Boldon scout group completes first phase of hut renovation
A South Tyneside scout group are celebrating the completion of the first phase of a series of major changes to their base.
The first phase of a renovation to a local scout hut has been completed.
East Boldon Scout Group’s hut just off North Lane last saw major changes a decade ago and now work has begun on modernising the site further.
The first phase of this has now been completed with the installation of 26 solar panels on the roof of the building alongside a new battery system.
“Ten years ago we raised £100,000 and we re-did the scout hut” explains Matt Allison, leader of the group.
“We had a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery” he adds.
Additional funding has come from donations by local clothing brand Barbour and Dogger Bank Wind Farm.
The first phase was completed towards the end of April.
Matt continues: “The idea is we’re trying to become as energy efficient as we can.
“Phase two is to replace all the heating within the building to energy efficient heating using a heat source pump.
“We need an extra £20,000 for that.
“Our aim at the end of the day is to ensure our children in our group get the opportunities at the lowest cost they can.
“At the moment in the world we live in, the cost of electricity to run the building alone is massive.”
The solar panels will help the site save costs to ensure young people can still enjoy residential trips with the Scout group. The team behind the group are able to subsidise around 40% of the costs to take the group on trips.
“I refuse to let that cost go up” adds Matt, who also organises residentials as part of his full-time role as a local teacher.
In the first weeks of the new setup the group believe they have saved approximately 1.53 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The team’s fundraising efforts are continuing to try and ensure the next phase of the work, but times are tough. An escape room fundraising evening was recently cancelled due to a lack of interest.
They are welcoming fundraising suggestions to support the young people in the group and the 40 volunteers they work with.