Mold Scouts launch appeal to save their home

Posted 19 October 2008

Scouts are looking for help to rescue one of their most successful groups which is under threat because the building in Mold where they meet is being sold.

1st Gwernymynydd and Mold Scout Group had recently restarted Scouting in Mold after a lengthy period and the numbers have gone through the roof. They now have a strong Beaver Scout Colony for 6 and 7 year olds, two Cub Scout Packs for those aged between 8 and 10, and there are plans to open a Scout Troop for 10 to 14 year olds. All this is now at risk if the group cannot secure the building for their future use.

The Scouts have been offered first refusal on purchasing Catrina House, which is being sold by its owners, TocH, but the price tag is a huge £50,000 which the group cannot hope to raise on their own. The group are in the process of investigating sources of funding but only have four months to find the money as TocH want to complete the sale as soon as possible.

Scout Group Secretary Maureen Smith said, "We would very much like to buy the freehold in order to carry on the work we started in the New Year. When we moved from Gwernymynydd in January, we only had 5 Cub Scouts. That figure has now risen to 38 with a waiting list. We also have a large Beaver Scout Colony and a new Scout Troop starting in October. It's so far proved impossible to find an alternative place to meet as nowhere is available for the three nights of the week that are needed."

"We've been told that we may be able to apply for grants, but we'd need to put forward some of the money ourselves, money that we just don't have. If any businesses or groups would like to help us out they could make a huge difference to the lives of these young people."

Parent Sally Day said, "A lot is said about the 'Playstation Generation' of kids. The Scouts provide a fantastic way for our children to take part in activities that are fun, learn respect, and be good members of society. There are very few other activities which offer all these things. It would be a great shame if funding was not available to purchase Catrina House. Scouts are an important part of our community and the community needs to ensure that the facilities are there for them."

Sally's son Dan said, "I have earned lots of badges and am proud of them on my Cub top. If the Pack was to close I'd be very upset. I don't want it to close."

If anyone can help the Scouts, please contact Maureen on 01352 755017.