As Scouts, we want our young people and adult volunteers to be just like the places we serve - full of amazing, interesting and diverse people from all corners of our community. It doesn't happen overnight and takes effort to find and connect with those people who may not see Scouts as being where they fit in.
So many Scout volunteers work hard, often behind the scenes, to make Scouting more welcoming to more people. For one new volunteer, this effort has paid off.
Meet Isaac, who starts this new term as a new volunteer as part of the Beaver Leader team at 1st Denmead Scouts, near to Waterlooville. Like so many new volunteers, Isaac enjoys volunteering, has prepared for the role and the 6-8 year old Beavers see him as a fun leader.
What our young people don't notice, but others might, is that Isaac has Down Syndrome.
While he may have been born with an extra chromosome, Isaac knows what he likes and since the age of six, the skills for life that the Scouts brings has been a part of his life.
Tracy is the Lead Volunteer at 1st Denmead:
Isaac is no stranger to Scouting as he started as a Beaver Scout with 1st Denmead as a happy 6 year old and continued his Scouting journey through to Scouts. After leaving Scouts he would pop in on occasion with his Beaver Leader Dad and help out.
Once Isaac turned 18 years old, he approached me about volunteering with us. After careful consideration of both Isaac’s needs and the needs of the Group, I decided to grab this opportunity with both hands.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
At the Scouts, we live by our values and respect and support for others has been shining throughout Isaac's story. Together, the Scouts are committed to representing our communities and giving our young people positive role models to help them learn skills for life. But that aim is really hard to do if we, as Scouting volunteers, don't reflect society.
It's also true that nationally there are over 100,000 young people who want to join Scouting, but are stuck on waiting lists (2024 census). We need more volunteers if we want to offer them the skills for life that Scouting brings and which can change lives for the better.
“I was really pleased and excited when Dad told me I could be Twig [Isaac's Scout name] again”. I really enjoy playing the games with the Beavers and also helping Oak [Dad, Chris] and Acorn with the activities. We especially like going outside.”
Isaac
Isaac's story shows us how playing an active role in the Scouts as a young person has helped him in life, and now he is ready to give back to the next generation, prepared with the skills to lead and inspire himself.
It's also the power of bravery of others to believe in him and to see the bigger picture of how this benefits our young people and society as a whole.
Isaac brings his infectious appetite for Scouting to life each week, helping and supporting our young people in any way he can. He is amazing with the Beavers and they think he is great. Having Isaac in the Group has shown how truly inclusive we are, how we can adapt to meet the needs of our youth members and the needs of our volunteers. It has shown that as a Group we embrace flexible volunteering and offer support when necessary so our volunteers can complete their training.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Because our Scout volunteers come from all walks of life, it's right that we are flexible to their needs and find a role that suits any potential volunteer. Isaac was successfully supported by his dad, Chris, who also volunteers within the Beaver team to make sure that he understood every step of the volunteering process and was ready.
While there is much to celebrate about the Scout movement and the many volunteers who play their part, there is still much to do. While many adults who knew Isaac were confident he'd make a great volunteer, there were still some who were cautious and wanted Isaac to prove himself before he started volunteering which is not how the volunteering journey usually unrolls. The grit and determination Isaac showed in proving the doubters wrong only adds to his credit.
It is great to see Isaac develop in confidence and an absolute pleasure to see the Beavers learn that everyone can make a positive impact in Scouting and in the wider community.
We are lucky to have him.
Tracy Ramsey, Lead Volunteer, 1st Denmead Scouts
Bravo Isaac for taking the leap and we hope you have just as much fun, have just as big an impact, and learn just as many skills for life as an adult volunteer as you've done already as a Scout.
At Scouts, we celebrate difference and welcome everybody. You can be a great volunteer. Find out more and start your volunteering journey at scouts.org.uk.
Text: Steven Osborn. My thanks to Isaac's dad Chris for support with this article.
Our newest Chief Scout, the eleventh to hold the role going back to 1907, took part in a handover at Scout Park in North East London where he spent time in Cub Scouts as a child surrounded by Scouts from across the UK.
Part of that esteemed number included three Scouts from Hampshire, who took part in activities including climbing, archery and 'backwoods' cooking to mark the occasion. They ended their evening with witnessing the new Chief Scout make his Scout promise around a campfire and speaking of his excitement for this new journey.
