THE chair of the North Tameside Scouts District has announced he is stepping down after 30 years in the role.
Alan Fish joined the District Executive AGM in 1994 and, at his second meeting, stood in as temporary or acting Chair, which he fulfilled on and off for 23 years before being voted in back in 2017.
At the latest AGM, Vanessa Rothwell was chosen as his replacement but Alan, 74, vowed that his time in Scouting – which spans a remarkable six decades to date – is not finished yet.
“I hopefully will do a few more years helping young people to be better citizens in all our differing communities,” he said.
“I think, in this new world of Scouting, it should be run by younger people and Vanessa is that person to take Scouting into the future.”
At the meeting of the Ashton and Droylsden Scout groups held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alan welcomed the new Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Betty Affleck, who will be the North Tameside Scout President during her year in office.
The Mayor thanked all of the leaders and supporters who help around 400 young people to enjoy Scouting and earn badges.
Andy Morton, the District Commissioner, passed on his thanks to all the groups for their great reports as more young girls and boys are joining Scouting, before presenting the highest badge a Scout can receive – the King Scout Award – to Mark Howarth from St Michael’s Explorers at 3rd Ashton St James’ Scout Group.
The North Tameside Scouts District is appealing for more leaders and supporters to help the Scouting movement. Anyone interested can contact Alan by emailing alan.fish@ntscouts.org.uk or calling 07931 765 120.
