Thanks to all for your support

Once again a huge thanks is due to all those who have supported us, both in fundraising efforts, and also more generally, over the last few months.  Recent fundraising totals include:

– Scout Post (£1200 in total, £400 to our Group)
– Fireworks (£1500)
– Waitrose Bag Packing (£820 for the Group, £630 for Kandersteg)
– Christmas Fair (£200 for Kandersteg).

We couldn’t do it without you!

Save the Date – Annual General Meeting and Fun Afternoon

This year we are planning to hold our AGM on Sunday 10 June at the Scout Hut, between 3-5pm.  As before, we will aim to keep the formal part of the session very short, so that we can focus on the social and hear about some of the great things our young people have achieved this year.  Please plan to join us!

Notification of Subscriptions Increase

We keep a close watch on our income and expenditure, and have made the decision to increase our subscription charge.  This ensures that subs continue to cover our running costs. With effect from Summer Term 2018, subs will be £35 per term (three terms per year).  This way we aim to provide the best possible Scouting environment for our young people. If you are not able to pay for any reason, please speak to one of the Leaders in confidence.

Can you help? – Castle Gardens Band Concert

Once again we are planning to provide the refreshments for the Band Concert taking place in the Castle Gardens on Sunday 15th July.  Teresa, who has organised this event for several years, is standing down, so we are looking for someone else to take on the organisation of this event.  Teresa is very happy to provide instructions and share her experience with whoever is able to take this on. Please consider this, if you have any questions or think you may be able to help, please contact kate@2ndwallingfordscouts.org.uk or speak to any member of the Committee.

Section Activities

Scouts put a lot of effort into making wonderful wooden snowmen, reindeer and other animals before Christmas. This term, Expedition work is leading up to a proper Expedition in the summer term, details will be shared soon.  The Cubs’ successful and fun Camp/Hike to Cholsey raised funds for the local Sue Ryder Hospice.  The Beavers were presented with their Disability Badges at the Town Hall in Wallingford after their visit with the Mayor. They have a Night Away in Cholsey in April.

The Group is delighted to have the benefit of 5 Young Leaders, Explorer Scouts who are volunteering as Leaders with our Cub Packs and Scout Troops.

In the last 12 months 30 young people have earned Chief Scout Awards.  Congratulations! If that’s you, you will receive an invitation to an Awards Day at Youlbury in May which you need to accept by 20th April if you want to attend.

Thank you to all our Leaders, Young Leaders and parent helpers!

Kandersteg

Planning and fundraising have continued apace for the forthcoming Kandersteg trip planned for this summer.  Many thanks to the leaders who are spending a huge amount of time in planning the trip, and also to the parents who have supported the fundraising activities.  One of the major fundraising events coming up is running the Raffle and cooking sausages and burgers for the Car Rally in May.

Hut 1 Improvements

We hope that you continue to see improvements in Hut 1, as we are continuing to invest in our facilities. Recent purchases include new tables and an oven, and we have just placed an order for some additional camping plates, a gas storage cage, and new noticeboards.  We will also be investing in a flag for the Sylvatica Scouts.

Hut 2 Plans

Many of you will be aware that, in addition to our main Scout Hut, we also have the adjacent hut, formerly a St Johns Ambulance facility, available to us.  This building is in relatively poor repair, and so far we have been using it for storage only. However we believe the time has come to form a plan and move forward on how best to utilise this hut.  This is a major project – if anyone has any skills/experience that would be valuable for this project (project management, construction, fundraising, other….) please contact kate@2ndwallingfordscouts.org.uk or speak to any member of the Committee.

Can You Help?  New Group Secretary required

Our current Group Secretary has done an amazing job for several years, and now feels it is time to step down, so we are looking for a new Secretary.  Are you able to do this?  It is not too onerous a role!   If so, please contact kate@2ndwallingfordscouts.org.uk or speak to any member of the Committee.

Future Fundraising Activities & Dates for your diary

Please look out for information about the following activities, all of which are lined up before the summer.

– St Georges Day – Sunday April 22
– Wallingford Car Rally – Sunday 13th May
– Group Fun Afternoon and AGM – Sunday 10th June<
– Wallingford Carnival – Saturday 16th June – We will be asking for (adult) bucket collectors (and Beaver, Cub & Scout helpers) for this event
– Castle Gardens Band Concert Refreshments – Sunday 15th July

Thanks to all for your continued support.