Richmondshire Scout Council AGM 2026

Welcome to the Richmondshire District Scout Council AGM 2026!

Please find the minutes, agenda and reports for this years meeting below.

The current District team is

District Lead Volunteer-Lindsay Sykes

District Chair-Kevin Foster

District Treasurer-Amanda Hender

District Secretary-Martha McGarry

Programme Team Leader-Darren Clements

District Volunteering Development Lead-

District Explorer Scout Team Leader-Gavin Ions

District Support Team Team Leader-Audrey McConnell

SEN and Safeguarding Lead/Deputy District Lead-Kez Appleton

District Communications Manager-Alex Sykes

14-25 Team Leader-Cameron Sykes

Social Inclusion-Sammie Lee

District Youth Lead-Dean Cunningham

District President-Val Patchett

If you encounter any issues or errors with the site please email cameron.sykes@nys.org.uk and they will be fixed to the best of our abilities 

Annual General Meeting

Friday 3rd July 2026 at 7.30

Catterick & Brompton St Anne’s Scout Hut

AGENDA

1. Introduction and welcome

2. Apologies for absence

3. Governance topics

a. Approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 4th July 2025

b. Adopt the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR)

c. Note the District’s financial year April 1st 2025 to March 31st 2026

d. Agree the number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board No

more than 12, no less than 6. Our current number is 10

e. Agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding

this AGM) Half plus 1

4. Review of the previous year

a. The District Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts during the past 12 months.

b. Receive and consider the Annual Report of the District Trustee Board, including

the annual Statement of the Accounts

5. Making appointments

a. The DLV is happy to announce Kevin Foster is to continue in the role of Chair

of the District Trustee Board

b. The DLV is happy to announce Amanda Hender is to continue in the role of

Treasurer to the District Trustee Board

c. Joining Kevin and Amanda are: Audrey McConnell, Becki Bulmer, Cameron

Sykes, Darren Clements, Gavin Ions, Kez Appleton, and Martha McGarry as

members of the District Trustee Board

d. New trustees: Sammie Lee and Dean Cunningham as District Youth Lead

e. The DLV is happy to announce that Valerie Patchett will continue as District

President

f. The DLV is happy to say Andrew Bedford will continue to act as Scrutineer

g. Cameron Sykes will represent the District on the County Scout Council

6. Quiz hosted by Ian Appleyard

7. Awards

8. Closing Remarks and date of next AGM

Date: Friday 4 July 2025

Location: Catterick Brompton St Anne’s Scout Hut, Leeming Ln, Catterick, DL10 7JY

Present: Andrew Lawson-Tancred (High Sheriff North Yorks 2025-26), Julia Lawson-Tancred

(Consort of High Sheriff of North Yorkshire), Simon & Linda Hickling (representing County),

Lindsay Sykes - District Lead Volunteer, Cllr Kevin Foster, Amanda Hender, Val Patchett, Audrey

McConnell, Kez Appleton, Ian Appleyard, Tom & Ed Iley, Tara Roulston, Paula Q, Davis &

Sammie Lee, Beki Bulmer, Jon McCourt, Gavin Ions, Marie Porter, Matthew Scrafton, Mark

Sykes, Alex Sykes, Cameron Sykes, George Fulton, Emma Fulton, Ben Fulton, Martha McGarry.

   1. The Chair welcomed everyone, giving a special welcome to Guest Speaker Sir Andrew Lawson-

Tancred, High Sheriff of North Yorkshire & his Consort & to Simon Hickling representing County

   2. Apologies for absence

Nick Caldwell, Richard Good, Sheila Good, Darren Clements, Gemma Gurden, Joyce Appleyard,

Heidi McConnell.

    3. Governance topics

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 5th July 2024 were presented – approval

proposed by Cameron Sykes, seconded by Kez Appleton & unanimously agreed.

Adoption of the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) was unanimously

agreed.

It was noted that the District’s financial year was April 1st 2024 to March 31st 2025, the accounts

were presented & it was advised that a signed copy of the scrutineer’s report was available on

request.

It was proposed by Cllr Kevin Foster & seconded by Audrey McConnell that the number of

members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board be no more than 12, no less than 6 & this

was unanimously agreed.

It was proposed by Cllr Kevin Foster & seconded by Audrey McConnell that the quorum for future

meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding this AGM) be Half plus 1 & this was

unanimously agreed.

