News

As some of the government restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic begin to be relaxed, we are starting to plan for how we’ll be able to return to face-to-face Scouting activities at 1st Woosehill Scout Group in the future.

We are all looking forward to returning to being able to return, so we wanted to provide an update on how we are approaching a re-start. Our restarting plans will follow all government rules and guidance from Scouts’ UKHQ. Our priority is to keep young people and adults safe.

An outline of how we will operate, following Scouts’ ‘COVID Code’:

• New control measures will be in place for all activities
• Additional hygiene measures will be put in place
• Social distancing will be observed
• Group sizes will be limited
• Adjustments will be made for young people vulnerable or affected by COVID

Returning to Scouts will happen in phases, the first of which will let us resume indoor activities in small groups. Returning to face-to-face Scouts is voluntary for all young people, parents/carers and volunteers.

We will share more detailed plans for the new safety measures we are putting in place soon, and we would encourage all parents and carers, young people and volunteers to raise concerns, ask questions and provide feedback.

Hello to all members and friends of 1st Woosehill Scout Group

Since our last update on 24th March, a lot has changed as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily life and routines beyond all recognition, and we have all got used to life under lockdown. At first, we thought that all scouting would be cancelled until further notice, hence our initial decision to suspend the subs for the summer term. However, we didn’t count on the imagination and enthusiasm of our amazing team of leaders across all the sections who have not only implemented virtual online sessions on the normal term dates but in some cases continued throughout the Easter holidays. I am aware of some great activities facilitated via Zoom, and everyone should be credited for engaging so enthusiastically in the name of scouting continuity. This is planned to continue in various forms throughout the summer term, which will help to bring some normality and structure to the daily lockdown routine.

Behind the scenes, your committee has continued to be busy, and over the Easter holiday, we managed to facilitate the replacement of the hallway flooring throughout the hut. It now looks amazing, including a brand new mat by the entrance, which should be much more durable and easier to keep clean, and will serve us well for years to come. Many thanks to both Martin Bishop and Steve Capel for all their hard work organising it, and to the Parker family for moving the new flooring in the first place.

We continue to incur costs such as utilities, rent, capitation along with the flooring investment, as well as an increased bill for all the badges that are being completed so diligently under lockdown, so we have decided that we would like to request a voluntary reduced subscription for the summer term. You will soon receive an OSM request for a payment of £20, which is less than 50% of normal subs and is entirely voluntary as we acknowledge some people are suffering more than others at the moment, but we would ask that you recognise that Scouting continuity really matters, and it is important we support our Group so that it is still running and healthy when “normal” activity resumes.

In terms of the future, we have cancelled the AGM and BBQ on Saturday 4th July as there is little chance of being able to gather together by then. This is being replaced by an online AGM on Tuesday 7th July, and then (social distancing permitting) we will have a Group Social & Bonfire Night on Friday 18th September to hopefully celebrate the new term beginning.

Thank you for continuing to support your Scout Group, and keep safe and well during the rest of lockdown.

Phil Wells
Group Chair, Executive Committee
1st Woosehill Scout Group

The famous summer working party took place on Sunday 30th June 2019 to make sure our grounds were in top shape before next weekend’s AGM and Summer family party. The number of helpers was limited, but with two chainsaws on the go, plus hedge trimmers, mowers, loppers and secateurs, we generated a significant amount of material that fed the bonfire for several hours. Everything is looking great and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday 6th July.