Following an open search process I am delighted to inform you that I have been able to appoint a number of new members to the Wyre District Team whose purpose is to support the sections in all of our groups and units:
Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) – Nicky Dennison
Nicky will be known to many of you in the district having previously held the role of Group Scout Leader at 1st Carleton. Nicky has a passion for the Scout section and also adventurous activities and is a keen climber. Professionally, Nicky works in local Public Health and will provide strong leadership and a freshness of approach to support our fantastic volunteers in the Scout section.
District Explorer Scout Commissioner – Andrew Truelove
Andrew has been involved with Wyre District since starting as a Beaver Scout at 1st Thornton Cleveleys and as a young person Andrew represented Wyre District as a participant at the World Scout Jamboree in Thailand in 2002/03. Andrew has previously held adult volunteer roles as a Cub Scout Leader and Assistant Explorer Scout Leader. Professionally, Andrew works as a civil servant and will bring leadership to our Explorer Section, supporting our amazing Explorer Scout Leaders in delivering a high quality programme in this section.
District Youth Commissioner – Luke Thornton
Luke will join the District Team as our new Youth Commissioner when he turns 18 later in the year. Luke will complete his induction to the role in the coming months and is well placed to provide a youth shaped focus to the district, building on his experiences as a County Young Leader. I am looking forward to working closely with Luke as he brings a freshness of ideas and thoughts to members of the District Team and District Executive.
Assistant District Commissioner (Adventurous Activities) – Geoff Lyons
Geoff will be known to some of you in the district in his role as West Lancs Scouts Advisor and Assessor for a number of adventurous activities. Professionally, Geoff has recently retired from BAE Systems where he was a Senior Systems Engineer and lives in Gt. Eccleston. Geoff will bring a range of skills and experiences to the district and is keen to help us deliver a high quality programme in all sections through permitted activities, in a safe way.
Assistant District Commissioner (Events) – Keith Parkinson
Keith will be known to many of you in the district having held a variety of roles including Group Scout Leader at 4th Poulton. Professionally, Keith works as a Benefits Appeals Officer for Chorley and South Ribble Council. In this role, Keith will be responsible for delivering a calendar of events for members of the district.
I am sure that you will join me in welcoming the new members of the district team, joining Don Ashworth (Deputy District Commissioner), Jan Townley (ADC Beavers), Tracy Douglas (ADC Cubs), Gareth Bates (District Network Commissioner), Cyril Crossley (SASU Manager) and Caroline Dugdale (Local Training Manager), and support them as they become familiar with their new role. I would like to thank Clare May, Alan Campbell and Mandy Ramsden who have supported the district team for a number of years and will continue to support the district in new roles.
Also, I am delighted to have been able to make a number of further district appointments:
1st Poulton Group Scout Leader – Ian Bowes
Ian will be known to many of you as Beaver Scout Section Leader at 1st Poulton. Professionally, Ian works at BAE Systems as an Engineering Authority in Civil Engineering, I am confident that he has the skills and drive to lead and continue to develop the group.
2nd Cleveleys Group Scout Leader (Acting) – Kim Williams
Kim will be known to you all as the Beaver Scout Section Leader at the group. With Kim’s Scouting experience and professional background, I am confident that Kim has the skills to lead the group through a period where face-to-face Scouting has been suspended, and also planning for the future.
District Explorer Scout Administrator – Tracy Snape
Tracy will be known to some of you in her time as Group Scout Leader at 1st Thornton Cleveleys. Tracy will provide support to Andrew, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, and the Explorer Scout Section Leaders in administering the section.
District Supporter – Alan Shipway
Alan will be known to many of your in the district and, following discussions, he will complete his role as District Communications Manager and move into a broader supporting role within Wyre District. Alan will continue to bring a wide range of experience to the district and will focus in a number of areas including; internal communications, publicity, events and sectional support.
District Supporter – Internal Communications & Branding – George Brightman
George will be known to many of you as a young person in the district and more recently as an adult volunteer at 4th Poulton. In this role, George will be continuing to support the development of the Wyre District website along with ensuring that we have regular and engaging social media content. George will also be responsible for ensuring that a regular district newsletter is published to all members as well as advising the district and groups on our brand.
Jon Minshull
District Commissioner – Wyre Scouts
Wyre District Contact Details Please see below contact details for the members of the district team, please feel free to get in touch if you require support:
District Commissioner Jon Minshull dc@wyrescouts.org.uk
Deputy District Commissioner Don Ashworth don.ashworth@wyrescouts.org.uk ADC Beavers Jan Townley jan.townley@wyrescouts.org.uk
ADC Cubs Tracy Douglas tracy.douglas@wyrescouts.org.uk ADC Scouts Nicky Dennison nicky.dennison@wyrescouts.org.uk DESC Andrew Truelove andrew.truelove@wyrescouts.org.uk District Network Commissioner Gareth Bates gareth.bates@wyrescouts.org.uk SASU Manager Cyril Crossley cyril.crossley@wyrescouts.org.uk Local Training Manager Caroline Dugdale caroline.dugdale@westlancsscouts.org.uk District Youth Commissioner (from Nov 2020) Luke Thornton luke.thornton@westlancsscouts.org.uk ADC Adventurous Activities Geoff Lyons geoff.lyons@wyrescouts.org.uk ADC Events Keith Parkinson keith.parkinson@wyrescouts.org.uk
