Any parent visiting the hut over the last few years could hardly not notice the state of the building. Water damage caused the ceiling to bulge and the whole place is in need of some tender, loving care.

That's what a group of parents thought and with the backing of both Stocksbridge groups, the hut is getting some much needed repairs. Funding has come, so far, from Stocksbridge Town Council but we are currently seeking other grants. We have Deborah Firth to thank for obtaining the necessary grants we need and Paul Manion, her partner, for overseeing the work (well doing the work). 

Over the summer the work will continue and hopefully by September the interior will be complete (No pressure then Paul!). Our local MP, Angela Smith, recently visited to see what we were doing and was very supportive of the scheme. 

The work will do much to help the short-term needs of the scout group. If you would like to help with this work or would like to donate to the success of the venture please contact ...... With nearly 200 young people using the hut every week, we need a building that can cope with the demand.

This year was the turn of York for our Troop day out. Yorks a great place to visit and with so many attractions. The day started with a little drizzle in Meadowhall car park and an anxious wait for the ticket office to open. Luckily the train was delayed - staff shotages, and we managed to catch the one we wanted. A quick change at Doncaster station where the scouts managed to 'entertain' other travellers with Jambo before 'treeing' a passing train.

On arrival at York we went straight to the Railway Museum, where the patrols were challenged to come up with a guides speech about one of the exhibits. As usual this involved loads of blood and guts. We had lunch outside before all the scouts went on the miniature railway. They said it would only seat 12 but we proved them wrong although the driver wasn't as enthusiastic as our kids!

 In the afternoon we walked into York before the scouts played Where's Wally orour version, Where's Nick. Its surprising how hard it is to spot Nick in the crowd. Em And N do blend in more easily though! Eventually they found them and we split up, half going to Gamestation and the other half to Borders!. Then after ice creams (most welcome considering the heat) we went wall walking where we serended a group of tourist with the Pirate Song and Beaver Jive.

A short stop, well it should have been, at Maccydees (How can they call it fast food when you wait for a half hour to get it!) and it was back to the station top catch the slow train to Sheffield. It stopped at nearly every stop on the way back.  Some of the scouts listened to music, others played games whilst quite a few took the time to meditate (well sleep). Next year it should be Scarborough!

Bear Grylls (pictured right) is the new Chief Scout of the UK. He takes over from Peter Duncan. Bear is a great choice. Probably better known for his survival programs on TV, Bera was first involved at the age of 8 in the cubs and went onto be a scout. He was once quoted as saying that Scouting was one of the greatest things Britain has given to the world.

Now if we can just get him down to a meeting to show us some new skills. Are you reading Bear ???

The Scout troop had another great time on the river at Oughtibridge. The weather was great although some were complaining that it was cold, but thats Young Leaders for you! Everyone who went was taken down rapids and whitewater before they paddled in the calm waters and played canoe football.

More photos are are our photosite and on smugmug.