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2021-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2021 Scouts Greater Manchester West

Welcome

I took over from Haydn as County Chair at the County AGM in October 2020 so this has given me just over six months in the role up to the date of this report. Due to a change of circumstances I am unable to continue and it is with a heavy heart that I have decided to step down.

I am, however, extremely pleased to present to you the Annual Review and Report for Greater Manchester West Scout County from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021.

As can be seen throughout the pages of the Report although the pandemic curtailed Scouting initially, with the ingenuity, foresight and hard work of many, Scouting has continued whether virtually, or face-to-face compliant with the many restrictions imposed, and much work has been going on in the background.

Thanks to all those who have kept the momentum of Scouting moving forward and to those busy behind the scenes. You have all done a remarkably good job in very difficult circumstances and your efforts are to be commended.

Daniele Wiseman County Chair

Silver Wolf Award Holders

Mrs Jacqui Aspinall MBE Mr Kenneth Ince
Mr Stanley Atkins Mrs Sheila Ince
Mr John Bilsborough Mrs Eileen Johnson
Mr David Copeland Mr Keith Lang
Mrs Pamela Copeland Mr David Maltby
Mrs Sylvia Cornish Mr Martin Maynard
Mrs Vera Crossley JP Mr Brian Mouat
Mr Hugh Davies Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP
Mrs Iris Emery Mrs Ann Salt
Mr Derek Freeman Mr George Sharp
Mrs Christine Gleaves Dr Geoff Sides PhD FICE
Mr Peter Hart Mrs Judith Summersgill
Mrs Pat Haynes Mr Alex Waddington
Mr Bob Haynes Mr Haydn Worrall

Our County Team

Our County Team
County President Sir Warren Smith KCVO KStJ JP LLD DLitt
Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester
Vice Presidents Dr Geoff Sides PhD FICE
Mrs Vera Crossley JP
Colonel Sir John Timmins KCVO OBE KStJ TD DL DSc LLD
Regional Commissioner Mrs Nisbah Hussain
County Commissioner Mr Andy Farrell
Deputy County Commissioners Mr Greg Archer (Adult Support)
Mr Jacob Bond (Programme)
County Youth Commissioner Mr Lewis Foster
Deputy Youth Commissioners Mr Matt Dawson
Miss Amelie Wiseman
Assistant Youth Commissioners Mr James Turner
Mr Troy Wood
County Chair Mrs Daniele Wiseman
County Secretary Mrs Jean Archer
County Treasurer Mr Roger Kettle
County Appointments Secretary Mrs Lyndsay Pollard
Asst. County Appts Secretary Mrs Jacqui Aspinall MBE
County Appts Advisory Committee Mr Graham Barrick (Chair), Mr Peter Marsh,
Mr Greg Archer, Mr Lewis Foster, Mr Andy Atherall,
Mrs Penny Rothwell Mason
County Training Manager Mrs Gemma Higson
Assistant County Commissioners Mr Tom Dutton (Beaver Scouts)
Mr Dave Finch (Cub Scouts)
Mr Bob Wilson (Scouts)
Mr David Kerrs (Explorer Scouts)
Mr Oliver Horne (Scout Network)
Mr Chris Starkie (Activities)
County Campsite Managers Mr Chris Hayes and Mr Martin Shaw (Bispham Hall)
Mr David Hughes (Dunham Park)
Mr Ste Butterworth and Mr Mike Dunn (Hollinwood)

Our County Team

Advisers / Coordinators / Managers

Communications Manager To be advised Media Development Coordinator Miss Amy Tomkins Newsletter Coordinator Mrs Michele Millington Social Media Coordinator Mrs Hayley Mullen Miss Hannah Wintle Duke of Edinburgh Award Adviser To be advised Bands Adviser To be advised Gang Show Adviser Miss Sarah Goodstadt Queen's Scout Award Coordinator Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP Safeguarding Awareness Coord. Mr Greg Archer Safety Coordinator Mr Mike Barrett Supporter of the NA Permit Scheme Mr Keith Morris Scout Active Support Managers Mr Nick Anderson (Goodwood) (not included elsewhere) Miss Susan Leonard (Hollinwood) Mr Phil Rigby (Hollinwood)

Assessors

Climbing Mr Andrew Bradley Hill Walking Mr Jim Akrill Mr David Smith Climbing Mr Neil Gregory

County Administrator

Mrs Sue Ralph

District Commissioners

Mr Kenneth Williams (Altrincham) Mr Craig McKee (Ellesmere) Mr Steve Ralph MBE JP (Lilford) Mr Ryan Swailes (Lowry) Mr Andy Atherall (Sale) Mr Matt Osborne (Stretford) Mr Chris Knowles (Urmston) Mr Jeff Picton (Wigan)

Local Training Managers

Mr Anthony Roberts (Altrincham) Mrs Heather Richardson (Ellesmere) Mrs Jane Riley (Lilford) Mr Justin McDonnell (Lowry) Mrs Christine Gleaves (Sale) Mr Anwar Halab (Stretford) To be advised (Urmston) To be advised (Wigan)

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of Greater Manchester West County Scout Council held on Thursday 8th October 2020 at 7pm, online via Zoom

Present -

Sir Warren Smith KCVO, KStJ, JP, LLD, Dlitt, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, and County President Mr Andrew Farrell, County Commissioner Mr Haydn Worrall, County Chair, Silver Wolf Holder Mr Roger Kettle, County Treasurer Mr Jacob Bond, Deputy County Commissioner Programme Mrs Daniele Wiseman, Deputy County Commissioner Development Mr Greg Archer, Deputy County Commissioner Adult Support Mr Graham Barrick, County Appointments Chair, District Chair Urmston Mr Tom Dutton, Assistant County Commissioner Beaver Scouts Mr David Kerrs, Assistant County Commissioner Explorer Scouts Mr Ken Williams, District Commissioner Altrincham Miss Sue Leonard, District Commissioner Ellesmere Mr Steve Ralph, MBE JP, Queen’s Scout Co-ordinator, District Commissioner Lilford Mr Ryan Swailes, District Commissioner Lowry Mr Andrew Atherall, District Commissioner Sale Mr Matt Osborne, Acting District Commissioner Stretford Mr Chris Knowles, District Commissioner Urmston Mr Jeff Picton, District Commissioner Wigan Mr Phil Rigby, District Chair Ellesmere, County Scout Active Support Manager Hollinwood Mr David Copeland, District Chair Lilford, Silver Wolf Holder Councillor Paul Wilson, District Chair Lowry Mr Ged Davies, District Chair Wigan Mrs Iris Emery, County Executive, District Secretary Altrincham Mrs Deborah Forrest, District Secretary Ellesmere, County Executive Mrs Tina Winterbottom, County Executive, County Scout Council member Mrs Pamela Copeland, District Secretary Lilford, Silver Wolf Holder Miss Amy Atherall, District Secretary Sale Mr Mike Harding, District Treasurer Sale, County Scout Council member Mrs Joan Smith, District Treasurer Wigan Mrs Margaret Davies, County Scout Council member Mr Anthony Roberts, Local Training Manager Altrincham Dr Anwar Halab, Local Training Manager Stretford Miss Yasmin Lee, District Youth Commissioner Sale Mr Solomon Cuthbertson, District Youth Commissioner Stretford Mr Ian McGeough, District Chair Sale Mr Chris Varley, F.C.A. Cedar Solutions (Management) Ltd - Account Examiners Mrs Lucy Nattrass, County Executive Mr John Paul Yates, County Training Advisor

