Warwick sea scouts group hit major milestone in new HQ project

A sea scouts group in Warwick has hit a major milestone in their new headquarters project.

The 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts have announced that they have completed the second phase of their 'Building a Future' project with the construction of the watertight shell for their new HQ and community building in St Nicholas Park with the roller shutters having been installed.

This is a huge milestone for the group as they raised more than £700,000 to fully fund the project

It is also a key milestone after work was put on hold in February 2020 due to the arson attack on their building site, and subsequent delays due to Covid-19.

The first phase of the project was the renovation of the jetties and construction of a new boatyard.

2nd Warwick's aim is to increase the number of children who can join the group, but to achieve this they need more leaders, safe waterside facilities and a larger meeting place.

Work will continue throughout January to fit out the inside of the new HQ, but they are still seeking the final funds to complete the project, so that they can open their doors to the community by Summer 2021.

Viv Bosworth, Chair of 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts: "It is so exciting to see our new HQ rise from the ashes after what has been a challenging year.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had in making this happen, and to now see our HQ building in place and be able to walk inside, brings home the reality of what an amazing resource this will be not only for us, but also for the local community.

"With a final push for funds, we should be able to open our doors in 2021. Please do get in touch if you can help in any way."

The watertight shell has been fully funded by the Sea Scouts after extensive fundraising, which has been challenging in recent times.

This has been achieved through the support of Warwick District Council and other major funders including National Grid, King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, 20th May 1961 Trust and the Bernard Sunley Foundation.

They have also received amazing support from the local community including Warwick Town Council, Warwick Court Leet, Kenilworth Round Table, Warwick Rotary Club, St Nicholas Church, Kenilworth and Warwick Lions, Alderson House, St Mary's Hall Trust, Edith and Jack Griffiths Trust, The Charity of Thomas Oken and Nicholas Eyffler and many other smaller trusts and private donations.

Andrew Day, Leader of Warwick District Council, said: "Warwick District Council are delighted to see such great progress being made on what will be an amazing new community resource for the local area. We have been incredibly happy to support this project over the last few years and it’s great to see it now becoming a reality.

"The new facility will enable the group to expand, giving even more of the district’s young people and children the opportunity to join and benefit from the many life-long skills and experiences they offer, whilst also establishing a great new community venue in the heart of Warwick.”

Marc Gadsby, group scout leader at 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts, said: "This is a key milestone for 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts and something we have been working towards for over 10 years.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how vital outdoor activities are for our local youngsters, and how they are needed now more than ever.

"We are preparing to expand, with a second Beaver Colony ready to open as soon as the lockdown is over, and we can resume face to face meetings.

"We hope to move the new Beaver Colony and the established sections into our new HQ later in 2021.

"As we expand the group, we do need more volunteers and leaders, so would love to hear from any adults who would like to get involved in the future."

The 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts can now move on to fitting out the inside of their hut due to generous support from the King Henry VIII Foundation, HS2 Community and Environment Fund and Leamington Round Table.

They have also received donated goods: IPS Panelling, Vanity Units and Cubicles from Excelsior and racking for their new storage room from Atkore.

But they still need to raise the final funds to complete it.

If anyone would like to help, they can get in touch with the group by emailing: [email protected] or by going to: https://www.2wk.org.uk/get-involved/make-a-donation