Llangollen district annual report 2015 2016 issue 1

Llangollen District

Scouts

SgowtiaidArdal Llangollen

Annual Review

Adroddiad Blynyddol

2015 – 2016

It’s simple. Scouting offers young people adventure that’s hard to find anywhere else. We challenge and inspire our kids to become the best people they can

possibly be.

Symonds Yat Rapid, Wye Cruise

Scouts are making a big difference. More teenagers are joining than ever and more young people are making a

huge impact on their communities.

The Scout Association’s Impact Report 2012

Front Cover Photographs

Beavers: Fun Day, KibblestoneCubs Kayak training, Cae LlwydScouts: The Roaches, Peak DistrictExplorers Coracle practiceNetwork: Segways, Chirk

Adolygiad Blynyddol 2015 - 2016 2 Annual Review 2015 - 2016

Mission statementThe Purpose of ScoutingScouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The Values of ScoutingAs Scouts we are guided by these values:Integrity – We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.Respect – We have self-respect and respect for others.Care – We support others and take care of the world in which we live.Belief – We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.Co-operation – We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.

The Scout MethodScouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

enjoy what they are doing and have fun take part in activities indoors and outdoors learn by doing share in spiritual reflection take responsibility and make choices undertake new and challenging activities make and live by their Promise.

Membership is open to all, irrespective of gender, race, religion, culture and economic background

Patron: HM Queen ElizabethPresident: HRH The Duke of KentFounder: Robert Baden-Powell OMYear founded 1907The Chief Scout: Bear GryllsUnited Kingdom Membership Youth 452000, Leaders 115000World Membership: 31 million in all but five countries of the world

The Welsh Scout CouncilCyngor Sgowtiaid CymruChief Commissioner Wales: Gareth Watson

Chairman of the Welsh Scout Council: David Chapman

The Welsh Scout Council Office:The Old School, Wine Street, Llantwit Major, CF61 1RZ. Tel 01446 795277, Email [email protected]

Welsh Scout Council website: www.scoutswales.org.uk


http://www.scoutswales.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

Scouting in Llangollen District

The District is responsible for promoting the development of Scouting in the District and arranging co-operation with other organisations. It is also responsible for the raising of funds and the administration of the District’s finance and property and supervising the administration of Groups, particularly in relation to finance and the trusteeship of property. Attending to District administration, particularly relating to the appointment of Leaders, Section Assistants, Skills Instructors, Administrators and Advisers forms an important role for the District.

The Llangollen Scout District covers an area comprising the southern part of Denbighshire and the south western part of Wrexham Maelor.

It extends from Llandrillo and Corwen along the Dee valley to Chirk and includes from Johnstown to the Ceiriog valley.

The District is part of the Clwyd Area Scout Association which brings together

the Llangollen District with the Scout Districts of Wrexham, Vale of Clwyd and

Flintshire.

District Contacts

District Commissioner Jo Gregory 01978 790509 District Secretary Toni Harris 01978 854940

Group Contacts

1st Ceiriog Valley Trevor Bates 01691718294 1st Chirk Maud-ann Redford 07544 221157 1st Corwen Eleanor Cole 01490 412282 1st Johnstown Dorothy Tunnah 01978 841335 1st Llangollen Roger Cragg 01978 861593 1st Penycae Gerry Kellett 07930 103090 1st Rhosymedre (as Penycae) 1st Ruabon Mem Love 01691 238307 1st Trevor Elaine Anderton 01978 810672


Group Section Meeting Nights

Group/Section Beavers Cubs Scouts Explorers1st Ceiriog Valley Friday Friday1st Chirk Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday1st Corwen Monday1st Johnstown Thursday Wednesday Monday1st Llangollen Monday Monday Thursday Tuesday1st Penycae Monday Tuesday Friday Thursday1st Rhosymedre Wednesday Wednesday1st Ruabon Friday1st Trevor Thursday Thursday

The Growth of Scouting in Llangollen District

Since the revamp of Scouting in 2002 the numbers in our District have doubled. There are still communities in our District without a Scouting provision so there is potential for further growth.

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Annual Census of Membership

Each year on 31st January a national census of Scouting’s membership is carried out. The table below gives a summary of the returns from the Llangollen District for the last 10 years.

Year Beaver Scouts

Cub Scouts

Scouts Explorer Scouts

Leaders Total

2007 40 69 63 26 37 2352008 47 77 67 32 43 2662009 63 90 68 30 41 2922010 83 66 60 36 47 2922011 83 109 70 35 46 3432012 78 109 75 33 56 3512013 68 102 96 35 70 3712014 82 116 76 30 72 3762015 104 124 81 18 64 3912016 72 144 87 25 64 392


Llangollen District Scouts – Annual Report

2015 / 2016 has been a year of congratulations!

