It has taken a lot more than ‘bob a job’ to raise the magnificent sum of £320,000 needed to provide the scouts with their new scout hut.
This amount – a sum matched by the Methodist Church, has enabled them to have a brand new ‘state of the art’ building located at the Church is Ashley Road Epsom.
Their previous home, opened in 1964, had been outgrown as their numbers grew from around 80 to over 400 scouts and leaders, making them one of the largest groups in the country.
Councillor and scout leader, Neil Dallen, said: "It’s absolutely fantastic. We have a really state of the art centre for all the young people to benefit from. It’s been a frustrating 15 years but the end result has been worth it."
The new centre will provide a larger space for young people to take part in activities and will include a climbing wall, amateur radio station and facilities for archery. He added: "The scouts who have seen it are fantastically excited. Everyone believes its bigger and better than they thought it would be. It’s just fantastic to have a new home and we are now set up for the future in the borough."
When not in use by the scouts the centre will be available for hire by other community groups with a local football club already making use of the new hall.
The 7th Methodist Scouts and the Church are very active supporters of the local community. They have regular and numerous community events throughout the year. This includes the annual Epsom Fireworks Display and Funfair, and the Epsom Book Fair.
To learn more about 7th Epsom Methodist Scouts visit SCOUTS
