ONE of the oldest scout groups in the UK and in Comet country is in danger of closing its doors after more than a century. Now it is appealing to the public for help otherwise it might have to fold. The 1st Baldock Scout Group has two beaver colonies, tw

ONE of the oldest scout groups in the UK and in Comet country is in danger of closing its doors after more than a century.

Now it is appealing to the public for help otherwise it might have to fold.

The 1st Baldock Scout Group has two beaver colonies, two cub packs and a large scout troop based in Letchworth GC, Baldock and Ashwell.

In a few weeks time, two long standing scout leaders are due to retire, leaving the Friday night scout troop with too few uniformed scout leaders to function. With an average turnout on a Friday night of around 40 scouts, aged between 101/2 and 14 years old, the troop needs at least another two scout leaders to be able to operate successfully.

A recent parent rota has been quite successful. However, future activities and meetings will not be possible without the proper ratio of uniformed leaders to children.

The group's recent attempts to recruit new leaders have, unfortunately, been unsuccessful.

Keith Glanville, executive committee member of 1st Baldock Scout Group, said: "This is quite a serious issue because if nobody steps forward to help us we might have to close.

"We need adults to help us and if we can't find them then we will have to look at possibly closing the scout troop which would be a great disappointment to many young children who enjoy scouting.

"I am hoping someone out there will read this and be ideal for the job. It can be a very rich and rewarding aspect to one's life."

A new zcout leader need not have children at the group, or indeed any previous scouting experience as the scout movement provides an excellent framework to help leaders to train and develop their skills.

".In addition to the weekly troop meetings and troop activities, such as camps, wide games and events, there is also the opportunity to get involved in activities at group, district, county and national levels," added Mr Glanville.

Anyone who might be interested in becoming a scout leader can contact the group on scouts@1stbaldockscoutgroup.org.uk