Leaders Thanked for their Dedication

Congratulations and well done to leaders and supporters from 1st Foots Cray Scout Group that received awards from the Chief Scout for their dedication and outstanding service to Scouting, at the Greater London South East Scouts adult award night.

Gina Evans - Award for Merit - awarded for outstanding service to scouting, Gina joined the Group as Beaver Leader in 2009, and currently helps as our Group Secretary. She has also been a leader with 3rd St Pauls Cray Scout Group and currently is the Cub Leader with 4th Bexleyheath Scout Group. Gina was the Group’s beaver leader for many years and also helped to run the Cub section for a number of years. She has also helped to organise and run many of the Scout Troop’s summer camp. At one point Gina was running or helping at five section meetings a week. Gina is also an active member of ScoutMed.

Ron Church - Silver Wolf - for service of the most exceptional nature, - Ron has been a leader for over 50 years and been a leader with us for over 35 years. Working with Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. Ron's support in the group is nothing but legendary. He has introduced hundreds of young people to scouting through his love of traditional scouting skills. Ron still continues to support the meetings and raise vital funds for the Group. Ron has also been a leader with 3rd Sidcup Scout Group and helped with many District activities over many years. His example to scouting is a true inspiration for many of us.

Mo Harvey - Chief Scouts Commendation. Mo has held a number of roles in Sidcup District, many behind the scenes supporting leaders. Mo is also a member of ScoutMed

Steve Harvey - Silver Acorn awarded for specially distinguished service, Steve has held many roles in scouting for almost 40 years. He joined our group in 2014 as Group Chairman and also helps at camps with the Beavers/Cubs/Scouts, he is often engaged in the upkeep of the grounds and is an active member of ScoutMed and part of the county training team. He continues to juggle his many scouting commitments with other units to support us.

Karl Cantwell - Bar to the Award of Merit - awarded for further outstanding service. Karl joined the Group in 1989 as an assistant leader, he become one of the country's youngest Scout Leaders in 1991, and since 2011 been our Group Scout Leader. He handled the renovation works on the scout hall in 2012, secure £30,000 in funding. Karl regularly helps with weekly Cub and Scout meetings, and has organised many of the camps and trips over the years, as well as spending several periods of time as the acting section leaders. Karl was a founding member of ScoutMed and still holds several roles with them. Whilst being a leader with our group he has also helped at 7^th Borehamwood, 3rd St Pauls Cray, 6th Gainsborough, a BSA scout group in Zurich, and as a training advisor for adult leaders.

Mike Gasston - Award for Merit - awarded for outstanding service to scouting. Joined our group in 1991 as Asst Cub Leader. He took over the role of GSL in 1992 whilst still helping his wife, Chris, to run the weekly cub pack meetings. Mike became the Group's Asst GSL in 2011, as well as looking after the bookings for the hall. Mike has been instrumental in keeping the Group running over many years and been critical in fundraising and supporting the youth sections on camps and weekly meetings. He has been indispensable in the senior management of the group, and steering it to the success we are today. He helped start ScoutMed and was its chairman for 15 years, and still supports them as a very active member. (Unfortunately Mike was unable to attend the evening so is not pictured)