It continues to be my honour to support and promote the hard work and initiatives of our county’s scouting movement; so, having the opportunity to share in the festive fun at Kibblestone International Scout Camp near Oulton on the 4th of December was a privilege indeed.
I was invited to the event by Clive Leader and Steve Fern and was joined by The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Newcastle, Councillor John and Mrs Angela Cooper; Stone Town Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Mark and Mrs Kristan Green; and The Worshipful the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford, Councillor Gareth Jones and Mrs Renee Robinson. Together we enjoyed the scouts’ Christmas carol service in true seasonal style. The service was enormous fun and involved plenty of audience participation, with mince pies and mulled wine served in a festive atmosphere.
I would like to thank all those involved in organising such a truly enjoyable evening, and of course for the hard work and commitment they offer in teaching children valuable scouting life skills.
I would also like to extend my praise to the wider Kibblestone District Scout Council. The organisation can trace its history to 1927, when chairman of Spode Pottery and County Scout Commissioner for North Staffordshire, Ronald Copeland agreed to the use of two acres of his family estate at Kibblestone as a permanent camp site.
The site has seen many changes over the years and has even held international events. Its continuance would not be possible without generous donations and the hard work of the volunteers who continue to provide young people with amazing scouting experiences to this day; with activities ranging from archery and rifle shooting, to climbing and even caving. It’s a superb facility and I hope it continues to help develop scouts in the area and beyond for many years to come.