Scouting twins begin their fundraising journey

SCOUTS Will and George Lister have been busy fundraising after being chosen to represent their Scout group at the World Scout Jamboree in 2019.

After finding out that they will be representing 1st Broughton Gifford and Holt, at the next World Scout Jamboree, Will and George have been busy making homemade items such as paracord bracelets, keyrings, cards, bottle lights and necklaces to sell at craft stalls to raise money to fund their trip.

Will had his own stall at the Melksham Christmas Fayre whilst his brother, George, was at the Corsham Creative Market last month. Their total so far raised from selling the products is £300, with some more design ideas in mind.

Alison Candlin, the boys’ mother said, “They’ve been making paracord bracelets and key rings for a few years, after learning the basics at Scouts and through watching YouTube video tutorials. These are actually their best sellers so far.

“We thought they needed something to appeal to ladies too but they weren’t keen on doing anything too girly. The necklaces made from washers seemed like a good compromise, appealing to their manliness, but with the finished product looking really pretty. This was an idea we found on Pinterest, and it’s incredibly simple to do, but very effective.

“The cards are also really simple but have ended up looking professional. They are prints of photos that the boys have taken, mostly around the place where we live, and mostly taken on their phones. Our dog features in some of them and they are always on the look out for new images to make more cards from when they start to run low on stock.

“The bottle lights are the things they are most proud of I think. We saw something similar for sale some months ago and remembered them when we starting thinking about money-making possibilities. Both boys like a bit of DIY and woodworking and thought that this was something they could put together themselves. Dad has helped a bit with the circular saw to cut the mitres, but they are learning to use that safely while building the boxes, so they’re developing their skills at the same time.

“They have a lot of fundraising to do, as each Scout needs to raise around £4,000. This fee pays for their own flights and Jamboree costs, as well as helping to pay for a Scout from a developing nation to attend.

“Our village pub, The Pear Tree in Whitley, has been fantastically supportive by saving their empty bottles so that we don’t have to drink all that gin! And they’re promoting them for us behind the bar. The boys are also happy to make bespoke items, if people have a particular favourite tipple (and an empty bottle). They have an email address if anyone would like to commission one: jamboree.lister@outlook.com.

“Two family friends have asked them to make hedgehog houses, so that’s their next product line. They’re happy to try to turn their hand to anything similar – another customer has requested a bottle light that can be left outside and run on solar power – design development in action.

“They also packed bags in a few local supermarkets before Christmas and will do so again in the coming months. They are likely to be familiar faces by the time they reach their fundraising target!”

World Scout Jamborees are held every fours years, giving Scouts the opportunity to be involved in incredible activities including white water rafting, high octane mountain biking and huge zip wires that bring together the world’s Scouts to promote peace and mutual understanding and to develop leadership and life skills.