A Guide Hall in West Bridgford has received a funding boost to help renovate the inside of the venue and transform it into a modern facility offering a place for residential visits for many local community groups.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) allocated £25,000 in UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to the project with another £11,000 matched by West Bridgford South Trent (WBST) Girlguiding to enable affordable weekend residential visits for Guides, Brownies, Rangers and other groups.
It will also encourage more private bookings from external groups allowing WBST Girlguiding to generate further income to help maintain the building.
Paxdien Guide Hall on Rectory Road in the town now has a new kitchen, bathroom, small bedroom for Guide leaders and has seen other essential works complete such as plastering to help maintain the building.
The venue is the headquarters for Girlguiding in the West Bridgford South Trent (WBST) area and the renovation will encourage over 700 members from Clifton, Gamston and West Bridgford and other groups such as Scouting and home-school groups to use the hall for sleepovers.
It’s also home to an array of community groups and classes which use the hall on a weekly basis including Brownies, Guides, Rangers, yoga, needlework, dancing, baby groups and singing.
RBC’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Growth Cllr Abby Brennan attended the celebratory re-opening of the guide hall on Friday January 10 alongside Division President Janice Culley-Oliver, who was present when the hall initially opened in 1963.
Cllr Brennan said: “The updated building looks great and we’re pleased to help support these vital renovations through our UKSPF allocation.
“The upgrades provide a safer and better environment for all the community groups who regularly use this venue for their sessions, classes, workshops and more.
“As the headquarters of the WBST Girlguiding, the venue provides a base camp for over 700 local Guides who come together to make friends and learn many new skills.
“Now there is even more space for more residential events which are a great way to encourage teamwork, develop independence and boost their confidence.”
WBST Treasurer Kate Meakin added: “The funding award has enabled us to complete significant upgrades meaning we can deliver an enhanced programme to our young people and support our invaluable volunteers, without which we could not run.
“If you are interested in volunteering, please register at www.girlguiding.org.uk and if you are interested in hiring the hall email [email protected].”