A scout group in Kirkholt will start paying for use of its long time venue at St Thomas Church from August 2025, after confirming it operates independently as a non-church group.
A scout group based in Kirkholt is launching a fundraiser to help cover hire costs for its weekly meetings, following a mutual understanding with St Thomas Church that it is not a church sponsored organisation.
The group, which has met at the church for several years, will continue to use the venue, but from August will pay a small hire fee to cover running costs including heating, lighting and insurance.
Cub leader, Akela Kimberley explained that the change came after discussions with the church: “We clarified that we are a multi-faith group, not affiliated with the church, and as such understand that room hire is now required like it would be for any other non-church group.”
She added on the social media post that although the decision marks a change in their longstanding arrangement, the group remains committed to its base at St Thomas and to serving the wider Kirkholt community. “Over the years we’ve supported the church and estate through clean-up efforts, remembrance displays, community events and even an emergency supply scheme during the pandemic,” she said.
The scout group is now aiming to raise enough funds to cover six months of rent, and says it hopes the community will support them in their efforts.
A spokesperson for St Thomas Church said: “Following conversations with the scout group they confirmed they are not a church group but a separate, multi-faith organisation. Like all other independent groups that use the hall regularly, they will now be asked to make a contribution towards the costs of running the building to cover utilities such as electricity, gas and insurance for the several hours per week that they use the space.”
You can read more on the fundraiser here: Fundraiser by Kimberley Astwood - Wainwright : Room Rent - 1st Rochdale (St Thomas) Baden Powell Scouts
Greenmount jumble sale buyer appeals to return unexpected sex toy found in donated bag
New private diagnostic centre opens at Rochdale AFC ground
Romance takes centre stage at The Rock in Bury
Food drive to support FRGS Hub pantry set for Saturday at Bury FC
United Utilities to host online recruitment event as wastewater hiring drive continues
MP visits Heywood engineering academy during National Apprenticeship Week
Rochdale residents urged to shape new grooming gangs inquiry
Half of Rochdale GP practices unite under new integrated federation
Section 60 powers EXTENDED in Chadderton and Oldham after three stabbings
Romance fraud warning after 81 year old woman conned out of £5,000
New youth parliament members elected to represent Rochdale borough
Rochdale Wedding Show to return to town hall in May
Comments
Add a comment