Sidmouth’s Keith Owen Fund has come to the rescue of a building used by Sidmouth’s Brownies, Guides, and several other community groups.

The Sidmouth District Girl Guide HQ in Lawn Vista had fallen into disrepair, and because of the lack of income during the Covid pandemic, the Girl Guides didn’t have enough money to pay for the necessary work.

District Commissioner Grace Essex said: “We were devastated to discover that so much work needed to be done. Some structural issues including rotting window frames and doors was apparent, and it was estimated that it would cost in excess of £20,000 to make the building sound again.”

However, help was at hand; the Sid Vale Association approved a grant towards the repair work through the Keith Owen Fund.

Grace said: “Work has started and already the difference is amazing. The structural issues have been resolved, the outside of the building has been redecorated, with a new sign, and replacement doors and windows are on order and will be in place in August.

“It is dreadful to think what would have happened had we not received this welcome help. We have two units of Rainbows aged between five and seven, one unit of Brownies aged between seven and 10, a unit of Guides aged between 10 and 14 together with a Ranger Guide unit aged 14 to 18, totalling 84 young people in all; they each meet once a week.

“We also have a Trefoil Guild who are part of the Girlguiding family; they meet once a month and support the Guides in the District. There are other charities and community groups from the town who meet weekly or monthly at the Headquarters, as varied as ballet to a U3A Exploring Art group.

“Sidmouth District Guides are so grateful to the Sid Vale Association through the Keith Owen Fund for enabling us not only to maintain all the activities that take place in the building, but also to have a building the community can take pride in.” 

The Sidmouth District Headquarters is available for hire; for details contact Derek Hall on 07973 123572.