Hague takes time out from world’s crises to aid scout hut appeal

But those behind the scheme have secured a bit of a coup by persuading Foreign Secretary, William Hague, to give an after-dinner speech in aid of the appeal.

Years of fundraising to replace the Bedale scout hut are coming to an end and it is hoped that the funds raised at a black tie dinner with Mr Hague, in Bedale Hall, on October 27, will mean that they finally have the money they need to get the work underway.

Mr Hague, the MP for Richmond, will give a speech to an audience of only 100 people.

“Money is coming in all the time so we hope that this dinner will provide the final sum to complete the project,” said Marie Wilson, chair of the fundraising committee.

Tickets are already in demand at £75, with bids in excess of £50 for a private reception with Mr Hague, limited to 30 people, and bids in excess of £100 for seats on Mr Hague’s table.

The new scout hut – the Beckside Community Building – will provide facilities for scouts and guides, the Aiskew under-fives playgroup, the brass band and other community groups. The project cost is £360,000 and £340,000 has already been raised or committed.

The current hut was built in the 1970s and is beyond repair, so ambitious plans were developed to replace it with a new, environmentally-friendly, multi-purpose building. Native Architects have produced a design which uses straw bales for insulation. Full planning permission for the building has been granted.

Tickets can be obtained from Bedale Financial Services by telephoning 01677 424234 or by emailing: [email protected]