SIR,

With Christmas fast approaching, the Cubs and Scouts of Monmouth are preparing for two days of bag-packing for customers at the Waitrose store on 21st and 23rd December.

We are very grateful to Waitrose for giving the Wyesham Scout Group this opportunity for the third year running.

As well as giving our boys and girls the chance to help others, it also raises much-needed funds for the group in the form of donations from customers.

Wyesham Scout Group is at present the only group running in the town and we have doubled in size during the past couple of years, putting great strain on our rather ancient resources.

Fundraising initiatives over the past 12 months have gone some way towards building up a new stock of kit, but there is still much that we require if we are to maximise outdoor opportunities for our young people.

Funds raised during our Waitrose bag pack will go directly towards our current goals: sports equipment for the Beavers, pioneering poles, three event dome tents, a heavy duty mess tent, two dormitory tents and possibly some lightweight tipis for Cub and Scout expeditions.

We would like to say a big thank you and Merry Christmas in advance to Waitrose and its customers for supporting the hard work and enthusiasm of our Beavers, Cubs and Scouts throughout this fundraising drive.

Wyesham Scout Group

(members of the executive committee)