NEWS RELEASE
From County Councillor Matthew EllisOffice 01543 480644
Sea Scouts Launch Project
A scouting group based near Tamworth are all at sea
because of the growing number of youngsters who want to join them.
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Mile Oak Sea Scouts say they are delighted at the the 30% increase since Christmas but are fast running out of space at their existing HQ building in Manor Road.
The success has led to a project being launched to enlarge the building and provide new facilities for the 70 strong group. John Cunningham, a Beaver Leader and co-ordinator for the new project, says they are fund raising like mad to purchase a new minibus and also set some money aside for the building scheme, "Our Sea Scouts are going from strength to strength but it's all hands on deck to somehow find the money for a new building. We've got a packed programme of events over the next six months including orienteering, pioneering, hill walking and camping trips so fund raising at the same time is a big challenge. It is exciting though!" Lichfield Rural East's County Councillor, Matthew Ellis, visited the Sea Scouts at their recent fundraising jumble sale and brought along a welcome boost to group funds with a cheque from his Local Members' Initiative Scheme. He says the success of Mile Oak Sea Scouts is good news for the area too, "The range of exciting activities local youngsters who join the Sea Scouts can take part in is incredible and it's clear from talking to them that they have a fabulous time. But there is a much wider point here. This sort of activity is really important for our society too because the opportunities and values which scouting brings for young people will benefit them into adulthood. We greatly under estimate the positive social impact this sort of organisation can have for communities and I'm going to offer whatever support I can to allow more young people to experience life in the Sea Scouts" The group was formed in 1977 and moved into their current headquarters in 1983. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Mile Oak Sea Scouts can call them on 01827 313457 www.matthewellis.cc Member of Staffordshire County Council for Lichfield Rural East Bonehill, Canwell, Clifton Campville, Comberford, Drayton Bassett, Edingale, Elford, Fazeley, Harlaston,Haunton, Hints, Hopwas, Mile Oak, Swinfen, Thorpe Constantine, Weeford, Whittington & Wigginton Member Services, County Buildings, Stafford, ST16 2LH |