An enlarged and modern facility for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers
Fundraising contact: email: fundraising@1stnorthwoodscouts.org.uk
APPEAL LAUNCHED. On the 1st of March at Fairfield Church in Northwood Hills, the 1st Northwood Scout Group launched its £100,000 appeal to replace the existing Scout Hut with an enlarged Scouting Centre. The launch was attended by the Mayor of Hillingdon Cllr John Hensley, and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Carol Melvin; there were also several other important guests present including all three Northwood Hills Councillors, Chief Inspector Rob Bryan and some of his staff, and several members of the REN District senior team. The hall was filled to capacity with guests and many young members and their parents.
At the end o
f the meeting, Nigel Stone, the Bursar of St John’s School, presented a jumbo cheque to the Group for £1,000, kick starting the fundraising appeal.
We are fortunate to have as our Patrons for the appeal Nick Hurd MP and Councillor Carol Melvin. Nick Hurd was unable to attend, but addressed the meeting via a pre-recorded video.
The current Hut in Northwood Way was built in 1956; after 60 years of hard use it is no longer economical to maintain and repair. Building the new centre is planned to commence in the summer of 2018.
Whilst Scouting is better known for its challenging outdoor activities and adventures, many skills taught by the Scout Leaders take place inside the Hut. These include cooking, IT skills including computers and smartphones, map reading including use of GPS, first aid, bicycle maintenance and DIY. The existing hut is in use five days a week throughout the year.
DOING THE SUMS. The budget for the new building has been set at £170,000. We already have a considerable sum of money set aside in reserves from the last 10 years of Jumble Sales, and we shall be getting a Capital Grant from our Scout District. We have set ourselves the challenging target to raise the remaining £100,000 in the next 12 months, so that we can place orders for the building during the Spring of 2018.
YOU CAN HELP TOO! We are appealing to all current and past scouts and their parents and grandparents to make contributions, either by donating personally or organising their own fund-raising activities with the slogan “Raise £274 per day for a year.” Were YOU a scout? Would you like to give something back in return for the great times you had?
We are also asking local businesses, clubs and organisations to support the Campaign, in the spirit of “Supporting the Young People of Northwood”. Major donations will be recognised on a Donations Wall when the new building is finished.
If you would like to find out more please contact Richard Plume on 01923 827409 or email: fundraising@1stnorthwoodscouts.org.uk
Related News:
Ready for Winter Weather
After many hours of work by Group committee members and friends, the Scouting Centre and Little Hut are ready for whatever the elements throw at them! They’ve each received two coats of Sadolin preservative which should protect the woodwork for some years to come. Thanks to all those who played a part in Richard’s working … Continue reading “Ready for Winter Weather”
New Little Hut
On 27th May, Passmores delivered and put up our replacement for the old Neal Hut, just inside the main gate. Passmores are the company that supplied the new Scouting Centre, so they match perfectly! It has two opening hatches for serving teas at Jumble, a double door entrance, and it’s slightly bigger than the old … Continue reading “New Little Hut”
It’s Official – we’re open!
On Thursday 19th September 2019, our new Scouting Centre was officially opened by past mayors Cllr Carol Melvin and Cllr John Morgan. It was a wonderful warm and sunny evening attended by over 100 guests. The purpose of event was to thank our major donors and contractors for making the project happen. The releasing of … Continue reading “It’s Official – we’re open!”
Almost there …
It’s been a long time since we updated you on progress with the New Scouting Centre, a busy couple of months. As we reported in the April Newsletter the landscaping has been done including a hedge, the walls and ceilings have been fitted and painted, the floors are down in the kitchen and toilets, and … Continue reading “Almost there …”
What a Magical Evening
Congratulations to Ian and Ruth Stapleton who organised a fund-raising event with a difference on 27th April. An audience of over 100 was entertained and enthralled by Paul Newton’s magic show at Fairfield church. The event raised a little over £1,000 to add to the New Scouting Centre fund.
We’re getting there …
Since New Year, there has been lots of progress: Floor has been screeded Passmores have finished their work, fitting internal doors etc Ceilings have all been fitted by a contractor 40% of the 100 or so panels of plasterboard have been fitted by us, at three all-day working parties – it’s got a lot of … Continue reading “We’re getting there …”
New Year – New Scouting Centre
Thanks to the large band of volunteers who gave up some of their Christmas break, the new building has insulation fitted in the walls and roof. The next major milestone will be the floor screed, starting on Monday 7th January. We will have to leave the screed for at least 2 weeks to set before … Continue reading “New Year – New Scouting Centre”
Told You!
We’ve kept saying that the plan showed we would have the roof on the new Scouting Centre by Christmas. Well, guess what? We did it with 3 days to spare! The roofers finished at 9.15 this morning – they made a 7.30am start so they could get an “early go”. Well, it is the shortest … Continue reading “Told You!”
Phase 1 Completed on Schedule
Geostructures completed the foundations on target on Friday 16th November, and then spent three days in our “contingency” week tidying up the site. Passmores came to site on Monday 26th, erected all the walls and partitions, glazed them all, and left site again on Tuesday afternoon. Wow, how fast was that! Next week we have … Continue reading “Phase 1 Completed on Schedule”
Thanks to The Posse
Remember we reported on the local bikers’ Fun Day back in August? Well, on Friday 26th October they invited us to meet them at The Gate pub to receive their donation to our New Scouting Centre fund. In the photo you see Doug Horgan and Richard Plume being presented with a cheque for £1,643 by … Continue reading “Thanks to The Posse”