Scout Hut gets a helping hand
19th July 2024
A well-used community hub in Brentwood is being given a new lease of life, thanks to a grant from the Beresford Foundation.
The grant of £1,219 means that the 1st Ingrave Scout Group’s hut will have a much-needed revamp, making it a safer and more attractive environment for all the groups who use it.
The Beresford Foundation was set up by the award-winning estate agents in 2015 and is managed by the independent charitable trust Essex Community Foundation (ECF) who aim to inspire local giving and manage many other charitable funds on behalf of individuals, companies, families and public bodies. Grants are awarded annually to support local charities, voluntary groups and individuals in the county.
Since it was established, the Beresford Foundation has so far awarded £4,000 in grants to help charities and voluntary groups working at the heart of their communities in Essex.
Welcoming the latest allocation from the fund, John Jolly, Chair of the 1st Ingrave Scout Group said: “This funding will enable us to do some essential repairs. Our hut was modified and extended around six years ago, but it is under fairly heavy wear and tear, with children’s games, rainbows, guides, beavers, cubs, scouts and the WI, along with parties in the community all using it regularly.
“The hut has needed interior renovating and repainting for some time, along with the skirting boards, panelling, and holes in the walls which needed repairing. Floorboards were also coming loose which would become dangerous if not repaired.
“Although the hut has wide community usage, it could be more attractive for other groups to use if the interior looked more appealing. The main hall doesn’t have any windows, so redecorating will make it a lighter, brighter environment for people to enjoy.
“If more groups are interested in using the building, revenue will be increased, enabling us to pay to keep the building looking good. “
Paul Beresford said: “At Beresfords we believe in supporting our local communities and we know that a small amount can make a huge difference, especially when costs are rising. We set our Foundation up with ECF to give support to grassroots charities who may not have the all the resources they need for the very valuable work that they do.”
Zoe Brampton, grants manager at ECF said: “Venues like the Scout Hut are a valuable resource for local communities, especially if they are in rural areas. Raising the necessary funds to keep them in good condition so they are safe and appealing to use is a constant struggle.
“Beresford recognises this as an issue and was pleased to give support to the Scout Hut from their charitable Foundation with us.”
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