£250,000 appeal launched by scouts to renovate building

HENLEY Scouts are trying to raise £250,000 for repairs to their building.

They also need volunteers to run fundraising events and apply for grants towards the work.

The 1st Henley scouts are one of the oldest scout groups in the world, having been formed in 1908 and running continuously ever since.

They meet at the scout hut in Greys Road and were recently granted an extension on their lease until 2049.

The building, which was built in 1971, needs a new roof as well as a new kitchen and toilet as the existing facilities are not up to modern standards.

The roof was repaired 28 years ago and windows replaced in 2012 when the hut was also rewired.

Derek Harding, chairman of 1st Henley scouts, said: “We’ve patched the thing up so many times, it’s like a quilt. The hut needs some love.

“We thought that now we have renewed the lease, what better time to invest and improve the quality of the building and in turn improve the education we provide the children.”

He is looking for volunteers to join the board of trustees to help fundraise as well as planning the renovation work. Mr Harding said: “By extending the building by 20 sq m towards Greys Road and Homeland Way and building a single-pitched roof, the hut will gain useable facilities such as accessible toilets, a larger kitchen, an equipment store and two four-bed bunk dorm rooms.

“We need to raise around £250,000 to refurbish the building and we are urgently looking for people with skills, qualities and expertise as well as spare time to help us achieve that.

“We need a nucleus of people to form a solid foundation and be the centre of fundraising and events and other volunteers to help encourage and support people.

“We won’t get the £250,000 just by shaking a tin or doing some car washes.

“We need people to get involved and help put some momentum into the group to make it better and give the hall the longevity to see the next 30 years.

“I’m sure there are many people who remember the club from when they were younger, so it’s making sure it’s still here to hand over to the next generation.”

The scout group currently has 30 adult volunteers running sessions for more than 120 children aged six to 18.

The club’s annual meeting will be held at the hut on Saturday, June 15 at 10am.

To apply to be a volunteer, call Derek Harding on 07740 894578 or email harding_
derekj@hotmail.com