Thank you for following the link to sign-up for your 2023 Southbourne Sea Scouts Coffee Shop duty.

We look forward to helping you have a fun and productive day.

All duties are 11:00 am -4.00 pm every weekend and bank holiday from Good Friday to October.

There is a mandatory requirement for all households represented at beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers to complete at least one duty per year. The only exemptions being:

1. a household member is involved in leadership (including young leader) at the group
2. the £50 waiver is paid

The coffee shop provides a service to, and meeting place for, the local community, plus a valuable income stream to help provide adventures and personal development for your children and young people.

To book your slot please:

1. Click 'Select A Date' top right of this page (maybe bottom of screen if on a phone)
2. Scroll down to select your 'Ticket' on your desired date
3. 'Register'
4. Confirm name and email address
5. Tick box 'I accept terms and conditions......'
6. 'Register'
7. 'Answer Questions'
8. Enter phone numbers (this is really useful)
9. 'Submit and get tickets'
10. X top right (or view and print tickets if you prefer)
11. Note in your diary

A confirmation email should arrive shortly after your booking with a PDF reminder attached for you to print and e.g. stick to the fridge if you prefer.

You will be contacted in the week prior to your duty with full details regarding keys and how best to run the shop etc. Please scroll down for a few frequently asked questions (FAQs).

If you have any questions not answered below please contact:

Zoe - empzdGVlbCB8IGhvdG1haWwgISBjb20= - the shop

Richard - cmljaGFyZCAhIGJlcnJ5NjAgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== - the duty roster

But do read the FAQs below first which answer most questions.

We look forward to receiving your early bookings so we can plan and purchase ahead most efficiently.

Thank you for your help in making this possible.

Zoe

Do I have to do a duty?

All parents/carers of beavers, cubs, scouts and explorers are required to complete one duty a year unless they are involved in leadership or training. A £50 waiver can be arranged if you are not able to fulfil this requirement. Please contact Richard on cmljaGFyZCAhIGJlcnJ5NjAgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ== who will put you in touch with our treasurer to arrange payment.

What do I do if I cannot find a slot available that fits around our commitments?

Generally this only happens with those that have left booking a slot a little late. 50-60 slots are normally posted at the beginning of the year so there is plenty of choice. Get in early and save yourself the worry and the £50 waiver.

I want to book a duty but have not decided on our summer holidays yet?

It is perfectly understandable that families want to put holidays ahead of booking a coffee shop duty so it is fine to pause until you have finalised plans. However please save this email and revisit it once you have arranged your holiday. The busiest and most profitable slots are often in July and August so we really like to get those covered.

Where do I collect the keys from?

Keys will need to be collected from and returned to Zoe at 24, Gordon Road, Southbourne, PO10 8AZ - 07766 031981.

How long does the shop take to set up?

It is best to arrive at the venue about 45 minutes prior to opening.

Should I bring my children as well?

Yes if possible. Most parents/carers return having had a fun day with their children and it is often good for them to assist in raising funds for the group and serving the community.

Can I bring my dog?

Unfortunately due to hygiene legislation around food, only assistance dogs are permitted in the building. Dogs can be tied up outside and play on the shore.

Am I able to bring some of my home made cakes to sell?

Yes please! They usually sell very well. Friends, family and neighbours are welcome to contribute in this way too if they wish.

Are products sourced locally and responsibly?

The coffee shop can have little say on where products are produced and how they are distributed but they are purchased locally. In addition the ice creams in tubs are produced at and kindly provided by Northney Farm in Hayling Island. Each tub, lid and spoon are fully recyclable.

In what way can I contribute in addition to my mandatory duty?

Any contributions of drinks or snacks to sell at the coffee shop are welcome. Please contact Zoe first.

I have more than one child at the group. Do I have to complete one duty per child?

No this is not necessary. One duty per family is sufficient. However if you would like to do more than one please let us know.

How committed to healthy eating is the coffee shop?

The shop is stocked by Zoe, who is mindful of the need to find a balance of options for customers to eat responsibly and healthily while also providing a nice treat when out for a walk, cycle or water activity.

How environmentally sound is the coffee shop?

All crockery is china and hence used repeatedly after a wash. There are also some 100% recyclable cups remaining, purchased during COVID, which can be used for those that want to take their drinks away. No plastic or single-use cutlery are used and any boxed drinks use paper straws only. All packaging that is returned should be recycled as much as possible in the most appropriate bin.

Are sales cash only?

No. A card reader and user instructions are provided, Cash however is still welcomed.

Do I find out how much I have raised on completion of my duty?

Zoe always contacts families after their duty to thank them and inform them how much was raised by the coffee shop during the preceding weekend.

Is it OK for the public to use the scout hut toilets without buying something?

Yes, as it nurtures a helpful and positive community spirit and maybe they will buy something as a result.

How do I know what to do on the day?

A full set of instructions will be emailed to you in the week prior to your duty. We provide information in this way so it is up to date.

If it is quiet, can I use the wi-fi to get some work done?

Yes. The username and password are provided in the information pack that you will receive the week before your duty.

Can I leave my children to run the coffee shop?

No sorry. Nobody under 18 years of age should be left in charge of the coffee shop.

What happens to any profit made?

It is channelled locally towards the running expenses of the Southbourne Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer trips, insurances, on-line fees, badges, gas, electricity, boat and building maintenance, Chichester Harbour dues, safety equipment and training.

And nationally to supporting Scout groups that are struggling financially.