Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and parents gathered for our annual maintenance day. A lot of ground around the hall which had become overgrown was reclaimed. Thanks to everyone who came to help.

During Storm Éowyn, a large tree near the hall was brought down by the strong winds, causing minor damage to the roof. Thankfully, the impact was minimal, and no one was injured—a narrow escape! Repairs are underway, and we’re grateful for the quick response from our volunteers.

At Founders Day this year, the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer’s grouped together to complete a series of bases and challenges.

#BuildTheWall2022 Buy-a-Brick – JustGiving

#https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/183rdscoutgroup

Earlier this year we undertook our five yearly fixed electrical test at the hall, and found we needed a complete rewire costing £8,880. This wasn’t unexpected and we had funds put aside: however, when the new external lights were fitted the electricians found that the front hall wall moved when it was pushed. Following further investigations by a structural engineer, the wall was found to be misaligned and deemed as being at risk of imminent collapse. We immediately erected HERAS fencing to keep everyone away from the wall, and are undertaking emergency repairs comprising a complete rebuild of the front wall. Without rebuilding the wall immediately, we would have to had shut the hall to both scouts and the other groups.

We had some reserves put aside for maintenance, but these have been depleted by the planned rewire in August. The emergency rebuild cost of the wall is £15,000, and comes on top of the planned rewire. Due to COVID we have been unable to fundraise as we have in the past. We are finding that for many of the grants the work cannot be completed before the grant is received, and because we have had to had to move so fast to keep the hall open this is a problem. In addition, grants we have accessed in the past are now closed due to so many applications, or don’t support building works (ie lottery, Glasgow flightpath fund). We haven’t given up though and continue our search for grants we do qualify!

We know that our hall is valued by so many in our community, and we are hoping that you – former scouts, current scouts, dancers, gymnasts – and families of all those hall users will dig deep and help us! So buy a brick – or even two – or one for your gran, or your dog or a brick for every family member! Please help us to make sure our hall is still here providing a venue for scouting for years to come, so if you can buy a brick!

Thank You

Last week we set the challenge of building a den or pitching a tent and ‘camping’ at home. Each night a Scout spends in their den qualifies for one towards a nights away badge. Here are some photos that have been sent in.

Now that we are back to doing virtual meetings, some of our members have been sending in photos of what they’ve been up to.

Thanks to those who have sent in photos already, and anyone else who would like to share any please do send them in.

During the month of April, Northumberland Scouts came up with the idea of organising a virtual camp with Scouts from all over the UK joining in and camping at home. Some of our members joined in the record breaking 84,000 Beavers, Cubs and Scouts who camped at home. Well done to everyone who participated.

Chief Scout Bear Grylls and astronaut Tim Peak have launched a challenge for all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Young Leaders and Leaders to hike to the Moon! This is being done in support of Children in Need. If everyone walks just 1 mile and makes a donation to Children in Need them we should be able to reach our target of getting to the Moon.

Of course during the current COVID crisis, safety is a top priority, so please stick to government guidelines while helping with the challenge and you can always hike round your house rather than going out!

Good Luck