Adding to our already busy day on Saturday, we held our Presentation Evening and AGM for all our members. We had Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Ventures, Rovers, Scouters, our treasurer and their families in the hall.
All youth members were presented with badges: most from their achievements last year and some, who are newer, received their Investiture badges. As well as badge giving, we invested X new Beaver Scouts and Y new Cub Scouts. The new Scouts and Ventures will be invested somewhere exciting when on an activity. Paul, our Scout section leader, presented the ‘Scout of the Year’ award to Declan Byrne who has just moved up to Ventures last month. Declan was one of our first Beavers in 2017 – a fantastic Scouting journey, bravo Declan!
Of course, the priority was our youth members, however, we also celebrated some of our adult volunteers during the evening. We invested one of our new Scouters, Karl O’Prey, who we’re delighted to have on the team! Bernadette, Fiona and Raymond were presented their Gilwell neckerchiefs in recognition of them earning their Wood Badge Beads before the summer. Fiona was also (finally!) presented with her 10-year service award. Finally, Fiona was presented with this year’s Spirit of Scouting award in recognition of her efforts to get the Squirrel Scouts up and running in Newry.
The evening finished off with some light refreshments and plenty of chatter. Thanks to all our members and their families who were able to attend.