Formed in 1935, the 2nd West Drayton Scout Group has provided many young children growing up in West Drayton with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop talents over the years but now their Scout hut, located on Rowan Road in West Drayton, is in urgent need of major restoration.
After receiving a £63,000 grant from The Hillingdon Community Trust, St George West London have been asked to help with this project.
The £63,000 donated by Hillingdon Community Trust for the new roof has kick-started the regeneration of the scout hut but more funds are urgently needed to make the major changes to the building that has fallen into disrepair. In addition to the roof, the building needs new electrics, plumbing, heating, a suitable kitchen, new windows and much more. In response to the appeal, St George wrote to all its contractors explaining the situation and, in the space of just a few weeks, received pledges of new signage for the Scout hut, a full makeover for the gardens and a number of financial donations.
Parkwest, which is being built in Porters Way in West Drayton, is just a few minutes walk from the Scout hut. The development comprises luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses. As well as the contemporary homes and gardens that make up the development, St George has built a Community Room, which can be booked out for hire by local groups and organisations.
Group Scout Leader Jane Cooper commented, "2nd West Drayton Scout Group has so much to offer the local and wider community and not just with regards to the Scouting Movement, although we are always open to new members, both boys and girls. We intend to open up our newly refurbished building to other Groups and organisations, such as Mother and Toddler Groups, The Residents and Tenants Association, Special Needs Discussion Groups as well as Sporting Groups such as Karate Clubs, in fact, we will consider any organised Group. In addition to that we will be able to offer our facilities for private bookings, parties and so on.
We want all the local residents to have the benefit of a local centre, somewhere safe, secure and inviting, to meet up with like minded people to enjoy the activities they want to enjoy. We are so grateful to St. George for seeing the potential in our plans and offering us so much support as well as their practical help in gaining offers of donations and services to help us achieve our goal."
Ian Dobie, Managing Director of St George West London also said, "The 2nd West Drayton Scout Group has a rich history and it is a real shame when you see the current state of their Scout hut. When we were approached, we knew that it wouldn't be just financial help that they needed, but the strength of our contacts in the construction industry that could give them a major boost. The local scout group is very important to the young people of West Drayton and it is important to start these essential building works and allow the historic British scouting tradition to continue in the area."