Congratulations to all the wonderful leaders that provide a wonderful programme of activities that has ensured the membership numbers continue to rise, despite the sad loss of a Beaver Colony (more adults always needed).

Congratulations particularly to 1st Chirk Scout Group who have more than doubled in size over the 12 months following the launch of a brand new Scout Troop and a huge increase in Beaver and adult numbers. And now the plan for an Explorer Scout Unit from September.

Congratulations to the leaders who beat the other leaders at laser tag on adult play day, despite some dubious tactics (I'm sorry!). And congratulations to the leaders who didn't fall off their Segways! Leaders need to play too.

On a serious note, a massive congratulations to those that have achieved awards this year. Duke of Edinburgh Gold to Sam Dodd (Assistant Explorer Scout Leader), Queens Scout Awards (and an invite to Windsor Castle) for Gavin Scott (District Scout Network Commissioner) and Rebekah Kellett (Assistant Explorer Scout Leader). Karen Knight (Cub Scout Leader and Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs) received the Silver Acorn in this year's St. George's Day awards list for her exceptional service over many years, and lastly but by no means least Rose Corbett-Thomas was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens New Years Honours list. Well done to them all.

The next 12 months doesn't look any less exciting. Plans are afoot for more celebrations - Cubs are 100 years old this years, Beavers are 30. Dee Valley Scout Canoe Club continue to offer excellent water activity training. Expeditions continue, there's an Explorer Belt expedition to Hungary and Croatia and so much more. More adventure, more fun and excitement. That's what we are all in it for!

Joanne Gregory - District Commissioner


Cae Llwyd: District Campsite Report

Not much to add to the usual report concerning the District Camp Site. Strangely, while it has been well used by groups outside the District, it continues to be underused within the District. I know that the access is certainly an issue but it is such a wonderful green field campsite; so useful for basic camping skills.

It continues to be a very popular site for overnight camping for practice and assessed DoE expeditions. There has also been quite a few bookings for water activities – canoeing and raft building.

The Dee Valley Scout Canoe Club – fortunately, we have a group of instructors from within the District – again used the site during the summer months of 2015 for kayak and canoe training. This well organised and popular format of previous years was repeated with two separate days for Paddlesport and BCU 1* training and assessment in June and two more in July concentrating on BCU 2* training and assessment. These were well attended by over 41 individuals in scouting within the District, a significant increase on the year before.

We still would like to restore the building that is part of the site. So, if anyone has any contacts of who may be able to help and / or fund this work please let me know. Dismantling and disposing of the damaged asbestos roof remains a very difficult issue. If we can fully restore the building we will be able to again store equipment there making the site more attractive for increased use. Roger and I are still discussing the lease with representatives of Dee Valley Water Company which remains very supportive recognising the good work that the District undertakes.

If any section is interested in using the site please contact me.

Gerry Kellett - Camp Warden

District Beaver ReportThe last year has seen a rapid growth within the beaver sections of Llangollen District, with numbers up in all groups

We now have six colonies, our newest being Rhosymedre Beavers, it seems to be proving very popular and we wish them all the luck and success in their newest section.

We have been having lots of fun already this year, and have even more activities planned for the months to come.

In November we visited Chester Cathedral where all the Beavers got the opportunity to complete the Faith Badge, this was done in style as they got to dress up as monks and go on a guided tour of the incredible building that is Chester Cathedral.


In March we visited Kibblestone International Scout Camp, where the beavers had the chance to have a piratey themed day, all of our very clever beavers went on an assault course and some even climbed to the top of the ropes and rang a bell.

There was a climbing tower, birds of prey, caving, archery and lots of other activities.

In April we teamed up with the whole of Llangollen District to celebrate St Georges Day, yet another phenomenal day with over 300 in attendance, as we went to see the new Jungle Book Movie and enjoyed an after film feast.

In May some of our Beavers participated in the JOTT 2016, and again this was a good show at 97, considering not all colonies were able to join us.

We are due to have a Birthday Party celebrating 30 years of Beaver Scouts and a daytrip to Greenwood Forest Park, and that’s just District activities.

I know all our individual groups have also been incredibly busy and I want to thank all the leaders for the ongoing hard work and commitment, we have seen a change in our leaders and welcomed in new faces and welcomed back some old faces too.

There’s been Beavers competing in Jambowlree and we can now announce that 1st Chirk Beavers came, 12th overall throughout their age group worldwide, congratulations.

