Meet the Team

Our adult leaders are all volunteers of who live in or near Ashby de la Zouch.


We all come together under the banner of Scouting and support each other to give of our best - and enjoy the camaraderie and friendship that being part of a team brings.

Adult Volunteers

Providing young people with a range of skills, experiences and opportunities that will help them develop as individuals and members of our community.

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Group Lead Volunteer – Jacqueline Bell

Jacqui has been a leader with Ashby Hastings since 2008, initially with Beavers, then Cubs before taking on the Group Scout Leader role in 2016 (renamed in 2024). Proudly wearing her Queen’s Guide badge on her Scout shirt, she firmly believes in all Scouts has to offer everyone and repeatedly reminds the leaders they’re supposed to be having fun as well as the kids!

Chair – Edward Starkey

Ed took on the role of the Scout Group Chair in 2021, heading up the Board of Trustees.  His 2 sons were enthusiastic members of the group, now too old to remain.

Treasurer – James Blair

James took over role from Rebecca Benfield at the start of 2024. He brings his experience gained outside Scouts to continue to ensure we have a clear understanding on our finances; by keeping track of subs, expenses and managing our accounts to great effect.


Buildings Officer – Jim Dale

Jim is another familiar face, taking over the managing our hut from Andrew Perry at our AGM in August 2021. His building-related experience outside Scouts is being put to good use and he's proving very capable of managing this important aspect of our trustee responsibilities, whether that's fixing the water heater, dodgy window panes or tackling larger projects.

Scout Team Leader – Cat Clowes

Another former Guide turned Scout leader, Cat has many years of experience in Scouts. She moved to Ashby with her young family and joined our Scout team shortly after Covid. She ensures this age group enjoys the best of Scouts, developing key skills as they head towards their teenage years.

Cub Scout Team Leader – Caroline Fraser

Caroline took over Cubs in 2012 and gives our younger members the chance to develop further after their time in Beavers. Be warned, when you’re on camp, Akela will make sure you eat all your dinner!

Beaver Scout Team Leader – Rachel Dale

Rachel, known as Hedgehog to our turquoise jumper wearing younger members, is an enthusiastic leader, dedicated to providing these young members with a fantastic Scouting experience, juggling her family & work so that it seemingly all just happens. A lot of smiles proves just how well she does this!

Adult Volunteers

Providing young people with a range of skills, experiences and opportunities that will help them develop as individuals and members of our community.

Sign up

Squirrel Scout Team Leader - Ali Sheffield

Ali moved to Ashby in 2024, having been a Squirrel leader elsewhere in Leicestershire. We’re excited that she is using her experience & enthusiasm to

run our new Squirrel Drey and introduce Scouts to this younger age group.

Each of the 4 section leaders is supported by a team of volunteers who all contribute to planning and delivering the Scout programme. However, we’re always keen to welcome new people as we like to ensure we can respect everyone’s demands on their life and that time spent volunteering is as flexible as it needs to be.