Dwayne, the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole, takes the baton of Chief Scout from Bear Grylls, who has been in the role for 15 years since 2009 and marking the second longest tenure of any Chief Scout after the founder Robert Baden-Powell. Dwayne was chosen for his excellent values, commitment, and outstanding leadership qualities.
Lucky enough to witness another milestone is Scouting's history were three Scouts from Hampshire, who did their best to represent the thousands of young people from across Hampshire who learn skills for life each week.
Libby Roy, Explorer Scout aged 17, was one of the three and has been an active member of 3rd Farnborough Scout Group for 8 years. As well as being part of Hampshire's Explorer Ambassador Team (HEAT), she has shown outstanding dedication and enthusiasm in her Scouting journey and recently completed an Explorer Belt expedition to Denmark with other Scouts from Hampshire. She said:
"Dwayne is honestly so genuine and such a nice person. His passion for Scouting really shines through his actions, and he is just a kind and very genuine person.
"He’s really expressed his thanks to all volunteers today, and from his personal experience really understand the benefits of Scouting, and wants to pass this on to the whole Scout movement.
"I’m very excited to see what his next steps are, and I think he’s going to be an amazing Chief Scout. It was such an honour to meet him today."
Libby Roy, Explorer Scout
Charlie Prior-Turner, a 17 year-old Explorer Scout from Spitfire Explorer Unit in Blackwater Valley, also enjoyed the day. He said:
"It was such an honour to be a part of such a historic moment. It is crazy to think I was personally there at the new Chief Scout handover. I am already such a big fan of Dwayne and really inspired by his vision for the future – and this night has made me even more excited to continue my own journey in Scouting.
"Tonight was really special and bonding with all the other Scouts and making friends from across the country has made it even better”
Charlie Prior-Turner, Explorer Scout
Chloé Knott, a Scout Network member and volunteer in Hawk District covering Havant and Waterlooville, said:
"The whole event has been an incredible opportunity. Dwayne is such a lovely person and his passion really shows. The love he has for all the young people is truly heart-warming, he always has a moment for you.
"I believe he is going to make an amazing Chief Scout."
Chloé Knott, volunteer and Scout Network member
Accompanying them was Mike Baxter, Hampshire Scout's lead volunteer for Top Awards and Explorer Scouts, who has helped each young person earn their awards and seen them become well-rounded members of their community.
The lead volunteer for Scouts in the UK, Carl Hankinson, offered congratulations and warm welcome to Dwayne in his role:
“I’m so excited to welcome Dwayne Fields as Chief Scout. A committed Scout Ambassador since 2017, Dwayne has visited hundreds of Scout groups, events and camps across the UK and internationally.
He champions the sense of belonging Scouts gives young people. He is able to reach across generations, to further expand reach across all communities”
Carl Hankinson, UK Lead Volunteer
‘My volunteer leaders believed in me as a young person and taught me to believe in myself. They showed me I could do anything I put my mind to and others would help me along the way.
Now I want a new generation to learn the skills, friendship and belonging I felt when I needed them most. I want to show that the outdoors is a place for us all to be at our best, that Scouts is a family and truly open to all.’
Dwayne Fields, Chief Scout
Scouts gave Dwayne a great start in life. Born in Jamaica, Dwayne came to the UK at the age of 6. Growing up in inner city London, without access to nature, Scouts offered Dwayne new horizons. He first joined the Scout movement as a Cub Scout and being a part of his local pack gave him friendships, skills and belief in himself, as well as hope for the future.
Through his determination and support from his Scout leaders, he set himself on a path to being on top of the world as the first Black Briton to reach the North Pole in 2013. On his return, he was invited to Buckingham Palace by none other than the Queen, joining other polar explorers and adventurers at a reception to mark the centenary of Scott’s expedition to the South Pole.
He has gone on to a successful career in adventure and TV, presenting shows on the BBC, Channel 5, Disney+ and National Geographic. As well as being an adventurer, explorer and naturalist, he's also got freedom of the City of London and been a 'Get Outside' ambassador for the Ordnance Survey and Woodland Trust.
He's no stranger to the Scouts, and has been a Scout Ambassador since 2017, working alongside the likes of Tim Peake, Ellie Simmonds, Warwick Davis and Anita Rani. In that time, he's met thousands of Scouts, supported the Jamboree in Korea last year, and encouraged new adults to volunteer so more young people can learn skills for life at Scouts.
