I wonder if the increase in juvenile crime and violence has anything to do with the numerical decline of uniformed organisations such as the Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, Scouts and Guides?

Such organisations have been highly successful in channelling the natural exuberance and energy of young people into constructive activities and have played a valuable part in their education in such social virtues as self-discipline, respect for self and others, tolerance and the ability to play and work together whatever our social background and intellectual attainment.

I am very thankful for the years in the Scout Movement that made a scruffy little urchin who was a pain in the neck to all concerned into a man.

I also learned such useful skills as first-aid, map reading, cooking under primitive conditions and camping. All these have been useful to me later.

May I encourage parents to support their children in joining one of the uniformed organisations and schools to see their students are not so overloaded with homework that they have no time for such useful extra-curricular activities?

-Reverend John Webster, Gleton Avenue, Hove