By Isle of Wight Observer
First Shanklin’s Beaver group, part of the Scout movement, joined Isle of Wight Royal British Legion president, Ian Ward, to plant 40 bulbs at Shanklin War Memorial as part of celebrations marking 40 years of Beaver Scouting activities for six to eight-year-olds on the Isle of Wight.
The planting was led by section lead volunteer, Dave Owen, known as “Oak”, with help from curator, Terry Carpenter.
Dave said: “The group has been challenged to organise 40 events for the celebrations, and the bulb-planting combined educational and community activities, alongside understanding the background to the memorial, with some children having links to those named on the memorial.”
The bulbs were donated by Honnor & Jeffrey and Terry Carpenter. A special plaque was placed with the bulbs, and each Beaver received a certificate signed by Ian Ward, Rev Mark Williams, Shanklin Mayor, Sara Sheath, and county lead volunteer, Graham Walmsley, who is looking forward to attending the Remembrance Service for the 50th time in November as a member of the Scout Association.
Dave added: “The group are well on their way to achieving 40 challenges, and being awarded their gardening badges, and I am sure they will keep an eye on the bulbs they planted every time they visit the Old Village.”