Homeless 9th Bexhill Scouts on verge of HQ re-build

THE homeless 9th Bexhill Scout Group may have held its last annual meeting in borrowed accommodation.

By this time next year the group hopes that a new headquarters will have been built on the base of its old hut, destroyed in the arson attack on the adjoining Rother wheelie bin store on the Wainwright Road car park in April 2007.

Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart was guest of honour at last Friday's annual meeting at the 2nd Bexhill headquarters in Buckhurst Road where the 9th has been meeting since the fire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Mayor has chosen the 9th's headquarters restoration appeal as his mayoral charity for the year.

He told Scouts, Scout leaders and parents attending the meeting: "The Scout movement is dear to my heart.

"I used to be part of it in my younger days in France.

"Not only does it teach vital skills, but, more importantly, creates a solid base for young men and women to become responsible citizens.

"Recently, when I was elected Mayor of Bexhill and asked what charity I would support, I immediately remembered the tragedy that struck the 9th Bexhill Scout Group last year.

"This was going to be my charity!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I hope that, together, we can raise enough funds to rebuild your much-needed facilities."

After the fire it immediately became apparent that insurance cover would be insufficient to rebuild the headquarters and the group launched an appeal which was generously supported by town organisations.

The group has had plans prepared and hopes that building work can begin soon. However, it still needs to raise at least another 20,000.

Under the chairmanship of newly re-elected Leigh Jackson, the meeting heard from re-elected group treasurer Pat Naughton in his report that the group currently has assets of 112,497.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Group Scout Leader Shirley Gilbertson thanked the Mayor not only for his attendance but for making the 9th's plight the subject of his mayoral appeal.

In her report, she said there had been changes in the past year, not least the fact that her predecessor, Janice Gammon, had returned to New Zealand.

"For my sins, I have taken on this role and hope that with your help I will manage the role well for the benefit of the children.

"We are also very pleased to see that this year has given us two new Scout Leaders, Matt Durkin and Paul Spurr. Both leaders have settled in very well and the Scout Troop has benefited greatly since their arrival."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Beaver Colony had done well. Ethan Durkin and Dylan Sullivan had gained the Just So Trophy at the District Camp. The trophy is awarded to the Cubs judged to have been the best behaved, most polite and pleasant to work with over the weekend.

Josh Brown, Jacqueline Davidson, Connor Durkin and Ross Jackson of the Scout Troop had won the Skills Award at the recent Colditz Competition.

Explorer Unit members Chris Hayward, Mathew Nash, Sam Vernon, James Pettitt and Jacob Barton had gained Platinum Awards and the GSL thanked Tom Pettitt who had worked long and hard for the Explorer Unit with little help at times.

The group has a unique trophy. It is the same of a sectionalised sailing craft and is called the Pushing The Boat Out Trophy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last year, it was awarded to Barry Wilkinson, GSL of the 2nd Bexhill, who had unhesitatingly taken in the homeless 9th after the fire.

The trophy goes this year to Brian Reeves for his help with the re-building programme.

The GSL concluded: "Last but by no means least, I would like to say thank you on behalf of all the parents, guardians and friends to all the leaders of each of the sections for yet another wonderful year of Scouting.

"Your hard work does not go unnoticed.

"We very much appreciate the help we have been getting from you parents and hope that you will keep it coming.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"You will see yourselves what a difference your being there can make to an evening.

"Should any of you feel you would like to take this one step further and become a leader please let me know."

Presenting the Platinum Awards, Assistant District Commissioner David King said they represented a considerable amount of work and effort in five spheres '“ values, expeditions, physical recreation, environment and international studies.

A CENTURY of Scouting in Bexhill will be celebrated at a special centenary service at St Stephen's Church on the afternoon of Sunday, October 26 '“ exactly 100 years to the day after the first Scout Troop was raised in the town.

Related topics: