1st Woldingham Scout & Guide Groups
In 1907 the Scout Association was formed by Lord Baden-Powell and in 1910 the Guide Association was started and led by BP’s sister, Agnes Baden-Powell. Soon afterwards, in 1912, the 1st Woldingham Guide Group opened and in 1913 the 1st Woldingham Scout Group followed. Guiding and Scouting therefore have a long history of continuous involvement and over the years many people have been instrumental in ensuring that the values and traditions of Guiding and Scouting are continued for future generations.
Over recent years we find that, although there are still plenty of young people who do enjoy what Scouting and Guiding have to offer, we lack the adult leadership to provide this for them. We are very fortunate in having a dedicated joint headquarters building on the Crescent (the land was gifted in 1968 by Mr Richard Stafford) and you will have seen the recent transformation of the outside. We have just had the first Zoom meeting of the re-established Joint Committee of the 1st Woldingham Scouts & Guides with the new Chairman, Mr Nigel Hodd. This committee will be of great benefit in ensuring that the Scout & Guide headquarters will continue to be maintained and used for its original purpose.
Not all sections of Guiding and Scouting are able to function as we would wish and this is due to a lack of adult leaders. A few years ago, we offered meetings for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers (Guiding) plus meetings for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts (Scouting). Rainbows, Beavers and Cubs continue to meet, through Zoom sessions, during the Covid 19 lockdown and leaders are learning new tech skills whilst the children are having great fun through these sessions.
Anne, our Rainbow Leader is retiring in July but is delighted to be handing over to Kirsty Irvine who is a local resident. The three Brownie Leaders gave notice at the beginning of the year that they intended to step down in July. Despite their ongoing efforts to find new leaders as yet no one has volunteered to take over. I know from personal experience that being a Brownie Leader is great fun and Brownies are very enthusiastic to join the many adventurous and activities which can be offered. If you are keen to see Brownies in Woldingham continue to thrive please make contact. Sadly the Guides and Rangers meetings ceased a few years ago but maybe there is now a volunteer or two who would enjoy volunteering with these age groups?
In Scouting we have a good news story! James Brain is taking over the role of Group Scout Leader, from Andy Parr. Many of us in the community know Andy and both James and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy for more than a decade of great leadership for 1st Woldingham Scouts. Later this year James’ wife, Susie, will join as the Cub leader, and John Guest as the Beaver leader. In the interim James is running a combined Beaver and Cub session (currently by Zoom) each Saturday morning, which has proved to be very popular. Andy Parr will continue to run the Scout section and will start sessions by Zoom very soon. In due course, James would like to open an Explorer Scout section. However, more adult leaders are required to help make all this happen and it would be ideal to have two leaders per section (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts).
Could Woldingham residents consider how they might be able to help and support both Guiding and Scouting so that it remains a relevant out-of-school activity in the coming years?
How can you do this?
• Volunteer as an adult leader or administrator
• Share a skill you have – crafting, pioneering, knot tying, outdoor pursuits, sports etc.
• Join the reinvigorated Joint Committee
• Organise fund-raising events
For further information please contact either James Brain or Anne Pilkington
annepilkingtonrainbows@gmail.com
1stwoldinghamscouts@gmail.com
woldinghambrownies@gmail.com
Visit the Brownies & Rainbows page to see what these groups have been up to in recent times.
Visit the Scout & Guide Hut page for information on how to hire the Hut.