One of our first projects with the Rotary Club in Irlam, it took three years to reopen the Hollins Green Scout Hut after an arson attack.

When an arson attack in 2005 saw the Hollins Green Scout Hut burn to the ground, Scouts and Cubs were left without a home. Taking up the kind offer from St Helens Primary School for the use of the assembly hall meant the groups could continue to operate, albeit with limited space and facilities.

Following a grant of £200,000 from Hamilton Davies Trust, it reopened almost three years later as one of the first projects for the newly formed HDT. In these early days HDT relied heavily on Irlam Rotary Club, a relationship that has continued to blossom over the last 10 years.

The benefits of the new building were immense. It was a new brick construction where the last building was wooden. It has a hygiene standard kitchen, disabled facilities, updated fire compliance, gas and even under floor heating! A new Beavers section was introduced for younger children (6-8 years). The new kitchen enabled the Scouts to accommodate an ‘out of school group’ from St Helens Primary to use the Centre, which helped to return the favour.