Scouts group opens new accessible facilities thanks to Willmott Dixon and community generosity

On Wednesday 10th April 1st Shipley Scouts in Sussex held a celebratory event to mark the completion of its brand-new accessible shower block. The new facilities were made possible by Willmott Dixon, together with generous contributions from local businesses and the community.

Chairman of 1^st Shipley Scouts, Peter Sutton, welcomed and gave thanks to contributors and explained that the new facilities present extended opportunities for Scouts both now and for generations to come.

Clockwise from top: 1. Ribbon cutting with Jeremy Quin, Cllr David Skipp, 1st Shipley Scouts, Nikki from Ready and Able Sports Group and Callum and Caitlyn from Willmott Dixon. 2. Jeremy Quin, Cllr David Skipp and Nikki from Ready & Able Sports Group. 3. Nikki, Pete Sutton, Lizzie Moyse (Explorer Group Leader) 4. Nikki from Ready & Able Sports Group.

Officially opening the new shower block were Jeremy Quin MP and Chairman of Horsham Council, Cllr David Skipp who jointly cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside Explorers, Scouts, Cubs, and Beavers from the group. After all the showers had their inaugural test-run, attendees enjoyed a barbecue lunch and explored the facilities together.

Pete Sutton, Chairman of 1^st Shipley Scouts, remarked how the project was made possible with significant input from both Willmott Dixon and local contributors:

“Initially, the project got underway with thanks to local generosity from Billingshurst Lions, Saxon Weald, Dudman Group and Tugwell Heating Co who either gave donations, materials, or got stuck in with physical hard work. When we’d got as far as we could, we then reached out to the team at Willmott Dixon for their help, and I am bowled over by what they have achieved for us.

“We’re extremely grateful to Project Manager Rob Douglas and Managing Director of the South Richard Poulter who have been absolutely fundamental to getting this completed. The build team included final year management trainees Caitlyn Greenwell and Callum Cronin who have now completed their training and represented Willmott Dixon at the event. They enlisted further help from 17 supply chain partners and worked tirelessly to finish the DDA compliant shower block. Everything was taken care of, from installing a new boiler, right down to the smallest of details of fixing towel hooks and supplying shower curtains.

“What’s more impressive is that this all happened whilst navigating the restrictions of COVID. As such a big company, Willmott Dixon could have easily forgotten us, but they didn’t. They delivered on every single promise and more.

“Showing such dedication to following through on a local community project like ours is truly humbling. We previously had a shell of a building – I never imagined we’d have something finished to this standard. It’s with thanks to Willmott Dixon and local support that more people are now able to enjoy the experiences to be had here.”

Richard Poulter, Managing Director of the South from Willmott Dixon, commented on the project success: “Being able to provide community facilities such as these is one of the commitments we make at Willmott Dixon, as we understand the value of the opportunities it can create for people. With tough restrictions in place during the COVID pandemic, we had a lot of challenges to overcome, but we take great pride in delivering on our promises and are honoured to have been able to support 1^st Shipley Scouts.”