It will be a happy new year for Mudeford Sea Scouts as Talbot Village Trust has donated £15,000 towards a new fleet of sailing dinghies.

The contribution helped to fund eight boats for the Sea Scouts’ fleet, totalling 22 dinghies to aid developing young people’s sailing skills in Christchurch Harbour.

Brett Jones, group Scout leader for Mudeford Sea Scouts, said: “Talbot Village Trust’s funding towards the new dinghies has made an immeasurable difference to the children we work with. We have been able to ensure our Sea Scouts are getting the absolute most out of their activities with us and have had a wonderful time with them already.”

The Mudeford Sea Scouts are recognised by the Royal Navy, who initially identified the need for a fleet of new sailing dinghies to ensure the Scouts have access to the best equipment and accommodate their rapidly growing membership. The funding project raised a total of £40,000 and the additions have ensured all young people have the opportunity to be out on the water.

The new fleet will also benefit the ‘Neptune’ Explorer Unit, part of Christchurch District Explorers, a more experienced group of Scouts based in the area.

Brett added: “To mark this fantastic addition to our Scouting facilities, we are due to have a naming ceremony for ourselves and to thank all of those who made this happen. We intend to name one of our new boats ‘Talbot’ after the kind donation from Talbot Village Trust.”

There are now over 130 young people aged between six and 18 enjoying water activities through Scouting in Christchurch, with this number continually growing. New Beaver Colony and Cub Pack groups were opened in October this year to give over 35 more young people the opportunity to be part of Sea Scouting.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “To be able to contribute to a cause that has enabled so many young people to learn such a great skill, stay active and do something they love is always an immense pleasure. The Scouts will always be such a valuable asset to the local community in Christchurch and beyond, and we endeavour to support them wherever we can.”

To apply for funding from the Talbot Village trust, visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org to submit an online application.

The trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in spring 2022.