A MUCH-loved community group in Rhayader is desperately trying to raise funds in a bid to improve facilities for local children.
The 1st Rhayader Scout Group, which includes Rhayader Beavers and Cubs, wants to build a sensory area for children that have developmental and learning challenges.
The group has recently formed a fundraising committee tasked with coming up with events to both entertain the community and raise much-needed funds.
However, that task was made all the more difficult when a leak was discovered at their scout hut, located at the pavilion in Rhayader’s Waun Capel Parc area.
A burst pipe caused the damage, which has meant pressing pause on plans to push ahead with redevelopment.
“As we have several children with a range of developmental and learning challenges, one of the aims for the group is to build a sensory area that can be used in conjunction with the scouting programme to support their progress,” said section leader Gemma Patt.
“This, along with other plans, means we must continuously work to raise funds, and we recently formed a dedicated fundraising team who are working on a list of exciting events.
“The group recently suffered a catastrophic setback when the building had a major leak which destroyed much of our equipment and resources, meaning an almost reset on developing the tools needed to provide a diverse and exciting programme, so the new team really have their work cut out for them.”
The burst pipe in the pavilion, which serves as the scout hut, has damaged carpets and paintwork, although damage to the building has bee addressed.
A ghost hunt event at The Crown Inn, Rhayader, during July with Powys Paranormal, was postponed until October.
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“We are trying desperately to raise some money,” said Gemma.
The 1st Rhayader Scout Group was re-formed in 2019, with just two cubs and four beavers, thanks to the dedication of group Scout leader Keith Fielding, assisted by one parent.
He relied on parents helping until 2022 when Gemma became Beaver section leader, allowing Keith to set up a Rhayader Scout group.
Now almost 50 six to 14-year-olds, backed by 14 volunteers, are enjoying the group's activities.
“The youth have been involved in many community projects since relaunch," said Gemma.
“They have helped form a litter picking hub, picking whenever they do walks and hikes, they have visited care homes to provide conversation and entertainment to the residents, took on the role of collectors for the annual poppy collection for the Royal British Legion and even ran a Santa’s grotto.
“Their most recent achievement was performing a short play at the King’s coronation celebrations hosted by Rhayader Players.”
The ghost hunt has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 7, from 8.30pm to 1am, starting at The Crown Inn.
The night costs £20 per person and offers participants the chance to visit and investigate some of Rhayader’s oldest locations.
Other fundraising events held have included a vintage fair teddy tombola and cake sale, while the group also had a presence at Rhayader Carnival at the end of July, carnival day, hosting archery and other fun activities.
To book a place on the ghost hunt, email bsl@rhayaderscouts.co.uk.
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