So what with doing meetings themed around , Gardening, Global Issues, Photography, Tag Rugby, Knots, Lighting Candles, Moon Walking, Putting up tents, Hiking, Canoeing, Visiting the trenches, Sewing on camp blanket badges, Den Building, I can safely say we have truly been very busy Beavers.

Sarah Harrison - ADC Beavers

District Cub Report

Following on from last year’s report, the Cub section has again had a busy year.

Last April saw the Cubs & Beavers join together at Ty Mawr for St Georges Day. The afternoon was themed around Bees with lots of activities for the Cubs to do including watching them in an observation hive and other activities run by local Bee keepers, Bee themed games, craft and Bee identification in the woods. We had a great turn out and the weather was on our side for a change even though the forecast at the beginning of the week had been for snow showers!

This was followed a couple of weeks later with a JOTT (Jamboree on the trail) walk through Plas Power woods to Nant Mill. The Cubs followed a treasure hunt through the woods & had a picnic lunch before returning home.


In June we had our annual Sports evening in Ruabon. This year we had our alternative year of team sports rather than the traditional races. The Cubs took part in Hockey, Football, Team obstacle races & Frizbee relays. We also gave out prizes for the drawing competition which got the Cubs to think about their favourite things that they’ve done as a Cub and to think of Activities that they’d like to take part in in the future. The winners were: 8yrs Jamie Fortune - 1st Penycae, 9yrs Tilly Hughes – 1st Trevor, 10yrs Ethan Hamblett – 1st Ceiriog Vally.

Some of the older Cubs took part in the canoe training held at Cae Llwyd and worked towards their Paddlepower awards. This event is open to all Scout members over 10yrs (incl leaders) and is being held on 2nd & 3rd July this year for beginners. It is a great opportunity for the older Cubs to have a taster of what Scouts has in store for them.

In September we had a District quiz night with 6 teams taking part. Each team had 4 members all striving for the much sought after trophies. This year they were won by 1st Johnstown (by quite a land slide!) so a big well done to them.

Our next event was the JOTI (Jamboree on the Internet) which as well as taking part in the Jamboree online, Cubs were able to complete their International badge. They made traditional Diwali Sweets, painted night light holders, learnt about the animals in India as well as Indian traditions & culture. It was an excellent turn out from the District and hopefully quite informative!

We finished 2015 with a trip to the Panto and also in preparation for 2016, each pack has been given 100 challenges to complete. A star is awarded for each completed challenge with the finishing date being the promise party on 16th December 2016 – I think it’s quite a tough challenge - Good luck everyone!

The last big event of the year 2015-2016 for the Cubs was what has now become an annual trip to Kibblestone International Scout Camp for the Cub fun day. When we arrived we weren’t able to get onto the car park due to the snow! It had been sunny leaving Llangollen with no sign at all of the white stuff. After a mad 10 minutes of snow ball fights the sun came out & melted it away ready for the activities to begin. The Cubs took part in Climbing, Archery, Air Rifle shooting, Crate stacking, Cooking & the Bird of Prey display among other things. It’s also a great opportunity for the Cubs to mix with Cubs from the other packs and make new friends.

With the Cub Centenary now well under way and exciting events like the All Wales Cub Fun Day and District Camp at Chirk Castle still to come, I’d like to thank Rose and all of the Cub Leaders in the District for their support and enthusiasm over the last year and look forward to seeing you all throughout the next one.

Karen - ADC Cub Scouts.

District Scout ReportThe Llangollen District now has 6 troops, Ceiriog Valley, Johnstown, Llangollen, Penycae Ruabon and the re-start of Chirk, which is going very well, thanks to Janos and Sammy. Penycae also had new leaders with Sion and Catrin


Following the success of last year’s programme it was decided to continue with the same events this year

The 1st event was a quiz night at Chirk, each group submitted 10 questions ranging from music to scouting, pictures and general knowledge, with 5 Scouts per team with around 9 teams entering it was a well attended, close fought, competition with a team from Penycae being the eventual winners again. Congratulations to them. Thank you to Chirk for organising this.

The 2nd event was “the outdoor challenge” held at Penycae HQ this combined many scout skills with orienteering and 5 challenges ranging from 1st aid to fire lighting and pioneering and team challenges. This wasn’t so well attended this there was only 5 teams entered, thankfully the weather was kind. Again another close fought competition with a team from Llangollen being the winners, congratulations to them.

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances the cycle cross had to be cancelled but may be held later in the year

There is also going to be a Scouts Triathlon in July which Sion from Penycae is organising which will involve hiking, canoeing and running, hopefully this will all go well

I would to say a very big Thank You to all leaders for your support and all the hard work that you put in. Without you it couldn’t happen.

