Kind-hearted Christmas tree farmer gives boost to local Scouting

17th November 2020

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Every year Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm raises money for a charity. Previous beneficiaries have included The Spinal Injuries Association and The Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance.

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This year the farm staff have chosen to support local Scouting groups - a cause close to the heart of all the members of the team who work there, and Clive Collins the founder.

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Each festive tree sold will generate a donation of 25p and there will be collection boxes in the Christmas shop from Friday 20th November to Christmas Eve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Clive explains: “We had decided to support the local Scouting groups this season before the pandemic. Learning recently that many groups are really struggling to survive makes it even more important to support them this year. They have no income or subscription fees and still have to pay rent for buildings and fees to the Scout Association.”

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There has been a long association with the scouts and several older teenagers have come to work at the farm during the festive season. Creative seasonal craft and wreath making workshops and night-time orienteering have all been held on the farm for the scouts in previous years.

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Clive himself was a scout and his son Max is currently a cub, with mum Emma volunteering. Clive’s business partner, Phil, is on the executive committee of Little Common Scouts which both his children attend, and Christmas Tree Specialist Toby Ballard is a scout leader for 1st Ninfield and Crowhurst Scouts. Toby’s dedication to the scouts was one of the many things that led to him being named a runner up in the South East Rural Young Person of the Year in this year’s Rural Business Awards.

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Clive added: “Local scout groups play a vital role in the community by helping young people learn important life skills, particularly learning about the outdoors and how to enjoy it in a responsible way. The ethos of the scouts very much fits with the way I run my business which is why I feel so strongly about supporting this cause.”

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Catsfield Christmas Tree Farm has been operating in East Sussex for over 30 years and has 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.

 

ENDS ​

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For more information, interview requests and images, please contact Suzi Christie  Suzi@blueberry-pr.co.uk

 or call 07590 591140.