Stepping out for the Scouts Hall
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A better time! Ger McCarthy, Chairman of the Board of Directors, with fellow directors G Browne, D Hasset, G Scanlon, Emily Sheary, B McNamara and M Cormack, accepting a gift of a clock for the foyer from Breda Fitzgibbon at the official opening of the refurbished Scouts Hall in January 2015. Missing from photo is Tommy McGuire. photograph: Gerardine WisdomImage 2 of 2
The Scouts Hall in Nenagh.The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly curtailed the activities of many voluntary organisations and sporting clubs, and has limited their ability to raise badly needed funds to meet ongoing commitments.
This has been particularly true for Nenagh Choral Society Ltd. Having had to postpone its production of ‘Chess’ a year ago, the Society has seen all activities cease, which included its Wednesday Night Bingo and the much-needed income from the rent of the Scouts Hall. Since acquiring the hall and renovating it on a phased basis, the Society has had to continually fundraise to meet its loan repayments and to maintain the hall on an ongoing basis.
The Society has also replaced the roof and the heating and ventilation system in the last two years, as well as improving the facilities on stage.
Chairman of the Board of Directors Ger McCarthy said: “The Scouts Hall has been a focal building in Nenagh for the past 80 years and even during lockdown we have had to maintain it. It was fully painted last summer while closed. Presently we are working on a plan for the maple floor, which is in dire need of repair.”
Mr McCarthy explained the passion in the local community for the resurrection of the Scouts Hall for the reopening in 2015, which was phenomenal. This was not a building renovation; this was a hall steeped in folklore and tradition.
“The people of Nenagh have been behind us from the beginning and without their support, the hall would not have survived. When possible, we will hope to open the hall again with big dance nights, musicals, concerts, bingo, etc.”
To raise badly needed funds, members of the society are ‘Stepping It Out for the Scouts Hall’ for the month of April. Each participant will walk 100 kilometres over the four weeks and hope to get a minimum of 10 sponsors subscribing just €10. It is hoped to raise several thousand euro to cover ongoing maintenance and to meet our existing loan repayments as well as beginning a ‘floor restoration fund’. Financial Controller Michael Cormack added: “We have tried to keep our fundraiser as simple as possible. People can contribute to any of our walkers or directly to our bank account, details of which are below. We are complying with all Covid-19 social guidelines and restrictions, and our walkers will remain within the 5km limit while it lasts, while walking within family bubbles.”
Society Secretary Greg Browne said: “As an organisation, our members have been unable to come together in over a year and this is also a way of uniting us with a common aim. We are hoping that many past members might also take up the challenge. We will be verifying our walks through walking apps on our phones.”
Ger would like to thank NCS Society Chairperson Margaret McGee, the committee and all our present and past members for coming on board with us in driving this fundraiser.
If you are interested in helping this worthwhile and enjoyable activity you can contact Ger McCarthy (087 6539229) Greg Browne (085 1708133) or any committee member. Details will also be available on our Facebook page. Official sponsor cards will be available to those taking part. Our bank details are: BIC: BOFIIE2D
IBAN: IE75BOFI904368 68295255