Scouts win £10k Lotto grant for new HQ roof

The 28th Oxford (Littlemore) Scout Group will put the grant towards the cost of replacing the roof on its 60-year-old building in Fairlie Road, Littlemore.

They have almost raised the £14,000 needed to replace the roof and it will mean the group can continue to hold meetings there.

Tony Dunn, group treasurer, said: “This is fantastic news.

“We have done well so far with our fundraising and the generous personal donations that some individuals had made.

“However, without this tremendous award from the Big Lottery Fund, our ability to replace the roof was many years in the future. This threatened the viability of the whole group, but now it appears that our future is safeguarded.”

The group has saved 10 per cent of proceeds from its fundraising activities in a special fund to replace the roof since 2011.

The roof is made of asbestos and is also leaking.

Funds have also been raised through bag packing at supermarkets, their summer fete and bonfire night, as well as individual donations.

The group still has about £2,000 left to raise.

They now plan to raise funds for internal improvements including replacing the floor covering and redecorating.

The renovation is scheduled to take place in July and August next year.

Group leader Colin Doling said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award from the Big Lottery Fund.

“This award allows us to renovate the roof of our HQ and to build for the future.

“The girls and boys and young adults of our community can continue to enjoy the benefits, the excitement, the challenges and adventures that come from being in the scout movement.”

The scout group has been in Littlemore for more than 80 years after it was gifted a plot of land.

About 100 youngsters and 20 volunteers are involved in a typical year. They are often seen at community events, including manning the water station at the annual Oxford Half Marathon.

Other community groups also use the scout building.