    4. Review of the previous year

The District Lead Volunteer’s review of Scouts during the past 12 months was presented & it was

confirmed that is online – link sent with AGM invite.

The County Lead Volunteer’s Representative Simon Hickling gave thanks on behalf of the County

for the work done in Richmondshire.

The Annual Report of the District Trustee Board, including the annual Statement of the Accounts

were presented & are online. Members were invited to speak to the officers involved re any

questions.

     5. Making appointments

The DLV is happy to announce Kevin Foster is to continue in the role of Chair of the District

Trustee Board

The DLV is happy to announce Amanda Hender is to continue in the role of Treasurer to the

District Trustee Board

Joining Kevin and Amanda are: Audrey McConnell, Becki Bulmer, Cameron Sykes, Darren

Clements, Gavin Ions, Kez Appleton, Martha McGarry and Tara Roulston as members of the

District Trustee Board

The DLV is incredibly proud to announce that Valerie Patchett will be the new District President

The DLV is happy to say Andrew Bedford will continue to act as Scrutineer

Cameron Sykes will represent the District on the County Scout Council

The Chair noted that he would like to get out and about in the District more this coming year.

He thanked the Treasurer for all her work during the year and welcomed Beki Bulmer who joins

others who are serving another year.

    6. Guest Speaker

Andrew Lawson-Tancred (High Sheriff North Yorks 2025-26) shared that this was his third outing

as Sheriff to a Scouting/Guiding event.

He affirmed that volunteers are wonderful people & that so many more young people could

benefit if there were more volunteers across the country.

The role of High Sherriff is a King’s appointment for one year – the oldest office – dating back to

pre-Norman Conquest.

The original powers were explained, and that the current role is to proclaim in the County the

death of a Monarch & to act as Chief Returning Officer in an election. There is also a Charitable

role for which he has chosen three sectors – teenage mental health, prisoner rehabilitation &

music as a complementary therapy.

The High Sheriff then shared that he had been asked to present two High Sheriff Awards this

evening – for people who have gone beyond the call of duty – citations were read for Audrey

McConnell & Val Patchett & awards presented. A citation for a third award was then read for

Lyndsay Sykes & award presented.

The Chair thanked the High Sheriff, adding his sincerest thanks personally for all the volunteers

in the District giving young people skills in resilience.

    7. Scouting Awards were presented to Kez Appleton, Tara Roulston & Cameron Sykes (x3).

    8. Next year’s AGM will be held on Friday 3rd July 2026.

The Chair thanked everyone for attending.

The meeting closed at 20.01.

I have to start by saying I am incredibly proud of Jay for being selected to attend

the International Jamboree, and equally proud of Connor, who has been

fundraising tirelessly throughout the year.

Barton put on an excellent AGM, which included a fantastic Pinewood Derby, and

we also held a moving Peace Light Service.

We enjoyed a brilliant St George’s Day celebration, expertly led by Cameron.

Unfortunately, we had to cancel The Big Birthday Bash due to safety concerns.

However, watch this space - the outstanding Events Team is already working on

plans for something even bigger and better.

Our Scouts attended what must have been the wettest Ignite ever in September,

and new Trustee Beki Bulmer certainly received a very wet introduction to

Scouting when she came along. Cubs had a fantastic time at CubJam over the first

May Bank Holiday weekend. Catterick Garrison and Colburn Scout Groups joined

forces to take part in the Meet Parade, supporting Garrison leader and Trustee

Emma. The Scout Team won the quiz at the Meet Quiz, but donated our winnings

back to The Meet. We also enjoyed a district trip to the cinema in January to

watch Scouts! The Musical, organised by Cameron and Darren.

Members of the District have engaged in various events over the year,

participating in the Town of Culture bid, various committee meetings, Mayor Carl

Tate’s leaving meal at the Kings Head, the Meet meal, the Armed Forces Day Flag

Raising among others

A huge congratulations to Audrey on receiving her Silver Wolf Award, Scouting’s

highest adult honour, and to Catterick Garrison Scout Group as they celebrated

their centenary year. The group also successfully moved into their new meeting

hut. Audrey had a particularly memorable year, attending a Garden Party at

Buckingham Palace and joining the St George’s Day celebrations at Windsor

Castle.

Richmondshire leaders were recognised at the County Awards Ceremony in

March, and Cameron, Kez and Tara were all nominated for Volunteer of the Year

at the Yorkshire Choice Awards.

