Seventy Glorious Years

1934 - 2004

3rd W EST W ICKHAM SCOUT GROUP

(St. John The Baptist)

1934 2004

The Present Scouters The Original Scouters

Scouts

Acting Group Scoutmaster Group Scout Leader Vacant MR. S. W . QUAIFE Acting Scout Leader

Seeonee Cub Pack Doug Sullivan Explorer Scouts

Assistant Scout Leaders Scoutmaster Cub Scout Leader John Picozzi Explorer Scout Leader MR. S. W . QUAIFE Sharon Colettta Martin Howarth Ian Leadbeater

Assistant Cub Scout Leader Helpers Ian Leadbeater Chris Hart Assistant Scoutmaster Helper Clive Bush

MR. F. SUMMERS Elaine Hutton

W ontolla Cub Pack Ex-Officio Leaders

Cubmaster Vernon Bush

Assistant Cub Scout Leaders Martin Pepper MISS S. SIMMONS Beaver Colony Chris Dines

Roger Jordan Beaver Scout Leader Assistant Cubmaster Bridget Huggett Alys Helm

Helpers Assistant Beaver Scout Leaders MISS E. GEE John Tilbury Jane Benfield

Peter Dines Kelly Mullen

Helper Jane Thorne

2 51 CONCERTS, PLAYS AND GANG SHOW S

1937 Of One Blood 1938 The Road to W here

1939 Gang Show 1949 Shreds and Patches Seventy Glorious Years 1951 He Found Adventure 1955 It‘s a W onderful Life 1957 Jumping for Joy 1958 Having a W onderful Time 1959 Be Happy 1961 High Time 3rd W EST W ICKHAM SCOUT GROUP 1964 Top of the Morning 1966 These are the Times 1968 Red, W hite and Blue (St. John The Baptist) 1970 It‘s in the Air

1972 Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah 1974 Flying High 1976 It‘s a New Day

1978 W hat a W onderful Life 1980 Ring out the Bells

1982 Your Only Young Once

1984 Something to Shout About 1986 Happy Days

1988 Bring Me Sunshine 1990 Put on a Happy

1994 Celebration

1996 Tonight‘s the Night 1998 W onderful Day Proceeds from the sale of this booklet will go towards 2000 W e‘ll Go On Group Funds

50 3

1985 Brecon, South W ales 1995 W areham, Dorset

1986 W areham, Dorset 1996 Criccieth, W ales

1987 Loch Lomond, Scotland 1997 W oodbury, Devon

1988 Criccieth, North W ales 1998 Brecon, South W ales

1989 W areham, Dorset 1999 Cromer, Norfolk

1990 Brecon, South W ales 2000 W areham, Dorset

1991 Hedenesse, Holland 2001 W oodbury, Devon

1992 Ryde, I.O.W .

1993 W oodbury, Devon

1994 Kandersteg, Switzerland

4 49 SUMMER CAMPS

1935 Shanklin, I.O.W 1964 Isfield, Sussex

1937 Polegate, Sussex 1965 Youlbury, Oxford 1938 Polegate, Sussex 1966 Northwood, I.O.W . FOREW ORD

1939 Eastbourne, Sussex 1967 Bideford, Devon

1947 Shanklin, I.O.W . 1968 Tal-y-bont, W ales 70 years old œ what an achievement! I am proud to have been associated with the Group for 60 of those years - being invested as a Scout on June 26th 1948 Combpine, Lyme Regis 1969 Loch Lomond, Scotland 1944 and retiring as Group Scout Leader on December 31st 1970, and since 1949 Horsted Keynes, Sussex 1970 Northwood, I.O.W . then in various capacities watching from the sidelines.

1950 Youlbury, Oxford 1971 Bideford, Devon W e are indebted to those first leaders in 1934 who took up Baden-Powell‘s vision and created what was then the 41st Beckenham Scouts, and to the 1951 Battle, Sussex 1972 Jersey succession of leaders who over the years have ensured the continuation of the 1952 Horsted Keynes, Sussex 1973 Brecon, W ales Group.

1953 Youlbury, Oxford 1974 Loch Lomond, Scotland. How many boys I wonder œ and now girls! œ have passed through the Group during this time? Young people who it is hoped have continued the Scouting 1954 Charmouth, Dorset 1975 W atchet, Somerset ethos in their daily lives, and made a difference in the localities in which they live. 1955 Kingsdown, Kent 1976 Kandersteg, Switzerland On behalf of St John‘s Church, who are proud to support and sponsor the 1956 Bieuleau, Hants. 1977 Longnor, Derbyshire Scout Group, I offer their congratulations and my own personal th 1957 Marlow, Bucks. 1978 Jersey congratulations on the Groups 70 birthday, and may God continue to inspire boys and leaders and all who are connected with the Group during the years 1958 Charmouth, Dorset 1979 Brecon, South W ales ahead. 1959 W atchet, Somerset 1980 Jersey 1960 W alesby, Nottingham 1981 Loch Lomond, Scotland Ken Gaved Curate (St Johns Church) 1961 W atchet, Somerset 1982 Ryde, I.O.W . & former Groups Scout Leader 1962 Tal-y-bont, W ales 1983 Criccieth, North W ales.

1963 Charmouth, Dorset 1984 Jersey

48 5

Queens Scouts Chief Scouts Awards

1982 Kathryn Hodges 1984 Stephen Naish Tobin May 1987 Graham W hiting Jonathan Beales

1998 Chris Elmer 1987 Paul Tabraham Liz Ford 1990 Andrew Davie Simon Henley Rodney Hunt Andrew W ebb

1993 Simon Beazley Michael Hunt Simon Jones Adam Pavitt Peter Tomkinson

“Be Happy“ The 1959 Gang Show Finale Finale Show Gang 1959 The Happy“ “Be

6 47 Seventy Glorious Years

Roll of Honour THE EARLY YEARS The Scout Group (then called the 41st Beckenham) acquired official status on 5th Kings Scouts Chief Scouts Awards October 1934. It came about after the then Rector, the Rev. C. A. Page, D.S.O. called a meeting of a few people interested in Scouting. They included the 1947 Ted Mealin 1969 Peter Fisher Choirmaster, Mr. W illiam Powell - a distant relative of Lord Baden Powell the Derek W heatley Vernon Needham founder of Scouting - Mr. S. W . Quaife, Mr. D. F. Summers, and Miss S. Simmons. At this meeting it was agreed that the Group should be a Controlled 1949 Kenneth Gaved 1973 Michael Brown Group, (now called a Sponsored Group) with the Rector as Controlling Nicholas Fry Paul Rutter Authority. A set of wooden buildings was set aside for use as Headquarters and 1950 Derek Moreton Christopher Sterrett was situated where the Assembly Rooms Car Park is now. Roy Gaved Martin Kettle A second meeting took place, and Registration and W arrant forms completed. Robert Banks The Group Scarf was agreed as Royal Blue on Old Gold. Mr. Quaife was 1974 Malcolm Bulley 1952 Ian W ells Martin Pepper warranted as Scoutmaster, and acting Group Scoutmaster, Mr. Summers as Paul Sewell Assistant Scoutmaster, Miss Simmons as Cubmaster and Miss Esther Gee (later Queens Scouts to become Mrs. Summers) as Assistant Cubmaster. 1975 Peter Gander 1956 Grahame Catley Leaflets were obtained from Headquarters and circulated to all the occupied Basil Dawkins 1976 Andrew Failes houses on Coney Hall Estate. These were part of Kingsway, part of Queensway, Brian George part of Chestnut Avenue, part of Cherry Tree W alk and all of Birch Tree Avenue Ian Jackson 1977 Gary Moss and Church Drive. Timothy Prentice 1962 Graham Fuke As a result of this a general meeting was held to which several boys and their 1978 Timothy W ebb parents came. A talk about Cubs and Scouts was given and the date for the first 1967 Peter Daniel Neil Anthony Troop meeting was arranged.

At the first Troop meeting the Rector, the Rev. Page came and talked about the 1968 Christopher W inchester 1980 Timothy Gaved David Thomas James Dance Religious Policy to be adopted by the Group. The boys were divided into two Bernard Robinson Martin Donnelly Patrols of about four each, and spent the rest of the evening on Hayes Common.

