A FINAL farewell has been said to Knutsford’s oldest Scout hut.

Supporters of the Scout group, which was established in 1910, have been fundraising for several years to build a new HQ to accommodate the group’s demand for expansion.

Earlier this month members bid a ceremonial farewell to the long-standing building which has been occupied by the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers since 1957.

Despite tearful goodbyes there was plenty of reason to celebrate because a modern headquarters will be replacing the historic building on the Moor next year.

The original part of the current HQ building dates to the 1930s and as early as the 1950s it was agreed that a new hut was needed, but renovations on the property were preferred.

Only in recent years have plans for the hut’s demolition and a new HQ come to the fore, and planning permission was granted in 2015 ushering in an exciting future for the group.

Michele Hammond, fundraising leader, said: “We are delighted that the new purpose built HQ will be built in 2019.

“As the flag was lowered for the final time, we said a tearful farewell and we celebrated the stories of the last 108 years.”

Long serving Scout leader Tony Leadbeater, whose father was chairman of the group in its early carnation, also attended the event and shared its history with attendees.

Michele added: “It was a great honour to hear the stories and see from his beautiful handwritten notes what a skilled architect that he was.”

The Scout group flag is now in safe keeping with the district office, ready to fly again next year when the new building is ready to open.

After some final surveys, the existing building will be demolished in December, and work on the new one will start next spring, with a view to being completed by September.

The new hut will cost £234,000, which the group is raising through grants, donations and fundraising activities. The vaulted, open plan building will feature disability and limited mobility access and toilets, a modern kitchen, heating, and an art studio with windows overlooking the Moor.

Michele added: “Everyone at 1st Knutsford Scouts would like to thank Rob McGinness of Hive Architects, Knutsford who has helped the team achieve amazing plans, planning and ongoing advice regarding the new building.

“Thanks for all private donations and grants to date and please get in touch via our website if you would like to be involved in the new building.”

Plan for the new building, as well as a fly through video, plus information on how you can support the project can be found at knutsfordscouts.org.uk/1sthq