Gareth Pierce – District Scouter

District Explorer Scout Report Another packed 12 months for Explorer Scouting in Llangollen District! Just look at the following joint District Explorer Scout activities:-

─ Explorer Scout Forums ─ 10 Pin Bowling Competition─ Pioneering Camp at Cae Llwyd─ District Explorer Scout Camp at Middlewood, Manchester─ Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition Training Weekend─ DoE Bronze / Silver practice and assessed expeditions─ Planning for 2016 Explorer Belt to Hungary and Croatia

Last summer Explorer Scouts from the District joined with Penycae Scout Troop and enjoyed a weeks ‘back to basics’ camping at the Middlewood Scout Camp Site, near Manchester. It was a great week with the Explorer Scouts setting up there own separate site with camp kitchen in which they cooked all week, on wood fires of course!


Again, the District expedition training weekend was a great success with a record number of Explorer scouts attending – 32. This quality training enabled the Explorer Scouts to complete practice DoE expeditions and successful assessments. So well done to all those who completed their expedition section of the DoE.

Last year saw the beginning of Young Leader Training for those Explorer Scouts who are or wish to work within the other sections within a Scout Group. This training is mandatory in such situations and it is important that ALL Young Leaders are registered with the ESL(YL) unit, regardless of whether or not they take part in the wider Explorer Scout Programme. My thanks go to Sarah Harrison and Catrin Davies who are delivering the Young leader scheme within the district.

There still remains only two Explorer Units within the District - associated with two Scout Groups – Penycae and Llangollen. Both are very successful and have over 35 Explorer scouts. As always, there is an open invitation from both Explorer Units for any young person between the ages of 14 to 18 within the District to go along and take part in Explorer Scouting. Obviously, Scouting does not finish upon reaching the age of 14. If any other Scout Group within the District would like me to come along to talk about the merits and excitement of Explorer Scouting to older scouts I would be only be too pleased to do so.

Gerry Kellett - District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Diamond Network Report

The main focus of the programme this year has been preparation for this summer’s Explorer Belt expedition, with the majority of our active members involved in the planning, or undertaking their own expedition.

We’ve also had some fantastic weekend activities, including the now-annual visit to Festival back in July, a weekend of Rugby in Cardiff and a session at Bounce Below in Blaenau Ffestiniog which included a night-time run on the zip wires.

Back in April, we won our first Network trophy on the 4 Inns Walk across the Pennines between Holmfirth and Buxton, completing the 44 mile route in a time of 13hours 56, beating our previous best by more than an hour!

4 members from Diamond recently participated in IMoveIt- a training event run for members from across North Wales, with the aim of developing the leadership responsibility of Network members. It was a very informative weekend, well planned and delivered from a national level, with discussions led by Jay Thompson, Deputy UK Youth Commissioner and Gareth Watson, Chief Commissioners of Wales. A number of interesting District projects have been initiated, and will be led by Network members as a result of the training.

I look forward to seeing a few more Explorer Belts presented within the section in the next few months, and hopefully we can turn the ambition into more Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and Queen Scout Awards over the next 12 months!

Gavin Scott - District Scout Network Commissioner


Llangollen District Directory

District Commissioner

Joanne Gregory, Plas Yn BWLCH Farm, Llandegla, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL11 3BE. 01978 790509, 07981280030 [email protected]

District Chairman Peter Davies, Hafod, Talwrn Road, Legacy, WREXHAM, LL14 4ER. [email protected]

District Secretary Toni Harris, 5 Meadows View, Marford, Wrexham, Clwyd. LL12 8LS. [email protected]

District Treasurer Lucy Morris, Pendyffryn, Grange Road, Llangollen, Clwyd, LL20 8AP. 01352704016. [email protected]

Appointments Secretary

Maggie Smith, Bryn Goleu, Eglwyseg, Llangollen, Clwyd, LL20 8EH. 01978 861156 [email protected]

District Badge Secretary

Anton Gregory, Plas Yn BWLCH Farm, Llandegla, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL11 3BE. 01978 790509, [email protected]

ADC Beavers Sarah Harrison, 12 Linden Avenue, Chirk, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL14 5ER. 01691 773209, [email protected]

ADC Cubs Karen Knight, 78 High Street, Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL14 1AW. 01978 843084, [email protected]

District Cub Leader

Rosemary Corbett Thomas, 71 Pont Adam Crescent, Ruabon, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL14 6EE. 01978 820204

