip to Co. Wicklow, Ireland (Cockermouth), and a DofE Gold Expedition in the Peak District (Harrington and Banklands/St Johns, both Workington). Eden District (Hoosiders ESU of Penrith with Loki ESU of Kirkby Stephen and Keswick ESU) held a 10 Years of Explorer Scouts Anniversary Camp at Watermillock. A joint DofE expedition was also held by Mavericks ESU (Gosforth) with Cockermouth ESU and Lyners ESU (Brampton and borders). The Re-energise camp with the biggest yet with 85 attendees from 14 units taking part in activities including ghyll scrambling, shooting, horse riding and mountain biking. Next year’s target is 100 people. Many other activities have taken place at Unit or District level including ski trips, cooking events, quiz nights, karting competitions, climbing evenings, night hikes and many more alongside first aid training, navigation activities and various sports and games. Finally, youthINK, the County Youth Forum, has Explorer Scout representatives involved from each of the seven Districts and this empowerment of Young People will help to continue driving the section (and others) forward. Many thanks to all who are involved as Leaders, Helpers, Commissioners, Administrators etc and congratulations to all Explorer Scouts who have taken part and the many who have achieved awards including Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, Queen’s Scout Award, Platinum and Diamond Awards plus of course, the Explorer Belt. Here’s to an excellent 2013/14.
Xenolith Explorers George Pamenter
Bart Wren
Max Carruthers 8
Malachy Buck
The events of 2012 possibly affected the number of trips abroad with only one or two groups taking on the challenge; the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics provided a more attractive prospect here at home. There were two significant changes in procedures: The Trips Abroad procedure has been revamped and a new pack is available for all those who are interested in taking their young people overseas. It now contains lots more information and all forms are available electronically. This is available from ACC International. A new system is shortly to be introduced which ensures that all Explorer Belt expeditions meet set standards, approval has to be gained from ACC International and Assessors will be appointed. Nepal The departure date for this expedition just allows it to be included in this year’s report and you can read about this very successful venture elsewhere in the County Review.
This year has seen a marked increase in Award completions (over 30%). In 2012/13 we approved 15 Bronze, 7 Silver and 7 Gold; most of the Gold have been converted into “Queen’s Scout Awards”. During the year we have moved onto the new eDofE system which is now run via the web; this has replaced the log books and my thanks to all Award leaders for making that transition. Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to grow and is becoming a useful addition in supporting Explorer and Network members to achieve the Chief Scout’s and Queen’s Scout Awards. BRONZE Catherine Willman Ellie Topping James Mossop Lucy Fleming Harry Wharam Jacob Woodward Matthew Kidd
SILVER Dominic Morris Matthew Farnswoth Richard Kidd Fiona Wilson Alexandra Colton Christian Ahart Henrietta Leslie
Ben Farnworth Corrie Renyard Clare Petrie Hannah Hartley Suzanne Morley Richard Gibbon Jennifer Dunn Lucy Mather 9
GOLD Aran Browning Danielle Butchart Emma Shakespeare Patricia Willman Emma Hall Benjamin Rothwell Samuel Ainsworth
In January 2012, 10 excited Explore Scouts were just meeting each oth for the first time, unaware of the fact that their next year and half would be hectic with preparation, fundraising, and organisation for their Explorer Belt: a unique opportunity in Scouti to visit a foreign country for 2 weeks; to embrace a unique culture; make a difference in th local communities by taking part in various areas of project work, as well as completing se eral challenges along the way!
..
ures. t n e v d A n Himalaya
“Hello, can I speak to the manager?” became a common feature of phone calls over these ket bag-packs, to cake sales, and gigs. Even Doug Scott, the Charity’s founder helped out w ing. The prospect of having to raise nearly £2,000 each seemed very daunting at first, but date!
The expedition itself started o of Kathmandu. After spendin even meeting some Nepalese in the Himalayas.
In Ghunsa, the group spent th with construction work at the meeting the amazing children as much as they possibly cou
The following 5 days were sp deaf children, another of Com definitely a great experience for all, with the co challenging heat and altitude!
One of the hardest parts of the trip for the whole team was seeing the levels of poverty th visited, especially the more remote villages on the trek, and none of them expected to be have the chance to work with such an amazing charity, and see the great work that they d
All in all, the trip was a great success being thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and our than ard Hirst, Geoff Price, and all the staff at Community Action Nepal!
