Our History

A Legacy of Adventure: The History of 11th Barry Sea Scouts

The spirit of 11th Barry Sea Scouts runs deep in the community, tracing its roots back over a century. While the Group Scout records show we were first officially registered in 1941, local archives confirm our existence as early as May 1st, 1924, suggesting a legacy that spans generations. Our deep roots are further evidenced by a Group Standard presented in 1921 in memory of a former member who was killed in action during the Great War in September 1918, suggesting we are even older than we thought.

Growth and New Beginnings

Our early history involved periods of change and growth, notably including a merger around 1947 with the 13th Barry Group. By 1953, we became the 11th Barry (St Mary's) Sea Scout Group, initially meeting at a scout hut in John Street. A few years later, in March 1958, we took the significant step of becoming an "Open" group, dedicating ourselves fully to serving the entire community, independent of church sponsorship.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The Group's resilience was truly tested in the late 1980s when a fire tragically damaged our hut beyond repair. However, the leaders and parents quickly rallied, ensuring the program continued without interruption by temporarily meeting in various locations, including Palmerston School, Littlemoors Community Centre, and Cadoxton Methodist Church Hall.

In 2000, the community effort paid off. After purchasing a derelict site on Ilminster Street, parents and leaders took on the enormous task of building our current headquarters. With the basic structure secured, the interior was built almost entirely by volunteers using donated materials—a testament to the commitment of our Scouting family.

Adapting for the Future

Connecting our long history of service to a modern commitment, the Group became officially affiliated with the Royal British Legion in 2015. Most recently, during the challenging years of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020s, the 11th Barry Sea Scouts demonstrated the core value of being prepared in a new way. Adopting new technology overnight, we continued to hold weekly meetings entirely online. This dedication allowed us to maintain vital routine, connection, and support for our young people during a difficult time, proving that the adventure of Scouting continues, no matter the obstacle.