Totley Independent Article - Decmber 2016

At the beginning of the summer I told you that we are to get a new scout hut. Well we are

progressing our plans and working out building costs etc. We are also starting our fundraising. Our

Explorer section is entering a competition for a large prize towards building a new hut. We are

keeping our fingers crossed. Whilst I hope to have a full budget by the time of my next article we

think that we will have to raise well over £100,000 in cash. We are also hoping we will be able to

raise additional contributions in kind and people providing some free services. If you would like to

make a donation please look for the 'Totley Scout Group' page on the BT MyDonate charity

donation site. All donations will be gratefully received and help Totley get a new Scout Hut.

Lissy our Beaver leader has been working hard with the beavers all year and has awarded two more

Chief Bronze Scout Awards, to Henry Barlow and Harry Wynn. This is the highest achievement

awarded to beavers and takes a lot of commitment and work to fulfil all the requirements necessary.

Henry Barlow has also been a very busy beaver. Before the summer holiday he set himself a

challenge to make as much money as he could for a charity called Roundabout which helps

homeless teenagers. He decided he would do an 18.3 mile bike ride along the Monsal trail- bearing

in mind he had only ever ridden approx. 3 or 4 miles before this. He did lots of training to work up

until the big day, which took months of planning, setting up a sponsor page and getting to know the

charity more. In the end he raised just under £700 for the charity! So a massive well done to Henry!

The Beavers also had a camp in June at Walesby forest. The beavers arrived at 9.30am on Saturday

morning, all fresh faced and full of excitement for the weekend ahead. There were a variety of

activities planned over the weekend including turning the beavers in to superheroes, where they

could make their own costumes, and test their super powers in the Cave Maze and on the Low

Ropes. They also enjoyed a fantastic campfire and boogied the night away at the disco on the

Saturday night before having Smores and a hot chocolate before bed. Lissy is now looking forward

to camp next year.

And John Lawry our Explorer Scout Leader has this to say: “The Explorer Scout section has

focussed on outdoor activities this Autumn. They have worked with Friends of Gillyfield Woods to

prepare some land near the Totley bus terminus on Baslow Road to generate a wild flower meadow;

they have organised and run their own hike camp in the Hope valley and a night hike around Totley

Moss. They have met at Hillsbrough swimming pool for a swimming session followed by food; and

have also run their own mechanics evening and cooking evening. If you like these activities, and are

15-18yrs why not drop by on Friday evenings to give Explorers a try? Or if you are an adult, enjoy

these activities and think you could help me, give me a call (07899-662-818). Thank you. John

Lawry, Explorer Scout Leader.”

As John implied he could do with some adult help. Especially as after Christmas he is expecting a

few more Scouts to move on to Explorers. Our Explorer unit is growing rapidly and regularly

attracting more girls and boys. So please, if you are over 18 and would like a rewarding hobby

please call John.

Richard Frost

Chairman

1st Totley Scouts

TotleyChair@aol.com

0114 236 3603