Tom Usher 10
er her
ting he ev-
e next few months, with everyone pulling together to arrange everything from supermarwith the challenge by doing a thought-provoking talk on his experiences of mountaineerlittle by little, all these efforts pushed the team that bit closer to their March departure
on Thursday 28th March 2013 when they left on an early morning flight to the hectic city ng a couple of days exploring the city, learning more about the Nepalese culture, and e Scouts, the team set off on a treacherous jeep journey to the remote village of Ghunsa,
he next week working with a Cumbrian charity, Community Action Nepal, helping out e local school. The heat and difficult terrain made this all the more demanding, but n who go to school there and seeing how little else they had, made the team want to do ld to help them out.
pent trekking towards the small town of Bharabise, where the team visited a school for mmunity Action Nepal’s many projects across the country. The Himalayan trekking was olourful Nepalese landscape, and welcoming locals making it all the better: despite the
hat existed in so many of the places that they so affected by it. However, it was fantastic to do across Nepal trying to combat this poverty.
nks go to all those involved, particularly Rich-
11
Leader “Wood Badge” Training in Cumbria has always been delivered to a very high standard with participants describing it as both enjoyable and useful. Recent changes in the content of the training syllabus has prompted the training team to undertake a review of the residential courses provided. This will be completed this year. Developing a team of Local Training Managers who are delivering “Getting Started Training” locally is already ensuring that newcomers can access the first part of their training quickly and locally. The team is also keen to use the modular structure of training to develop alternative methods of training for those people who cannot attend weekend residential courses. The fun and informative residential courses will continue to run as usual.
The Activities Team is made up of a number of Leaders throughout the County who hold national governing body awards in hillwalking, climbing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, caving, archery and shooting. The team’s role is to provide training for and to assess the capabilities of Leaders to carry out adventurous activities. We also provide advice to Leaders on running adventurous activities. As well as being available for individual support the team put on four weekends a year, two for mountain activities and two for water activities, where Leaders can come away for the weekend and receive training in their chosen activity. The mountain activities are based in Langdale and the water activities on Bassenthwaite. Explorer Scouts (age range 14 – 18) are also invited on these weekends; it is hoped that this will encourage our Leaders of the future to get involved in these activities. Last winter the team also organised a weekend away for Leaders to learn and practise winter walking skills. This event was held in the Cairngorms, Scotland. As well as learning to use ice axe and crampons it gave the Leaders the opportunity to get away with like-minded people for their own Scouting adventure. 12
llence
Exce g in t a r b le Ce
We are pleased to report the following Scouting achievements during the year:
Winnie Poland
Bob Reader
Laurie Taylor
Brian Butterfield Keith King
David Farnworth Julia Sampson
Patricia Grisedale
Jan Cooper
Nicholas Coverdale
Eddie Ward
Tim Davis, Heather Leach, Patricia Mitchell, Sharon Parkin, Norman Tonkin Bill Mawdsley, John Seed Adrian Bell, Linda Bowden, Iain Clarke, Ged Pugh Carol Barry, Vanda Brown, Gavin Knott, Don McCutcheon, Ian McGuire, Keith McMillan, Rod Moore, Peter Sharpe, Ian Walton, Graham Worsnop Craig Anderson, Peter Brough, Marguerite Calvert, Steve Edmondson, Matthew Holliday, Wendy Horsley Steve Backhouse, Eric Duncan, Frances Edwards, Victoria Elliot, Ian Harrop, Phil Hopley, David Kennedy, Richard Palmer, Robin Pratley Claire Backhouse, Sue Burnett, Ian Cameron, Tim Davis, Deborah Dickinson, Rebecca Gibson, Mike Greene, Mandy Hitch, Robin Jackson, Christine Jones, Kathryn Ketchen, Heather Leach, Alan McBirnie, Rachel Prickett, David Proudfoot, Gillian Sharpe, Joanne Short, Kenneth Simpson, George Tsintas, David Walker, Andrew Woollard Lisa Benson, Geoffrey Bland, Kenny Boom, Anna Brocklebank, Liam Byrne, Michelle Carruthers, Nicky Chapman, Rachel Clemance, Aidan Coxon, Bob Crabb, Isobel Dent, Marion Dixon, Anna Dutson, Neal Fisher, Sean Fletcher, James Gray, Stuart Hall, Stephen Hartley, Diane Hill, Paul Hill, Gillian Hodgson, Shaun Humphreys, Nicola Hurst, Iain Kerr, Michelle Kirkpatrick, Samuel Marsden, Stephen Perie, Mike Rackham, Richard Robinson, David Sumner, David Warwick, Stacey Warwick, Stephen Wilson 13
Sir James Cropper KCVO – Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant in Cumbria (to 22 December 2012) Robin Attwood Joe Harris Roy McNamara Dennis Stanswood
Canon David Dixon Lord Hothfield Joe Rawlings OBE Ron Turner
