5th Testwood Scouts

05/06/2026

This Volunteer's Week, we are shining a light on the many volunteering opportunities available in our District. These are roles we are looking for someone to fill so we can give young people skills for life.

Today, we shine a light on the youngest and newest branch of the Scout's family tree - the Squirrels and all the amazing volunteers who guide them. We have opportunities across the District:

Ashurst and Colbury (Mondays): https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ #/vacancydetail/4dca9dde-0fb0-4f34-b69e-7e3d45bb8766

Eling Sea Scouts (To be launched, either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday): https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ #/vacancydetail/51d6d00d-8bb1-40aa-bc66-54c148412a58

Ringwood (Fridays): https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ #/vacancydetail/4ebc3263-aca3-4dfa-befc-619ab30c2329

Testwood (Mondays): https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ #/vacancydetail/0a779201-986f-4b85-bdc1-6d0f151d6348

05/06/2026

Each week, over a hundred young people between the ages of 4 and 18 find a place to belong at our hall on Blackwater Drive. But it's not just Scouts who use it, with regular community groups and other special uses too.

Last week, we hosted one such special event for New Forest District Council, a community day with a focus on solving problems and connecting organisations together to achieve solutions. You can read more on NFDC's website below:

2 June 2026. Our Tenant Engagement and Housing teams held a community-focused outreach event in Totton on Friday (29 May 2026) as part of ongoing work to support residents with housing advice and tenancy support, and for families to enjoy some activities.

01/05/2026

It was so good to see our young people from across the ages looking really smart all together for the St. George's Day celebration on Sunday.

Showing the strength of numbers in Scouting in the heart of Lyndhurst, being proud of who we are, and celebrating bravery in two Scouts Own services. It was our first time back in Lyndhurst in seven years, and the first as part of the New Forest district.

Next year, even more young people perhaps? Why not get involved with the group so we can welcome more young people to the adventure of Scouts? scouts.org.uk for more info!

25/04/2026

Come see us on the precinct today and grab your programme for the derby

22/04/2026

Calling all Parents, carers and community members!

I know it is a busy time of the year, but I wanted to remind you about one event in our Group's calendar - our AGM taking place a week today on Wednesday 29th April!

Your child's section may be planning on making presentations, and we always bring refreshments.

You can find all the pictures, reports and information for the meeting on our website: https://5thtestwoodscouts.co.uk/2026/celebrate-2025-at-our-agm/

We are also on the look out for Trustees, a Chair of Trustees and a Treasurer (not all the same person!) as we will have vacancies for these important roles from that meeting's close! These are vital roles in our charity and our leaders can't do them - they have to come from our parents or our community. You can find links from our website to where you can find out more and express interest for all of those roles.

Hope to see you there!

Steven Osborn
Group Lead Volunteer, 5th Testwood Scouts

18/04/2026

Calling all local Scaffolders! Help out Testwood Scouts?

​Hi everyone! Our local Scout group is in need of a few "retired" scaffold boards. We’re looking to replace our well-worn tomahawk throwing targets, and old boards are the perfect material for the job.

​If you have a couple of boards that are no longer site-safe but still have some life left in them for a target, we’d love to take them off your hands!

Drop us a message or email [email protected]

03/04/2026

Come along and celebrate our year. You are invited to our Annual General Meeting looking back at the past year and reviewing our finances for 2025.

When: Wednesday 29th April 2026, 6pm.
Where: 5th Testwood Scouts HQ, Garland Lodge, Blackwater Drive, Calmore, SO40 2QJ
Who: All Scouts of all ages, their parents/carers, volunteers and our local community are very welcome.

Plus we are actively looking for new trustees ahead of this meeting, including the Chair of Trustees and a Treasurer. Details, reports and more information at our website:
https://5thtestwoodscouts.co.uk/2026/celebrate-2025-at-our-agm/

25/03/2026

Go Capy go

Rumour has it… with the Donkey Derby on 16th May fast approaching, one very determined capybara just couldn’t wait to get started

After their now-famous great escape, this cheeky character has apparently swapped life at the zoo for the thrill of the race track… and has been spotted in secret training with the donkeys!

Witnesses say they’ve been practising sprints, perfecting their riding style, and even working on their “game face” all in preparation to take the Donkey Derby by storm.
Will they make it to the starting line?
Will the donkeys cooperate?
And most importantly… will anyone manage to catch them before race day?
One thing’s for certain — this year’s Donkey Derby is going to be wild.
Don’t miss it

14/03/2026

We're still on the look for Trustees, a Chair of Trustees, and a Group Treasurer. These three roles are vital to our group, supporting us behind the scenes with our governance and finance.

Find details and links to find out more in the post below. Or drop us a message if you are interested. This role would suit a parent or community member who wants to help the group, but doesn't have time to give or wants to help flexibly.

Please do share this far and wide, we want to find people perfect for the roles before our AGM coming up in the coming months.

09/02/2026

WAHOO! We have had someone step up interested in helping us out. Thanks everyone for sharing, we will have more to follow soon.

- - -

We're looking for some behind the scenes help, looking after our register of interest.

In a very flexible role, you'll help answer the questions those who want to join the group have, discuss with our sections to see how quickly they can offer a place, and reach out to neighbours if we can't offer a place quickly.

Find out the details and express an interest below:
https://volunteeringopportunities.scouts.org.uk/ #/vacancydetail/752a7e04-aa88-4a33-9206-aa6ad45414c6