13/05/2026
Sea Scout Armada Invasion
Beeston Rylands based 2nd Beeston Sea Scouts have taken to the river in style, launching a flotilla of kayaks, paddleboards and powerboats from Beeston's celebrated Marina to make their way upstream to their island water base on the Trent for the start of the summer season.
But before the armada set off, the group gathered for a rather special moment. Moored at the Marina is a genuine WW2 American landing craft, a Higgins Boat, the same type of vessel that carried troops ashore at D-Day on 6th June 1944 and was later immortalised in Saving Private Ryan and The Monuments Men. With special permission to board, the scouts assembled on its deck before setting out on their own considerably more peaceful invasion upstream to Barton Island near Attenborough.
Joining the group for the evening was Martin Clegg, Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, who made the full voyage to the island and back. He said:
"You have an amazing facility there. It is clear just how much the volunteers give of themselves, week in, week out, to make it all happen for the young people of this community."
Formed in 1928, 2nd Beeston Sea Scouts give young people aged 4 to 18 the chance to build water confidence and develop seamanship skills throughout the summer months. They operate from the secluded Barton Island, accessible only by water, on the Trent upstream near Attenborough, as well as from their Lilac Grove HQ in Beeston Rylands.
The group has grown considerably in recent years and now has over 90 young members, with waiting lists across its sections, from 4-18yrs of age. Summer activities range from kayaking and canoeing to paddleboarding and open water adventures.
With a three-discipline challenge event on the Trent planned for June and overnight island camps through the summer, 2026 promises to be one of the group's most ambitious seasons yet. New members and young people interested in joining arewelcome to get in touch at www.2ndbeeston.org.uk.