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

Mr Martin Shaw, Campsite Manager Bispham Hall Scout Estate Mr Ste Butterworth, Campsite Manager Hollinwood Scout Camp Mr Andy Connellan, County Nights Away Advisor, County Training Advisor Mr Richard Gould, District Youth Commissioner Altrincham Mrs Sue Ralph, County Administrator (Minutes) + person logged in as Ipad 73

Apologies-

Col Sir John Timmins KCVO, OBE, KStJ, TD, DL, DSc, LLD, County Vice President Mrs Vera Crossley JP, County Vice President, Silver Wolf Holder Dr Geoff Sides PhD, FICE, County Vice President, Silver Wolf Holder Mr David Maltby, District Chair Stretford, Silver Wolf Holder Mrs Freda Clarke, County Scout Council member, Altrincham Mr Derek Batchen, Hollinwood Scout Active Support Mr David Hughes, Campsite Manager Dunham Park Scout Camp Mr Justin McDonnell, Local Training Manager, Lowry Mr Chris Starkie, ACC Activities, Manager of the Permit Scheme Mr Lewis Foster, County Youth Commissioner Mrs Chris Gleaves, Local Training Manager Sale, Silver Wolf Holder Miss Rachel Picton, District Secretary Wigan Mr Oliver Horne, Assistant County Commissioner Network Mrs Eileen Johnson, Scout Active Support Manager Ellesmere, Silver Wolf Holder

Point to note: Seconders* had confirmed in advance of the online meeting that they were happy to second the respective items on the Agenda. Where the meeting was asked if in favour, results would be gathered via an electronic poll function within Zoom.

The County President welcomed everyone, remarking on how strange it was to be holding an online AGM and not meeting old friends in person.

The County President proposed acceptance of the minutes Seconded by Greg Archer* All in favour

Haydn was pleased to present this year’s Annual Report. He thanked Jacob and all those involved in compiling the report and everyone who had contributed. An important document, a review of our achievements over twelve months, ending

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

April 2020; highlighting the great things done with our young people, something to be very proud of. He commended the report and asked everyone to read it and pass it on to friends and family.

Haydn concluded on a personal note announcing that he is to step down as County Chair as he is moving to France. Although embarking on an exciting new adventure he was sad to leave GMW Scouts and all his friends. His most memorable time being when he worked alongside the young people.He thanked everyone for their friendship and wished everyone the very best in the future.

Roger pointed out that the accounts had been circulated within the Annual Report. The figures shown for Dunham Park and Hollinwood Scout Camp had been agreed at their respective AGM’s and Hollinwood accounts were split between the day to day running of the site and projects.

The International account, shown as restricted funds, are only a handling/holding account for those going on expeditions; the only monies presently held are for the European Jamboree which was postponed earlier in the year. It was Roger’s understanding that GMW would not now be attending and an insurance claim was in hand. He reminded everyone that the International account is available for any future County expeditions.

The County President thanked Roger and said if anyone had any questions these could be raised by contacting Roger after the meeting. None were raised.

All in favour

The County Commissioner thanked Haydn for his time as County Chair and wished him well in his new venture in France.

The County Commissioner then announced his nomination for County Chair as Daniele Wiseman, thanking her for all she had done as Deputy County Commissioner, in particular her work with the Patrons Scheme and development of the County as a whole. He felt confident Daniele would excel in this new role.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

All those who responded - in favour

Daniele then said a few words outlining her vision for GMW.

09/20: Announcement of the County Levy

The County Treasurer announced that HQ had not yet released the membership fees for 2021. He was, however, pleased to announce that the County Executive had agreed not to add the usual 25 pence increase but to freeze the County Levy at £9.50 for each young person under the age of 18 years of age.

The District Treasurers were thanked for ensuring the funds are received each year on time.

The County Commissioner then thanked the Executive Committee for taking into consideration the difficult times we find ourselves in. He also took the opportunity to thank the District Commissioners and their Executive Committees for their continued support.

The County Commissioner announced that we currently have a vacancy for County Secretary which will be advertised shortly. He gave massive thanks to Ann Lam for her time given in this role.

The County Commissioner pointed out that Roger had put an enormous amount of time and effort into his work as County Treasurer and was sincere in saying that he could not put the County’s funds in better hands.

The County President confirmed with Roger that he was happy to continue and then personally thanked him for all his work.

Seconded by Graham Barrick* All in favour

[ Therefore they remain as follows:Salford Metro:- Mrs Deborah Forrest

Trafford Metro: Mrs Lucy Nattrass (South) Mrs Tina Winterbottom (North) Wigan Metro: Mrs Laura Pridding ]

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

13/20: Announcement of the County Commissioner’s nominations to the County Executive Committee, as follows:-

Mr David Copeland and Mrs Iris Emery

[ Therefore they remain as follows:Altrincham: Mrs Freda Clarke Ellesmere: To be advised Lilford: Mrs Laura Pridding Lowry: To be advised Sale: Mr Mike Harding Stretford: To be advised Urmston: Mrs Tina Winterbottom Wigan: Mrs Margaret Davies ]

15/20: Appointment to the Committee of The Association

The County Commissioner proposed his representative for adult and youth member –

Lewis Foster

Seconded by Steve Ralph*

16/20: Appointment of Account Examiners

The County Treasurer proposed that Chris Varley from Cedar Solutions continue as Examiner/Auditor.