He is passionate about encouraging people from all backgrounds to explore nature, support their communities and be the best they can be. A key part of Dwayne’s mission will be to attract new volunteers, especially in communities new to Scouts so we can welcome more young people. He’ll be visiting these areas, encouraging and inspiring teams to grow the movement.
Can you be a role model like Dwayne? Volunteer with the Scouts and help young people learn skills for life. Find out how good for you it can be at scouts.org.uk/volunteer.
Find out more about our new Chief Scout on the Scouts website.
Text: Steven Osborn with thanks to Dwayne, the UK Scouts team and our Hampshire Scouts.
Squirrel Scouts, designed and open for young people aged 4 to 6 years of age, is the latest branch of the Scouts family tree and helps bring Scouting to new audiences and a generation of children affected by the Covid pandemic.
Launching new Scouting groups, and recruiting new adults for existing ones, is an ongoing challenge for adult volunteers across the county. Nationally, youth members have returned in their droves from a dip in numbers in 2020 but numbers of adult volunteers have barely changed. Waiting lists have grown as keen young people aren't able to connect with nature because of a shortage of adult volunteers.
Every volunteer has a part to play, but sometimes you need a spark to start a conversation with an interested parent or someone who is able to run activities for a trial period while the supporting team find their feet. Enter Hampshire Scout's team of five Growth and Development officers.
Chris Nightingale joined the team only a year ago, but his latest success has seen him support the 1st Denmead group, near Waterlooville, to open their first Squirrel Drey. On 12th March, the Drey celebrated with 16 Squirrels and 4 leaders taking their promise and becoming full members of the worldwide family of Scouts.
If you need help recruiting or want to see similar success in your group, then contact the G&D team [email protected] plus you can meet the team on our website.
Scout Network member James Phillips-Stafford has achieved the rare feat of completing the three top Scout Network awards: his Queen's Scout Award, Explorer Belt and Scouts of the World Award.
He crossed the finishing line of the awards by concluding his Scouts of the World Award project, a Scout Network exclusive award that focuses on a minimum of 80 hours of community service linked to themes such as the environment, peace or sustainability.
For his project, James chose to build on the idea of the eco-brick, packing a plastic bottle or other container with waste single use plastics and using the whole thing as a building brick. After pulling in other local Scouts from across Hampshire, together they built these multi-coloured bottles ready to use for the final project at the home of Hampshire Scouts, Ferny Crofts.
From foundations up, James worked with others to build a new planter for the Ferny Crofts quiet area so scouts of all ages can take time and reflect during busy camps.
He completed his award presentation at the Hampshire Scout-run discovery weekend in October 2023 and was presented his award in January by Peter Knott, lead volunteer for Programme in Hampshire Scouts.
Earning all my top awards I think is a huge achievement. I wanted to aim high in Scouts and help others gain their awards too. By achieving all of them myself, it really helps me to do this.
I may be the first male scout in Hampshire to achieve the Scouts of the World Award but it is still a huge honour. I hope that I've become an inspiration for future generations to strive and achieve the award.
James Phillips-Stafford
Chloe, lead volunteer for Scout Network in Hampshire, helps young people achieve the Scout of the World Award, among many others, and acted as James' mentor for the project She said:
Watching James from the start, not knowing which idea to choose and follow, to today when the project is complete was very rewarding. To achieve the award is amazing and something that every young person in Network should try and achieve.
Chloe Foster
You can find out more about the award, and how to achieve it on scouts.org.uk.
Text: Steven Osborn. Photos: Louis Soccard and Chloe Foster.
To some in London, 23 year old Georgie is the face that helps them with their learning needs but for a number of Cubs in Southampton she's Mowgli. She volunteered at the World Scout Jamboree last summer and teaches the skills of target rifle shooting for both the GS Scout team and one based at the 21st Romsey in Nursling.
That's enough to exhaust anybody, let alone while studying for a degree at the University of Southampton. But that's partly why she has recently become one of 20 Scouts from across the country to be recognised by a 'Never Give Up' Unsung Hero Award by the Chief Scout.
So why does Georgie 'Never give up'?
Georgie's main role with us is through inspiring Cubs, but she is also very involved with training and has roles at both district and county level, while still being involved with the Scouts at home. She also helps out other sections in the group too - often by running shooting sessions for our Scouts. Georgie joined us when she moved to Southampton for University, and although she has now finished her degree, she is still with us in the group. She was part of the IST at the jamboree and has recently completed her Queen's Scout Award. I noticed Georgie for her volunteering in the face of her health challenges she experienced over the past years.
