Volunteers transform local scout hut

Team member Ashley O'Donoghue

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A team of volunteers from Rochdale have been out in force to transform the base of 7thA Rochdale Scout Group as part of the Prince’s Trust Team programme run by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

The team of 6 volunteers, all aged between 16 and 25, decided to help improve the Scout hut as the groups that use the building have limited time, money and man power to organise and carry out enhancements.

Ashley O’Donoghue, aged 23 and from Spotland is one of the team members who has carried out the work. Ashley said: “It feels good to be out doing something with my time whilst helping other people in the community. I’m also gaining some useful experience for when I go into work.”

The team has focussed their efforts outside, painting the front of the building and the entrance gates. Volunteers also strimmed and chopped back vegetation, created a wood chip path, installed planters and built fire pits and a BBQ for the groups to use.

Prior to starting the improvements, the team carried out a fundraising car wash and raised £100 to put towards the materials needed. In addition to the money raised, donations of wood, bricks, sand, cement and paint were kindly supplied by Howarth Timber, Parr Rochdale Limited and Zeb’s Painting Supplies.

Mike Phillips, Secretary at the Scout Hut, commented: “This year is the 50th birthday of the building and what a great way to celebrate by having local young people from outside the Scout movement putting in a remarkable effort for the benefit of our members.”

Simon Dean, Prince’s Trust Team Leader at Groundwork, added: “After the car wash and having spoken to Mike the group felt it was a very worthy cause for the Community Project. We hope that the improvements made by the team and some help with funding applications will transform the hut and attract more people to this valuable community space.”