Santa gives his support to Scouts
SANTA has added his support to an appeal to build a new Scouts centre in Sapcote.
A summertime cheque presentation had a festive feel as Santa’s helpers from Sapcote Round Table donated their proceeds from a winter’s night sleigh ride to some of the young people who could benefit from the £170,000 scheme.
The £524 contribution represented the most successful single fundraising sleigh ride to date, which took place last December.
Scout leaders are now halfway towards their target of £10,000 after which they will start applying for match funding and larger grants to help cover the costs of the planned new build.
Other recent donations include nearly £2,000 from villagers in response to a community mailshot, plus £151 from a coffee morning and sale.
Village businesses have now been called on to add their support.
Planning permission has already been granted for a new Scout headquarters to be built on Grace Road in the village.
It which would replace a run-down 1970s wooden meeting hut on the village playing fields on Church Street.
The new base would include two dormitories for use for residential stays for Scouting or Guiding groups, a fully equipped kitchen, leaders’ room, disability-friendly facilities and a meeting hall.
1st Sapcote Group Scout Leader Mick Angrave said: “This is the only chance we’ll get to build a facility like this so we really have to go for it.
“We’ll be applying for grants wherever we can but all contributions are going to be very welcome.
“The new building will allow for residentials and all sorts of use and will provide for Scouting in the area well into the future.”
Anyone willing to contribute to the appeal is asked to contact Mick Angrave on 07831 307983.