Petworth & Pulborough District Scouts held their annual AGM on Sunday 8 September 2024 and celebrated another year of successful Scouting.
The event was held in Petworth in recognition of the Group’s achievement of being the first in the District to open a Squirrel Dray; Squirrels are the new youngest section of Scouting aimed at those aged 4-6.
The District Chair, Kath Bridger; District Lead Volunteer, Matt Pike and County Lead Volunteer, Tom Dalton all joined in marking the highpoints of the year. These included over 35 Bronze, 30 Silver and 15 Gold Awards presented to Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
The District relaunched their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Unit with members tackling Bronze and Silver Expeditions in the near future. The Explorers (14-18 years old) had trips to the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg in Switzerland and a canoeing expedition to the Wye. The Beavers held their first joint Christmas Party with the Rainbows from Petworth Division Guides which saw nearly 150 young people enjoying entertainment, a party tea and silent disco. The Cubs held their annual survival camp near Loxwood, although surviving the weather was an achievement in itself! The Scouts joined with the Guides for their annual Halloween Hike and Petworth Park Camp which was made even more special with a visit from astronaut and Scouting Ambassador Tim Peake; all of this plus a weekly programme of activities, trips, nights away, hikes and fundraising across the sections across the District.
Kath thanked outgoing trustees Hazel Barkworth and Pat Homer who have taken up roles as Vice-Presidents alongside Dave Grimwood. Several certificates for service and completion of training were awarded, most notably Dave and Mavis Topper who each collected 40 years giving them a fantastic 80 years of service to local Scouting between them.
A real treat was the John Hickman Trophy (named for our late Chair and President) which is awarded to an individual (adult or member) who has shown themselves to be a dedicated Scout. This year it went to Fittleworth Scout Connie Levett who has really lived up to the ideals of Scouting over the past 12 months.
Scouting is thriving locally due to our dedicated members and adult volunteers. We are always looking for volunteers to join the adventure and if you would like to know more about scouting locally or to volunteer yourself please contact us at info@pandpscouts.org.uk or www.pandpscouts.org.uk
Chris Evans
Programme Team Lead
Petworth & Pulborough Scouts