Seconded by Ken Williams* All those who responded - in favour

17/20: Address by County Commissioner

The County Commissioner said that the Annual Report spoke for itself and showed the amount of fantastic work undertaken. He felt it relevant to mention the unprecedented times that we are living in due to Covid and found it remarkable how many groups switched to holding online meetings, coming up with innovative ideas, online programmes, badgework, games and social media posts etc. On behalf of himself, the Senior Leadership Team and the Executive Committee, gave sincere thanks for all that was being done.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020

Reflecting on his recent absence he thanked everyone for the kind messages, cards and flowers he had received.The support given to him at a very difficult time was really appreciated and he thanked his team for all they did in his absence.

18/20: Final Address by County President

Sir Warren remembered the passing of Michael Oglesby, our County Vice President. He spoke about his life, his involvement in the Scouts and contribution to the wider community. A remarkable man who will be sadly missed.

On a personal basis he gave sincere thanks to Haydn, hoping his new adventure would be a happy one. On behalf of everyone, said the hours given, his efforts, imagination and passion for Scouting were genuinely appreciated.

Challenging times raise opportunities, and in some respects use of the internet, social media and technology had made life easier to communicate, without the need to travel. The biggest worry is not knowing what long term affect these challenging times will have on the young people and stressed the need to prepare for when lockdown is over, reminding us of the saying “Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail”. He hoped there would be an opportunity to recruit more people into the Scouting Movement as young people who are not Scouts are hearing of the amazing work being done online and will want to join.

In conclusion Sir Warren thanked everyone for attending and for their commitment to Scouting. An enormous amount to be proud of, the remarkable work done and setting standards that will stand the young people in good stead for the rest of their lives.

As Her Majesty’s representative in Greater Manchester, and on her behalf, he thanked each and every one for the phenomenal contribution made.

Formal business concluded.

Re Item 12/20: Lilford District Scout Council held their AGM on 2.11.2020. Their elected member for Wigan Metro on the County Executive Committee is now Sophie Rothwell Mason.

Re Item 14/20 : Lilford’s elected member on the County Scout Council is now Sophie Rothwell Mason.

County Accounts 2020-21 Scouts GRÉATER MANCHESTER WEST ¢OUlfrY scoirr couTr •port & A¢￿￿￿19 for th• •nd•d 31 IA•r¢h 2021 vr% PRESYENIS s Vw• Cts1￿￿ KCVO, QgE. W. TO. OL. LLD TIKISTEE8: Mr W4yrnI Cwntych Po 8.1020201 nty (11¢4h s.10.2020) 8 10.20x1 C•JNty s• ltrorn ￿.11.202￿? Mr¥ kn Larn Mr Pow K• l• Dthf4h Fw•M . S•¥wd 14Btr l• L4wA PrxJNJ. W¥awb Mewo 2.11.71MI EXAMINEFIB C+rn V•. F.CA. WA14 SET FIEGISTFWTf4 Mrn Jfran C&ir i(r2 s L WEB PAGE MW4C&*STEA OPZ 0111 M56

County Accounts 2020-21 GAeATEA MhCIESYEFI WEST CAXW4TY SCCW COUNC Trn•t••• AMu•l R•port lor th• y•w 31 M•fch 2021 P&lGE 2 IIAIOR ACTivmE3 ACHIEVEMEIITS W THE YEAR TN8 ￿0>￿t 15 l)••n Led tyJ•t)ye• 2019 ¥•J 2019, li currknly th• ftYJr ¢w Eur(w 2Q21. My Itwths Lg Bwr•tt l&J¢rl lty I Ihwal￿O, al loi*sh3nai•d iur¥J8. 11 F•0• ts. lo th• CrA￿ty 4rK1

County Accounts 2020-21 ¢3RÉAYEFI IAIN&IESTEA WEST COUP4TY SC(YJT CCrtIL 31 •Awch 2021 PACE J 2￿).21 ¥J19.20 Tow lty It• I•w p•9• 41 18.379 iQ12C• 288.451 40.186 96.1 342,226 N•1 r•W ftyih• )w. Sm2 17&TIS) 1SS,724 170,J4J 244.120 175,)67 NOTE 21QO. 21 2019.20 Tdal Furth Fur AD•AINISTHATIIJy 11 In ha￿1> 17375 17,J75 io,fyx) io,(•Jo R•strba•d 27218 4S461 Prw¢i Lo•n 14.474 14.474 cAw> srrES 12. 17.072 19. 27.124

County Accounts 2020-21 Il•• Igr th• y•v J1 a•21 PAQS4 192.818 144.66e 192.881 144,¢6e 192mB 205.Q6S 144.el6 157A35 472JO L•w ty kniw•# 701 16 11.161 19 i• 147P7 2•a7• it2.42S 14.770 42.10 2•.947 SUWRY AEfxw>TS 1.935 10T￿ YeAA 1tr130• IW61

County Accounts 2020-21 PAOE S .21 HLWXJ c￿T$ A•¥1 41 1.102 4th7 ?Ji• 3XY 2J •.402 107 19 25Y IT. 571 618 115 1.420 3.412 3.(K? 3m9 7A77 47 7.677 47 7*TI 47 •7• 77$ 4.027 413• X17fy 10.s24 5411¢ .712 7M7 40,1 40.1 19.851 C•Mi• 2.168 2,303 i•1. 724 11A10 7.740

County Accounts 2020-21 QAÉATEA WEST C¢JJNTY SCCIJT COUNC Sl•t•n*rt ol AM•1• & Ll•bllltl•# •t 31 l••¢h 2021 PAGÉ I 2020- 21

)19. 20 TV¥ M(hYETARY ASs￿s CMIL sby4&T 19,692 38,8S1 114.8TI 14,62¢ A¢tyAwI•I ICAF Gohj 129.LYJ9 2.813 21 132.8T2 129.039 2,813 176,$72 OTHER &￿ErARy ASSETS io.oc io,o)o 10.(Y)O 10,(IJO 10,( 10,131 INVESTMENT ASSETS PKI.NJNETAAY ASSETS U••I TOTAL ASSErn 142*72 1•4572 CUE WITHIN (INE YEAR 1,579 2. 154 2.179 1154 14J3J io,ooo 10.000 3.505 15.053 PAYABLE AFTER YEAR TOTAL LIA8Lm in3 10.IX#) 14J3J 1Sm3 17 CthWINGENCIES & FUTURE OBUGAT 17.058 17.375 34A33 17,375 17A75 17,375 17J75

County Accounts 2020-21

Roger Kettle County Treasurer

Awards

Queen's Scout Award

Diana Gibbons (Altrincham) Eve Smith (Altrincham) Troy Wood (Altrincham)

Silver Wolf

Iris Emery Steve Ralph Martin Maynard Stanley Atkins

Kenneth Ince Sheia Ince

Silver Acorn

Marjorie Marsden

Bar to the Award for Merit

County Bill Outhwaite

Wigan Sheila Finch

Award for Merit

County Wendy Crookall

Urmston

Paul Richardson Michele Millington Susan Owen Alison Wilson Ian Yarwood

County Commissioner's Report

The phrase “Be Prepared” is surely only to be used ironically reflecting on the last 12 months given that nobody could have predicted or planned for a Global pandemic. We have experienced possibly the worst series of events in our lifetime – social distancing, lockdown, not being able to see our friends and family, and losing loved ones.

