Were you or your children members of the Woodcraft Folk when it was flourishing in the Forest of Dean?

It seems such a shame that this wonderfully practical and internationally-minded organis­ation is not available for our young people in an area so obviously suited to its activities.  It is a part of IFM-SEL, the global federation of education organisations. You can look them up on the web. 

One of my sons used to go to camp with them and come home covered in mud but happy as Larry. That was many years ago, and he is a grandfather now!   

I gather from the web that there is an Elfin group in the Gloucester area and it would be good to make contact with the people who run it.  This is a group for the youngest ones, I think, but membership ages range from 8 to 25. I know there are organisations teaching bushcraft in the Forest but the more the merrier and the Woodcraft Folk are that bit different in their approach in working for a peaceful world as well as self reliance.

They are, I believe, supported by the Co-operative societies so as to be open to all regardless of income.

We need plenty for youngsters to do constructively for a happy, healthy childhood, to reduce negative atti­tudes  and youth crime.  Most children  respond positively to socially and environmentally aware guidance.

As you will have guessed I am in the great grandmother bracket so am not offering to lead a group but would like to be in contact with others who might.  You can contact me on [email protected]">[email protected]

– Joy Simpson, Lydney.