Groups
and Societies who make use of the 8th Chelmsford Scout Hut located
in the heart of the Melbourne Estate came together to launch an appeal to raise
£250,000 for new premises. The present hut was built by volunteers 60 years ago
and needs replacing with modern, accessible facilities. Plans include off-road
parking, kitchens, stores, a hall and an indoor climbing wall.
The 8th Chelmsford hut is used by numerous local groups which benefit the community, including Retired Persons group, Homework club, Cubs, Explorers, Baton Twirlers, Church Groups, Parent and Toddler Group, Beavers, Belly Dancers, Scouts and Tai Chi. Many of the groups who use the hut were represented on the day, demonstrating what they do or providing displays.
Lady Baden Powell, the wife of the grandson of the founder of Scouting, Lord Baden Powell, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford were the distinguished guests, along with Sue Powell, District Commisioner for Chelmsford and District Scouts.
Lady Baden Powell, officially opening the fund said she was "impressed with the central position of the hut in the estate and the many volunteers supporting children and the community."
Steve Hugh, 8th Chelmsford Chairman said "Different groups have different impacts on the community, but jointly we encourage people to get out and get involved in something, take up a new interest learn a new skill make friends and have fun. Perhaps only in some small way making life a little richer. The facilities are offered where people need them as not everyone has transport. Someone might ask why rebuild, well the existing hut has done very well but was mostly made by amateurs using what materials were available. It doesn't meet modern standards and is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. The fund has the tag line 'looking to the future' as we know it could be a long and difficult road ahead getting £250,000 together, but now is an excellent time to start."
Donations on the day totalled almost £3000.
More pictures in the gallery.