Being together, travelling to new places and sharing experiences is part of who we are as Scouts, yet all of that was taken away. Despite that, and in a time where it would be easy to walk away, Scouts stayed strong, adapted and adopted new methods to ensure that young people were still able to continue their Scouting journey.

I have the upmost respect for all our volunteers, whether key workers or those working and educating from home, who found the time to create such engaging and interactive programmes online; for whom some was a completely new and challenging experience.

I commend and salute the District Commissioners who have managed mountains of risk assessments and associated red tape whilst managing their own lives and families. I am grateful to our Executive Committee and trustees, who in a very short space of time authorised an overhaul of our annual budget so that we could help groups with PPE, Online Scout Manager, a freeze on capitation and creating a remote County Office.

As we come out the other side of the pandemic, I am hopeful that as a County we will recover from the drop in membership and that we will be able to support groups with adult and young people recruitment, as well as bring our training statistics back up to where they need to be. Our programme requires and encourages us to be outdoors (it’s what we do) and we will see those events which were cancelled making a bigger and better return.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the Senior Leadership Team in Greg, Jacob, Daniele and Lewis and Sue our Administrator. Adult Support, Programme and Comms have never been so important than this past year. Every update, every question and every query have been expertly dealt with by these wonderful people. They have been a genuine support both to the County and to me personally – thank you.

Andy Farrell County Commissioner

Youth Commissioner

Despite the pandemic, Scouting has seen a good revival in the past few months and I am confident the youth shaped aspect of the County has been ever present as meetings and programmes have been incorporated with what returning and new young people are interested in.

There has not been much opportunity for the Youth Commissioner Team in the last year but nevertheless we look forward to seeing the new YouShape award finally making its mark amongst the permanent programme in the upcoming months. Young people will hopefully be able to strive for and achieve this within the amazing programmes offered by yourselves.

On a personal note, as the outgoing County Youth Commissioner, I want to thank all the support and help along the journey myself and my team have had in the past few years; being the first role holders of these roles in the County. We certainly wish the new team and CYC all the best when they are recruited and are happy that if they even receive half the support and help we have had they are in good hands.

The passing of the baton has been a bit delayed, but I certainly feel the revival of Scouting after the pandemic feels like a fresh start and hopefully we will still be able to see familiar faces in Scouting at events going forwards in whatever capacity that may be.

Finally, It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be the County Youth Commissioner and Trustee for the County.

Lewis Foster Youth Commissioner

Programme and Communications

Programme

This year has been challenging as leaders and young people came to grips with programme delivery virtually using Zoom and by providing activities for young people to complete at home, some groups were lucky enough to return face-to-face briefly in the Autumn.

Back in summer 2020, it looked like the pandemic was here more long term than initially expected. The Programme team worked together to create the virtual ‘At Home’ challenge badges. This set of badges for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts gave young people the opportunity to complete the requirements of their challenge badges that were achievable at home, in the garden and in their local community (without breaking lockdown rules). The main aim of the badges was to encourage young people to move away from their computer screens and work towards their Chief Scout Awards in preparation for the eventual return of face-to-face programme delivery with their peers and leaders.

In March 2021, the Programme team led on the delivery of our first Virtual Camp. Our aim was to re-engage young people ahead of the expected return of face-to-face activities in April 2021 once the first stage of lockdown restrictions was scheduled to ease after the return of young people to schools and colleges. Each section put together a fun and enjoyable programme of activities working towards a range of activity badges. Throughout the weekend we had a number of live activities delivered by our Programme Team including den building, wellbeing activities and baking. There were a number of informative Q&A sessions on Adult Training, International, and returning to face-to-face Scouting together with our Youth Commissioner. We had a number of activities from Scoutadelic, a campfire delivered by Syston Scouts and a disco on the Saturday evening with the team from Scout Radio.

Since the end of this reporting year, we have seen groups return to face-to-face activities outdoors initially, moving indoors in May and since mid-July a small number of groups have returned to residential activities, including lateral flow tests and bubbles.

We had great things planned for 2020 and 2021, including a joint camp for Beavers and Cubs, changes to the format of the BST Adventure and Cub Mudder, the relaunch of our Top Awards for Scouts and Explorers, a Network reboot across the County and supporting districts with delivering the Young Leaders Scheme. These will remain our top priorities for Programme in 2021-22, alongside the recovery from the pandemic and support groups return to face-to-face and residential activities.

Communications

In late 2019, the responsibility for internal and external communication transferred into my role from our DCC Development. During the early stages of the pandemic we recruited a communications team to support me with the delivery of our member communications and public relations.

Programme and Communications

We have dedicated volunteers leading on social media, broadcast media, digital content and our newsletter, with further appointments later in 2021 for a Communications Manager to support me with the County-wide communications strategy and oversee the operational delivery of our communications plan.

We are also looking for a volunteer to work as part of the team leading on our website and other online digital platforms. Outside of these roles, we are always looking for more volunteers whether you’re a story maker or a photo taker, video editor or graphic creator – please get in touch if you are interested in joining our team.

Throughout the past year we have seen a huge increase in engagement with member communications and on our social media platforms. We have seen an increase in stories about Scouting in Greater Manchester West in printed and online news, and we’ve even had a number of opportunities to talk about Scouting on local radio stations. There is still a long way to go with Communications in Greater Manchester West, and our team have already worked exceptionally hard to improve our communication with members and the wider public.

If you have a story you would like to share with our Communications Team for our County newsletter, website, social media or to share with external new agencies – please send all of the information, photos and videos to our team by emailing, comms@gmwscouts.org.uk. Please make sure you have permission from everyone in the photos and videos before sending!

Jacob Bond Deputy County Commissioner

Adult Support

I usually start my reports with what another busy year but as I write there is an air of uncertainty in the world, lockdown is fully in place and Covid seems to be gathering pace and how we react to this will shape the year.

