Badgers get £500 donation

Wearing their new uniforms with pride, Bishops Waltham Badgers celebrate becoming the latest children’s group in Hampshire for the first aid charity St John Ambulance.

Goal is Super Badger

The group, for children aged from five to 10 years, was launched in September and has just been given a £500 donation from the Rotary Club of Bishops Waltham.

The generous gift has bought supplies of toys, equipment and art materials for the youngsters to enjoy at their weekly meetings.

Christopher Addoo, Leader of the Bishops Waltham group, said: ‘I would like to thank Rotary for their kind donation.  We are a very new group and this has allowed us to buy a really fantastic selection of toys, pens and crafts.’

Rotary President John Edwards added: ‘Our philosophy, especially in these stretched times, is to put money back into the local community.’

The new Badger sett has 14 members who meet every Tuesday at the St John Ambulance hall in Little Shore Lane, Bishops Waltham.

Like other groups, the boys and girls learn a range of topics and earn badges when they complete each subject area.  Their goal is the Super Badger award, which is presented when they have achieved 12 badges.

Pat Morris, Commander of St John Ambulance, Hampshire, presented certificates to the youngsters who had all passed their ‘Welcome’ Badger award.

She said: ‘I joined St John when I was 11 because I knew I wanted to be a nurse.  I hope these children enjoy it as much as I have.  I think they all look wonderful in their new uniforms.’

St John Ambulance is now keen to set up a Cadet group in Bishops Waltham for the 11 to16-year-old age group and is looking for volunteers.

Mr Addoo said: ‘If anyone enjoys working with young people we would love to hear from them.  We know young people want to join – we just need more youth leaders so we can get the group off the ground.’  St John Ambulance provides training and support for its youth leaders, who are subject to CRB checks.