Scouts close in on new £100,000 HQ

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Wednesday 29th Jun 2005.

A decade ago a Scout group set themselves a mammoth target of £100,000 to build a new headquarters.

And now the end is in sight for the 11th Hunsworth Scouts who hope to replace the dilapidated Second World War prefabricated hut that is currently their home by the end of this year.

A last push has boosted the Spen Valley group's `11th Our Appeal' to a total of £80,000, meaning they can begin discussing the scheme in detail.

Rodney Holroyd, chairman of the 11th Spen Valley (Hunsworth) Scouts, said: "We've had plans drawn up and are meeting with a local builder to get the costings, though we still need another £20,000 to finish it off.

"At the beginning of this year we thought at this rate it could be another five years but we've had a couple of big grants recently and that's brought it forward.

"Our existing building has a leaky roof and we do not comply with the new disability rules.

"We hope membership will grow when we get a better building, and we have already had some interest from the local community about using it too."

The scouts have outline permission from Kirklees Council to build a new "hut" the same size as the existing one they bought for £300 about 40 years ago.

But they must fit in with surrounding buildings meaning a less expensive prefabricated pod is not an option.

As a voluntary organisation and charity the scout troop has had to raise the money themselves approaching businesses, grant-giving bodies and even former scout members for help.

The new brick building includes a hall, kitchen, storage facilities and disabled facilities. This will also help when the scouting movement allows girls to be members from 2007.

It will also mean any new equipment they buy can be stored securely as the current building has been broken into a number of times.

But the 80 children who are currently members at Hunsworth must still keep on the fundraising track if they are to hit their target.

"We still need help to reach £95,000 so would appreciate any businesses or local people who can help in any way," he said.

Anyone who can help financially, through donating equipment or their time, should contact Mr Holroyd on Bradford (01274) 686142 or through the website on www.11thspenvalley.org.

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