Historic scout group in race against time for new hut

New lease obtained for new era

A FLOURISHING Newbury Scout group is in a race against time to raise funds for a new headquarters.

The 3rd Newbury Scout Group (pictured in the 1930s at the west door of St Nicolas’ Church, with a wolf mascot) currently meets in a dilapidated hut in Poplar Place.

A spokesman for the group, David Elliott, said: “It’s really a glorified shed that’s now past its sell-by date. We’ve obtained a new, 99-year lease for the land and we aim to knock it down and construct a new, purpose-built facility.

“We’ve had a tremendous journey raising funds to build this much-needed new Scout hut. We have doubled the size of the group and we currently have 165 members.”

He added: “We would like to thank everyone that has supported us over the last three years – leaders, parents, the group executive committee, the children, various trust funds and all who have donated money.

“We’ve been raising money in every way you can think of, including bag-packing at supermarkets, raffles, pledge auctions and participating in triathlons. However, we need a little help.”

The Scout group, one of the oldest in Newbury and formerly known as The Fighting 41st, has until December 31 – its 83rd anniversary – to reach its target of £70,000.

Once the total has been reached, it will then be match- funded by Greenham Common Trust.

Mr Elliott said: “We have so far raised around £59,000 and we only have seven weeks to raise the final sum, which last night stood at £10,750.

“We are desperate to reach the target.”

If you would like to help, email David Elliott on skip1@outlook.com or visit the website www.3rdnewburyscouts.org.uk and click on ‘donate.’