History of Our Group
1941 to 1945
The Scout group was initially started during 1941 by the Reverend Thomas Gill Leech. He invited boys from the local community to become Sea Scouts and through his leadership soon had an enthusiastic following. The group was registered with the local Scout association in 1942, by the Reverend which he led until 1949. The Reverend affectionately known as Tommy Leech, lived with his family at Glebe House, which became the new Vicarage
Although the Reverend ran the group, the Gilwell registration and census returns for 31 March 1943 show that the Group was not affiliated or sponsored by the Church. The document identifies that they owned a 10ft dinghy with stepped mast which was recorded as in working order
The group had 25 members, comprising of:
| Wolf Cubs | Sea Scouts | Scouters | Total | |
| Under 14 | 8 | 10 | 18 | |
| 14 - 20 | 5 | 1 | 6 | |
| Over 20 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total | 8 | 15 | 2 | 25 |
Some of the original 1941 Sea Scouts are listed below:
Alan Osborne, Alan Parker, Alan Reynolds, Brian Taylor, Bryan Bull, David Harradine, David Marques, Geoff Bunn, Gordon Sanders, John Atkins, John Ironside, Kenneth Jennings, Kenneth Parker, Michael Bland, Michael Jennings, Michael Willbourne, Norman Gadd (PL), Norman Vines, Peter Cottrell, Richard Sidey and Tony De Lozey
The Troop originally met in the Vicar's room
which was located just inside the field on the east side of the
Church Rectory on
Most boys cycled or walked to scout meetings, returning home on dark evenings in groups as wartime blackout restriction applied. Petrol rationing and war time restrictions meant that there was very little vehicle traffic on the roads especially at night.
The Sea Scouts regularly camped in Glebe fields
(SG12 9SF) adjacent to the Vicar's room. Here they
made full use of a spinney (a copse that shelters game) in the
middle of the field for cooking and camp fires.
Scouts regularly attended St. John's Church, Great Amwell, but not always as a uniformed group. Some Scouts were members of the Church choir and other would attend service after joining the Sunday morning cooked breakfast in the Vicar's Room.
The Troop
had three patrol's, Bulldogs, Seagulls and Swifts with
20 or so
Scouts
regularly attending
Boys wore the traditional Sea Scout uniform which was a dark blue woollen jumper, shorts and a navy style hat. Their neckerchief for Great Amwell Sea Scouts was light blue.
Scouts within the village were not evacuated
during the War period and meetings continued throughout. An army
sergeant nicknamed 'Socks' who was posted to a local searchlight
unit opposite to where
In 1943 and 1944, the Patrol Leaders and Seconds camped at Latchford Farm, Latchford, Standon, Ware (SG11 1QZ) for 4 days over the Easter Holidays.
During
1943, one of our Sea Scouts (Michael Jennings) attended a 1 week
Seamanship course on the RRS Discovery moored at Temple Pier on the
Thames embankment. The
RRS Discovery was constructed s
pecifically
for Antarctic expedition and polar research and became a memorial
to Captain Scott. Between Oct 1937 and June 1954 it became the
main Headquarters and training ship for the Sea Scouts. In 1944
Brain Bull, Geoff Bunn and Norman Gadd also completed their 1 week
Seamanship course held on the RRS Discovery.
In August 1942 and 1943 Scouts cycled to Much Hadham for their annual summer camp. Their personal gear and camping equipment was transported to the site in Mr Murphy’s furniture van.
Tony Burgess can remember being invited to join the Sea Scouts in mid to late 1944, by his close friends, Michael and Kenneth Jennings who were already keen members. Tony lived in Viaduct road, just by the entrance to the mill. At the time he was a 3rd Ware Scout, meeting in Amwell End, but made the transfer to Amwell Sea Scouts.
Over the next few years, Tony passed his Tenderfoot and Second Class (25 July 1945), both of which were signed off by “Skip” Leech (see below). He was also working towards his First Class and had already gained a number of proficiency badges. There was always an incentive within the Troop, to get as many badges as possible display on their jumpers.
