Welcome back to another edition of our newsletter as we embark on the third week of Scouting in 2024! As we eagerly anticipate the adventures and growth that the new year holds, we have some exciting updates and opportunities to share with you.

Group Update 

Fundraising Committee: Since our last newsletter, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Fundraising Committee, tasked with managing both in-house and external events, including The Winshill Parish Council fairs. More information can be found below in the Fundraising Section.

Welcome to Our Team – A warm welcome to Matty, who will support our Beaver section, and Chrissie, our group Board of Trustees. Matty will support our Beaver section alongside Owlet on Tuesday nights. Meanwhile, Chrissie has joined our Board of Trustees to help develop Scouting in keeping with its charitable objectives and in the parameters of good governance.

Scout Achievements

Bonfire Camp: Bonfire Camp was a damp weekend, but that did not stop our incredible young people from persevering and enjoying grass-route Scouting activities.

Out in the community – As always, we maintain strong community links to keep our presence in and around the local area. Over the last few months, we have been to The Remembrance Service and Christmas Tree Festival at St Mark’s Church. The Scouts also took on Litter Picking at the Resource Centre in November.

Christmas Bingo – Our Christmas Bingo was a massive success, raising £803.87, which will go towards the group’s operating costs. We want to thank everyone who came from far and wide, and an even bigger shout out to Emma Duffill, who spent a lot of time collecting prizes, Mick Duffill, our Bingo Caller and our other adult volunteers. We can’t wait for our next event, our Chocolate Bingo.

Adult Awards – We’d like to congratulate Jordan, who has been presented with his Wood Badge! Since September 1919, volunteers in the Scouts have been awarded the Wood Badge once they have completed their leader training. 

A Memorial Concert for John Richardson – In December, a Memorial Concert was held at St Mark’s Church in Memory of John, a Scout Leader in our group for over nine months. During that time, John spent much time driving the Scout section program, carrying out maintenance work, and helping secure grants. 

Recruitment

Young People (6-14 years): Do you know someone looking for adventure? We have spaces for new members to join the Winshill Adventure as we embark on another exciting year of Scouting activities. – Join Now

Young Leaders (14-18): Join our team of young leaders and gain valuable leadership skills. The program covers a range of subjects, including a balanced program, Child Protection, First Aid, and leadership skills. – Join Now

Adult Volunteers: Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, can make cups of tea, or fancy trying something new, we’re looking for volunteers who can spare an hour a week to join our team. Your help will impact our Young People, enabling them to learn Skills for Life. – Join our team today!

Upcoming Events

  • Pancake Party – Tuesday 13th February 2024 | St Mark’s Chruch
  • Scout Sleepover
  • Chocolate Bingo – Friday 22nd March 2024 | Scout HQ
  • St George’s Day
  • Group Camp – Spring
  • Family Camp – Summer
  • Group Camp – Autumn

Fundraising Update

As mentioned at of the newsletter, we have formed a dedicated team that will look after our fundraising events, grants, and other forms of fundraising. As a group, we have several projects that we would like to raise funds for, including Purchasing new equipment to support the delivery of an engaging program, renovating our toilets, finishing off the kitchen, and much more.  

How Can You Help?

We are looking for parents to come and join our team and carry out small tasks which will significantly impact our efforts. From writing to organisations requesting prizes to help search and apply for grants to enable our group to become more accessible to the local community. Any support would be highly appreciated!

Stay Connected & Follow Our Adventures!

At Winshill Scouts, we take pride in our vibrant scout community and love sharing our adventures with the local community. To stay up-to-date with all our exciting activities and events, make sure to connect with us:

Facebook: Join us on Facebook to get a front-row seat to our scout group’s adventures. Follow our page and be the first to know about upcoming events, achievements, and memorable moments. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share our posts to spread the scouting spirit!

Website: Visit our website for comprehensive information about our scout group. You’ll find details about our programs, leadership, upcoming events, etc. Our website is your go-to resource for everything related to our group.

Thank You

It has been an amazing few months of Scouting; we have so much to look forward to over the next year. I want to say a huge thank you, firstly, to my team of Adult Volunteers; they are the backbone of our group’s success. Not only do we have our section leaders, whom you see on a week-to-week basis, but we also have heroes behind the scenes who ensure our admin tasks are carried out and fix things around the building when they break.

To our young leaders, Kinga, Leila, and Alex, who are the connection between our young people and adult leaders. They help drive Youth Shaped Scouting to ensure that our programs stay fun and engaging, and they will be our future leaders. 

Finally, to our parents, guardians and supporters, thank you for bearing with us from time to time and lending a hand when we need it. We are proud of every young person in our group, and it is incredible to see them conquer their challenges and gain their badges!

Yours in Scouting,
Jordan Mann
Lead Group Volunteer
E: jordan@winshillscouts.org.uk