The Burley Scout & Guide Group AGM was held on the 29th June 2026
The attached document includes the following reports covering the last year
- The Chairs report
- Girl Guiding Leader Report
- Group Scout Leader Report
- Treasurer’s Report
Author: Mike Wild
Burley Scouts Needs You!
We need a new team leader!
We think you OR your mum / dad / best friend / neighbour might be perfect for this role.
As the leader of the team we would call you the Group Lead Volunteer !
In a nutshell, the Group Lead Volunteer would be:
- Inspiring and enthusiastic, resourceful and full of energy
- A problem solver, team builder and a leader
- Believe passionately about developing young people and volunteers to be their best
Burley Scouts won’t be the only one to benefit – so what’s in it for you?
This is an opportunity to make a real difference to local young people.
Volunteering with Scouting can be as flexible as you need. If you are worried that you won’t have enough time, why not consider a role share within a small team.
We are here to fill you in on the details. If you want to know more please do get in touch with Tim Haskins, District Lead districtlead@wharfedalescouts.org.uk or 07766441571
We would love to hear from you.
Burley Guides Community Activities
On a morning in October, Burley Rainbows, Brownies and Guides planted 3000 purple crocus bulbs on the village green.
With the agreement of the Parish Council, the local Rotary Club provided the bulbs which are to support the Purple4Polio campaign. The purple colour is to raise awareness and funds for tackling polio around the world. It will serve as a colourful reminder of the progress being made towards a polio-free world.
The crocus bulbs will flower in early spring next year and for years to come.
The girls, parents and leaders did a fabulous job
Burley Guiding’s Special Link with Waddow Hall
Waddow Hall, near Clitheroe, is well known in Girlguiding circles — but it holds a particularly special place in the hearts of Burley-in-Wharfedale Guiding members. Our history with Waddow stretches right back to its very beginning.
In 1927, Waddow Hall was purchased by Girlguiding and officially opened with a special ceremony led by members from Burley-in-Wharfedale. The unit’s leader, Anne Shepherd, wrote and directed a play for the occasion, performed by Brownies, Guides and Rangers. In the play, Anne took the role of a blacksmith who forged a key for Waddow Hall’s front door from a Brownie badge. She handed the key to the Fairy — the Spirit of Waddow — who then presented it to Princess Mary, the Princess Royal of Harewood House. Princess Mary used the key to unlock the door of Waddow Hall, declaring, “This Happy House Shall Never Fall.”
For almost a century, Waddow Hall remained under Girlguiding ownership. In 2024, it was purchased by the GT Foundation, which pledged to continue running it as an activity and camping centre for all young members of the community.
In September 2025, Waddow Hall was joyfully reopened — and once again, members of Burley-in-Wharfedale Girlguiding were honoured to take part in the ceremony, “Back to Waddow.” Following the tradition of 1927, Burley members took on the leading roles. A Guide from 1st Burley-in-Wharfedale Guides represented the Spirit of Waddow, joined by Brownies from 1st and 2nd Burley. The Brownies donated their promise badges to create a new key, allowing the Spirit to unlock Waddow’s door once more.
It was a proud and historic moment for Guiding in Burley-in-Wharfedale — one that marks the beginning of another chapter in our shared story with Waddow Hall. Brownies, Guides, and Leaders are all looking forward to returning to Waddow for camps, pack holidays, and adventure days once again!
Burley Scouts and Guides AGM 2025
The Burley in Wharfedale Scouts and Guides AGM was held on 30th June 2025
The chair opened the meeting by thanking all executive members and leaders for their support over the last year. Both Scouting and Guiding units have been very busy of the past year and all groups go from strength to strength. Specific reports that were presented are attached here
18 Brownie interest badges !
Congratulation to Amelia from 3rd Burley Brownies. Amelia has completed all 18 Brownie interest badges. This is a huge achievement and one rarely completed by Brownies.
Amelia has been very motivated & worked tirelessly to do all the badges. She has learnt new skills & gained confidence. All the Owls are very proud of her & the Brownies think she is great!
Well done Amelia!
Santa’s float raises over £1000 for good causes
Burley Scout & Guide Group arranged for Santa to visit Burley again this year! How fantastic to see so many villagers from Burley-in-Wharfedale who braved the wind & cold last week to wave & chat to Santa & his elves, when they toured Burley! It was so lovely to see so many very enthusiastic & happy smiling faces, young & old, who were very excited to meet him. The faces of the children lit up when they saw Santa & he handed out out chocolates, it made their day!
A huge thank you to all who gave a donation. Your amazing generosity raised over £1,000. Burley Scout & Guide Group thank you all for your support & send best wishes for 2024!