The first meetings were held in the Parish Rooms, later called the Rectory 1977 Michael Brown 1981 Timothy Heppell Christopher Sterrett Rooms, and demolished in 1971. However, buildings had been set aside for the 1983 lain Davanna Group‘s use, formerly a cow shed they were later to be called ”The Hutch‘. 1978 Martin Pepper Richard George Early activities included trips to Frylands W oods where the boys were taught the Graham W hiting rudiments of fire lighting, tea making and tracking. From the first Cub Log Book it is recorded that —the first Pack Meeting was on 46 7 W ednesday, 31st October 1934, when five small boys met Akela in the Rectory 9th October. There will be a Family Camp in early July. Rooms, this being our Den for the present time, their ages ranging from eight to During the past 10 years many members of the Group have shown their sporting nearly eleven years“. prowess as can be seen by the large number of trophies that have been gained The first recorded minutes of the Group were dated 14th November 1934, and and we added to the tally of Queens Scouts. Our hard working Supporters those present were Messrs. S. W . Quaife, E. Harmer, and D. F. Summers and Association is 40 years old. Miss Simmons. It was reported that there was ”4/3d. in hand from subscriptions A word of thanks is due to our many helpers and supporters whose names and donations‘. haven‘t appeared in the preceding paragraphs but who continue to lend us their At the beginning of 1935 it was decided that Messrs. Morrells (the developers of consistent support. In particular John Tilbury who has assisted W ontolla for the Coney Hall Estate) be approached ”with a view of obtaining permission to many years, Sharon Newman who has organised many of the supporters events, use the bungalow on the N.E. end of the estate for Headquarters‘. It is interesting Tina Dobson who has acted as treasurer to the Supporters Fund Raising to note that despite prolonged negotiations nothing ever came of this proposal. Committee and Alan Tabraham who has been a regular helper at the W orking Party. There are many others whose help in big and small ways we rely on to February 20th saw the first five W olf Cubs invested, and later on 12th June, keep the Group running smoothly and to all of those not mentioned we give our Harold Palmer was the first Cub to gain his 1st Star Test. thanks. On the 21st March 1935 the names of the original Patrols were recorded as Owls, W e now look forward into the future yet again. The Group which started with Eagles and Peewitts. There is an Eagle Patrol in the Troop today, but this is by only a dozen members in 1934 is now in its 70th year and has nearly 10 times accident rather than design, as it was not until 1964 that this fact came to light! It that number. From a balance of 4/3d. in 1934, the Group‘s finances have had was also during this year that it was decided to ”definitely adopt the Patrol their ups and downs until they have reached their present healthy state with System‘, and to institute a Court of Honour. many thousands of pounds being raised by our Supporters Fund Raising At the beginning of 1936 Mr. Quaife became Group Scoutmaster and Mr. Committee over the years. During the last 70 years the Group has been served by Summers, Scoutmaster. Sometime in this year the first Pack and Troop colours a legion of supporters, both active Scouters and Committee members, some were bought. In 1937 several new names appeared in the records, although some giving years of service, to whom the present members of the Group owe an had been connected with the Group for a while before this. The Cubmaster was endless debt of gratitude. W hat will the next 70 years bring? Undoubtedly there Miss E. Gee, Assistant Cubmaster Mr. A. C. Hammond, Assistant Scoutmaster will be some major changes with the restructuring of the groups to meet the Mr. S. Aylott, Rover Scout Leader Mr. S. Kingett, and Rover Scout Bradshaw. expectations of modern youth. There will continue to be challenges œ the Group Later in the year Mr. Quaife resigned as Group Scoutmaster, and Mr. Bradshaw is still seeking a Group Scout Leader. Time alone will tell, but with the strong took over ”for a trial period‘. foundations of the past, and the Group‘s present strength and determination, rd In October 1937 a resolution was passed that ”The Group should aim to raise £50 under God‘s guiding hand this work will go on in the firm conviction that the 3 towards a Headquarters‘. At the beginning of 1938 a Parents and Friends W est W ickham Scout Group will continue to give service to the community and Association was formed and the new Building Fund stood at £18.17.11d. In provide opportunities and challenge to the Youth of the area. August of 1938, two Cub Packs were formed for the first time, and in November And, of course, we can look forward to another anniversary without waiting the it was resolved ”to get the Church Control cancelled and make the Group open‘. customary 10 years. 2009 will see the Group reach its three quarters of a century During 1939 the Local Association ”was to be approached with a view to getting mark. A fine age indeed. W est W ickham formed as a separate Association‘. (This was again attempted in the late 1950s, but it was not until the Advance Party Recommendations of 1967 that it actually happened!). ù $ $ ù $ $ ù $ $ ù$ $ ù $ $ ù $ $ ù 8 45 at the end of the year. They went out in suitably adventurous style with a last THE W AR YEARS summer camp at the International site in Kandersteg, Switzerland led by Vernon 8th May 1939 was the last recorded meeting of the Group Committee. The Bush. There was an excellent turnout for the District St Georges Day Parade records of the ups and downs of the Group during 1939-1945 have been lost to from many of the groups and lots of outdoor activities during a summer that posterity and only one or two items are known. The Rover Crew which had remained warm and dry almost continuously from Easter to late October. The formed itself into the Kent 39 Red Cross Detachment during 1939 disbanded as Roof of the HQ is life expired and has been causing problems with leaks for the eventually all members enlisted. The Commandant had been Mr. Basil Jeans last few years so a new fundraising campaign —Raise the Roof“ was launched at (who had also been the leading light behind the pre-war Group Mouth Organ a well attended AGM in June with a target of £20,000 (an amount that would no Band!). Gradually most of the Scouters and older members of the Group ”joined- doubt have horrified the founders of the Group in 1934!). Mike Harris retired up‘ and the Group in common with many others combined with neighbouring after serving on the Supporters Committee for 18 years. Groups. Two of the Groups with whom the 41st combined were the 43rd Beckenham (Emmanuel, W est W ickham) and towards the end of the war the 17th Bromley (Keston). There were of course many Scouters during this time, but the one who stands out most is Mrs. Brooks, who at one time ran the Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Guides in Coney Hall. The next recorded meeting was on 9th October 1945 when a meeting of parents was called by the Group Scoutmaster, Mr. P. W ay. The urgent need was for Scouters. It was reported that the Pack had £8 in hand, but the Troop had a deficit of £8! At this meeting Mr. A. W . Sheaf an old Scouter from Camberwell, volunteered to become Cubmaster, whilst Mr. W ay continued to run the Scout Troop. A committee of parents was formed with the Rev. Shelley Lawson as Chairman, Mr. Twyford, Treasurer, Mr. J. Clear, Secretary and Mr. W ilson.

