Goodbye and Thank You Jim

Report Date 16/08/12

It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Lorna, Euan, Cameron and especially Jim Simpson who will be moving from the Island in early September.

Jim arrived on the Island in 2001 and was very quickly involved again with Scouting taking over the leadership role with Lion Troop, a position he held throughout with the exception of a short period of time when involved with a demanding work project. In his 11 years with the troop Jim has helped well over 150 young people develop their practical, leadership and teamwork skills and has seen his Scouts win many competitions, from football to the camping competitions and seeing a vwry high percentage of his Scouts achieving their top award.

Jim has also been a key member of the Group's leadership team always willing to take a lead role in our Group camps and fun days, with some novel ideas and sometimes crazy activities that always seemed to work.

His contribution to Scouting was recognised by the Chief Scout in 2010 with the presentation of the Award of Merit, presented for outstanding services.

My best memories of Jim however will be from the times I joined him in Camp when his ability to help the young Scouts put into practice the skills they had learnt during the previous year, from firelighting and cooking over wood fires, to cleanliness and tidyness and also taking part in more adventurous activities. Always with their safety and welfare as the number one priority.

Jim, you will be missed by all of us, but we know it will not be too long before another Scout Group benefits from your enthusiasm and hard work.

Lorna has also made a significant contribution to the Group by supporting Jim, with the occassional help with Scouts and Beavers and by running our 100 Club for 7 years, all of which have helped make a difference.

Thank you both for your help and support over the past 11 years and you leave with our very best wishes for your future. Keep in touch!!