South Ribble Scouts Annual General Meeting marks the start of our next chapter
Volunteers, trustees, community partners and civic guests came together on Thursday evening for the South Ribble Scouts Annual General Meeting, an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate the dedication of our volunteers and look ahead to the exciting future of Scouting across the District.
The evening welcomed the Mayor Cllr Caleb Tomlinson, and the Mayoress of South Ribble, alongside Cllr Karen Walton, District President and members of our local community, recognising the incredible contribution Scouting continues to make across South Ribble.
Celebrating the people behind Scouting
Every week, more than 370 volunteers give their time to help over 1,700 young people experience adventure, build confidence and gain Skills for Life.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Good Service and Length of Service Awards, recognising volunteers whose dedication has made a lasting difference to generations of young people.
Every award represented years of commitment, countless evenings and weekends, and an unwavering belief in giving young people the very best opportunities. Congratulations to everyone recognised, and thank you for everything you continue to do for Scouting.
Reflecting on the year – and looking ahead
Delivering his first Annual General Meeting address as Lead Volunteer, Jon Nutten reflected on his own Scouting journey, from joining as a Beaver Scout at 7th Penwortham to now leading South Ribble Scouts.
He spoke about the volunteers who had shaped his own journey and the lasting impact they continue to have on thousands of young people every week.
“Leadership isn’t about one person standing at a lectern. It’s about hundreds of volunteers standing beside thousands of young people every single week. Tonight isn’t about me. It’s about every one of you.”
Reflecting on the past year, Jon acknowledged that while it had been a period of change for the District, the commitment of volunteers had never faltered.
“Whilst, as a District, we haven’t naturally delivered everything we’d hoped to over the past twelve months, our Groups, Sections and Explorer Units never stopped delivering. That is the real story of South Ribble Scouts.”
Building our next chapter together
Over recent weeks, South Ribble Scouts has shared its commitment to reflect, renew and refocus as it begins its next chapter.
That means strengthening communication, listening to volunteers, celebrating success, and creating a culture where everyone feels welcome, supported, and valued.
This couldn’t align more closely with Scouts UK’s vision of A Place to Belong, because when volunteers feel they belong, young people benefit too.
The AGM also celebrated several important milestones across the Movement, including 5 years of Squirrel Scouts, 40 years of Beaver Scouts and 110 years of Cub Scouts, while looking ahead to 25 years of Explorer Scouts and Scout Network over the coming year.
Looking to the future
South Ribble Scouts has always been about people.
The volunteers who give up their evenings.
The trustees who support behind the scenes.
The parents who step forward to help.
The young leaders are taking their first steps into volunteering.
Together, they create opportunities that change lives and strengthen communities.
As South Ribble Scouts looks to the future, the focus is clear: supporting volunteers, growing stronger together and creating even more opportunities for young people to gain Skills for Life.
The next chapter has already begun, and we’re excited about everything we can achieve together.
