Aylesbury Sea Scouts Officially Open new HQ

A new chapter has begun for the 14th Vale of Aylesbury Sea Scouts, as the charity officially opened their brand-new Headquarters on Saturday (6/7)

For over 50 years, the Sea Scouts had operated from a former wartime facility — a building once used as a hostel by Hamden Hall students. While steeped in history, the aging structure had become unsuitable and increasingly expensive to maintain.

Recognising the urgent need for change, the group embarked on an ambitious project to rebuild their headquarters — and now, that vision has become a reality.

The journey reached a major milestone in 2023, when Buckinghamshire Council approved the planning application. This green light paved the way for what became a year of hard work, fundraising, and construction.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, tireless fundraising efforts, and the dedication of volunteers and local partners, the rebuild project broke ground in summer 2024 and was successfully completed on schedule.

“This has been an extraordinary achievement for everyone involved,” said Kevin Inkley, lead volunteer.“Our new HQ stands as a testament to teamwork, perseverance, and the incredible spirit of our Scouting family.”

“We moved up in 1973—back then, it was the accommodation for the old Hampden Hall Agricultural College students. We completely revamped it in 1992 and nursed it along ever since.”

That original building, though loved, had finally reached the end of its lifespan. “When we demolished it, there were actually no screws or nails in the frame—it was all dowels and tongue and groove,” Inkley explained. “But it lived its life. Now, we have a modern facility, properly insulated, purpose-built for the needs of young people today.”

The new structure not only represents a physical transformation but also a powerful community effort. To help fund the rebuild, scouts were each given £5 with a challenge: grow it.

“I was flabbergasted when we got the final amount back,” Inkley said. “For a £600 investment, we returned just over £8,000. That was fantastic.”

Scouts took on a wide range of activities to raise the funds—from car washes to sweet sales. “You name it, they pretty much did it,” he added. “It was a fantastic effort. And beyond the money, it really got them engaged in the process. They feel part of this new space.”

The new facility offers modern, accessible, and efficient spaces designed to meet the needs of today’s youth and community. It has already begun serving as a vibrant hub where young people come together to learn skills, grow in confidence, and build lifelong friendships.

Four generations of 'Inkley's' were to first officially to walk through the new doors. Kevin's father who was a leader back in the seventies, Kevin's son and grandson also present.

The 14th Vale of Aylesbury Sea Scouts extended their sincere thanks to every individual, business, and organisation that supported the project — from attending meetings and donating funds to sharing the vision and spreading the word.

“This is more than just a building — it’s a foundation for future generations,” Kevin added. “We’re proud of what we’ve built together, and excited for what’s to come.”

As the doors to the new headquarters open wide, the Sea Scouts invite the community to celebrate this incredible milestone and be part of the continued adventure.