Young People receive Highest Award at Windsor Castle
Last month, 6 young people received their King’s Scout Award at Windsor Castle in the presence of Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields. The King’s Scout Award is the highest youth award in the movement, and to achieve it, it takes commitment, leadership, and determination.
Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields said "Huge congratulations to every single one of you on achieving your King’s Scout Award. This is something truly special. It shows the grit, determination and passion you’ve put into your Scouting journey. You’ve stepped up, shown leadership, pushed yourselves, and made a real difference to the people around you. That’s what being a Scout is all about."
Alongside Sophie, Lenny, Jack, Molly, Victoria and Abigail receiving their KSA, the event also recognised Margaret Beck and Francis Meylan on their Bar to the Silver Acorn, and Steve Day for receiving the Silver Wolf. A massive congratulations to each and every one of you.
Spring 2026 - Roll of Honour
Overview
Across Scouting in Nottinghamshire, volunteers continue to make an exceptional difference to young people, and the Spring 2026 Roll of Honour highlights that spirit of dedication.
This season quietly celebrates 120 volunteers, including those completing advanced training with six Wood Badges, and 22 Good Service Award holders. Alongside them are 92 volunteers recognised for long service, together representing an incredible 1,260 years of commitment to supporting adventure, learning and confidence in young people.
Nottinghamshire Scouts offers heartfelt thanks to every volunteer whose time, skill and enthusiasm help Scouting continue to thrive in communities countywide.
Gareth Rawlings (10 years) Michael Redman (10 years)
Bassetlaw
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Brian Beddows
Long Service
Chris Lewis (40 years) Geoff Lewis (40 years) Debra Maskery (25 years) Frank Coulson (20 years) Mark Mounde (20 years) Ian Anderson (15 years) Christie Roberts (15 years)
Wood Badge
Alec Tomlinson (M&S)
Beauvale
Long Service
Katie Powell (10 years) Adam Baldwin (5 years)
Central Notts
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Phil Beeston Karine Greatbatch Jennifer Neave Andrew Peacock Issy Todd Laura Wilson
Wood Badge
Kevin Boaler (Section)
Long Service
Melvin Parry (30 years) Janet Kirk (25 years) Liz Tetley (25 years) Rosalie Hawks (20 years) Natalie Bashton (20 years) Aaron Prout (20 years) Ross Bashton (15 years) Joshua Cracknell (15 years) Aimee Hammond (15 years) Jodi Merrington (15 years) Andrew Peacock (15 years) Holly Barlow-Johnson (10 years) Charlotte North (10 years) Steven Adams (5 years) Oliver Copper (5 years) Sarah Adams (5 years) Tom Ford (5 years) Gavin Robinson (5 years) David Schmidt (5 years)
City of Nottingham
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Tim Branson David Broadbent Robert Duley Richard Holt Jen Mcewan Gayle McWhirter Jordan Yates
Long Service
Dave Quarton (50 years) David Atkins (40 years) Ann Johnson (20 years) Donna Yates (20 years) Helen Clements (15 years) Adam Dakin (15 years) Sue Davis (15 years) Ashley Edwards (10 years) Elizabeth Hart (10 years) Graeme Nicoll (10 years) Ben Sharlotte (5 years) Penny Williams (5 years)
Wood Badge
Paul Clark (M&S) Joe Maloney (Section)
Mansfield
Long Service
Martyn Wheatley (30 years) Steve Waite (15 years) Gary Bridges (10 years) Stephen Holden (10 years) Lisa Doran (5 years) Louise Llewellyn (5 years) Heather Perry (5 years) Jacob Taylor (5 years) Tom Turner (5 years) Louise Warden (5 years) Clare Whiting (5 years)
Wood Badge
Emma Baguley (M&S)
Newark and District
Long Service
Linda Nicholson (40 years) Kieran Wellard (10 years) Jacob Hage (5 years)
Rushcliffe
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Hugh Avison Helen Holland Gavin O'Connor Jane Pearce
Long Service
Margaret Walker (40 years) Emma Bramley (20 years) Sean Bown (15 years) Eleni Smith-Spoors (15 years) Chris Swallow (15 years) Greer Cook (10 years) Richard Mansfield (10 years) Kathryn Russell (10 years) Richard Bines (5 years) Emyr Davies (5 years) Gov Jumbu (5 years) Laurence Lam (5 years) Claire Norris (5 years) Samuel Timson (5 years)
South West Notts
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Hugh Avison Helen Holland Gavin O'Connor Jane Pearce
Wood Badge
Daniel Marsh (Section)
Long Service
Andrew Smith (20 years) Emily Griffiths (15 years) Huw Swti Bear Espley (15 years) Philip Heathcote (10 years) Ed Hewes (10 years) Carrie Ingram (10 years) Richard Short (10 years) Ben Wild (10 years) Kiley Harper (10 years) Nikki Knight (10 years) Matthew Thomas (10 years) James Traynor (10 years) Louise Read (5 years) Sam Swann (5 years) Stefan Wardega (5 years) Peter Cull (5 years) Donna Porter (5 years) Molly Simpson (5 years) Catherine York (5 years)
Nottinghamshire
Long Service
Helen Marriott (40 years) Elizabeth Day (25 years) Lindsay Trevor (10 years)
Autumn 2025 - Roll of Honour
Overview
Across Scouting in Nottinghamshire, volunteers continue to make an exceptional difference to young people, and the Autumn 2025 Roll of Honour highlights that spirit of dedication.
