Scouting snapshots

The 4th Blackpool Scout Group were delighted to be invited to the fun open weekend for residents of Grange Park to attend the new @TheGrange community centre.

It is a centre with various community facilities, and has taken the place of many of the services that were based at the former City Learning Centre in Bathurst Avenue.

Amongst other organisations, such as the Poco Loco Blackpool School of Samba, the police, the Fire and  Rescue Service, the Scouts were able to show off their skills, chat and encourage families visiting the experience to see what challenges and exciting times youngsters can get from the Scouting movement.

To support the group, members of Blackpool District Scouts, deputy youth commissioner Ben Hughes, and the Scout Actives Services Unit were also at the event.

They helped with activities such as making pancakes, building small structures with wooden sticks, and sweets.

@TheGrange features a One Stop shop, the Grange pharmacy and the HIS community shop – a new concept run by HIS Provision.

There is also a community farm and cafe, the library and spaces for groups to meet like Cubs and Scouts, Ga Ga dance school and Slimming World.

Thumbs up for the new HQ

Last Monday evening the Cubs of the 53rd Blackpool Scout Group familiarised themselves with their fantastic new HQ and surrounding area of Tarnside Community Centre, following its new makeover.

The group’s former headquarters was St Monica’s RC Church Hall, but thankfully the Scouting can continue to progress and grow on the Mereside estate.

Exciting times lie ahead for the group and the young people of the area.

The last meeting was craft based, which involved biscuit decoration and designing masks.

The theme was St George – Scouting’s patron, who is  being celebrated today.

Cubs are ready for some DIY

45th Blackpool Cubs are in the first stages of learning how to become potential builders and joiners.

Working in conjunction with B&Q, which provided the wood, hammers, nails and goggles, the youngsters have been getting to grips with their Scouts DIY badge.

They discussed safety  aspects of building with wood –from splinters, to flying chips, the correct way to hold and hammer in the nails, sawing, drilling, and everything that an accomplished joiner has to know.

The badge has three stages:

* Show you can work safely and know about hazardous symbols and signs, such as toxic, slippery surfaces, electrical danger, safety equipment, how to turn off main supplies.

* Show how you would deal with four DIY emergencies, for instance, unblocking a sink, changing a light bulb, stabilising a wobbly stair rail, hinge a door back in place.

* Take an active part in two major projects either inside or outside. For instance, prepare and paint woodwork or furniture, make a free standing storage unit, or put up shelves.

It takes a number of weeks to complete this badge and the Cubs have great fun!