A ‘ROYAL oak’ tree, derived from the royal estate, has been planted at a new campsite for scouts in Wiltshire.
West Wiltshire District Scout Association has a new campsite next to Biss Wood, near Trowbridge. The ‘Royal Oak’ comes from an acorn from a tree on the royal estate. It is the last of 5,700 trees which make up the new Jubilee Wood, which is laid out in the shape of a crown to mark the Queen’s 60 years as monarch.
Scouts from Westbury will be among those who will use the site for their camps and activities, and last year Westbury Town Council pledged £500 to help with the new site. The Scouts also appealed to local residents for donations to help fund the site.
John Cox, chairman of West Wiltshire District Scout Association said, “This event marks the end of a very exciting phase of our project, none of which would have been possible without help from parents, members, leaders, members of the public and grants from various bodies including Westbury Town Council.
“With the help of White Horse News readers and grants including one from Wiltshire Council and grants from each of the five town councils in West Wilts, we have raised over £160,000; we still have over £2,000 to raise to complete the project.
“When we open, the site will be used by Scouts and Guides and will be available to other local youth groups and organisations
“We have 12 Scout groups in Melksham, Warminster, Bradford on Avon, Trowbridge, Westbury and surrounding villages with over 800 young members.”
If you would like to donate to the new Scout site, please contact John Cox on 01225 864270 or email jandbcox@hotmail. com
Pictured: Explorer Scout Che Pengkerego and Warminster group Scout Leader Gavin Davis planting the “Royal Oak” at the new Jubilee Wood Scout Camp Site and Youth Activity Centre.