Message from our County Commissioner :
Hi All,
Following the County AGM on Thursday, It gives me great pleasure and immense honour to introduce our new West Yorkshire County President and two new County Vice Presidents
County President : – Kim Leadbeater, Ambassador for the Jo Cox Foundation.MP Jo Cox, Kim’s sister, was Scout President for Heavy Woollen District. After Jo’s death local Scouting continued her passion to make the great Scouting adventure available to all communities, providing more young people and volunteers with Skills 4 Life.
Kim created the Jo Cox Foundation and continued Jo’s work of bringing communities together based on the belief that we have ‘More in common than that which divides us’.
We were extremely pleased as a County to announce last year our partnership with the Jo Cox Foundation and our commitment to support More In Common and the Great Get Together events. This year to be announcing Kim as our President is fantastic news.
Kim has already started discussions regarding a joint strategy and creative ideas to support the County to rebuild from the Covid crisis.
I’m sure that with Kim as our President and Ambassador that West Yorkshire Scouts will bounce back bigger and better.
I’m sure you’ll all join with me in welcoming Kim to the role.
County Vice President : Mark Stageman (former County Commissioner)
Mark Joined Scouting as a volunteer in 1985 and has held numerous District and County roles before taking on County Commissioner in January 2010. Over the past 10 years Mark has done immense work to prepare better futures for our young people and build such a strong, diverse and enthusiastic Scouting family in West Yorkshire.
As Vice President Mark will be leading with IT development and support for the County. We have already seen the results of his knowledge, guidance and support in Sam’s (ACC Beavers) absolutely fantastic JamBOOree video and the Virtual BIG Camp Event in May.
Additionally with Mark’s knowledge of volunteers across the County he will also chair the County Awards Committee. So ensuring the continued recognition of all the exemplary service and commitment of volunteers to our Scouting family.
County Vice President : Linda Malloy (former County Chair)Linda Joined Scouting as a volunteer in 1980. Linda has held a variety of roles from beaver leader, GSL, DC and most recently County Chair for 8 years. Governance is absolutely crucial for a charity and Linda’s huge responsibility as County Chair has ensured we have done things the right way and safely, as well as providing exceptional support to development and delivery of Scouting across West Yorkshire.
As Vice President Linda will be chair of the WYScouts Gangshow sub committee. Linda’s vast experience of managing the gang show will undoubtedly ensure the continued success of such a prestigious event enjoyed by some many young people and volunteers. Of course the latest show had to be postponed but you will hopefully have seen that it will be replaced by WYS ON SCREEN – a virtual gang show in February 2021.
Additionally Linda will also sit on the County awards committee to ensure our volunteers continue to be recognised for all the fantastic work they do to create special memories and skills for life for our young people.
I’m certain you will all agree that Mark and Linda will make excellent Vice Presidents and help to ensure West Yorkshire Scouts continue to thrive in all communities across our County.
Yours In Scouting
Ian Womersley
County Commissioner