Anne, Lead volunteer for 14th Southampton (Highfield) Scouts
Recently, her health has taken a negative turn, however, she continues to volunteer. She actively seeks out opportunities to celebrate others, rewarding and recognising volunteers and makes sure this happens, even if her emails come from a hospital bed. She’s keen to help in any way that she can - even if that means taking a step back from weekly leadership and spending time sharing first aid skills (for example) but on a more flexible basis.
After being recognised for her dedication by her fellow volunteer, Birmingham was calling. As well as meeting Bear, Georgie also got to meet loads of other truly inspiring Scouts and received a £500 prize funded by the Chief Scout himself.
Georgie is the epitome of a "never give up" spirit. She never lets her health issues get in the way and continues to put both young people and volunteers at the heart of everything she does. A big congratulation to Georgie and thanks for being an amazing volunteer.
Have you got a never give up spirit? Got a skill to teach or just have some time to spare? Anyone can have the skills to make a difference to our young people and your time is enough. Find out more about volunteering - it might surprise you.
You can find out more about the Never Give Up award winners for 2023 on scouts.org.uk
On top of the world, and top of the pile, is Enver Eng who after years of hard work was awarded his Queen's Scout Award last week on the shores of Oeschinensee Lake, Switzerland, while on Suisse Adventure 2022.
Enver, a Scout volunteer from Basingstoke, was presented with this award, one of the highest awards in the Scout movement, by Andy Chatwin, Camp leader for Suisse Adventure and lead volunteer for programme in Hampshire.
As part of the long journey to becoming a Queen's Scout, including completing an amount of it during the pandemic, Enver completed a series of eight-hour expeditions during lockdown surveying the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on local communities to chart the changes.
As well as improving his general fitness and learning to drive, Enver also joined the team at the home of Scouts in the UK, Gilwell Park, to help train the next generation of Scout Adventures staff and look after the site for the future.
He's volunteered with the Scouts for some time, progressing from a volunteer in the Cub Scouts to being the lead volunteer of Hatch Warren Scouts to "give back to the community and say thank you for all the help they've given me".
So how has the process of earning his Queen's Scout Award helped him?
"It's opened my mind in the way I view things, it's developed my health and mental wellbeing and helped me understand people much better.
The views I have may be different to the way others see things so being open minded and seeing the bigger picture has given me a better outlook on life."
Having achieved his award, Enver's wish was for it be presented at a great height, so what better than a glacial lake higher than Ben Nevis?
Surrounded by friends and midday through his own Suisse Adventure, a two week trip of a lifetime to the International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland, the presentation was a day Enver will struggle to forget.
The highest achievable youth award in Scouting, the Queen's Scout Award recognises excellence in the Scout programme since 1909.
Queen's Scouts must complete a series of challenges including volunteering for a length of time, learning a new skill, developing their bodies through physical activity and taking part in both a five day residential experience and a four day expedition.
In addition, they should complete some projects based around international Scouting, values and the community and take part in nights away.
Those who are made Queen's Scouts get to represent the Scouts at events of national importance and also get inspected at Windsor Castle on St. George's Day each year.
So why should others reach for this top award?
"It's a really good award to do, it matches to Gold Duke of Edinburgh and if you're a Scout you cover a good deal of it already. There are tonnes of people out there who have helped me through it, I'm so grateful to them. Often the hardest part is writing it all down as you have so many adventures when you're in Scouts."
Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members can find out more about the award at the Scouts website and on the Hampshire Scouts website.
Text by Steven Osborn.
One of the Scout movement's highest awards has been presented to a Hampshire Scout volunteer at a camp to celebrate a Scout Group's anniversary.
Kerie Wallace has been a volunteer with the Scouts in Hampshire for over 40 years and is currently our lead volunteer for New Forest Solent. On 14 May 2022, he was surprised with the Silver Wolf award, one of the Scout movement's highest honours in recognition of service of 'a most exceptional nature'.
The award was presented at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, a site not only located within the New Forest Solent district but also one that Kerie looks after as Hampshire Scout's Assistant County Commissioner for Ferny Crofts.