As with Scouts of today, boys enjoyed outdoor activities, especially sleepovers and camping. Boys spent a lot of time, usually during weekends at Concrete Utilities Ltd (CU Phosco Lighting Ltd), run by Major Charles Marques, whose son David Marques was a member of the troop. Major Marques was in the 1914 -1918 war, and in 1939 turned over much of his land around the factory into training areas for the Home Guard with firing range included. Also providing storage for a large number of military vehicles including a lot of ambulances. Major Marques lost an eye in the 1st World War and won a medal, saving the life of man who had “frozen” when he was about to through a hand grenade.
Our Scouts were allowed to use the ambulances for weekend sleep over's and would then explore the land around the site. There was an extensive narrow gauge railway system, numerous gravel pit ponds and a large disused swimming pool. Concrete Utilities also had a excellent canteen, on the south side of the complex and close to the field where the ambulances were stored. They served great sausage sandwiches which always went down well with the Scouts.
John Atkins, who was Tony Burgess school friend (Hertford Grammar School) and a fellow Scout, lived close to the Concrete Utilities premises. His father was a nurseryman, and his house was on the Ware side of the main factory entrance, the end house of a block of semi-detached or block of four. At the weekends, they used to play on the narrow gauge railway pushing the small trucks then jumping on. Tony clearly remembers the day when John fell off and cut his knee on a rusty rail. After putting his handkerchief over the cut, they both carried on playing. Later the wound turned septic and he was bedridden for a long while, living in the front garden in the body of an army ambulance.
Tony Burgess can remember John Colville's father who was a local Doctor, dropping off a number of scouts in his smart "Foyle’s War" TV look-a-like car. It was a bit of a scary ride home, with blackouts, no street or car headlights allowed. Having just dropped off John Atkins half way along Lower road, the doctor was fast approaching the sharp bend and narrow humped bridge over the New River. Being on a road unfamiliar to the doctor and with scouts shouting directions from the back seats, his car nearly ended up in the river. [Kelly’s Directory 1937, Hertfordshire page 280, lists the doctor as: Jas. Robertson Colville, 63 High Street, Ware.]
Michael Jennings remembers a ‘Lifeboat' with cloth sail, although it couldn’t be used as there were no oars or rollocks fitted. Funding at the time was very limited and remedial work to covert into a rowing boat was not possible. The group also had a 12ft wooden rowing dinghy, which could hold 3 persons e.g. skipper and 2 patrol leaders. The Revd Thomas Leech, Michael Jennings, Alan Reynolds set out during their summer holidays (1947), to row from Ware to Bishop’s Stortford along the River Lea and River Stort. Due to drought restrictions which prohibited the passage through the locks, and meant that they had to carry their boat around each lock, they got no further than the village of Roydon. There they spent 2 nights camping near to the Glen Faba campsite (CM19 5EX) , before rowing back to Ware.
Tony Burgess constructed his own kayak using plans purchased from the Scout H.Q. covering the outside with a second hand railway tarpaulin which was then painted with green tar type paint. He remembers spending many happy hours on the River Lea, which was especially fun at night calling out from under the Ware Bridge
During the summer of 1945 (Monday 13 August 1945 to Wednesday 22 August 1945), the Sea Scout Troop including Norman Vines, Michael Jennings, Alan Reynolds and Tony Burgess camped between Gillingham and Beccles in Suffolk. Two patrols went by train via Liverpool Street, loading all their gear into the Guards van. Michael Jennings father, Reg also attended the camp as their Honorary Quarter Master. Tony remembers being transported with their kit to or from the railway station in a cattle lorry. Although it had been hosed out previously, it still gave off a strong animal odour and all were glad not to be travelling inside for any long distance. The camp was on the Gillingham side of the River Waveney, about 100 yards up a slope from the river bank. They used a dingy to cross over the river and would frequently walk along the tow path into Beccles.
