9th November 2002

MP Marks start of work on new HQ for Ravenshead Scouts

The start of construction on an all-new headquarters for the 1st Larch Farm (St. Peter’s) Scout Group will be marked by MP for Sherwood, Paddy Tipping at 9.30 am on Tuesday 12th November 2002.

Said Paddy Tipping, MP:

“I am delighted to mark the start of work on this new Scouting facility in Ravenshead. I know that the 1st Larch Farm Group have fundraised and campaigned for this new facility for many years. This is in essence the culmination of their dream. I am pleased to share it with them and look forward to seeing the new building on this site very soon.“

Bilsthorpe based contractors Robert Woodhead Ltd have already started work. The existing building was over 50 years old and beyond economic repair. This has been demolished and work is underway to excavate the current site to receive a new, multi-purpose hall.

Said Alan Maisey, Project Director for Robert Woodhead Ltd:

“As a former scout, it is a pleasure to be working with the 1st Larch Farm Scout Group. The new hall is in a good location and I am sure that everyone involved in this project and the wider community will be proud of the finished building.”

The project will provide a hall, meeting room and full catering kitchen, car parking and activity field. It will be a modern home for the 1st Larch Farm (St. Peter’s) Scout Group formed in 1965 and now comprising in excess of 90 scouts aged between 6 and 18 years of age. The hall will also house the wider community including Girl Guides, Tumble Tots, an over 55 society and an archery group.

The new community facilities have been designed by a former member of the Scout Group, Ravenshead born Architect, Tony Jackson of Jackson Design Associates with due consideration for environmental issues including rainwater recycling, timber cladding sourced from sustainable forests and a full passive ventilation system.

Said Tony Jackson:

"The challenge in designing the group’s building has been balancing the desire to create a new building whilst ensuring the site retained strong links with the Scout Groups history, respected its important location in the Green belt and met the Group’s desire for an environmentally conscious and sustainable building. All this has been achieved within the framework of a cost effective design solution."

The Scout Group raised over £70,000 through fund raising events and donations in cash and kind from the local Rotary Club, the Parish Council and many other individual contributors to add to £157,000+ from the Community Fund to finance the Design and Construction of the building. Fundraising for the required internal fittings to make the hall a fully functional building is ongoing. The Scout Group specifically require tables, chairs, storage cupboards and a catering kitchen.

Said Executive Committee Chairman, Gwilym Griffith:

“A long cherished dream has now been realised after a lot of hard work by many people and organisations. We are also grateful for the support of the Community Fund. The new headquarters will enable the Group to maintain and enhance its work with the young people in the communities of Blidworth, Ravenshead and the surrounding villages.”

The project is scheduled for completion in April 2003 with an official opening planned for 15th May 2003.