Group Chair's Report

It has only been 9 months since our last AGM however we wish to bring the meeting back to June of each year which was the traditional time before the 2020 Covid Lock down.

Since the last AGM, a lot has been happening with a full programme of activities within all the Sections We had the return of the Scout Christmas Post, which as well as bringing in £1000 into the Group Funds, is also a very good PR opportunity for Inverness Scouting A big thank you to parents/guardians and young people who came along on the Friday night to assist with the sorting of the post and for delivering the cards over the weekend. Given that the majority of people using the Christmas post are elderly, it is a welcome service in our community

As I mention every year, our Scout Group relies totally on volunteers - whether a Leader within the Beavers, Cubs or Scouts or as a committee member or simply helping with the wide variety of tasks from baking to clearing leaves to transporting camping equipment. We are very fortunate to have so many parents/guardians volunteering when we request help and we continue to need this support however much or little time you can contribute, we are very grateful

It was not until I took on the role as Chairperson of the Scout Group that I began to realise the huge amount of work that the Group Scout Leader was required to do by the Scout Association. This is an important role to keep the Group functioning in accordance with rules and regulations and with an overarching responsibility for all of our Sections Graham Eden has been Group Scout Leader for 7 years (as well as being Scout Leader) Since the last AGM, I am pleased to report that Malcolm Nicol, who is also a Scout Leader, has agreed to share the role of Group Scout Leader with Graham to spread the everincreasing workload

As this year is our 110 years of 2nd Inverness it is great to see the Group is always looking to develop and we always welcome any ideas for development and our Section programmes so please don’t be shy giving us ideas. Looking forward we are looking at working with the Midmills Group to support the establishment of an Explorers Section (14 to 18 years) and have had an enquiry from some parents regarding setting up a Squirrels Group (4-6 years) which we are looking at carefully

Finally, thanks to the Section Leaders and the Committee for their support over the last 9 months.

Andy Hamilton Chairperson