BURLEY-in-Wharefdale Scouts and Guides have been given another donation in support of their headquarters rebuild.

Burley Over 50s Club held a coffee morning which raised £250 to be given to the headquarters appeal.

The Scouts and Guides kicked off their mammoth fund raising campaign over the summer by building a memorable Eiffel Tower located right at the heart of Burley’s village centre.

The aim of the tower – which was set alight last week at the annual Burley Scouts and Guides bonfire – was to raise awareness of the £400,000 appeal to build the new head quarters.

The Burley Scout and Guide Headquarters was built in its current location on Peel Place in 1968 when there were around 3,500 residents living in Burley.

Now with over 8,000 residents, the headquarters is no longer fit for purpose. Over 300 young people currently attend Scout and Guide activities each week, but given the increased population there is also some 150 youngsters regularly on the waiting list.

Burley Parish councillor Mike Wild said: “While there are leaders prepared to run additional sessions, the constraining factor is the size and condition of the building which has seen better days.

“The new headquarters will be on the same site as the current building and include better car access and parking, which was less of a problem back in 1968.

“More importantly its layout will reflect current requirements for modern day Scouting and Guiding, and its rooms will allow different meetings to be held concurrently.

“The plan is that the building will also be available for community use during the day time, since typically Scouts and Guides can only use the building on evenings and occasionally weekends.”

Burley Scout and Guide Group have set up a Virgin Giving site for local donations. Search for Burley Scout and Guide Group to donate.

The Scouts and Guides would love to hear from anyone with time and talents to help them in the fund raising campaign. To contact their fundraising co-ordinator, e-mail tim.johnson@pearson-jones.co.uk or call 01943 862777.

  • The Burley Over 50s meet formally on the first Monday of each month, and also socially throughout the month. Recent social events have included Ilkley Playhouse and Holmfirth Vineyard Anyone interested in joining should contact Judith Collins 01943 863434.