News
Oak Road Open for Adventure
12 November 2011
Saturday 12th November saw the eagerly awaited reopening of 1st
Crawley Scouts HQ, now affectionately known as Oak Road. Over 70
members and guests attended, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts,
Explorers, parents, leaders and VIPs all keen to mark the
occasion.
Eddy Hills, District Commissioner for Crawley District Scouts
opened the ceremony with a lively speech to a packed hall, thanking
the very many people who were involved in renovating the HQ 'ground
force' style and in funding and supporting the project. He gave a
warm welcome to the special guests who included The Worshipful
Mayor Cllr Carol Eade who has kindly agreed to formally open the
HQ, The Honourable Henry Smith our local Member for Parliament and
Irene Orford Deputy County Commissioner.
Eddy Hills commented
"We are extremely grateful for the immense physical help, financial
assistance and other support from the many people and organisations
who have made this possible in such a short period of time. Our
best way of repaying such generosity is to ensure that we grow
Scouting to provide adventure and fun to more young people in
Crawley".
A plaque was unveiled by the Mayor Cllr Carol Eade commemorating
the occasion and acknowledging the help provided. The local MP
Henry Smith provided words of support and District Chairman Keith
Blake presented the Group with a Union flag.
The impact of the new HQ was evident in the enthusiasm of all
who attended, particularly through the eyes of all the young people
who reflected the nature of scouting in their manner throughout the
ceremony, holding confident conversations as they offered popcorn
and cake to their guests, patient during formal announcements, and
readily keen to join in with outdoor games later organised by young
leaders from the Ray Mears District Explorer Unit.
The building is also used by a Prince's Trust young people
initiative. It is now one of the busiest Scout HQs in the area.