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'Kindness of strangers' restores scout hut

BBC A group of 11 people stand in a scout hut some with their arms raised in celebration. A number are wearing scouts uniform. BBC
The restoration of the scout hut in Whitley Bay has involved volunteer tradespeople

A dilapidated scout hut has been restored thanks to "the kindness of strangers".

Scout leader Michelle Parrack got in touch with BBC Radio Newcastle to ask for help repairing and modernising the home of the 21st Whitley Bay Scouts in North Tyneside.

Her request was heard by volunteer Sean Byrne who assembled a team of tradespeople to do the work.

"What I thought would take two weeks, has taken 10 months but we got there," he said.

Michelle Parrack Several rows of orange chairs fill a hall with a couple of benches in front. The floor is pine and there's a hatch into the kitchen. Michelle Parrack
The restored hut will be used by different groups every week

"It's been a huge amount of work with a full re-wiring and we also had to repair the ceilings," Mr Byrne said.

"We've also had to get the felting done on the roof and a huge amount of woodwork.

"We've had a full new kitchen put in and we had to lean on local suppliers."

Michelle Parrack A new kitchen with white cupboards and a hatch with opens onto a hall with a pine floor Michelle Parrack
The renovations included a new kitchen

BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Matt Bailey said: "It's incredible what they've done.

"The volunteers have just shown the spirit of the North East and I'm so proud seeing the scouts with smiles on their faces."

Mrs Parrack said she was "amazed" at how many people came forward to lend a hand.

"I inherited the group just after Covid and the building was old so much work needed doing," she said.

"The team has been absolutely amazing and so many organisations have donated stuff such as a television and kitchen equipment."

The Whitley Bay scout hut, a one-storey building with a ladder up to the roof and the word Scouts in large letters on the side.
The building needed modernisation and rewiring

A planned opening in October was delayed because of flooding which damaged floors, walls and the newly installed disabled toilets.

"It's great it's finally open because it's not just beavers, cubs and scouts who use the hut," Mrs Parrack said.

"It's a really important community hub which has now been given a new lease of life, thanks to the kindness of strangers."

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