Scouting for help in the Dorset town of Ferndown

“It sounds depressing, doesn’t it?” said super-mum and 1st Ferndown Scout Group volunteer Louise Richardson who is drumming up enthusiasm in the community to get the Scout hut some tender loving care. The large premises have bars at the windows to stop vandals and the gate is padlocked. “It is often mistaken for a derelict building,” she said, adding, “Every week, on different evenings, groups of youngsters get together within this horrible, cold, smelly, damp, unsafe building. They come along to make new friends, learn new skills and learn what it is to be part of a community and learn to help others less fortunate then themselves.”

But things are looking up. Having been without a leader for a long time, the role has now been filled by David McGregor.

Louise became involved with Scouting when her five-year-old son asked to join in September 2016. She started as a parent helper and asked to join the executive committee, only to be told there wasn’t one.

In the past few weeks this has changed and Louise says, “We have now appointed a fully operation executive committee.” She then discovered that there was no money but lots of willing parents and helpers.

“The current group leaders have been doing a sterling job,” she said, “they have been paying out of their own pockets to keep the groups going and we would not have managed to continue without the dedication of these leaders.”

1st Ferndown Scout Group is now looking for donations, no matter how small, to help buy equipment including pens and pencils, camping gear, cutlery, crockery, tea towels, tables, chairs and filing cabinets.

Major projects required are: replacement windows, kitchen refurbishment,  carpet and upgraded bathroom facilities. Priorities include insulation for the roof, outside lights, gutter clearance / replacement and exterior paintwork.

Louise says donations would be great, as well as skilled workmen/women willing to give up a little time to help with maintenance and the Scout group is also looking for companies that could assist with donating any equipment/stock.

Tesco Ferndown has already donated paint to spruce up the inside as well as a donation and some willing helpers. Howdens has donated kitchen cupboards and an appliance, which will enable the children to complete their cookery badge in a safe and clean environment.

The aim of the Scout group, says Louise, is to turn the premises into a safe, clean environment where the children and youth of Ferndown can learn new skills for their future as well as having fun. “We are also in desperate need of a Cub leader,” she added.