Trustees Bill Arnott (Chair of the Facilities sub-Committee) John Bevan (Eden District) Jeff Carson (Reivers District) Alan Clark (Workington District) Jan Cooper (Solway/Derwent District) Marion Dixon (County Secretary) Alan Harryman (Chair of the Development sub-Committee) David Hughes (South West Lakes District) Tim Keegan (Kentdale District) Tim Leader (County Chairman) John Over (County Treasurer) Colin Partington MBE John Seed (County Network Commissioner) John Sharpe (Barrow District) until September 2012 David Tyson (Western Lakes District) Peter Watson (Vice Chairman) Graham White (County Commissioner)
Chris Harris JP TD (North West Regional Commissioner) Charity Registration No: 520617 Scout Association Registration No: 00112 County Administrator: Marion Dixon County Scout Office: Stricklandgate House, 92 Stricklandgate, KENDAL LA9 4PU 0845 094 6059 Bankers: HSBC Bank Plc, 64 Highgate, KENDAL LA9 4TQ Solicitors: Burnetts, 6 Victoria Place, CARLISLE CA1 1ES Independent Examiner: Helen Holmes FCA, Stables, Thompson and Briscoe, Lowther House, 34 Lowther Street, KENDAL LA9 4DX
14
ent
ovem M d n u o S A
Total expenditure is ÂŁ20,722 more than total income primarily due to the planned investment in development projects and initiatives which will continue for the next two years to further strengthen and improve Scouting in the County. INCOMING RESOURCES
2011/12
2012/13
Membership Subscriptions
9,921
10,665
Grants and Donations
56,919
30,951
Facilities
30,307
32,689
County Activities
15,437
8,876
Other Income (mainly Jamboree/International Events)
11,177
29,513
Total
123,761
112,694
RESOURCES EXPENDED &
2011/12
2012/13
CAPITAL INVESTED Governance & Administration
19,445
20,682
Development
35,405
33,099
Facilities
29,898
29,285
County Activities
21,373
18,382
Other (mainly Jamboree/International Events)
4,621
30,594
Capital Projects
13,721
1,374
Total
124,463
133,416
2012
2013
Fixed Assets
474,015
472,001
Other Restricted Funds
15,364
3,698
Other Designated Funds
150,067
131,310
Other Unrestricted Funds
55,150
68,239
694,596
675,248
TOTAL ASSETS
15
Aims d n a t x e t n Co We set out to: Support two new Scout Development Projects Both the South Cumbria Scout Development Project and the West Coast Scout Development Project are up and running. Whilst Cumbria County Scout Council had acted as the employer of the Development Officer in the Eden/Reivers Scout Development Project we have taken a different approach with our two new projects. The Development Officers are employed by the Scout Association and whilst dedicated to our Cumbria projects they are fully integrated into the Regional Development Service. This brings a great deal of experience and professional support to our projects. It also ensures that our work is fully co-ordinated with the Scout Association’s Development Grants Board who are major funders to the projects. The West Coast Scout Development Project kicked off in September and has already had some major success, most notably the overwhelming response to an open evening in Egremont. The Project Management Team has a well-researched development plan and their work was received very positively at their first review with the team from the Development Grants Board. The South Cumbria Scout Development Project started in earnest in January and have already achieved significant success with both an additional Beaver Scout Colony and a Cub Scout Pack in Ulverston. The Project Management Team have a busy programme of work planned including a focus on existing Groups with large lists of young people waiting to join. We are grateful for the support of: Development Grants Board of The Scout Association Frieda Scott Trust Hadfield Trust
We set out to: Prepare succession plans for key County posts. The small working group set up to oversee this task very quickly realised that they first needed to reflect on how we managed Cumbria Scouting so that they could be sure of the posts that we would need to fill in the future. The Executive Committee received their report in May 2013. Many of the recommendations will direct our work in the year ahead. 16
In particular:
Create a checklist for good governance to be used by Executive Committees at all levels in the County. Changes to our constitution to ensure that the emerging youth forums are the basis for young people’s representation in our structures. Ensuring that developing Scouting is seen as a core part of what we all do.
We set out to: Work to ensure that we meet the conservation and drainage challenges at Ennerdale. The Ennerdale Team have worked hard to ensure that we are a good friend of their environment and in particular the mussels in the River Ehen. We are not the only organisations involved and the team have worked extremely hard with all the others involved. Our good relationship has meant that we have secured some additional camping space to compensate for that left fallow in deference to the mussels. The very wet year has meant that we have not resolved the challenges to comply with recent legislation concerning the registration of septic tank drainage but we still have time available. The Ennerdale Team have continued to ensure that the facility is kept fresh, this year with redecoration of the centre, and, as always, they have plenty of ideas for the future. A 23% increase in income significantly supported by greater use demonstrates that they are clearly getting it right in the eyes of users. We are grateful to: The National Trust and all the volunteers who do so many different jobs at our sites for their support.
