Mersey Weaver AGM celebrates growth, adventure and a new chapter of leadership

Mersey Weaver Scouts came together on 17 June 2026 for our Annual General Meeting, celebrating another year of adventure, growth, service and achievement across the District.

The evening was an opportunity to reflect on the impact Scouting continues to have across Widnes, Runcorn, Frodsham and the surrounding villages. It was also an important moment of transition, as we thanked Jeff Shaw for his outstanding service as District Chair, welcomed Andy Wheeler as our new District Chair, and looked ahead to the next chapter of Mersey Weaver with Tom Salvini preparing to take up the role of District Lead Volunteer from 1 September.

A place to belong

A strong theme throughout the evening was the Scouts’ new strategy, A Place to Belong. The AGM reminded us that Scouting is about far more than weekly meetings and activities. It gives young people friendship, adventure, teamwork, confidence and practical skills for life. It helps them become happier, kinder, more connected, more resilient and more active members of their communities.

Across Mersey Weaver, this happens because of the dedication of our volunteers. Every camp, activity, section night, trip, event, form, risk assessment, training session, minibus ride, conversation and act of encouragement helps young people feel that they belong.

As a District, we should be proud that Mersey Weaver is already a place where many young people and adults find friendship, purpose and community.

Celebrating a year of growth and adventure

2025 was another busy and exciting year for Mersey Weaver Scouts.

The AGM highlighted a huge range of programme opportunities, including the Wheatsheaf Postal Shoot, open shoots, Youth Forum events, Beaver Space Badge activities, visits to a Sikh Gurdwara and the Air Ambulance, Cub Astronomy Badge activities, Explorer microlight camp, Cheshire Hike practices, the Wellbeing Weekend, beacon lighting, a Scouts mining trip, the International Ball, MiDAS training, the World Scout Moot, Cheshire Hike, Celebrating Success and Waterloo.

One of the biggest highlights was the District expedition to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. The expedition brought together Scouts, Explorers and Network members from across Mersey Weaver and was described as the District’s largest and most inclusive international adventure yet. For many young people, it was their first international Scouting experience.

The District also celebrated strong growth. Youth membership increased by 7.5%, reaching 1,179 young people. Three new Squirrel Dreys, two new Beaver Colonies and two new Cub Packs opened during the year. Squirrels continued to be our fastest-growing section, with 11 Dreys now open, more on the way and only four Groups in the District still without one.

We also reached our highest ever number and percentage of female young people in Mersey Weaver, with 250 young people, or 31%, identifying as female.

While there is much to celebrate, the AGM also recognised that challenges remain. Waiting lists are still high, some sections need more support, and continued growth depends on welcoming, recruiting and supporting more brilliant volunteers.

Young people leading the way

One of the most powerful parts of the AGM was hearing directly from our young people.

Members of our World Scout Jamboree contingent spoke about their journey so far as they prepare for the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland. Mersey Weaver is incredibly proud to have five young people selected for the Jamboree after a very competitive selection process. They shared their experiences of the selection day, their training camps, fundraising and the friendships they are already building as part of the wider Jamboree unit. Their excitement about meeting Scouts from around the world, experiencing different cultures and being part of a huge global Scouting event was clear for everyone to see.

We also heard from young people involved in the Kandersteg expedition, who reflected on the adventure, teamwork and memories created during the District’s international trip to Switzerland. From fundraising and team-building to travelling abroad and taking part in activities in one of the most iconic places in world Scouting, their presentation showed the real impact international opportunities can have. It was a reminder that these experiences do far more than create great memories; they build confidence, independence, friendship and a lifelong connection to Scouting.

Grace Wheeler, our District Youth Lead, also shared an update from the Youth Shape Team. The team has continued to grow and now includes young people who are taking an active role in shaping Scouting across Mersey Weaver. Over the past year, they have supported the Wellbeing Weekend, taken part in County Youth Forums, met every month, helped deliver an Easter Youth Forum for Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs, and supported a Wheelchair Rugby League Youth Forum.

Grace also spoke about the importance of helping more young people have a voice in Scouting, and about the team’s plans to support Groups with youth shaped Scouting in a practical and accessible way. The message was clear: youth shaped Scouting is not something separate or complicated. It is about doing Scouting with young people, not just for them.

These presentations were a brilliant reminder that young people are not just the reason we do Scouting; they are active leaders, decision-makers and ambassadors for the movement. Their confidence, enthusiasm and ideas were a real highlight of the evening.

Investing in our buildings, centres and equipment

The AGM also celebrated significant investment across the District’s buildings, equipment and activity centres.

At Queen Charlotte’s Wood, a £10,000 grant from Morrisons supported the installation of a new kitchen, while a £2,500 Protos grant supported energy efficiency improvements. New heating has also been installed, and plans are being developed for a new toilet and shower block.

