East Putney scouts need £100k for their Oxford Road hut (From Wandsworth Guardian)

East Putney scouts need £100k for their Oxford Road hut

9:32am Sunday 23rd November 2008 in Search

A popular Putney scout troop could be forced to close because of a leaking roof, unless they can raise £100,000.

Members of The 1st East Putney scouts, which has 70 scouts, beavers and cubs, have put buckets on the floor of their Oxford Road hut to catch the water when it rains.

They need to raise a massive sum to put the problem right, otherwise the troop may be forced to wind-up.

The group has launched an appeal to raise the cash, but the repairs are urgent and leaders are worried they won’t be able to get the money quickly enough.

“We’re getting desperate,” said group scout leader Ronald Holloway, 73.

“We have thriving groups of beavers, cubs, scouts and adventure scouts, and there are waiting lists for all of them. But without a habitable scout hut, we just won’t be able to go on. When it rains there’s half a dozen buckets on the floor to catch the drips.”

“We have thriving groups of beavers, cubs, scouts and adventure scouts, and there are waiting lists for all of them. But without a habitable scout hut, we just won’t be able to go on."

Ronald Holloway

The group’s bid for lottery funds was unsuccessful, and the Scout movement will not give it any cash because troops are expected to be self-financing.

Now it is hoping its Raise the Roof Appeal, will raise some money.

The group is holding a Christmas fun day next Sunday and they will also be singing carols at the Putney Exchange between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday December 13.

“We would urge as many people as possible to come to the fun day and the carol singing,” said Mr Holloway.

“And if any businesses would be willing to donate some goods for us to sell at the fun day, we would be very grateful.”

For information visit eastputneyscoutcentre.org.