We were delighted to welcome Val as our District President. She continues to

take a keen interest in everything our young people achieve and is always ready

to support Scouting whenever she can. Val was also delighted to attend a Garden

Party at the Palace of Holyrood house in recognition of her long and good service

to Scouting.

Tara officially opened the second Squirrel Drey at Catterick Village, which now

offers a complete Scouting journey with Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

While we are delighted to see the section thriving, we are sorry to lose Tara from

her roles as Learning and Development Team Leader and Trustee. Tara, thank you

for everything you have done for Richmondshire Scouting. I hope you will

continue leading and helping Scouting grow in Catterick Village for many years to

come.

Richmondshire continues to go from strength to strength, with census results

showing an impressive 48% growth in membership.

Finally, I have a lot of people to thank. First and foremost, Kez, for being such an

excellent Deputy while I was in hospital and throughout my recovery. Thank you

also to Kevin, our Chair of Trustees, and my fellow Trustees—Amanda, Audrey,

Beki, Cameron, Darren, Gavin and Martha. My gratitude extends to all our GLVs:

Audrey, Clare, Darren, Gavin, Gemma and Tara.

Most importantly, thank you to every volunteer, team member and helper across

Richmondshire, and to your families for supporting your commitment to what is

famously described as "just one hour a week." None of what we achieve would be

possible without you.

Thank you.

Lindsay Sykes

Richmondshire District Lead Volunteer

This has been another successful year for our Scout Group, thanks to the dedication of our

volunteers, who have continued to provide a safe, inclusive, and exciting programme for our

young people. On behalf of the Trustee Board, I would like to thank everyone who has given

their time, support, and enthusiasm throughout the year.

The Trustee Board has continued to meet regularly to ensure the Group remains well

governed, financially secure and compliant with Scouts and Charity Commission

requirements. Careful financial management, fundraising, generous financial contributions

and grants from our supporters have enabled us to maintain our facilities, invest in equipment

and continue providing excellent opportunities for our members.

Young people across all sections have enjoyed camps, hikes, adventurous activities,

community projects and badge work, helping them develop confidence, resilience, teamwork

and valuable Skills for Life. We have also been pleased to welcome new members and

volunteers to the Group.

We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported the us financially.Finally, my

sincere thanks go to our Lead Volunteer, Section Team Members, Trustee Board, Treasurer,

parents, carers, sponsors, supporters and the wider community. Your commitment, generosity

and continued support make everything we achieve possible, and together we continue to

provide outstanding opportunities for young people.

Kevin Foster

Chair of Richmondshire scouts

Some fantastic fundraising this year has seen a lot of donations from

local businesses towards our Big Birthday Bash. Unfortunately that

didn't go ahead as planned, but hopefully will happen in the future.

This year we have set aside some more funds to help anyone in

scouting who is struggling with the ongoing cost of living and I would

welcome applications from anyone going forward, who needs some

assistance with costs associated with having a full enjoyment of what

scouting has to offer.

Thanks once again to every Group/Unit for paying over their

subscriptions and thank you to their respective Treasurers for the

work they do voluntarily which is so vital in supporting the

functioning of the Groups/Units.

Amanda Hender

Richmondshire District Scout Council

Accounts for the year to 31 March 2026

District Registration Number with The Scout Association 16407

Charity Registration Number 1017534

Index

Scrutineer’s Report page 1

Receipts and Payment Account – receipts page 2

Receipts and Payments Account – payments page 3

Statement of Assets and Liabilities page 4

Scrutineer’s Report to the Trustees of Richmondshire District Scout Council

I report on the accounts of the District for the year ended 31 March 2026.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer

As the District’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.

Basis of Scrutineer’s Statement

In accordance with the directions given in the District’s constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages 2 to 4.

Scrutineer’s statement

In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.

Mr Andrew Bedford

Glory Be

Blades

Richmond

North Yorkshire

DL11 6PS

Over the year I am pleased to say we have increased our numbers in all sections also welcomed former scouts Ben DJ and Ella as leaders.

All the sections have participated in numerous district activities such as going to the Savoy cinema in Catterick Garrison to see Scouts the Musical,  which we all enjoyed.

We joined the district on a hike to Easby Abbey where we renewed our promise and then had a picnic before returning to Richmond along the old railway line.

Scouts have had a full year starting with a camp to Ignite, visited the fire station where they were given the opportunity to see how a fire station operates.  During the year they have whittled,  cooked, soap carved,  taught map skills using Lego, hiked plus many other activities.

