Burley 1st Scouts, one of the oldest in the UK, faces closure unless new leader can be found

A NEW Forest Scout group which is one of the oldest in the UK is facing closure unless it can find a new leader.

1st Burley Scout Troop was formed in 1909, just two years after Robert Baden-Powell created the movement.

Roy Landon, who is chair of Burley Scouts, told the A&T: “It will be a total catastrophe if we have to close down.

“We have such a history and are so much part of Burley’s heritage. We have been at the Burley Scout hut next to the Burley golf club since the ’60s.”

The group has been given until 6th January when its existing leader is leaving to find a replacement.

Mr Landon said: “They have done a fantastic job but work commitments means they have to travel all over the country and can no longer carry on.

“We have been told by New Forest District Scouts that if we do not have a leader by January we will have to close our Scout group, which would just be awful.”

He said the leader role could be shared by two or three people which means they would have to attend a Scout session only once every two or three weeks.

Mr Landon added: “The leader, or leaders, would have to have a DBS check and some training, although some of that can be done online.

“At the sessions which are every Tuesday from 7.15pm to 9pm, the Scouts play games, study to achieve their badges, learn to cook, map read and enjoy all the usual Scouting activities.

“They also help the community and often go camping in the summer.

“We have about 10 scouts who would be so upset if we shut. There are also our Cubs who would have no Scouting group to go on to.”

Those interested in becoming a leader role should email Mr Landon at hello@burleyscouts.org.uk, or phoning him on 07778 569189