THE future of a popular Scout group in Burnham is under threat unless £20,000 can be raised to replace their hut roof which has fallen into disrepair.

Burnham Scout hut (pictured), based on the BASC sports ground, is used by about 90 Scouts, Beavers and Cubs to meet their friends and learn important life skills.

Group chairman Sarah Rendell, whose son is a member of the Cubs and whose husband is the Cubmaster, said it would be terrible for all the families if the group was forced to stop due to the deteriorating roof.

She told the Weekly News: “The roof is wearing out. It has been for a few years but now the rust has been getting into it.

“A lot of the paint on the ceiling is starting to peel off and we need to replace but it is a difficult roof to replace and expensive.

“It could threaten the future of the group if the roof is not fixed because we would not be able to use the hall.”

The group runs Beavers, for children aged six to eight, Cubs for eight to ten-year-olds and Scouts for youngsters up to 14.

They are taught skills such as cooking as well as taking part in outdoor activities like rock climbing, kayaking and orienteering.

The group held a Christmas Fair on Saturday – the first of a number of fundraising events – and raised an impressive £860 towards their total.

Children helped set up some of the stalls for families to take part in a range of fun festive games.

Sarah said thanks to a further £200 from the District Scouts and £50 in donations, their roof repair pot currently stands at £1,078.

She added: “The Christmas fair went very well and were are lucky for that – there will be lots more fundraising events in the New Year.

“We raised more than we had expected, it was busy and there was a lovely atmosphere and everyone was really helpful.” 

The group hopes to raise the money in time to fix the roof during next summer.

If you can help, contact them via their website www.burnhamonseascouts.org.uk