It’s been a great year across the District. Here’s a few thoughts on the last 12 months as we approach the festive season.
This time of year is a great chance to spend quality time with family and friends and have a well-earned break from all that you do for Scouting in Blackpool.
As you know Scouts is starting a period of change with the national transformation process. I know that change is not always easy nor is it liked by everyone and that is ok. Nationally teams-based volunteering is taking shape and a more flexible way of getting stuck in and lending hand is being rolled out.
Locally I believe we got a little ahead of the curve here because as you know when I came into post I quickly appointed 3 team leaders to have specific areas of responsibility. By doing this my hope was that people could start to see how this way of volunteering worked at a District level and allow you to see how this can be implemented yourselves.
I know there are still some concerns out there about how this will all look and work but one thing is clear that there is support for each and every one of you.
More importantly though there is a role for everyone! We will always have a job for you to do.
I would ask that even if we are unsure about change, we embrace it as best we can because ultimately all we do is for the benefit of the young people of Blackpool.
Be proud that we are part of the largest volunteer led organisation in the town and we are getting stronger!
We have young people waiting to join our Squirrel Dreys and work is being done to open new provisions which is brilliant to see. We are striving to reach our target set out in the strategy of having over 900 young people enjoying the benefits and opportunities that Scouts to offer and of course gaining valuable #SkillsForLife.
I would like to thank all of my District team as well Chris Hardy and the Board of Trustees for their continued support to make good things happen!
As I have said previously and cannot say enough, the dedication that each of you show week in week out is awe inspiring and you should be proud of all that you have achieved. I know I am.
As volunteers you may have faced some challenges but with a positive attitude and the knowledge that everything we do is for the benefit of young people in Blackpool then we will go from strength to strength.
Wishing you all the warmest of wishes for this festive season and a Happy New Year!
Best wishes,
Matt, Lead Volunteer (District Commissioner)
