We have had a few more pictures sent in by Daniel Wilton of the 1st Eastleigh. Click here to view them.
7th December 2008 will go down as a special day, and the start of a new era, for the 1st Eastleigh Scout Group, as they officially opened their brand new Headquarters. The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Audrey Steele and Lyn Nordvic, both members of the Committee and sharing a long history with the group.
Once the ribbon was cut, everyone took the opportunity to look round the building whilst Steve Harrison, the newly appointed Group Scout Leader told the assembled guests a bit about the history of getting their new home built.
The idea for a new building began over 15 years ago, when the group made an initial application to the Lottery for £30,000 for a new HQ and Community Building. After an initial rejection, the group kept the idea alive until their tenth application was finally accepted, and a grant of £275,000 was granted. This was a large portion of the £354,000 cost that the new building would take.
The remainder of the funding was secured by a valiant fund raising effort led by the Groups Committee Members (Lyn Nordvic, Roy Biddlecombe, Mike Topp, Audrey Steele, Molly Ingram are just a few of these members). Parents also played an important part in helping, with events including a Land’s End to Eastleigh Cycle Ride, and securing grants from both Eastleigh Borough and Hampshire County Councils. Local Businesses also helped out, with grants from both Peter Green and Paul Capper independent Funeral Director. Once funding was secured, plans were made, approval given and building began.
Steve Harrison concluded his speech by saying “We, as a Group, are proud to be standing here today to officially name and open The Centenary Hall. Without the hard work and dedications of so many people connected with the 1st Eastleigh Scout Group, this would not be possible. We hope this building will be put to good use over the coming years as a venue for our Scout Group, but also, just as importantly, as a very important community asset for the people of Eastleigh”
