Connie Bate commenced her year as the Mayor's new Sea Scout following a formal introduction to the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, and will be accompanying her to official events throughout the year, such as Remembrance Sunday.
As a long-standing tradition, 4th Knowle Sea Scouts – based at Arden School – select a Scout from their group to be the official Sea Scout for the Mayor of Solihull.
Connie, aged 15, has been in her scouting group for seven years and has been a member of the Sea Scout Explorers for 18 months. She is currently studying for her GCSEs at Arden Academy.
She said: “I’m delighted to be working with the Mayor and representing the Sea Scouts! It has been a great experience so far and I can’t wait for the year ahead.”
The 15-year-old has completed her Paddlesport Instructor Qualification through explorers so is able to teach younger scouts how to kayak safely, and has also completed her Silver Duke of Edinburgh awards, and will work towards her Gold level when she turns 16.
Outside of Scouts, Connie is also passionate about football, captaining the GU16 Hawks football team and is currently completing her refereeing qualification. She is also a keen hiker, having climbed mountains such as Snowdon, Cadair Idris and Scafell Pike and hopefully soon, Ben Nevis.
The Mayor of Solihull commented: “I’m delighted to have a sea scout represent the borough and support me at civic events. Connie is a bright and dedicated individual who I’m proud to call the Mayor’s Sea Scout.
“She has already contributed greatly to the sea scout community in Solihull, and I wish her the best of luck in all her endeavours.
“The Mayor’s Sea Scout is an important tradition and gives a young individual a fantastic opportunity to represent Solihull, which I look forward to supporting as Mayor. Good luck to Connie for the coming year.”