Plus the presentation took place in front of a hundred Scouts and volunteers from the 5th Testwood Scouts, who Kerie has long volunteered with, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. He currently leads the linked Explorer Scout Unit at the group.
Achieving the Silver Wolf is a high honour in the Scout movement and is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout. It was presented by Martin Rudd, Deputy County Commissioner for Hampshire Scouts, and Donna Kerrigan, Chair of New Forest Scouts and until recently a Deputy County Commissioner for Hampshire Scouts.
Martin Rudd said:
It was an honour to present Kerie with his well-deserved Silver Wolf for is exceptional service to Scouting over many years at 5th Testwood Scout Group’s 60 year celebration camp at Ferny Crofts.
Kerie was nominated for this award because not only has he shown outstanding commitment and ability in one key management role, that of District Commissioner, but in several. His enthusiasm and passion for Scouting is apparent in all he does.
Martin Mackey, until recently our lead volunteer as County Commissioner, said:
On every occasion that I’ve asked Kerie to step up, he has done so. His service to Scouts in the New Forest is amazing, but that service extends beyond there and further afield into the County.
He is able to balance a busy life outside of Scouts and yet also able to dedicate so much time and energy to Scouts’.
The thanks from Hampshire Scouts go to Kerie for all his hard work. We're glad he got to celebrate it surrounded by friends and with such a lovely cake to enjoy!
Fancy joining the movement? The Scouts have a variety of roles for everyone; you'd make a great volunteer if you've got even an hour a month to spare. Find out how on our Volunteering page.
Great Scout activities can only happen every day thanks to thousands of volunteers across the county. As well as the front-line leaders helping our sections, there too are the Scout Active Support units who help the Scout movement in other ways.
One of these is Hampshire Scout Heritage who tell the rich story of Scouting and how far we have come. Plus they allow our Scouts to get hands on with history and pass those stories onto a new generation.
In a short ceremony, in the heart of Hampshire Scouts at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, three volunteers were honoured for their hard work and efforts in bringing this history to life by Hampshire Scouts Vice-President and Ambassador for Hampshire Scout Heritage Roy Farmers.
First, Richard Spearing, from City of Portsmouth Scouts, received his 50 year Long Service Award.
Additionally, John le Riche, from Winchester Scouts, was presented his 60 years Long Service Award. Both were thanked for their service in inspiring the new generation of Scouts and young people.
Brian Calver, volunteer with New Forest Scouts, was presented the Bar to the Silver Acorn. Presenting the Good Service award, Roy Farmers commented that:
"Brian has been an integral part of the Hampshire Scout Heritage team. Brian's passion is to ensure everyone, young and old, locally and nationally, gain a better understanding of Scouting's history. He's played a key role in helping Hampshire Scout Heritage go from strength to strength."
He also does this to visitors from across the world as a member of the Brownsea Island Heritage team, telling the story of Scouting's first days to the thousands of visitors to the first Scout campsite in 1907. He was also key in the move of the collection from an office, to a new centre at Ferny Crofts open to everyone.
Rounding off the event, John le Riche received one of Scouting's highest awards. The Silver Wolf is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout, and is only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature.
John's Silver Wolf recognised over 60 years of good service within both Winchester and Hampshire as a whole. He has been a lead volunteer for Winchester, had a go at nearly every role in his local group and made an impact nationally too in organising national events and coordinating with Scout Fellowships. Speaking while presenting his award, Roy Farmers commented:
"John's service and character have been exceptional and deserves acknowledgement at the very highest level. He proved integral with the effort to set up the new Hampshire Scout Heritage centre and museum at Ferny Crofts. He was especially involved with designing the museum's layout and the collections that sit there. Given the exceptional standard of support John has given to Scouting throughout his long and distinguished volunteering I'm proud to present this award."
John also volunteers outside of Scouting too, helping vulnerable members of the community in Winchester, organising community events and trips.
Speaking after receiving his award, John said: "I want to say thank you to all of you for being so supportive. This is my third family, with my real family and church being the other two. From the bottom of my heart thank you."
Hampshire Scout Heritage tell the story of the Scouts in Hampshire throughout the year. You can find them at their Centre at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre and at large events.
They are always looking for new members to help tell the story of Scouts, including those just beginning to write their own Scout story. Find out more on their website and Facebook page.
