Shoppers help historic Kingsbury scout group to carry on camping

One of the oldest scout groups in the country will be setting off to camp with more than £800 in the kitty after shoppers at a Tamworth Co-op convenience store kindly donated their dividends.

The money will ensure members of the 1st Kingsbury Scout Group have all the equipment they need, including tents and cooking utensils, for their summer camp in the New Forest.

Emma Horsham, manager of Kingsbury Co-op, hands over Community Dividend Fund cheque to members of 1st Kingsbury Scout Group and their leader Paul Carter (centre).

Emma Horsham, manager of Kingsbury Co-op, hands over the Community Dividend Fund cheque to members of the 1st Kingsbury Scout Group and their leader Paul Carter (centre).

Emma Horsham, manager of the Tamworth Co-operative Society owned shop, presented a cheque for £862 from the fund to the beavers, cubs and scouts who meet at Kingsbury Methodist Church hall.

She said: “The Community Dividend Fund hands out thousands of pounds every year to charities and other organisations locally, with each of the Society’s trading outlets adopting a particular cause. We’re so pleased with the response from our customers. Thanks to their generosity, and that of the Society, the scouts will be able to enjoy their adventures and develop their practical skills.”

The 1st Kingsbury Scout Group was formed in around 1911, three years after the scouting movement in Britain was established.

Group scout leader Paul Carter said: “This is a fantastic scheme and we couldn’t have asked for better. It’s brilliant of the shoppers to help us in this way. The boys and girls will be doing some mountain biking and this money will also cover the cost of hiring bikes.

“We like to be outside as a group. Kingsbury Water Park is on our doorstep and we do lots of walks there. Other activities include canoeing, shooting and archery, as well as cooking on open fires. We’re also visiting a wolf sanctuary in Shropshire. We try to give the children many different experiences.”

The group currently needs more adult leaders. For more information call Paul on 07891 406079.