On Friday 6th March over 50 scouts from 5th Haywards Heath Scout group gathered to witness Tim Peake, astronaut, major and scout ambassador, open The Barn, a new combined scout and community centre at the heart of the Bentswoods area of Haywards Heath.
Alongside the scouts and members of the local community were a whole host of dignitaries, amongst them Mid Sussex MP Alison Bennett, Mayor of Haywards Heath Cllr Duncan Pascoe, Sussex PCC Katy Bourne, representatives from the District and Town Councils.
After cutting the ribbon and pronouncing The Barn open, Tim Peake took time to give out space badges to the younger members of the Scouts, as well as posing for photographs and signing books for members of the public.
11 year old Albert, representing 5th Haywards Heath Scouts, spoke very eloquently on what the opening means to the group. “This new scout hut is where our friendships will grow, where confidence builds, and where challenges are faced head on. It’s where we’ll make memories that last a lifetime. So today we’re not just opening a building, we’re opening new adventures, new opportunities, and a very exciting future for 5th Haywards Heath Scouts.”
Tim Peake followed on to say “It’s absolutely phenomenal, because it does represent so much more than just a Scouting facility – it is a community centre. A huge thank you to everybody for being here today – for your resilience, your hard work, your efforts, and your contributions to make this possible. Because it will give people opportunities, both for your younger generations and for the whole community to come together, to use this facility for the benefit of everybody.”
Afterwards, a spokesperson for said “After 73 years of waiting, 5th Haywards Heath scouts finally have a home. With the Bentswood Hub, we hope to put the community at the very heart of this great new space. We would like to thank Tim Peake for taking the time to launch The Barn. The opening of this fantastic new Community Hub and Scout Centre is the culmination of years of hard work and huge thanks to everyone involved who made this possible.”
The Barn will be the new home for 5th Haywards Heath scout group and the Bentwood Hub CIC, a community interest group who work closely with the local community.
The last round of fundraising to fully kit out the centre for community use is ongoing, with all donations still welcome.
The hub will also be available for rent by people and groups from the community – get in touch to find out more.
5th Haywards Heath (St Paul's) Scout Group 