AN urgent call for fund-raising help has gone out from one of Okehampton's prominent community groups. A new building is required to house Okehampton's Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers groups. The groups currently meet at Brayhams Terrace, Okehampton. However, the current hut is too small for the groups' needs and is in a 'terrible state of repair'. West Devon Borough Council has identified a piece of land for a new hut but the groups need financial and community support in order to move the plans forward. Marie Endacott, leader of the 2nd Okehampton Brownies and one of the main fundraisers, has called on the community to help support this in any way they can. She said: 'We need the new building up and functioning by April next year and to do this we need support from the community to help move the plans forward. 'We need to secure £65,000 for the new building. The majority of this will come from outside help but we need to be pro-active and we have to be seen to be doing something. 'We want parents to step in and help with fund- raising, even if they can only raise a small amount. 'Anyone can come forward with any kind of help, it doesn't have to be financial but there will be so many small things that need to be done and we need all the help we can get, even if it's only ideas. 'We are the largest voluntary organisation in the Okehampton area but we have the worst accommodation and the least support. We have more than 100 girls on the waiting list but we can't accommodate any more. 'West Devon have been fantastic and are giving the land back to us at no cost. Mrs Endacott said Okehampton was growing fast and the groups would need a bigger building to accommodate them in future. She said Okehampton was a central hub for the district and she felt it ought to be a 'beacon' for the area. 'That is what I want to create but I need help and support to do it,' said Marie. A meeting was held last week at the Ockment Centre to discuss ways to take the project forward but was poorly attended — special thanks goes out to all those who did attend. The services provided by the Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers are used by girls aged 5 to 24. All the groups take part in a wide and diverse range of activities aimed around encouraging a team ethos. Mrs Endacott added: 'It's about giving the girls opportunities they won't have anywhere else and opening their eyes.' To help with the funding, the Rangers will be organising a casino and race night while the Brownies will also be at the Sport Relief mile on March 16. Anyone who feels they can help in any way should contact Marie Endacott on 01837 54296 or Jackie Reynolds on 01837 52580.
