Warwick sea scouts HQ work on hold but plea for funds continues as members step up to support community

The work on a new headquarters for a Warwick sea scouts group had been put on hold but members are continuing to appeal for funds as their youngsters step up to help the community.

Since the arson attack on the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts new HQ building site five weeks ago, work has been on hold while the police investigation and insurance assessment are completed.

Once these are complete, it is likely that the Covid-19 pandemic will lead to further delays.

This now means that their new HQ building shell is unlikely to be finished until August at the earliest, with further delays likely.

The group has also had to move all its activities with its youngsters online; at a time when they would normally be gearing up to get outdoors and on the water and prepare for their two-week summer camp.

However, the youngsters have risen to the challenge of ‘Scouting at home’ and there is lots of badge work going on with remote support, and acts of kindness too.

Marc Gadsby, group scout leader, said: "It is great to see how our youngsters are making a difference where they can in their local communities and at home.

"We’ve had youngsters supporting their neighbours, others helping out at home and some even litter picking on their walks.

"Our youngsters are also busy designing Easter cards to send to Royal British Legion Care Home, Galanos House, in Southam.

"Scouting teaches our youngsters about resilience and the importance of being community-minded, and it’s great to see this being put into action."

Here’s some examples of what the members of the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts have been doing:

'Izzy tied a ribbon and a message to toilet rolls to her elderly neighbours saying we are here if they need anything ....they all thought it was funny and appreciated it.’

‘Thomas has been helping to teach his sister phonics ready for her starting reception is September.’

‘Allister and his sister went litter picking at Newbold Comyn using a litter picker when on their daily walk’

Behind the scenes, the work continues remotely to raise the final funds they need to complete the shell (around £20,000) and to also secure the £250,000 final funds they need to fit out the inside of the new HQ.

This is even more of a challenge now as all the fundraising activity they had planned for the summer has now been cancelled.

They were due to raise money from supporting the Regency Run 10k, the VE day celebrations at Warwick Racecourse, the Warwick Thai Festival, and by holding a big Summer Regatta alongside the Pub in the Park event, including a large-scale raffle.

The group says that it is also now also proving difficult for them to secure grant funding.

Janette Eslick, fundraiser at the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts, said: "It is a really difficult time for fundraising, and we appreciate that there are now other priorities for funding and support in the local community at this difficult time.

"However, we are doing all we can to find trusts that will support a project like ours, and are also hoping that there may still be individuals and companies out there who can still help us with donations.

"Please do get in touch if you think you can help in any way."

If you can help 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts with the final funds they need or donate any goods to help fit their new HQ email: [email protected] or go to www.2wk.org.uk

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