At the District Scout Centre, there has been major investment in heating, insulation and lighting. A £15,000 project, supported by a £10,000 grant from the Marshes Community Benefit Fund, has delivered Wi-Fi controlled heating, infrared heaters, improved insulation and new LED lighting. These improvements are helping to make the building warmer, brighter, safer and more efficient.

The District Shop has also been refurbished, creating a dedicated, practical and welcoming space for uniform, badges and other supplies. The shop is now open regularly on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Clogwyn Scout Activity Centre in Bangor has continued to see maintenance and improvement work, including bathroom improvements, radiator replacements, bedroom painting, mountain bike servicing and planning for further refurbishment.

A huge thank you was given to the Activity Centre and Assets Team, and to all those who quietly give their time to keep our buildings, equipment and facilities safe, welcoming and ready for young people to enjoy.

Recognising outstanding volunteers and young people

Recognition was another major theme of the evening.

The AGM celebrated the many volunteers who have received formal awards during 2025 and 2026, including awards such as the Silver Wolf, Silver Acorn, Bar to the Silver Acorn, Award for Merit, Bar to the Award for Merit, Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service and other commendations.

Alongside formal awards, the District also celebrated volunteers recognised through peer nominations from young people, parents and fellow volunteers. These personal messages showed just how much our volunteers are valued, not only for the big things they do, but also for the small, consistent acts of kindness, encouragement and commitment that make Scouting possible every week.

It was also wonderful to present a number of awards in person during the evening.

Keith Slator was presented with both his 5 Years’ Service Award and the Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service, recognising the huge contribution he makes at Queen Charlotte’s Wood. Keith is one of those volunteers who seems able to turn his hand to anything, and his practical support, commitment and willingness to help make a real difference to the site and to the young people who use it.

Michelle Pickstock was presented with the Award for Merit, recognising more than 10 years of outstanding service to Scouting. Michelle has contributed so much across Mersey Weaver, including as a Trustee, through wider District support, and through her significant role in the Kandersteg expedition.

Jeff Shaw was presented with his 10 Years’ Service Award and the Award for Merit. This was especially fitting as the evening also marked his final AGM as District Chair. Jeff’s contribution has been far more than chairing meetings. His support, governance, challenge, care and commitment have helped shape Mersey Weaver over 11 years.

The final award presented was one of the highest awards in Scouting: the Silver Wolf. This was presented to Lindsey Wharton in recognition of service of the most exceptional nature. Lindsey has given decades of service to Scouting, including as a Cub Leader, as Chair at 3rd & 9th Runcorn, through support to the District Team, appointments and awards, and through her wider support of Queen Charlotte’s Wood and many others across the movement.

These presentations were a reminder of the extraordinary people we have in Mersey Weaver. Awards are not simply about length of service. They recognise the care, consistency, generosity and impact that volunteers have on young people, other volunteers and the wider Scouting family.

Welcoming Andy Wheeler as District Chair

A key moment at the AGM was the appointment of Andy Wheeler as the new Chair of Mersey Weaver District Trustee Board.

Andy is already well known across the District. He has served as a District Trustee for a number of years and has chaired the Growth and Development Programme Steering Group, helping to support the District’s work to open new sections, grow Scouting and reach more young people..

Andy brings experience, commitment and a strong understanding of both local Scouting and District governance. His appointment provides important continuity as Mersey Weaver moves into its next chapter, particularly as Tom Salvini prepares to take up the role of District Lead Volunteer from 1 September.

We are delighted to welcome Andy as District Chair and look forward to working with him as we continue to support Groups, Units, volunteers and young people across Mersey Weaver.

Thank you, Jeff

The AGM was also a very special opportunity to thank Jeff Shaw, who has stepped down as District Chair after 11 years in the role.

Jeff has given exceptional service to Mersey Weaver. His leadership, calm judgement and commitment to good governance have helped guide the District through times of growth, challenge and change. As Chair, he has stewarded the Trustee Board, championed strong governance, supported safe Scouting, helped develop our risk management and oversight, and played a key role in the long-term sustainability of the District.

The last year has been especially demanding, following the sad loss of Cath Mudford, our District Treasurer. Jeff stepped in to help maintain financial oversight and continuity at a difficult time, helping the District navigate the additional complexity this created.

Much of what a Chair does is not always visible, but it is vital. Jeff’s steady support, challenge and encouragement have made a huge difference to the District, to the Trustee Board and to those in leadership roles across Mersey Weaver.

We are extremely grateful that Jeff has agreed to remain on the Trustee Board in a co-opted role for a further period, helping to provide continuity during the transition. This will be especially valuable as Andy settles into the Chair role and Tom prepares to begin as District Lead Volunteer.

