The Fully Refitted Scout HQ reopened on the 9th September!
Yes the facilities opened on time on the 9th September, with a newly enlarged main hall, new kitchen, fully refurbished stores and meeting room.Thanks to Tesco Development Team's generosity, contractors have fitted heaters, some new internal walls, a new kitchen, carpets and tiled flooring, and the Development Team members travelled from all over the country and painted whole sections of the HQ, and planted new gardens around two sides of the building.
New CCTV, fire detection and security systems as well as wifi, have also been fitted with the assistence and cooperation of Bill Morris, the Parish Council Chairman, and funding from County Council Chairman Richard Smith.
Netherdown Developments and CSS groundworks contractors have installed the new access and disabled ramp, part funded by a grant from the Gibson Trust.
We have also recently received over £9,000 in a Lottery Fund "Awards for All" grant, which has bought a new cooker and fridge, and tables and chairs, and will buy racking and new cupboards, as well as new camping equipment.
Further internal wall upgrading, false ceilings and rails to the disabled ramp, plus more painting, should be completed or largely finished by the Opening Celebration on the 4th October (see below).
Scout sections expanding and other new users attracted to the HQ
This new village facility has already begun to attract increased numbers to the scout sections, with around 20 beavers and 10 cubs meeting regularly since the 9th, and the scouts will commence use of the HQ shortly.The Welwyn Wailers, a local arts group, and potentially other uniformed groups are discussing use starting in the next few weeks.
The building is suitable for birthday or other celebrations, yoga or other similar uses, or business meetings, and lettings can be arranged from mid October by contacting the number below.
We have room in the scout sections now for both boys and girls from 6 to 14 years old, so get in touch with me if you know of young people who want to come down and try out with our experienced and enthusiastic leaders.
We want our great new facility to again become an integral part of the community, as it has been since 1908, now the Welwyn Hatfield Council have agreed to grant a new lease to 2140, giving us security well into the next century!
Opening celebration for the 1st Welwyn Derek Nash Scout HQ - 4th October
The building will be officially opened on the 4th October, starting at 11 30am in the Civic Centre Main Hall, and moving to the HQ at 12 30pm.Members of Derek's family will "cut the ribbon". Derek dedicated almost 60 years to scouting, with 30 of those years in Welwyn, when the Group was the largest in the District, numbering almost 200 young people.
He also lead and supported scouting in the USA, Russia, at County and national level, a better example of what scouts stands for cannot be found than Derek, who died a few years ago having retired from scouts.
The war memorial to scouts killed in the two world wars will also be rededicated on that day.
If you are a former 1st Welwyn scout, guider, leader, parent or supporter, or just want to see what the building has been refitted to provide, please come to the celebrations, there will be drinks and nibbles, and chances to meet up with old friends, or meet new ones with an interest in scouting and what it can offer.
60's Rock Night Fund Raiser - 4th October Civic Centre Main Hall.
A local '60's rock band will play from 7 30 to 11pm at the Civic Centre, just come to enjoy the music, or show that you can remember the dances!Tickets are £10 a head including a light supper, bring your own drinks, available by calling 01438 715979.
This will raise funds for the Group to help the leaders put on exciting activities in the HQ, and potentially outside the area.
To sites owned by Hertfordshire Scouts, throughout the county, the Peak District, Wales and Scotland, and possibly abroad. Local scouts are going to Japan and Iceland for camps during the next 12 month.
Can you help?
We can build a stronger, more exciting group, based on our new HQ and leadership, can you offer a few hours a month, as a member of the committee that support the leaders, as a parent helper, or a trainee leader?I was a parent helper, committee member, assistant and then scout leader, and found the various roles interesting and at times very rewarding and funny. We are a relaxed and friendly team of people, come along to one of our meetings, or just have a chat with me.
I know time is hard to find, I worked in London and some of our existing team do now, but it will benefit young people, your own or our existing youngsters, so please give it a try.
Andy Trotter
Chairman and Acting Group Scout Leader
1st Welwyn Scout Group
07580942319
