The 2nd Quorn Scout Group is growing fast after a £45,000 donation from Tarmac’s community fund successfully supported the extension of the building it shares with Quorn Girlguiding.
More than 200 Scouts and Guides are now using Allen House every week after the support was received from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.
Several other groups – including an arts class, children’s phonics, and an adult fitness class – are also now using the Meeting Street building during daytime hours after the grant provided facilities including a new roof, kitchen, toilets, and the addition of disabled toilet facilities.
It means daytime usage of the building has more than doubled since it reopened in January 2022.
Group scout leader, Sian Clark, said: “Numbers have grown back quickly post-Pandemic and we again have long waiting lists to join across all age groups. 
“We have a brilliant growing team of leaders offering exciting activities every week but the number of children wanting to join is growing even faster, so we are always on the lookout for more volunteers to join us.”
Allen House has been used by 2nd Quorn Scout Group and Quorn Girlguiding since 1962.
Rob Lees, senior operations manager at Tarmac’s nearby Mountsorrel Quarry, said: “It’s great to see the huge progress that has been made since our Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund donation last year and that so many young people are now enjoying being part of the Scouts and Guides.
“We’re pleased that the Allen House facility is also being used extensively by the wider community, becoming a thriving community hub that everyone can enjoy. We are proud to have been able to play a part in making this possible.”
Support from the Tarmac investment was timely. After taking a hit during the Pandemic, numbers and waiting lists are now growing again across all age groups.
Many age ranges are oversubscribed and work is underway to bring in new leaders to open new groups. The village’s first Squirrels section – for children aged four and five – will launch in September this year.
The 2nd Quorn Scout Group recruits from Quorn itself but also has members travel in from Loughborough and other surrounding villages.
Demand has now resulted in a fresh fundraising campaign to raise a further £60,000 to extend to the rear of Allen House to increase safe storage, improve access, and aid expansion to meet existing and future demand from local areas.
The project will provide purpose-built secure storage for group equipment currently being housed in leaking and hard-to-access shipping container to the rear of the site.
Scouting and Guiding give young people skills for life, with a strong emphasis on helping others in the community and instilling generosity and kindness.
This benefits young people denied the chance due to Covid to meet and play and participate in learning activities that develop teamwork and communication.
Through the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund, Tarmac donates around £1 million each year to community projects UK wide. The fund is open to applicants who meet the criteria for projects delivering community benefit. For more information, visit www.entrust.org.uk or email [email protected]
