Sidmouth District Guides have celebrated the opening of their refurbished headquarters in Lawn Vista. 

The building and gardens have been renovated thanks to a grant from the Keith Owen Fund, awarded by the Sid Vale Association. 

On Saturday, November 18, Kate Tobin from the Sid Vale Association/Keith Owen Fund, who has been the group's mentor throughout the project, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony. Afterwards the Guides, friends, neighbours and supporters sat down for a cream tea.

As well as essential building works, the refurbishment project included the creation of a wildlife-friendly garden for the Guides and other community groups to enjoy. It incorporates a home for hedgehogs, bird nesting boxes and a feeding station, a bat box and a bug hotel.  Dwarf fruit trees will be planted in a wildflower meadow area which the group hope will bear fruit next Autumn. The  Guides will also plant a raised bed with salad plants and vegetables.

A spokesperson for the Guides said they would like to thank the Sid Vale Association and Keith Owen Fund 'not only for providing financial support but also their generosity of time and understanding'. 

They added: "Thank you to those who have helped along the way in this exciting project; the Management Committee of the hall who have worked tirelessly and to our near neighbours for their tolerance during the building work.

"Thanks also to Bradfords of Sidmouth and Gridforce of Nottingham for suppling building materials and Guy Bennett landscaping for the installation of the garden.

"All of this hard work will enable our young people to enjoy the outside space as well as those Community groups that use the venue."