Events · 13/07/2026
In early 2026, a small group came together to begin turning the plans for our new Scout and Guide hut into a reality.
Led by Group Lead Volunteer Richard Wing, the group began looking at the challenge ahead: how we could raise the funding needed to replace our ageing hut with a modern facility that will serve young people and the wider Watton-at-Stone community for many years to come.
With planning permission already granted, designs approved and a 50-year rent-free lease for the site secured, the foundations for the project were in place. fileciteturn0file0 The next challenge was to build a realistic fundraising strategy and secure the money needed to make those plans happen.
Starting with grants
The group’s first priority was to understand the grant funding available to the project. We began researching potential funders, looking at application requirements and deadlines, and putting the structures in place to assess which opportunities were the best fit for the new hut.
From there, we started preparing and submitting our first grant applications.
This was a deliberate first step. Before launching a wider community fundraising campaign, we wanted to establish a strong base of grant funding and demonstrate that the project was both achievable and already gaining financial support.
Now it’s time to involve the community
With that early work underway, the fundraising campaign is now moving into its next phase.
Over the coming months we will be reaching out more widely to local residents, families, community organisations and businesses. There will be plenty of ways to get involved, from fundraising events and activities to donations, sponsorship and helping us spread the word.
The new hut will allow us to welcome more young people into Scouting and Guiding, improve accessibility and create a modern, flexible facility with the potential to be used by the wider community. With waiting lists already in place for some sections, the need for a new building is very real.
There is a significant fundraising challenge ahead, but the work has begun, the plans are ready, and we are excited to bring the wider community with us on the journey towards a new Scout and Guide hut for Watton-at-Stone.