Category: In The Press

Defense Academy Sailing Club Supports local Sea Scouts

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Wg Cdr Tom Whittingham, Chairman of the Defense Academy Sailing Club, recently arranged for 2 of the club’s Laser 2 dinghies to be donated to the local 1st Swindon Sea Scout Group.

The Scout Group, headed by Stephen Iles, sail at Bowmoor Sailing Club and were thrilled with the donation that will considerably boost their capacity to develop the sailing abilities of the 1st Swindon Sea Scouts, Swindon Explorer Sea Scouts and Black Pearl Network – indeed the boats were put to use immediately as part of a 24 hour sailing marathon.

The boats were handed over to Stephen Iles, Richard Iles and Richard King at the Defence Academy on 12 Jun2 by Wg Cdr Tom Whittingham, Cdr Sarah Johns (Athletics Union Secretary), Sqn Ldr Andy Mockford and Lt Col Steve Williams.

From Defense Academy News

Network Rail provide Highvis

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First Swindon Sea Scouts has received a package of orange high visibility clothing, part of a project by Network Rail to donate over 1600 pieces of surplus kit to organisations such as scout groups, schools and railway heritage groups.

Robbie Burns, Network Rail’s Western Route Director, said, “This scheme will not only benefit the First Swindon Sea Scouts, but also other charities, and will avoid the needless waste of vital safety equipment.”

Rail workers across the West Country have been collecting their surplus kit, including high visibility vests, jackets, body warmers and coats that were no longer needed, as the company has gradually introduced its own branded equipment.

Bryan McGaw, Explorer Leader for First Swindon Sea Scouts, said, “It’s great that organisations such as Network Rail are able to put old kit to such good use. We have already used the donated jackets and vests as part of cycle training.”

From Railway People

Haydon Wick Sea Scouts raise Money for Charity

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SEA Scouts have raised a fantastic £700 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

The First Swindon Sea Scouts based at Haydon Wick marched and rowed under cloudy skies before putting on a spectacular fun-day at a sailing club in Lechlade.

For many of the Scouts, the day began at 8am outside Asda Wal-Mart in North Swindon where they prepared their canoes for the long march to the River Thames at Cricklade, which took two hours, before rowing their boats to Lechlade and then marching to a fun day at the Bowmoor Sailing Club.

Mike, assistant scout leader and one of the organisers of the event, said: “Despite the weather, everyone had a great time.”

The scouts raised £1,400 in total, half of which will go to the cancer appeal and half to the group’s own funds.

So far, the Swindon Cancer Appeal has raised just more than £132,000, in the past few months with the grand total close to £750,000. The Swindon Cancer Appeal is also hoping to provide a training post for a Macmillan specialist breast care cancer nurse. In addition we want to provide a training post for another nurse specialising in gastrointestinal cancer.

For more information about the Swindon Cancer Appeal call the appeal office on 01793 432252 or 01793 432253.

From HaydonWick in touch