A message from Jane Peakall, congregation member at St John the Baptist, Northwood

Posted by Admin on 26 June 2012, 4:30 pm

What Northwood church means to me

It is with great pleasure that I have been asked to write about the young people in our village and particularly about our Scouting and Girlguiding groups.
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In Northwood we are lucky to have a thriving Scout group with Beaver, Cub and Scout sections for boys and girls aged from six years. There is also a Brownie pack for girls aged seven to ten years. The leaders and supporters are unpaid volunteers, who are trained and police checked, to ensure the young members not only have fun, but also stay safe.
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We are delighted to have the Scout Hut and field in Wyatts Lane, which were both donated many years ago and are a wonderful village asset. They are used by other groups as well as Island Scouting and Girlguiding members. Older people reading this might think of their own childhood experiences and think maybe scouts and guides are rather old fashioned – not so – many traditions are still there, but alongside the knots and woodcraft you will find computers, kayaking, the opportunity to learn many other skills and to travel abroad and meet others from all over the world. Most importantly, the chance to make friends, some of whom will be with you for life.
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We hear often in the media of teenagers who complain they have no opportunities and nothing to do. I recently saw a line on Facebook which I feel sums it up ‘God gives the birds their food but He doesn’t throw it into their nests’.
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In other words, the chances are ‘out there’, you just have to look for them.
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Scouting and guiding can offer more than you might realise – you may be surprised what we get up to!
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Some people might say the heart of a village is its church, others might say it is the local school, shop or even the pub. All these things are important but I feel that it’s the people and how they work and spend leisure time together that really matter. In June communities all around the country are holding events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Northwood is no exception, a party is going to be held at the Scout Hut, organised by the Community Partnership (alongside other clubs and groups around Northwood) and everyone is welcome to come along for a fun afternoon.
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If you would like to know more about Scouts or Guides, or if you have a skill you could share or would consider helping out please contact any of the leaders or hut committee members.