Building work begins on Grenoside Scout Hut extension

GRENOSIDE Scout and Guide Group are pleased to announce that building work to extend their Saltbox Lane Headquarters has now begun.

Thanks to the hardworking efforts of the Group’s fundraising team, as well as dedicated leaders and assistants and everyone who has supported their fundraising - a whopping £30k has been raised to fund the project.

Despite a great team effort, this is still quite a way off being enough to complete the building work, so the builders will be completing the project in stages, as and when funds are available.

The 144m2 extension will increase the size of the building and also add in an external toilet block and ‘wash down’ area, will offer better facilities for the children and young adults attending Grenoside groups - rainbows, beavers, cubs, brownies, scouts, guides, ranger guides and explorer scouts.

It will also allow the Group to cater for bigger parties and fundraising events across the year, many of which currently sell out in a matter of days such as Burns Night and Grenoside’s legendary Oktoberfest.

The grounds of their headquarters will also be developed. Rubble from digging out the footings of the extension is being used to create a campfire circle and much work has been going off with assistance of the Royal Horticultural Society alongside our young members, including planting of bulbs. The group is having a work day on Saturday March 30 to plant a hedge of saplings - help with this would be gladly received.

Susan Hewerdine, part of the Group’s fundraising committee said: “We are delighted to have raised so much money and we are extremely grateful to the local community that have supported us in our fundraising activities, but we still have a long way to go to reach our target.

“We have a jam-packed year ahead of us with a wide range of events to cater for the whole family.

“We would love to hear from anyone who can help with fundraising in anyway, or with fitting out the extension once the building work is completed.”

To help reach the target, Grenoside Scout and Guide Group have a busy year of fundraising planned, starting with a Jumble Sale on Saturday March 23 at 12 noon and a Family Race Night on Saturday April 13.

There is also a Fashion Show and Sale on Wednesday May 8 and a Eurovision Themed Disco on Saturday May 18.

Wortley Rotary Club are also generously donating proceeds from their Millionaires Night, to the group’s extension fund. This event is being held on Saturday April 6 at Grenoside Community Centre and is always a fun night with the opportunity to dress to impress. Phone Pete on 0114 2467345 for tickets.

For more details or tickets to any of the Groups events, please contact them via email grenosandg@gmail.com or phone 07503 217410.