When the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund donated more than £45,000 to a Leicestershire scout group, the money not only enabled the troop to save their hut roof, but also provided a thriving new hub for the local community.
Now, as well as being home to hundreds of scouts and guides in the 2nd Quorn Scouts Group, the Allen House Centre caters for thousands of other users from within and outside the village.
The shiny new roof tops off a facility that has practically been re-built from the ground up, boasting new foundations, new floors, a new kitchen, an extension, new toilets (including disabled facilities), French patio doors onto the outdoor area and an entire smoke and fire alarm system.
“None of it would have been possible without generous help from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund,” said Carolyn Skilling, fundraiser and spokesperson for the 2nd Quorn Scouts. “The facility caters for school groups, the elderly, adults with learning difficulties, wheelchair users – so many people benefit from the Allen House Centre
“What started as an appeal to repair the roof soon became a major project to rebuild the centre, saving the scouts’ and guides’ meeting place and benefiting the whole community.
“We received £8,000 from the lottery towards what was originally a £20,000 appeal for the roof but then discovered there were no proper foundations, no damp course, wet and dry rot throughout.
“Particularly pleasing is to see the 40 or so adults with learning difficulties who now regularly use the centre because our super, big toilets for people with disabilities allow flatback wheelchair access so they can turn around, and include their carers.
“All told, the project has cost around £100,000 and we simply could not have done half of it without the donation from Tarmac, to whom we are eternally grateful.”
Rob Lees, operations manager at Tarmac’s Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “We’re always happy to support good causes locally and know that the valuable work the 2nd Quorn Scouts and the Allen Centre do in the area is having a huge impact.
“It is great to see the centre developing into a bustling hub of the community, providing support and activities to people of all ages in a safe and welcoming environment.”