On 15 August 1945 during their camp, "V J Day" was proclaimed when Japan surrendered. Scouts were invited to attend the end of war celebrations at Beccles. Tony remembers missing the "V E Day" celebrations on 8 May 1945, when Germany surrendered, because he was in bed with chickenpox.
Some of the Scouts went for a day trip to Lowestoft (Monday 20 August 1945). The town's Claremont pier had been sectioned during the War for fear of invasion. Once danger had passed, the sections were rejoined using Bailey bridges. At the time of the visit, the pier was being used by the army as a training centre. Because the Sea Scouts wore their full uniform including sailors hats, they got through the pier turnstile free as members of the armed forces even though most of them were only aged 15.
In 1945 two of our Sea Scouts were awarded their King’s Scout Badge , the most prestigious award of the time. This badge was awarded to scouts who prove themselves able and willing to server the King. Today this is known as Queen Scout Award Badge.
1946 to 1959
The 1946 summer camp was once again at Beccles but this year extended to a fortnight. Scouts travelled by train via Liverpool Street on Wednesday 7 August 1946, returning Wednesday 21 August 1946. Tony was on a weeks family holiday in Skegness, but was very keen to join the camp. His parents dropped him off on their homeward journey at Peterborough (or March) station on Saturday 10 August 1946 so that he could take the train via Norwich to Beccles. Tony was a keen train spotter, so travelling alone gave him a good opportunity to record details of passing trains on his journey.
Camp activities including badge work, patrol challenges and water activities such as swimming across the river to gain points for their patrol. On one occasion Tony recalls getting cramp and having to be rescued by fellow scouts. On Sunday mornings the Sea Scouts would attend the church parade at Gillingham.
Tony Burgess can remember a day trip to Yarmouth or Lowestoft on Friday 16 August calling in at “Pop’s Kipper Snack Bar” on the sea front. The café only served fresh kippers with bread and butter and a big mug of tea; He can remember going back for more of the fantastic kippers.
Scouts regularly took part in District events and won their first two competitions in 1947. The first being the British Legion Shield awarded to the team who won the annual Camping Competition. This was soon followed by the Scout Trophy, an annual award for Scout Troops displaying all round achievements. Cubs won their first event in 1949 taking the Oxley shield from their 3rd Ware colleagues.
In March 1948 the Assistant County Commissioner for Scouts, Dr L R
Pears, presented the Reverend T. G. Leech
(Group
Scout Leader) and Mrs Hilda Warren, Great Amwell Cub Mistress and
Assistant District Commissioner (Cubs) with their Medal of Merit for
distinguished service to the Boy Scout Movement. (Photograph
courtesy of Hertfordshire Mercury)
The following year the Reverend T. G. Leech left Great Amwell Church and moved to Ramsgate. Here he became the Rector at Holy Trinity, East Cliff (1951 to 1961/2) and the Priest in Charge at St Pauls Church (1951 to 1957/8). One of Tommy Leech's original Sea Scouts, Kenneth Jennings, worked alongside him in Ramsgate as Curate (1958 -1961), after finishing National Service and completing his Theological studies. Kenneth was later became the Dean of Gloucester.
In September 1949, the Commissioner for Sea Scouts, Commander
Horace Taylor, G.C visited Great Amwell Sea Scouts for a group inspection. Joining him was Mr L. P Thompson-McCau
sland,
president, Ware and District Local Scouts’ Association, and Captain
W H Ricketts, a member of Great Amwell Sea Scouts’ Committee.
