Every week, Scouting provides young people with Skills for Life, and it is important to remember that this wouldn’t happen without the efforts of our volunteers. From planning week-long events to running activities, fundraising to DIY projects, it is the work of volunteers which allows our movement to thrive.
This is why, each year, Nottinghamshire Scouts recognises and celebrates the hard work and achievements of those across the county. 2022 was no different, seeing awards presented for a wide variety of deserving causes, at the awards ceremony held in October.
Display of the 2022 Oak Awards.
The District Commissioners from each of Nottinghamshire’s nine Districts are able to nominate one adult volunteer, and one Group or Unit, providing each nomination with the reason why they deserve to receive an Oak Award.
Rachael Cooke receiving her Oak Award from Rushcliffe District Commissioner, Vicki McCormick.
Rachael Cooke, from 4th Hucknall, was one of the recipients of an Oak Award. She was nominated by Vicki McCormick, for balancing her personal life, raising a young family whilst training to be a nurse, alongside “supporting and encouraging the development of the 1st Squirrel Drey in the district” and leading a project to “improve and upgrade the hall used by 4th Hucknall”.
One of the groups who were nominated for an Oak Award was 1st Clifton. Andy Taylor, the City of Nottingham District Commissioner, said Clifton has had “an amazing turnaround over the last few years”. They also started the first Squirrel’s Drey in their District, secured funding from the Youth Investment Fund and negotiated a lease for a new HQ building. Andy further explained Clifton “are also engaging regularly with the wider community by running Archery and Axe throwing sessions for the public”.
Rachael Cooke, from 4th Hucknall, was one of the recipients of an Oak Award. She was nominated by Vicki McCormick, for balancing her personal life, raising a young family whilst training to be a nurse, alongside “supporting and encouraging the development of the 1st Squirrel Drey in the district” and leading a project to “improve and upgrade the hall used by 4th Hucknall”.
One of the groups who were nominated for an Oak Award was 1st Clifton. Andy Taylor, the City of Nottingham District Commissioner, said Clifton has had “an amazing turnaround over the last few years”. They also started the first Squirrel’s Drey in their District, secured funding from the Youth Investment Fund and negotiated a lease for a new HQ building. Andy further explained Clifton “are also engaging regularly with the wider community by running Archery and Axe throwing sessions for the public”.
Rachael Cooke receiving her Oak Award from Rushcliffe District Commissioner, Vicki McCormick.
Jayne Burton-Naylor receiving her Oak Award from Nottinghamshire County Comissioner, Steven Tupper.
A special award was presented to Jayne Burton-Naylor for her efforts in ensuring that both the cast and audience of Nottinghamshire’s infamous Gang Show have a great experience.
Jayne has been involved with the Gang Show as the Executive Producer for over 15 years, playing a vital role in getting the show onto the stage. In this role, she manages everything from the budget to the merchandising, negotiating with contracts, venues and sponsors so that the show can go on.
John Asplin, who nominated Jayne, told us she achieves all of this “in her usual efficient manner and cheerful persona” and can be seen “cheering loudly” from the box office when the ticket sales budget has been reached. John added “Without her input, guidance and experience, Gang Show would not be the brilliant show it is today”.
We would like to extend our congratulations to all those who received awards, as well as all of the volunteers in Nottinghamshire who continue to provide amazing opportunities to young people across the county.
Article written by Jake Dixon.