Scouting Snapshots

A group of Blackpool District Scout leaders were invited to a special event to celebrate volunteering.

Lynn Sumner, community champion for Tesco’s Extra, on Clifton Road, invited the leaders along with two other voluntary groups to mark Volunteer Week.

Tesco, and in particular Lynn, have been instrumental, in liaison with Lyn Sargesson, Chief Officer for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Volunteers Bureau, in arranging a large scale event for a number of years to mark the annual National Volunteers Week to recognise and reward volunteers for all they do for their communities.

After a short introduction, and welcome by Lynn, each group was asked to introduce themselves, and what they provided for the community.

The gathering last Wednesday was attended by groups from Layton Community House and Just Good Friends based in Lytham, St Annes and Fleetwood.

The groups were then invited to lunch where lots of interaction and networking took place.

Lynn then very kindly presented each volunteer with a certificate, which read as follows: “You make the difference. Thank you. Your commitment and contribution as a volunteer really makes a difference.”

The wording and artistry was created by Lynne Sargesson and the Volunteer Bureau.

Like all organisations, this was an opportunity to recognise what adults provide time and time again to ensure the smooth running of these groups, and Scouting is no different.

So if you want to know more about how to get involved in helping our young people achieve their challenges and goals in life, please visit the website at www.blackpoolscouts.org.uk

Once again a big thank you to Tesco for the Volunteers Week event and particularly to our friend and community champion herself, Lynn Sumner.

* Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK.

It takes place between June 1 and 7 every year.

Delight at silver award presentation

It was a proud moment for 45 youngsters from 16 Cub packs when they received their Chief Scout Silver Award at the Town Hall, Blackpool.

Hosted by Blackpool Mayor Coun Gary Coleman and Mayoress CounDebbie Coleman, the young people were presented with their certificates and badges in front of proud parents, family members, and their leaders.

There are seven challenges that take just over three-and-a-half years to complete for the Chief Scout Silver Award. Ted Cooper, assistant district commissioner, said: “Not every child gains this award, in fact nationally only two in every 10 youngsters gain the award.

“That shows their true commitment and also recognises the support from parents and guardians.”

A presentation was also made to Ted Cooper for ‘10 years or more of outstanding service to Scouting as a leader’.

Gold stars galore

There were smiles all round when these youngsters were presented with their Chief Scout Gold Award.

Declan MacCauley, Oscar Ratcliffe, and Susie Utting from 1st Bispham Scouts were presented with their prestigious badges by Stewart Swan at the group’s annual general meeting last Wednesday evening.