BOUQUET OF THE WEEK Mike nominated for work with Scouts

A TREASURER of a Cardiff Scout troop who has helped to raise thousands of pounds is the deserving recipient of this week’s Echo Bouquet of the Week.

Mike Hope, from Llandaff, has been involved with the 2nd Llandaff Scout Group for many years, firstly as a parent and then as treasurer – a position he has filled for the past 10 years.

Along with his daughter Abbie Gibbins, who is Scout leader at the troop, he has been involved in a bid to raise £100,000 to buy their home of 40 years, the Methodist/URC Christchurch in Llandaff North.

Mr Hope was nominated by Councillor Jayne Cowan and Cardiff North MP Craig Williams. Coun Cowan said: “Mike has been involved with Scouts for three decades and he has looked after the finances and has made sure that events can take place.”

Mr Hope was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit for his services to the 2nd Llandaff troop, the highest award that can be given to a non-uniformed member.

Mr Williams said: “Mike is proud to be part of 2nd Llandaff Scouts and he has does a fantastic job and I am glad to see he has got the recognition he deserves.”

Mr Hope said he was “flattered” and “honoured” to be nominated for the Bouquet of the Week.

Speaking about how he became involved in the Scouts, Mr Hope said: “I was a single parent at the time and my kids were young, so I got them into the Scout movement – my daughter Abbie was the first girl Scout in Wales.

“We had an awful lot of fun and learnt a lot of things from them. If young children get something from it, then I think the parents should give something back. “It’s tremendous fun for the kids.” Speaking about the fundraising bid, Mr Hope added: “We’re a little short but we’ll get there and we’ll have a permanent site for these Scouts and we’ll continue to grow.”

If you know someone who deserves a Bouquet of the Week, email your nomination, with reasons, and your name, address and telephone number, to echo.newsdesk@ walesonline.co.uk and mark it Bouquet of the Week. You can also write to South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR. Usual Media Wales terms and conditions apply and all nominees must agree to be photographed.