Cubs have also been working hard,  having fun working towards many badges.  They had a wonderful time enjoying eating after cooking backwoods style,  gaining badges in cyclist, world,  personal challenges,  collectors these were shown to the pack and many more, some still to be completed. Gained  4 silver Chiefs Scout Awards.

Beavers firstly Thank you to Raksha Bagheera and Kaa  for running the beavers as well as cubs over the past year.

The beaver numbers have increased significantly over the year.  They like the other sections have been beavering away working towards badges.  They have been on a bug hunt, followed maps,  learned about safety and participated in sports.

Gained 1 Chief Scouts Bronze Award.

Not forgetting our young leaders Ryan and Finlay who are a great asset to the troop. Also to Daniel who helped with cubs who now unfortunately has to leave us for a new adventure (called work). Hopefully he will return.   Thank you all.

We moved into new premises in September not as good as our last one for the past 60 years but we have managed so far without to many difficulties but we shall see how we manage in the winter.

The group is looking good with all 3 sections and a full Trustee board but we would benefit with more leaders/helpers especially for the beavers.

Once again can I say a huge Thank You to all of you for the time and work you give to the young people also for the unseen things you do that sometimes never gets recognised.

 Leaders     Kez, Cam, Doc, Ben, Hawkeye (Mark), DJ, Jason, Ella

                Ahmeek (Kathy),  Bagheera (Shaunna), Kaa (Jacob)

Trustees: Emma, Jez, Ben, Sue, Hannah, Heidi

Thank you all for the support and help you have given me.

Audrey McConnell   

Group Lead Volunteer

This past year has been another busy and successful one for our Scout Group, filled with a wide variety of activities, events, and opportunities that have allowed our young people to grow in confidence, teamwork, and practical skills. It has been fantastic to see such enthusiasm and commitment from all sections throughout the year.

Among the highlights of the year was our attendance at Remembrance Sunday, where our young people represented the group with pride and respect, taking part in an important community event and reflecting on the sacrifices made by others. We were also pleased to attend the Beaver Damboree, which provided our youngest members with a memorable experience packed with adventurous activities, teamwork, and friendship building.

Our Cubs had the opportunity to take part in CubJam 2026 preparations and activities, helping to build excitement for the wider scouting adventure ahead. Participation in Junior Warrior once again proved hugely popular, encouraging resilience, teamwork, determination, and physical fitness in a fun and engaging environment.

Water activities also featured this year, with members enjoying Bell Boating sessions that developed communication, cooperation, and confidence on the water. These adventurous activities continue to be an important part of providing varied experiences for our young people.

Throughout the year we held a wide range of weekly meetings and activities designed to teach practical life skills while ensuring scouting remained fun and engaging. Meetings included Bike Maintenance, Fire Starting Techniques, Outdoor Cooking, Craft Activities, Bird Box Building, and various team-building games and challenges. Outdoor activities such as the Night Hike and Wide Game in the Dark helped develop confidence, navigation skills, and teamwork while creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

Social events also played an important role in strengthening friendships within the group. Our Pantomime Trip was enjoyed by all and brought plenty of laughter and festive spirit, while the Christmas Party provided a fantastic way to celebrate the end of another successful year together.

None of these opportunities would be possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers and leaders. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all leaders, helpers, trustees, and supporters who continue to give their time and energy to the group. Special recognition must go to Marie, Gaby, and Daniel, whose ongoing commitment and enthusiasm have made a significant impact across the group and greatly enriched the experiences offered to our young people.

We would also like to give special thanks to Matthew and Andy for their hard work and dedication in successfully getting the Scout section back up and running again after a year’s break. Their commitment and effort have helped rebuild the section and provide new opportunities for our young people to continue their scouting journey.

A special mention should also go to Mike for his enthusiasm, energy, and encouragement within the Beaver section, helping to create a fun and welcoming environment for our youngest members.

We would also like to thank all parents and carers for their continued support throughout the year. Whether helping at events, transporting young people, fundraising, or supporting activities behind the scenes, your contribution is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, thank you to all of our young people. Your enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to get involved are what make scouting so rewarding. It is inspiring to see the friendships formed, skills developed, and confidence gained through the experiences shared together.

Looking ahead to the coming year, we already have an exciting programme taking shape. Plans include another return to Junior Warrior, Bell Boating sessions for both Cubs and Scouts, and the Big Birthday Bash celebrations. We are also beginning preparations for a Family Camp planned for May 2027, which we hope will bring together young people, families, volunteers, and supporters for a memorable weekend of scouting, adventure, and community spirit.

