Leaky roof threatens future of Putney Scout Group

£100,000 needed urgently to mend the Oxford Road hut

A popular troop of Putney scouts could close because of urgent repairs needed to the roof of their hut.

The 1st East Putney scouts have to put buckets on the floor of their Oxford Road hut to catch the water when it rains.

And they need to raise a massive £100,000 to put the problem right. Otherwise the troop may be forced to wind up. The group has launched an appeal to raise the cash, but the repairs are urgent and leaders are worried they won’t be able to get the money quickly enough. 

 “We’re getting desperate,” said group scout leader Ronald Holloway, 73, known as Skip. "We have thriving groups of beavers, cubs, scouts and adventure scouts, and there are waiting lists for all of them. But without a habitable scout hut, we just won’t be able to go on. When it rains there’s half a dozen buckets on the floor to catch the drips.”

The group’s bid for lottery funds was unsuccessful, and the Scout movement will not give it any cash because troops are expected to be self-financing.  Now it is hoping its appeal, the Raise the Roof Appeal, will raise some money. It is organising a sponsored walk and is holding a Christmas fun day on Sunday November 30.

Cubs will also be singing carols at the Putney Exchange between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday December 13.

“We would urge as many people as possible to come to the fun day and the carol singing,” said Skip.

“And if any businesses would be willing to donate some goods for us to sell at the fun day, we would be very grateful. Over the past 100 years this troop has flourished. Youngsters get so much out of scouting - I would be heartbroken if it were all to end.”

If you can help, contact  cubs@eastputneyscoutcentre.org

November 21, 2008