Retirement of GLV, Chris Pinnell

It was great to see so many of our scouting families for our summer BBQ and AGM on Friday evening (20/6/2025). Young people enjoyed some fun games and activities in the sunshine outdoors whilst our AGM was held in the main hall.

It was the end of an era as Chris Pinnell stepped down as Group Lead Volunteer. Chris has been at the helm of Westhill Scout Group for the last 12 years. This is in addition to 24 1/2 years accumulated service as Assistant Scout Leader with our Keir troop.

During his tenure as Lead Volunteer the group has undergone significant growth which has seen hundreds of local young people enjoy many fun activities and camps including international trips to Iceland and Germany, and two of our youth members attending World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023.

As Chris passes on the baton, 1st Westhill continues to be a thriving and popular activity within the local community.

District Lead Volunteer Andy Till gave a formal thank you and Chris was presented with gifts on behalf of the scout group, by Explorers Craig and SJ, who are the group’s longest serving youth members both having joined as Beavers in 2014.

Pete Thomson was formally invested as the new Group Lead Volunteer. Pete has been volunteering with 1st Westhill since 2017.  Prior to that he also had 21 years of scouting leadership in Aberdeen.

Other awards presented at the AGM were long service awards to two of our adult volunteers.

The evening finished with some campfire singing and s’mores.

Our thanks to everyone who helped make the evening an enjoyable event. And a massive thank you and B-R-A-V-O to Chris for his dedication during his time with the group. We hope you enjoy your well earned retirement!