As we move into another year, we look forward to continuing to provide fun, challenging, and rewarding experiences for everyone within our scouting family and building on the fantastic momentum created over the past year.

1st Barton continues to be full in all sections, with 86 young people on the roll of Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Whilst this is good news on the face of it, we also have more than 70 names on our joining list, with anyone above the age of 6 being unlikely to get a place unless another young person drops out. While we’d love to turn this list into new or larger sections, the capacity of the hall and the availability of adult volunteers will always limit our ability to do this.

Even though we continue to have enough adults to run our sections every week, we do feel stretched thinly at times, so we’d love to take on more volunteers to spread the load. From a personal perspective this is reflected in the fact that although I nominally retired as GLV and Scout Team Lead at the end of 2025, I still find myself writing this report and doing both roles most days.

Having said this, all of our sections continue to plan and deliver excellent programmes for our young people and outside of weekly meetings there are always opportunities for our young people to get involved with more adventurous things. As a group we held our biennial family camp in 2025, which means 2026 will be a gang show year. Let us know if you’d like some tickets.

I’d like to put on record my thanks to some retiring members of our trustee board. Both Stuart (Chair) and Al (Treasurer) have been at my side throughout my tenure as GLV and have been an invaluable part of the team which keeps the group moving forwards. Neither role is especially glamorous, even in the context of scouting, but both have been active in their roles in a way that takes an awful lot of pressure from this particular GLV. Thank you both for your unwavering support throughout the highs and lows of the past 6 years.

Thanks to all of our volunteers. However much time and effort you are able to put into the group is appreciated. Perhaps by next year there will be a new face at the helm, ready to take Barton forward to new and ever more ambitious adventures.

The last 12 months have been an exciting and successful year for Brompton & Catterick St Annes Scout Group, with significant growth across all of our sections.

Our Beavers and Cubs have continued to go from strength to strength, with 19 Beavers and 21 Cubs now enjoying adventurous, fun and skills-based programmes each week.

In September, we were delighted to relaunch our Scout Troop, which has been a fantastic success. The troop has grown quickly and now has 16 Scouts enjoying the opportunities that Scouting has to offer.

We also celebrated another exciting milestone in January with the launch of our Squirrel Drey. It has been wonderful to see this newest section thrive, and we now have 14 enthusiastic Squirrels beginning their Scouting journey.

None of this would be possible without our amazing volunteer team. Team BACSA has grown considerably over the past year, and I would like to say a huge thank you to every single member for your support, enthusiasm and commitment. Your dedication to providing exciting, high-quality programmes across all of our sections is what makes our group such a success.

This year we also say goodbye to our Treasurer, Andy Gamble, who has stepped down from Scouting. On behalf of the group, I would like to express our sincere thanks for his many years of commitment and service, not only to Brompton & Catterick St Anne's Scout Group but also to the District over many years. We wish Andy all the very best for his retirement!

Our links with the local community continue to grow stronger, and you will regularly see our young people and volunteers supporting and taking part in a wide range of community events and activities. We are proud to be an active part of our local community.

This year also marked a very special occasion as 1st Catterick St Anne's celebrated its 75th anniversary. We marked the milestone with a fantastic group sleepover at Beamish, creating memories that will stay with our young people for years to come.

Looking ahead, we are excited to be holding our first ever full Group Camp this September, bringing together all of our sections for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

It has been a remarkable year of growth, development and achievement for our Group. We are incredibly proud of everything our young people and volunteers have accomplished, and we can't wait to see what the next 12 months will bring.

Tara aka Squirrel - Group Lead

Volunteer

I can’t believe a year has gone by since I wrote our 2025 report! Fastest year to date!

Camping:

We have been out and about camping with all three sections over the past year, Scouts participated in a

wet Ignite in September and will be returning this year again, we really do love this event.

Our Cubs and Scouts joined together and went to Scout Adventures Great Tower which is a fantastic centre

with a great range of activities, one we will go to again! Cubs did Tomahawk throwing, raft building and zip

line, Scouts participated in archery, climbing on a natural crag and crate staking. We had the usual camp

activities of campfire and wide games and also took the chance to do a hike up Gummers How to enjoy the

fantastic views of Windermere.

Scouts have also done an expedition camp as they begin to work through their Expedition Challenge

Award. They hiked through Wensleydale and took in Addleborough. Our Beavers have also enjoyed their

own sectional camp at Redmire wit ha number of first timers and even a parent helper participating in their

first night camping – they all loved it!

