Alan Murray
Event Director
Alan is the Event Director. He was selected to drive the project which will deliver Larkin Jamboree`24.
He has vast experience leading large scale events both in and outside of Scouting. He ran his own successful Events Company, alongside working within the Public Sector, where he lead a team, whom delivered very high profile events by visiting Dignitaries to North Yorkshire.
He started his scouting journey as a Beaver Leader, stepping in to prevent the local colony closing within his village in which he lives. He has since been part of the working group where the Scout Group successfully opened new sections across all age ranges so that more can young people could experience all that scouting offers.
He is now the Deputy Group Scout Leader, Scout Leader and Beaver Leader for his group, so does just more than his “hour a week”
He is proud to lead this exciting Jamboree in North Yorkshire and looks forward to welcoming all Scouts and Guides to Larkin 2024
Andy Thirlwell
Head of Project & Logistics
Andy joined Scouting in 2013 as an Occasional helper, moving onto to take role within the Executive Committee for 1st Clifton Sea Scouts prior to becoming the Cubs section leader in 2016. Since then, he has organised numerous camps for the Cubs section, a whole group camp and taken part in many County camps.
He currently work as a CPD Lead at STEM learning and prior to this had successful careers as a Primary teacher and within the military. These roles have equipped him with technology, project management and administration skills along with analytical thinking and problem solving. Andy is responsible for the site infrastructure, build and logistics.
Darren Clements
Head of Finance and Admin
Darren started out as a Beaver leader a role he still continues in today but is also Group Scout Leader in the Richmondshire District in North Yorkshire. This is his first time on a Jamboree team, but brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in planning and administration of large-scale military deployments. He is responsible for the Admin, Bookings and Finance along with a team of volunteers.
Rebecca Cook
Head of Communication & Marketing
Rebecca is a Brownie Leader in York and has been involved in Girlguiding since being a Brownie at the age of 7!! Rebecca has held a variety of roles, including Deputy International Commissioner and International Adviser for North East England and most recently Branches Adviser, responsible for all Girlguiding in UK Overseas Territories. She has led numerous trips abroad, been involved in the organisation of camps and events both in the UK and abroad. Rebecca is heading up the Communications, Marketing and International Team and is looking forward to welcoming participants and leaders from around the world to Yorkshire!
Sophie Barker
Head of Programme & Ceremonies
Sophie Barker is a Squirrel leader in York, North Yorkshire. She works in programme design and has been to lots of Scout events including being an Assistant Unit Leader for the 2019 World Scout Jamboree and Junior Poacher Manager in 2022. She is responsible for the programme and ceremonies for everyone attending Larkin.
Simon Hickling
Head of Site Operations
Simon started out as a Beaver Leader in British Scouts Western Europe (BSWE) and then became Assistant District Commissioner for Beaver Scouts in BSWE for the Heinsberg District (which covered Germany, Holland, Belgium and Italy). He continued with his Beaver Scout role until he took on the role of County Training Manager. He has also held Group Scout Leader roles in the past. He was involved with the Jamboree team for North Yorkshire’s previous jamborees. Simon brings a wealth of experience from previous roles in planning and administration. He is responsible for the Site Operations including sub camps, staff site, security and first aid.
Steve Thompson
Head of Human Resources
Steve is an adult helper and was heavily involved in scouting in his younger years. From cubs through to adventure scouting. He has never lost his love for the movement. He is now married and a father of two girls. Both have been heavily involved in Scouts. The eldest child, Amelie, is a young leader for Brownies. He helps with Scouting when he can and is always the ‘Camp Chef’ for Copmanthorpe Beavers. He is an HR Director and is looking forward to supporting Larkin ‘24