In 1961 the District (South Cotswold – Registered on 25th February 1910) Purchased the land and building. The wooden hall served many long and faithful years of service, one could hardly expect. building of such construction to be in the same condition as the photographs. A certain amount of deterioration had already taken place by the time of purchase in 1945.
The development and numbers within the District (South Cotswold) had increased from 373 Scouts, 39 Scouters in 1961 to 630 Scouts and 72 Scouters in 1972. Due to this growth a Mafeking Hall Management Committee was formed, which was initially responsible for general renovations and repairs with the aid of the B.P Guild and (later) also District Seniors. This moved towards the necessity of Fund raising. in 1966 a Sub committee was appointed under the the Chairmanship of Mr. K Lloyd to investigate the possibility of building a new Mafeknig Hall and contacts were made with the local planning authorities etc. An agreement was reached for piped water supply with Mr. Keane and several money raising events were organised. One of the first major events was a barbecue with roast venison, donated by the Duke of Beaufort and this raised £92.
Chairmanship changed in 1968 to Mr. F. Howes and the first District sponsored walk organised Brough in £139. In 1970 a wine and cheese party was held and non redeemable shares issues, raising a further £178.
At the end of 1969 the District Information Officer. Mr. H. Porter attended a Rotarian lunch explaining the purpose and aims of the Scout movement and our need for a new District H.Q. From this we have received a very generous and encouraging support from the Chipping Sudbury Rotary Club (£185) and Chipping Sudbury Round Table (£400). The last District Maximum safety sponsored walk held in Dodington Park, raised a magnificent sum of £238.
A store and toilet block with Septic tank was originally planned in 1967 to improve on the existing facilities. Voluntary and sub contracting work commended in 1969. However mishaps occurred and completion had to be achieved by a deadline date in 1971 in order to qualify got a grant for the main building. Our thanks must go to Mr. B. Taylor for getting us out of this difficulty – it really was the sort of “the short cut and so called cheap route being the longest and most expensive way”.
By 1971 the Buildings Sub Committee was reformed under the Chairmanship of Mr Jefferies (Chairman) and Mr. C. Moseley joined the Team. He had been a warranted Scouting in the District for 11 years, holding the 4th longest South Cotswold District issued warrant, previously a Scout with 1st Winterbourne Down (All Saints) Group.
Mr Moseley presented a complete set of new plans and drawings – the design of the building to be virtually maintenance free. The building was placed out to contract. Mr Moseley then had to do considerable research for teh best materials at the lowest prices and effect some redesign to keep the building costs under £3,000 as stipulated by the Department of Education and Science for Grant Aid. This, either the co-operation of Messrs. Ferson the builders was achieved. At the same time all alterations had to adhere strictly to building regulations.
Rebuilding commenced in Sept. 1971 and by the end of November the Builders had completed their part of the job. January 1972 found the first use of the Hall for a Dirtsit Executive meeting.
The Chairman was extremely active and involved with the 1,001 details relating to the building and planning problems that do occur. The District Commissioner (peak to Steve) became the best contact man ever giving the Treasurer (Ask Steve) a lead to do battle on the trail of Grans and more grants from every possible source.
The total cost of Mafeking Hall (No 2) as the new District Headquarters and including the Store/toilet block was £4,300 including fixtures and fittings.