7th Manor Farm Scouts Need You

Round & About

Shaun Letley from Tylers Green shares his story and invites new members and volunteers to join the thriving 7th Manor Farm Scout Group in Hazlemere.

Shaun Letley is a familiar face to many families in Bucks. At 55, he balances life as a computer consultant with an impressive commitment to the local community as a scout leader with the 7th Manor Farm Scout Group. The group, who meet every week at Manor Farm School in Hazlemere, is on the lookout for new members, both young people and adults, and Shaun is keen to help spread the word. 

Shaun lives in Tylers Green with his wife Natalia and their children, Tomas and Grace. The family settled here in 2006, moving from Wooburn Green. Originally from Kent, Shaun’s career has taken him across the UK, Europe and the US, but he says this area has always felt like home. “Within five minutes I can be in the countryside and away from it all,” he explains. “We love the green space and hope the council do not allow it to be turned into housing.” 

A keen walker, he spends much of his free time exploring the beautiful paths and woodlands surrounding Tylers Green. His regular routes take him through Knotty Green, Seer Green, Penn, Penn Street, Great Missenden, Downley, Speen and the rolling hills in between… “If there happens to be a welcoming pub on the route, even better!” The Mayflower is his nearest. Shaun is also a supporter of local businesses. Essentials at Hazlemere’s Cozy Corner is a favourite spot, as are the area’s farm shops, particularly those in Booker and Prestwood. He singles out Joe Gleesons butchers in Penn Road as a long-standing favourite. “Never had a bad piece of meat from him in nearly 20 years,” he says. 

His biggest passion, though, is Scouting. Shaun has been a leader with 7th Manor Farm Scouts for the past five years, helping run Beavers for ages 6 to 8, Cubs for ages 8 to 10 and Scouts for ages 10 to 14. “It’s a great team,” he says. “But we could do with more young people and people willing to help out and become leaders.” 

The group teaches life skills, encourages young people to explore the local countryside and regularly gets involved in community events such as Hazlemere Fete. Members learn everything from teamwork to cooking to map reading, and they head out for hikes, litter picks and all-weather adventures. Camps are a big highlight. The group runs at least three each year but Shaun says they would happily offer more if they had extra adult help. 

“7th Manor Farm Scouts is run by people in the community for people in the community,” he explains. “We teach skills, explore the local area and give young people a chance to try new things and have fun.” 

The group is actively seeking new young members as well as adults willing to lend a hand, whether that’s supporting sessions, teaching a skill or becoming a leader. “No experience is required, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.”