PEACE AND REBUILDING The Group continued to progress until 6th June 1946, when with various pre-war Scouters having returned there was a change of personnel. Mr S. E. (Tiny) Kingett became Group Scoutmaster, Mr. A. C. Hammond, Scoutmaster, Mr. A. W . Sheaf, Cubmaster and Mr. D. F. Summers, Rover Scout Leader. It was reported that there were 61 Cubs, and 18 Scouts of which seven were in a Senior Waiting for their turn at Archery - Blacklands Farm Camp July 2003 Patrol. The Troop Leader was Ted Mealin, a King‘s Scout. Mr. Summers undertook to re-organise the Parents Association. In October 1946 the Cubs had collected sufficient farthings to hand over OUR 70th ANNIVERSARY £23.10.7½d. to Beckenham Hospital. There was a second King‘s Scout in the And so we reach 2004. A competition was held to design a commemorative Group, Derek W heatley. badge and the winning design was done by one of the Scout Troop, Joseph During May 1947 it was reported that £10 had been received from the collection Spicer, and is proudly shown on our uniforms. There are souvenirs prepared and of jam jars. More jam jars were collected and stored in Tiny Kingett‘s garage, the main celebratory event is a Birthday Reunion Supper to be held on Saturday 44 9 but the jam makers were no longer interested, and the jars stayed for months in the garage! At some time during 1947 a Scouters Preliminary Course was held in the Headquarters and a picture of B-P, duly signed by all members on the course, was presented to the Group. In August the first post-war summer camp was held. It was the last of the District camps and was run in conjunction with the 24th, 43rd and 46th Troops. The camp site was at Ninham‘s Farm, Shanklin, Isle of W ight, and was run by the District Commissioner, Mr. B. W . (Bunny) Stewart. This camp was run at considerable financial loss to the Scouters involved. The only event of note recorded during 1948 was the resignation as Group Scoutmaster of Mr. Tiny Kingett. Mr. A. W . ”Skip‘ Sheaf took over, whilst still continuing as Cubmaster. Once again for the next two years records have been lost and the next record is shown as 18th May 1950. In those two years there were several changes in Scouters and those present at the meeting were: Mr. A. W . Sheaf - Group Scoutmaster and Cubmaster, Mr. A. C. Hammond - Scoutmaster, Mr. D. D. Murray - Assistant Scoutmaster, Miss L. E. Gaved - Assistant Cubmaster, Lay people also present were Messrs. McCree, Stewart, Clear (Secretary) and Kingett Camping at Blacklands Farm July 2002 (Treasurer). Later in the year Mr. T. A. C. Stewart (Elk) became the Group‘s first Senior Scoutmaster. 2003 started badly when an enormous downpour of rain in the first few days of January onto an already sodden playing field behind the HQ that led to a major Again a blank period in the Group‘s history and it is not until 1952 that we can flooding of the HQ building and caused damage to about a third of the floor. pick up the threads. In this year the Rover Crew was re-formed and Mr. F. Street Temporary repairs were made within a few weeks to enable the groups to became Rover Scout Leader. In 1953, two Cub Packs were formed, and with the continue to run but full restitution had to await the summer break (and funding exception of one year, there have been two packs ever since. 1954 produced a from the insurance company). W ontolla, who had been struggling on without reconstructed Group Committee which had been inactive for some years. Since sufficient leaders and helpers for nearly a year, finally gained relief with Bridget then the Committee with many changing faces, has made its own special mark Huggett moving up from Beavers and Martin and Tori Hooper joining as on the Group‘s history. helpers. Kelly Mullen and Jane Thorne replaced Bridget in the Beaver Colony In 1955 Mr. Sheaf resigned as Group Scoutmaster, and became a member of the assisting Alys Helm. Chris Dines was presented with her Chief Scouts Committee and was presented with an Honorary Group Scoutmaster‘s W arrant. Commendation for good service by John Powell District Commissioner. Up to Mr A. C. Hammond became Group Scoutmaster and Mr. J. Dawkins, Chairman. date First Aid Certification was achieved for all the leaders. Continuing what In April of this year the Group produced the first of its post-war biennial Gang might hopefully become a tradition, the supporters moved on from Jazz to Rock Shows, ”It‘s a W onderful Life‘. 1955 saw the ”coming of age‘ of the Group and and held a Summer Event featuring the local Rock band —Somethin‘ Else“. This was suitably celebrated in October, with Demonstrations, Exhibitions, a Supper was more local than usual as the band featured one current and one ex-leader, and a Thanksgiving Service. Martin Pepper and Richard Jutten. Some of the changes introduced in 2001 began to have a major effect on the Group with the Venture Unit having to close 10 43 During 1956 the Group ”opted-out‘ of the Coney Hall and District Parents Association as it was felt that its own Committee fulfilled this function. The Group funds stood at £40 and it was suggested that a scrap metal collection and a waste paper drive be held. The former was dropped but the latter became the first of many organised in conjunction with the Guides. Later in the year the first Senior Scout colours were bought and dedicated. Four Seniors, Grahame Catley, Basil Dawkins, Brian George and Ian Jackson made Group history, by becoming Queen‘s Scouts all at the same time. 1957 saw several memorable events in the Group‘s life. The Group‘s first investment was bought - a £5 Premium Bond! So much equipment was possessed by the Group that the insurance was increased to cover £300. Sometime during this year the 51st (Air Scouts) Group was launched, and to help them on their way, the Rover Scout Leader, Mr. F. Street, became their Group Scoutmaster and two Patrol Leaders from the Troop, Roy W illiams and John Collins, transferred to them. In the January, Graham Fuke, a handicapped boy in a wheelchair, was invested in the Troop. Later in the year, in September, he was the central character in a film ”Scouting with the Handicapped‘ made by the County of London. Two boys Richard W ood and Grahame Catley, were selected to attend the Jubilee Jamboree at Sutton Coldfleld. The Group Committee

elected Mr. Cruse as Chairman, Mr. Gore, Treasurer and Mrs. Sheaf, Secretary. Our Winning Southern 50 Veterans Team striding out in fine style in 2002 At the beginning of 1958, Mr. Alan Hammond finally left the Group after nearly A retirement party was held for Doug Sullivan and Ron Ockleford in February 23 years to become District Commissioner and Mr. Ron Goodman took over as 2002 and there was a huge turnout. Ron continued in his role as leader of the Group Scoutmaster. This required a new Cubmaster to be found and caused an maintenance team. Fund raising hit new heights with our auctions and jumble emergency meeting of parents to be held. In spite of a very poor meeting due to sales reaching about £500 pounds each and, as a Jubilee Event, a Jazz Band Ball inclement weathers two people offered their services, Mr. John W atson and Mrs. with the local Don Steele Jazz Band. The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts held a joint Lilian Camp. These two subsequently became Cubmasters, one to each pack. It Jubilee Party with about 70 boys attending a party with a 1950s theme including was decided that the Group Magazine ”The Burrow News‘ be re-issued - this 1950s games and even, horror of horrors, 1950s food. Boys from the Scout was done and issued quarterly until June 1967. A second trek cart was Troop and the Cub Packs attended the District Jubilee Camp at Downe and purchased, when two Patrol Leaders, Bernard Blakemore and Roger Gooch, and enjoyed a huge variety of activities including skiing (!). The Ventures held a the Scoutmaster Mr. Ken Gaved, walked home from W elling with it! During number of camps but regular activities were limited as most of their number had May, approval was gained for the wearing of the rabbit badge on the scarf to become university students. At the end of the year there was a joint Christmas signify ”conies of Coney Hall‘. In September, a concrete mixer was hired and a Party for the Beavers and Cubs. Jenny Hurst and Alison Ayres left W ontolla and new Scout Hut floor was laid. a start was made on a new improved kitchen at the HQ. A new initiative based on the NSPCC —Keeping Children Safe“ programme was introduced. The Group were saddened by the death of Rev John Poole after a short illness. Lillian Camp, a leader with W ontolla Pack from 1958, died.

42 11 was a barbeque cooked by the Ventures with music provided by Marc Vickery. They also did their first sponsored silence in aid of Children in Need. This raised £120.50 and has now become an annual event. The cubs wrote to a New York cub pack to support them after the September 11th terrorist attacks. The Scouts did very well in the District Cyclocross and had a visit from the Farnborough Hawking Company who brought their birds with them, while the Ventures beat the 8th W est W ickham at Quasar. W e obtained a substantial grant of £4,840 from the Bridge House Estate Trust Fund to install a drain at the back of the HQ to help alleviate the increasing flow of water from the playing fields next door. Roger Jordan joined W ontolla as an instructor and Steve Morgan retired as Leader and became quartermaster. Sharon Colletta took over the running of Seeonee from Diane Bush and Sharon and Bridget Huggett undertook leader training for their W ood Badge. Jane Benfield, Clive & Diane Bush, Joyce & Finn Garven, John Tilbury and Steve Morgan were all awarded the Chief Scouts Commendation for Good Service. Mike Tully undertook the role of Chairman but at the end of year other positions remained unfilled. December saw a —Save our Scouts“ meeting to try to find sufficient leaders to keep the Scout troop A picture from the 1959 Gang Show —Be Happy“ going. Alan Hammond, a leader in the early years of the Group, died. After relinquishing his appointment with the 3rd Alan became District Commissioner 1959 started with £106.8.3d. in hand and it was decided to start a Building Fund and Headquarters Commission for Handicapped Scouts for the purpose ”of either renewing parts of the Scout Hut or building a new one‘. £25 was voted to this fund to be invested in Premium Bonds. In May Graham Fuke passed the last qualifying badge for the Scout Cords and was duly THE QUEENS GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR presented with them. During the first weekend of October, the 25th Anniversary celebrations included Demonstrations, a Supper and a Thanksgiving Service. In the Queens Golden Jubilee year we set a number of Jubilee challenges These were later voted a success. including a list of 50 tasks needed to keep the HQ in repair. In response to our appeal, John Picozzi, Martin Howarth and Chris Hart came forward to help with In May 1960 new officers were elected on to the Group Committees and Mr. Scouts and so the troop continued to function. Ian Leadbeater also assisted Merry became Chairman, Mr. Humphreys, Treasurer and Mrs. Thomas, alongside his primary role as Assistant Cub Scout leader. Doug Sullivan agreed Secretary. Later in the year a report was received that the Scout Hut roof was in to continue in an acting role while the new leaders got up to speed and also a ”precarious state‘. Apart from one or two minor adjustments, this remained so accepted the role of President. There was a Scouts winter camp held in until the Group vacated the Hut in 1970! extremely cold weather jointly with W ontolla and the countryside started to re- 1961 saw another change on the Committee, and Mrs. Fuke became Secretary. open so wide games and other outdoor activities were back on the agenda. W e Mr. Ron Goodman resigned as Group Scoutmaster on moving from the District, only managed to get the Veterans (over 50s) team out for the Southern 50 this and these duties were taken over by Mr. Ken Gaved. A further £50 was allocated year but they did us proud by winning their group and were only about 30 to the Building Fund and 5% Defence Bonds were bought. The Rector approved minutes slower than the winning team of youngsters. Martin Howarth introduced an idea to build a new Scout Hut in part of his garden, subject to the approval of a new Troop activity œ Microlighting. the Church Commissioners. Due to lack of Scouters, the Senior Section was closed down. At the end of the year a further £150 was invested for the Building 12 41 vandalism. Mick Chadbon a former leader died during the year. Fund. 2001 became a year of change for the Group with Doug Sullivan announcing 1962 started with the Annual Reports being circulated to parents. Due to the fire that he was to cease to be Group Scout Leader from the end of the year after 14 at the Assembly Halls, the Annual General Meeting had not been held. The years in the role. Ron Ockleford also decided to give up Chairmanship of the Group became a ”Founder Group‘ of Baden-Powell House, having collected a Group after 21 years and Chris Jackson announced his decision to step down as minimum of 6d. per head, and duly received a plaque to commemorate this. The president after the AGM. Foot and Mouth disease closed much of the Church Commissioners refused permission for building in the Rector‘s garden. countryside and meant that many outdoor activities had to be curtailed. There Graham Fuke became the first handicapped boy to become a Queen‘s Scout in were major announcements from Scout HQ changing the structure of groups the Local Association and was presented with his certificate by Mr. Leonard including the introduction of Explorer Scouts and Network Scouts and uniform Robinson, Assistant County Commissioner for London. changes were also introduced. A new activity badge scheme was introduced œ In April 1963, Graham Fuke died, after being a member of the Group for just this included Beavers for the first time. over six years. The Pack made Group history by winning the District Football Shield for the first time, and in July a Cub Camp was held - the first for ten years. Due to lack of Scouters, and also of members, the Rover Crew was closed down.

