Middleton Scouts blown away by support following Rochdale Online publicity

Explorer Scout leader Jonathan Gillibrand with the former Mayor of Rochdale Carol Wardle

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Back in November 2015 Rochdale Online published an article highlighting Middleton Scout Group's fundraising campaign to purchase a minibus.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99449/scout-group-embark-on-a-fundraising-campaign-for-a-minibus

Since the article was published they have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community.

Explorer Scout leader Jonathan Gillibrand said: “What has been achieved in such a short space of time is truly unbelievable; it’s a credit to the people of Middleton.”

The fundraising campaign has even been a talking point within the local council, as the initial donation came from the then former Mayor of Rochdale, Carol Wardle. Leading from this, the local organisations stepped up with donations from; Middleton Round Table, Queen Elizabeth foundation and Middleton Rotary club.

Antony Nicholson, Round Table chairwoman, said: “As the organisers of many popular community events like Mayday and Middfest. We are always looking to give something back to local people, so together with fellow members we just had to get involved with this worthy cause.”

Local businesses have also made significant donations all, with stories to tell about their connection with scouting. Gill Carrol office manager at Timperley Taylor Solicitors added: “Having read the article on Rochdale Online, this brought back lots of happy memories about scouting and we just had to make a donation to the fund.”

Jonathan Heywood MD, at James Thorpe & Sons Joinery Contractors added: “As a former Scout leader at 16th Middleton (Long Street) seeing the article made me act right away. Once a Scout always a Scout it seems to be in your blood.”

A spokesman for Barlow electrical contractors added: “Most of us here have some association to Scouting and would love to make a difference.”

Jackie Ainsley, from Ainsley Signs, mentioned the excitement of working with the Scouts: “We are really happy to be involved with 1st Middleton Scouts, and will be very excited, to be able to brand and logo the minibus for free.”

Personal donations have been received from members of the congregation at Middleton Parish Church, together with parental donations, from members of the group.

Jonathan said: “As a leader at 1st Middleton Scout group, we have been blown away with the generosity of local people, who we can’t thank enough. I didn’t imagine for one minute how successfully the fundraising campaign has become in such a short space of time.

“Speaking with so many different people in the town, it makes you realise how successful Scouting in Middleton really is. It has been really nice hearing the sponsor’s stories how being part of our organisation, has touched their lives so much. And how being a Scout has built up skills and knowledge, they now use on a daily basis.”

Jonathan also added: “We are still not quite there and would love to encourage some more sponsors to come forward.”

If any reader can assist the group contact Jonathan Gillibrand Explorer Leader:

07879 498 901