Annual Report 2002

Stuart began by saying that Laxey Cubs has remained strong in numbers over the past twelve months: the present pack consists of 29 children, including 5 boys recently moved up from Beavers. Some children are still on the waiting list and have been for a considerable time, with little chance of being taken off in view of the amount of Beavers coming through. The maximum number is 30 but Stuart would prefer 24. The current split of boys to girls is 23: 6, the lack of girls mainly being due to 3 girls having to leave at Easter at age 10.5. Outdoor activities have included a trip to the Maize Maze, night hikes around Laxey and a trip to the climbing wall at Summerland. Island activities have been fairly limited however, due to either receiving the information too late or there is no response from the Cubs, although Stuart hopes to resolve that this coming year. However they did attend the 5-a-side competition at Nobles Park and one Laxey team managed to get into the semi-finals but were unfortunately beaten in that game. They also took part in the Island Ten Pin Bowling Competition and were able to send a small group of the older Cubs to the Island Camp at Crossags Camp Site. Although foot and mouth restrictions were in place, it did not hinder too much with the vast array of activities which were laid on.

The Cubs have raised funds over the last 12 months not only for the Group but for charity as well. A stall at Laxey Fair raised approximately £l25 and a charity shop day raised over £150, £100 of which was donated to the Meningitis Research Fund, which earned some good publicity in the press. Big thanks for that go to Mike Booth for allowing them to use his shop free of charge. Laxey Commissioners allowed the Cubs to use of part of the Rose Garden near the Mines Tavern, as well as providing some plants for the Cubs to attain their Gardener’s Badge. They have also given permission to continue using the plot for this summer as well, for which they are all very grateful. The cost of the plants has been offset by a generous donation from The Variety Club who donated £70.

Badge work is an important part of the weekly meetings where, hopefully, the Cubs will learn something about a subject that they may not otherwise get a chance in School. Some of the Cubs helped to design the cover for a programme for an event held by The Variety Club last December. With the help of Andrew Scarfe, who gave an excellent slide and talk show, the Cubs have been learning about local history for which a badge can be attained. Other badges covered include the Craftsman’s and Science Badge. Some Cubs however have completed the criteria for a badge away from the weekly meetings, including Swimming, Animal Lover, Sportsman’s and Writer Badges. Stuart reminder everyone that leadership of the Cubs is not down to just him and that he was fortunate to have others to help run the Pack. He went to say that training of the leaders is also important. Last year he, his wife Debbie and Pauline Golding completed The Leadership One Course (for which they got a nice new woggle for their efforts). As well as learning new skills to help them run the pack better, it also gave them their Camping Certificate enabling them to take the Cubs camping without outside help. At the beginning of March they had their first proper camp at Ard Whallin. It could not have taken place without the help of the leaders, and Stuart was impressed by all the parents who helped out. He was especially grateful to Mark Bradley, and Arthur Adams who stayed the weekend. Easter saw the end of an era for 1st Laxey Cubs. When the Pack started up there were 17 Cubs, and Easter saw the last one of these 17 leave. Unfortunately they not only left 1st Laxey Cubs but they left Scouting. Stuart felt that the folding of the Scout Troop in Laxey was a very unfortunate episode, and hoped someone in the Village would feel able to restart the Troop, this time with the support of the Scouting Association, as Bev Hewson had helped Beavers and Celia Marshall had helped Cubs.

He concluded by thanking Martin, Pauline, Debbie, Nick, Ginny, the Executive Committee and all the parents for their support.