EDITORIAL

What a sad start to the year with the Tsunami disaster which touched so many communities in many countries. We can only imagine the physical and mental trauma that the survivors are facing at the loss of their loved ones in such a terrible way. As usual, the people of Shefford are united in their response to the various appeals, which no doubt will need to continue for years to come before communities can be rebuilt.
On more local issues, once again the Christmas lights display was absolutely magnificent! Our thanks go to the small band of volunteers that install them, dismantle them, maintain them and fundraise to improve them each year. If you think you may be able to help them in some way, please contact the Lights Committee, I am sure they would be pleased to hear from you.
Since the last issue of Newsline the long awaited Churchill Way bridge has finally opened! Can we hope that in 2005 the old laundry site in the High Street, which is such an eyesore and complained about by many residents, can be improved? Only time will tell!
I make no apology for the Scouts featuring on the cover once again, they kindly volunteered to help plant the new hedge at the Meads. It is good to see the young people involved in community projects. The photo shows them receiving training and instruction on how to use tools and do the job properly.
Health and safety is a very important part of volunteering now and our environmental groups receive training in various aspects of the work they undertake, with health and safety assessments undertaken before work is carried out. It is such a shame that more people cannot find a little time to help the various groups and organisations that need volunteers.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to the Shefford Lions, who have delivered Newsline for sometime now. Unfortunately, they are no longer in a position to do so. I am awaiting confirmation from another group who are interested in taking the job on.

Jennifer Harrison
Editor



 
 

COVER STORY - SHEFFORD SCOUTS GROUP GROWING IN STRENGTH

The Shefford Scout Group has entered 2005 with renewed enthusiasm and larger in number, as we add a third patrol to our Scout section.
We would like to say thank you to fundraisers Anna Kiely and Marie Cartmell, who met regularly throughout 2004,to plan and deliver some enterprising fundraising activities. We would also like to thank Shefford residents and local businesses for their continued support, which means so much to us.
Towards the end of 2004, we planted a new hedge around the perimeter of land at the Meads, and expect during the early months of 2005 to help with further planting at the Millennium Green.
We are also excited to be sharing a category with the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows in the Shefford Craft and Produce Show later in the year.
In November, as a reward for everyone's hard work, Scouts and their families took a trip to Legoland (Windsor), to attend a special 'Scout Only' weekend. The party totalled 81 and we intend to repeat the trip in November 2005.
We are always on the lookout for new ways in which to become involved with the community, so are keen to hear from individuals, groups or businesses who have suitable ideas that we can develop with them.
A reminder that we cater for Scouts from the age of 6 years to 14 years, contacts are Beavers (6-8) - Hayley Henshall 01462 817446, Cubs (8-10.5) - Dave Cousins, 01462 811441 and Scouts (10.5-14) - Diane Landau 01234381153

Diane Landau
Scout Leader
on behalf of the Shefford Scout Group