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.
What Trustees do, really makes a difference. Lincolnshire Scouts are looking for a new Trustee for a 3 year term starting from September 2025. We need your experience and wisdom to help us make sure we’re well governed and managed.
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 Winners Announced! Chill Out - Groups and Staff Lincs Fest - Bookings open Inclusion Survey Join the Support Team New Lead Volunteer for Sleaford Needed From the County Youth Lead William Swift - Chief Scout’s Unsung Hero Award Winner Safety training Vacancies in County Section Support team National Scout Archery Competition
Congratulations to William of 7th Grantham for being 1 of 20 unsung heroes to receive an award from Chief Scout Dwayne Fields
World Scout Jamboree Leader Applications
☕ 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
We want to hear from YOU!
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
