About the Centre
History
Prior to the opening of the original Downley Guide and Scout Centre (now the main hall and kitchen) the 1st Downley and 2nd Downley Guides Company and the 3rd High Wycombe (Downley) Scouts and Cubs were meeting in local halls. The 3rd High Wycombe (Downley) Scouts and Cubs started their search for a home of their own in or before 1968 with various local sites being looked at, one being the old forge by the side of Downley Common.
However in late 1969 it was announced that a piece of land off Coates Lane (the present site) was being offered for a 21 year lease rent by Mr Ercolani. This was felt ideal for the purpose. At this point, the two sections, Guides and Scouts, proposed to amalgamate their efforts to raise funds for a new building both could use. They were duly joined by the 2nd Downley Guides who were then meeting in the canteen at the Middle School.
In January 1970 a formal meeting was held with the parents of the units involved to present the proposal and to select committees and trustees. During the following months various options for the new building were studied, one of which was the dismantling and re-use of the canteen at the Thames Valley Traction Company’s bus station at Frogmore, High Wycombe. Following various discussions the canteen building was offered for the sum of £25 which was accepted. The canteen building was duly dismantled and shipped for storage at Plumridge Saw Mills, which was then behind the Le De Spencer Arms.
There then followed a period of fund raising, building design and specification and lease agreement. The design and specification were required for the provision of base foundations for the ‘old canteen’, the design and drainage for the modest toilet block and the future 'stage 2' extension. The lease for the site was agreed at a 'peppercorn' rent and signed between Mr Ercolani and The Scout Association Trust Corporation as Trustees for the Tenants (The Scout Group and the Guide Units).
All this physical building activity and legal agreements resulted in the grand opening of the Downley Guide and Scout Centre on July 6th 1974.
In October 1975 the land was subject to Conveyance to the Scouts and Guides sections for the sum of £200.
On 15th November 1978, following further fund raising activities, the Stage 2 extension was completed and named the Graham Lee Room.
Present Day
The Centre has recently undergone major refurbishment, resulting in a bright, clean environment for all its users.