Group Lead Volunteer / Trustee

Skip (Ian Henson) 

E-mail: skip@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk 

Tel: 07981951362 

Starting as a Cub in the mid 1970's at 8th Bracknell Scout Group, I continued as a Scout until 1982. After a period running  junior and senior football teams, refereeing football and raising a family I became  Scout leader at 1st Bassaleg Scout Group in 2003. In 2004 I was asked to take over at 1st Wentwood Scout group as Group Scout Leader and continue in the role today, under the new title Group Lead volunteer. Inspired by my own childhood Scout leaders, we have helped 100’s of children that  passed through the group, going on to take their place in the world. We are proud of them all.  

Beaver and Cub Lead Volunteer / Trustee

Tigger (Toni Mears) 

E-mail: tigger@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk

My introduction to scouting was as an assistant Beaver leader with 1st Bassaleg Scout Group in 2003, before moving on to be an assistant Cub leader supporting my daughter through her first steps within scouting. In 2004 I made the move along with Skip to run 1st Wentwood Scout Group. For the next 20+ years, I have enjoyed passing on my experiences to both the children and adult volunteers that have joined us on this journey of discovery. I love seeing the children and adults enjoying themselves, gain new experiences and grow in confidence as they use the skills we teach them.

Beaver and Cub Team Member 

Rani (Abi Jarvis)

I’ve been part of 1st Wentwood Scout Group for many years, first as a Scout and now as a Leader, and it feels very special to be able to give something back to the group that gave me so much. Scouting became a real family to me growing up, and coming back as an adult felt like coming home. I hope to help create that same sense of belonging for the young people in our group today. I love seeing them try new things, challenge themselves and discover that they are capable of more than they realised. Watching them feel proud, brave and confident is one of my favourite parts of being a Leader.

Beaver Team Member 

Katie McNeill 

I first became involved in Scouting in 2014 as an Explorer Scout after moving from New Zealand and it changed my life. Scouting allowed me to become more confident, be active and make lifelong friends who I am still extremely close with now 13 years later. I originally started as a Young Leader for 1st Wentwood Scout Group, but after returning from University and being back in the local area, I’ve decided to come back into the fold. I love seeing the children experience new things and hopefully like myself, make lifelong friends with whom they too can share amazing adventures throughout Scouting and beyond.

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Beaver Team Member 

Safety and Safeguarding Trustee

Sophie Stephens

I first got involved with 1st Westwood Scouts when  attending their annual bonfire night as a Marshall. Everyone I met was lovely and so welcoming and all my friends spoke so highly of attending Scouts during childhood, I thought I’d give it a go as an adult by being a helper and becoming a trustee. I support the Beaver colony when I can and love getting stuck in to all the activities, sometimes more than the kids! Mostly I help out in the kitchen (sneaking lots of biscuits) by keeping things moving to support the evenings running smoothly for their trusty Leaders; Skip and Tigger.

Cub Team Member 

Baghera (Richard Coles-Brunt) 

I first became involved in Scouting as the parent of two children who joined the Scouting family. They have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences in both Beavers and Cubs, which gave me an appreciation of the positive impact Scouting can have. In October 2025, I joined 1st Wentwood Scout Group as a leader, initially supporting Cubs and later Beavers. This gave me the opportunity to experience Scouting first-hand, something I had not had the chance to do as a child. Watching the children take part in activities, develop lifelong skills and interests, and grow socially has deepened my appreciation for the valuable contribution made by every member of the Scouting community..

Cub Team Member 

Nala (Emma Henson-Harris)

My Scouting journey started in 2003 as a Beaver and I’ve been involved in Scouting ever since! I progressed through all sections as a young person, being exposed to some incredible opportunities including attending the World Scout Jamboree in Sweden 2011. Scouting is a place where I have always been able to be myself and has allowed me to become more confident in all aspects of my life. 

Being able to take my experiences and support young people as a leader is truly rewarding and something I am proud to be a part of.

Cub Team Member 

Rebecca Hunt 

I was introduced to being a leader shortly after my son joined 1st Wentwood Scout group in 2024. After attending my first AGM, I realised I wanted to get involved and be part of the fun. I’ve been volunteering ever since, staying each week to help with anything required such as helping with drinks, tidying away and supporting the children with activities. We enjoy it so much that we kept attending even after moving out of the area. It’s been a brilliant way to get to know other leaders and parents, and experience activities we wouldn’t otherwise do, all while watching my son enjoy his own Scouting journey.

Cub Team Member 

Khrystyna Chernikova 

I began volunteering with 1st Wentwood Scout Group four years ago when my children and I moved to Wales. The boys joined as a Beaver and a Cub and I went along to help them settle in and translate. Joining was a way for us to settle into our new community, but it quickly became much more than that. Working with children has always brought me joy, and Scouting gives me the chance to watch young people grow in confidence, try new things, and have fun along the way. At the same time I also get to experience new things and expand my own skills.

