On Sunday 7 June, volunteers from across Mersey Weaver came together at Queen Charlotte’s Wood for our annual BigThankYou event: a special opportunity to celebrate the incredible people who make Scouting happen across Widnes, Runcorn, Frodsham and the surrounding villages in recognition of Volunteer’s week.
The event was a chance to pause, reflect and say a very heartfelt thank you to volunteers from across the District who give so much of their time, energy and care to support young people and fellow volunteers.
Preparations began the day before, with Oli, our current District Lead Volunteer, assisted by our incoming District Lead Volunteer Tom Salvani, plus (Colin and Jessica Chambers) prepared a feast of pulled pork, brisket, ribs and pork belly bites.
Tom and Oli camped overnight in the Lavvu to cook the Brisket low and slow in the pizza oven at Queen Charlotte’s Wood, ready for everyone to enjoy on the day. At 13:00, Guests were welcomed to the Activity Centre with a glass of prosecco, and had time to catch up with Scout friends both old and new.
We were delighted to be joined by our County Lead Volunteer, Dave Hopley, who presented the awards and helped us recognise the outstanding contribution of so many volunteers. The event also provided an opportunity to introduce Tom Salvini, our incoming District Lead Volunteer, to the wider District ahead of him taking up the role on 1 September 2026.
Celebrating Outstanding Service
A huge congratulations goes to all those who received Good Service Awards, Commendations and Long Service Awards. These awards recognise exceptional commitment, dedication and impact across Scouting.
This year we had around 50 awards to celebrate, although not everyone could attend to receive them.
We were especially proud to celebrate two Silver Wolf awards, the highest award made by The Scouts for service of the most exceptional nature. Congratulations to Lindsey Wharton of 3rd & 9th Runcorn and Kay Flanagan of 14th Widnes on this outstanding achievement.
We also celebrated Judith Potts of 1st Helsby and Graham Proctor of 1st Ince & Elton, who were awarded the Silver Acorn, and Pam Barker of 6th Runcorn, who received the Bar to the Silver Acorn.
The Bar to the Award for Merit was presented to Karen Foggin, Joyce Sayle and Emma Cummings, recognising their continued outstanding service.
The Award for Merit was presented to Margaret Searson, John Nicholson, Callum Linger, Andy Hill, Alex Atkinson and Ashley Proctor.
A large number of volunteers were also recognised with the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service, including Brenden Edwards, Charlotte King, Diane Lagares Ballantine, Emily Morris, Hannah Deakin, Jayne Bamber, Michelle Littler, Pamela Brocklehurst, Phil Saunders and Sam Mason,
We were also pleased to recognise Ella Pickstock, Paul Sutcliffe and Jenny Barrowcliff who each received a Commendation.
For a full list of Award recipients including those who were unable to attend, please see our roll of honour.
Recognising Long Service
The event also gave us the opportunity to celebrate remarkable long service within Scouting.
Congratulations to Harry Edgar of Beacon Explorers (5 years), Yvonne Woodward of 3rd Frodsham/Mersey Weaver (10 years), Paul Frodsham of 4th Runcorn (20 years)
David Grundy of 4th Frodsham and Judith Potts of 1st Helsby, were both recognised for an incredible 30 years of service!
We also celebrated Alex Wynne of 4th Widnes, who was recognised for an extraordinary 60 years of service to Scouting. This is a truly remarkable achievement and a powerful example of lifelong commitment to supporting young people.
Thank You, Oli
As part of the afternoon, our District Youth Lead, Grace Wheeler, surprised Oli with some very thoughtful gifts and card in recognition of his service as District Lead Volunteer. Oli’s time as DLV comes to an end on 1 September 2026, and this was a lovely opportunity for the District to show its appreciation for everything he has given to Mersey Weaver.
A District Built on Amazing Volunteers
Events like the BigThankYou remind us just how much Scouting depends on the dedication of volunteers. Whether leading sections, supporting groups, managing activities, maintaining sites, mentoring others, serving on teams or helping quietly behind the scenes, every contribution makes a difference.
The impact of our volunteers is felt every week by young people across Mersey Weaver. They create opportunities, build confidence, teach skills for life and help make Scouting the positive, inclusive and adventurous movement it is.
To everyone who received an award: congratulations, and thank you.
To everyone who gives their time to Scouting in Mersey Weaver: thank you. Our District simply would not be what it is without you.
