Retford Area Scout Christmas Post is back for 2026, and local people are invited to take part in this much-loved tradition.
Each year, Scouts from across the Retford area run a special festive postal service, delivering Christmas cards across Retford and the surrounding villages. It offers an affordable and friendly way to send festive greetings while helping local Scout groups to raise vital funds for adventures, camps, equipment and opportunities for young people.
Taking part could not be easier. Buy a Scout Christmas Post stamp for 50p from a participating shop or outlet, attach it to a card and place it in one of the Scout Post boxes. Volunteers, including Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, leaders, parents and carers, will then sort and deliver the cards in the run-up to Christmas.
Every card helps local Scouting to thrive, every delivery spreads a little more festive cheer and every stamp supports the next generation of young people as they learn skills for life. The group hopes the community will help to keep this tradition alive and make Christmas brighter for everyone.
More information about where to buy stamps and post cards will be available on the group’s Facebook page, on posters around the town and at http://www.bassetlawscouts.org.uk/7th-retford.
The Cub section enjoyed a fun-filled summer term, welcoming new members to the pack and saying goodbye to some of the 10-year-olds who moved up to Scouts. The group also welcomed a Cub Scout and his mum who was visiting family in Retford from South Africa. Everyone gathered around fire pits to discuss the differences between Cub Scouting in South Africa and the UK.
During an evening visit to Treswell Woods, the Cubs watched birds having identity rings attached and learnt about those that make the woods their home each year. They also learnt tracking signs, laid short trails in the woodland and made several visits to Kings Park for the Tree Trail and games.
September began with water games and water rockets, sending everybody home wet and smiling. During the summer break, the Frank Kaye Hall was updated with building repairs and a fresh coat of paint, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and Scouts. The hall is an excellent venue in the centre of Retford and can be hired for meetings, training and other activities.
Autumn is set to be busy, with Scout groups from across Bassetlaw District gathering to celebrate five years of Squirrels, 40 years of Beavers and 110 years of Cubs.
Anyone interested in helping or hiring the facilities can email 7thretford@bassetlawscouts.org.uk or find the group on Facebook.