March 2026 Newsletter

As we head into a busy spring for 3rd Chalkwell Bay, there’s plenty happening across the Group. From the return of our much-loved Summer Band Night to important updates from our AGM and inspiring fundraising efforts, there’s a lot to look forward to.

The days are getting longer, and we’re ready to make the most of the outdoors. Our DofE groups have just completed their training weekend for this summer’s expeditions, the water activities programme is taking shape, leaders are now trained in first aid, and the Scouts are about to head to Derbyshire for a week of hill walking and activities.

Here’s everything you need to know this month:

• Summer Band Night – Say 9 May
• Group Annual General Meeting – Wed 25 Mar
• Aimée’s Marathon Fundraiser
• Explorer Clothing

Summer Band Night

Saturday 9 May 2026

It’s Back! Celebrate the start of summer in Old Leigh with one of the hottest social events of the year – the 3rd Chalkwell Bay Summer Band Night, back for its 5th fabulous year.

Watch the sun go down with friends and family, and dance the night away to some great entertainment, including the awesome All Roads live on stage.

We’ll have the cool V-Dub Tavern to keep you hydrated with their selection of great cocktails, and Piperoni Pizza cooking up fresh pizzas, or feel free to bring your own drinks & nibbles.

Tickets are £12.50 for adults and teens, or £7.50 for children aged 12 & under. All proceeds go toward supporting Scouting and activities for young people at 3rd Chalkwell Bay.

Tickets now on sale at 3rdCB.org.uk/bandnight

Group Annual General Meeting

Wed 25 Mar @ 20:30

The Annual General Meeting of the 3rdCB Group Scout Council will be held on Wednesday 25 March at 8.30pm at The Den.

The AGM is a legal requirement of our charitable status, allowing members of the Group Council (that’s all parents, adult members, Sea Scout Patrol Leaders, Explorer Scouts and Guzzlers) to receive formal reports on our activities and accounts for the past year, scrutinise the management team, and approve nominations to the Group’s Trustee Board who oversee the Group’s governance and finances. Sea Scout Patrol Leaders and Explorer Scouts are de-facto members of the Group Scout Council, and are encouraged to join in and have a say in how their Scout Group is run.

A few key documents for the event are linked below:

• AGM Agenda
• Annual Report & Accounts 2024/25
• Minutes of the 2024 AGM (for agreement)

The AGM will only last half an hour and will hopefully not erode too much into your evening. We hope you can attend this event and very much look forward to seeing you on the night.

Aimée’s Marathon Fundraiser

Our fabulous Aimée from Solebay Troop is training to run a marathon! She’s entered the Zig Zag at Haughley Park (coincidentally one of our favourite campsites) on 12 April, raising funds for 3rdCB!

She’s 80% of the way to her target of £1,000 – let’s help her smash that!

Aimée says: “Running a marathon is obviously a personal challenge, but I hope it will raise enough funds to give back to the group what they have given and continue to give, not only to my children, but to an entire community of children. It would be amazing if you could support me on my marathon journey to raise as much money as we can to buy new activity equipment, allowing us to continue to offer amazing outdoor experiences to children.”

“I’ve never run a marathon before and the struggle is very real. Early morning starts, late finishes, cold, wet and dark. It’s hard. There’s only 3 weeks to go – your support will really mean the world and help push me on!” We’d all love any support you can give Aimée. The JustGiving page is at: justgiving.com/page/aimee-pryor-3

Explorer Clothing

We’re ordering more Endeavour ESU branded Hoodies and Polos, with the unit crest embroidered on the chest. Theses are the Explorers’ main activity wear and uniform during the summer months. Hoodies can be personalised with your name on the back if you wish.

Order at 3rdcb.org.uk/explorerclothing by 3 April. Polos: £23.00 | Hoodies: £33.50, or £38.50 with your name on the back.

---

---