The acute shortage of parental support was more than evident last week when the group attempted to hold its annual general meeting.

With not enough parents in attendance, the meeting was abandoned and has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 20.
A desperate plea has now been made to all parents and potential leaders to turn up to offer their support as there is a real possibility the long-etablished group will fold without an active support committee.

Peter MacDiarmid, chairman of the Parents Support Committee, has written to all parents urging them to attend the meeting on May 20.

He stated: "Unfortunately there was insufficient parent support last Tuesday to hold the annual general meeting of the 6th Forfar Scout Group.

"The Parent Support Committee is vital in assisting the leaders with the running/administration of the Group.

"However, all we would ask of you as a committee member would be to attend meetings about once every three months to discuss issues and assist with decisions affecting the 6th Forfar.

"Please make every effort to attend the annual general meeting - children are welcome if child care is an issue!

"If we do not have enough members to form a parents' support group at the annual general meeting, then the 6th Forfar will cease to exist."

The 6th Forfar Scout Group, which has met in its current scout hall since 1935, caters for Scouts on a Monday evening, Cubs on a Tuesday and Beavers on a Wednesday.

There are currently around 45 boys in attendance over the three nights, so an appeal has gone out to all parents to come forward to offer their support.

Peter continued: "The secretary and I helped form the current committee three years ago and I now help out at the Beavers.

"We need more parents and we are also looking for more leaders.

"We would only need a chairman and a secretary, and three or four other parents as there may be a couple of the existing committee willing to stay on."

He pointed out the Scout Group is supported by only one major fund-raiser every year - the Christmas card delivery service in Forfar.

"I would not like to see that put in jeopardy as it provides a valuable service to the town."

A full turnout of parents is therefore hoped for on Tuesday, May 20 at 7.30 p.m.

Anyone unable to attend who is interested in joining the parents' committee or helping as a leader is asked to contact Peter MacDiarmid on Forfar 465963.