The team had so much planned, with new look training weekends and new fresh ideas to offer to all members, but with no end of Covid in sight and following HQ guidance we cancelled all training events due to take place for the foreseeable future. However, never to rest on our laurels the team worked on how we can adapt to the situation we found ourselves in.Zoom became a word that would become the norm! Several meetings took place between Gemma Higson (County Training Manager) and the Local Training Managers on how we can make the best of this situation. The focus switched to mandatory training. Gemma and the LTM’s worked so hard in processing the reports and making sure those who needed the training were offered every availability to complete this. Over the course of the summer the team and your efforts were incredible in reducing the amount of training needed.

HQ worked on changing how First Aid training was run and split the module. The old Safeguarding course was renewed and became fit for purpose, everything mandatory was going online and again you adapted taking it in your stride, thank you for this.

Wood Badge training did take a back seat whilst we focused on the mandatory training. It was a challenging time that none of us had ever experienced before and as a County the decision not to push any Wood Badge training was taken, as members adjusted to no weekly Scouting and working out how to use Zoom!

Towards the back of 2020 and into 2021 Management Training was discussed with the team and ways in which to bring it in house. Several lengthy meetings on validation criteria and how to make the courses engaging online were discussed and the team are currently working on a model that will bring both face- to-face (when it can) and online together to create new Greater Manchester West led Management Course.

In 2020 Chris Starkie took up the role of ACC Activities. Chris has since been working with the rest of the assessors to relaunch the team and when we can finally get back out there they are ready to assist you. Chris is working tirelessly setting up in the background all relevant information for members to make his team as accessible as he can. Big thank you to Chris for taking this on and wish him all the success in his role.

So as much as there hasn’t been any face-to-face training courses and it may seem the team have been quiet it has been far from it. As always in Greater Manchester West we strive to provide the best for our members and throughout the past year we felt the last thing our members needed was to be pushed to do more online training when you were already adapting amazingly well, so I apologise if that didn’t work for some.

As the year comes to close, uncertainty on when we start back is something the team are closely monitoring. We may need change of stance and look towards online but I hope the end is in sight and we can all be back to some level or normality soon.

Adult Support

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gemma for all the hard work on producing the reports required and working with the LTM’s to ensure our compliance is met. Ask anyone who produces the reports they will tell you the lengths needed to produce them is very time consuming. Also for the endless meetings and ‘voice of reason’ when I am asking those questions!

Thanks to Chris for the reinvention of the Activities team and making sure all paperwork is in place – again another thankless task.

Finally thanks to Andy, another year of support; a different year than planned but everything me or my team has requested has been met with support and approval. Thank you for making this role as easy as it could be.

What 2021-22 holds no one knows - one thing I do I know is Greater Manchester West is ready to adapt and overcome whatever it comes across.

Greg Archer Deputy County Commissioner

Training

What a year! We have been stopped at every turn from our usual training antics. All weekends of residential modular training cancelled, all face-to-face cancelled, nights away training cancelled. You name it and well, we couldn't do it in the way we would usually. Although this put us in a huge quandary regards how to move forward it left us in a position to keep people safe and in a fantastic position to have good spring clean. Training has not stopped during the last 12 months by any means. It has been as busy as ever albeit in a very different way.

Firstly, it must be noted that Local Training Managers worked tirelessly for months last summer to accurately report and rectify anomalies with mandatory training. We held meeting after meeting, produced spreadsheet after spreadsheet. Requests for updates were on almost a weekly basis. This was a mammoth task and one that had been requested directly from HQ. Every member of the team involved stepped up and made sure that all of our members in Greater Manchester West were up to date with their mandatory training where possible and aware of what to do about it if they weren't. If we exclude first aid as this has been in a completely different position, then we now meet with compliance requirements. As an organisation we are 97% compliant, this is outstanding. Of course, we still need to chase our contribution to the 3% non-compliance within our County, which we will.

First aid has been a huge area of concern for many. Is it in date? Has it been extended? When can we complete our training? There has been a blended 3-part model, there is a module 10a with a catch up 10b, more recently we are able to offer face-to-face courses. Thank you for your patience whilst we have sifted through the almost weekly changes. It has not been easy to keep abreast of the newest information, but we are hopefully on the way to approaching some level of training normality.

We have had the chance to re-review our provision of courses. This will remain largely the same but online meeting platforms has opened doors to access that we simply hadn't embraced before. We hope to take some of the changes with us. We hope to enable more people to access our training courses via online as well as coming on face-to-face courses. Although our approach to training has evolved dramatically over the last 5 years the pandemic has forced us to change beyond all recognition. The positive aspects of these changes will remain and hopefully enable us to reach more leaders with the correct access to training for them.

Management training has in some ways been brought back to Counties, which we hoped would be the case. Two of our outstanding Regional Training leaders are going to be forging the way for Greater Manchester West. We already have a first course in mind and will have a date for you very soon. It was clear when we asked DC's about training requirements that Management training is an area in which we need to provide the most support. This support is on its way to you and again thank you for your patience.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Greg Archer, with his support we are moving forward, shaping a continually changing programme and enjoying the journey. He has yet again been a fantastic source of support and guidance. I would also like to thank Andy Farrell.

Training

He is always there to give a nod to a plan, or a shake of the head and is fiercely supportive of us.

As for everyone globally, this year has been different. It has been challenging, isolating and at times heart breaking. I'm thankful every day that we have remained out of the statistics as much as we have, thankful that we are healthy and able to continue in our roles. However, in terms of training, I want to reflect on this year with positivity. The changes have been inspiring, the hard work has really paid off, we have come together as a team in every way. Here's to next year and whatever it may bring!

Gemma Higson County Training Manager

Beaver Scout Section

What a year to come into the role of ACC Beavers! It’s been very weird not being able to go and visit groups, have fun at camps and celebrate our great Beavers within the County. What has been great is seeing the amazing work some of our Beavers have done virtually.

Due to the pandemic, local district events and competitions such as the County Cooking competition have had to be cancelled which has meant that there hasn’t been the usual interaction between the different districts. However, towards the end of March we hosted our very first County Virtual Camp which was a great success.

Beavers had the option to complete a variety of activities over the weekend such as scavenger hunt, obstacle course, campfire cupcakes, mindful jars, backwards cooking, emergency aid, campfire & much more! The images, videos & stories were great to see and I’m so glad that those involved have been able to gain badges from this.

