GSL Annual Report 2023
Firstly, my apologies that I can’t be with you tonight and many thanks to Caro my deputy for reading out my annual report. This is the first AGM and awards I have missed in my 22-year membership of the Group and I am sad not to be here, all being well I will be back next year.
Each Section does its own annual overview of all the exciting things they have been up to over the last twelve months, we will send those out to everyone soon and load them onto our Group website for you.
It’s been another full-on year for 1[st] T, with continued growth, new leader team members and fantastic
opportunities for your children and Scouts of all ages to take part in some amazing activities, events, sleepovers and camps again.
An overview across all the Sections shows we have 228 Youth members, 18 Young Leaders and 36 Adult Leaders, with a further 8 parents serving on the Group Executive.
The Section details are as follows:
Harrock Squirrels – 24 Squirrels, Leader Team – Holly, Ellie, Pippa and Tom – YL
Hillbark Squirrels – 21 Squirrels, Leader team - Jenny, Rachel, Claire (admin) and Ella & Isla - YLs
Ismay Beavers – 22 Beavers, Leader team - Rich, Gemma, Rachel with India and Freya – Yls
Royden Beavers – 22 Beavers, Leader team - Jay, Mel, Lynne, John, Laura with Sadie and Frankie - YLs and Eli (Scout acting YL)
Thor Beavers – 23 Beavers, Leader team – Jayne, Helen and Gregg with Nia and Sam, Gabe and Joe - YLs
Fletcher Cubs – 36 Cubs, Leader team – Phil, Holly, Jon, Emma and Gayle with Dan, Ben G, Ben W, Conrad and Bradley - YL’s
Reed Cubs – 31 Cubs, Leader team – Paul, Gaynor, Iain, Jenny, Chris, Mike and Kimmy (Admin) with Alice - YL
Martin Scouts – 25 Scouts, Leader team – Andy, Alan and Ian, India and Dan – YL’s. Vicky who does admin for both Scout Troops
Richardson Scouts – 20 Scouts, Leader team – Andrew, Liz, Alex and Dan and Nat – YL’s
Saying Thank you, supporting and encouraging our adult and young leader team are the most important parts of my role. To the entire Adult Leader team, Young Leader team and our Group Executive thank you so much for everything you all do for the Group.
Caro and Andy have been so supportive in recent times and had to take the lead in the Group during my recent illness and continue to provide an enormous amount of support on a daily basis. Thank you both sincerely.
We opened another new Squirrel Drey last September and this was recognised when we won the Squirrel Drey of the
Year jointly for both Harrock and Hillbark, very well done Jenny and Holly our Squirrel Leaders, their teams and to Caro for the support, encouragement and commitment to make them both as successful as they are.
Caro has continued to recruit new leaders across the team, as well as supporting the Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs. Andy as ever has supported us both in the Deputy GSL role, thanks again to you both.
Very recently some of our team were recognised by the Chief Scout with Good Service as follows
Andy Costall, Liz Hughes & Jayne Oliver - Chief Scout Award for Merit
Alan Parr, John McBain and Vicky McGurk - Chief Scout Commendation for Good Service Award
Each and every leader (younger and older) are a massive asset to our Group and make it what it is today, a hugely successful, welcoming, inclusive and fun place to be each week. They put on amazing activities and events for the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts. Thank you for volunteering, thank you for everything you do for the Group, we wouldn’t be here without you. Please give them a massive round of applause.
Thanks also to our Group Executive who run the Group behind the scenes and support our fundraising. Earle our outgoing Chair, Ivan our new incoming Chair, Russ our Treasurer, Helen who has taken over as Secretary, Wendy,
Steve, Laura and Nick. We are always on the lookout for new members to join the team.
Earle and Vicky have provided fantastic service to our Group over the years and we thank them and wish them well (Gift for Earle) Vicky is continuing to do the admin for both Scout Troops much to the relief of the Scout Leader team.
Thank you to all our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Young Leaders and Adult Leaders and all the parents for your enthusiasm and commitment to Scouting. Together we are an amazing Group and team and provide skills for life through Scouting, long may it continue.
Thanks
Sue Flush - GSL