Northumberland Scout Group makes appeal for new leaders: "We are not short of children — we are just short of grown-ups"

1st Whittingham Independent Scout Group runs Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Senior Scouts for around 45 young people, with a healthy waiting list of future members.

Based at Whittingham Memorial Institute, the group’s young people enjoy a busy calendar of activities with weekly Thursday meetings, camps, expeditions, canoeing, bushcraft, cooking, first aid, conservation work and trips abroad.

Behind that programme sits an experienced leadership team, a board of trustees, and the group’s own training, safeguarding and DBS systems.

But with a long-serving Beaver leader retiring later this year, without replacements coming forward soon, the future direction of the group is in doubt.

“We are not short of children — we are just short of grown-ups,” said Ninette Edwards, Group Scout Master. “If nobody comes forward, we will have to merge sections or close them, and that immediately narrows what we can offer. Fewer leaders mean fewer camps, fewer expeditions, smaller groups going out on the hills. That would be a real loss for these young people.”

Earlier this year the leaders and committee took the decision to form their own registered charity, 1st Whittingham Independent Scout Group.

The group remains part of the Worldwide Federation of Independent Scouts but now has its own constitution and policies which have strengthened its safeguarding, health and safety and first aid training.

Simon Taylor, a trustee of 1st Whittingham Independent Scout Group, said: “This is a very special Scout Group which proudly belongs to the local community. The calendar of events and activities is wide ranging and adventurous, providing many new opportunities and experiences.

“We would like to hear from anyone interested in being a leader or just wants to find out what’s involved. There is no cost to volunteers as the group arranges and pays for DBS checks, uniform and training.”

Last year the group marked its 20th anniversary with a camp at Chillingham Castle whilst the Senior Scouts completed an expedition to Morocco and a four-day hike in the Peak District.

The group has a particular focus on the environment, planting more than 500 trees this year and working on red squirrel conservation. It has also signed its Duke of Edinburgh’s Award licence and is heading to an international scout jamboree in Italy next summer.

To find out more, contact Ninette Edwards on 07843 587476 or email [email protected]