Helping village's young to have fun (From Warrington Guardian)

Helping village's young to have fun

A CLUB is proving that there is still plenty for youngsters to do in Moulton after 35 years of adventure.

Moulton Adventure Group, set up by Geoff Crompton and Les Burgess in 1969, is still going strong and boasts 40 members.

They enjoy a variety of activities, including climbing, canoeing, the Duke of Edinburgh Sward and an annual camp.

This is despite claims, featured in a Guardian report about a new family room at the Moulton Verdin Working Men's Club, that there is nothing for youngsters to do in the village.

Michael Hubbard, chairman of the adventure group, said: "We provide lots of opportunities for kids in the village - it's getting them through the door."

Founder Geoff, 71, congratulated the volunteers who have kept the Verdin Club going but expressed concerns about the comments, made by club committee member Matthew Atherton.

He said: "For the past 35 years the Moulton Adventure Group has served generations of youngsters from the village and beyond.

"The group has a £200,000 fully equipped headquarters in School Lane and caters for both boys and girls from eight to 18 years old.

"I am particularly surprised at Matthew's statement because he spent many years as a member of the group in his youth."

Matthew said: "I was in the adventure group for years - it was brilliant and is very important for kids to get involved in.

"We at the Verdin Club and the adventure group are trying to do something for the kids in the village, but we are two totally different places.

"They are all about outdoor pursuits for the kids but we are trying to provide something for both parents and kids to do together.

"We do support the group here and have a collection box for them on the bar."

gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk