AZORES 2027
EXPEDITION
LEADER TEAM
Jo Haynes
County 14-24 Lead
Geoff Angell
14-24 Programme Team
Ben Norman
4th Letchworth Beaver Co-Leader
Zeke Hill
8th Letchworth GLV
Caitlin Evans
2nd Bengeo Scouts
Tom English
Watford North Explorer Leader
Keith Ingrey
14-24 Programme Team
Owain Taylor
4th Harpenden
Scout Leader
LEADER'S BIOS
Jo Haynes
AWAITING INFORMATION
Geoff Angell
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Hello! I'm Geoff Angell and I can't wait for our Azores adventure! I'm really looking forward to exploring the Azores with a great group of Scouts. While I've been on international trips before, this is the first one for a little while and cant wait to get travelling again. These journeys are always amazing with lots of unexpected but memorable opportunities to learn more about a new part of the world.
For those who don't know me, I'm part of the County 14-24 programme team who help districts deliver amazing stuff. Part of my role is to support big events such as Peak assault and the London Monopoly Run. I've been in scouting nearly all my life, first starting out as a cub (no Squirrels or Beavers back then!), joined the local Sea Scout group, and then moved up into Venture Scouts ( the forerunner of Explorer Scouts and Scout Network). I've also been volunteering as service crew at one of our Activity centres for nearly all that time.
Out side of Scouting I work as a Hydrologist, seeking to protect our rivers and wetlands from human impacts which means I'm always on the look out for really interesting wild places. I cant wait to meet you all and share this brilliant experience with you.
Ben Norman
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I started my Scouting journey as a beaver and cub. As a teenager I volunteered for a number of years with scout groups in London for those with additional needs. I am now the co-lead volunteer for the Beaver colony at 4th Letchworth Scout Group, joining the team 3 years ago and have recently taken on the role of district badge secretary for Letchworth, Baldock and Ashwell.
Away from scouting I have been a Police Officer within the Metropolitan Police, spending a number of years in response policing, where I worked in various proactive roles and teams, undertaking a wide range of training such as public order and response driving (yes, the blue lights are as fun as they look!) before making the move and becoming a Firearms Officer. Surprisingly, a number of skills I’ve learned are transferable into scouting, such as being able to function on very little sleep!
It’s hard to pinpoint what I’m most looking forward to as part of the Azores team, it’s going to be an amazing experience, one I’m honoured to be a part of, helping to lead and support young people on what will be a memorable experience.
Zeke Hill​
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Hi, I’m Zeke Hill 👋
Group Lead Volunteer with 8th Letchworth and proudly part of Scouting for about 15 years (yes, I’ve earned my campfire credentials 🔥).
By day, I’m a Care Manager in Mental Health Services — by evening and weekends, I’m helping young people grow, explore, and have adventures.
Excited to meet new Scouts, make great memories, and heading to the Azores for the first time soon — wish me luck with the hiking and the views!
Caitlin Evans
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I’m Caitlin, currently the Scout Team Leader at 2nd Bengeo Scouts. I’ve been involved in Scouting since I was 10, working my way through to Explorers, where I earned my Young Leader Belt and later completed my King’s Scout Award as part of Network. Along the way, I became the first District Youth Commissioner for South Marches and have taken on a variety of local roles that have shaped my passion for helping young people grow through adventure. I later moved to Plymouth to study BA (hons) Outdoor Adventure Education, continuing my Scouting journey alongside my degree, and have recently relocated to Hertford, where I now work as an Outdoor Education Fellow at Haileybury. My days are filled with climbing, supporting DofE and Adventure Skills, and looking after Year 7 and 8 boarders. Scouting has given me incredible international opportunities, from completing my Explorer Belt in Austria to county trips to Costa Rica and Norway, and serving as an Assistant Patrol Leader at Roverway. This year I’m also heading to Madagascar with UK Network members! I’m hugely excited for our journey to the Azores — especially the chance to share new challenges, create unforgettable memories, and watch our young people grow in confidence through adventure.
Tom English​
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My name is Tom English I work in in IT Support and enjoy gaming in my free time. I have been an Explorer leader in Watford North for nearly two years. I am really looking forward to getting immersed in the Portuguese culture and seeing wildlife and landscapes we don't often see in the UK.
Keith Ingrey
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I run my own landscape gardening business, where I combine hard work and creativity to transform outdoor spaces. Outside of work, I’ve been an adult volunteer in Scouting for the past 16 years. Over that time, I’ve taken on roles including Group Scout Leader and District Explorer Scout Commissioner, and I’m currently part of the 14–24 Team with Hertfordshire Scouts. I’m passionate about supporting young people, helping volunteers thrive, and ensuring Scouting continues to offer fun, challenge, and adventure for everyone involved.
A chance to experience extraordinary natural beauty, lush landscapes, volcanic craters, hot springs, and dramatic coastlines. It is also an opportunity to engage with a region shaped by centuries of Portuguese heritage and the unique challenges of island life in the middle of the Atlantic.
Owain Taylor​
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I’m Owain, I’m a Scout Leader with the 4th Harpenden, and have been a leader across Cubs and Scouts for 22 years, starting when I left Scouts at 14, with a gap in the middle! For the day job, I work with mid-market businesses across Herts, Beds & Bucks, opening up all of the opportunities that HSBC can offer across our global network. I have three children, and coach U6 and U12 at Harpenden Rugby Club, along with Scouts during the week. I can’t wait to join the team going out to the Azores, I love the various camps that we run in Scouts and can’t wait to see everyone getting involved in new activities, forming new teams, and making new friends, and hopefully it’ll be a bit warmer and drier than Green Beret normally is (although GB is awesome too!)