A NEARLY derelict activity space providing shooting and archery practice for more than 1,000 Scouts is to be renovated following a massive contribution from donors.

Colin and Viv Brooks, longtime residents of Winchester and supporters of Scouting, have donated £60,000 towards the revitalisation of the Activity Barn at the Pinsent campsite at Teg Down. The money will be used to provide a lit, covered space so various supervised activities can continue all year round.

Further funding for the project has also been received by way of a grant for £38,000 from the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund 23.

Hampshire Chronicle: L-R: Colin Brooks, Richard Mendelsohn Chair of Winchester Scouts, Viv Brooks and Robin Cook District Commissioner for Winchester District ScoutsL-R: Colin Brooks, Richard Mendelsohn Chair of Winchester Scouts, Viv Brooks and Robin Cook District Commissioner for Winchester District Scouts (Image: Robin Cook)

So far this year, hundreds of Scouts aged between six and 18 have taken part in activities at the facility, practising air rifle shooting and archery in particular. The renovation will allow many more people to participate much more often.

READ MORE: Hampshire scouts awarded three grants for sustainable energy project

Part of the money has come from the sale of Leachpond Copse, which was originally given by the nation to Lord Nelson in thanks for his victory at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. This wood near Fareham was bought in 1993 by Viv’s late father, Brian ‘Brandy’ Blunt, who became Mayor of Winchester in 1996.

Brandy championed the development of young people in his home town of Bishop’s Waltham, and during his time as mayor, he also became president of Meon Valley Scout District, where he remained for 23 years until his death in 2019.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire science centre announces string of spooky Halloween events

Colin and Viv’s donation will make a considerable contribution to the cost of the barn’s renewal, which is scheduled for completion next Easter. There are also plans to add a bouldering wall, should enough additional donations be received.

The couple said: “We are honoured and privileged to have been able to support Winchester, and our love of Pinsent.

“On behalf of the Blunt and Brooks families we are fortunate enough to be able to leave a legacy to Winchester Scouts for the ongoing development, providing fun and skills training for both young people and the supporting adult volunteers who make it all happen. Pinsent was, is, and will be of great importance to the young people of Winchester, through Scouting.”