Presidents Patter – Autumn 24
Gone Home – A Member & a Friend
Once more under the tracking sign “Gone Home” I sadly report on the passing away of two very different people, linked by their love of the Scouting Movement
Kevin Huggett was one time a 2nd Whitton Troop Leader. He was also a member of the cast of Ralph Reader’s London Gang Show and though he married and moved to the South Coast to run a Bed & Breakfast business he continued to attend London Gang Show Fellowship gatherings. He was a larger than life individual and left this life far too young. Our thoughts continue to remain with Angela and their family.
Shirley Sainsbury-Brown was Cub Scout Leader of the 1st Hampton Sea Scout group for many years, while her husband Dennis was Group Scout Leader. After she retired from that position, she took on the role of District Badge Secretary. Shirley was excellent in that role, and no-one was ever let down, as she went to great lengths to ensure all had the badges they needed on time. She was a great friend of this group and as a visitor attended many of our events and we were always pleased to welcome her. Again like Kevin she is sorely missed and we think of family in their loss.
Back in the Day or What’s in a Name?
When I was a Wolf Cub and a Scout, we had Cub Mistresses and Scout Masters to lead us. Then the Advance Party renamed those in charge as Cub Scout Leaders and Scout Leaders. Until now – Scout Headquarters has decided that we are now all Volunteers!
Maybe it is an attempt to attract more adults to help run our Sections or maybe to attract more sponsorship money into the coffers. Whatever the motive we are all to be known by the following terms – Section Team Leader Beavers and Section Team Members Beavers, and so on through every Section, Cubs, and Scouts. Group Scout Leaders are to be known as Group Lead Volunteer and our District Commissioner as District Lead Volunteer. Whatever we are called our dedication remains the same, and if were not for such dedication all our sections would fold. So please if you have the time and inclination join us Volunteers, every Section would be delighted to have you.
Summer Camps and an active Autumn
The Troops and Packs all held Summer Camps during the traditional camping months of July and August. Green Pack, a “Route 66” camp at 1st Normandy, and Yellow Pack a “STEM” camp at Bentley Copse. Once again, the Troops, Animals and Birds combined for a joint summer camp.
It has been a real joy for all the Sections of the 2nd Whitton Scout Group, both last term and this, to gather, both at their weekly meetings at our HQ, and out and about for day and weekend activities. This Autumn every section has been able to indulge in many, and varied pursuits.
Going for Gold – and getting it!
My congratulations to William Ton, of Bird Troop, on gaining The Chief Scout’s Gold Award, the top award for Scouts. Much effort is required to complete this badge so well done!
Long Serving Leaders Group Officers recognised
Since my Summer Patter a number of our Leaders and Group Officers have had their years’ service to Scouting within the 2nd Whitton Scout Group recognised by the Scout Association.
They were presented to: –
Chris Penson (Yellow Cub Pack) – 40 years
Steven “Sly” Lywood (Bird Scout Scout Troop) – 25years|
Trevor Smallpiece (Group Chairperson) – 25 years
Sue de Boeck (Group Secretary) – 50 years.
The Scout Association’s Chief Scout Commendation for Good Services were presented to:-
Andrew Dixon (Lakes & Rivers Beaver Colonies)
David Poynter (Bird Scout Troop)
Alan Stacey (Bird Scout Troop)
also, Congratulations to Clive Butter on completion of his Wood badge, the Leader Training Award.
On behalf of the Group my congratulations to you all and grateful thanks for all the voluntary unpaid work you have carried out over many years for the benefit of our young, uniformed members. Remembering that the national average of service of a Leader is only three and a half years. A kind thought occurred at a recent Beaver meeting – one of our young Beavers came up to our Beaver Leader and said, “I know you don’t get paid so here is 10p from my pocket money”. It was gratefully received, and gratefully given.
Thank you, Merci, or Danke – it is the same in any Language!
It cannot be said often enough, and so once more I do not apologise for using the words “Thank you”. Particularly when it comes to the contribution some kind folks make to our Voluntary Youth Organisation. A number of the Scout Association Thanks Badges were awarded recently by the Yellow Pack to those who have assisted in that section’s activities over a number of years, Paul & Tori Chilcott, and Mark Leferna De La Motte.
It would also be remiss of me not to include in my thanks those who continue to look after our Group HQ, grounds, and equipment, including the trimming of the bushes in the rear driveway entrance, and also helping in stewarding the car parking for rugby’s Autumn Internationals, which is such an invaluable source of income for the Group.
A “Nulli Secundus” welcome to the new Patron of the Scout Association, King Charles III, who following on from his mother in that position will be just as supportive as she was during her reign as Queen. Also, a warm welcome to the Scout Association’s new Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields, following on from Bear Grylls who retired in September.
May I wish you all the best of Christmas Greetings and good wishes for the New Year and a Bumper year of 2nd Whitton Scouting in 2025.
Geoff Benge
Group President
