1st Newtownards Scout Group

08/05/2026

Gone Home

Skipper (Bobby) wasn’t just a Scout leader, he simply was 1st Ards.

His dedicated leadership benefitted many people in our community. Our current volunteers still regularly hear stories of adventures had with Bobby at the helm — his legacy endures.

Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

08/05/2026

Congratulations Simon, we look forward to Scouting with you.

District Lead Volunteer (DLV) - Interim Appointment!

Simon Brown has been appointed as the interim District Lead Volunteer (DLV) for Strangford District with immediate effect.

Simon is a long-standing Group Lead Volunteer with 9th Bangor, bringing decades of experience and a strong commitment to Scouting, having held various roles across Sections, Districts, Crawfordsburn as well as previous appointments as GLV and a DLV during his time in England. He has a strong understanding of volunteer development and support and we are delighted that Simon has agreed to take on this key leadership role. As District Lead Volunteer, Simon will provide strategic leadership across the District, supporting Groups and volunteers to deliver safe, inclusive, and high‑quality Scouting experiences for young people.

Stephen Bell, Chief Volunteer of Scouts NI passed on the following "As Chief Volunteer, I am very happy to support Simon’s appointment. While it will be sad to see him step away from his role as NI Learning Team Lead, strong District leadership is vital. This is an excellent appointment and I am genuinely excited to see Strangford District continue to thrive under Simon’s leadership".

If you have any questions, or would like to get in touch with Simon, please feel free to do so via the [email protected] email address.

03/05/2026

03/05/2026

What a day! Well done to all our runners & supporters - thank you 🏅

Any donations hugely appreciated 🔗 https://gofund.me/872d2458a

Scouts NI Strangford District Scouting Grand Canyon Council, Scouting America Newtownards Chronicle

03/05/2026

Team S’More Miles captained by Isla

Kayleigh Finlay
Judith
Jonny
Rob
Kerry Finlay - subbing for Isla

https://gofund.me/872d2458a

03/05/2026

Thanks to everyone running our last miles to Arizona!
Team Knot -So-Slow captained by Lauren
Billy Spiers
Stephen Gardiner
Carla Gardiner
Sarah Davies

https://gofund.me/872d2458a

03/05/2026

It’s marathon day! 🏃🏼💨

Our starters for teams S’More Miles and Knot-So-Slow are at the start line, ready to kick things off.

You can sponsor our 10 amazing volunteers, parents, and young leaders via the link below —
🔗: https://gofund.me/872d2458a

01/05/2026

Our team captains getting the final organising done for Sunday’s Belfast Marathon relay. Give our runners a cheer if you see them!

Team Knot-so-slow captained by Lauren

Team S’more Miles captained by Isla

You can sponsor our runners on the link below, as they cover the last miles towards the adventure of a lifetime!

https://gofund.me/872d2458a

Strangford District Scouting Scouts NI Grand Canyon Council, Scouting America Newtownards Chronicle Belfast Live

25/04/2026

Our Arizona Troop have made it to Donard’s summit! ⛰️

These incredible young people were up at the crack of dawn this morning to prepare for the challenge, and in this lovely sun, led by Geology Rocks Adventure Tourism, they reached the peak of NI’s tallest mountain in just a few short hours.

10 weeks of fitness prep with Sarah Davies Coaching led to this moment, and each of them tackled the challenge with everything they had to offer! 💪

Please consider sponsoring our Troop and celebrating all of the hard work they’ve been putting in ahead of the adventure of a lifetime, which is now just 67 days away… yes, 67 😉🤲

🇺🇸 Sponsor us here —
🔗: https://gofund.me/872d2458a

25/04/2026

What a day for our Arizona Troop’s sponsored Donard hike! 🥾☀️

It was a bright and early start this morning to hit the trail for the team, who will be summiting the highest peak in Northern Ireland later this afternoon.

Sponsor us on our miles!
🔗: https://gofund.me/872d2458a