Scouts pitch in at Mitchelstown's Indiependence music festival
This weekend was one for the Rover Scouts to shine, as their skill for tent pitching came in very handy for the Indiependence festival goers.
As with last year, the scouts helped people to raise their tents and all money raised will go towards local scout groups.
Expanding on last year's service, the Rover Scouts aged 18-26 years old, were onsite from early morning on Friday as campers arrived and, throughout the weekend they were there to help pitch, repair and even take down tents for those revellers who were less than familiar with the finer points of tent pitching.
Scout leader Andrew Dineen, told The Avondhu that while the service was widely advertised, there was visible relief on many campers' faces as they realised that they didn't have to puzzle over pegs, poles and guy lines.
The scouts helped people to pitch a small tent for €5 and €10 or more for a larger tent, which gave the festival goers the time to get into the festival spirit, safe in the knowledge that their tent should keep out the worst of the weather throughout the weekend.
"While the weather largely played ball over the weekend and the site certainly held up better than last year, some frequent heavy showers ensured the scouts were busy throughout making running repairs to keep people dry. The Rovers enjoyed the great line up, the atmosphere and meeting all the festival goers who were in high and friendly spirits, delighted to support a good cause and take the hassle out of setting up their tents," Andrew said.
As well as raising funds for scouting, the close of the festival also provided the opportunity for the Rovers to collect abandoned tents and equipment which could be reused by groups. Lots of perfectly good camping equipment was left behind by the festival goers. Over 80 sleeping bags were collected by the scouts for the 'My Kenyan Project' which will go to orphans in Kenya.
The Rover Scouts and their groups would like thank and congratulate Shane Dunne and the entire Indiependence festival team for a fantastic festival and more importantly, their support of local scouting and the fundraiser.
"The hard work of all the festival volunteers was evident throughout the weekend and in the lead up to the festival, huge congratulations needs to go to them for running such an enjoyable event, everyone had a good time. The Rovers would also like to thank Pat and Miriam Mulcahy of Ballinwillin House, owners of the land who were of great assistance as the Rovers got set up. Without their hard work Indiependence wouldn't be half as successful. The Rover Scouts hope to return next year, even bigger and better with their service," Andrew said.
Published:
Tuesday 13th August 9:22am
