2nd November 1972
LORD ROSSE OPENS NEW SCOUT HEADQUARTERS

The Earl of Rosse officially opened Cooke Hall in Bondgate –the new headquarters of the 1st Pontefract Scout Group - on Sunday. About 70 Scouts and Cubs formed a guard of honour along the driveway as Lord Rosse arrived. Lady Rosse was unable to attend because of illness. Cooke Hall – so named because the land on which it stands was given by the family of the late Miss G. Cooke, cost £4000. A grant was obtained from the Department of Science and the remainder has been raised by sponsored walks, galas, and other functions.

Apart from the basic structure, which was erected by contractors, the hall has been built by the parents and Scout Leaders, who have also done the electrical wiring, plumbing, painting and drainage.

Mr. G. King, chairman of the 1st Pontefract Scout Group Council, said the best way to show appreciation to the many people who had helped in the building of the hall was to keep it and the surrounding land well maintained and tidy. Lord Rosse recalled the day he opened the 1st Pontefract Scout Group’s annual gala in the Castle Grounds four and a half years ago, which was the first official effort in aid of the building fund. He added; "Today represents the final and happy climax." 

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