from left to right: Brian Hayes presenting the cheque to Paul Richardson, Group Leader, watched by leaders and members of
Upon hearing that a local Urmston Scout Group were desperately struggling for funds WBro
Brian Hayes, former Chairman of the South Eastern Group of Lodges, launched into action and secured the Nelson Sea Scouts a £500 grant
from the West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity.
District Commissioner, Steve Hayes, explained the group’s predicament; “last year, around October, the numbers fell to three Scouts no Cubs or Beavers, which resulted in a massive loss of income and they were thinking of ‘calling it a day’ as they were struggling to recruit new members. I am pleased to say they did not close, but set out to visit schools and steam fairs handing out leaflets trying to recruit. At last they have had some success with all sections starting up again. This £500 grant will enable one of the leaders to attend a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training course and also provide much needed equipment for the group, thus easing some of the current financial pressure on the Scout group.
Nelson Sea Scouts were founded in 1942
and at present the numbers have increased to six Scouts, one Cub and six Beavers. The group have now set their sights on increasing
numbers further and are organising their own fund raising projects which, hopefully, will enable the group to be on an ‘even keel’.
They are the only Sea Scout Group in Manchester.