District Scouter Gareth Pierce, 2 Bronywaun, Chirk, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL14 5PR. 07752 019284, 01691 238307 [email protected]

District Explorer Scout Commissioner

Gerry Kellett, Dunmore, Church Street, Penycae, WREXHAM, LL14 2RL. 01978 840651, 01978292476 [email protected]

Diamond District Scout Network Commissioner

Gavin Scott, 6 Spruce Drive, Penyffordd, Chester, CH4 0FL. 07427 656221, [email protected]

ADC Activities Roger Cragg, Rock House, Eglwyseg, Llangollen, Denbighshire, LL20 8EH. 01978 861593, 07985 334357, [email protected]

Clwyd Area Scouts www.clwydscouts.org.ukThe Scout Information CentreHow to contact usBy phone: 0845 300 1818 (local rate) By email: [email protected] post: Scout Information Centre, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London, E4 7QWWe are open from 8am-7pm weekdays, and from 9am-12 noon on Saturdays.If you need to contact the out of hours duty officer in an emergency, please call 07977 539 630.


Scouting age rangesThere are 400,000 young people in Scouting, spread across five sections: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and the Scout Network. Each section has its own balanced programme of activities, badges and awards.

Beavers (6–8)Beaver Scouts are our youngest members. They usually meet weekly to take part in a wide range of activities including games, crafts, singing, visits and good turns, along with plenty of outdoor activities.They will also have the opportunity to take part in the fun and excitement of camps and sleepovers. It may be the first time they spend a night away from home so it’s a real adventure for them.

Cubs (8-10½)A Cub Scout Pack can have up to 36 Cub Scouts and is split into smaller groups called Sixes. Cubs take part in a wide range of activities designed to be interesting and challenging. A Cub Scout meeting consists of games and activities with plenty of time spent outdoors.Camps and holidays are some of the most memorable events of the year for Cubs.

Scouts (10½–14)Each Scout Troop consists of small units of six to eight Scouts called a Patrol, usually led by a Patrol Leader. Outdoor activities feature prominently, with the highlight being camping. Throughout the year, Scouts learn various skills, such as map reading, camp cooking and first aid in preparation for camp.Rock climbing, potholing, gliding, photography and international experiences are just some of the things they get up to.

Explorer Scouts (14–18)Explorers are encouraged to lead themselves in deciding the programmeand direction of the Unit, with support and guidance from leaders. The section also includes the Young Leaders’ Scheme, where young people are able to take on a leadership role in one of the younger sections.There is wider scope for activities like offshore sailing, campaigning, performing, parascending, mountaineering and expeditions.

Scout Network (18-25)Scout Network is the fifth and final section of the Scouting movement. Scout Network members take part in a variety of activities, which they undertake and organise themselves with the support of a Scout Network Leader.Example activities include abseiling, camping, circus skills, climbing, go-karting, gorge walking, hiking, pioneering and watersports.


Minutes from District AGM - Llangollen Town Hall 4th June 2015

1. Peter Davies welcomed everyone to meeting. Followed by a prayer by Gerry Kellett.

2. Approval of the DC's nomination for District Chairman. Peter Davies nominated and approved by the meeting.

3. Approval of the minutes of last AGM held 01.06.15. Minutes accepted as correct by the group.

4. Approval of the annual accounts for the year ending 31st March 2015.

5. Election of officers: Secretary- Toni Harris, Treasurer- Lucy Morris, District Badge Secretary Anton Gregory. Approved

6. Approval of the DC's nominations to District Scout Executive Committee Roger Cragg and Rose Corbett-Thomas.

7. Wynn Tunnah and John Stewart nominated as elected members of the District Executive Committee and accepted by the meeting

8. John Stewart nominated as on warranted member for Area Committee approved by the meeting.

9. Gavin Scott nominated and approved to the Gladstone Centre Committee.

10. Gareth Pearce elected to Clwyd Area Scout Council.

11. Gavin Scott and Thomas Gregory nominated as Young persons on Clwyd Area Scout Council.

12. The Annual report of the District Executive Committee accepted by the meeting as correct.

13. Gavin Scott delivered a presentation on his achievement of Queens Scout award and how he achieved this.

14. Leaders awards presented- Gerry Kellert for his exhaustive service to scouting in this area has been awarded the Silver Acorn award.

15. Rose Corbett-Thomas for her long and valuable service to Cubs - SilverWolf to be awarded in an upcoming Area meeting soon awarded silver, gold and platinum youth awards to scouts in the area.

16. Jo thanked all scouts and leaders for their attendance and welcomed people to stay for a drink before leaving




Documents

Llangollen district annual report 2015 2016 issue 1