This season quietly celebrates 139 volunteers, including those completing advanced training with six Wood Badges, and 40 Good Service Award holders who will be thanked at the annual June garden party. Alongside them are 93 volunteers recognised for long service, together representing an incredible 1,315 years of commitment to supporting adventure, learning and confidence in young people.
Nottinghamshire Scouts offers heartfelt thanks to every volunteer whose time, skill and enthusiasm help Scouting continue to thrive in communities countywide.
Jason Smith (20 years) David Scott (15 years) Kate Anthony (10 years) Jacky Cooke (10 years) Kevin Allsop (10 years) Richard Pugh (10 years)
Bassetlaw
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Hannah Bell
Long Service
Ben Everitt (20 years) Pete Heard (15 years) Lee Annals (10 years) Claire Palmer (10 years) Ieuan Blaevoet-Fletcher (10 years)
Thank You Card
Chris Spencer
Beauvale
Long Service
Paul Beaman (20 years) Nichola Logue-Worgan (20 years) Richard Hill (10 years) Andrew Brown (10 years) Neil Thompson (10 years) Max Thorpe (5 years)
Central Notts
Good Service
Chief Scout's Commendation Lawrence Staniforth Dani Blackman
Wood Badge
Danielle Clarke (Section)
Long Service
Tony Bostock (60 years) Lee Marriott (30 years) Adele Kenton (20 years) Fiona Green (20 years) Robert Powley (15 years) Kai Mitton (10 years) Hannah Dyer (10 years) Luke Shaw (10 years) Amy Bicer (5 years) Andrew Foster (5 years)
City of Nottingham
Good Service
Award for Merit Nigel Morley
Chief Scout's Commendation Adam Barnard Adam Dakin Alex Middleton Alex Young Danielle Ward-Bailey David Hoskins David Le Blancq David Taylor Dene Sheppard Graeme Nicoll Howard Lea Jen Thompson Lloyd Fuller Micheal Doige Nargis Haque-Hussain Richard Bainbridge Sabrina Herrst-Cox Tamara Booth
Long Service
John Ashton (30 years) Tony Stock (25 years) Mary Mills (10 years) Danielle Ward-Bailey (10 years) Samantha Thorpe (10 years) Tamara Booth (10 years) Daniel Hiorns (5 years) Abbie Marshfield (5 years) Philip Turton (5 years)
Mansfield
Good Service
Award for Merit Martyn Wheatley
Chief Scout's Commendation Eve Stokes Lauren King Matthew Bond Paul Stokes Roger Ambler Sally Neale Sarah Bond
Linda Sargisson (40 years) Andy Ellis (20 years) Kevin Rose (20 years) Colin Bauckham (15 years) Robb Evans (10 years) Sarah Potter (5 years) Jack Kellas (5 years)
Rushcliffe
Good Service
Bar to the Award for Merit Ena Scott
Chief Scout's Commendation Ben Staniland Elissa Hawksworth Simon Pank
Chief Scout's Commendation Ben Harrison Bart Scattergood Leigh Silvester Christina Wright
Wood Badge
Maddy Davis (Section) Corinne Punch (M&S)
Long Service
Paul Mclaughlin (30 years) John Worthington (30 years) David Campbell (20 years) Jane Andrews (20 years) Catherine Daykin (15 years) Tony Haines (15 years) Samantha Tye (15 years) Conor Musson (10 years) Steve Riordan (10 years) Becca Hewett (10 years) Phil Purkis (10 years) Cameron Tait (10 years) Adam Blakey (10 years) Connor Lynch (10 years) Lee Morrison (5 years) Matthew Richardson (5 years)
Nottinghamshire
Good Service
Silver Wolf Steve Day
Chief Scout's Commendation Emma Turner
Long Service
Alastair Luff (30 years) Ian Jackson (25 years) Sally Reid (15 years) Kevin Ellis (10 years) Jonathan Doe (10 years)
Reflecting on a phenomenal year of Scouts
As we near the end of 2025, it’s a great time to reflect on all the amazing programmes, events and achievements we’ve made together this year, and to look ahead to even more exciting adventures in 2026.
