Scouts dig in for new HQ

Venture Scouts, leaders, parents and committee members turned up for a "working day" at what will be the new headquarters of 1st Wellington Scout Group, just off Fore Street.

While some of the volunteers got down to removing debris and digging out old concrete floors others climbed up to paint the ceiling of the hall.
A lunch-time barbecue was an excuse for a welcome break.
The Scouts used a £60,000 National Lottery grant to buy the building, which at one time housed the Castle Cinema.

More cash will be on its way from the nearby Somerfield store, which has chosen the Scouts as the latest recipients of their scratch-card scheme.
The building has undergone major refurbishment, with modern facilities being installed whilst still retaining the original character.

When completed the premises will boast a large hall, purpose-built toilet and kitchen, new drainage, electrical and gas supplies.

It should serve as a permanent base for Scouting in Wellington for decades to come.
Work is moving along at a good pace and hopes are high that the Scouts will be able to start using the hall in late spring.

Preparation work has already started on the construction and fitting of the kitchen and store rooms.

Once this is finished there will be the official opening and the main hall will be available for hire.