After the COVID pandemic, the Group recovered well and got back into face to face meetings. However, by 2023, the number of Leaders were dwindling and a number of the remaining ones wanted to step down from their roles after over 30 or 40 years!
In the autumn of 2023, the parents were informed of the situation and requests were made for people to volunteer. Sadly, other than occasional help, we were not able to recruit anyone other than some temporary help for the Beavers.
In the summer of 2024, our long time Cub Leader, Sharon Hickton and long time Scout Leader, Paul Hickton retired from their roles, and, with no one available to take over, we took the difficult decision to the close the Cub Pack and Scout Troop, with the hope of reopening them at a later date. The Beaver Colony was to continue. At the same time, long time Group Scout Leader, Nick Wood retired from his role.
The final Scout meeting was Tuesday 16/07/2024 and the final Cub meeting on Friday 19/07/2024 was a party for everyone in the Group.
Sadly, in the autumn, St. Andrew’s Church our very long time supporters, advised us that the Church Hall needed significant costly repairs and the Church did not have sufficient money to do so. Therefore, they were to close the Hall at the beginning of 2025. As there wasn’t a permanent solution to the lack of Leaders, it was decided to close the Beaver Colony and therefore the Group.
The last Beaver meeting and final meeting of the Group took place on Friday 18/10/2024.
The Group had a great history with thousands of young people passing through. We’ve been active through 2 World Wars, financial depressions, social change and the global pandemic. Starting with Scouts, then Cubs, Ventures, Beavers and welcoming girls into the group, we have been a major presence in Porthill for 116 years. Now we are no more.
Thank you to everyone who has been a Leader, helper, Beaver, Cub, Scout, Explorer or Venture in the Group, you have all been great!
1st Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle, St. Andrews Porthill Scout Group 1908 – 2024