8th/14th Epsom (St Barnabus & St Joseph) Air

8th/14th Epsom (St Barnabas & St Joseph) Air Scout Group is a Royal Air Force recognised Air Scout Group serving young people in Epsom & Ewell District. It was formed in 1985 by the merger of 8th Epsom (St Barnabas) and 14th Epsom (St Joseph’s) Scout Troops, creating a combined group with a strong heritage in Scouting and aviation-focused activities. 

As an RAF recognised unit, the Group has access to specialist Air Scout training and resources that broaden the Scouting experience beyond standard programme activities, including air-related skills and opportunities that reflect the group’s distinctive focus. 

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Historical Origins & Development

8th/14th Epsom (St Barnabas & St Joseph) Air Scout Group traces its roots to two longstanding Scout units in the Epsom area, each founded to serve the local community and linked with parish life. The 8th Epsom (St Barnabas) Scout Troop was established in the early years of Scouting driven by members of the St Barnabas congregation, while the 14th Epsom (St Joseph’s) Scout Troop originated from St Joseph’s Catholic community and first operated in the mid-twentieth century. 

The 14th Epsom troop experienced intermittent periods of activity; after the original St Joseph’s troop closed in 1962, it was reformed in 1965 under renewed leadership and community support, demonstrating the resilience of Scouting in the area. 

In 1985, in response to local leadership changes and a desire to unify resourcing, the 8th and 14th Epsom troops merged to form a single group — 8th/14th Epsom Scout Group. This merger preserved the heritage of both founding troops and created a stronger, unified presence in Epsom that could offer a full range of Scout sections. 

Building on this foundation, the Group later gained Royal Air Force recognition as an Air Scout unit (Air Unit No. 5), adding an aviation-focused character to its programme that complements traditional Scouting activities. As an RAF recognised Air Scout Group it has access to specialist training and resources that broaden the experiential opportunities available to young people. 

Since the merger, the Group has grown with a dedicated leadership team and a structured programme across Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. Its historical evolution reflects a commitment to inclusive community Scouting while embracing the unique opportunities of Air Scouting.  

Headquarters & Facilities

8th/14th Epsom (St Barnabas & St Joseph) Air Scout Group is based at Concorde Hall, located off Horton Hill in Epsom (KT19 8SR). The headquarters provides a permanent and purpose-built home for the Group, supporting weekly meetings for all sections and acting as the central hub for Scouting activities throughout the year.

The building offers flexible indoor meeting space suitable for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, as well as secure storage for equipment used across the Group’s programme. Concorde Hall enables the Group to run a wide range of activities on site, from skills training and leadership development to planning and preparation for camps, expeditions and District events.