AN historic town scout group has today issued a plea for kind-hearted volunteers to offer a helping hand.

The 18th Ipswich Scout Group has been based at its current premises in Cliff Lane, Ipswich since February 1936 – ten years after the group was first founded.

The scouts are now on the hunt for donors to support them during difficult financial times.

During the group’s seven decades at the Scout hut, which is located just inside the boundaries of Holywells Park, the venue has had little maintenance work.

But now two companies have stepped up and donated replacement flooring to help transform the site.

Scout Group Leader John Painter said: “We just need a skilled person to remove and relay the flooring. We will also require either donors or financial assistance for skips and additional wood for other building repairs.”

The group’s financial constraints also means they are lacking in transport, after their minibus was stolen a number of years ago. Mr Painter added: “The group always has been tirelessly independent. But the constraints and realities of the new financial climate have severely hampered the groups fundraising abilities.”

The scouts are also hoping to learn more about the hut’s history and has appealed for anyone with information to make contact. Little is known about the building, which is known as the ‘rackets court’, and Mr Painter is hoping to learn more about its roots within the town’s history.

If you can help the Scout’s retrace the history of their venue or if you are a donor looking to help out, e-mail john.painter@ntlworld.com

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