WEEKLY column of Fairford and Lechlade news by Chris Roberts

1. Awards and new chair for Fairford Scout Group 

At the 1st Fairford Scout Group AGM last week, the Chair of the Trustees, Steve Yells stood down after being in post for 12 years. Steve said: “I was a Cub and a Scout when I was younger and found it a wonderful fun experience. I became a Trustee for the Scouts because I wanted to give something back to the organization that I loved. I have remained Chair for 12 years as I’ve been surrounded and supported by a good team of people.”

The new Chair is Georgina Pursch, a parent of one of the Cubs, Leo aged 8. She said: “Leo has enjoyed being a Cub. He loves the adventures and opportunities that the Cubs have offered. He has made friends and has grown in confidence. I am looking forward to doing my bit for the 1st Fairford Scout Group.”

Also at the AGM, five Beavers, Rowan Driscoll, Jackson Field, Jack Klee, Archie Moran and Joshua Simms – all aged 7 – were awarded their Chief Scout Bronze awards. This is the highest award a Beaver can gain.

To earn it, they had to complete all of the six challenge awards (World, Skills, Outdoors, Adventure, Teamwork and Personal Challenge) as well as any other four activity badges.

Beavers (aged 6-8 years), Cubs (aged 8-10½ years) and Scouts (aged 10½-14 years) can all enjoy camps, sleep overs with other camps in Gloucestershire, rafting on Horcott Lake and community activities. More Scout leaders are now required, so if you think you can help, please contact the Group Scout Leader, Ruth Garner at fairfordscouts@outlook.com.

2. All change at toddler play area 

Big changes have come to Fairford’s Walnut Tree Field! The Toddler play area has been completely revamped with an exciting new selection of play equipment. Fairford Town Council consulted with Fairford Pre-School and Flying Start Nursery and, of the three designs on offer, the one below was chosen by the children.

The Town Council has been fortunate to receive grants to help fund this project from Enovert, Flying Start Nursery, Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association and LR Engineering. Greenfields did the installation of the equipment that is now ready for children to enjoy.

3. Garden open to the public 

On Saturday June 29, the garden at The Bull Pens, East End, Fairford will be open to the public from 2pm. Tea and cake will be provided and the money raised will go to St Mary’s Church.

4. Farmor's School reunion 

The regular and popular Farmor’s School Reunions have been held for those attending the Fairford School pre-1970. The 2024 Reunion will take place on Saturday June 29 in Fairford Community Centre – the building that was the old Farmor’s School.

Doors open at 2pm until 5pm and refreshments will be provided. As in previous years, just bring along your memories and anecdotes and even the pals you shared your classroom with. No booking required. Just turn up.

5. Get car washed and support fund

Great opportunity to get your car washed and support the Fire Fighters’ Benevolent Fund. Taking place on Sunday June 30 between 9am-12 noon at the Fairford Fire Station in Hatherop Road.

6. Zumba classes on a Monday night

Zumba fitness classes are held at the Palmer Hall, Fairford every Monday evening at 6.30pm.

Zumba combines Latin and international music with a fun and effective workout system. Anyone can join the party! No booking or membership needed.

7. Local charity shop selling wide range of goods 

Your local Charity shop, run by the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities and based in the heart of Lechlade sells a wide range of quality goods including ladies’, gents’ & children’s clothing, books, craft supplies, toys, vinyl and various household items.

Pop by to pick up a bargain! Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm.

8. Evening of delicious food 

Join the Friends of Fairford & Lechlade Communities on Wednesday July 3 at the Trout Lechlade for a summer evening with delicious food.

Arrive at 7pm. Food served at 7.30pm.

Like all the Friends’ events, they are holding this to raise funds for the Charity to run the services they offer to local people. Enjoy a 2-course meal, £28 per person. To book, please contact Agneta on 01285 707300 or email admin@friendsoffairford.org.uk.

9. Pre-school meeting 

Little Lights is St Lawrence Church pre-school group and meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month during term time. Start at 9.30am with a short informal service with a candle, instruments, sticker cards and story. After that, children play, make things on the art table and enjoy snacks/drinks whilst parents/grandparents/carers chat and have a cuppa.

To finish, sing rhymes and take part in ring games. For some children, this is their first time in Church. New babies welcome even when they are asleep! There is no charge and no need to book. Come when you can leave when you must. Next event is on Wednesday July 3.

10. Charity creates new apprenticeships

 The Ernest Cook Trust, a UK educational charity based in Fairford, is a landowning charity, which funds and delivers opportunities for Outdoor Learning to young people, families, and communities on its own estates and with partner estates across the country.

Now, the Trust has created two new apprenticeships for Gloucestershire, as part of its commitment to provide opportunities for young people to have outdoor-based careers.

The first is for an Apprentice Conservation Ranger, working with the Trust’s Estate Ranger, and gaining valuable knowledge and experience in conservation, land, and wildlife management on the Trust’s Home Estates in the county.

The second is for an Apprentice Woodland Ranger, based at the Trust’s Redwood Outdoor Learning Centre, Slimbridge, and the role is an opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in woodland management. Ed Ikin, Chief Executive of The Ernest Cook Trust, said: “Our apprenticeships are helping us support the next generation of countryside workers, aligning with our values of progressive stewardship and cultivating connections within the community and the natural world.”

The closing date for applications for both roles is on Friday June 28. For more information, visit https://ernestcooktrust.org.uk/jobs/.