FOSE-UK News: Autumn 2025

November 4, 2025

Gilwell Reunion 2025

We were happy to be with other elements of the International Team and join in the International Marquee activities at this year’s Gilwell Reunion. We also held a reception in the White House.

Throughout Saturday we welcomed and spoke to friends and leaders about the work of the Friends of Scouting – UK and that of the European Scout Foundation.

Reception

We held a reception for Friends of Scouting UK, potential Friends and supporters in the Group Room of the White House where David McKee welcomed everyone thanking them for taking the time to join us from their other commitments. He then introduced Allan Simpson, the newly elected member of the European Scout Committee, who spoke about his vision for the work of the Committee over the next six years and the way he saw FOSE playing an enhanced role in the future development in the region.

David provided an update on the work of the European Scout Foundation and work on projects they are funding, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe.

Alan provided a report on Friends’ support to FOSE and passed to Friends the new coloured magnetised pins (Reef Knot Friends – Black, Life Friends – Red, and the regular pins in Blue for Annual Friends). He thanked all friends who had increased their donation to that recommended earlier this year to meet the revised donation required.

We were joined by Rob Murray, Chief Volunteer for International (International Commissioner ) who spoke about the way he was developing greater ties with European Scouting and WOSM, particularly as we now have members on both the European Scout Committee – Allan Simpson and World Scout Committee of WOSM – Callum Kaye.

Other opportunities were to be encouraged for local Scout Groups, Districts, Counties/Regions to link with Groups in other parts of Europe who have applied for ESF Grants. Donations on behalf of another person gift birthday, a milestone in Scouting could be encouraged.

David then spoke about the work of our UK Coordinator Alan who was stepping down after encouraging us all to donate to FOSE since 2016.

He asked Rob Murray to make a presentation to Alan on behalf of the FOSE-UK of two cut glass tumblers, engraved with “Alan and Jen, grateful thanks from your Scouting friends.”

We then invited questions that opened some lively comments and particularly to encourage the Board of the European Scout Foundation to recognise the strength of individual links, to reinforce the aspect of friendship and continuing project support. Due to time, we concluded with thanks to all for their attendance and support.

FOSE Stand at Gilwell Reunion

We were invited to be present in the International Marquee activities on the training ground, promoting FOSE and to welcome friends.

We spoke to many Leaders about our work inviting them to our Reception.

During the afternoon we were joined by Gilwell Fellows and Baden Powell’s family members.

Bronze Wolf awarded to…

🐺 The Bronze Wolf Award is the highest honour and the only award given by the World Scout Committee.

👏 Join us in thanking and congratulating David for his contributions to Scouting!

David McKee has been awarded the Bronze Wolf for more than four decades of service to Scouting at all levels.

As Regional Director of the European Scout Region, he championed international cooperation, supported the development of Scouting in post-conflict regions and helped lay the foundations of WOSM Services to better support National Scout Organisations. He also played a key role in forging inter-regional partnerships, strengthening youth engagement, and leading advocacy efforts with European institutions.

Read more on both Scout in Europe and World Scouting Facebook pages.