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
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