Ashby Castle Rotary Club has made a £300 donation to 4th Ashby Scouts Group to help with modernising their base in Donisthorpe.

The 4th Ashby Scouts took over the Donisthorpe Scout Centre during the Covid pandemic - the building having been empty for a number of years. 

They had previously rented accommodation in Ashby. 

Although it is an excellent facility, it has been empty for a number of years since Donisthorpe Scout Group was dissolved.

It is in need of modernisation and various infrastructure works to make it suitable for long-term use.

The scout group have already made great progress by completing decoration works, new signage, replacing double glazing, fixing the leaking roof, insulating the main meeting room and starting to replace the ageing electrics.

However, there is still plenty to do and some of the works required include toilet refurbishment, new heating, carpets, drainage work, drive resurfacing and new fencing.

It is seen as a long term and expensive project for the Scout Group, but one that struck a chord with incoming Ashby Castle Rotary Club President Mark Arjoo who arranged to use some monies raised within the club on recent sweepstakes for the Grand National and the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Dale Warren, from Ashby Castle Rotary Club, presenting Jon Bloor from 4th Ashby Scouts with the cheque

This allowed a donation of £300 to be made to help in a towards the refurbishment works. 

Mark said: "Our Rotary Club supports young people in the local community and we had no hesitation in donating £300 towards improving the Scout Centre so that Scouts can meet at a comfortable, clean and modern base and help towards the improvements that they need to make. 

"Groups like this are extremely important in the development of our youngsters. We wish 4th Ashby Scouts well in all the activities and events they take part in and look forward to seeing them playing a vital role in the local area." 

Mark Timson, 4th Ashby Scouts Secretary added: "We currently have 220 young people aged from 6-18 meeting throughout the week. with a further 45 on the waiting list to join, so as you can see scouting has never been so popular with all of the obvious benefits it brings to young people. 

"This donation from Ashby Castle Rotary Club will help to fund towards the ongoing works and is hugely appreciated by all at 4th Ashby Scouts. 

"We would love to hear from any local companies who can help in any way or by sponsoring some of the work at the Scout Centre by contacting us at [email protected]."

If you are interested in finding out more about Rotary, you can contact secretary, Debbie Hamilton, at [email protected] or visit www.ribi.org.