GIRLGUIDING members in Ilkley are raising money for an important environmental project.
2nd Ilkley Guides recently held a coffee evening and have been able to donate £450 to buy a solar panel for The Ben Rhydding (De Mohicanen) Scout & Guide Group headquarters in Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding.
2nd Ilkley Guides are part of The Ben Rhydding De Mohicanen Scout and Guide Group, a charitable trust which is aiming to get the premises to generate renewable energy through the installation of solar panels on the roof - a project which will cost £18,000 in total.
A fundraising appeal has been launched and Girlguiding Wharfedale is appealing to members past and present to join them in raising funds to make the ambition to become net zero a reality.
Already the initiative has been to reduce the energy demand through the installation of LED lights, motion sensors and double glazed windows.
In a letter sent out to parents the charitable trust said: "Now our big goal is to install solar panels on the roof - to generate renewable energy for our use and excess power will be put back into the grid for use by the wider community.
"This will help reduce our carbon footprint as well as provide a great opportunity to engage our scouts and guides in sustainability initiatives. It will also help reduce our energy bills allowing us to invest more into our young people and activities.
"It is clear that for such an ambitious enterprise a big input will be required from an interested community and to this end the Trust has set up a Just Giving page and any contributions will be gratefully received."
The letter adds: "We are also keen to speak with any businesses that may be interested in sponsoring or helping us reach our goal – would warmly welcome any suggestions or direct introductions. We'd also welcome any other help in raising funds if you have good ideas!"
Any questions, suggestions or referrals can be emailed to benrhyddingscoutguidegroup@gmail.com
The premises are a meeting place for local Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, Beavers, Cub Scouts, Scouts and Explorer Scouts. In addition three community groups hire the premises in the daytime.
To make a donation to the appeal visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/brscoutguides-solar
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