Newbridge Kildare Lions Club and Newbridge Scouts.
This year sees the completion of a very successful partnership between the Newbridge Kildare Lions and Newbridge Scouts. The Lions Club has been assisting the Scouts for the past four years; with advice and financial support for some much needed repairs and equipment for the Scout’s den. The result is that Newbridge Scouts are now in a position to increase their membership.
Oliver Murphy, Lions Club member and manager of this project outlined the history.
“4 years ago we had a meeting with the scouts and discussed their requirements.
There was a shortage of tents for their away jamborees; they needed extra storage for their equipment; the roof on the Scouts Den was leaking; the kitchen was too small and the male and female toilets were not up to standard. In addition the electrics needed to be upgraded.”
Newbridge Scouts have increased their membership from 17 scouts and 3 leaders in 2003 to nearly 90 members and 15 leaders in 2010. Scouting promotes growth, development and education in young people. Anthony Corcoran of the Newbridge Scouts thanked the Lions Club for their continuing support in helping deliver the scouting programme to the members and their families in Newbridge.
Today the Lions Club are pleased that they have met all the above requirements including major repairs to the roof; refurbishment of the inside to upgrade the kitchen and toilet facilities and electrics; the supply of tents, paint and outdoor catering equipment in the form of large barbeques. This means that the Scouts can now continue to grow and contribute to life in Newbridge.
After a successful trip to Bad Lippspringe last July, Newbridge Scouts are hoping to build on their relationship with the local scouts group there. A return visit from the German scouts would be welcomed and the work of the Lions, in conjunction with the fund-raising activities of parents and members may make that possible.
Lions Club President Michael Habenicht recently visited the Scouts Den, along with Oliver Murphy to see the improvements that had been made. Michael commented “The project provided an ideal opportunity for the Lions Club to participate in and assist a very worthwhile project that ensures the continued growth of the Scouts movement in Newbridge”.
Photos shows L-R: Scout Leader Anthony Corcoran, Michael Habenicht, President Newbridge Kildare Lions and Lion Oliver Murphy .
13.06.2011