A brief history of the group
8th Colchester Scout Group first met in September 1960 under the leadership of Len Cheek after his previous group, the 32nd Colchester had to close after its GSL, Rev. Cecil Parker, moved away from the area.
Read MoreMeanwhile the Cub Scouts, under the initial leadership of Len’s wife Peggy, had also grown so that three Packs were necessary meeting in Hazelmere School. They were called Lions with Ann Edmonds as leader, Tigers with Rosina Cole and Hikers with Alan Haynes. The Hikers were originally part of the reformed 32nd Colchester.
Under the initial leadership of Peggy Cheek, the Cubs had grown so that three Packs were necessary; meeting in Hazelmere School. They were called Lions with Ann Edmonds as leader, Tigers with Rosina Cole and Hikers with Alan Haynes. The Hikers were originally part of the reformed 32nd Colchester.
Beaver Scouts are introduced as the youngest member of the Scouting family
We open our first Beaver Colony named Manitoba under the leadership of Christine Hipwell
8th Colchester forms its second Beaver Colony named Alberta with Helen Bland as the leader
1st August 2007 marked 100 years since Robert Baden-Powell’s camp on Brownsea Island – this is recognised as the start of Scouting with the UK
16th December 2016 commemorates 100 years since the first Cubs Scout meeting
Green Trees Beaver Colony is opened with Sam Moore as the Section Leader
We started our 2nd half of the summer 2017 term at our new home in Colchester Academy. This has provided us with some additional resources and more outdoor space.
Octavia Goodge takes over from Jason Grady as Section Leader for our Red Deer Beaver Colony
Octavia Goodge is offered a District role as ADC Inclusion, so steps down as Beaver Leader for Red Deer. Julie Riseborough is quick to take on the role and bring in a fresh new approach.
At our AGM, our executive committee chairperson stood down after many years with the group – This led to the appointment of a new Chairman (Andrew Johnson)
At the same time, we also appointed a new committee member in the role of lead fundraiser – this is a role that the group has been wanting for some time.
With some leaders moving on to new challenges it was time for the group to take stock and re-organize the leadership team.
- Anthony Goodge takes on the role of Group Scout Leader
- Sarah Panton takes on roles on Green Trees Beaver Leader and Assistant Group Scout Leader
With a number of Beavers moving up to one of our Cubs sections, we reviewed our Beaver sections and decided to suspend our Green Tree Beavers until we have grown to a size that warrants going back to 2 sections