It has been really great hearing stories from district leaders of the groups who have been virtual all year, some amazing meetings have happened, everyone has had fun and earned badges along the way. The County virtual ‘At Home’ challenge badges have also been a great way that Beavers and leaders throughout our County have got involved which is great to see. I have also seen lots of Bronze Chief Scout Awards being celebrated, especially in the middle of a pandemic with no face- to-face scouting! Congratulations to those who have achieved this.

I can’t wait to get stuck in over the next year, hopefully having some great events in the celebration of 35 years of Beavers! I also can’t wait to visit the amazing groups, Beavers and of course leaders who have worked tirelessly during the last year to be able to provide amazing opportunities for our Beavers so THANK YOU!

Tom Dutton Assistant County Commissioner for Beaver Scouts

Cub Scout Section

Firstly I would like to thank Siobhan Mullen for all her efforts and time she put in whilst she was ACC Cubs. Taking over the role during a global pandemic was never going to be an easy ride but not being able to run any events made it near impossible. I set out with the intention of planning a number of events and then holding them, but it quickly became clear that they were just not going to happen.

One event we did manage to put on was the County Virtual Camp. This was a great success for all the sections and a lot of the credit goes to the Media Team and everyone involved putting the website together and getting the videos and live sessions posted during the weekend. Planning for a County Camp for Beavers and Cubs was well under way but this was another event that was soon to fall foul of the pandemic and was rescheduled for 2022.

With a lot of groups running zoom sessions, we tried to make leaders aware of some of the best online activity providers that were available, to help with planning of diverse and exciting activities for the Cubs to get involved with whilst at home. I would like to congratulate the leaders on their efforts to keep so many Cub Scouts interested in their Scouting during the pandemic, ready for when we are allowed face-to-face meetings again. Some groups were more successful than others and there were various reasons for this. Technological know-how was a big issue for online sessions and getting the right mix of activities to keep as many cubs engaged as possible. This became more difficult as time progressed and children spending more and more time online with schoolwork etc.

A good number of groups got back to face-to-face meetings when they could though this was always on the understanding that the leadership teams felt comfortable doing this. It has been a hard year for a lot of leaders in that respect and I fully support the decisions they have made regarding returning to face-to-face meetings.

Looking forwards now a lot of groups are meeting again and some events have been put on the calendar. November will bring the County Cooking competition with districts holding their own events and the winner going through to the final. Venue yet to be confirmed. Next year will still be a slow year for County events as I expect a lot of groups will be wanting to do their own thing as soon as they can. I may be wrong and Cubs will just want to get involved as much as possible.

Looking further ahead we have also been discussing CUBJAM a week long jamboree style event for cubs. This was supposed to be in 2022 and it was decided that we would not get involved given the timescales. However the camp has now been pushed back to 2023 so this event is now back on the County calendar and I will be talking to Beavers in the coming months to see how many of them we can get to CUBJAM when they are Cubs in 2023.

Once again a big thank you to all the leaders who give their time to give our Cubs such great experiences in Scouting and beyond.

Dave Finch Assistant County Commissioner for Cub Scouts

Scout Section

As we all know the past year has been very different for us all and has felt surreal. However, despite the lockdown and the pausing of face-to-face scouting, I have seen some inspirational work from our amazing leaders. They have learnt new IT skills and been imaginative in how they deliver a balanced programme remotely. The Scouts themselves have shown great fortitude as they have adapted to this new way of doing business.

The first event casualty of the year was the County Lord Derby competition that was due to take place on 25th April 2020. This is always a great test of Scouting skills and extremely popular with qualification events held within districts. The year progressed in the same vein with all the face-to- face competitions and events cancelled.

Despite all the difficulties, Scouting didn’t cease and we all did what we could to continue to help the young people in our charge develop and grow as individuals. I was invited to do virtual presentations of Chief Scout’s Gold Awards, be present virtually at troop meetings and virtually “drop-in” just to see how meetings were going. My amazing team of ADC (Scouts) attended our regular virtual meetings where we worked through what help and support was needed around the County. This included working on the content of the virtual ‘At Home’ challenge awards which were rolled out in April 2020 and proved popular. We also put together a list of resources and links to assist with virtual Scouting.

As we became more comfortable with this new way of working we held some virtual replacements of our normal events. One being a Cardboard Canoe Model competition in June 2020 where participants had to build a model of a cardboard canoe, carve a ‘potato occupant’ and float it in the bath or sink. This proved to be great fun and everyone who took part was a winner. October 2020 saw a glimpse of hope with a return to outdoors scouting and I was able to attend in person to present some Chief Scout’s Gold Awards. This sadly proved short lived and by November 2020 we were back in lockdown; working hard again in our virtual world.

We didn’t forget others during our lockdown experience with Scouts all over the County joining in with the Thursday evening round of applause, collecting food for food banks, looking after vulnerable neighbours and standing on our doorsteps, in uniform, on Remembrance Sunday 2020.

We participated in the County Virtual Camp over the weekend of 20th to 21st March 2021 which involved a great deal of effort in planning. I must express my gratitude to everyone that assisted in putting the Scout Section programme together. This camp coincided with the green light for a measured return to face-to-face once more and we have taken gentle steps since then. As I look forward to 2021 we have plans for a Virtual Lord Derby competition in April 2021 and am keeping a watchful eye on what restrictions will allow us to proceed with.

This last year has demonstrated with acute clarity just what it means to be a member of Scouting. The support we have given to each other has been invaluable and I can only end by saying the word with the biggest meaning – Thankyou!!!

Bob Wilson Assistant County Commissioner for Scouts

Explorer Scout Section

The last 12 months have been very difficult for Explorer Scout units across Greater Manchester West due to the Covid 19 pandemic when all face-to-face Scouting was suspended, meaning events such as the Day of Excellence had to be cancelled.

Many sections switched to online programmes very quickly and adjusted well to zoom meetings such as ready steady cook, kahoot quizzes and a spaghetti challenge to name a few.

Some of the Young Leader units also managed to make the transition to online learning with several youth members completing their Young Leader Award during lockdown.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Explorers taking part in the great GMW County Virtual Camp. I was also privileged to be invited to some individual group camps and unit camps that ran virtually throughout lockdown.

The leaders, volunteers, youth members, district and county members all worked so hard to transition to online to keep Scouting running. B.R.A.V.O to all involved.

We produced a guide to assist leaders in advising Explorers on achieving Top Awards during the lock-down period and will continue to stay in contact with District Explorer Scout Commissioners via video conferencing.

I will be touching base with DESC’s soon to discuss how the return to face-to-face is progressing and would like to see more DESC’s attending our County DESC meetings; these have now been opened to all District Explorer Scout leaders to share ideas, improve communication and the cascade of information.

