Epsom News
Epsom scouts enjoy new building after 15 years of fundraising
7:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Scouts were finally able to enjoy their brand new "state of the art" scout hut this week after a 15 year fundraising effort.
The 7th Epsom Methodist Scout Group succeeded in raising £320,000 over that period, a sum matched by the church, to build their new home at Epsom Methodist Church on Ashley Road.
The group had long outgrown their previous home, which opened in 1964, with their numbers swelling from about 80 to over 400 young people and leaders, making them one of the largest scout 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.