Local Scouting groups receive boost from kind-hearted Christmas tree farmer

8th November 2021

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East Sussex Christmas tree farmer Clive Collins has again chosen to support two local Scouting groups – Ninfield and Crowhurst Scouts and Little Common Scouts – as part of Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm’s 2021 festive season.

 

Last year Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm also supported the two local Scouting groups in 2020 with a donation of £1,024. They also bought a £214 storm shelter for the organisation.

 

In addition to collection boxes in the Christmas shop, Clive will donate 25p from the sale of every Christmas tree sold between Friday 19th November and Christmas Eve.

 

Every year, Clive chooses a charity to support that has a particular resonance to him and the team at Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm. Previous beneficiaries have included The Spinal Injuries Association and The Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance.

 

Describing his decision to support the Scouts Clive said: “The decision to support the two local scouting groups was made in early 2020. Then, when the pandemic hit, we saw how many groups were struggling to survive because of the inevitable impact of lockdowns and social distancing. Without an income or subscription fees, it is very hard for the Scout Association to pay rent without fundraising.

 

“Local Scout groups play a vital role in our community. They help young people to learn important life skills, particularly concerning the great outdoors and the best ways to sensibly enjoy it. The Scout ethos very much fits with the way I run my business, which is why I feel so strongly about supporting them this Christmas.”

 

Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm has a long association with the Scouts, with several teenage Scouts having worked on the farm during the festive season. Clive himself is a former Scout and his son, Max, is currently a Cub, with mum, Emma, also volunteering. In previous years, the farm has played host to a variety of events for the local Scout groups including creative seasonal crafts and wreath making workshops and night-time orienteering sessions.

 

Team member and Christmas tree specialist Toby Ballard is also a scout leader for the 1st Ninfield and Crowhurst Scouts and, in 2019, he was named South-east Rural Young Person of the Year at the Rural Business Awards partly in recognition of his dedication to the Scouting movement. In 2020, he was highly commended in the national Young Rural Person of the Year category.

 

Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm has been operating in East Sussex for over 30 years with one simple mission – to provide the best-quality trees in Sussex at the best possible prices. The team understands the importance of good customer service and delivering the complete Christmas experience to customers. In 2021, the farm will be open every day from 19th November to Christmas Eve.

 

ENDS

 

For more information, interview requests and images, please contact Suzi Christie: suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk or call 07590 591140.

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Image: Clive presenting the 2020 charity donation to 1st Ninfield and Crowhurst and 1st Little Common Scout Groups on the evening of Thursday 4th November 2021.