This article was originally published as part of Reunion Express Live on scoutcontent.org.uk
It was to thunderous applause that Matt Hyde officially welcomed everyone to Reunion 2022 tonight, expressing how much of an honour it was for Reunion to be back at Gilwell once more. Welcoming participants both new and old, his speech quickly fell to the wayside in favour of finding out just who had attended Reunion the most.
But following Matt’s introduction was Sam Morris, Chief Volunteering Officer and our new Camp Chief, following Ross Maloney’s departure to The Ramblers. As Camp Chief he reported that he was awarded six wooden beads, just as Baden Powell gave to Francis Gidney, the first Camp Chief of Reunion. But he stressed that Reunion was not about himself, rather that it’s about the participants, making friends and “learning something new along the way”.
Next to take the stage was Carl Hankinson, our UK chief commissioner, and a heartfelt thank you for the exceptional work everyone has put in over the last couple of years. “We know that when we come together and get to know each other, that’s the magic of Scouting. That’s where it really works for us – that’s where it fuels the flames of Scouting.”
Last but not least we were joined by Ollie Wood, UK Youth Commissioner (for the next few hours) with an encouragement to make the most of what Reunion has to offer. “Whether that’s in the bar or the workshops, we want you to get as much out of this weekend as possible.”
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Baden Powell presented Sir Percy Everett a set of 6 Woodbeads to match his own.
Photos courtesy of Stephen Way, Scout Content