News
31/01/2008
Scout raises the roof
James Bannon, 13, decided to take on the challenge of replacing his Group’s leaky roof himself. Not only did he offer to find out how much it would cost, but he volunteered to find the money himself.
James amazed Leaders at the 27/15th Rochdale Scout Group when he announced: ‘Don't worry about the roof. Leave that to me.’
They were astounded when, eight months later, he turned up with the £6,000 needed to replace the building's old asbestos covering.
Neil Woodcock, the Group's treasurer, said: ‘It was a surprise when James came and asked how much it would cost to replace the roof. But I was even more surprised when he came back and said, “I'll get you the money”’.
‘I took this with a pinch of salt and thought it would be nice if we got something, but I didn't really expect much to come of it. But over the following months he kept mentioning it and, eight months later, he gave me a form to fill in so the money could be paid into the Group's account.’
He added: ‘I, like the rest of the Group, was over the moon. We had wanted to replace the roof ever since the headquarters was extended about 10 years ago."
The roof of the building has now been replaced and members of the Group thanked James at their first meeting of the New Year.
James said: ‘I'm very proud of what I have achieved. The new roof looks very good.’
He got the money by appealing to his friends on the Rochdale Youth Council. They successfully applied for the money as a grant from the Youth Capital Fund.
Rochdale Youth Council was set up to give local youngsters a say in decisions which affect them. It was created by the borough council's Youth Service.
Jill Welsby, of Rochdale Youth Service, said: ‘James is a good young man. He's been with the Rochdale Youth Council for a couple of years and he's a very valued member.
‘He does a lot for the council in his spare time, as well as being a member of the Scouts.’