On behalf of everyone in Mersey Weaver: thank you, Jeff, for everything you have done and continue to do.

Looking to the future with Tom

The AGM also gave Tom Salvini, our incoming District Lead Volunteer, the opportunity to share some of his early thoughts about the future of Mersey Weaver.

Tom spoke warmly about what makes Scouting special: community, friendship, making a difference and a shared sense of purpose. Although he described himself as relatively new to Scouting, he also reflected on how quickly he had found a place to belong in Mersey Weaver, and how powerful that feeling can be for new volunteers.

A key part of Tom’s message was that the future should not simply be about asking already busy volunteers to work harder. Instead, he spoke about making things simpler where we can, sharing the load more widely, bringing more hands in to help, and remembering that Scouting should be fun for adults as well as young people.

Tom also introduced the idea of creating regular, informal campfire gatherings for adult volunteers across the District. These would be low-pressure opportunities to come together, share food, get to know each other, build friendships and help newer volunteers feel part of the wider Mersey Weaver family more quickly.

His message was clear: if we can help volunteers belong, believe and feel confident, we can retain more people, grow stronger teams and support Groups more effectively. Tom also emphasised the importance of building succession plans, continuing to raise the bar and keeping a “Group first” approach at the heart of District support.

As Tom prepares to formally take up the role on 1 September, it was encouraging to hear his commitment to sustaining the progress already made while also bringing fresh energy, ideas and focus to the future.

A message from Cheshire Scouts

We were also pleased to welcome Dave Hopley, County Lead Volunteer for Cheshire Scouts, who helped place Mersey Weaver’s achievements within the wider County picture.

Dave reflected on what a fantastic year Mersey Weaver has had, recognising the strength of the reports shared during the AGM, the activities delivered by young people and volunteers, and the impressive work of the Youth Shape Team.

He highlighted that Mersey Weaver’s growth has been particularly strong. While Cheshire as a whole has grown by just over 1%, Mersey Weaver has seen around 7% growth, which Dave described as absolutely fantastic. He also recognised the impact of our Local Growth Officer, Emma Jenks, and the wider growth resource, which has helped open new provision and support excellent growth locally.

Dave also reminded us that growth is not just about opening new sections. It is also about supporting and sustaining our existing Groups and sections, helping them increase capacity, and making sure volunteers feel confident and supported. He noted the continuing success of Squirrels, with Mersey Weaver now having only four Groups without a Squirrel Drey, and celebrated the wider success of early years Scouting across Cheshire.

There were also some important challenges in Dave’s message. He spoke about the need to keep supporting Beavers and Cubs, particularly as more young people present with additional needs or more complex support requirements. He recognised that this can affect how confident Groups feel about increasing capacity, and that supporting volunteers with additional needs, inclusion and behaviour remains an important area of focus.

Dave also spoke about the Scouts’ new strategy, A Place to Belong. He explained that the strategy has been shaped by thousands of contributions from across the movement, but that its real impact will come from how it is brought to life locally. For Mersey Weaver, that means asking what the strategy means for our Groups, Units, volunteers and young people, and what practical actions we will take over the next three years.

He reflected that the next period should be one of consolidation and growth: getting back to the core spirit of Scouting, delivering fantastic and inclusive programmes, and supporting volunteers well. As Dave put it, many of us joined Scouting because we found our people, found our place, and found somewhere to belong.

Dave also thanked Jeff Shaw for his 11 years as District Chair, recognising the hard work involved in chairing the Trustee Board and the important partnership between a District Chair and District Lead Volunteer. He thanked Jeff for his stewardship, his leadership of governance, and for agreeing to remain on the Board in a co-opted role to support continuity during the transition.

Dave then gave a very warm thank you to Oli Chambers for his service as District Lead Volunteer. He described the District Lead Volunteer role as one of the hardest jobs in Scouting and recognised Oli’s eight years of exemplary leadership. Dave reflected that the vibrant reports shared at the AGM were a reflection of everything the District has achieved, but that those achievements had been supported by strong leadership year after year.

It was a generous and much-appreciated recognition of Oli’s contribution to Mersey Weaver, and a reminder that the District’s success has been built through the shared efforts of young people, volunteers, Trustees, teams, Groups and Units working together.

Looking ahead

Over the coming months, there will be a period of transition and continuity. Andy Wheeler is now in place as District Chair, Jeff Shaw will continue to support the Trustee Board through the handover, and Tom Salvini will formally take up the role of District Lead Volunteer on 1 September.

This careful handover will help maintain momentum and stability as the District continues to grow, support volunteers, invest in our facilities and give more young people the opportunity to gain Skills for Life.

Mersey Weaver is in a strong position because of the dedication, passion and care of its volunteers. Thank you to everyone who gives their time, energy and heart to Scouting across the District.

Together, we are helping more young people find their place to belong.