The Ilford crew, giving girls and young women the chance to learn sailing and watersports since 1943, warns it faces closure unless new volunteer leaders come forward. 

A crew that has given generations of girls and young women in Ilford the chance to get afloat is appealing for new volunteers to save it from closure, as it’s long-standing leadership team prepares to retire.

SRS Barnehurst, is part of the Sea Ranger Association, and has run since 1943 – offering girls and young women the opportunity to get on the water, build confidence, and make last friendships. The crew takes its name from a WW2 defence vessel, HMS Barnehurst, to which the crew’s original members sent food parcels and knitted socks. But with its current leaders stepping down and no volunteers yet in place to replace them, the crew’s 80-year history is now at risk.

The charity is calling on everyone enthusiastic about watersports, sailing, or youth work to get in touch. Volunteers are asked to give a few hours a week to help keep girls and young women on the water.

SRS Barnehurst has been part of the fabric of our community and Ilford’s for 80 years. The crew has provided generations of girls and young women the opportunity to kayak, row, sail, make lifelong friends, and discover confidence in themselves they didn’t know they had. It would be heartbreaking to see the story end simply because we don’t have enough hands on deck. We are determined to keep it going! If you have ever considered volunteering, this is your moment to make a real difference – Catrin Beynon, Sea Rangers Association

Anyone interested in volunteering with SRS Barnehurst is invited to get in touch. Please contact chairman@searangers.org.uk or catrin.beynon@searangers.org.uk to find out more.

All Sea Ranger volunteer roles are subject to DBS checks and safeguarding training.