More than 70 groups and 8 Districts were eligible this year for a group / district Charter Mark in recognition of their tremendous efforts to increase their membership over the last 12 months. More than 250 leaders attended two special presentations to receive their 'Charter Mark' from Mr Jack Petchey - County Vice President, Peter Barnes - Chief Commissioner and Alan Dennison - County Chairman and Dean Milton County Commissioner. Commenting at the presentations Dean Milton said " Our strategic plans and vision for a bigger and stronger County with fewer but larger and stronger Scout Groups started several years ago. Our focus was growth and development and our objective was simple - quality Scouting for more young people with an emphasis on the outdoors."

"We’re here tonight to celebrate, to celebrate the success of 74 Groups and eight Districts having maintained or increased their membership over the last year. These increases, without doubt, can only be as a result of your hard work and dedication to Scouting. Tonight, you have all succeeded; you have achieved something quite special, that is the opportunity to offer more young people, the chance to experience something very special - Scouting. Thank you so much for all you do and for all the time you devote to changing the lives of so many young people week in week out. The job and be challenging at times but it can also be extremely rewarding."

"These are exciting times for us all. We approach Scouting’s centenary strong, vibrant and ready for the next 100 years. Our work continues to develop and grow even stronger. We’ll celebrate our centenary with a range of activities and we’ll take the opportunity to tell the world about the world’s largest youth movement."

The following Groups are the recipients of County Charter Marks in 2006:

Photos | Dean J Milton | County Commissioner