SCOUT adventurer Sal Montgomery officially opened the new £1.1 million 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts headquarters in Warwick’s St Nicholas Park.
The gala opening followed more than six years of fund-raising and 18 months of construction to create the new headquarters and community building – which was interrupted by a serious arson attack on its building site last year and then the pandemic.
Group Scout Leader Marc Gadsby welcomed current and former members, funders and representatives from the local community who gathered round the flagpole outside the old hut.
Viv Bosworth, Group Chair, thanked everyone for their efforts in coming together to deliver such a high-profile community project in challenging times.
Coun Neale Murphy, Chair of Warwick District Council, helped by two cubs, unveiled a funders’ board to recognise all of the financial support that made it possible.
Viv said: “The support that we have had from so many different sources has been truly incredible, and we want to thank each and every person, community group, and organisation who volunteered their time, offered fundraising opportunities, donated items for the build, or gave generous grants or donations.
“Specific thanks to the Norton Foundation as our biggest funder, and to Warwick District Council, not only for the funding that they provided, but also for working with us so flexibly to allow the build to continue in difficult circumstances.”
Nigel Hailey, Scouts County Commissioner, added his congratulations before Sal presented some of the scouts with their Chief Scout’s Gold Awards – the highest scouting award.
A procession of members of the 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts, led by Young Leader Rachel Eslick, then took place from the old hut to the new building, with youngsters carrying flags, a ship’s bell, and a lifebuoy to signify the official move of operations to their new HQ, while the Royal British Legion Flag bearer led the way for invited guests to follow over to the new HQ.
Graham Suggett, Chair of the Norton Foundation, unveiled the new HQ name ‘TS (Training Ship) Norton’ in honour of the £225,000 grant the Norton Foundation gave to allow the building to be completed.
Warwick Mayor Richard Edgington cut the celebratory ‘TS Norton’ cake, helped by two beavers, and Rev Dr Anita Morgan blessed the new headquarters.
Anyone interested in joining as a leader or volunteer to support the expanding group should contact [email protected] or visit www.2wk.org.uk or follow on Facebook www.facebook.com/2wkseascouts
Grand opening – 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts have a new £1.1million headquarters.
