First Dromore Newry Scout Group, 2 Home Avenue, Newry, Co. Down, BT34 2DL
15[th] October 2023
Group Leader’s Report
2022-23 Scouting Year
Our membership is at present: 24 Beaver Scouts (ages 6-8 years old), 32 Cub Scouts (ages 8-11 years old), 32 Scouts (ages 11-15 years old), 10 Venture Scouts (ages 15-18 years old), 10 Rover Scouts (ages 18-25 years old) and 25 Scouters (adult volunteer leaders).
All sections (age groups) in the Scout Group started back at the beginning of September 2022 after their summer break.
The Beavers have been having their usual Wednesday night meetings each week, with an average of 18 Beavers in attendance. The Cubs had their usual meetings on Wednesday nights each week, with an average of 26 cubs attending. The Scout section is going well with an average of 28 Scouts at each Thursday evening meeting. The Ventures met on a Tuesday evening throughout the year, taking a break around exam time, as they always do. The Rovers met less formally on Monday evenings and were busier this year than in previous years, which is great to see. All our sections held regular activity events in addition to their weekly meetings, with the sections attending at least 10 events each (approximately 45 events in total). These events included: hikes, camps, orienteering, fun days, cross-community gatherings, canoeing, first aid, rock climbing, backwoods, litter picking and community engagement events.
I would like to recognise the commitment shown here by parents/guardians of our youth members. With them attending our meetings week after week, the consistency helps the young people on their Scouting journey. All I ask from parents/guardians is the monthly voluntary subscription and also to sign up for Gift Aid where possible (for every £1 you give; we can claim an extra 25p from the government).
Currently, we are not meeting in our Scout Den. Following ongoing fundraising and significant grantsearching, we are waiting for work to start on replacing the asbestos roof of our hall. The Group Assembly and the trustees of the hall have been planning over 10 years to save and raise money for different renovation ideas which the building needs. At present, we have an online ‘Go Fund Me’ page where donations can be made towards the renovations and a big thanks to the people who have already donated. Thanks to Raymond and Barry who spend their time on searching for grants; not only for the building but for our youth members, which brings down the costs of camps and activities that the Scouters organise.
Our Scout Group suffered a great loss this year with the passing of Terry Duffy in April 2023. Terry was our Group Leader since the group re-opened back in 2005 and he was a very caring and
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inspirational man with an incredible dedication to scouting in Newry, spanning a 30-year service as an adult volunteer.
I would like to thank our trustees, Group Assembly, and I would like to personally thank all our Scouters (adult volunteers) for their incredible commitment to the youth of Newry through Scouting.
We have a strong Scout Group, a committed team of leaders, and an enthusiastic bunch of young people – which continues to be the perfect formula for success!!
Ronan McGrath Group Leader 1[st] Dromore Newry Scout Group 15/10/2023
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