Remembrance Sunday

To all our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Leaders and Parents.
A big thank you to each of you for attending the service at Crofton Church and Memorial this morning.
We have had some lovely comments about the well behaved, smartly presented youngsters representing the Scout Group in marking such an important day.
As life becomes increasingly busy, a moment of reflection and remembrance for the sacrifices made for our futures seems even more relevant.
Thank you again
Squirrel.

Beavers Visit Build a Bear Workshop

Well what an exciting half term adventure for our beavers!
16 Beavers, leaders and some willing parent volunteers (thank you by the way!!) ventured into South Yorkshire to visit the Build a Bear Workshop.
What a night with a difference, we got to choose our bear, fill a heart with love and stuff to go inside our bear.....stuff him with soft fluffy stuff making him soft and cuddly or big and strong, and dress him our her in a fantastic outfit. We also named each of our bears and were given a birth certificate.....and best of all we got to bring our new best friend home, squirrels new friend is Florence Fudge the cuddly nurse bear. I hope you all have fun with your new friend.
Thank you to all the beavers who were brilliantly behaved and so polite....a credit to the group.
A big thank you to Kit and Badger for organising such a fun night out.....can we go again?

Subs payment arrangements

We are delighted to welcome our new Assistant Treasurer, Hilary, who will be looking after the collection of subs from now on. Hilary will aim to attend Beaver, Cub and Scout pack meetings in the early part of each half term to collect subs directly from parents, thus giving the Leaders more time to get started with the evening's activities.

It would be helpful if parents could remember to send subs in with their child to the first meeting of each half term. Just a reminder that the preferred method of payment is by cheque made payable to "2ND WAKEFIELD CROFTON SCOUT GROUP" with your child's / children's name on the back. Alternatively cash in a SEALED ENVELOPE, again CLEARLY MARKED WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME.

Camp fees will continue to be paid via the Section Leaders.

In the new year we shall be looking to introduce an electronic payment option, possibly spreading the annual subs across twelve equal monthly payments (of £6.50). Details to follow.

Holland Camp photos and more

From 2008 August Holland Camp

Skip has sent me a large number of photos which can now be seen in the following Albums in our Gallery:

• 2007 Night Hike


• 2008 Narrowboat


• 2008 August Holland Camp


• 2008 September - Aldwark


• 2008 September - Climbing


• 2008 October - Survival camp


• 2008 06 District Camp (new photos added)

What's been happening this term?

Its been a busy and fun start to the Autumn term and we now look forward to Winter term.
The Beavers had a creative time at the District craft event making lots of sticky mess and are soon off to Meadowhall to visit the Build a Bear Factory with each Beaver hoping to come home with a new furry pal.
Three of our Cubs who took part in the Live 07 event at the O2 arena last year enjoyed a fun day out & BBQ organised by the County team to thank them for all their hard work and commitment last year.
The Cubs have also been busy with the wardens from Anglers Country Park building bird houses.
Thanks to the team at Wakefield fire station for showing our Beavers and Cubs around this term. Fun night had by all.
The Scouts have been learning essential Emergency Aid skills and will complete their learning with the final session concentrating on CPR, completing their Emergency Aid Badge. Thanks to Helen from the St Johns Ambulance. A few of the older scouts braved the autumnal nights on the district survival camp. Well done Guys!! Rather you than Squirrel who likes her warm cosy bed!!!
New members, young or old, are always welcome to join the group. Please direct enquiries via our section leaders or Group Scout Leader who can be contacted using the information from our ‘contact us’ page.

GiftAid generates £800 for scout funds

We received confirmation today that our most recent GiftAid claim, relating to subs payments made in the year ending 31st March 2008, has been accepted by HM Revenue & Customs. This has resulted in a payment direct to Group funds of a massive £800.27.

This highlights just how important it is that the Group maintains an up to date register of Gift Aid Declarations. If eligible, a parent will normally need only complete a declaration form once, as it may remain valid for six years.

If you are a parent of one of our beavers, cubs or scouts and can't remember whether you have filled in a Gift Aid form, please get in touch with David Brown, our treasurer, who will be able to check for you.

AGM - Thursday 25th September 7:30pm

You are cordially invited to Crofton Scout Group's Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday 25th September at 7:30 p.m. - Venue: Shay Lane school.

A full account of the financial year's income and expenditure will be presented, along with reports of the activities of each of the Sections.

Leeds Half Marathon feedback

We have received a letter from Sean Kachmarski, Event Coordinator for the 2008 Gaz de France Leeds Half Marathon, thanking us for our support at this event. He says he has received a number of positive letters and emails from runners commenting on the quality of marshalls and drinks stations as well as the support and encouragement they received from the volunteers.

Crofton provided a team of 21 willing volunteers, including young people, parents and leaders, for which the Group will be rewarded with a payment of £150 for Group Funds.

Many thanks to all those who gave up their Sunday morning to help at this event.

Play Area Association

We are sorry to learn that Crofton Children's Play Area Association has dissolved through lack of support. However we are grateful for their kind donations of £75 to Crofton Beavers and an equal amount for our Cubs section. A condition of these donations is that they be used to directly benefit these two sections of our Group.

The Beaver Leaders are planning to use their money to provide a trip for our Beaver colony during the half-term break in October.

The Cub Leaders have yet to decide how best to use their donation.

Help wanted this Sunday morning

Message from Chris, our Group Scout Leader (GSL):

I have volunteered the group to run 2 feed stations and a few marshall points on the Leeds marathon this Sunday the 7th September, the group will be paid between £110 and £150 for doing this so it is a good fund raiser.

I have done this for many years and have had a lot of fun as well as raising money.

The feed stations are near Lawnswood school and in Horsforth they need to be manned from 8 45 am until midday so I think we will meet at the Weavers Green pub car park between 8am and 8.10am

If you could send a reply if you are able to help to gsl AT croftonscouts.org.uk (e-mail address on Contact page) that would be great.

We need about 20 people for this and it is a good opportunity to help the group fundraise as well as have some fun

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