About
Us
THE LEADERS
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Russell Winston - Assistant Group Scout Leader
Russell started in
scouting when he was a wee slip of a lad, at just six years old. He
was a beaver and a well badged cub with 1st Squirrels
Heath, rising to the dizzy ranks of sixer. But after moving up to
scouts, Russ went AWOL. After 18 months he re-joined scouts, but
this time with 1st South Hornchurch Somers Troop in
search of more badgework delights! He was put into Tigers patrol
who’s current PL (Patrol Leader) was one Kevin Cooper. After Kev
moved on, Russell became PL and by then was once more well decorated
with badges and awards, including the Chief Scout’s Award and
Challenge, which, from the leader’s memories, had never been
achieved before. Through the troop he’s hob knobbed with Liz at
the Queen’s Garden Party, attended the State Opening of Parliament
and been part of a display for the King of Sweden. Not bad! As a
Venture Scout he gained the highest award in scouting, the Queen’s
Scout Award, which was presented to him at Windsor.
Through Ventures,
Russ got roped into helping out at Scouts where he soon took up his
first leader position. During his time at the troop numbers soared
to over 30 and he believes they were the best troop in the district,
if not the county, offering over 30 nights camping a year for three
consecutive years. Russell was responsible for two very popular
camps – a cycling camp and a week long canal boat trip – as well
as being instrumental in two scouts gaining their Chief Scout’s
Award and Challenge – the highest awards available in the Scout
section.
After 8 years as a
scout leader at Somers Troop, Russ decided it was time to move on
and was once again reunited with Kevin in running the new Explorer
section. He was involved in the admin side of the Explorer Unit for
around 2 years and well as being a key factor in winning the Kilmuir
Trophy (a 36 hour scavenger hunt in
Around 9 months
after Kevin had left explorers, he took over as Group Scout Leader (GSL)
of 1st South Hornchurch
, and about 5 minutes after that Russell was offered the position of
his assistant. He hopes that between himself, Kevin and all the
dedicated leaders and helpers, 1st Souths will once again
become the best group in the District.
Outside of
Scouting, Russell has also completed the Three Peaks Challenge in a
time of 19 hours, 36 minutes and 43 seconds, raising over £1,600
for the British Heart Foundation.