Scout post is a first-class deal (From Penarth Times)

Scout post is a first-class deal

A PENARTH Scout group is taking a well-deserved break after delivering thousands of Christmas cards in Penarth.

Scouts, Venture Scouts, Guides and numerous volunteers at the 6th Penarth Trinity Scout Group worked tirelessly over the festive period, delivering cards to 315 local roads as part of their post scheme.

This year, the scheme was co-ordinated by Sue Grant, group treasurer, with Scout post boxes placed at numerous outlets throughout the area.

Last year, the group raised £5,000 through the scheme and hopes to do as well this year. Each stamp costs 12p, 10p of which the group can keep. The money will go towards summer camp in July and various trips.

Owen James, Scout Group leader, said: "There have been a lot of cards. We sell about £5,000 worth of stamps, and then there are the cards that come over from Cardiff. On each road there are about 50-80 cards, so there's lots of work to be done. We've got nine Scouts, 15 Venture Scouts and 20 Guides, as well as the volunteers."

But the Scout post scheme doesn't end at simply delivering letters. Some cards have incorrect addresses and need extra attention.

Mr James said: "If they've addressed them incorrectly, we do our best to track down people through the phone book, or we might know who they are. If they're out of the Scout post area, then they won't be delivered."

Any undelivered cards were available for pick-up by the senders last Sunday. One fan of the scheme, Olive Winstone, 83, of Andrew Road, Cogan, said: "I'm pleased with the service. I'm elderly so it's not easy to get the cards delivered, so I use the Scout post. It's cheaper too. I will use it next year definitely."