We would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who took part in the highly competitive selection process, whether as interviewers or candidates, to identify the team that will lead Leicestershire Scouts to the next World Scout Jamboree in 2027. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm were truly appreciated and have played a vital role in shaping this exciting journey.
After much anticipation, we are delighted to announce the appointment of the Leadership Team who will be taking Leicestershire Scouts to the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Gdańsk, Poland, in 2027!
Please join us in congratulating:
· Unit Leader: Matthew Jones
· Deputy Unit Leader: Robin Berresford
· Assistant Leaders: Claire Mayles and Siobhan Halliday
This incredible event will bring together tens of thousands of Scouts from across the globe, and our new team will be at the heart of ensuring Leicestershire Scouts have an unforgettable experience.
From Monday, they will begin preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with the 36 young people who will be selected this autumn to form the Leicestershire Jamboree Unit. Over the next two years, the team will deliver a programme of training, learning, and growth that will culminate in an extraordinary international adventure shared with Scouts from around the world.
Meet the Team
Matthew Jones – Unit Leader
“Cześć! I’m Matthew, and I’m thrilled to be the Unit Leader for Leicestershire’s 2027 World Scout Jamboree Unit! I am also Unit Leader for Armstrong ESU in Ashby and Coalville, as well as a trustee for 4th Coalville Scout group and part of the 14-24 team in Ashby and Coalville.
I was lucky enough to attend the World Scout Jamboree 2015 in Japan, where I was fortunate enough to meet my wife who went with the Leicestershire/Norfolk unit. It was an amazing time and I hope that as part of the leadership team, we will be able to lead a unit for Leicestershire to have the same amazing experience!
I’m proud to be Unit Leader and I’m looking forward to the adventure and the next two years!
Polsko, nadchodzimy! (Poland, we are coming!)”
Robin Berresford – Deputy Unit Leader
“Hi, I’m Robin, and I’m happy to be the deputy unit leader for Leicestershire’s 2027 WSJ unit! I’ve been scouting from age 6 with 7th Loughborough, and now I’m a Cub leader with 1st Loughborough.
Having attended the last World Scout Jamboree in Korea, I feel that I’m well placed to take the lessons from that experience to give this Jamboree’s young people the best experience possible!”
Claire Mayles – Assistant Unit Leader
“Hi, I’m Claire, and I’m super excited to be the Assistant Unit Leader for the Leicestershire 2027 World Scout Jamboree Unit!
My Scouting journey began in 2022 as an Assistant Scout Leader with 1st Appleby Magna in Measham. Since then, I’ve taken on the role of Group Lead Volunteer for Appleby Magna, as well as being both a Scout Leader and a Cub Leader. I’m also a leader at Odyssey Explorers and am part of the Campfire Team – so Scouting is a huge part of my life!
Being part of the World Scout Jamboree 2027 will be an amazing experience for the 36 young people in our unit. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team supporting and inspiring them on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
Siobhan Halliday – Assistant Unit Leader
“Hi! I’m Siobhan, I’m so excited to be the Assistant Unit Leader for Leicestershire’s 2027 World Scout Jamboree Unit! My Scouting journey began in 2007 as a Beaver, and now I lead a Beaver colony and Cub pack in Broughton Astley. I’ve held roles including District Section Leader, Beaver and Cubs Team Leader and Kings Scout Working Party Team Member. I’ve attended many county Jamborees and attended the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan.
Being part of WSJ 2027 will be an incredible experience for the 36 young people in our Unit, and I’m immensely proud to part of a team leading these young people through a fantastic journey.”
