A SCOUT group which has been operating for almost a century is in danger of closing unless more volunteers come forward to help run it, it has emerged.

By Danielle Nuttall

A SCOUT group which has been operating for almost a century is in danger of closing unless more volunteers come forward to help run it, it has emerged.

The 1st Felixstowe Sea Scout Group, which is based in the town's Bath Road, has issued a desperate plea for more people to help run its weekly meetings.

The group, which has 20 members between the ages of 10 and 14, was established nearly 90 years ago to help the personal development of young people, build confidence and increase their involvement with the community.

At present, it is being run single-handedly by scout leader Paul Bailey, a parent of one of the boys attending, with the support of a management committee.

A crisis meeting is planned for Friday, January 12 to discuss the future of the group and managers fear without any additional support, it will have to close.

Mr Bailey said: “It would be such a shame for the young people of Felixstowe to lose this facility - the achievements of the young people involved are inspiring - it is just not feasible for groups to be run by a single volunteer.

“I have been a leader for about a year. We had a similar situation last year where I was a parent and came forward. I got my warrant this year.

“It would be great if we could do something similar this year.”

The group meets every Friday between 7.30pm and 9.45pm and offers activities such as hiking, climbing and camping.

Topics such as DIY, sport, fitness, electronics, theatre and cooking are included in the programme of events arranged by the group.

Volunteers do not need any special qualifications just enthusiasm and an interest in helping to make a difference to the lives of young people.

All volunteers will be police-checked and the organisation will take up references.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to become a group scout leader should call Mr Bailey on 07751 292367 or district commissioner Tim Parnell on 01473 272500.

danielle.nuttall@eadt.co.uk