Family Portrait Sessions

Richard Peters, who is a photographer and the dad of two of our members, has generously offered  to raise money for the Bigger and Better Campaign by running a Family Portrait Session.

The Harestock Lodge Hotel has offered to host the event.  You might like to consider a family portrait followed by a family lunch at the hotel.

How about a really nice photo in Scout Uniform, makes a change from the school picture.

All welcome – neighbours, grandparents, friends, those in need of a decent business profile photo  etc.

Visit Richard’s web site www.rjpphotographics.com to see examples of his work.

To book your free 15 minute sitting call Richard on 07769 214609.

We’ve Got Our Planning Permission

We’ve got our planning permission to develop the hut – the City Planning Committee agreed it unanimously.  Now we just need to secure the money.

There is loads to do between now and when we start to build and the Work Stream leads who are running the project are going to be doing a great deal over the next few weeks to tackle this.  This includes things like:

  • Tree assessments
  • Pathway closures
  • HCC funding securing
  • Lease changes
  • Legal discussions
  • Exec agreement
  • Scout Association Loan agreement
  • Contract agreement with builders
  • Lead times for all the above
  • Fundraising events
  • Bid writing
  • Seeking donations
  • Organisation of our big summer event
  • Dismantling of the inside of the hut
  • Clearing out the stores

These are in no particular order but all need volunteers to do the work.  If any parents can help, or put us in touch with anyone who can help, then that would be great.

Our Scouting programme plans remain unchanged.  We plan to shut the hut up at the beginning of May.  We will then have one week to dismantle the inside ready for builders to start w/c 12th May.

A massive thank you to everybody who’ve worked so hard to get this far yet the hard work is about to start –  “many hands make light work”.

17 May – please hold the date!

This year, Sparsholt Countryside Show is on the 17th May 2014. You may not be aware but 1st Winchester Scouts (Scouts, Cubs and Beavers) receive £3000 each year for managing the car parking on the day of the event but we can’t do this without your help.

Can you spare either a morning or afternoon on this day to help out? In return you will not only have helped raise a further monies towards the hut but you are also eligible for a free family pass to get you, your partner and your kids into the show (worth £28) .

If you do the whole day then the college will provide a free lunch. There is a great team spirit around this event and a chance, when not parking cars, to catch up with other parents. We will send out a specific request asking if you can sign up closer to the event, this is a chance to check your calendar and see if you can make it.

17 May – please hold the date!

Visit Sparsholt Countryside Day web site.

Harestock Community Choir

The Bigger & Better Campaign will receive the proceeds from a concert being given at the Wesley Methodist Church in Weeke on Saturday 29th March. It starts at 7.00 p.m.

The concert will be given by Harestock Community Choir. Tickets are £4.00 per adult and £1.00 per child under 14 and available from fundraising@firstwinchester.org.uk.

Please Pop An Extra Easter Egg In Your Trolley!

Could you help stock our Pinewood Derby side stall by donating an Easter Egg?  Last year your donated Easter Eggs were very popular and we’d like to repeat success this year.

So please take advantage of some of the great Easter Egg deals in the shops at the moment and pop an extra egg into your shopping trolley for us.

Eggs can be left with your Leaders at The Hut . Regular collections will be made until Friday 4th April.

All profits will go towards the Bigger & Better Campaign

Do you know a Lawyer?

We plan to use a lawyer to support us in our commitments and contracts that we will soon embark on.  Some we are required to pay for, but there is some lawyer / solicitor work that may best be done by a volunteer.  It all saves money.

Do you know anyone who might be willing to offer a few hours help in late March / Early April?  Please ask them and put them in touch with Dave Kesby 07932 121446 / 01962 620351

The BIG EVENT

Please come along on Tuesday evening, 8.15pm in the hut to hear all about the plans so far for our BIG sponsored event which will really put our fundraising campaign on the map!  The event will be fun, exciting for everyone and has already attracted the attention of our local MP!