SCOUTS AND GUIDES
l talent
with the band. Members are
provided with all their uniform
and instruments, making the
organisation available to all.
Instrument instruction is taught by
six volunteer members who support band
leader Paul, with youngsters usually working
their way up the banding framework starting with
percussion instruments and moving on from there.
The dedicated and committed team who give up
their time freely to run the band includes Assistant
band leader is Stuart Nixon, instructor Sharon
Gould, drill instructor Mark Bradford, Penny
Whistle instructor Steve Rider, Quarter Master
Dave Sheldon and percussion/drum instructor
Steve Mellor.
Watching the members progress and learn the
discipline involved with being a band member is
hugely rewarding for 40 year old father of one Paul
who has been involved with the local scouting
movement most of his life.
On a final note Paul explained how thanks must
go out to a number of local organisations and
businesses who without their support and
sponsorship the band wouldn’t be able to run.
These include: Adam Bray of Estherchem, John
Cooper of Go-Go Designs, Asda in Leek, Leek Town
Council, The Rotary Club of Leek, Leek Lions,
S.M.D.C , Harold Critchlow and Julie Pointon of
Kingfisher Entertainments and Councillor Keith
Harrison. Paul added: “Their support allows this
opportunity for young people to try something new,
learn new skills, build confidence, and make
friends. The band really is the flagship of the
scouting movement being the part the public see.”
The
band meet
at the Scout Group
HQ at Fowl Church Lane at
Brough Park in Leek on Wednesday nights at
7pm to practise. Commitment to the band allows it
to participate in a whole array of galas, carnivals,
and parades as well as fun activities and trips.
Members do not need to be musical to join only
open to instruction and prepared to be dedicated
and committed. Everything is provided free of
charge with just £1 subs a week for band members
to pay.
It is part of a small but progressive district
comprising of seven groups, three of which are
based in Leek, two in Cheadle, one in Endon and
one in Cheddleton. All groups are run by volunteers
that receive ongoing training and support to
provide a well-structured and attractive
programme for all age ranges. The district also has
3 District Explorer groups and a growing Network
which now caters for the 18 to 25 age range.
As ever for more information please go to
www.moorlandsscout.org or 07516706504
Leek Life May/June 2014 21