The Woodcraft Folk

Published on Mon 14th Mar 2005

The Woodcraft Folk, who have a local branch (in Teddington), and a national membership of 9000 young people and children aged 5 to 16, and 3000 voluntary leaders, are facing a serious financial crisis after the government has decided to terminate all financial support, after 40 years.

The Woodcraft Folk resemble the scouts and guides but grew out of the ideas and values of the Co-operative movement rather than those of Lord Baden Powell.

Vincent Cable, MP, has written to the secretary of state for education asking for an explanation as to why the government funding quango for youth organisations has withdrawn a £50,000 grant. The government has said it wants 'value for money' and hasn't explained what this means in this context.

Vincent Cable said: "I am a strong supporter of the scout and guide movement, which does enormously valuable work with young people. But there is room too for other organisations like the Woodcraft Folk which also helps young people to develop practical life skills and to be socially responsible. The money involved is crucial for other organisation but a drop in the ocean of government spending. If youth organisations are not supported, it is much more likely that young people will hang around on the streets and cause far more trouble and expense in the long run".