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Belper scouts celebrate latest funds boost
A PROJECT to build a new headquarters for a nomadic Belper scout group has been given a boost by a local charity.
Members of the 1st Alton Manor Scout group were ecstatic after receiving a surprise 5,000 donation towards their new hut from The Tom McGonigal Trust Fund, which raises money for projects supporting children in memory of a Belper man who died in 2006.
The money will help the group get work underway on the new headquarters, which will be built on land near to the Tesco Express, on Gregorys Way in the town.
Alton chairman Malcolm Gee said: "We are sincerely thankful to the trust for its kind donation, which is helping to get the whole thing started.
"We're always grateful when we receive donations and something of this size is very good."
Around 200,000 will be needed to complete the project, which is set to be put out to tender to find a builder later in the year.
Work has already been started to clear the site, which was acquired by the group last year, and a hedge and proper security fencing are the next stage in the operation.
It is hoped a vehicular access off Gregorys Way will be in place within the next couple of months.
Beavers, cubs and scouts in the group are currently dispersed to three locations around the town for their weekly meetings.
Venues include the former Herbert Strutt School, on Derby Road, and the new one, at Bargate.
Mr Gee said: "A centralised place where we could meet as the scout group for that area would be wonderful. We're a bit nomadic at the moment."
The group was set up as an amalgamation of the 3rd Belper and 6th Belper Scout groups several years ago.
The 3rd Belper group used to meet in the Scout hut at St John's Chapel, which was recently demolished.
The Trust Fund was set up in memory of 21-year-old Tom McGonigal, who died suddenly of an aneurysm at his Royston Drive Home in 2006.
His mum established the charity to raise money for projects supporting underprivileged children in memory of the young cricketer, who worked with youngsters at Belper Meadows Cricket Club.
Sue McGonigal said: "Even though the trust is normally for under-privileged children, I thought this was a nice thing to give the money to.
"The cubs and scouts support a lot of children, and this building will be nice for the community as well."
The fund has recently also given money to the Edward Bright Appeal.
Several events have been planned to raise money for the fund over the next few months.
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Weather for Belper
Thursday 09 February 2012
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Light sleet showers
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