We must not forget the Young Leaders as they are our future. They help in the younger sections in every district across the County. Lots of sections could not manage without them so a big ‘Thank You’ to them all.

Some districts have Young Leader units and we are looking at how the County can support districts without Young Leader units to ensure all Explorers have the opportunity to complete their Young Leader Award.

Dave Kerrs Assistant County Commissioner for Explorer Scouts

Scout Network Section

Being appointed during a lockdown is probably not your typical introduction to becoming Network Commissioner. As we have been unable to meet face-to-face, there have been a number of challenges in getting to know the Districts and how their Networks operate. That said, I have been in contact with a number of the District Network Scout Commissioners and have started to build relationships with them.

I have also taken part in a ‘Scouts of the World Award’ training course and hope to work closely with the Programme Team to enable more young people across GMW to achieve this award.

Going forward, I am working with Andy Farrell and Steve Ralph as part of a Top Awards steering group to understand how to get more young people through their Duke of Edinburgh and Queen’s Scout Award. We plan to run a series of roadshows and open events for Explorers and Network members to demonstrate how to get on board and achieve these awards – watch this space for 2022!

If you are between the age of 18 and 25 and want to join your local Scout Network please contact your District Scout Network Commissioner or District Commissioner.

Oliver Horne Assistant County Commissioner for Scout Network

Queen's Scout Award

I am very pleased to report that there have been three young people awarded the Queen’s Scout Award this year. Congratulations go to Troy Wood, Eve Smith and Diana Gibbons - BRAVO.

As you would expect the last 12 months have been very quiet with regards to Queen’s Scout Award activities, although as leaders we have not been idle and much has been going on behind the scenes.

There is now a County Queen’s Scout Award forum on Facebook for all members working towards their Queen’s Scout Award. There are resources and ideas to help make the journey as interesting and exciting as possible with advice and assistance available in real time. It is also hoped that it will bring members from across the County together by providing support, ideas and help where required. The key to the success of this endeavour will be communication and I would ask for all of you, especially the Explorer and Network section leaders, to encourage your members that are eligible to register for the top awards.

We already have a few more Queen’s Scout Awards nearing completion and we are looking forward to the resumption of normal Scouting activities when logbooks can be signed off, presentations made and plans formulated for the trip to Windsor.

Steve Ralph MBE JP Queen's Scout Award Coordinator

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

There are four main sections in the DofE programme which are Volunteering, Physical, Skills and Expedition. Whilst completing the Award the young people involve themselves in helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, if working towards Gold, participants will also complete working with a team on a residential activity.

Between April 2020 and March 2021 applications received and Awards completed were down on previous years and this in part has been due to the disruption of normal activities during the pandemic.

Congratulations to the 23 young people who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Those Awards are:-

8 Bronze

10 Silver

5 Golds

Sincere thanks to all those leaders who continually give up their time to help, support and guide the young people throughout the process of these very challenging Awards.

Activities

What a strange year to begin in this role! I officially came to the role of ACC Activities on the 17th June 2020.

My first task was to review our pool of assessors to make sure that they were still happy and able to continue in their roles. A series of appointment reviews were carried out and we now have a good solid building block of assessors in the county who are aware of their role requirements, aware of what they need to maintain their roles and also the direction that the county activities section is driving towards. In the coming year we will bolster our assessor provision further.

Our activity assessors are all qualified and experienced in their field. They volunteer just like the rest of us. They are the ones who make the judgement calls as to whether an applicant is at the required skill level in order for them to hold an activity permit. The role of activity assessor is a very responsible one. Over the coming months and years our assessor team will work closely together to shadow each other on assessments to ensure good practice is shared. They will work with other members of the county team to create activity permit training sessions. These sessions will be designed with the sole aim of providing the applicant with all of the knowledge that they will require in order for them to consolidate their practical experience and go for that permit assessment.

The next task was to overhaul the activities section of the GMW website. This needed to be done to bring us up to date, to provide our adult volunteers with a 1 stop shop for all things activities. The activity page now contains links to all of the relevant information regarding Scouting activities, it shows you the process involved in gaining an activity permit and also provides simple contact details for you to get in touch with the activities team. Keep your eyes on this section of the website as this is where we provide more details on our brand new activity permit training sessions.

With Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease we should see a return to activities being run by our adult volunteers. This has been a long time coming and I am looking forward to what exciting adventures we can provide our young people in the coming months.

Chris Starkie Assistant County Commissioner for Activities

Bispham Hall Scout Estate

Well another year is over; but what a very different year for so many....

At the start of lockdown we took the decision to minimize our overheads as much as possible as it became very apparent that our income would be seriously affected and in fact zero throughout lockdown. This meant isolating utilities, draining down tanks, cancelling or suspending contracts for waste disposal and sanitation etc.

We restricted access to site to a select number of individuals and for essential maintenance and security check purposes only. However, an unknown person ‘missed that memo’ and decided to break into Bispham House and live there for a number of days eating food from the freezers and drinking left over beverages, but was respectful enough to brush up the glass from the broken window and not cause any further damage. Following discovery of the break-in we took the decision to fit an intruder alarm system to the building linked to the police and install additional CCTV cameras around the perimeter which can be accessed remotely.

Although the site was essentially locked down, as well as the rest of the nation, we continued to ensure compliance with our statutory obligations in terms of fixed electrical testing and certification, portable appliance testing, legionella compliance and training for staff. We also took the decision to replace the last of the old central heating boilers in Bispham House so that we are as energy efficient as possible, reducing costs further. Using grant monies, received prior to lockdown, and when restrictions allowed a small number of our volunteers continued the construction of our new archery range which is located on the Smethurst Left field and will allow for all weather archery sessions.

Looking at our financial position in detail we were very fortunate to receive several grants to help with running costs that the team spent a lot of time researching and putting information together for, which has meant that to date we haven’t needed to use any of our reserves. Funding was also secured in the form of further grants which has enabled us to purchase a new shooting range, portable lighting and other site equipment.

Again, we cannot stress enough the hard work, determination and drive that our volunteers have which makes Bispham Hall Scout Estate what it is! It is impossible to put into words how much we appreciate the help and support from our amazing team!

Looking forward to post lockdown we are as motivated and passionate as ever to deliver a site fit for young people to experience something different and make memories...

Chris Hayes and Martin Shaw Campsite Managers

Dunham Park Scout Camp

From the spring of 2020 we have been on a large learning curve, from the knee-high grass of the main field to holding a monthly zoom management meeting.

