On Saturday 27 November, the Prime Minister announced new temporary measures following the emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the UK. Yesterday we also received new direction from The Scout Association and National Youth Agency as result.

From today everyone aged 11+ must wear a face covering when indoors, our expectation is this will cover all Sea Scouts, Explorers and adults, unless they are exempt. There will be certain scenarios that mean a face mask will not be worn including those that are exempt and when delivering sessions or eating. Unfortunately we are not able to provide face coverings so it is important that your child attends with one.

Since the removal of restrictions we have continued to promote the washing and sanitising of hands with hand gel by the leaders teams. We also ensure that The Den is well ventilated. Our expectation is that no one attends section meetings or other events whilst feeling unwell. Whilst we appreciate that there are colds and other illnesses other than COVID, we want to be confident that all our young people are following the guidance from school and testing twice weekly using lateral flow device (LFD) tests. I have asked that leaders that believe a young person is not well to contact you with a view that they are collected.

All young people aged 12 and above can take up the offer of the vaccine, to book a vaccination, please visit Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

Christmas Carol Service and Toy Collection

Due to the latest guidance the our planned Christmas Carol and Toy Church Parade next Sunday will not go ahead, as both the leadership and I do not feel that the event can be fully appreciated in the current circumstances.

We are still however collecting donations of toys and gifts for the Marigold Centre, to support children and families in the town who aren’t as fortunate as many of us, which can be brought to The Den on your child’s normal meeting night (unwrapped please).

We hope that these temporary measures don’t last long however we do ask for your support through this period to minimise the transmission of coronavirus.

We’re pleased to add two new RYA Senior Dinghy Sailing Instructors to our ranks.

Megan & Harry, who have both taught numerous Scouts and Explorers to sail in Old Leigh, spent the past week in Poole Harbour on the RYA’s SI course learning how to run sailing sessions, manage instructors and run a sailing centre. Huge well done to both of you, and looking forward to seeing you using your skills to get more Scouts out on the water gaining qualifications and skills for life!

After the success of our Pass The Scarf video back at the start of the pandemic and the introduction of a new lockdown we have been working to bring everyone in the group virtually together once again.

In January our Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders have all been filming clips for our new video. We hope you enjoy our Mexican Wave!