Scouting in Bognor Regis gets a new home

C130653-1 Bog May16 Scouts phot kate

Colin Field County Chairman cuts the ribon to open the new scout headquarters in North Bersted with Alison McCaffrey, Disrict Commissioner for Bognor Regis with Richard Beckett, chairman of Bognor Regis District Scout Council.Picture by Kate Shemilt.C130653-1 — C130653-1 Bog May16 Scouts phot kate Colin Field County Chairman cuts the ribon to open the new scout headquarters in North Bersted with Alison McCaffrey, Disrict Commissioner for Bognor Regis with Richard Beckett, chairman of Bognor Regis District Scout Council.Picture by Kate Shemilt.C130653-1

There was plenty of cause for celebration when the building, which is set to become a focal point for Scouts from across the area, was officially opened on Saturday.

With a huge cheer and a robust round of applause, the hard work and efforts of all who had helped make the new headquarters building, in Central Drive, Bersted, a reality was honoured as Colin Field, West Sussex Scouts county chairman cut the ribbon.

Mr Field said: “The amount of hard work and dedication that has gone into this building is clear. It has taken a huge effort and I know, at times, it has not been easy but problems have been overcome and that is why we are all standing here today.

“I know this building is already being put to good use and that will continue for many years.”

The new building was then blessed by the district and county chaplain Reverend Trevor Marshall.

“May it be a resource for Scouting throughout the district and may this resource be used for the good of Scouting in Bognor Regis,” said Rev Marshall.

Bognor Regis Scouts’ district commissioner Ally McCaffrey was then presented with the key for the new building, accompanied by a fairly impressive keyring, to make sure they couldn’t be misplaced.

She said: “It was a brilliant day. The sun shone and everyone turned out to support the opening of the new headquarters, which are already proving themselves to be an asset to Scouting in not just Bognor Regis but we hope to do some joint working with other scout groups from across the area.

“The opening of the new building has been a huge achievement for us.”

Many local dignitaries had turned out to show their support for the achievement. These included the chairman of Arun District Council Ann Smee, Bognor Regis’ then town mayor Eileen Anderson, and deputy mayor Paul Wells and the chairman of Bersted Parish Council Patrick Hastings.

Also in attendance was MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Nick Gibb.

Mr Gibb said: “I think it is absolutely marvellous what has been achieved here. It is easy to see what a lot of effort has gone the building.

“I understand that the building is already being made good use of by the Scouts and that it is also being used as a place where young future Scouting leaders can be trained which is fantastic.

The new building will be a great asset to Scouting in the Bognor Regis area.”