Cheshire Scouts+ Royal Special

Date: 25th May 2019 Author: Dave Hopley

Cheshire Scouts Newsletter

It’s been a big week for Cheshire Scouts with a number of our members at Buckingham Palace for a garden party and to attend a DofE Gold award presentation event.

On Tuesday Dave Hopley (DCC Cheshire), Ian Potts (DC South West District) and Karin Snape (Warrington West) attended a garden party in recognition of their service.

A Royal Special

Dave Hopley DCC Cheshire

It was an honour to attend The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. Thanks to The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs and Graham Phillips for the nomination.

On the day the Grand Entrance (Front Gates) of Buckingham Palace opened to us at 3 PM, where we walked through the Quadrangle and enter the Palace, this sight of the Quadrangle would be a familiar to those who’ve watched the Queen receive a new Prime Minister. We then walked through two ground floor rooms to enter the Garden. Two military bands played music alternately throughout the day and afternoon tea was served on our arrival. At 4 PM The National Anthem announced the arrival of The Queen and Members of the Royal Family including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge- our Scouting Ambassador Kate was looking resplendent, they circulated amongst the guests through ‘lanes’ before taking tea. The Royal party departed at 5:40 PM and the National Anthem closed the Garden Party at 6 PM. We had a relaxed summer afternoon, with chance to explore the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace, it was a lovely occasion.

I am very privileged to have had many unique opportunities as a volunteer with Cheshire Scouts, this was truly a day to remember.


Karin Snape BEM (Warrington West)

Karin Snape was awarded British Empire Medal (BEM) earlier this year that was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire at Tatton Park. This was followed by an invitation to garden party at Buckingham Palace, which was also her Birthday. Karin says;

“It was a pleasure and great honour to attend both events and I shall never forget them. It is a great joy to be valued like that”.


Ian Potts (DC South West)

On Tuesday I had the privilege of attending the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. It was a memorable afternoon with good weather, beautiful surroundings and wonderful hospitality. I met a number of people including a couple of Scouters from South Wales and a Navy Officer from Devon, all had interesting and inspiring stories and were as honoured as I was at having been invited.

Scouting with South West Cheshire Scouts has provided me with some wonderful experiences over the years but this has been the least expected by far. It never ceases to amaze me what opportunities present themselves just by being part of the Scouting movement, on top of the day to day enjoyment of working with our incredible young people and adults.

Thank you to The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs and to Graham Phillips for nominating me and providing me with this incredible opportunity.


It’s Gold at the Palace!

On Wednesday the Buckingham Palace lawn became the backdrop for some Cheshire Scout recipients of their DofE Gold awards.

It was an amazing day and the Cheshire contingent did the County and their Districts realty proud. The guest presenter for the Cheshire contingent was Alistair McGowan, he was very entertaining, although some of the girls would have preferred Aliaz from Strictly who was doing a different group! Our guys spoke confidently with Prince Edward when they were introduced to him.

There was also a special invitation for Carol Frain in recognition of the tremendous work she does in supporting our top awards strategy in Cheshire.

Many thanks to all the Cheshire Leaders who have supported these young people over many years, proving that working together we can make a real difference to young people.

Another great opportunity delivered by Cheshire Scouts.


Coronation Street comes to Forest Camp Scout Activity Centre

If like the Queen, you are a fan of Coronation Street then make sure you are watching next week because most of it was recently filmed on location at Cheshire Scouts Forest Activity Centre.
The story line surrounds the Platts going on holiday, and the revelations regarding who stole Audrey’s money.

You might recognise the round pool, climbing tower and archery range. You might also recognise a couple of the staff who became extra’s for the filming.


Enjoy a  great day out & help Cheshire Scouts at the Royal Cheshire Show

The Royal Cheshire County Show Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th June 2019.

Each year Cheshire Scouts play a significant part at the Cheshire Show by providing volunteers to operate the ticket collection at gates; in return we are given a marquee and space to promote the work of Cheshire Scouts.

Over the last few years we have offered flexible volunteering, you will continue to be able to arrive and depart at whatever time suits your circumstances. Remember, providing you commit to at least four hours volunteering you can spend the rest of the day touring the Show. We are always short of staff, early morning, around lunchtime & late afternoon so please consider how you might be able to help us – how about doing a split shift using the middle of the morning or afternoon to look around the show and join us for a late lunch in Cheshire Scouts marquee after your shift. You might also consider splitting your tour of the show ground over both days by volunteering the morning one day and the afternoon the other day.

To join our team at the Royal Cheshire Show contact Cathy Bland by e-mail: [email protected] or by telephone: 01925 756724 (Mon, Tues, Wed) or 24 hour voicemail.

Put your phone down and what are you left with? Just teamwork, courage and the skills to succeed.’
Bear Grylls, Chief Scout Bear Grylls