NEW HEADQUARTERS PREPARATIONS Following a successful parents‘ meeting a Supporters Association was formed in January 1964. It was reported that the Group was the largest in the District with 108 Cubs, Scouts, Seniors and Scouters. During the year the Group won the Sports Trophy for the first time. This year saw the beginning of lengthy negotiations and discussions on a new Headquarters. Mr. Mills (a parent) volunteered to handle the planning and building side. The site under discussion at this time was behind Aldines (now the Liquor Locker) in Addington Road and belonged to a Mr. Moss. The main problem - apart from money! - was drainage. A change took place on the Committee when Mrs. Fuke moved from the District and her place as Secretary was taken by Mrs. Needham. The Group ended the year with £484.18.3d. in the Building Fund, of which £430 was invested in Defence Bonds. The 30th Birthday The Venture Unit sets off for Summer Camp in 2001 celebrations in October - attended by over 200 people - had included static None of these events prevented the groups from having an active year. In the demonstrations, a Supper and a Thanksgiving Service. A booklet entitled —The Southern 50 challenge the Veterans having changed down from 50 miles to 50 First Thirty Years“ was produced, thus recording the Group‘s history since 1934 kilometres at last won a trophy (two in fact). 1st overall and the Vets trophy. The Venture Unit had entered a team for the event every year since 1986. The The beginning of 1965 saw the approval of the building plans by the local Beavers made an —indoor campfire“ and did sweet making as well as being Council and the Group set itself a target of £1,000 in the following 18 months. introduced to recycling and taking a tram trip to Lloyd Park. The 6th May was During its first year, the Supporters Association had raised over £100. The the Beavers 10th Birthday. Brenda W hiting made them a Bertie Cake and there Group decided to buy £400 of Premium Bonds (over the ensuing years five 40 13 prizes of £25 each were to be won). A total of £185 was raised on ten year INTO THE NEW MILLENIUM Interest Free Loans. A Balloon Race was held instead of a Bob-a-Job and the 2000 saw Beavers concentrating on Food which included a visit to Pizza Express balloon travelling the furthest reached Norway. The proposed site was fenced to in W est W ickham to make Pizzas and they also had a visit from the Hedgehog prevent —dumping“ following the general clearance of the area. The Scout Group Lady (!). W ontolla visited Bromley Fire Station and were assisted by the return won the Group Trophy at the District Sports. The Rover Crew was re-started of Chris Dines while Pete Hurst joined Scouts as an Assistant Scout Leader. with a nucleus of three members. Five Scouts and two Rovers transferred from Mick Brown stepped down from the Venture Unit after a number of years and the Air Scout Group following its closure due to lack of Leaders. A special Vernon Bush took on the Leadership and there was a canal trip on the Bromley meeting was called to discuss the high cost of the new building and tentative Youth Trust narrowboat —Rosanne“. suggestions were made to have a wooden building instead of pre-cast concrete. This was eventually squashed. The year ended with over £1,000 in the Building Fund. At the first Group Committee in 1966 it was announced that the Boy Scout Association had agreed to act as Trustees for the new Headquarters. It was also noted that a Cub, Peter Luff, gained all 15 Proficiency Badges. New Trustees for Group Property (as opposed to building) were named as Mr. C. Merry, Mr. J. Murray, Mr. C. Beale and Mr. K. Gaved. Following the resignation of Mr. Mills, Mr W esterman was appointed as the new architect. The Patrol Leaders made Group history by winning the District Nicholson Shield for the first time. It was reported that negotiations for the land had completely broken down because the Council were to compulsory purchase it. Mr. Beale who had been appointed Chairman of the Building Committee stated his intention to continue looking for a site. Mr Gaved resigned as Scoutmaster (but still continuing as Group Scoutmaster) to become Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) and his position was taken over by Mr D. Sullivan. Mrs. Needham also resigned as Secretary and Mrs. Luff was appointed in her place.

Seeonee success at Cyclocross in 2000 There was a Gang Show in April and a millennium Family Camp with a large attendance. The Beckenham District also organised a Millennium camp with a large number of activities available. Seeonee won the District Cyclocross competition. The Supporters introduced Family Racenights and fundraising was further assisted by the introduction of the Government‘s Gift Aid system. On 1st November Clive and Diane Bush had a baby. The year also saw the installation of sheet metal on the rear windows of the HQ as an attempt to combat

14 39 won both the Novice Trophy and the Chiefs Cup despite getting off to a poor SAMPLE PROGRAMMES start by getting lost in a Supermarket Car Park. Two Venture Scouts (Pam Cooper and Gemma Jutten) lent their support to running the W ontolla Pack and 1938 Liz Ford and Chris Elmer gained their Queens Scout Award œ our first for 11 years. The spring saw our 1998 gang show —Wonderful Day“ run to three packed 7.30-8.30 Patrol W ork: Tigers - Pioneering A houses at the Assembly Rooms. The Scout programme included fitness, law and W olves - Signalling & First Aid promise and radio while the Ventures had an activity week in Gunnislake in Foxes - Pioneering B

Cornwall. Finn Garvin and Martin Pepper completed their adult leader training 8.30-8.40 Inspection - Notices - Subs. Ceremonial reading of 1st Scout Law. (Wood Badge). Chris Dines moved away (temporarily as it turned out) and Jane Benfield also retired from the Group. However, she was quickly persuaded to 8.40-8.55 Sense Game —Which W histle“ return joining Bridget Huggett as assistant Beaver Leaders, while Terry Newman took over the running of the Supporters Committee from Dennis Moor and 8.55-9.10 Hat and Jump Relay (or short talk on First Aid)

Roger Norman filled the gap that had existed in the Treasurer role. Debbie 9.10-9.25 Penning Sheep - Game Vickery was kept busy with Ticket Sales for the Supporters Committee. A new Union Flag was bought in memory of Brian Severn and was dedicated at one of 9.25-9.30 Summary of Notices, Prayers and Dismissal the years church parades. Note: If any Scout has any test he would like to pass, ask your Patrol Leader if In the last year of the century we saw a continuing run of successes with another you may approach the Scoutmaster during Patrol W ork. victory for the Scouts in both the District Football league and cup and we won the Novice Trophy again in the Southern 50. The Scouts had two winter camps

in 1998/9 at Gilwell and Marlow and a total of six camps this year including a 2003 summer father and son camp. However, 1999 also a saw the recurring problem of finding enough leaders, this time in the Cubs after Joyce Garvin gave up full 7.45-7.55 Flag Break, and Inspection time running of W ontolla. Later in the year Jenny Hurst joined W ontolla with Alison Ayers also helping. Despite the problems, the cubs achieved a much 7.55-8.10 W arming up Game - Quarters improved attendance at the swimming gala and there were visits to Bromley 8.10-8.35 Fitness Challenge Part 2 Police Station and a mock Police identity parade. The Ventures visited the 1) Decide Physical challenges Ardech and they and most of the other groups went to Quasar in Bromley. Clive 2) Exercise œ take pulse rate œ exercise again Bush gained his adult leader training award (Wood Badge), Mike Tully was 3) Each boy to select 2 subjects to research e.g. Diet, sleep, drugs, presented with a Thanks badge for all his help with the HQ maintenance over the alcohol years and Doug Sullivan was awarded a bar to his Silver Acorn. 8.35-8.50 Building & racing sedan chair The end of the century is a useful moment for some statistics. In 1934 the group had 4s 3d in hand (about 21p in modern money or perhaps about £20 if you 8.50-9.05 Game œ Oneupmanship

allow for inflation) while in 1999 total income and expenditure was about 9.05-9.15 Notices, Flag Down, Prayers and Dismissal £15,000 with fund raising alone producing about £5000 per annum. In 1934 there were four leaders. In 1999 there were 20 leaders and helpers and 116 boys The main part of the evening was the second of three sessions of the Fitness and girls in the various groups. Challenge designed to help the Scouts gain this award

