New beginnings for 9th Bexhill Scouts

Eighteen months after it was destroyed in fire, the HQ is back in Wainwright Road with plans to be bigger and better than ever.

Since disaster struck in April last year, the 9th Bexhill Scouts has been sharing the HQ belonging to the 2nd Bexhill Scout group - although Cub Scout Leader Christine Isted made sure that whenever possible the Cubs should visit the Wainwright Road site to ensure they thought of it as home.

The group has this year been the chosen charity of Town Mayor Councillor Patrick Douart who attended the first two investitures to take place at the site since the fire.

Councillor Douart came along to watch proceedings and gave the two cubs their investiture certificates.

Cliff Wilson, Senlac District Commissioner was also present and commented: "It is very pleasing to see the headquarters being re-built. Scouting in the Senlac area is very strong and we need all the facilities we can get. "The leaders of both 9th Bexhill Scout Group and 2nd Bexhill Scout Group have coped very well with shared facilities but I would imagine both groups will be pleased to have a little more space."

The headquarters will have ramp access and facilities for wheelchair use within the building.

Brian Reeves was also present in his capacity of Site liaison to attend to the safety aspect of the visit to the site. Mr Wilson presented Mr Reeves with the 'Pushing the Boat Out' trophy on behalf of 9th Bexhill Scout Group. This trophy is awarded to the adult outside of the group who has given time without question to the group as a whole. Mr Reeves has taken on the role of over seer of the rebuilding of the headquarters on behalf of 9th Bexhill Scout Group.

"As a group apart from a building and a lot of the things we need to go in it the one thing we are still short of is leaders," said Shirley Gilbertson, Group Scout Leader for 9th.

"These are the generous adults who give up just one hour a week to guide the children along the scouting route. It is a very enjoyable hobby that will keep you fit and active no matter which section you decide to get involved with. You don't even need to have children. In fact it is an advantage not to have children in the group. Anyone who would be interested should get in touch with me by email [email protected] or by phone 07917806023."