Scouts coin call for Czech trip

Scouts from the Newark district are appealing for people to help them collect special coins marking the centenary of the Scouting movement.

Thirty Scouts and leaders will visit the Czech Republic in the summer and they want to present the coins to two groups with which they have formed a friendship.

Members of the Ratbor and Planany Scout groups, in Kolin, stayed in Newark two years ago and camped in the grounds of Kelham Hall.

The 50p commemorative coin features the movement’s emblem, the fleur de lys, and their motto, Be Prepared.

About 7m were made by the Royal Mint last year in celebration of the 100th anniversary.

The leader of 7th Newark Scouts, Mr Rodney Cousins, said he wanted to give them as gifts to the Czech Scouts as a thank you for their hospitality.

Mr Cousins said they wanted to collect enough coins for each of the Czech Scouts and any left would be given to local Scouts, who were not going on the trip and would like one as a keepsake.

He said: “They are in fairly short supply and I’ve found three so far.

“If people look hard enough we might get some to take with us. People often don’t look at their change enough.”

Mr Cousins said he would be willing to exchange an ordinary 50p coin for the centenary one.

“If people would accept that I would be very grateful. That’s their currency value but they have got that sentimental value to us,” he said.

Anyone with a quantity of the coins can contact Mr Cousins on Newark 680319.