Our Headquarter
Since the early years of Scouting there has been a Scout Group in the Village of Wilnecote.
1st Wilnecote Scout Group used to meet in the Old Junior School. In 1964 the Group moved into the then Derelict Sunday School and so began the Group as many know it Today. With the move came a name change to symbolise a new beginning, a brighter future and 3rd Wilnecote was Born.
In 1971 the Group held a competition in which the members could design a group logo to be worn on their neckerchiefs. The winning design consisted of a two tone image of the notorious Highwayman Dick Turpin whom, according to Local Folklore, frequented the Watling Street at Wilnecote in his exploits. Regularly stopping off at the Queens Head Public House (Tamworth’s centuries old Inn with Stabling). The badge is very much a huge part of the Scout Groups Identity to this day.
Since the 60s, and under the guidance of the then Group Scout Leader Derek Parker, 3rd Wilnecote Scout Group has provided countless Activities, Opportunities and Adventures to Thousands of the Areas Young People. Many of whom have then sent their own Youngsters to experience what Scouting has to offer. The Group was instrumental in many Community Events from Fun Days, Fun Runs, Carnivals and even Bonfire Nights. Many also remember the groups infamous Christmas Fayres and Jumble sales where people used to queue all the way up the road just to get in!
It’s fair to say 3rd Wilnecote Scout Group has solid community foundations which are still very much evident today.
The Scout Group continued to meet in the former Sunday School for 47 years then in 2011 they found themselves homeless when the building was sold from under them.
Our future didn’t look very good and at one point we genuinely thought that this was the end of Scouting in Wilnecote. There were no suitable venues to meet that wasn’t already in use and certainly nowhere to keep the vast amount of group camping equipment.
Challenging though these times were Scouting Values prevailed. The determination to ensure there remained a Scout Group in our community took over and with a temporary meeting place lifeline, courtesy of Heathfields Infants School, our Trustees started making some very ambitious plans to build a new forever home.
Thanks to T.B.C we managed to secure the former sons of rest plot on the Ninefoot Park, and from this point our Journey began. What followed next was Scouting in all its glory. Anything is possible with Teamwork and a “never give up” attitude drove the project onwards at great momentum.
A fundraising group was set up and the mammoth task of raising the money began. By 2017 we had managed to raise a total of £89000 through small grants, 35km kayak challenge, 3 peaks challenge, scouts collectively rowing the Atlantic, sponsored Marathons, Bag Packing, Chocolate Bingo evenings and Raffles (the list is endless).
We thought we had exhausted all avenues then the most amazing thing happened. During our belated Golden Jubilee Celebrations, we received a very generous Cheque for £25000 (from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous). This opened up a couple of other grants and enabled us to commence building works on the 1st June 2018. With the generosity of Local Businesses keeping our material costs down, countless voluntary hours, continual fundraising throughout, we have finished construction and are currently fitting out. In fact we held our first ever Troop Meeting there a couple of weeks ago before we had to cease due to the unfortunate climate we now find ourselves in.
It was Fantastic to see everything falling into place. Our Groups Foundations and instilled values from Leaders past, ensured we had the mindset and values to persevere against all odds with Scouting’s “Can-do” Mentality and problem-solving capabilities. Volunteers of all ages coming together and learning new skills to help our Dreams become reality.
In total we have managed to raise (and spend) just over £215,000 and we now have a facility suitable for the needs of a growing Scout Group and our local community.
It’s been humbling seeing the huge support for our group and the generosity we have received. All due to our history within Wilnecote and the realisation of what Scouting brings to the Young people of our Area.
We now have around 80+ members and a building which will enable the Group to Thrive once more, a building to secure Scouting in Wilnecote for generations to come, a building which will open many more of the Vast & Amazing opportunities that Scouting throughout Tamworth already offers. There is no better time to be a part of our Scouting Journey!
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