Project to refurbish Downham Market hut gets grand boost from auction

An auction has raised £1,390 towards the refurbishment of a hut used by Girlguiding groups in Downham.

The auction, which offered a variety of lots including beauty treatments, a signed Norwich City FC pennant, and trips to local attractions, was held at the venue on Howdale Road on Saturday.

Last month, Emma Smith, a leader at 1st Downham Market Rainbows, said the project to refurbish the “awful facilities” at the hut, which has been used for the last 30 years, will be their “own DIY SOS”.

After the event at the weekend, Emma said: “It went really well and it was an afternoon of fun for everyone.”

The event, which also included a fete, had an “amazing turnout” and the organisers were “overwhelmed” by the support they received on the day.

Emma said: “We would like to thank everyone for coming.”

The number of lots they had on the day illustrated the generosity they received from members of the public and businesses, she added.

The Girlguiding groups who use the hut, which includes two Rainbow units, two Brownie units and one Ranger unit, which are made up of around 150 girls aged between five and 18, are hoping to hold some further events before work starts to improve their facilities.

“We haven’t got anything arranged just yet, but watch this space,” Emma added.