Bexhill scouts remain defiant after fire

An arson attack might have destroyed their headquarters (pictured) and almost all their equipment, but "rising from the ashes" was the mood of a meeting which was held at the Kiteye district camp-site and which ended with a barbecue.

Group Scout Leader Janice Gammon had opened the meeting with British understatement.

"The events of the past year have been somewhat eclipsed by the loss of our headquarters on April 22 in the council's recycle container arson incident.

"I am determined that this will not detract from the highlights and achievements since our last AGM."

The centenary year of Scouting had provided the 9th with challenges, resources and events and the 9th had taken on as much as it could manage, she said.

Explorer Scout Leader Justin Baker had gained his Diamond Award, James Pettit, Christopher Haward, Jonathan Black and Jacob Barton had gained their Chief Scout Awards.

Platinum Awards were gained by Alex Pedder and Amanda Saunders.

The 9th Bexhill Scouts had won the District five-a-side football trophy. They would be the last to hold it for it was destroyed in the fire.

Cub Scout Gary Proctor had won the Cubs' highest accolade, the Chief Scout Silver Award.

Some Beavers had completed level 25 of the Centennial challenges.

"Beavers took part in the Rotary Charity Walk in June and collected Ive 700 to date, one Beaver achieving a mighty 300+ - a pretty amazing effort all round."

A beautiful day at Battle for the centenary St George's Day parade and service culminated in the loss of the 9th's headquarters in the wheelie bin inferno.

"No culprits were found or are likely to be found.

"It is a sad reflection that the one group in the community who traditionally enjoy lighting fires, leaving no carbon footprint, is Scouting.

"It is just ironic that in February we had just completed a major audit of the building;s fire, gas and electric safety systems, which culminated in a risk management plan being forwards to Bexhill fire station for their file!"

The 2nd Bexhill Group, led by Barry Wilkinson, had welcomed the 9th to their headquarters

A regeneration working group had been toiling and had already made made achievements.

A few items had been salvaged and were being cleaned and repaired where possible.

"I am happy to say that most of our lost equipment will be replaced. However, it must be said that there was 80 years of Scouting memorabilia in the building, which is lost to us for ever."

The executive committee had decided that the replacement building would be concrete-built and on the same footprint. It would incorporate features to comply with building regulations and it was hoped it would prove to be a sought-after venue which would bring in key letting income.

"So we begin the task of raising at least another 80,000 on top of the insured sum remaining of 65,000."

Another remarkable fund-raising feat had been the 700 raised by "Explorer dad" Cavan O'Connor, a figure doubled by the Sackville Partnership.

The Group Scout Leader said: "I would also like to thank the many businesses and organisations in Bexhill to are currently displaying our collection boxes and supporting us in this way.

"I thank the people both within and without Bexhill, who either remember the 9th with affection, or just want to help, who have sent donations.

"I acknowledge the substantial grants we have received from the Sussex Police Property Act Fund, the Rother District Council, Sainsbury's and the United Arab Emirates Technical Training Project."