Pennine Scout District Commissioner Alan Sharkey and Group Scout Leader Norma Brandon awarded County Commissioners’ Commendation

Pennine Scout District Commissioner Alan Sharkey receives County Commissioners’ Commendation

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Pennine Scout District Commissioner Alan Sharkey and Group Scout Leader Norma Brandon have both been awarded with the County Commissioners’ Commendation at the GMN County AGM on 15 July.

The married couple were surprised with the awards by County Commissioner, Ian Silvester.

Alan, who didn’t know he was receiving an award, said: “It was a great surprise when I also got one. I think Norma actually deserves her more than I do with the work she is doing in developing recruitment strategies.

“I feel humbled. I thought I was just doing the job I really enjoyed but apparently, others see it as more than that. It is a real honour to be recognised for my achievements. And, of course, I am building a great team to work with me.”

Such is his dedication to the Scouts, Alan is planning on taking an early retirement to focus solely on his leadership role, which has enabled many young people to experience the joys scouting can offer.

He added: “I want to spend more time doing my role as District Commissioner as I actually enjoy it more than my ‘real’ job.”

Alan joined the scouts as an ‘Occasional Helper’ in 2000 when Norma ‘coerced’ him into becoming a camp helper. In 2005, when Wardle Scout Group found themselves without a Chairman, Alan stepped forwards to work with Norma as Group Chairman.

In December 2014, Alan wanted to do more for scouting, realising how ambitious and rewarding it was to moulding young lives. Three months’ later, he’d applied for the Pennine District Commissioner role and was successful at the interview.

Norma, of 17th Rochdale 1st Wardle Scout Group, praised her husband on his award.

She said: “Well done Alan, I know you now know that the role you thought you had volunteered for 18 months ago is a lot more varied than you ever thought it would be and is challenging you in a very different way than your day-job as a very highly regarded Data Centre Solution Architect.

“There have been so many changes for the good in Pennine district since you took the helm. I, for one, am pleased that you stepped forward to lead the three disparate districts of Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton and mould them into one cohesive team, which the recent district camp accentuated (with the admirable assistance of your leadership team). This is a great result showing vision, passion and the beginnings of the future of Scouting for Groups within Pennine district. There are not many people with the impartiality and direction you have shown that could have achieved this.”

Norma has been involved in scouting since she was a beaver and followed in her mother, former Mayoress, Beryl Wright’s footsteps as Group Scout Leader of Wardle Scouts. As leader, Norma has rebuilt Wardle Scouts to be one of the best groups in the district with a fantastic set of people who have become friends as well as scout leaders.

She is now taking that experience of recruiting and retaining leaders to other groups nearby with great success. Her work at Smithybridge Scouts has revitalised the group and they are beginning their upward journey to (hopefully) match Wardle Scouts.

Every year Scouts helps over 450,000 children and young adults in the UK enjoy new adventures, to experience the outdoors, interact with others, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. They develop skills including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment.

Thousands of adult volunteers work alongside the Scouts, with a huge variety of roles and opportunities available for all.