By the time you read this we will also have utilised the County Caving Team for our Scout trip, it will have

been an incredible experience for them, and so thankful to have such a great County Team!

We have been working hard to raise our profile in the local community, this has included participation in

community events such as The Wensleydale Show, Askrigg village produce show, Remembrance and

visiting a number of local businesses and organisations including Yorebridge Sport and Leisure for a Group

tennis coaching session. This was a fantastic accessible activity that included our parents and got everyone

involved.

We have been sharing our news on the local villages and town social media channels, always with a blurb

to encourage people to step forwards and volunteer. This has picked up two new trustee’s and a new

sectional volunteer. We have been prioritising building the volunteer team in preparation for some

volunteers to naturally follow their own children as they move up in summer.

Our newly formed Trustee Board are getting up to speed on the best ways to support the Group and will be

a great asset to the Group.

Fantastic 2025/2026 and looking forward to the rest of 2026/2027

Gemma

Group Lead Volunteer

1 st Wensleydale Scout Group

It has been a successful first year for the team at 1st Colburn Town Scout Group.

Throughout the year, our focus has been on developing as a leadership team, making the most

of each volunteer's individual skills, and supporting one another in our own development.

This collaborative approach has enabled us to provide an engaging, varied, and enjoyable

programme for our Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts, giving our young people opportunities to learn

new skills, build confidence, and enjoy adventure.

As we look ahead to the coming year, our priorities are to continue growing and

strengthening the Group. We aim to hold a Group Camp in September, increase membership

across all sections, recruit more adult volunteers to support our programme, and, subject to

having sufficient volunteers, open a Squirrel Drey to offer Scouting to even more young

people in our community.

I would like to thank all our volunteers, parents, carers, and supporters for their commitment

throughout the year, and I look forward to another successful year ahead.

Clare Arnott

GLV

The past 12 months has been amazing at Half Moon Explorers, our numbers have fluctuated fairly often due to new starters and those aging out but we've still tended to sit in the 15-20 range with good turn out to our meetings. Jen has also joined us at Half Moon this year and has been a great asset to the group showing a real passion for ensuring our young people learn future skills! We've put a strong focus on the Explorers deciding on their own programme which has led to a wide range of activities ranging from giant box forts, a Taskmaster night and baking to visiting Swale Mountain rescue, bowling and air rifle shooting. Overall the group is in a great position and I'd like to thank 1st Barton Scouts for their continued support and to the Explorers themselves for helping make Half Moon such a wonderful group to be part of. 

Castle Explorers have continued on as normal this year with a slight increase to

our numbers and more due to join us from September.

We started the academic year with the very wet county Ignite camp, but spirits

were not dampened and the explorers showed why they are a brilliant group of

young people helping both the scouts we were attending with and the county

activities team to run hot water flasks around the site. The rest of the year has

been quite standard with regular activities such as hikes, cooking, fires to name a

few.

In December we moved to a new location due to changes at St Aidan’s and we

have settled nicely into this new scout hut

We also had some good news in December when one of the Explorers was

selected to attend the 2027 World Scout Jamboree in Poland.

Looking ahead to the future we are hoping to open a Network Hub at Castle as a

number of the unit will age out over the next year and have expressed interest in

creating/reopening the district Network Unit, if you are aged between 18-25 and

would be interested in joining, please get in touch.

As always, my thanks goes to Rob, Kez Sammie and Alex for helping me run the

Unit over the last year, Amanda for dealing with the money so I don’t have too and

the Explorers themselves so we as a leadership team aren’t left to our own

devices every other Thursday.

As Youth Lead, I am also pleased to say that Dean Cunningham has agreed to

take on the role now that I am aging out of it and I have the upmost confidence he

will exceed at that role. It is a bit sad for my time in that role to be ending as I have

been doing the Youth Lead/Commissioner role since 2019 so this will be my last

report as Youth lead, but I will still be around as 14-24 lead, Castle Explorers,

Garrison and anything else people ask me to do.

Cameron Sykes

District Youth Lead and Team Lead Castle Explorers

The 2027 AGM will be 

Please join us afterwards for Award presentations and refreshments.

The District trustees would like to thank the following people for their support over the last year and beyond:

Our Scrutiner Andrew Bedford

District President Val Patchett

All of the volunteers in the district

previous years reports can be found at https://richmondshirescouts.org.uk/members-area/