Words by Steven Osborn
Cerys Snelling, from 101st Church Crookham Scouts in Odiham district, has been swimming since 4 years old. A long time member of the Scout movement, she’s been trying new things since 6 years old. Her first taste of synchronized swimming came at age 7.
After recently taking part in a regional Figures competition she won gold, becoming regional champion in the Under 12s age group. Not content with this, she went on to compete nationally coming 7th solo, 4th as a duet and taking home the gold as part of a team of four.
Life as a artistic swimmer involves a lot of training, dedication and motivation. So how does she find time for Scouts? Apparently quite easily as it’s been so much fun and played such a big role.
“I love Scouts, and have always enjoyed it since I started in Beavers when I was six. It enables me to take part in activities I wouldn't ordinarily get to do such as climbing, camping, outdoor cooking, archery, the list is endless! I have a different set of friends from those I have at school and swimming, which is great. Scouts allows me to switch off from school and training and just have fun and learn new skills. I would recommend Scouts to everyone.”
Cerys Snelling
Some of the biggest lessons learned from Scouts have applied just as much in swimming. It taught her to never give up, work well as a team and not be afraid of failing. Picking herself up and trying again has been the most useful. And that is not even mentioning the skills and experiences that she says are too many to mention.
Her parents too are proud of her achievements:
“Cerys has worked relentlessly hard over years, training in a pool up to 15 hours a week, plus land training for strength, stamina and flexibility. During the recent lockdown when she couldn't get in a pool, she upped her land training to ensure she didn't fall back in her progress. She has truly earned the Gold medals.
Scouts has been instrumental in developing her as a young adult. It's provided her with an outlet to meet a variety of different people and learn new skills that she will have for the rest of her life. It has provided her with an 'escape time' from training, where she can switch off and just have fun with a completely different set of friends.”
Scout volunteer Des Rivers from 101st Odiham said:
“Having moved up to Scouts during the Covid lockdown, Cerys was always fully engaged and actively taking part. This was even true when activities were over Zoom and other Scouts lost focus. With the return of face-to-face meetings, she demonstrates all the core values to be the perfect Scout. She puts her heart into every activity we do.
For a young woman with a very promising sporting future, she somehow finds capacity and energy putting 110% into Scouting. Putting into practise teamwork and compassion instilled from synchronised swimming, she encourages others to raise their game.
With such a mature outlook, it's good to see that it's not at the detriment to her other interests. Balancing School, Scouts and Sport; I am proud to have her as part of 101st Church Crookham Scout Troop for which she is a great ambassador in all we do.”
You can learn more about the 101st Odiham Scout group at their website. Inspired to support others in learning new skills? Volunteer with us now.
Text by Steven Osborn.
Martin Mackey, the County Commissioner for Scouts in Hampshire, was awarded the Chief of General Staff’s Commendation on Wednesday (August 6) for his contiguous service to Armed Forces and Scouting.
Martin Rudd, the Deputy County Commissioner for Hampshire Scouts, says Martin is an outstanding County Commissioner who deserves this recognition.
He said: “Martin Mackey has built respect and trust throughout the county. He has tremendous communication skills and is always clear in his thinking and actions.
“As his Deputy, I have really worked closely with him over the last three years and can confirm that he always works to the mantra of better Scouting for all young people in Hampshire. And of course, for adults, it’s all about ‘follow the process’!”
Commander Mackey RN joined Hampshire Scouts in 2000 and held a number of Scouting appointments in Portsmouth, where he was based.
In 2016, Martin was deployed by the Royal Navy to Andover and was then appointed Deputy District Commissioner for the area from 2016 to 2017, when he was appointed County Commissioner for Hampshire Scouts.
Martin Rudd continued: “During his three years as County Commissioner to date, Martin has been instrumental in introducing and focusing on a number of areas to develop the Scouts in Hampshire and continues to grow on its success as the county with the largest Scout-youth membership within the UK.”
Some of Mackey’s key achievements have been:
Alastair Bruce, ambassador for Hampshire Scouts and Governor of Edinburgh Castle, praised Martin’s commendation via his Twitter page.
He said: “Thrilled for my friend @CCHantsScout… Martin Mackey was presented ‘Chief of the General Staff’s Commendation’ today, showing how much his contiguous Armed Forces & #Scouting service is respected.”
On Facebook, hundreds of comments have been made to congratulate Martin with his commendation too.
By Sam Poole
Volunteer Media and Communications Manager
(Perception Team)
