New home sought for 7th Louth scout group
A local scout group is hoping their community spirit can eventually spread to finding a new home for their members.
The 7th Louth Coastal Group used to have the name Clogherhead in the title, but such is the popularity of the branch, they are now taking in many more villages in the coastal area.
Unfortunately, this popularity means the groups are all split between different locations!
‘We have well over 100 members now, and a huge waiting list too, but it is terrible we are split up,’ says Cub Leader Carainn McBride.
‘We would love a home for everyone, with our flag flying outside, but right now, we have the Cubs and Scouts in Sandpit and the Beavers and Ventures in Clogherhead Community Centre.’
Of course, this hasn’t stopped the busy scouts from helping any way they can, and the recent Beach CleanUp showed just how much they are at the heart of the community.
‘It was held in conjunction with the Clogherhead Development Group, and I never saw so many people turn up before,’ says Carainn.
‘I had 27 out of my 34 cubs present, but we had people from all walks of local life, including villagers and the Ladybirds and Brownies, arrive to make the beach as clean as possible.’
All were surprised at the amount of litter they came across in the two hours they were cleaning.
‘I know it was the first of the season, but there were cans, plastic bags, bottles and much more,’ she adds.
‘I was most shocked at the number of plastic bottle tops, and they can be so damaging to the local wildlife, it’s very dangerous.’
The next projects are to plant flowerbeds at the Clogherhead Lifeboat Station and keep teaching the members of the importance of helping others over themselves.
‘We could take so many more members if we had new leaders and of course a place to call our own,’ concludes Carainn.
‘Until then, we’ll keep teaching our scouts to look after where they live, taking part in ten hours of community service for their ‘Messenger of Peace’ badge”.
If you are interested in beconign a scout leader or helping out in any way, please contact Neil on 087 2767511.