Saturday 5^th October afternoon started with the final completion of this year’s National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA) – Youth Proficiency Scheme (YPS) with 13 of youth members from Burne, Earley and Johnston sections taking their final exam and partaking in the competition, resulting in 4 achieving ‘Master Shot’, 4 “Expert Shot’, 3 Marksman and 2 ‘Skilled Shot’. A really impressive achievement for all with 4 achieving the top award, with the highest score being 188 when the maximum possible is 210.

The AGM was organised to the new Scout Association guidance, which follows the best practice as recommended by the Charity Commission with what was previously known as the Executive now as the groups Trustee Board. NB: Minutes of the meeting available from the document download

The Chair of the Trust Board,  Russ, guided the meeting through the new format, appointing the Trust members.

The Treasurer, Karen provided insight to our finances, explaining about the recent spend in preparation of the new hall, increased expenses and capitation costs with the consequences of increased charges to members, however as a group we look to ensure Scouting is for all and we look to assist wherever we can.

The Group Lead Volunteer, Paul provided an insight to the Scouting year, thanking the volunteer leadership that makes it possible as well as the Trustees who make it all possible. Paul presented both Russ and Karen a token gift of vintage silver Scouting ‘Thank You’ badge with Scouts presenting flowers noting both of their service to the Group and Scouting for more than a decade each. Paul also acknowledged Bev who was not able to be present as she has decided to step down for being the groups auditor after 25 years, before that she was the groups treasurer for further 25 years. Over 50 years of volunteering supporting Scouting.

The newly appointed District Lead Volunteer, Neil Gearing presented the Chief Scout Gold awards to Tristain, Leo, Olivia, Evie, Ollie and Alex.

The leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite addressed the AGM on the benefit of Scouting along with the long term support the council has provided and looking to support into the future via the Salute to Youth scheme.

The Mayor of Dartford, Andy Lloyd expressed his thanks to the Scouting Volunteers and his memories of when he was Scout gaining his Chief Scout Award and his support for the movement.

The AGM was official closed, however Keith and Julie were running the tea and cake stall with the instructors providing parents and siblings an opportunity to try out air-rifle and pistol shooting for themselves.

Our thoughts and prayers with Marion and her family. A number of current and previous 5th Dartford Scouters celebrated the life of John White, who passed away after a short illness at the age of 86, at Thanet Crematorium and then with a reception at the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum, Manston. John and Marion retired to Palm Bay 22 years ago, but remained active volunteers with the Thanet Scouting Fellowship helping run District events, as well as part of the service crew at Marshside Camp Site as well as Spitfire and Hurricane Museum several days each week. Many 5th Dartford veterans will remember John from his 28 years of Scouting service with 5th Dartford & Dartford District totalling 50 years of Scouting. John was a good friend too many with kind, warm and supportive approach a true gentleman with a great sense of humour. 

Many good memories was shared between friends with recollections of of historic camps, activities and friendship along with John’s antics and sense of humour with one of my favourite being his fancy dress version of ‘Captain Carrot’. Farewell fellow Scouter, we shall truly miss you.

5th Dartford Scouters and Veterans: – Ted, Hillary & Sarah Essex, Jim & Maggie Lilleycrop, Rick & Sue Evans, Del & Wendy as well as Lynda  who started Collins Cub Pack in 1975 as well as the Brownsea Island Fellowship with John.