Scouting in Macclesfield and Congleton District made an exciting comeback after a two-year break.

The English tradition, hampered the coronavirus pandemic, welcomed the return of an action-packed camp and activity weekend at Barnswood Campsite on Leek Old Road, Macclesfield.

The busy event was attended by over 350 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers from among the nearly 1,200 members across an area including: 

Macclesfield, Congleton, Gawsworth, Rainow, Bollington and Poynton. 

As the first camp following the pandemic, this was the earliest opportunity that many of the young people present had to experience all

 that scouting has to offer. 

The group have a premesis on 32 West Bond Street, Macclesfield.

As well as traditional scout skills and camping events, those attending had the chance to try their hand at rock climbing and 

an extensive range of other outdoor activities. 

Macclesfield's MP, David Rutley, visited to give his thanks to the organisers and see the wide range of 

activities on offer. The Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr David Edwardes, was shown around with the Conservative MP.

Mike Brown, District Commissioner for Macclesfield and Congleton Scouts explained to the guests of honour, that an important theme for the weekend was to help the young people attending to appreciate the need to protect the environment 

and improve awareness of how we can all play our part in tackling climate change.

This will support the wider scouting movement's "Promise to the Planet", which is running throughout 2022, but will be a message that will continue in the future.

The event was made possible thanks to the time and dedication of close to 100 adult volunteers from the Macclesfield and Congleton area. 

This turnout was a great achievement, but Mr Brown emphasised the continued need for more adult volunteers to help maintain the

 scouting programme in the local area and support more young people to get involved in the movement. 

Those who want to get involved can contact the Macclesfield & Congleton District Scout by calling 01625 423338.

The need for more adult volunteers become more acute as we emerge from the pandemic. 

Mr Brown said, "It's a fantastic team to be a part of, and a great way of building skills in teamwork and management, as well as 

a great way to meet like-minded people to make a difference to young people".  

Any local residents who are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities them can also contact Mr Brown at [email protected] or on [email protected].

Macclesfield: David Rutley MP celebrated the 12 year anniversary of his election to parliament at the weekend. (Image - Chris McAndrew)

Speaking after his visit, Macclesfield's MP of 12 years said, "This was a much anticipated event."

"It was clear from the high turnout that it lived up to expectations. 

"Scouting has so much to offer, both for the young people who have the chance to make friends, gain confidence and learn key life 

skills, as well as for the adults who can share and develop their own abilities and make a difference in their community.

"I would encourage interested local residents to see how they can step forward and support this positive movement in our area." 

Macclesfield and Congleton District scout covers 21 groups, and has a membership of 1,589 people.

The non-profit is entirely ran by volunteers. Find more about them here.

It is believed that Congleton's MP - Fiona Bruce - did not attend.

Macclesfield: Have you signed up for our FREE Friday weekly newsletter? It contains each week's top 10 Macclesfield news stories, and one EXCLUSIVE article?

1200 of you have signed up already. Simply enter your email address in the shaded box below or on this link.

Free from pop-up ads, or unwanted surveys, Macclesfield Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.