Explorer D of E Presentations

Just recently I was honoured to be invited to the inaugural Hornchurch Scout District Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award evening.  During the evening we heard from a number of the recipients of this award and also saw a photo montage of their expedition weekends.  The presentations themselves were made by Paul Trayler the County Commissioner for Greater London North East who recounted the skills and confidence his own son had gained from taking part in Scouting and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme such that he has followed his dreams and now works in Japan, a role Paul doubted he would have taken up without the confidence gained early on in life.  

It was very pleasing to see two recipients from 8th Hornchurch.  Lauren Tangye carried out her service assisting with one of our Beaver Colonies and Rhys Easman who has progressed through the whole of the Group and has just become a Young Leader and Explorer Scout having reached the age of 14.  Congratulations to them both on achieving their Bronze Award and good luck as they move onto their Silver Award.  

I would encourage all Scouts as you reach your 14th birthday to register for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and combine this with your Scout achievement awards.

Andy Rice
Group Scout Leader

IMPORTANT FUNDRAISING INFORMATION

Dear Parents

I just wanted to share an update with you regarding the main source of fundraising for your Scout Group – GIFT AID.

Having just completed the Gift Aid submissions for the past two years I can confirm that as a result of missing parental Gift Aid forms we have lost out on important fundraising to the tune of

2014/15 year – £647.50

2015 /16 year – £1,108.75

This is a huge amount of money for the Group to not be able to reclaim. If you are approached by your section leader / section treasurer to complete a Gift Aid form please can you do so. In this way we can keep your subscriptions as low as possible. If we continue to lose out on valuable Gift Aid contributions from HMRC we will need to look at other ways of funding the many activities and equipment requirements of your child’s Scout Group.

My sincere thanks for your assistance in this matter.

Andy Rice
Group Scout Leader