Cubs delighted to work towards astronomer badge thanks to kind telescope donation from Specsavers

YOUNG astronomers are feeling inspired after a kind donation means their stargazing can be taken to the next level.
By Belinda Dickins
Published 7th Apr 2021, 09:18 BST
Lillie Buchanan, 9, and Mason Payne, 10. Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-02)Lillie Buchanan, 9, and Mason Payne, 10. Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-02)
Lillie Buchanan, 9, and Mason Payne, 10. Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-02)

Inspired by the Perseverance Rover’s landing on Mars, young people from 2nd Gosport Cub Scouts embarked on their astronomer activity badge.

The group were hoping to make their own telescopes after seeing a craft idea online, but were unable to source lenses to use.

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Assistant Cub Scout leader Kelly Haycock reached out to Specsavers which offered to supply each group member with a DIY telescope kit.

Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-01)Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-01)
Cubs at 2nd Gosport Scout Group have had telescopes donated by Specsavers, so that they may do their astronomy badges. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-01)
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Kelly, who is known to the Cubs as Bagheera, said: ‘The next meeting after the Mars landing, that’s all they were talking about for 10 minutes. They were so interested in it.

‘It’s so easy to have a downer on humanity at the moment but then someone like this person from Specsavers comes along and you think there are nice people out there

‘It’s such a lovely thing to do and I think more people should see that lovely things still happen.’

Kelly Haycock has received a 10 years service award at 2nd Gosport Scout Group. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-04)Kelly Haycock has received a 10 years service award at 2nd Gosport Scout Group. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-04)
Kelly Haycock has received a 10 years service award at 2nd Gosport Scout Group. Pictured at Stokes Bay, Gosport Picture: Chris Moorhouse (030421-04)
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The group had great fun with the telescopes on Saturday, at their first face-to-face meeting since lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Joining forces with the Beavers, the group of young people enjoyed Easter-themed activities such as Frisbee golf and egg and spoon races.

At the meeting, Kelly was also awarded a badge for her 10 years’ service to Scouts.

SEE ALSO: Gosport cat charity volunteers excited to return to High Street market to boost fundraising efforts

Sue Archer, group Scout leader, investing Sophie Smith, known to the Cubs as Kaa, as an adult leaderSue Archer, group Scout leader, investing Sophie Smith, known to the Cubs as Kaa, as an adult leader
Sue Archer, group Scout leader, investing Sophie Smith, known to the Cubs as Kaa, as an adult leader

She said: ‘I don't do Scouts to get the award, I do it for the young people, to help provide activities and experiences for them. That's why we all do it. But it is nice to get the badge for my uniform!’

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Sophie Smith, known to the Cubs as Kaa, was also invested into the role of an adult leader by group Scout leader Sue Archer.

Despite lockdown restrictions meaning the usual meetings have been on hold until now, the members have been finding ways to meet and work towards badges together virtually.

They have enjoyed virtual camps and meeting regularly through video calls, with leaders working hard to keep the experience fun.

More volunteers are always needed to help with the groups in the area, as a national shortage of volunteer leaders means there is a waiting list of young people unable to attend.

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Contact [email protected] for more information about volunteering or becoming a Beaver, Cub or Scout.

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