January 2011

Dear Members and Parents of the 89th Sea Scout Group

Re: Our Headquarters - Options

The 89th has been offered an opportunity to move to a different headquarters building that would be cheaper and in many ways more convenient to run. The premises on offer are, however, in Hanford rather than so the Group Executive has arranged a meeting of parents and supporters to discuss the matter. This will take place at the existing HQ on Thursday 20th January at 7pm. If anyone is unable to attend this meeting, comments can be sent to me directly, using the details below. The 89th is almost 70 years old and has used several buildings, in Stoke and Penkhull, as its headquarters during that time. It is the only Sea Scout Group in the City and Newcastle and has always drawn its membership widely for that reason. Its original location arose simply from its founder offering the room over his coach house as a meeting place for the Rover Crew from which the Group sprang. The Group left Penkhull village hall about 15 years ago for the more spacious (but much more costly) annexe to the former Penkhull Infants School that it now occupies. This has been advantageous but has meant finding £1500 in rent every year with the result that Rudyard has had in effect to subsidise Penkhull. It has also imposed a significant burden of repair and renewal work. That has fallen heavily on Scouters who already devote a great deal of time and energy to providing a high quality programme and comes on top of similar obligations to the Group’s site at Rudyard. The education department has shown no disposition to reduce the rent in Penkhull and the building is in some ways quite dilapidated though weathertight and usable. In addition, the future of the Penkhull site remains uncertain and paying rent simply guarantees occupation from week to week. The Group cannot upgrade facilities in premises from which it might be immediately ejected. Scouters have inspected the building in which another Group formerly met in Hanford that has been for some time vacant. It was purpose built as a Scout HQ and would be suitable for 89th use. Not every feature is better but arrangements can be made to meet the needs of all sections, the drawbacks of Penkhull disappear and the annual ground rent would be much less. With lettings it might cover its own expenses. From the point of view of Scouting in the District a move there would restore Scouting to Hanford while Penkhull would still enjoy easy access to Scout Groups in Hartshill and on London Road, Stoke, and the Hanford HQ is only two miles away. One does not propose a change of HQ lightly but advantages of a move, practically, financially and in security of tenure, are clear. Unless strong counter arguments appear, the Group Executive is inclined, in the long term interest of the Group, to make the move during 2011.

Roger Miller Group Chairman.

89th City Sea Scout Group Chairman: Roger Miller 9 The Villas Stoke-upon-Trent ST4 5AH Tel +44 (0) 1782 847770 Fax +44 (0) 1782 749792 E-mail [email protected] Patron HM The Queen President HRH The Duke of Kent Founder Robert Baden-Powell OM Chief Scout Lt Cdr (Hon) Bear Grylls RN Incorporated by Royal Charter Charity No. 524543