The previous 12 months have seen many major changes in the Beaver Colony. The most major of these changes has been the change of leadership which happened in April 1998. At this time Betty Robb took over the reins of the colony from Heather Stephens. The colony was sorry to lose Heather and we thank her for her 12 years of service and wish her all the best in the future.

The first thing that I attended with the Beavers was the Thinking Day Service at the end of February.

From February until May very little, other than the usual Monday night meetings of the Colony were going on. May and June were a hive of activity for the Colony. For the first time the colony entered the East Belfast District Beavers Sports Day, at Avoniel Leisure Centre and finished in joint first place with a Colony from the St. Dorothea’s.

Parents evening was the next big event of the year, which was a joint event held with the Cubs Pack. It was well attended by parents, past members of the group and various District Scouters including the District Commissioner and the Assistant District Commissioners for Beavers and Cubs. During the course of the evening 9 boys swam up to Cubs, and we wish them all the best for their time in Cubs.

The year was rounded of with another joint event with the Cubs – the Treasure Hunt.

The new Beaver session started in September, which started with 18 Beavers. During the course of the first 2 months Beavers gained 7 new boys – of whom 3 came up from Squirrels.

The months of September and November are usually quiet, with the only event of note being the Autumn Fair, where the boys brought in presents for the Bran Tub.

In December things became very busy. The District Christingle Service was held at Belmont Presbyterian Church. The following Sunday was the Christmas service in Gilnahirk Presbyterian.

Between these two services the Beavers attended the Pantomime in the Jack Britton Hall. The year was rounded off with the Christmas Party, at which Santa Claus arrived.

Apart from the one off events, the Beavers have also undertaken two ongoing projects. The first is the Colony has begun a prayer book, which goes to a different boy each week and the boy sticks a photo and writes a short prayer, which is read at Beavers the next Monday night. The other project is Money boxes for Charity. At the end of September the boys made money money boxes and have them at home to fill ever since.

I would like to thank all the parents for their support and patience during the past year, while the transition of leaders has been going on.

And finally I must thank my leaders for all their hard work and dedication during the year, especially Karen McGilton.