The 215th Sheffield (1st Totley) Scout Group has a rich history of community involvement and resilience. Our Scout Hut has been a cornerstone of this legacy, and we're thrilled to share the latest developments in its ongoing renovation.
🕰️ A Glimpse into Our Past
Scouting in Totley dates back to 1911, with the establishment of the 21st Sheffield Troop at Cherry Tree Orphanage. Over the years, several groups formed, including the 42nd in 1914 and the 85th in 1915. In 1934, the 215th Sheffield (1st Totley) Scout Group was registered and continues to thrive today.
During World War II, our Scouts faced significant challenges. In 1940, after losing access to their meeting place, they purchased a wooden hut for £50—a considerable feat given wartime shortages. They laid the foundations themselves, and the hut was officially opened on October 12, 1940, by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Luther Milner, and Rev. T.M. Archer.
đź’ˇ Renovation
Fast forward to the present, our Scout Hut is undergoing significant renovations to better serve our community. In 2023, we were awarded a Youth Investment Fund Refurbishment Grant of nearly £100,000. This funding, part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee, aims to ensure every young person in England has access to regular out-of-school activities.
The grant will enable us to:
Additionally, our local councillors have generously provided ÂŁ4,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to improve our drainage system, supporting the refurbishment work.
🙌 A massive Thankyou to our Supporters
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us:
-
Sheffield Councillor Smith, for assisting with a vital amendment to our lease
-
Helen Armstrong, our former Chair, who has remained on the committee to project manage the renovation
-
Our dedicated Group Executive Committee, for their relentless efforts in securing the grant
As Group Scout Leader Sue Bridgens aptly put it, “This is amazing news for our group and will make such a huge impact on the group and young people.”