38 15 NEW LOOK SCOUTING 1967 was a year of great change in the Scout movement. Outwardly the most noticeable was the uniform when long trousers and green long sleeved shirts took over from shorts and khaki shirts. All male Leaders ceased to wear the Group Scarf and ties were worn instead. Senior Scouts and Rover Scouts disappeared and a new section, Venture Scouts, came into being. Due to changes in the District, our Group became ”3rd W est W ickham (St. John the Baptist)‘ in the W est W ickham and Beckenham South District. The Group planned to change over to the new uniform during the following 18 months and a uniform subscription of 2/6d. per week was started to enable all uniforms to be bought at the same time. —The Burrows News“ ceased publication and was replaced by a bi-monthly Newsletter. The Supporters first —Spring Fair“ was run at the Assembly Rooms when a profit of £193.13.6d. was made. Mr. Beale was appointed the Group Public Relations Officer. The Scout Group took part in a County Rally to welcome the Chief Scout, Sir Charles McLean. Peter Daniels became the first member of the Group since 1962 to gain his Queen‘s Scout Award. Mr. W atson and Mrs. Farmer resigned as Cub Scout Leaders, and their Summer Camp was at Criccieth in 1996 places taken by Miss Male and Mr. Jackson respectively. Andrew Goyns became TOW ARDS 2000 the second of our Cubs to gain all 15 Proficiency Badges. 1997 saw the formation of the Beckenham District and the 3rd W est W ickham During 1968 the Supporters Association started weekly Bingo sessions, and due became part of the new District. A further innovation from the Supporters to the untiring efforts of Mr. Joe Sullivan until his death in 1991 and afterwards, Committee with the introduction of Line Dancing and a record attendance was for two years, by members of the Supporters Committee, these were run bringing achieved at the first quiz night of the year. John Lawrence, a member of the in some £200 each year. News was given that a Ministry grant of £1,235 had Supporters Committee for many years, retired. The Scout Troop won the been made towards the cost of the new Headquarters. Three more boys gained Football knockout competition and were joint winners of the league and several their Queen Scout‘s Awards, Christopher W inchester, David Thomas and groups made use of the Bromley Youth Trust narrowboat —Rosanne“. The year Bernard Robinson. At the year end a total of £2,200.15.10d. was shown in the also saw a family camp and the Scouts Summer Camp was held at Exmouth. A Building Fund. new minibus was purchased after £13,000 had been raised but the paper Early in 1969 discussion took place on how best to invest the accumulating collection was stopped as the mills had filled up and the price we were getting funds, as there appeared to be no early prospect of building. Apart from initial for paper plummeted. There was a spectacular joint firework evening and enquiries nothing further was done. An Exhibition of Scouting was organised by Michael Barlow, David Cooper, Colin Cowdrey, Michael Ford, Grahame Jones the Group and held one Saturday morning in Coney Hall. A site was finally and Patrick Tully completed the Chief Scouts Challenge. Clive Bush and Diane th agreed for the new Headquarters and was located in Tiepigs Lane on Education Edwards-W inser married on 17 May. Roy Kendall retired as Assistant Cub Department land. A 21 year lease was arranged with the Council at a nominal Scout leader after 15 years. On a sadder note Jack Jefcut left the maintenance annual rent. Peter Fisher and Vernon Needham became the first boys in the team due to ill health and the year saw the death of Brian Severn. Brian was a Group to gain the new Chief Scout‘s Award. member of the Executive Committee for 25 years and was our Treasurer for 23. W e took delivery of our new minibus in January 1998 and it got its first real use at the year‘s Southern 50 in February. This year we entered just one team but 16 37 PASTURES NEW

The Beavers - staring in the 1996 Gang Show As we reached the turn of the year Alan Priestly ran the 45th Auction and the GSL Ken Gaved receives the keys at the opening of the new HQ in 1970 monthly church parades were changed to Quarterly for 1996 as a way to combat 1970 was a most important milestone in the Group‘s history. This year saw the a decline in turnout. The start of 1996 bought a mixture of news. Majorie building of the long awaited new Headquarters. It was officially opened on 7th Ockleford died after a lengthy illness and Clive Bush and Diane Edwards- November by the Group Scout Leader, Mr. K. Gaved and memorial trees were W inser got engaged on Valentines Day. A successful Gang Show was held in planted by former GSLs Messrs. Sheaf, Hammond and Goodman. Memorial April. The Minibus Fund reached £6000 by mid year after an amazing collection bushes were planted by three Committee Chairmen, Messrs. Merry, Beale and in March reached 14 tons. Alys Helm took over from Brenda W hiting as Beaver Stocker. The building - named —Greenacres“ was only one third of its intended Colony leader and Doug Sullivan took on the role of Quizmaster at our quiz size due to lack of funds, but two extensions were to be added in the years ahead nights. Mick Brown, Martin Pepper and Chris Sterrett were presented with the to make a building 90‘ x 40‘. Over 275 people attended the opening. A 36 hour Medal of Merit at the AGM. Chris Sterrett stepped down as Seeonee Pack Sponsored Football Match was held on the Headquarters grounds and £112 was leader. Graham W hiting married Karena Simpson and Ron Ockleford married raised for charity. The first Jumble Sale was held in. the unfinished Diane Thomas. Ron W ilby, one of our supporters committee members of earlier Headquarters! W aste Paper collections on a monthly basis were begun. years, passed away. Diane Edwards-W inser and Jane Benfield successfully achieved the Leader Training award (Wood Badge). The autumn saw vandalism 1971 began a period of consolidation and settling down in the new Headquarters. at the HQ building. A new innovation from the supporters was an Antiques In spite of its smallness and the fact that it was situated away from Coney Hall, Valuation Day and in the County Canoe Race we won the Veteran‘s doubles and numbers of boys continued to grow. Expenses on events became less as the came 1st and 2nd in the 14-16 class. The year closed with a winter camp at building was Group property and thus higher profits were recorded on all money Buckmore Park. raising activities.

36 17 Thoughts now began to turn to the first extension! The Scout Counties of completed her adult leader training (Wood Badge). The thirst for adventure London arranged a cruise to the Scandinavian countries in which six of our remained as strong as ever. 14 members of the Venture Scout Unit took part in Scouts took part. Miss Brenda Male resigned as Cub Scout Leader due to the fact Euroventure, a week long adventure in Germany and France, and 25 boys and that she was going to America, and her position was taken by Miss Penny leaders of the Troop went to Switzerland for Summer Camp (their second trip Skinner. The first Spring Fair at —Greenacres“ raised £140. Mr. C. Merry there and their third abroad), to walk the mountain paths and take part in various resigned as Chairman, and as a tribute to his many years service he was made the adventurous activities including a 3a.m. walk up the mountain. Other highlights Group‘s first President. Mr. Ted W ebb became the new Chairman. of the year included a demonstration of Police dog handling for the Scout troop and the Cubs winter camp at Buckmore Park. Plans were laid early in 1972 for the first extension to —Greenacres“. The Group had insufficient money due to escalating costs but planning permission was February 1995 saw the worst weather experienced so far in the Southern 50 applied for. The previous Interest Free Loans having been re-paid, it was decided where the Ventures put in four teams and the group also fielded a veteran‘s team. to try the scheme again. A further £105 was raised in this way. Another grant of After many years running the cubs football team Tony W arren left and handed £300 was given by the Local Council, and this would mean the Minister would over the whistle to Dave Hodges. The Cubs took the Police Family Certificate at grant a further £600. The float for the extension was laid, and the building Bromley Police Station after much preparatory work and Brenda W hiting, Joyce erected in December. Garvin and Steve Morgan completed adult leader training. Rick McKeogh was our quizmaster at the ever popular quiz nights while Bob Sullivan, Assistant Due to the ever pressing need for leaders, a Recruitment Drive was launched. Beaver leader, left the group. A can collection scheme was started as the first Plans were laid early in 1973 and April made the month for the Drive. From this step towards purchasing a new Minibus and towards the end of the year a large came one Assistant Cub Scout Leader, two Assistant Scout Leaders, two Regular scale paper collection exercise was started. The Scout Troop had their summer Instructors and one Committee Member. The extension had been erected but camp at W areham, Dorset although their trip there was rather slow as the chosen electrical work and insulation of the walls and roof still had to be done. As this vehicle œ John Potter‘s Landrover œ suffered overheating problems. W hile there, was done mainly by voluntary work, it was not completed until the end of that the Scouts visited Beaulieu and the Army‘s Bovington Tank Museum. The year. The local Council donated 20 Maple trees for the grounds and these were Ventures went to Buckingham Palace as part of the VE Celebrations in London duly planted. It was reported that Mr. Gaved would resign at the end of the and met the Queen, Prince Philip and Princess Margaret. Joan Taylor took over following year, as he had taken up a new appointment as District Commissioner. from Pat Tabraham as Group Secretary having been supporters Committee At an extraordinary meeting in July it was reported that two parents were willing Secretary for some years and Dennis Moor took over fundraising from Terry to loan the Group £2,000 over eight years in order that the third extension could Goggin. The Seeonee pack with some parents were given the run of a Virgin 747 be built. This was accepted with grateful thanks and plans laid forthwith. In spite at Gatwick Airport and Richard Mills achieved 1st place in the District of building activities, the Scouts and Venture Scouts built six canoes which were Cyclocross. Virgin are expecting to get their 747 back any day now. More used many times throughout the year. Five boys gained their Chief Scout‘s leaders completed training including Clive Bush, Graham W hiting, Finn Garvin, Awards - Michael Brown, Nicholas Fry, Paul Rutter, Christopher Sterrett and Martin Pepper, Jane Benfield and Diane Edwards-W inser. Martin Kettle. Later in the year Michael Brown sold programmes at Princess Anne‘s wedding and also assisted at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party.

