Gosport scouts unveil new base after four years of fundraising

The 6th Gosport (Rowner) Air Scout Group raised £55,000 from bag packing, charity swims and sky dives to help fund a new building that they can now call their own.

The new hut, in Acorn Close, will play host to more than 100 children who are part of Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups and will allow for much better activities.

The community poured out in scores for the opening ceremony, after their old hut was condemned four years ago and was the victim of vandalism and theft.

Lisa Young, scout leader, said: ‘It was a fantastic day and now we’ve got somewhere that we can call our own.

‘All the children were really excited by the new facility and the word “wow” got used a lot on the day.

‘Everyone can be proud of what we have got. All of the children involved can look back in years to come and see the hut and know that they helped build it.

‘The hut secures the future of our Scout group and it can provide young people with activities and programmes that they deserve.

‘We’ve had a lot of interest from people wanting to join our groups who were there on Sunday and now we are fully booked and desperately need more leaders.’

Peter Phillips, District Commissioner of Hampshire Scouts, said: ‘To have achieved all of this while continuing to run an adventurous activity programme for the youth members is no mean feat.’

Mayor of Gosport, Councillor Lynn Hook, who was at the opening, said: ‘It was a lovely day but what was so pleasing was the number of people that came to celebrate the opening of the new headquarters.

‘What was remarkable was that during the time they were homeless the numbers of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had nearly doubled which is a testament to the hard work the leaders have done in ensuring there is a good programme of events that capture the imagination of the young people.

‘The drive of those involved should be applauded and shows what can be achieved if you apply yourself.’