Annual Report 2001

Julie reported that last year 18 new Beavers were invested and there were 17 on the waiting list. Numbers now are 23 Beavers with 19 on the waiting list, three of which are eligible to join, the rest are still only age 5. Over the last 12 months 16 new Beavers have been invested, 11 have left for Cubs and 2 Left and not continued. The Colony has tried to expand in size but have found the optimum number is between 20 and 24. There are now two assistant leaders who are warranted, and Jackie Murphy is a regular helper who plans to take out a warrant also. The parent rota is still operating well so usually there are five adults present each night.

The Beavers have joined in with most of the all-island events over the last year: Sports Day, the train trip, 10 pin bowling, and, most recently, the St George’s Day Parade where there was a good turnout and the Beavers behaved very well- Philip Bradley held the flag and Alex Bell said the motto in front of a packed church. Outdoor activities have included a nature ramble in the Glen Gardens collecting leaves for a collage and bark rubbing; a tree study and a pirates and smugglers beach party. The sponsored bike ride so far has raised £300. A visit to the Manx Blind Welfare Centre in Derby Square, Douglas was very interesting and entertaining. The Beavers have had a visit from the Police and their dogs and have covered the themes of emergency services and road safety, secret codes. Braille, different countries and their foods. Craft work has included making a bird feeder, a clay model of the Laxey Wheel, designing the Beavers’ tee-shirt, making Christmas cards, snowmen models and tree decorations. The Beavers ended last Christmas term with a well-deserved party at Manxland. The money raised from the Christmas hamper raffle will be added to the sponsor money when collected, and half-donated to the Isle of Man Children’s Centre and half to the Scout Group. The Beavers have already been invited to visit the Centre to find out about the work they do there to support families and children. The toys which the Beavers collected at Christmas have already been distributed to the families in the Centre.

Julie ended her report by praising the Beavers’ enthusiasm and thanked them for all their hard work, and also everyone for their support.