18 35 OUR SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY YEAR 40th BIRTHDAY YEAR 1994 marked the sixtieth anniversary of the group and a commemorative badge In 1974 the Group celebrated 40 years of continuous Scouting. By a happy was designed by Mrs Jillian Ayres. Our Gang Show was held in May. coincidence the Supporters Association celebrated its 10th Birthday and during —Celebration“ was performed to packed houses and very well received, indeed those ten years they had raised over £3,000 for the Group. Delays in building some of the audience saying it was —the best ever“. due to strikes and the national economic situation meant the extension was built but internal works not completed for the Birthday Supper held in October. However, with almost 300 people attending, a plaque was unveiled by the President, Mr. C. Merry signifying the completion of the building. A Thanksgiving Service was held at St. John‘s Church on the 13th October. Mr. J. Murray retired as Treasurer after 11 years and into this office stepped Mr. B. Severn. Three more Chief Scout‘s Awards were gained - Malcolm Bulley, Martin Pepper and Paul Sewell. The Group put on its 40th Birthday Gang Show, —Flying High“ which turned out to be a financial record breaker of £178.88. A former Group Scout Leader, Mr. Alf Sheaf, who was responsible for so much of the consolidation of the Group after the war, died early in the year. At the end of 1974 Mr. Ken Gaved duly resigned as Group Scout Leader and Mr. Chris Jackson took over the leadership of the Group, as well as remaining Cub Scout Leader of the W ontolla Pack. Miss P. Skinner also resigned as Cub Scout Leader of Seeonee Pack and Mr. D. Trinder was appointed in her place.

The Group on its 60th Anniversary Our very first family camp was organised and held in June when 105 members of the Group and their families spent a very enjoyable weekend at Downe Camp Site taking part in all sorts of activities. Other events during the year were a Quiz Night (always popular) and a Race Night, but the highlight was our 60th Anniversary Supper in October where over 170 present and past members were there including one of the Group‘s first W olf Cubs, John Lunn, one of the first Scouts, Freddie Fletcher and our first King‘s Scout, Ted Mealin. A music group was formed who under the direction of Mr Dennis Moor, played in the Gang Show, at the AGM and at the start of the Thanksgiving Service. Chris Dines

34 19 COMPETITIONS W ON

1952 Chamberlain Trophy

1953 Chamberlain Trophy

1954 Inter Pack Swimming Trophy

1956 Chamberlain Trophy

1957 Camping Competition - Boy Scouts Sports Trophy

1958 Grieves Cup (Lifesaving)

1962 Farwell First Aid Team Trophy (Under 15) Farwell First Aid Pairs Trophy (Under 15)

1963 Farwell First Aid Team Trophy (Under 15) Farwell First Aid Pairs Trophy (Under 15) Cub Football Shield st It‘s the 1 Birthday Celebration for the Beaver Colony in 1992 1964 Farwell First Aid Team Trophy (Over 15) W e were pleased to learn in 1993 that Richard Jutten our former Scout Leader, Farwell First Aid Pairs Trophy (Over 15) Farwell First Aid Pairs Trophy (Under 15) had been appointed District Commissioner in succession to Mrs Joyce Keeler Pelling Cross Country Cup and this brought to three the number of Leaders from our Group who had Boy Scouts Sports Trophy become District Commissioner. A Group outing to Chessington W orld of Scout Group Sports Cup Adventures was organised and enjoyed by about 60 boys and parents, and 15 members of the Scout Troop took part in a scheme organised by Brands Hatch 1965 Cub Scouts Trophy racing circuit called —Earlydrive“ - a course giving instruction to early learner Senior Scouts Sports Trophy Scout Group Sports Cup drivers. The weekly bingo sessions which started in 1968, finally came to an end after giving pleasure to many over 25 years. The Group was active in raising 1966 Nicholson Shield funds during the year (when hasn‘t it been?) Firstly for St. John‘s Church by Cub Sports Trophy helping at a Fete held in the grounds of W ickham Court and secondly by picking Scout Group Sports Cup up litter at the Bromley Town Show held at Norman Park. This swelled our

1967 Farwell First Aid Team Trophy (Under 15) funds by over £250. Changes to the Scout Law were announced by Headquarters Scout Groups Sports Cup to take into account the fact the girls could now be members of the Association and it is now —gender free“!! Five members of the Scout troop, Adam Pavitt, 1968 Cub Sports Trophy Simon Jones, Michael Hunt, Simon Beazley and Peter Tomkinson all gained the Chief Scouts Award so continuing the good tradition the Troop has in this respect. Those ex-members of the Group called to higher service during the year were Doris Sheaf, David Gilbey, Frank Hammond and David Ockelford (6 years after his road accident). 20 33 girls! At the end of the year Mr Richard Jutten retired as Scout Leader after 15 1969 Cub Fun Day Trophy (Seeonee Pack) years service with the Troop. Mr Barry Plater also retired, leaving the Troop Cub Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Venture Scout Sports Trophy with a problem, but fortunately Mr Clive Bush and Mr Graham W hiting stepped Scout Group Sports Cup in as Scout Leader and Assistant Scout Leader respectively. 5-a-side Football Cup (Under 13²) 2nd May 1991 was a momentous day, the day when Beaver Scouting came to the rd 1970 Cub Fun Day Trophy (Wontolla Pack) 3 W est W ickham. At the previous Group Scouters Meeting it was decided that we should start our own Beaver Colony. Beaver Scouts are boys between six and 1971 Cub Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) eight years old and the theme of Beaver Scouting is fun and friendship. It is the Venture Scout Sports Trophy youngest section of the Group and leads on to the Cub Packs. To start the new Scout Group Sports Cup section, Mrs Brenda W hiting resigned as Group Secretary to become our first 5-a-side Football Cup (Under 13²)

Beaver Scout Leader and was joined at the end of the year by Mr Bob Sullivan th 1972 Cub Scouts Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) whose previous Scouting experience had been as a member of the 5 W est 5-a-side Football Cup (Over 13²) W ickham. Pat Tabraham took over the role of Group Secretary. In July Mr Joe Sullivan (no relation to Bob) died. He had been a member of the Group 1973 Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Executive Committee and afterwards the Supporters Fund Raising Committee 5-a-side Football Cup (Under 13²) for nearly 30 years and had been running the weekly bingo sessions since 1968. 1974 Canoe Slalom Competition He was a tireless worker for the Group. A County organised event —Meet the Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Chief“ day was held at Norman Park, Bromley where 5000 Cubs, Beavers, Venture Scout Sports Trophy Scouts, Venture Scouts and Leaders attended putting on displays and sideshows. Cub Fun Day Trophy (Wontolla Pack) The only problem was that the Chief Scout did not come - he was ill, so we met the Chief Executive Commissioner instead! Richard Jutten took over as 1975 Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Wontolla Pack)

Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) and Roy Kendall, Assistant Cub Scout 1976 Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Leader with Seeonee Pack was awarded the Medal of Merit. Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Wontolla Pack) Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13²) Our Gang Show due to be held in 1992 had to be cancelled as no venue could be found. This was the first occasion for some time that we missed a Gang Show 1977 Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Seeonee Pack) date. February brought the news of the death of Jack Clear who had been Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13²) connected with the Group for many years. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Over 13²) our District an activity weekend was organised for all boys in the District and Scout Canoe Slalom Team Trophy was held at Downe Camp Site. A national fund raising event, the —Promise 1978 Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Over 13²) Appeal“ went on throughout the year and through various ways the Group raised Scout Sports Trophy £420 (we also raised £150 for ourselves). Scout Canoe Slalom Team Trophy Group Swimming Gala Trophy

1979 Cub Scouts Swimming Gala Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Scout Swimming Gala Trophy Group Swimming Gala Trophy Scout Canoe Slalom (Under 14 Individual W inner) Scout Cyclocross (Under 13 Individual W inner)

32 21 1980 Cub Scouts Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) home hospitality. He came back with many wonderful tales. Two major fund Female Venture Scouts Sports Trophy raising efforts dominated the year - not for our funding but for other causes. The Group Sports Trophy first was —Sherpa ”88“ to help the Sherpa people of Nepal, held to coincide with Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Over 13²) st Scout Canoe Slalom (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) the 21 Anniversary of Venture Scouting, and the other was the W ishing W ell Cub Scout Swimming Gala Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Appeal to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. For the latter, during a Scout Swimming Gala Trophy very busy but enjoyable day the Group raised £1,332 through a street collection, Group Swimming Gala Trophy afternoon fair and fete, and an evening Race Night. During the year Glyn Jones who had been an assistant leader with W ontolla Pack, died, and we also learned 1981 Cub Scout Handicraft Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) that John W atson a former Akala with Seeonee Pack and Assistant District Scout Football League Trophy Commissioner (Cub Scouts) had died. Ron Ockelford, our Chairman, was Scout Football Knockout Cup awarded the Medal of Merit for his outstanding services and changes in the Scout Swimming Gala Trophy Supporters Committee saw Alan Priestley retire as Chairman after many years of hard work and Mr Terry Goggin take his place. Also Jean Male retired as 1982 Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Wontolla Pack) Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13²) Supporters Committee Secretary to be succeeded by Joan Taylor. Two other Female Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy deaths of long serving members occurred in 1989. Mr Cecil Beale, our Former Male Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy Chairman and a tireless worker during negotiations for and building of —Greenacres“ died in February, and Mr Geoff Stangrove, a long time member of 1983 Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) the Supporters Fund Raising Committee died in May. Awards were prominent Female Venture Scout Sports Trophy Scout Canoe Slalom (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) during the year with Group Scout Leader Doug Sullivan being presented with Female Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy the Silver Acorn, Mr Chris Sterett, Miss Gale Arnold and Mr Mick Brown all Male Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy being awarded the Chief Scouts Commendation for good services and finally four Patrol Leaders completed the —double“ of Chief Scouts Award and Chief 1984 Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Wontolla Pack) Scouts Challenge. They were Andrew Davie, Simon Henley, Andrew W ebb and Scout Cross Country Pelling Trophy Rodney Hunt. Scout Cross Country Morrell Shield (Under 13² Individual W inner) Scout Long Distance Canoe Race (13-15 yrs Individual W inner) Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13²) Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Over 13²) W E ENTER THE LAST DECADE OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY Scout Sports Trophy (Equal first) Group Sports Trophy The start of a new decade brought changes in leadership in W ontolla Pack with Group Swimming Gala Trophy Gale Law (nee Arnold) stepping down to Assistant Cub Scout Leader, and Peter Atkinson taking over. A cheque for £330 was presented to Barnados being half 1985 Scout Cross Country Morrell Shield (Over 13² Individual W inner) the profit from our biennial Gang Show (enjoyed by everyone), and a national Scout Cyclocross Trophy Scout Section initiative —Go for a Million“ was entered by our Scout Troop to Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) gain points for taking part in activities such as camping, water activities, hiking, 1987 Scout Cyclocross Trophy cooking and conservation. The points gained were converted into prizes and one Cub Scout Cyclocross Trophy (Wontolla Pack) of the Patrols won £250 worth of prizes. It was this year, 1990 that Girls in Scouting was officially approved. Girls had, of course, been in Venture Scout Units for some time, but now they could join any section of the Group, subject to the approval of the members. So far our Group has decided against admitting 22 31 1988 Scout Swimming Gala Trophy (equal first) District Scout Long Distance Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13) Scout 5-a-side Football Cup (Over 13) Cub Scout Swimming Gala Trophy (Seeonee Pack joint 1st) Group Swimming Gala Trophy

1989 Scout Football League Trophy Scout Cross Country Morrell Shield (Over 13² Individual W inner) Female Venture Scouts Swimming Gala Trophy Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Under 13) County Scout Long Distance Canoe Race (Over 14 Individual W inner) River Arun Canoe Race (Adults Singles Individual W inner) River Arun Canoe Race (Adults - Doubles)

1990 Scout Sports Trophy Female Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy (Equal first) Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Wontolla Pack) County Long Distance Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) County Long Distance Canoe Race (Over 16 Individual W inner) River Arun Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) River Arun Canoe Race (Adults - singles) River Arun Canoe Race (Adults - doubles)

The Groups First Southern 50 Team 1991 Scout Cross Country Trophy Despite the sticky label on this photo it‘s the 1986 Team! Scout Cyclocross (Under 13 Individual W inner) Scout Canoe Slalom (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) The new year of 1987 saw a change in leadership in W ontolla with Richard County Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) Holmes stepping down to Assistant Cub Scout Leader and Gale Arnold taking County Canoe Race (adults - doubles) his place as Akala. Gale was assisted by Chris Dines and her husband Peter. Two items of sad news reached our ears during the year. First, Fred Summers, one of 1992 Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Wontolla Pack) the Group‘s original Scouters died, and then later in the year, David Ockelford, a Male Venture Scout Swimming Gala Trophy Scout Cross Country (Under 12 Individual W inner) former Venture Scout and now Fellowship member was involved in a road Scout Cyclocross (Over 13 Individual W inner) accident leaving him with injuries necessitating constant treatment. On a happier County Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual W inner) note, Graham W hiting became the Group‘s first Queen‘s Scout since 1982, and County Canoe Race (Adults - Doubles) four boys in the Scout troop became the first winners of a new training badge, the Chief Scouts Challenge. This year a new central heating system was installed 1993 Cub Scout Swimming Gala Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Wontolla Pack) in the Headquarters at a cost of £2,800. It has since proved its worth. Scout Cross Country (Under 13 Individual W inner) Seeking wide and adventurous activities have always been part of the Group County Canoe Race (Over 16 Individual W inner) ethos and 1988 was no exception when Howard May was a member of the UK contingent to the W orld Jamboree held in Sydney, Australia. Howard camped with over 10,000 other scouts from around the world and enjoyed a period of 30 23 1994 Cub Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy (Wontolla Pack) ONW ARD THROUGH THE EIGHTIES Cub Scout Sports Trophy (Wontolla Pack) Female Venture Scout Sports Trophy Further changes in personnel occurred in 1985. After a number of years of Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy splendid service, Terry and Maureen Stanley our Venture Scout Leader and County Canoe Race (Adults Doubles) Assistant Venture Scout Leader moved away from the area leaving Mick Brown and Martin Pepper to decide on who should become Venture Scout Leader 1995 Scout Cyclocross (Over 13 Individual W inner) (Mick eventually did!). Peter Atkinson resigned as Assistant Cub Scout Leader 1996 County Canoe Race (Veterans Doubles) to concentrate on his other appointment as District and County Adviser for County Canoe Race (14-16 yrs Individual winner) Handicapped Scouts. Mike Ayres, a hard worker on the Supporters Fund Raising Committee died suddenly. Fund raising continued with vigour with 1997 Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy auctions and a craft fair bringing in much needed revenue. Changes to the age Scout Football League Trophy (Joint W inners) ranges of the training sections were introduced reducing the age of transfer from 1998 Southern 50 œ Novice Trophy Cubs to Scouts and from Scouts to Venture Scouts by six months in each case. Southern 50 œ Chiefs Trophy This caused many problems during the first three or four years. Richard Jutten was awarded the Chief Scouts Commendation for good services to the 1999 Southern 50 œ Novice Trophy Movement. Scout 5-a-side Football Trophy Scout Football League Trophy 1986 saw a national celebration of 70 years of Cub Scouting and members of our two Cub Scout Packs attended a special event, —Cubrah“ at the Royal Albert 2000 Cub Scout Cyclocross Trophy (Seeonee Pack) Hall, and wore a special ”Rainbow‘ badge throughout the year. Another Gang

2001 Southern 50 œ 1st Overall Show was held at the Assembly Rooms, and during the year new lights were Southern 50 œ Veterans Trophy installed in the Headquarters replacing the original system. It was in February that members of the Venture Scout Unit first entered an event which was a 2002 Southern 50 œ Veterans Trophy regular on their calendar until recently. This was the ”Southern 50 Challenge‘ a Cub Scout Swimming Gala Female Leaders Trophy non-stop hike of approximately 50 miles in the Chiltern Hills for teams of four.

