Scouts' plea for help

Give us more backing - or we're sunk!That was the blunt warning to emerge from the well-attended annual meeting of 1st Cromer Sea Scouts on the eve of a proud milestone birthday.

Give us more backing - or we're sunk!

That was the blunt warning to emerge from the well-attended annual meeting of 1st Cromer Sea Scouts on the eve of a proud milestone birthday.

A century of Scouting in the town is due to be celebrated next year. But a perilous present threatens to take the gloss off the past and seriously question the future.

Group leader Diane Skipper told members, parents, family and friends of a desperate need for extra adult support, especially on the group executive committee: 'We cannot function without it.'

She urged volunteers from across the community to step forward to join the committee which meets every month, except August and December, generally on the second Monday for a couple of hours in the early evening.

This crisis overshadowed encouraging news that Beaver numbers are increasing and Cub numbers holding steady. 'Scout membership is giving cause for concern but in other respects this group is forging ahead,' said Mrs Skipper.

Warm tributes were paid to group stalwart Trevor Drury, who joined the scouts' leadership team in 1991. He has decided to step down and take more time to pursue his own varied interests. He received a 'Thanks' badge and the Group Leader's special award.

A five year service award went to group secretary Ian Siggee.

Volunteers willing to support the group in any way should contact Diane Skipper on 01263 512871 or e-mail gsl@cromerseascouts.org.uk