Scouts from 16th Sutton Coldfield, were raising funds for the Sutton Coldfield Contingent who were going on World Jamboree in 2019 to the USA.  A total of 9 Scouts from the Royal Town are representing Sutton Coldfield in West Virginia from 22nd July to 2nd August 2019 and the Mayor wanted to give them his support.

"I used to be a Scout myself", said the Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield "when I used to live in Walsall.  I used to love going camping in Beaudesert on Cannock Chase.  I think more young people should join the Scouts.  It provides marvellous opportunities for young people.  All of the Scout leaders do a great job.  People forget they are volunteers giving up their time for the local community. I only stopped being a Scout when I joined the Army".

The Mayor is full of praise for the young people going to West Virginia for the 24th World Scout Jamboree.  "They are going to have a brilliant time", he said.  "These are the things memories are made out of!  I went to the 9th World Scout Jamboree in Sutton Park during  August 1957.  I was too old to be a Scout by then and I only went as a guest but I will never forget it.  The World Jamboree in Sutton Coldfield was part of our history.   What these incredible young people are doing from Sutton Coldfield is keeping our history and tradition going as ambassadors for our Royal Town.  We should all be proud of them and give them our support".  

New Hall Watermill is nestled within Sutton Coldfield`s beautiful New Hall Valley Country Park .  It is one of Sutton Coldfield`s best kept secrets namely a fully working 18th century watermill.  On Bank Holiday Monday hundreds of people descended for an Open Day and to treat themselves to some of the Mill`s freshly milled flour, garden produce and honey.  The Scouts were at hand to run Scouting demonstrations, a coconut shy and talk to members of the public.

David Evans, District Commissioner for Sutton Coldfield East, was very grateful that the Mayor made his first official duty Sutton Coldfield Scouts.  "We are very pleased he came along to meet our incredible young people", he said.  "The Mayor - as an ex Scout himself who  went on the 1957 World Jamboree in Sutton Park - told our young people that they will have an exciting time at the Jamboree with many exciting activities.  They will also have the opportunity to meet other Scouts from around the world.  Most people probably don`t know that Scouting exists in all but 5 countries in the world and here, in the UK, it is growing for the 13th year in a row.  Locally, it is growing more than the national average.  Perhaps having had a World Jamboree in the town there is a special relationship with the movement.  Scouting is looking ahead with a changing programme and branding to keep up to date in the modern world but at the same time keeping our values to give young people a good start in life".

David Evans is quick to point to the Sutton Scouts going on the World Jamboree and how Scouting helps them develop skills for life.  "Putting skills for life is at the heart of what we do", said David "and we are showing people that we are contemporary and relevant in the  digital age of  the 21st Century.  Skills for Life is not just about the wilds of Snowdonia but employability skills like teamwork, leadership and problem solving, character skills like resilience, tenacity and confidence and practical skills like first aid, navigation and coding that young people need to succeed".

"I was very pleasantly surprised by what I discovered", said Councillor Derrick Griffin, the new Mayor of the Royal Town.  "When I was a Scout it was all cargo shorts and big hats.  Scouting has changed.  It is modern and relevant for a new generation.  I am really pleased that I came down to New Hall Mill to meet the Scouts.  The Scouts I met are active, confident and inclusive.  I am full of admiration for their leaders.  Good job!"


Note:
Sutton Coldfield Scouts in East District are recruiting more volunteers to help with the growing waiting lists of young people wanting to be part of Scouting.  The Scout Association are committed to diversity and inclusivity.  If adults would like to help young people develop skills for life, please contact Ian Henery, Assistant District Commissioner for Development at ihenery@aol.com.