2020 Chair’s Report

Another year has gone by and BGH Scout Group has had another good year. 

I am pleased to report that the work outside the hut (the concreting, shed, fences, and storage space) has all been completed. Thanks to everyone who undertook the work and for giving up yet another weekend of their time. The work on the kitchen is now complete, with the new windows being installed, thanks to Sharon Butler for organising these. 

The hall makes a small income from letting, including the Art Class on a regular basis on alternate Tuesdays. Our Gift Aid is our largest income (thanks to the diligence of our Treasurer Alison Crawley), along with the annual Chalfield 10K Run. Our thanks goes to Darren Wrintmore, the organiser, along with all the members of the group who support him with marshalling and car parking, and the managing of the registration of the hundreds of competitors. Our refreshment s are always much appreciated at the end, and our thanks go out for all the lovely donated cakes from our parents. We have received donations from The Bell on the Common and The White Hart in Atworth from their regular quiz nights. The annual bonfire on the Common this year showed only a small profit due to the appalling weather, but it could have been worse!  The annual Easter Egg Hunt and quiz made a small profit but was very well attended and everyone had an enjoyable afternoon and only 3 eggs were left unfound!  We also did a ‘clothes collection’ which netted a good return, look out for more of these in the coming months. 

The Groups turnout for the Remembrance Day parade was very well attended and is much appreciated by the Parish Council. The Village come out and support and always comment on how smart all our members look. 

We made the hut available and joined in with the Village Annual Clean Up. 

A well attended Carol Service was held on the 9th December and this year was organized by the Beaver Section. This took the theme of a traditional Nativity.  A collection was taken on behalf of the Wilshire Air Ambulance and a donation of £50 was dispatched to them. 

Our Annual Group Camp was once again held in June at Seend Park Farm. All sections attended and a good weekend was had by all. Activities included Rifle shooting, Archery and Hiking, with all the traditional scouting activities. A super traditional camp fire was held on Saturday night. My thanks to all the leaders and parents for all their hard work, which made this memorable weekend possible. The weather was good this year. 

Two of our Explorers, George and William Lister attended the World Jamboree in America and had a fabulous time. They came back and gave wonderful evenings to all sections and wowed us all with their experiences. This hopefully will inspire more of more our group members to apply in the future. Unfortunately, the three Explorers and one Leader who were off to Tanzania this year have had this trip cancelled due to the Coronavirus Outbreak worldwide. 

My thanks go out to Sharon Butler, our secretary, for all her sterling work this year and also to Alison Crawley, our Treasurer, for her considerable expertise with the figures which keeps our financial status in good order. 

My sincere thanks go to the GSL and ALL the section leaders and helpers, who once again gave up their time this year to bring such enthusiasm to so many young people within the group. The membership numbers within the group are proof of the standards achieved. Welcome also to all the new leaders that have joined us in the last year. 

My sincere thanks go to all the Executive committee members and parent helpers who have supported us this year. Without your support we could not provide the young members with such amazing activities and skills for life. 

As I write this report the world is going through an unknown experience, but you can be assured that Scouting will weather it through and will be here to welcome you back when life returns to some sort of normality. 

Anne Cranham (Chair)