After outgrowing their last home at the Methodist Church, the 1st Clifton Scout Group have tirelessly worked to obtain a new place they can call home. With the help of volunteers, they have already started the mammoth task of transitioning over to their new base at The Pavilion at the Clifton Playing Fields on Farnborough Road.
With the old building no longer fit for purpose, the team of volunteers set about looking for an ideal location. The new place needed to accommodate an increase in members after the pandemic, the new addition of the Squirrel session, and the need for more indoor and outdoor space. The new location comes with large rooms, access to lots of green space, a brook and sports facilities.
One of the many volunteers that made the move possible was Group Scout Leader, Jon Peel. He said: “I have been involved in Scouts since the age of six and my move to Clifton allowed me to continue my passion and to be part of a fantastic team at 1st Clifton Scout Group. It really is all hands-on deck in the Peel household as my wife, Kate, has now become a volunteer.”
Helping with the expansion of the new Squirrel session and creating the opportunity for children aged between four and six, making Scouts even more inclusive for the community, was an important factor for Kate.
She said: “Inclusivity is massively important for us as a team and introducing the new Squirrel session gives more opportunities for the families in our communities. Many come to our group with siblings already in different sessions and now with the addition of Squirrels, we are pleased to welcome even more newcomers. There was nothing in Clifton for that age range and we are proud to say that we are the first Squirrel group in Nottingham City.”
The local community is always kept in mind when decisions are made and while looking for their new base, the Scout leaders, volunteers and everyone involved wanted to find somewhere that could accommodate the increase of members, space for adaptations for SEN members, keeping costs affordable and accessible for all the community and somewhere they can decorate to make it feel more like a forever home.
Having the support of other groups means skills can be shared which means all communities can benefit. With 1st Wilford Sea Scouts currently ‘bunking’ up with Clifton while their church hall is renovated, they can offer their skills on canoeing and kayaking and in return The Midgard Range group, who often run events to fundraise for 1st Clifton Scout Group, can return the favour with skills like archery and axe throwing.
With many age-appropriate activities on offer like bug hotel building, day trips, camps, kayaking, canoeing, archery, and axe throwing, there’s many opportunities to gain badges, build confidence, make friendships and learn skills for life benefits our members and all communities.
If you would like to get involved with volunteering, or have children aged between four and 14 that are looking for a new adventure, contact 1st Clifton Scout Group via their website at www.1stcliftonscoutgroup.org.uk.
Written by Lisa Dickens