Walk funds new scout scheme
A SCOUT group has launched a scheme to help children from lower income families to join.
The 1st Hurdsfield Scout Group is funding an assisted places scheme to prevent anyone from missing out.
As part of the package the scout and his family won’t have to pay any weekly subs for the first term, then only 50 per cent, get a free uniform, and a 50 per cent subsidy on all activities, trips and camps.
The group, which meets at Brocklehurst Avenue, Hurdsfield, is funding the programme using some of the £3,000 raised by Paul Truswell in April from his epic 550-mile walk across the country.
Greg Carter, chairman of the group’s executive committee, said: “We’d be really disappointed if just one potential member of our group missed out on the chance due to the cost. It doesn’t cost much to join, but we want to make sure that absolutely no one misses out.
“We had an incredibly generous donation this year from Paul Truswell, one of our cub’s parents. Paul walked the whole width of England from Suffolk to Cornwall – over 500 miles, and taking more than three weeks.
“We are using some of this money to buy equipment for the group and to fund some improvements to our scout hut.
“We are also using some of Paul’s money to set up an assisted places scheme.
“The assisted places scheme is open to any child age six to 14 who meets the benefits eligibility requirements for free school meals. It is designed to be easy, quick and confidential.
We want to make sure everyone who wants to can join the scouting family.”
To find out more about the scheme visit the group’s website at http:// hurdsfield.scoutsites.org. uk.