WORK can finally begin on a new HQ for the 1st Sid Vale Scouts – thanks to a £25,000 grant handed to jubilant youngsters and leaders this week.

The sizeable match-funded donation from the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund has been hailed a ‘big vote of confidence’ it is hoped will encourage others to lend their support to the bid.

It has come in the nick of time for the popular group as it faces a race against time to make a start on its planned new home at the Salcombe Recreational Field. Planning permission for the premises runs out in December.

The scouts’ £200,000 fundraising effort has been backed by a Sidmouth Herald campaign – and much more hard work lies ahead as money is still needed to see the project completed.

1st Sid Vale Scouts chairman Gareth Hughes, on behalf of volunteer leaders, parents, and the committee, expressed his appreciation and a ‘massive thank you’ to the Sid Vale Association and Keith Owen Fund – and stressed the importance of the support.

“This is clearly a very sizeable donation, and a big boost to all those involved in this project,” he said.

“With this award, and through other fundraising activities, including other donors within Sidmouth, we will now be able to begin the first stage of the build.

“As we continue fundraising for both day-to-day needs and the new headquarters, I believe this significant contribution from the Keith Owen Fund is a big vote of confidence and will encourage others to lend their support. The scout group believe that when the project is completed we will all have built a fine facility, at a super location, which will benefit both scouting and the local community for generations to come.”

A cubs’ barbecue was the setting for the fund’s Peter Moss to hand over a cheque to Gareth, pack leaders and children.

The Reverend Handel Bennett, Sid Vale Association president, told the cubs: “Keith Owen was a Devon boy, who lived to serve the community through the RAF. Following his death, he continued to serve others by leaving a legacy for local community effort. I encourage you to follow his example.”

The Sid Vale Association has been able to make awards totalling £41,900 towards scout activities over the last four years.

The Keith Owen Fund welcomes applications for grants, large and small, which meet its criteria. Visit www/sidvaleassociation.org.uk.

l Call Gareth Hughes on 01395 515552 for more information on the project, or if you can help. Donations can be sent to treasurer Denese Molyneux at Goodrich House, Cheese Lane, Sidmouth, EX10 8RA, or online at https://mydonate.bt.com and search for 1st Sid Vale Scout Group.