With the 100 year anniversary of the Scouts coming up in 2007, it is great to say that the tradition of Baden Powell's Scouts and Cub Scouts is thriving in Elstead, with the numbers of Cubs and Scouts at a maximum, and a waiting list for new Cubs wanting to join this September. Running the meetings has taken a lot of hard work from the leaders and assistant leaders, and we are still looking for a new Akela for the Cubs.  A 'temporary' arrangement has been in place since 2003 to enable the Cubs to continue, with a group of assistant leaders taking it in turns to run the Cubs' meetings.  Although this is working, it is not ideal and we would like to have a full-time leader.  If you would like more information about this role, or would just like to help out at the odd meeting on Fridays, then please contact Martyn on 01252 702738 or Bernard on 01252 702588.   

If not helping the Cubs, what about volunteering to run a Beaver Scouts colony?  Beavers is for children aged from 6 to 8 years, and we would very much like to start Beavers in Elstead again, but require a leader or joint leaders to do this.  If you are interested and would like more information please contact Penny Bonsey on 01252 705040 and also refer to the Scouts website at: 
www.scoutbase.org.uk.

The Scout Committee Christmas Dance is one of those village events that should not be missed, and once again the dance last December was a great success with superb food and drink and the Willie Austin Band ensuring everybody got up and bopped until they dropped.  Along with the Elstead Marathon, this continues to be a one of the main fundraisers for the Elstead Scout Group and we would like to say a big thank you to Sheila and Steve for organising the food for the dance and for  Brian and Carolyn Marshall for their great help in organising the Marathon.

So if you missed the dance in December 2005, make a note in your 2006 diary for the next dance which will be will be on Friday, 8^th December