2003 Scout Cyclocross (Under 14 Individual W inner) W hen entering this first time they thought the hike was held over two days with Cub Scout Cyclocross Trophy (Wontolla Pack) a night camp in between. Their error was soon realised! However, the event has become most popular with teams entering now from the Unit, Fellowship and Leaders Mr Chris Jackson was awarded the Silver Acorn in the St Georges Day awards for —especially distinguished“ services and at the end of the year retired as Group Scout Leader after very many years loyal service. A special Group cheese and wine evening was held where presentations were made to him to mark his retirement following a —This is your life“ episode. Mr Doug Sullivan took over the position of Group Scout Leader.

24 29 for Good Services to the Movement for his long and faithful service to the W E PRESS ON Group, and Mr. K. Gaved was installed as Group President after retiring as 1975 proved to be a year full of effort to raise the necessary funds to pay all the District Commissioner. The Venture Unit won the Female Sports and Female costs entailed with having a new, but only a shell of, a Headquarters. Fund Swimming Trophies! Iain Davanna, Richard George, and Graham W hiting all raising included: a Spring Fair, Sponsored Cricket Match, Garden Party, and a gained their Chief Scout‘s Awards. The base of the store, costing approximately Car Drive. The Mayor (Councillor Crask) came to judge the Spring Fair Posters! £1,500 was laid in the September with special strengthening required due to the W e were 147 strong but short of Scout Troop help. In June Mr. Ted W ebb stood nature of the ground. Plans for the Group‘s Golden Jubilee in 1984 were put in down as Group Chairman and Mr. C. L. Beale took over this office after such a hand and the basic design for a special commemorative Group uniform badge, successful period as Building Committee Chairman and Mrs. Mary Atack was submitted by Guy Plater of the Scout Troop, was approved. appointed Secretary in place of Mrs. Luff. There was no let up in scouting activities and Peter Gander gained his Chief Scout‘s Award. OUR GOLDEN JUBILEE In 1976 the Headquarters‘ floor was finally completed and 11 windows replaced after vandalism. Mr. Terence Stanley, Venture Scout Leader, won the Scout And so we arrive at 1984. The commemorative Gang Show —Something to Shout Association Individual Trophy for Parascending in July and Mr. Doug Sullivan About“ performed in March to packed houses and was well received, a Spring led the Troop in a successful Summer Camp held in Switzerland. Plans were Fair, complete with Steam Organ, was held in May, and an Exhibition of the prepared at this time to extend internally the Kitchen and Stores under the Group‘s Fifty Years took place in July. Three members of the Group‘s first W olf supervision of Mr. R. Ockelford using help from inside the Group, particularly Cubs were tracked down through the Local Press, Bernard Dent, John Lunn and members of the Venture Unit, and costing approximately £500/£600. The First Peter Tringham, two of whom were present at the Golden Jubilee Supper & Auction was run by the Supporters in October raising £360 and Andrew Failes Dance in October at which about 200 (our maximum) attended. The Store was gained his Chief Scout‘s Award. erected in September at a cost of just under £3,000 and has been of great use to the Group which now numbered 157, our highest ever, and by far the largest in Mr. C. Merry, our President and past Chairman, died suddenly in January 1977, the District. The desire for adventure, however, remains very much to the fore a great loss to the Group after 22 years staunch service. A Memorial Fund from with three of our young men, Tobin May, David Ockleford and Christopher monies donated in lieu of flowers was used to provide President‘s Cups for each Severn, taking part in Nortrek 1984 - traversing the mountains and glaciers of Section in the Group to be gained each year by the member showing the most Norway and returning to tell a tale of full challenge. endeavour, and material for an embroidered Blue and Yellow Table Cover with work undertaken by Mrs. P. Knowlden. In this the Queen‘s Silver Jubilee Year, Again inevitably some changes. After almost 20 years involvement Mr. C. Commemorative Badges were worn and a special ceremony was held after the Jackson handed over in April the Leadership of the W ontolla Park to Mr. R. June Church Parade with the whole Group parading at —Greenacres“ to receive Holmes, also Mrs. M. Atack resigned as Group Secretary following nine years of commemorative Crowns from Mrs. Lorna Merry, late President‘s wife. Under a service and Mrs. B. W hiting was appointed in her place. new Headquarters‘ policy the Group Council was reformed and the Group Doug Sullivan, whose long association with the Scout Troop goes back over Supporters became officially the Group‘s Fund Raising Sub-Committee with Mr. many years finally decided to stand down as Scout Leader at the end of the year G. Stocker (Supporters‘ Chairman) and Mr. A. Priestley joining the new Group and handed over to Mr Richard Jutten. Doug became Assistant Group Scout Executive Committee. After a long spell two Queen Scout Awards were gained, Leader. Michael Brown and Chris Sterrett, and Gary Moss and Tim Prentice gained their Chief Scout Awards. New equipment was purchased including £500 spent on four tents.

In 1978 the Gang Show —What a W onderful Life“ was performed in the April, keeping up the tradition of producing a Show every two years. W ork on fitting 28 25 out the internal store/kitchen extensions was still progressing but plans were service to the Group Supporters Fund Raising Committee Chairman, Mr. G. already being made for an outside store/garage! Tim W ebb and Neil Anthony Stocker retired on moving from the district and Mr. A. Priestley took over this gained their Chief Scout‘s Award and Martin Pepper became a Queen‘s Scout responsible position. and so joining Michael Brown and Chris Sterrett which augured well for the

future. In the June Medals of Merit were presented to Mr. C. Jackson, Mr. D. Sullivan and Mr. P. Atkinson for their efforts both in Group and District affairs. INTO THE EIGHTIES In 1980 Mr. C. L. Beale resigned as Group Chairman having served the Group so well for over 17 years and later in the year he was awarded the Chief Scout‘s Commendation for Good Service to the Movement. Mr. R. Ockleford then became the Group Chairman at the Group AGM in June that year. Shortly afterwards Mr. D. Trinder found the pressure of work increasing and stood down as Leader of Seeonee Pack. After a caretaker period by Mrs. B. Smith, Mr. C. Sterrett stepped into the breach and took over as Leader. So we were again going through a time of change. In the Autumn the Group won the Cub Trophy, the Scout Trophy, and the Group Trophy at the Swimming Gala and a further three Chief Scout Awards were gained by Timothy Gaved, James Dance and Martin Donnelly. During 1981 a Sponsored Clean of the Parish Church by Cubs and young Scouts produced £261 for the Church Restoration Fund. Despite an intense search by the Cubs in the nooks and crannies only 27²p came to light! The W ontolla Cubs won the District Handicraft Trophy for the first time and the Scout Troop the Football League Trophy and the Knock Out Cup. The 75th Year of Scouting gave us all an active time during 1982 with uniforms emblazoned with two large commemorative badges and the Group giving a static display of the 75 years at McAndrews Ground District Display. A Cub of June 1979 Troop Meeting yesteryear, now a Paratrooper, John Etheridge, came back to visit the Pack safe The first order was placed in March 1979 for our now familiar T and and sound after the Falklands W ar. New fencing needed around the Sweatshirts. Neil Anthony, earlier selected to be in the U.K. Scout contingent, Headquarters was erected at a cost of around £600. The Venture Unit purchased attended the world Jamboree in New Mexico, U.S.A. in July with Mr. D. a 12 seater minibus which came in useful on their Expedition in the summer to Sullivan as Section Leader. A special evening —The American Experience“ later Holland and Denmark. Four break-ins during the summer caused further window gave the opportunity for the great venture to be graphically described. Tim Kerr bars to be installed. Boys from the Scout Troop camped at the International took over as Quartermaster and redesigned and laid out the Camping Store as we Camp held at Downe and American Scouts were given hospitality by parents of know it today. The internal extension (the Ockleford/Venture Extension!) was boys involved. Katy Hodges (already a Queen‘s Guide) gained her Queen‘s declared officially open at the Annual General Meeting by Mr. Chris Jackson. Scout Award and at a Cheese and W ine Reception, in honour of the 75th Year of The Venture Unit became —mixed“, with the first girls invested in the Unit on the Scouting, six Lay members received Thanks Badges from the Group. 10th November, and the male membership shot up. Mrs. Maureen Stanley was An investment in an Extractor Fan to cut down condensation was made in 1983 appointed Assistant Venture Scout Leader. After over fifteen years of great at a cost of £500. Mr. J. Sullivan was awarded the Chief Scout‘s Commendation 26 27