The County’s finances are sound with sums reserved for all our major commitments. Total expenditure was £20,722 more than total income primarily due to the planned investment in development projects and initiatives which will continue for the next two years to further strengthen and improve Scouting in the County. We are grateful for the support of Cumbria County Council.
In 2013/14 the County Executive will: Support the work of youthINK, the County Youth Forum and establish youth forums in Districts Review Adult Training and plan to make training more accessible Select Leaders and young people to attend the 23rd World Scout Jamboree to be held in Japan during 2015 Tim Leader – County Chairman 17
- NY 272 195 Ashness, Keswick. A hut that sleeps 12 and fellside campsite. Website: www.feeling-free.co.uk Contact: Mrs Gill Reader Tel: 017687 72073 Email: bobandgill44@btinternet.com - NY 047 253 Branthwaite Road, Workington. 1.5 acres of camping field and 1.5 acres of woodland. HQ consisting of showers, toilet and kitchen. Website: www.branthwaitescoutcamp.co.uk Contact: Mervyn Cowling Tel: 01900 65361 Email: melbreak@aol.com - NY 088 155 Ennerdale Bridge, Cleator Moor. A woodland campsite on the banks of the River Ehen. Indoor accommodation is available in the form of the Chalet which sleeps 36 and Bothy which sleeps 12. Website: www.ennerdale.cumbriascouts.org.uk Contact: Janet Arnott Tel: 01946 861518 Email: warnott010@btinternet.com - SD 395 912 Birks Road, Newby Bridge, Windermere. Set in 250 acres of woodland, Great Tower has extensive camping areas and also offers 4 accommodation lodges for group sizes of 16 to 36. Website: www.scouts.org.uk/sac/scout_main.php?pageid=3168 Contact: Victoria Nelson Tel: 015395 31279 Email: greattower.sac@scouts.org.uk - NY 374 041 off Rothay Road, Ambleside. The Ambleside Group Headquarters is close to the town centre and can sleep 25 with modern kitchen, shower and toilets. An ideal base for all activities in the Lakes. Contact: Richard Hirst Tel: 0845 601 2977 Email: kdsc@hotmail.co.uk - NY 354 022 Rattlingate Lane, Nr Kirkandrews -on-Eden, Carlisle. A 4 acre field with 20 acres of woodland. The Centre building sleeps 32 in 6 rooms. Website: www.ratlingate.co.uk Contact: Peter Hughes Tel: 0845 643 0161 Email: camping@ratlingate.co.uk - SD 376 786 The Scout Base, Cartmel Park, Cartmel. Simple indoor accommodation for groups of up to 40. It is set in a secluded position on the edge of Cartmel village and immediately surrounded by parkland and woods. Contact: Tim Leader Tel: 015395 33270 Email: bookingsslsb@gmail.com - SD 272 753 Flat Woods, Wient Lane, Great Urswick, Ulverston. 7.25 acres of wooded limestone, camping for up to 100. Indoor accommodation available for smaller numbers. Contact: Peter Sharpe Tel: 01229 826511 Email: petbarsharpe@tiscali.co.uk 18
Graham White
grahamdwhite@gmail.com
Julia Samson Richard Hirst
juliasamson@hotmail.co.uk skiphirst@hotmail.com
Tim Leader
timleader@ktdbroadband.com
Marion Dixon
cumbriascouts@stricklandgate-house.org.uk
John Over
johnover912@aol.com
Marion Dixon
cumbriascouts@stricklandgate-house.org.uk
Phil Hopley
phil.hopley@tesco.net
Vacant David Hodgkiss
david.hodgkiss@btinternet.com
John Sharpe
trapperjohn21@tiscali.co.uk
Steve Dawson
s.j.dawson@hotmail.co.uk
John Seed
jseedgt@ignetics.co.uk
Richard Hirst
skiphirst@hotmail.com
Alan McBirnie
alan.mcb@hotmail.co.uk
Eddie Ward
media@cumbriascouts.org.uk 19
Already in 2013/14 we have welcomed the Chief Scout to Cumbria. Over 1800 young people attended Cumbaree and to quote one of the District Commissioners; “Despite the driving rain every one of them believed that Bear Grylls waved at them personally as he got out of the helicopter!�
20