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Mar 2021
Last Updated: 08/04/2021
More funds needed for Girlguiding centre at Birk Crag to open
The centre at Birk Crag in Harrogate has been partially restored but more money is needed to fit out the interior before guides can use it.
Birk Crag Centre's finished exterior in December last year.
Restoration of the Birk Crag Centre for Girlguiding on the edge of Harrogate has been halted due to a lack of funds.
Girlguiding North Yorkshire West began rebuilding the centre in 2018 thanks to grants and crowdfunding.
The group raised £1.1 million for the exterior of the building, which was completed last year.
Now, county commissioner for Girlguiding North Yorkshire West, Jean Tennant, hopes to raise a further £400,000 to complete the interior.
The guides have applied for more grants but many grantmakers have diverted funds to organisations affected by covid.
Girlguiding fundraising activity has also been affected by covid. Jean said:
"Covid has hit charity work hard, we can't do bake sales or active fundraising.
"Most grants are given to covid relief charities, which is more than understandable but we do need more money to finish this project."
The new centre will include a residential area for girl guides and community groups, including cyclists, church goers and orienteering groups.
The building will also provide an activity arena with a capacity of 120 people and a large commercial kitchen.
Read more:
- District girlguides launch fundraiser to save residential centre
- Stump Cross increases fundraising target to £65,000
The guides will be able to meet at temporary centres from March 29 but there is no date for the opening of the restored Birk Crag Centre until funds are found to fit out the interior.
Jean said Girlguiding North Yorkshire West was grateful for the funding it has received from organisations, such as the Bramall Foundation, the Rotary Club of Harrogate and everyone who had helped to fundraise.
Crowdfunding on its JustGiving page continues.
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