Ottery scouts win poll for community grant

Monday, 22 October 2012

by Laura Goldsbury Noy

MEMBERS of Ottery St Mary Scout Group are celebrating after winning thousands of pounds to help boost membership and modernise facilities.
Beating off stiff competition from a number of other community groups, the scouts landed the prize of £5,000 from the Lloyds Banking Group Community Fund after polling enough of the public vote.

The group, which is based off Winter’s Lane, has been using the scout building since 1960, and the facilities are in great need of improvement and updating. The grant will support the much-needed refurbishments.

Group Scout Leader, John Green was overwhelmed by the public support saying it was a humbling thought that people had thrown their backing behind them.

He said: “It’s really fantastic to know the Scouts are still valued in this community.
“It’s a very special opportunity we have been given and we are very thankful that members of the public decided it was a worthy cause.”

The grant will not only help to rebuild the scouting base and facilities but also help the youngsters to branch out to other members of the community, expanding their group and welcoming new members and allowing other groups to use their hut.

Mr Green added: “We hope to be able to invest in the building for scout purposes, but also to help the wider community because it has been used by all sorts of groups for many years.
“Hopefully more young people will get involved with the group and help us grow at the same time. The current economic climate makes it difficult for charities and organisations of all sorts to keep running.

“To be given the chance to get this money is a massive boost – I can’t stress just how far that amount of money will go in the long run so I really have to thank Lloyds for the scheme.”
In total, 132 projects are set to receive £5,000 as part of the Lloyds Banking Group campaign, which also includes Exeter City Football Club’s community football work.

Sustainable Business Director, Paul Turner said: “Becoming the best bank for customer’s means being the best bank for our communities.
“We are proud to be able to help Ottery St Mary Scout Group and Exeter City Football Club’s Football in the Community Trust, continue the great work they are doing in Devon and we look forward to seeing the difference the award will make.”

Email: pulmans@tindlenews.co.uk

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