It's great to hear from 1st Warley Scout Group about the outstanding progress they have made in the last year to rebuild their headquarters in Eagle Way after it was destroyed by fire five years ago.
Thanks to some dedicated fundraisers, support from Brentwood Borough Council, and bucketfuls of enthusiasm from the Beavers, Cub, Scouts and Explorers, I understand the new HQ will be even better than the original. The main hall, break-out rooms and kitchen will continue to be used 1st Warley Scout Group and the new community hub will be used for Scout Leader training and for community meetings and events. There are already several groups interested in using these facilities as soon as possible as their meetings support independence, healthy living and social cohesion.
The final push is now on to secure the last bits of funding to complete the HQ so it can be in use by the summer, and 1st Warley have applied to the Aviva Community Fund for help. Success depends on securing public support and donations as well as votes from Aviva employees.
Chief Fundraiser, Kevin Chandler, says: “We’ve been fortunate in securing funding from the Big Lottery Fund, Fowler Smith & Jones, Veolia Trust, Essex Community Foundation and Brentwood Community Fund as well as support in kind from Ford of Britain and many Brentwood businesses. The Aviva Community Fund allows Aviva employees to browse fundraising pages, and support the causes that resonate most with them. But it also allows members of the public to support us with donations too, so we really hope our page attracts the attention of everyone who supports Scouting and community services in Brentwood and beyond!”
Good luck to 1st Warley Scouts in this last stage of a huge fundraising push, and I look forward to seeing the completed building when it is back in use.
You can read more about the story behind the 1st Warley HQ here: https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/completing-1st-warley-community-hub