FOR more than half a century, Rhydd Covert has been a thriving base of youth activity and a spiritual home to generations of Wyre Forest youngsters.

Situated next to West Midland Safari Park on Kidderminster Road just outside Bewdley, the Scout camp attracts thousands of children from throughout the UK each year to take part in activities including camping, archery, abseiling and shooting.

At the heart of the camp is the now gutted Scout building, which was, ironically, built to replace a former Home Guard hut which was torched by suspected vandals in 1969.

The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of £109.

District commissioner for Kidderminster and District Scout Council, Dave Denton, said: "If it wasn't here we just couldn't lay on all the activities we do. It is as simple as that."

Site warden, Mark Woodward, said: "There are going to be a lot of young people who are going to miss out. I have already had to turn groups away but the point is to stay positive and get on with the rebuilding."

Leigh Harrison, 17, a member of Ebury District Explorers, told the Shuttle/Times and News: "It means a lot because I have been coming here since I was six. It is special because I have grown up here and when it is gone all the memories go with it."

Kidderminster mum, Sharon Collins, said Rhydd Covert and the Scouts had provided a tremendous boost for her children, Julian, Adam, Rebecca and Nathan.

She added: "It has given them a lot of confidence. They were all very quiet before but they have really come on with their confidence - their personalities are more outgoing."

Rhydd Covert is owned by Kidderminster and District Scout Council. Its origins lie in a chance encounter between Major William Harcourt Webb and Scouting movement founder, Robert Baden-Powell, during the 1899-1902 Boer War.

Lt Gen Baden-Powell left a strong impression on Major Harcourt Webb, who went on to purchase the Spring Grove estate and dedicate part of it, Rhydd Covert, to be used by Scouts.

Major Harcourt Webb died in 1968. Much of Spring Grove was sold and became the safari park while part of the estate was donated by the executors of the will to the Scout Council, which, in time, acquired more of the land.

What can you do to help?

If you wish to make a donation to Operation Covert, you can:

Call in at the Shuttle/Times and News offices in Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, during normal business hours from 9am-5pm.

Post donations to Operation Covert, c/o Oliver Evans, Shuttle/Times and News, 6 Towers Buildings, Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2DY. Please make cheques payable to Rhydd Covert Campsite.

Post donations to Sam Rees, Rhydd Covert treasurer, 20 Wilton Avenue, Kidderminster DY11 5PR.

If you are organising an event or would like some advice on how to go about it, contact Oliver Evans at the Shuttle/Times and News on 01562 633340 or the newsdesk on 01562 633347.

Alternatively, e-mail Oliver Evans at oliver.evans@midlands.newsquest.co.uk

Cosy centre turns

to blackened shell