A SCOUT troop in Chepstow are celebrating an unexpected windfall of camping gear after a trip to Glastonbury last Tuesday (June 27).

Bulwark Scout Group’s leader, Terry King, said: “It’s unbelievable what some festival goers leave behind. This is the first time we have done this, but the quality and variety of items that we have been able to pick up has been a real surprise.

“It proved to be a very worthwhile trip, as the group came away with tents, camping chairs, sleeping bags and a variety of other camping equipment with an estimated retail value of over £1,000.

“This equipment will really help us to do more exciting activities with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in our group – we will definitely be back in a couple of years.”

As part of their recycling approach, organisers of the festival allow groups and charities access to the site in the immediate days following the festival to salvage camping equipment.

“While all festival goers are encouraged to take their belongings home, there are inevitably some who decide to leave

their gear behind,” said scout committee member Gareth Jones.

“Money is always tight within our scout group, and so anything that we can do to raise funds or get hold of equipment for free is brilliant for us. A saving here allows us to focus more resources on other activities in the group.”

Bulwark Scout Group has places available for boys and girls. Beavers, aged from five to eight years, meet on Wednesdays between 5.45pm and 7.00pm, Cubs, aged eight to 11, meet between 6.30pm and 8.15pm on Thursdays, and Scouts, 11 years and older, will meet on Mondays from 6pm to 8pm in September.

“We are also always looking for adult volunteers either to help as leaders or to support behind the scenes,” Gareth added. “Anyone interested in joining can contact the group through our Facebook page, or by emailing us at