This year kicked off with our annual NESST Challenge hikes with 1,500 participants lacing up their boots and rising to the challenge.
March saw us return to the Theatre Royal with our dazzling 75th anniversary Gang Show! A cast and crew of over 250 took to the stage to entertain thousands with high energy and feel-good performances.
We launched our brand new event, The BIG Hideout, where 200 explorers went on the run, trying to evade capture from our hunter teams. Over 2,000 of you laced up your skates and took to the Ice in September to celebrate the National Ice Centre’s 25th Birthday. We also recently selected our 36 young people who will be representing Nottinghamshire at the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027.
There have been some challenging moments too, such as supporting over 2,500 adults to complete the new Safety learning, and adopting our new digital tools and ways of working. I know it’s been painful and frustrating at times, but what has been really humbling is how we’ve shown our true Scouting values and supported one another through the challenges. I think we’ve all earned our Teamwork Challenge Awards!
2026 is already shaping up to be another sensational year of Scouting. Our challenge hikes are back, we’ve got 3,000 of you joining us for The BIG Weekend in May, and later in the year we’ll be recruiting our ‘gang’ for the Gang Show in 2027. Possibly most exciting of all is the opening of our brand new activity centre building at Hoveringham which will support and expand the amazing programme of activities that our adventure team provide.
I want to take a moment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your phenomenal efforts this year. You teach skills. You inspire. You change lives. Never underestimate the massive positive impact you have on our young people.
On behalf of everyone at Nottinghamshire Scouts, I want to wish you and your families a very peaceful and Happy Christmas.
Jordan Phillips County Lead Volunteer
Together at Christmas Recognition
Nottinghamshire Volunteers Honoured at Heartwarming Carol Service
Last night, St Mary’s Church in Nottingham hosted a truly uplifting Together at Christmas Carol Service, held on behalf of His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Veronica Pickering MBS HAC. The event formed part of the national Together at Christmas initiative, supported by The Royal Foundation and Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales. Running alongside the annual Westminster Abbey service, this initiative aims to celebrate those who dedicate their time and kindness to supporting others, especially during challenging times.
Now in its fourth year, Together at Christmas continues to shine a light on the everyday heroes who strengthen their communities. This year’s theme, LOVE, focused on the many ways love can connect people—through compassion, creativity, volunteering, kindness, and the simple act of showing care. The service captured this beautifully, combining moving readings, carols, and powerful reflections on what community really means.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Scout volunteers from across Nottinghamshire, specially invited to represent the remarkable spirit of service found throughout the county. Each individual had been nominated for their dedication to supporting neighbours, uplifting young people, helping vulnerable or isolated individuals, or using art, culture, sport, or nature to bring people together. Their stories embodied the theme of love in action, showing how small acts of care can have a lasting impact.
Attendees spoke about the warmth and gratitude felt throughout the event, describing it as a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the good happening within local communities. The gathering also served as a reminder of the power of connection—something particularly cherished during the festive season.
As the evening ended with light refreshments and conversation, the message of Together at Christmas was clear: when communities come together in the spirit of love and kindness, hope shines brighter than ever.
First Response Training: Your Options for 2026
As a Scout volunteer, First Response training is an essential part of keeping everyone safe. It’s a mandatory requirement for some roles, but the good news is you have flexible options to complete it in 2026. Here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead.
