A CAMPAIGN to raise about £30,000 for much-needed roof repairs at the headquarters of 1st Fordingbridge Scouts is on the up with more than £12,000 raised so far.

However, the group is still looking for more donations to help support the project.

The scouts hope work on the new roof and other improvements on its Roundhill headquarters can be started in the autumn, if the necessary funds are in place.

Money has already been raised for the new roof through a variety of fundraising activities including bag packing, raffles and quiz nights.

Assistant scout leader Derrin Berry took to the skies – taking part in his very first tandem parachute jump at Netheravon in February to aid the appeal.

Derrin, who has been a scout leader since 2010, raised more than £2,500.

Fordingbridge Scouts are exploring a number of fundraising streams and have approached bodies including the National Lottery and other national and local organisations. It says it will be awaiting the outcome of these applications over the coming months.

Acting chairman of 1st Fordingbridge Scouts Martin Smethers said: “The more money we can get, the more we can do.

“We have actually got half of what we need to actually start work on the roof.”

Mr Smethers said the repairs to the roof are “fairly crucial” as water currently leaks into the building and the problems are “only going to get worse” in the future. He added: “We would like to do the work as soon as possible.”

The scouts have thanked everyone who has supported its roof appeal so far and made donations.

To make a donation go to fordingbridgescouts.org and follow the link to roof, which goes to the group’s Just Giving page.

Alternatively, contact the acting group chairman Martin Smethers at martin@smethers.co.uk or call 07860 352279 to find out more about supporting the roof appeal.

n 1st Fordingbridge Scouts are looking for more adults to support their growing Beaver colony, Cub pack and Scout troop to lend a hand with activities.

It is also looking for additional volunteers to assist with work behind the scenes in a variety of support roles as well as a treasurer for the group.

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked contact Tim Reed, the group scout leader, on 01425 650961 or at tim@lastminutescouts.com.