When a little means a lot
Author: Richard Harvey
Published: April 19, 2020
Making change in your community makes people’s lives better, helps more people than you expect and taking action also develops us as individuals.
There is no doubt about it, these times are unsettling.
I am usually someone who reviews a situation, acknowledges how bad it might be then just works out what to do next but at the moment it sometimes feels impossible to know what to do for the best.
One thing I know is true… there is always something that can be done. No matter how bad the situation, there is always a way forward, there is always hope.
Have a think about Captain Tom Moore. Like many, I have been totally captivated by a man walking in his garden, constantly checking the justgiving page to check his sky rocketing total (£16.4 million at the time of writing but rising fast). He was an individual who just thought he’d do a little something that now means a lot more; not only to the NHS Charities that will benefit but now it means something to the whole nation. What his garden walks and his life experiences symbolise has brought people together, across the world as donations and messages of support are coming in from everywhere.
The number of donations that have made up that huge total mean that the average donation is £20. Not much when we’re considering millions but every one of those smaller efforts has made up an incredible whole. His actions are inspiring others too … take a look at 90 year old Margaret Payne climbing the equivalent of Suilven on her stairs and at the time of writing had raised £234,392 for the NHS on her fundraising page
After Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, I wanted to do something to make a difference. Advised by a friend who was working for one of the charities going to the area, the Cubs of 27th Lincoln wrote letters to be opened by children affected by the typhoon. I was sceptical. Such a small gesture couldn’t possibly have the impact I was hoping for. It did. In a much bigger way than we ever expected. Not only did we all receive letters back but we realised that we had made personal connections that lifted all of us far higher than we could ever imagine. I have kept in touch with many of the parents and we now send each other mutual messages of support as we face yet another difficulty, but this time together.
Explorer Charlie in Horncastle also knows the benefit a letter can make and has recently been recognised by Lincolnshire County Council for the letters he is writing to veterans and serving personnel via the Lincoln Bomber Command Centre. Bravo, Charlie.
There is no doubt about it, these times are unsettling.
I am usually someone who reviews a situation, acknowledges how bad it might be then just works out what to do next but at the moment it sometimes feels impossible to know what to do for the best.
One thing I know is true… there is always something that can be done. No matter how bad the situation, there is always a way forward, there is always hope.
Have a think about Captain Tom Moore. Like many, I have been totally captivated by a man walking in his garden, constantly checking the justgiving page to check his sky rocketing total (£16.4 million at the time of writing but rising fast). He was an individual who just thought he’d do a little something that now means a lot more; not only to the NHS Charities that will benefit but now it means something to the whole nation. What his garden walks and his life experiences symbolise has brought people together, across the world as donations and messages of support are coming in from everywhere.
The number of donations that have made up that huge total mean that the average donation is £20. Not much when we’re considering millions but every one of those smaller efforts has made up an incredible whole. His actions are inspiring others too … take a look at 90 year old Margaret Payne climbing the equivalent of Suilven on her stairs and at the time of writing had raised £234,392 for the NHS on her fundraising page
After Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, I wanted to do something to make a difference. Advised by a friend who was working for one of the charities going to the area, the Cubs of 27th Lincoln wrote letters to be opened by children affected by the typhoon. I was sceptical. Such a small gesture couldn’t possibly have the impact I was hoping for. It did. In a much bigger way than we ever expected. Not only did we all receive letters back but we realised that we had made personal connections that lifted all of us far higher than we could ever imagine. I have kept in touch with many of the parents and we now send each other mutual messages of support as we face yet another difficulty, but this time together.
Explorer Charlie in Horncastle also knows the benefit a letter can make and has recently been recognised by Lincolnshire County Council for the letters he is writing to veterans and serving personnel via the Lincoln Bomber Command Centre. Bravo, Charlie.
There is always something to be done. When the Scout Easter Fair was cancelled in Wittering, Scout Ellie was sad to know that the usual appearance of the Easter Bunny would not take place. So she put on a bunny costume and went out to wave to children in her area that might otherwise not had a visit while on lockdown. Bravo, Ellie.
Have a think about the situation you are in and others around you. Making change in your community makes people’s lives better, helps more people than you expect and taking action also develops us as individuals. What could make a difference? It could be action on an issue over a number of months or simply a call to a family member you have not seen for a while, a letter to the local fire/police/ambulance station/hospital to thank them for their service, a rainbow in the window for all the key workers, just doing a little job for the person caring for you so they have one less thing to do today, a hug to someone you can still be close to, a smile and a hello for a stranger you pass on the street …..
One thing I can guarantee, every little thing you choose to do for others will mean a whole lot more to them.
Take care, be kind.
One thing I can guarantee, every little thing you choose to do for others will mean a whole lot more to them.
Take care, be kind.
Awards Ceremony We held our annual Adult Awards Evening at Burghley House, celebrating the achievements and dedication of volunteers across Lincolnshire over the past year. During the evening, we recognised a range of prestigious awards, including the King’s Scout Award, Explorer Belt, Silver Acorn, and the Silver Wolf. These awards are among the highest honours in Scouting and recognise outstanding service, commitment, and the positive impact volunteers make for young people.
Young Leader Training Weekend – Book Now! Are you a Scout Young Leader or Explorer Scout looking to develop your leadership skills? Join us for a fantastic Young Leader Training Weekend at 7th Grantham Scout HQ from 5–7 June . This weekend will give you the chance to complete Young Leader training modules (A–J) , build confidence, and gain practical skills to support younger sections in Scouting. The Young Leaders’ Scheme helps Explorers aged 14–18 develop leadership skills while volunteering alongside adult leaders in Beavers, Cubs or Scouts. What to expect • Arrival Friday evening – collection Sunday afternoon • Camping available (day visitors also welcome) • Training modules A–J delivered • Fun activities and additional skill sessions • Meet other Young Leaders from across the area • All meals included 📍 Location: 7th Grantham Scout HQ, Earlsfield Lane, Grantham 📋 Book your place here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/E2vdn4ekwA Places are limited, so please book early and share with Young Leaders in your group or district . #Scouts #YoungLeaders #SkillsForLife #LincolnshireScouts #VolunteerLeadership
Leadership Opportunities in the Lincolnshire Scouts Senior Team
Congratulations Andrew!
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lincs County Bulletin. This is issued on the first Friday of each month. The bulletin will be sent to all adults registered on My Membership and distributed widely. To submit material for the bulletin please email howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk . Download as a PDF View historic Bulletins In this issue: From the County Lead Volunteer County Young Leader Training Weekend Digital App First Aid in Scouts Honoured at Westminster Abbey Grantham Gangshow County Programme Team Leader and County Youth Lead Vacancies Air Rifle Course Archery Course 16 Hour Outdoor First Aid Course
Vacancy - County Treasurer & Trustee We are looking for a volunteer Treasurer for our Lincolnshire County Trustee Board to start in late September.
Dates for First Response Courses
Prog Fest 2026
