On Sunday 7/10/01 I had to go to the hall to check over our minibus so it would be ready for use for our forthcoming camp. Unfortunately, some vandals had broken into it, set fire to the seats and ripped out most of the internal wiring, relays and fuses. This meant it was unusable and, in view of the damage done, beyond repair. After a few phone calls it was decided to scrap the mini bus. Not ideal, but it meant that it could not get damaged any more and cause a potential hazard to the hall.
This means we are now without a minibus, but we are continuously fund raising and there are a couple of avenues we are exploring to get some more money. More about those if they come off!
The good news is that there has been an article in The Sentinel (our local newspaper) on Monday 15/10/0. I’ve typed it out below –
The Sentinel Monday 15/10/01
Vandals destroy Scouts’ minibus
By Denise Markham – Newcastle Reporter
Vandals have left a Scout Group in limbo after wrecking the Group’s minibus which was to take them on a trip.
Boys from Porthill Scouts were scheduled to go on a camping trip this weekend to Kibblestone in Stone, but vandals have now damaged their minibus.
The culprits forced the vehicle’s locks open and set fire to the seats, ripped out the electrics and snatched the radio and speakers.
It is believed that a gang of youths climbed over a four-foot wall to make their way in to St. Andrew’s Church Hall car park, where the 10-seater vehicle was kept, before carrying out the vandalism, a week ago.
The Scouts are now having to make alternative transport plans to ensure they do not miss out on the camping trip.
Police say they are aware of the incident and special patrols have been stepped up following a number of complaints about anti-social behaviour in the area. Officers are also visiting schools to talk to pupils about the consequences of anti-social behaviour.
Nick Wood, leader of the Scout Group, said: "The bus was 10 years old but it was safe and road worthy and we took the Group out frequently on camping trips, to play football, ice skating and hiking.
"I’m very annoyed at what’s happened and we are having to get rid of the minibus.
"We were supposed to be going on a camping trip next weekend so we will have to think of other ways to get there. We will still be going. We won’t let vandalism stop us.
"It is annoying. We give up our spare time to give young people a good time and something different to do and it feels like it’s all been thrown away."
PC Paul Bonell-Sims, North Staffordshire antisocial behaviour co-ordinator, said work to reduce antisocial behaviour was taking place.
"Presently within the North Staffs Division, 33 per cent of our time is spent dealing with nuisance and disorder incidents," he said.
"It is for that reason, reducing the levels of antisocial behaviour is a divisional priority. We have received almost 100 calls complaining of disorder in these areas so far this year.
"We currently hold more antisocial behaviour orders than any other division within the country, which will be increasing before the end of the year.
"Only a small minority of teenagers cause these problems but they have a huge detrimental impact on lives of those who suffer.
"We accept that we cannot be everywhere all of the time but would urge members of the public to contact the police when they are affected by groups of teenagers causing problems.
"We do not wish for the silent majority to suffer."
Porthill Scouts are now hoping to raise £2000 for a minibus.
As soon as the above article was in the paper, than one of our local radio stations, Signal, rang to see if they could do anything for us. After quite a few phone calls between them and myself, Signal arranged the hire of a small van for the weekend for us. Also Bradwell Community Shop and one of our old Scout Leaders, Dave Farr, gave us a donation for the minibus fund. So many thanks to both Signal, Bradwell Community Shop and Dave for their support.
On Thursday 18/10/01, the following appeared in The Sentinel –
The Sentinel Thursday 18/10/01
Scouts weekend back on track
A Scouts camping trip which was in danger of being cancelled can now go ahead thanks to the generosity of a charity.
The Porthill Scouts had arranged a trip this weekend to Kibblestone near Stone, but because vandals damaged their minibus so badly it looked like the trip would have to be abandoned.
But after reading in The Sentinel about the plight of the Scouts, Signal Radio’s Walkathon Appeal arranged for a van from Afford Rent-a-Car in Shelton to help them out.
Leader of Porthill Scouts Nick Wood said: "The weekend can now go ahead and the Scouts can look forward to a great time."
So, we were able to go camping. All we need to do now is some major fundraising!
