On 30th October, Hedge End Sainsbury's ‘Fashion For Funds’ volunteers teamed up with the members of the 1st Sarisbury Green Scout Group to hold a Fun Fashion Show to raise money for the group.

Not simply a fundraiser, however. The first item on the billing was the ceremony to congratulate all the youngsters who had attained Gold, Silver or Bronze in the Chief Scout Awards. Deputy District Commissioner Malcolm Harvey-Ross presented the awards to the six young scouts who had all achieved the top awards in Scouting.

Two new Scout Leaders were also invested at the ceremony – Wendy Young and Carol Quint will go on to become the new Assistant Cub Leaders for the Group.

Then time for the Big Event! Cameras flashed, Bucks Fizz flowed and Scouts strutted, as the TU Autumn Collection was confidently unveiled by children from the Beaver Colony, Cub Pack and Scout Troop - not to mention some of the braver Group Leaders!

By the end of the evening  £702 had been raised for the Group.

Lesley Powell who is PR Ambassador for Sainsbury’s, Hedge End, began the volunteer group Fashion for Funds 2 years ago. Since then they have raised over £21,000 for local schools and charities.

“ There is such a feeling of self worth when you know that you are helping the local community.” she said.

Speaking at the end of the evening Group Scout Leader Simon Moseley, said:

“I’m exhausted - but really pleased! We had fun and hopefully we’ve raised awareness of our local Scout Group.”

Scouting is more popular than ever these days with a huge range of activities all aimed at helping young people achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals and responsible citizens. However numbers are very restricted because of one sad fact:

“We desperately need more Group Leaders,” says Simon, “At the moment there are more children on the waiting list than actually in the Scout Movement. We need to resolve that by getting more people interested in becoming Leaders.”

If you are interested in helping as a group leader – or just want to find out more about Scouting, contact Simon Moseley on 07771 557559 or email him s.moseley@btinternet.com.

1st Sarisbury Scouts Group are part of Fareham West District. They do not yet have their own website. To see all their news and events look in their Group on LocksHeathPeople: 1st Sarisbury Green Scouts Group. Or for more information on all local Scouts Groups look at the Fareham West District Scouts Website.

To find out more about 1st Sarisbury Green Spruce Cubs Pack you can look at their website.

Or you can follow Hampshire Scouts on Twitter.