Just over 12 months ago, readers may recall I published an appeal for folk to help the 1st Walsall Wood Scout Group raise funds for a new minibus, to enable the gang to broaden their horizons and arrange more trips away.

Well, it seems they’ve cracked it, and have now received their new vehicle. What’s more, they’re offering it for the use of other community groups in the area.

Walsall Wood Scouts are a fine thing, and do lots of great work, as I noted just a few days ago. Scouting allows children to explore their capabilities and discover new horizons under the leadership of fantastic folk like Lee Bragginton, the Group Leader.

Lee sent me the following press release:

What a fine bus, and what a great bunch of kids. Walsall Wood Scout Group are wonderful, and deserve wholehearted support from the whole community. Photo by Lee Bragginton.

Scout group looks to shared success of owning first minibus

‘1st Walsall wood Scout Group’ has recently taken delivery of its first minibus; a proud moment in the groups continuous development.

The group, consisting of over 100 young people and adult volunteers, is enjoying a period of continual growth and this is its latest success story. After a number of fundraising events and kind support from the ‘whg VIEW community chest’, the group has taken delivery of a Ford Transit minibus.

Working alongside the group’s other vehicle (an equipment van), the minibus will enable the group to provide more challenge and adventure for the young people of the local community. Donna Wyton, one of the adult volunteers said: ‘The minibus will give us greater scope in terms of the adventurous activities we offer and the distance we can travel to do them. It is great that we can invest in the future of scouting and the local area.’

The group strives to provide fun and ‘everyday adventure’ to all it’s members. One of the scouts, Rachel Wainwright, aged 12, said: ‘Our new minibus is fantastic! We’ll be able to enjoy many more camps and outings with our friends. I can’t wait for our next week camp!’

The purchase will not only benefit the young people and members of the group, but also the wider community as it is also available to other organisations. Group Scout Leader, Lee Bragginton, said: ‘Our group is a key part of the local community and the minibus will enable us to play a greater part in local regeneration.’

1st Walsall Wood Scout Group is one of 16 groups in the local district, consisting over 800 members.

The group has been providing scouting in Walsall Wood and the surrounding area for over 47 years.

The group provides activities ranging from abseiling to zorbing, as well as the usual camping events.

Anyone interested in contacting the group or wishing to use the vehicle are encouraged to visit

www.walsallwoodscouts.org.uk or call 0844 414 2438.