From March 2020 I carried out weekly visits to the site carrying out building inspection and tests, clearing the shop of drinks and sweets and donating them to local food banks and hospitals. Once we were allowed to carry out basic maintenance, we slowly started to cut the grass and hedgerow.

A year without customers running around allowed nature to reclaim large parts of the site and cover the bald spots on the camping grounds.

We have received donations of wood chippings and old fencing from the National Trust and kitchen equipment.

The Tuesday crew had moved to a ‘Tuesday -Thursday crews’ and as ever made huge improvements, creating a reflection area and sitting areas around the site, and the safety area under the new playground was formed.

Site drainage and pathways have been improved although the ongoing problem of flooding from the River Bollin has continued, which will mean that we will have to make a multipurpose range on higher ground in the coming years.

Our landlords the National Trust have been incredibly supportive with no rent increase and have given support with security issues in the form of unauthorised visitors to the site, luckily causing minimum damage.

We have agreed to work with the Trust on a few projects, with National Trust young volunteering and the felling of many willow and cherry trees around the southeast of the site. With this we have offered to plant replacement trees and hedges. The first stage of this was a generous donation from the “Friends of Dunham Park” who donated £600 for beech and hawthorn hedging around the campfire area.

We have continued to have several meetings with the architects for the refurbishment of the young people’s facilities which we hope to complete by 2023.

Finances have been a constant worry, but Andrew McDonnell has been great with the accounts and updating the monthly meeting accordingly, and we received two grants from Trafford MBC totalling £18K which has been a lifeline to the site. We have had to complete so much work on the buildings this year, the five-year electrical test certificate and replace the central heating boiler inthe Wardens’ building. We have also installed hand dryers in all the toilets.

I am deeply grateful for everyone who has helped during the last year to keep the site running and looking great. We await to see what the rest of 2021 brings.

David Hughes Campsite Manager

Hollinwood Scout Camp

This is our 3rd Annual report as a campsite and, while undoubtedly, the biggest factor over the past 12 months has been the inability for us to operate as a campsite an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work is happening.

Between April 2020 and March 2021 we had just 8 visitors, but we are working hard to make the most of the summer and autumn to share our amazing space.

The lack of visitors has also inevitably led to us receiving almost no visitor income for the financial year. We therefore launched our ‘Hollinwood Heroes’ campaign which to date has raised £1,241.10. This saw us reach out to our local community to encourage small monthly donations to keep us running and has been a huge success. We would encourage you to become a Hollinwood Hero if you can. A small donation each month means we can buy diesel, maintain tools, purchase items that we need. Everyone connected with Hollinwood is hugely grateful for the contributions.

We've also had to ensure that we keep our ears close to the ground for Covid-relief funding from Salford City Council and we’ve been able to secure over £6,000 for this purpose.

Covid has also meant that until recently we've been pretty restricted by the numbers of volunteers we've been able to have at Hollinwood though it's been great to see that their enthusiasm is still there! The team are really working hard to make Hollinwood safe, beautiful and welcoming and new team members are still wanting to join us which is really encouraging. The number of volunteers that aren't necessarily around on a Saturday but who are equally important is growing too. Our executive team have gone above and beyond to support Ste and Mike, and our small team of fundraisers are doing their bit to raise the much-needed money to "Build Hollinwood" (our project slogan). Finally, we'd be pretty stuck right now without our good friend Tom Green who has provided expert knowledge in navigating our way through the planning process.

The Hollinwood Crew are fantastic and are always available to turn their hand at whatever needs doing. Whether it's clearing the way for our containers to be relocated, fixing trailers, cutting grass or providing support with skills that they have in their professional lives. It is hugely appreciated by everyone connected with Hollinwood.

Our fundraising team have helped raise monies from:

Ste and Mike are speaking regularly to Salford City Council to identify funding opportunities and have been working closely with local councillors, Boothstown Residents, Worsley Rotary and others as part of our commitment to work more with our local community.

Hollinwood Scout Camp

Since April 2021 further donations have kindly been received and these will form part of next years Annual Report.

On the planning and building side of things progress is at Peel's pace. Water started to be installed but has once again halted. Electricity is progressing with Electricity North West appointed to bring power in at the top end of site. The 'original' deadline of March 31st has since passed. It was off the back of this ongoing delay that Councillor Clarke's influence has been helpful again and along with Cllr. Turner and Cllr. Ward have now moved our ongoing lack of facilities higher up the political agenda and we hope soon to meet with the Salford Chief Exec.

Our first build will be our field kitchen and we have secured £5,000 to be able to do this. Our materials are being approved by Salford City Council and will form the basis of the whole look and feel of our buildings.

Our website has launched www.hollinwoodcamp.org.uk and this will be the location that groups can book their visits to Hollinwood. There is a linked payment app with the booking system to make things easier for visitors, our staff and treasurer. We are also using the website to promote a newsletter as well as future community days or service crew weekends. The website is a work in progress, but a lot of time went into developing it and we think it looks pretty good!

There have been some really important developments in how we work with the local community. We've supported the RHS during the issues that they've had over the last few months as we understand how hard it can be to keep people believing in what you're doing. They are our neighbours and are using the land for the benefit of people and nature. As Scouts these things should be important for us as we are role models within our community. We've built the relationship and we were proud to donate our Middlewood Mosaic to the RHS as part of their exhibition about the history of the site and the 70+ years that the Scout Association had with Middlewood. The team are now working on an oral history of Middlewood. This is not just to be nostalgic – we need to ensure that Scouting’s profile in Salford remains high.

Building community links such as these are going to be vital in ensuring there is a campsite in Salford for generations to come.

Our 8 objectives over the next 12 months are as follows:

  1. Welcome as many young people to site as we possibly can

  2. Keep them safe from Covid

  3. Hold service weekends on the last Saturday of the month

  4. Double our regular crew members

  5. Ensure the field drainage is complete

  6. Finish creating our camping glades

  7. Purchase a new mower

  8. Raise the funds for the toilet block

Hollinwood Scout Camp

This final objective is crucial to the future of Hollinwood. In 2021 we launched our Buy-a-Brick campaign to help us achieve this. Right now we’re looking for local businesses, benefactors or individuals who would like to be involved. £1,000 buys a brick and contributors will go on our ‘Wall of Recognition’ at Hollinwood.

Finally, we again want to thank everyone for their continued effort. It really is a combined effort with everyone pulling in the same direction. We will Build Hollinwood together.

Ste Butterworth and Mike Dunn Campsite Manager

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