Member Article

Scout group recruitment scales new heights after community event

Northumberland’s young adventurers flocked to Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure at the weekend to try their hand at rock climbing, leatherwork and outdoor cooking during Cramlington’s first Community Scout Day.

The free community event, hosted on Saturday (May 17 2014) at Manor Walks, aimed to attract new members to Blyth Valley Scout District, the shopping centre’s 2013 community bursary scheme beneficiary, as well as boost recruitment of new leaders.

It offered youngsters the opportunity to scale a 25ft climbing wall, while enjoying face painting and taster sessions in crafts, leatherwork and cooking.

Stu Bennett, media development manager for Blyth Valley Scouts, said: “The support which we have received from Manor Walks since we were awarded the Community Bursary Scheme last year has been great and it has had a real impact on the lives of the young people which we work with.

“The Cramlington Scout Day, which was held at Manor Walks, gave people of all ages the chance to find out more about the work which we do in their local community and how they can get involved, either as a new member or a volunteer.

“We received an outstanding response from both youngsters and adults looking to join the group. The recruitment of new leaders is crucial in ensuring the longevity of Blyth Valley Scout District so it was fantastic to receive so much interest from potential new leaders through the Community Scout Day at Manor Walks.”

Established in 2000, Blyth Valley Scout District provides challenge, adventure and life skills to over 600 young people living throughout Cramlington, Blyth and Seaton Valley.

Bruno Coppola, general manager of Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure in Cramlington, said: “We were delighted to be helping Blyth Valley Scout District to bring the first-ever Cramlington Scout Day to Manor Walks. The free day-long event allowed people visiting the centre on Saturday to try a real mix of scouting activities, while helping to raise awareness of the group’s work and the need to recruit passionate and committed leaders.

“As Manor Walks is set in the heart of the community we were proud to be able to support Blyth Valley Scout District as our first Community Bursary winner. The work which the organisation does to help the county’s youngsters reach their full physical, social and intellectual potential has been life changing for so many of its members.”

Funded by Hammerson, the annual Manor Walks Community Bursary Scheme aims to support organisations that undertake vital work in the local community. Open to Northumberland registered charities with a focus on children and young people, health or local regeneration of community infrastructures and facilities, Blyth Valley Scout District was selected as the inaugural winner and received a £5000 grant.

The organisation has used the much needed funding to purchase new camping and sports equipment, to help with the maintenance of its buildings and to provide additional training for its leaders. The bursary has also helped to support the organisation to attract new members as well as recruiting new volunteers.

With over 100 retailers including Northumberland’s only multiplex cinema and a great range of family restaurants as well as high street favourites and independent stores, Manor Walks Shopping & Leisure in Cramlington offers a huge amount of choice to suit a range of tastes.

To keep up-to-date on Manor Walks’ events and offers visit www.manorwalks.co.uk, Like the official Facebook page and follow @ManorWalks on Twitter.

For more information on joining the adventure in Blyth Valley or on volunteering opportunities with Blyth Valley Scouts visit www.blythvalleyscouts.org.uk or email info@blythvalleyscouts.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Manor Walks Shopping and Leisure .