I LOVE 1st Bramhall Scouts

Scouting out the perfect location to host a workshop, community group meetup or exercise class? Look no further than the newly redecorated HQ of our oldest scout group, 1st Bramhall Scouts, right in the heart of the village. Rent out to help out – they have commercial rooms available by the hour!

Founded in 1909, 1st Bramhall Scouts were actually one of the first scout groups to be established in the UK – but their HQ is anything but antique. The purpose-built scout hall on Bramley Close was renovated with Lottery funding back in 2000 and has recently been redecorated, making the building even more welcoming and attractive.

More than 160 young people between the ages of 8 and 18 use the scout hall each week across four sections: Beavers (6-8), Cubs (8-11), Scouts (11-14) and Explorers (14–18), enjoying activities like crafts, sports, challenges, treasure hunts and workshops. The building is ideal for hosting groups, with its clean, modern design, two fully equipped kitchens, newly refurbished toilets and modcons like an audio system, Wi-Fi, and even a shower!

When they’re not busy at HQ, each scout section regularly heads into the great outdoors on adventures like sailing on Lake Windemere, camping in Rochdale or sleeping over at nearby Abney Hall. Everyone enjoys an action-packed programme, and every penny paid in subs goes towards giving the young people the most enriching experiences.

The upkeep of the building is, of course, an extra cost that the group has to cover, and now that the hall has had a fresh lick of paint, the scouts are looking to make use of the two rooms at their disposal by renting them out to community groups, clubs and local businesses.

Currently, the small carpeted room (approximately 9m x 4m) and the large room with a wooden floor room (approximately 13m x 9m) are available 7 days a week, at a rate of £12 or £17 per hour respectively.

The rooms have previously been used by kids’ holiday clubs, gymnastics schools and even a local bowls group, but they’re also ideal for regular exercise classes, community group get-togethers, meetings, dance classes, first aid training, photography workshops – and more. No parties, though, folks.

Plenty of parking is available outside and Bramhall Train Station is, quite literally, one minute’s walk away, so it’s super convenient for anyone travelling by train.

Andrew ‘Skip’ Corrie, now 72, joined 1st Bramhall Scouts at the age of 8 and has been a leader at the group for over 50 years. He says: 

“I joined this group and never left! We have fantastic youngsters and it’s great to see them develop and get involved in lots of activities. 

The scout hall was refurbished in lockdown, it’s now very welcoming and we’ve got new lighting in some rooms, too. The building isn’t used in the daytime so it’d be great to use it for the benefit of the community.”

Andrew also extends a warm welcome to volunteers who would like to get involved in helping out with the running of the group’s sessions from time to time. 

“We’re a full group with a growing waiting list and we’d love to be able to welcome new recruits. If anyone would like to get involved with scouting – you don’t have to be a parent or have been in the scouts or guides previously – we’d be happy to have you!”

All sections would benefit from additional volunteers, Andrew says, but the Beavers in particular are ready to welcome a few extra pairs of helping hands, and helpers don’t need to commit to a set time each week:

“More volunteers would mean that we can continue to offer a fun and exciting programme to all our existing Beavers and enable us to reduce our waiting list. We have flexible volunteering; just tell us how much time you can give us and we’ll use it. All you need to get involved is a willingness to help young people and to like working with youngsters.”

To find out more about volunteering at 1st Bramhall Scouts, use the links below to get in touch, or, for room availability, contact Hirings Manager David Staley on 07766208519 or at [email protected].

Find: The Bramley Centre, Bramley Rd, SK7 2DT 

Call: 0161 439 9054
Email: [email protected]
Website: 1stbramhallscouts.org.uk

Twitter: @1st_Bramhall

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