5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts’ £400,000 quest for a new hut at Tide Mill Way

As its waiting lists continue to swell, a Scout group is looking into ways to meet demand – which would allow it to become among the largest youth providers in the area.

For the past three years, the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts has been trying to raise about £400,000 for a major extension to its hut at Tide Mill Way, on the shores of the River Deben.

It’s been a struggle for the group, as rising costs and planning woes throw spanners in the work, but steady progress has been made.

To help matters, last week, a community programme has allowed the group to make a real dent in the work as fund-raising continues.

Barrie Hayter, the group scout leader for 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts, said the team has raised about £70,000, with £20,000 having been spent so far.

He said: “In the past two years, our group has doubled in size, from 100 to 200 members, and we’ve run out of days of the week to be able to host groups.

“On some days, two groups may be at the Scout hut per evening. And our waiting lists continue to swell, with more than 200.

“Some parents sign their children up for the group soon after they’re born as it’s the only way to secure a place once they turn four and can start with us.

“Our plans are to extend a bit out back and place five shipping containers on top of the hall to effectively double the amount of space we have. This will give us a smaller outside space, but still enough for any activities we need.

“And I hope it’s not just us who use the hall. We’ve been in discussions with other community groups that need a space. This will ensure the hall is used during the day, but will also generate funds for our cause.”

The 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts runs groups between Squirrels (age 4-6) to Explorers (age 14-18).

The group gained planning permission three years ago to make changes to the hut.

Their plans were originally estimated to cost about £250,000, but the rising cost of building materials meant they have needed to raise far more.

The building itself is not listed, but due to its proximity to the Tide Mill, anything in view of the museum could not be altered, meaning only the back of the hut will be affected by the plans.

Woodbridge also lies outside the postcode areas for big grants, such as the National Lottery, he said, meaning the group have to raise funds on its own.

However, it has received donations from businesses, including a recent gift from Ipswich-based cruise company Fred.Olsen.

Barrie said they did consider moving into the town’s community hall – but this was ‘too clinical’, as you would have to clean up.

Scouts need space to run around, and can be messy, he noted, so it wouldn’t work.

Barrie hoped the expansion would help the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts become one of, if not the largest, youth groups in the town.

Foundations have been laid and the plans for the hut mapped out.

However, they have no shortage of volunteers to help get the work done.

Last Wednesday, volunteers with Community Action Suffolk helped paint the hall.

This is part of its Employer-Supported Volunteering scheme, which offers people working at businesses in the county two paid days per year to volunteer in the local community.

Hannah Reid, the group’s new chief executive, said the scheme encourages people to get out and experience new things, and make connections with organisations.

She added: “Often people want to volunteer and give back to their community, and it’s taking that first step is the hardest thing, and we hope this will lead to longer lasting partnerships.

“It can also be quite nice people going out and making a difference with friends.

“We also have people who can help match volunteers with services, as volunteer numbers continue to decrease owing to both Covid and the cost of living crisis.

“If anyone could give up just two days of their time for an organisation in need, the results can be astronomical.”