Scouts find funds to save their HQ
A Scout group's future looks to be secured after a successful appeal to buy their headquarters in an old windmill.The plea for funds by the First Rural Scouts, launched last July, has raised almost £227,000 to buy Roughton Mill, near Cromer.
A Scout group's future looks to be secured after a successful appeal to buy their headquarters in an old windmill.
The plea for funds by the First Rural Scouts, launched last July, has raised almost £227,000 to buy Roughton Mill, near Cromer.
A 30-year lease, which gave the Scouts use of the building for a peppercorn rent, was coming to an end, leaving the group facing increased rent or the option to buy the mill for an agreed price of £200,000.
A rise in rent would have put too much strain on the group's resources and an outright purchase of the 194-year-old building was their only option, said Scout group chairman Dave Stow.
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Although the Scouts were still looking for a further £16,255 to reach their appeal target - which would cover the cost of fire regulations, plaster work and other fees. The money raised so far was enough to buy the mill from the present landlords and would be held in trust by the Scout Association.
Most of the money had been raised through charitable trusts, anonymous donations, youth projects pots and donations from the county Scout group.
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The success of the appeal will mean that more than 100 Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Brownies and Guides can continue to use the mill each week doing activities such as camping, abseiling - off the highest abseiling tower in Norfolk and many other adventures.
Mr Stow said that when the sale went through the Scout group would be able to carry on, which was in doubt if they had not raised the money.
* For more information about the Scouts and if you would like to donate to the appeal contact Scout Group Chairman Dave Stow on 07710702265 or e-mail dave.stow2@tiscali.co.uk.
