Senlac Scouts thank community for Centenary Year support

Bexhill Town Hall was the venue last Thursday evening when the movement locally placed on record its appreciation of for the support given it by the community - in particular the support given last year.

For the world-wide movement, Centenary Year was an opportunity not only for celebrating the past but for publicising what Scouting offers young people in the 21st Century.

But for one Senlac Scout Group it was a year both of trauma and of renaissance.

The community's rapid response to the plight of the 9th Bexhill after the arson attack which destroyed its headquarters featured prominently as a total of 20 framed Centenary Award certificates of thanks were presented.

Before Senlac chairman Cllr Brian Kentfield presented the certificates he was himself the recipient of an award.

In the presence of Rother chairman Cllr Martin Kenward, Town Mayor Cllr Paul Lendon and chief executive Derek Stevens, County Commissioner Ian Kirby presented Cllr Kentfield with the Scouting's Award of Merit for his services to the movement he joined as a boy. Before becoming Senlac chairman, he chaired the 2nd Bexhill group.

The County Commissioner thanked him especially for his practical support for the 9th before presenting the medal.

Assistant District Commissioner (General Duties) David King was master of ceremonies for a gala evening which had been opened by District Commissioner Cliff Wilson.

Reviewing the local success of Centenary Year, David King said four Explorer Scouts had been selected to attend the 21st World Jamboree.

Two Bexhill Leaders had attended the St George's Day parade and service at Windsor.

One Senior Scout Leader had been a member of the dais team at Windsor in the presence of the Queen.

The movement had gained a Bexhill Achievers Award.

The 2nd Bexhill Air Scouts had gained RAF Recognition.

The rejuvenated 2nd Bexhill Sea Scouts were the only group in Sussex offering sea skills training.

Centenary Award certificates were presented to a wide range of organisations.

St Michael's Church not only hosts the 3rd Bexhil, with more than 100 members the largest Group in Senlac but through the efforts of the Rev David King, hosts the carol service and awards night.

Bexhill computer firm SBS Consumables had given invaluable practical support following the 9th Bexhill's fire.

Bexhill Rotary Club was thanked for cash aid from its community walks project for the Kiteye Campsite development project and for its financial support for the 9th Bexhill rebuilding fund.

Rother council received an award for its support for Scouting by hosting events such as the awards evening and the Shouting For Scouting centenary event on the De La Warr Pavilion lawns.

Western Road newsagents Newsmart were among the first to launch fund-raising efforts for the 9th.

Sainsbury's Bexhill store had also come generously to the 9th's aid.

The 9th shared in the proceeds of last year's Bexhill Carnival procession collection.

Bexhill branch of the Royal British Legion had formally affiliated the group to the branch in a move that was possibly unique in East Sussex.

Battle-based Andredesweald Lodge of Freemasons had given generously to enable a piped water supply to be provided for the Kiteye campsite, an essential component for the new toilet block.

Beautiful Battle were responsible for the Centenary carpet garden at Market Square, Battle.

Consyl Publishing and Publicity of Bexhill had come to the practical aid of the 9th as had Priceless Shoes of Bexhill.

As an ex-Scout, the project manager of the United Arab Emirates' Technical Training Establishment had made a recommendation after reading in the Observer of the 9th's fire. As a result the rebuilding fund had been among local beneficiaries of the UAE president's annual gifts to local organisations.

The sale of unclaimed property under the Property Act by Sussex Police had benefited the rebuilding fund.

Grosvenor Park BUPA home had staged a coffee morning for the 9th.

Ravenside retail and leisure centre owners Land Securities Ltd had supported the 9th.

Bexhill Amateur Theatrical Society rounded off its support for the 9th via the proceeds of its Agatha Christie production Verdict, with a cheque presentation to Janice Gammon, who has just relinquished the post of Group Scout Leader after spearheading the rebuilding campaign.

Though he was not able to be present, there was also an award for the Rev John Edmondson of St Mary's Church, Battle, for hosting the annual St George's Day parade and service.

There were certificates for the Bexhill Observer for its coverage and support, for its publishers T R Beckett Limited for the Bexhill Achievers Award and a certificate and a Thanks Badge for the Observer's deputy editor for coverage of Centenary Year, the 9th Bexhill's fire and the subsequent campaign to rebuild the Scout headquarters.