Sponsored Boating

Despite a very (very, very) wet morning on Sunday, lots of Sea Scouts turned out for our sponsored boating.  The weather improved through the day, and we also had a few visitors to our stand at the Testwood Lakes Great Outdoors Open Day.  Thanks very much to everyone who organised, helped out or turned up to take part - we sold a few more raffle tickets, and made some money on the refreshments, before we even start counting the money raised by the boating.  We also spoke to quite a few people about potentially joining or volunteering to help us.  So a good day out all round.

We also had a Group Exec meeting on Monday including a brief review of building progress and finances.  We've had some more money coming in from a range of sources, so we are now at a total of £16,200, even before the weekend's activities, towards our target of £20,000.

Back from hols

Welcome back to the blog - the project has been very busy through August since my last posting here.

Picture by F Wright

2 big areas of news to mention today:

• The construction project is really progressing well.  You may have seen updates on the Sea Scouts website over recent weeks - the frame is up, the roof is watertight and we're starting to put the roofing tiles on next week.  Then cladding on the walls, and windows and doors, then....  A few of us had an official site visit yesterday morning to take a look around both floors - it is looking a fantastic space and we can't wait to get the building into use.
• The fundraising is also progressing well.  Netley Marsh Steam Rally was held in July and each year they make donations from their takings to local good causes.  This year they have been fantastic to our project and granted £3,000 to us.  The hard work that many members of the Sea Scouts group put in to help with the litter picking each year has helped keep the group and project in their focus, so thanks to everyone involved in that.

The 20/20 fundraising total is now over £15,000 with a month to go.  Lots going on in September, with sponsored boating this Sunday, combined with the Wildlife Trust's open day (looking forward to a fantastic busy day at the lakes).  Then on 17th September, we host the Solent Sea Scouts Pulling and Kayaking Regatta - another chance for draw ticket and refreshment selling.  Then the grand draw will be drawn on the evening of 30th September - we're starting to make plans for that and looking to sell as many tickets as possible before then.

It is going to be a busy month on both the construction and fundraising fronts.