Leaders wanted

Without a willing volunteer, one of the town's two Cub packs will be forced to close down permanently when winter sessions end on December 16.

This would have a knock-on effect for the main Scout group, as the number of youngsters moving on from Cubs would be dramatically reduced jeopardising the whole movement in Uckfield.

But the group leader of 4th Uckfield Scouts, David Youngman, is not going to give up without a fight, and is appealing to people in the local area for help.

'If we can't get help in a couple of weeks, we will be forced to close the Cubs,' he said. 'That is the last thing we want to do.

'Thousands have benefited from Scouting in Uckfield since the first local troop was formed back in 1909 and the challenge, as always, is to bring these benefits to a new generation of young people.

'I have led the Cub group for a couple of terms myself, but work commitments mean I can no longer carry on. We have also had help in the last term from Claire Huxley and a couple of other helpers, but that was on a strictly temporary basis.

'What we need is a permanent leader. Someone who has an interest in the Scouts to help ensure its continued success. Scouting encourages youngsters to get out and about, develop a sense of teamwork, responsibility and leadership, and to become self-sufficient skills that simply cannot be gained by sitting at a computer screen for hours on end.'

Scouting has recently seen a new surge in popularity following the nationwide introduction of its new modern programme earlier this year.

David said that helping to run a Cub pack, Scout troop or Beaver colony is a brilliant way of getting involved in the local community and making a real difference for young people. 'It's also great excuse for putting fun back into the hectic lives we all seem to lead,' he added.

The right applicant would have a keen sense of adventure and be willing to spare two or three hours a week, during term time only.

For more information about 4th Uckfield Scouts group and how you can help to secure its future, contact David Youngman on 01825 760700.