Why First Response Training Matters
First Response equips you with the skills to handle emergencies confidently, from CPR to incident management. It’s not just a box to tick, it’s about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young people in your care.
Your Training Options
Option 1: Use Your Existing First Aid Certificate
Already hold a valid first aid qualification? Great! You may be able to use it instead of completing a new course.
Check that your certificate meets the Scouts’ First Response syllabus on this page.
Email a copy to cta@notts-scouts.org.uk for assessment. You’ll be advised if any additional training is needed before it’s recorded on your membership profile.
Option 2: Blended First Response Course
Prefer a mix of online and practical learning? This course runs in three parts over three weeks (or longer if you need):
E-learning module – Complete at your own pace.
Virtual session – Join a Microsoft Teams call to validate your knowledge.
Practical check – A short 15-minute visit to demonstrate CPR and incident management skills. Blended courses run every other week throughout the year. Book via the Notts Scouts Training Calendar.
Option 3: Full In-Person Course
If you’d rather complete everything in one go, choose the full-day, face-to-face course. Find dates and book your place on the Notts Scouts Training Calendar.
Want to Host Your Own Course?
If your group would like to host its own course, your Group Lead Volunteer (GLV) can request it by emailing cta@notts-scouts.org.uk — you’ll need at least 8 participants, a confirmed venue, and a date agreed at least 3 months in advance.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure which option is best or need support with booking, contact your District Volunteering Development Team Leader or email volunteering.development@notts-scouts.org.uk. We’re here to help!
Over 2,000 Scouts take to the ice
To celebrate 25 years of the National Ice Centre, our members were very kindly invited to take part in a free ice skating session during September. A whopping 2,000 young people and adults from Nottinghamshire Scouts laced up their skates and took to the ice.
What's more, is that instead of the public rink, our members got to skate on the arena ice, home of the Nottingham Panthers! Don't forget about our special discounted tickets to see the Panthers play - check out the Notts Scouts Newsletter to find out more.
The sessions allowed all of our members to take part, from our youngest squirrel, to our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Volunteers. It was a spectacle to see so many of our members experiencing adventure together.
We are incredibly grateful to the team at the National Ice Centre for their generosity. Keep your eyes as we look to work together on exciting and unique experiences together.
Summer 2025 - Roll of Honour
Overview
This summer, Nottinghamshire Scouts proudly recognise 144 amazing volunteers who have been honoured with Good Service Awards, Long Service Awards, Thank You Cards and Wood Badges (plus two High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire awards).
Together, they represent an incredible 860 years of dedication to Scouting across the county. Each award is a testament to the passion, commitment and countless hours our volunteers give to inspire young people and strengthen our communities. We celebrate every individual on this Roll of Honour – thank you for everything you do to make Scouting in Nottinghamshire thrive!
Janet Hutchinson (20 years) Deborah Green (10 years)
Thank You Card
Becca Wall Becki Barnett Ben Wright Charlotte Dabell-Harrington Charlotte Kerry Chris Wagstaff Cian OHare Dani Matthews Denise Swinburne Malcolm Swinburne Nikki Dickinson Tracy Willows Victoria McCormick
Bassetlaw
Long Service
Ray Fielding (40 years) Laren Mounde (20 years)
Central Notts
Wood Badge
Graham Johnson (Section) Lee Marriott (Section) Matthew Biddulph (M&S) Paula Blackburn (Section) Phil Beeston (Section)
Long Service
Chris Clifford (25 years) Janice Culley-Oliver (25 years) Stuart Thorpe (20 years) Helen Blockley (15 years) Jean Bradley (10 years) Kai Mitton (10 years) KARINE Greatbatch (5 years)
Thank You Card
Adam Holman Andy Stanger Claire Chetwyn-Allen Gaynor Clark Graham Bruce Janice Kerry Lozzi Godfrey Rebecca Singleton Tracy Dodds
City of Nottingham
Wood Badge
Anna Clark (Section) Brogan Armstrong (Section) Linda Bain (Section) Paul Clark (Section)
Long Service
