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.
☕ Brew it Forward – Nominate a Volunteer for a Well-Earned Cuppa!
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 Brew it forward! Chill Out Membership System Programme Team Youth Shaped Safety Making plans for the future New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford needed Poacher 2026 Jamboree and County Internationals
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Adam Jacklin will be stepping down from his role as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford District on 4 November 2025. As Adam prepares to step down as District Lead Volunteer for Sleaford this November, I would like to take the opportunity to offer my thanks for the energy, dedication, and leadership he has brought to the role. Adam has been a driving force behind many positive developments within the District, always bringing a thoughtful and steady approach to everything he does. Throughout his term, Adam has consistently put young people at the centre of our work. His collaborative style has helped build strong teams and foster a real sense of community among our volunteers. Whether supporting events, shaping strategy, or mentoring others, Adam has been generous with his time and tireless in his commitment to the values of Scouting. While Adam is stepping back from the DLV role, I know his involvement with the District and County will continue. I look forward to seeing the next chapter of his Scouting journey and extend our warmest thanks for the significant contribution he has made over the years. We are looking a new District Lead Volunteer roles for Sleaford District. As a result we are now recruiting for its next inspirational volunteer (or team of volunteers) to lead Sleaford District. Please click to download the pack which contains detailed information about the role as well as 2 application forms which volunteers can use to either express their interest in the role or to nominate someone else for consideration. We would love to hear from you if you would like to apply or if you would like to find out more information about the role. The deadline for all applications is 1 July 2025. Interviews will be held in July. Please contact malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk or howard.nelson@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk if you have any questions. The application form and more information about the role is enclosed here . Applications should be sent to malcolm.moore@lincolnshirescouts.org.uk Deadline for Applications: 23:59 1 July 2025
Module 10 First Response An opportunity to complete your Module 10- First Aid. During the day, you will complete your First Aid training, meaning you'll have all the skills and knowledge to manage an incident and cover basic First Aid. This is a county-run event, but taking place locally, so if you need to complete your first response training soon, now is the ideal opportunity! There are two courses, and they will take place at: 1) Grantham - May 10 Scout Hq, Earlesfield Lane, Lincs, NG31 7NT 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320058754269?aff=oddtdtcreator 2) Boston - June 15 8th Boston (Wyberton): Tytton Lane East, Wyberton, PE21 7HP 0900-1600 Link to Book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1320060278829?aff=oddtdtcreator Further dates will be published in due course. Bring a packed lunch Notepad and pen Tea and Coffee provided
Bookings are now open The county over 18s only camp, training and social event is back from 13th - 14th September 2025 at Sudbrooke Park Campsite, Lincoln. The event is running from Saturday 13 September (with activities starting 10am) to Sunday 14 September (Lunchtime) and also the option to just come for the day on the Saturday. Full information and details will be shared with all participants before the event. The cost of the event is £7 for member within Lincolnshire Scouts and £10 for any other member of the Scout Association. All scouters, including Trustee Board members and Helpers are welcome. Cost includes badge, travel mug, access to the event and all activities and tea/coffee/squash facilities throughout the event. Booking Link = https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=QyFEsSceqkGXT_kCaIBQ3q-HEZPLrxVCm8sIMQEi9TVURUo1OVBETERETE5NTzVMUlY0MVJOMTlBSS4u
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 New District Lead Volunteer - South Holland Neurodiversity and Special Education Needs (SEN) support Jamboree and International Save the Date UK Youth Forum Message from the Chief Scout – Awards Earn Extra Money This Summer: Become a Site Lead for a High Ropes Adventure Park!
Bookings open at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bob-beavers-on-boats-2025-tickets-1266630418679?aff=oddtdtcreator
