Cubs and Scouts from Burnside’s 113 Group took part in their annual bag-packing exercise at the Tesco Burnside store - and said goodbye to an old friend.
They joined local store staff who had dressed up for the day to entertain customers along with a small musical group and staff who had come in before their shift started to offer face-painting.
The Scouts helped customers at every till, making sure that groceries were safely packed- with eggs and bakery products safely on top, just as they had been trained to do.
Generous customers helped the youngsters beat a target of £500. The proceeds will help fund an activity day in June 2013 at the Scout outdoor activity centre at Auchengillan, on the road to Loch Lomond.
On that day, parents and brothers and sisters will be encouraged to try a range of games and activities alongside the Scouts, helping to show that Scouting is for everyone.
Group Scout Leader, Graeme Hamilton, said: “It’s always great to come along and help people in our local Tesco Burnside store. Karen and her team are great enthusiasts for community involvement. So many people here know about the 113 and what we do all year to help develop young people. This gives us a chance to say thank you, and do our good turn too.”
This year also marked the last occasion as bag-pack organiser for Josephine Gorman, a long-serving member of the group’s executive committee.
Josephine has been organising the annual bag-packs since they resumed in 1999, never missing a year and taking every opportunity herself to put on the purple and white neckie and pack alongside the youngsters.
Thanking her for years of service to the group, Graeme commented: “Organising about 25 bag-packs over 14 years is a great achievement, and Josephine has helped the young people raise several thousand pounds for their activities, camps and to help others.
“We’re very sad that she has decided to hang up her neckerchief but we know that Josephine will still keep involved with the group, especially as we start environmental work on the grounds at the front of the scout hall- a project that Josephine is very keen to see finished. “
The group meets in the Scout Hall, Crawfurd Road, on a Friday evening, resuming after the New Year, and always welcome new members.
