ALTON Scouts enjoyed a day of celebration as the mayor, Matthew Bayliss,

officially opened their transformed Scout compound and marked the achievements of Queen’s Scouts Luke Gavin and Chris Hughes.

The annual meeting of 8th Alton Scouts, at The Cabin headquarters in Anstey Park, was attended by a large audience of section leaders and parents, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers.

Ed March, newly elected chairman of the group, welcomed everyone and spoke of his great pleasure at taking on the role, and his joy at working with a good team. He handed over to Scout leader, Sue How, whose review told of a youth membership at a capacity 230 and of their parts in what had been a catalogue of achievement.

Praising Scouting, she said: “You could see the public visibly impressed at the concept of a 13 year old working to raise the £3,000 needed to help build a hospital in Tanzania!”

The three Scouts who head for Tanzania next year were to attract much interest from the large numbers later enjoying their barbecue, as part of the new compound opening celebration.

Ms How, four years as group leader, addressed the subject of The Scouting Vision for 2018, and it was clear that the 8th Alton was on-target to ensure that they would be making a positive impact on the community as active young citizens.

“Those in Scouting will feel empowered, valued and proud,” she said.

Her report went on to refer to their representation on the Hampshire Youth Council and of her “enormous pride” when attending a Scout conference earlier this year to find one of Alton’s explorers, Maddy Withey, in the ‘facilitator’ role calmly controlling the conference and the delegates. Maddy has since gone on to represent Hampshire at the national youth conference.

Sue highlighted other notable achievements during the year: the purchase of a minibus, and great camping successes including a group camp in the Surrey hills involving 120 beavers, cubs, scouts and Explorers, another for 60 in Dorset for a week, and several busy beaver camps; the 8th Alton had three Scouts attending the Jamboree in Japan, another in Uganda, and others selected for Tanzania 2017.

The adult training scheme had continued, she said, and the group’s work in the community, often in support of local events, had been extensive and varied. In addition the 8th Alton had adopted the Chiks charity (orphanages in India) involving them in a busy programme of fundraising.

Sue How turned then to “one of the greatest highlights for the leaders” – the “wonderful” performances by Luke and Chris in achieving the Queen’s Scouts award. Donna Kerrigan, one of the assistant county commissioners for Hampshire Scouts, later presented Chris - the more recent recipient - with his award.

Of the new compound, it was explained that the Scouts had for years had use of a garage in the neighbouring Alton Town Council (ATC) compound, which was used for storing trailers and other camping gear. However, the garage had become dilapidated and needed replacing and ATC needed the space so negotiations took place to provide the Scouts with an additional area to enable them to build a new store and garage on the side of the Cabin.

It has resulted in the launch of a £65,000 fundraising appeal which will also see the conversion of an existing room in the cabin to a project room for the undertaking of wood work, engineering, go kart building, and other practical projects.

The additional triangle of land has been fenced and, after many volunteering hours, has been converted into an area for teaching axe and saw skills, with four fire pits for the youngsters to learn how to cook on open fires, and a larger camp fire circle for all sections to enjoy this traditional scout activity. T

he AGM was closed and everyone then moved outside to hear the mayor speak in praise of the Scout group and its contribution to the community. In declaring the compound open, he wished the Scouts continued success.