Nigel Johnson (50 years) Danny Ahern (40 years) Maryrose McHugh (30 years) Dec Stock (15 years) Mary Mills (10 years) Daniela Alves Lafayette (5 years) Alexander Rayner (5 years) Caroline Tynan (5 years)
Mansfield
Wood Badge
Roger Ambler (M&S)
Long Service
Dean Walters (25 years) Phil Pogmore (25 years) SUE Baguley (20 years) Deborah Johnson (20 years) Tom Brown (10 years) Neil Busby (5 years)
Thank You Card
Bart Bartlett David Brailsford Emma Barnaby Emma Baguley Graham Baguley Ian Ellis John Prentice Roger Ambler Spencer Ryan-Prewett Steve Gough
Newark and District
Good Service
Claire Reynolds (Bar to the Award for Merit) Elizabeth Burton-Wareing (Chief Scout's Comm) Stuart Mclaughlin (Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service) Bill Measham (Chief Scout's Comm) Adrian Rice (Chief Scout's Comm)
Wood Badge
Heather Randall (M&S) Josh Thorn (M&S)
Long Service
Louise Ridley (15 years) Tom Cragg (10 years) Danielle Cragg (10 years)
Thank You Card
Katherine Hawkins Sarah Allen
Rushcliffe
Good Service
Francis Meylan (Bar to the Silver Acorn)
Wood Badge
Amanda Pearce (Section)
Long Service
Paul Johnson (40 years) Robin Foster (40 years) Simon Pank (25 years) Barry Roland (25 years) Tricia Dearnley (20 years) Nett Symes (15 years) Irene Carline (15 years) Elizabeth Meylan (15 years) Helen Johnson (10 years) David Bolt (10 years) Elizabeth Markwick (10 years) Helen Holland (5 years) Richard Holmes (5 years) Talib Rajabally (5 years) Dan Walsh (5 years)
Thank You Card
Ben Anderson Chris Wilson Dan Brazil Dan Johnson Helena Dennis Lisa Appleby Mark Howard Oli Dziombak
South West Notts
Wood Badge
Leah Hyde (Section)
Long Service
Steven Porter (25 years) Pamela Glover (15 years) David Preece (15 years) Stanley Heptinstall (10 years) Colette Morgan (10 years) Gyorgyi Allwood (5 years) Morgan Field (5 years)
Thank You Card
Chris Houghton Christina Wright Eamonn McDaid Janet Treagus Jessica Streets Kapil Agashi Louise Read Tony Truman
Nottinghamshire
Good Service
Helen Marriott (Silver Acorn) Nick Nieder (Silver Acorn)
We recently hosted our brand new event, The BIG Hideout! Over 100 explorers were invited to take part in our live action game of strategy, evasion and teamwork. Their aim was simple, get to the secret extraction point without being captured by our specialist teams of hunters.
Star of Channel 4's 'Hunted', Ray Howard (The Chief) sent our participants a special message welcoming them to the game, warning them that "you can run, but you can't hide".
Over the eight hours of gameplay, our teams trekked across the countryside, often staying away from roads and public footpaths to avoid capture. There were also a number of bases with challenges and the opportunity to gain extra points for the team.
All of our participants did extremely well in challenging weather conditions and this brand new activity format, a big well done to all who took part.
Keep your eyes peeled for the BIG Hideout returning in 2026!
DofE Presentation Success
This week dozens of Scouts and Explorers have braved the stage in Chilwell School Theatre. Altogether, 9 teams from South West Notts gathered to deliver a variety of expedition presentations, covering 2 scout expeditions, 5 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and 2 Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. The expedition presentation is an essential element of the Duke of Edinburgh award and allows for originality in content and approach.
Jack Kellas (County Youth Lead) and David Henson (County DofE Lead) attended the presentations as representatives of Nottinghamshire Scouts, and were very impressed by the effort witnessed.
Speaking to the Scouts, Jack said "All of the presentations this evening demonstrated perseverance, progress and pride.
"You overcame the hurdles faced in your planned expeditions, and showed perseverance in pushing through the challenges faced individually and as teams.
"Tonight you have told us all about your perseverance, and in doing so you have charted your progress, recognising how far you have come with a huge amount of pride"
Parents and carers asked thoughtful questions of the young people, all of which were answered with honest reflections on their expedition experiences. The presentations ended with a huge thank you and well done from Jack and Ed (District Lead Volunteer), with the majority of young people committing to completing the next level of expedition at the next possible opportunity.