Cub Team Member 

Steff Griffiths 

Scouting began for me as a child, when I enjoyed progressing through all the sections, from Beavers to Scouts. I returned to Scouting to assist with 1st Aylburton and Lydney Scout Troop when my youngest brother was a member. Now, with children of my own, I have joined 1st Wentwood Scout Group to assist wherever I can. I enjoy not only supporting the young people but also supporting the hardworking lead volunteers within the sections, who dedicate so much of their time to ensuring that young people can benefit from learning new skills and enjoying exciting experiences.

Cub Team Member 

Lauren Griffiths

My journey began in the Guide movement with Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. One of my fondest memories was visiting Adelboden in Switzerland, staying at Our Chalet when I was nine. It was an incredible experience and opportunity I may never have had without Guiding. Scouting was in my family. My brothers attended Scouts, and I loved hearing about their adventures. Little did I know I’d experience the same with my own children. Many years later, I’m now part of 1st Wentwood Scout Group, helping wherever I can. My son recently attended his first Beaver camp and loved it. I’m excited to see the adventures and memories my children make through Scouting.

Scout Team Member & Trustee

Rikki (Alan Brook)

E-mail: alanbrook@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk

I started at 1st Wentwood Scout Group a long time ago, first as a Beaver, then a Cub and finally as a Scout. While at Scouts I gained my love of the outdoors and adventurous activities and made some of my closest friends (some of whom can be seen elsewhere on this page!)

I now help run the Scout section, and love showing the Scouts new skills, alongside organising and running activities, especially camping and hiking. It’s lovely being able to give the next generation of young people the same experiences, love of activities and challenges that I got to experience!

Scout Team Member 

Nellie (Sam Rusell)

I started my time at 1st Wentwood Scout Group as a Scout, which was where I gained the nickname Nellie (after the elephant). I graduated to Explorer Scouts before then coming back soon after as a leader (for the biscuits) and have been involved with the group on and off ever since. I enjoy passing on my experiences, skills and boundless enthusiasm to the children and other adults involved. You’ll often find me near the camp fire , hanging upside down from a zip wire or doing something else adventurous, inspiring our members to stretch their boundaries and challenge themselves to be the best Scout they can be.

Scout Team Member 

Bluey (Ian Brook)

I joined 1st Wentwood Scout Group Cub pack over 20 years ago. Since, I have been a Scout, became a Young Leader, before heading for University. 4 years ago, I moved back to the area and help when I can. As a child who has progressed through the different sections and thoroughly enjoyed my time, it’s my aim to pass on and facilitate these experiences to children to ensure they enjoy Scouting as much as I have. It is rewarding to watch scouts develop new skills, establish friendships for life, and conquer activities they thought were unachievable.I can’t commit to helping every week, but I help when and where I can!

Scout Team Member 

Rhys Benjamin

Having never been a cub or scout myself I was amazed by all the experiences and adventures that my daughter was getting involved with during her time as a cub and then a scout.  I was even more amazed to learn that all these opportunities were provided by volunteers. I always assumed that this was the leaders full time job! From that time on I was keen to help in any way I could and I have loved it. I've learnt a few new skills myself and have been a part of keeping something going that my daughter really loves.

Group Treasurer 

Maria Williams 

E-mail: treasurer@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk

My involvement with the Group began while supporting my children on their Scouting journey back in 2021. I’ve always believed that a community helps inspire and guide a child, and volunteering became my way of giving back to those who supported my family. I first served as Group Secretary before becoming Treasurer, a role I still hold today. I’ve also enjoyed helping with hikes, trips, craft sessions and other activities. It’s been a privilege to play a small part in creating opportunities for local young people, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and make lasting memories through Scouting.  

Fundraising Trustee 

Guy Wilson 

E-mail: guywilson@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk

As a Trustee, my main aim is to help ensure that children and young people can enjoy Scouting in a safe, well-organised and supportive environment. I do this because I know how much the children enjoy Scouting and how much they gain from the experiences, friendships, confidence and skills it gives them. I work with the other Trustees to help oversee the safe and effective running of the Group and support it practically wherever I can. More recently, I have also become involved in fundraising and applying for grants to improve our facilities, secure the Group’s future and help Scouting continue to thrive locally.

Secretary & Governance Trustee &

Property & Equipment Trustee  

Bryn Harries 

E-mail: brynharries@1stwentwoodscouts.org.uk

I started my Scouting journey as a Cub and continued as a Scout through the 1990s, so it’s great to now see my own children enjoying the same experiences, with one in Scouts and the other in Cubs. I became involved with the group as a trustee, helping to make sure we maintain good governance and that the equipment and resources the group owns are properly looked after. It’s a privilege to play a small part in supporting the group and helping ensure that Scouting continues to provide young people with opportunities, experiences and memories that they can carry with them.

Trustee 

Simon Boley

As a newly appointed Trustee, I am keen to support the Group's future development and help overcome challenges through practical solutions and effective governance. My background in construction provides me with extensive experience in planning, project delivery, and problem-solving.

Having previously supported Scouting through fundraising and event organisation while my children were involved, I understand the value the movement brings to young people and the dedication of its volunteers. I look forward to using my experience to help create a safe and welcoming environment for our young people and to support the volunteers who make these opportunities possible.

Chair of Trustees

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Social Media Trustee 

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Parent / Community Trustees 

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