35th Bournemouth Leader David Winson has submitted this update on the School’s scout troop.

The Troop is well and active, having invested 13 new recruits last week and having another three expressing interest. The strength of the Ship’s Company is well in excess of 24 Scouts. 

The Group is now meeting on Friday evenings at the School Scout Hut until the first week in April, when we shall switch back to our summer boating site on the Iford River at Perch Pool.

We were a key participants in the town’s Remembrance Service commemorating 100 years since the end of the First World War.

In District events, the Troop participated in the RN Football Competition at HMS Bristol, which culminated in the semi-finals only to be knocked out on penalty shootouts. 

The 35th Leaders continue a highly successful boating programme that includes pulling, kayaking, sailing and power boating.

Former Troop Leader Bob Cudmore has willingly accepted the role of Leader in the Explorer Scouts Unit and shall encourage the senior Scouts to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

We are one of only 101 Royal Navy recognised Sea Scout groups and have an inspection by a Royal Navy Flag Officer every 18 months. We were praised for our professionalism and dedication on the last inspection. High standards of uniform, training and attendance are maintained. The Royal Navy scheme is beneficial in allowing the Group access to military sites, visits to naval warships and entry to national swimming galas, camps and football matches. These are organised by the Royal Navy units and give our Scouts the opportunity to experience life as a naval rating aboard warships.

Many of our Scouts have gone on to become leading pillars in the community, including a Royal Navy Commander and a Police Commissioner. The depth and variety of activities that scouting provides often opens up new horizons to our members. Our Group operates very much in a traditional way and many of our older Explorer Scouts help our younger members by passing down their knowledge and experience.

We are a volunteer-led organisation and are always on the look out to broaden our skills and resources, so more adults would be a great bonus to the growing leadership of the Troop.

If you wish to contact me as the Group Scout Leader, feel free to do so on 07783907008 or by email leaders@35thbournemouth.org.