Scouting
Dear Editor, Recently, at the age of 72, I decided to join – or, more accurately, rejoin! – the Scouts. Here’s why: For me, gaining my Queen Scout Award back in 1972 was a pivotal point my life, though I didn’t know it at the time. The Queen Scout Award (now King Scout Award) is the highest youth achievement award in Scouting. It took me two years to earn the award, completing various service and adventure challenges, and gave me my first experience of international travel and being thousands of miles from home.
I spent a summer at Scout Camp in Wisconsin USA. And these were the days of no mobile phones and no emails – just the post! This experience meant that a few years later, when I decided to work aboard for a couple of years in Libya, in the Sahara Desert, I had the confidence and skills to meet new and exciting challenges. I was well out of my comfort zone but just as when I was a young Scout in the States, I found that my Scouting experience and skills – taking the initiative, problem solving, and working with people – came in very useful. And I became lifelong friends with many of those American Scouts I met over 50 years ago. I have visited them in States many times and have even attended their weddings. All because we were Scouts.
Fast-forward to today I now help the City of Bath Scout District to organize and develop Scouting in the area. My life experience – a career in project management, being married, bringing up a family – are now helping me give back for the benefit of today’s young people.
Just as when I was a Scout, modern-day Scouting offers young people (ages 4 to 25 years) a safe and friendly environment in which to learn new skills and face new challenges. They learn to work as individuals and as part of a team. They grow in confidence and develop self-reliance and skills for life. And along the way they, and us volunteers, have fun!
Scouting is not just in the local Scout Hall or HQ. It is a worldwide organization and young people are encouraged to be part of the global Scout network, visiting different countries to learn about each other, exchange ideas, and help communities.
This year, some of the Scouts in the Bath district are off to Kandersteg International Scout Centre Switzerland later this year. Next year, others will be joining Scouts from across the world in Poland at the World Scout Jamboree.
There are plenty of opportunities for Scout volunteers at these events too. This July, I will be back in the States as a staff member at the National Jamboree of Scouts of America.
The Scouts is an inclusive organization and open to all, young people and volunteers. We believe in the values of integrity, respect, care, and co-operation, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, faith, or ability. So, why not join us yourself and encourage the young people you know to join?
Contact: join@bathscouts.org
Clive Humphries, Bath
Team Lead Development
www.bathscouts.org
Paragon Singers
Dear Editor, One of Bath’s most prestigious chamber choirs, Paragon Singers turns fifty this year and we are planning an exciting programme with our wonderful young conductor Sarah Latto.
On March 21st there will be a ‘promenade’ concert in Bath Abbey and we plan to sing a selection of Paragon favourites as we move around the space. The music includes pieces by William Byrd, Thomas Tallis, Joquin, Palestrina and James MacMillan.
In July we are staging a musical extravaganza celebrating the life and death of Purcell. Anyone who came to our ‘off-copy’, semi-staged Messiah in 2021 will be first in the queue to experience another such spine-tingling wonder (with libretti written by our talented TV screen writer Stewart Harcourt).
Finally, in November Sarah is excited to be presenting her interpretation of Bach’s mighty Mass in B Minor. Added to all this one of our number has been singing with Paragon ever since the first concert in 1976, which adds a new and unique dimension to our story. All our ticket prices include a professionally designed programme.
Julia Draper, Bath
Volunteer Drivers
Dear Editor, For many people in Bath and North East Somerset, getting out the house for a simple journey isn’t simple at all. Attending a doctor’s appointment, visiting a friend, or even going to the shops is impossible without support.
That’s where SWAN Transport’s volunteer drivers make a life-changing difference. SWAN Transport, part of the SWAN Advice Network, is looking for kind, community-minded people to join its team of volunteers.
By using your own car, you can help people who are on low incomes, living with disabilities, or unable to use public transport to get where they need to go; safely, comfortably, and with dignity.
Being a volunteer driver is about so much more than driving.
It’s about offering reassurance, a friendly conversation, and the confidence someone needs to leave their home. For some passengers, you may be the only person they see that day.
Just a few hours of your time can help someone attend a vital medical appointment, reconnect with their community, or simply enjoy getting out again. And the impact goes both ways; many volunteers say they gain just as much as they give.
Volunteer drivers choose when they’re available, with all journeys pre-booked to fit around your life. Mileage and related expenses are reimbursed, and SWAN supports you every step of the way. Volunteers provide door-to-door assistance and a welcoming presence for people who may feel vulnerable or isolated.
If you have a full driving licence, your own vehicle, and want to make a genuine difference in your community, SWAN would love to hear from you. DBS and reference checks are arranged by SWAN, and no previous experience is needed.
To find out more or apply to become a volunteer driver, contact Sofia Perkins at sofia@swan-transport.co.uk or visit swan-transport.com.
SWAN Advice Network is a registered charity based in Radstock, supporting people across Bath and North East Somerset to stay connected, independent, and supported.
Sofia Perkins
Community Transport Scheme
SEND Grant
Dear Editor, Local children from 40 families with a parent struggling with their special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) will receive help and support thanks to a grant from Somerset Freemasons to the Bath Area Play Project (BAPP) charity.
The £60,000 grant will support BAPP’s Family Play Support work for families with SEND children aged five to 12 years experiencing adverse experiences. The work will enable families to build stronger relationship and support parents and children to develop resilience.
The funding will make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families by providing specialised assistance through a part time Family Support Worker. Alongside BAPP’s full time Family Play Support worker, these practitioners will provide tailored whole family support for each family, helping them to build strength and improve wellbeing. providing access to appropriate services to meet their needs.
The numbers of children with SEND in north-east Somerset are growing, with a significant increase of children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (ECHP). This growth is higher compared to national and regional trends, which supports the importance of a person-centred approach.
Graham Puddy
Somerset Freemasons
Bath Voice and Local Democracy Reporters
The journalists are funded by the BBC as part of its latest Charter commitment, but are employed by regional news organisations. A total of 165 reporters are allocated to news organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland including Bath Voice. These organisations range from television and radio stations to online media companies and established regional newspaper groups. Local Democracy Reporters cover top-tier local authorities, second-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
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