Shout for scouts

SHOUT for Scouts! was the message of a recruiting roadshow held at the De La Warr Pavilion on Saturday.

Scout leaders were on hand to tell members of the public about the varied and rewarding work they do with youngsters and the urgent need to find new volunteers.

Cliff Wilson, District Commissioner of Senlac Scouts, said: "This is about trying to recruit adults into the movement so we have the chance to offer scouting to more youngsters.

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"We have reached the point at the moment that without adults we cannot take many more children in.

He commented: "We don't put ourselves across enough to say there is a job here virtually anybody can do. Everyone seems to think it is a very specialised club and that we don't let anyone in, that certain skills are needed, but that is not the case - we offer training if required for any adult to come into scouting."

He stressed that no experience or expertise was necessary but felt Scout leaders need to be "honest and outgoing...people that can work with people and really enjoy the outside life."

Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they want, even if it is just four hours a month.

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"A lot of people seem to think it is quite a committment, but at the moment we are getting more flexible with the amount of time they give...It is whatever people want, if it is one hour a week, or two, everything is geared to fit in with them as well. It is only silly people like me who put in all the hours of the day."

Cliff joined the movement 15 years ago, and has been District Commissioner for Senlac Scouts for 4 years - there are 553 members at present in the area which stretches from Bexhill to Ninfield, Burwash, Etchingham, Burwash, Battle and back again to Bexhill.

Cliff was joined for the presentation at the DLWP by David King, Harry Saunders, Richard Adams, Ronnie Abraham and Sheila Rogers.

He said: "There has been a fair reaction...This being our centenary year, a lot of people are interested and surprised we have been going so long.

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"I think people can get a lot of satisfaction from this - to be honest, teaching young people skills and how to look after themselves is very rewarding. Watching them slowly come to the forefront of their potential or character is very nice. We take them in at the age of six as beavers and watch them slowly grow as they get older and their characters come out. It is enjoyable watching them become young adults."

For more information on becoming a scout leader, call Harry Saunders on

01424 211465.