Chief Scout, GEORGE PURDY CBE, visited our new lottery funded Scout headquarters in Ravenshead.

 The completion of construction phase of an all-new headquarters for the 1st Larch Farm (St. Peter’s) Scout Group was marked by the Chief Scout of Scouting Worldwide, George Purdy CBE visit on Sunday 23^rd March 2003.

The 1^st Larch Farm (St. Peter’s) Scout Group is one of the largest Scout Groups in Nottinghamshire with over 90 members. Scouting started in 1907 with an experimental camp for 20 boys from deprived backgrounds on Brownsea Island, Hampshire. The Scout movement has grown to be a truly international body with Scout Groups in most countries of the world. In the UK there are over 380,000 members aged from 6 to 25 in nearly 9,000 Scout Groups.

 The 1^st Larch Farm (St. Peter’s) Scout Group has raised over £70,000 through fund raising events and donations in cash and kind from the local Rotary Club, the Parish Council and many other individual contributors. The building fund received a boost with a grant from the Community Fund of £157,000+ to finance the design and construction of their new headquarters building.  Fundraising for the required internal fittings to make the hall a fully functional building is ongoing.

 Said Executive Committee Chairman, Gwilym Griffith

 “ A long cherished dream has now been realised after a lot of hard work by many people and organisations. We are also grateful for the support of the Community Fund. The new headquarters will enable the Group to maintain and enhance its work with the young people in the communities of Blidworth, Ravenshead and the surrounding villages.”

As part of the visit the Chief Scout planted the first tree commemorating the start of the Groups landscaping project. This project is a part of Greenwood, Nottinghamshire’s Community Forest.

During the visit two Beavers and two Cubs were invested and George Purdy presented them with their world badges.

Our Group with George Purdy CBE. Chief Scout

Planting a commemorative tree

Two Beavers Being invested

George Purdy CBE being presented with a Commemorative Sweat Shirt
(Now for sale to group members)

The two Beavers after being invested.