Click on picture to view other attendee names. (Photograph courtesy of Hertfordshire Mercury)
Lieutenant Commander William Horace Taylor: Born on 23rd October 1908, a former pupil of Manchester Grammar School was one of several Manchurians' who were awarded the George Cross. Taylor was a bomb disposal engineer and was given the award for work done in disposal of mines in September and October 1940. He had worked at Manchester Docks (now Salford Quays) and had joined the Admiralty at the outbreak of war in 1939. He suffered from many bomb blasts, but survived them all and spent his post-war years as a Travelling Commissioner for the Sea Scouts. From 1953 to 1973 was Field Commissioner for Southwest England in the Scouting Association, and became a property manager in Glasgow. He died on 16th January 1999 at the age of 90. He had also been awarded the MBE
Captain Ricketts attended the Prince of Wales Training School (Merchant Navy) and in the early years of his career served time on “Beltana” and “Arundel Castle”. Both were large ships and saw service in both the Wars. Beltana was scrapped in 1933 and Arundel Castle scrapped in 1958. The Ricketts family serverd on the committee and were also involved with leading the Cubs in 1957. It may have been through Captain Ricketts naval connections, that we owned a ship’s “Life Boat” originally mentioned by Michael Jennings.
The Sea Scout Leader standing in the centre with cup and saucer is the Revd Edward C. Walker who took over from the Rev Tommy Leech as GSL. In later life he conducted the Service of Dedication at the opening of our Wooden Scout HQ in 1979.
The Sea Scouts had a winning streak in the Camping Competition during the 1950s winning the British Legion Shield six times (1952, 1953, 1955, 1956, 1957 and 1958).
After the War, the Sea Scouts frequently used the12ft wooden rowing dinghy on the river Lea. An entry in the troop accounts shows a payment of £1 to the Hardmead lockkeeper (September 1958) for passage through the locks. The craft was stored in a boat-house at the back of Mr Reg Jennings shop on the High Street (no. 43/45) in Ware. Mr Reg Jennings and his sons (Michael and Kenneth) were members of the Sea Scouts, until his two sons were call up to complete their compulsory 2 years National Service (1947-49 & 1950-51).
Historical records identify that some repairs were carried out on the boat–house in 1958, sufficient to see it through the winter with roof repairs being carried out in the following spring. In November 1958, a boat was sold to Hertford Sea Scouts, with proceeds being put towards funding for a new patrol tent.
Throughout 1957/ 58 the
Group committee
were actively engaged in looking for their own
permanent Scout hut in and around Great Amwell. A number of
sites were
initially
identified, one being at the lower end of
the paddock below Home Lodge and Walton Lodge. Another being
semi-derelict building known as the Homestead just, behind "Philmer"
cottage both in Amwell village. Also
a plot of land near to the cricket field at
St Margarets-bury.
At this time the committee were very busy fundraising for their new Scouts hut venture, with regular 'Whist' drives and raffles. The Scouts and Cubs were also occupied in fundraising for new camp equipment and raised £16-9s-9d through their annual Bob-a-Job village tasks.
Scouts met on Monday with Cubs on Tuesday evenings to fall in line
with their leader’s availability. The Cub pack was so short of
leaders that they eventually ceased regular weekly meetings.
The Troop suffered an unexpected setback in August 1959, when the hard pressed young Scout leader and assistant had to resign due to family and college commitments. At the time young leaders were in short supply with most ex-Scouts completing their compulsory two years National Service duties. In October, with no new leaders coming forward, the District Commissioner (Mr J McNaughten) had no alternative but to close the group. All remaining Scouts were transferred to other Ware and District groups. The District Commissioner, in a letter to the Group Chairman said:
“I do so, like you, look forward
to the day,
1960 to 1980
It was not too long to wait and in 1960, the process of re-opening the group was once again started.
In the registration document submitted to Gilwell in December 1960, it shows that the Groups name had been changed from Great Amwell Sea Scouts to Great Amwell. The document also recorded that, 10 Wolf Cubs were already regularly meeting at the school in Great Amwell. Mr William Henry Berry was recorded as the Cub Master along with his wife Olive as assistant. Their son David was of Wolf Cub age and this has been confirmed as the reason why they had volunteered to become involved in re-started the local group.
The group soon move to a small open plot of land on the corner of Gypsy Lane at the intersection with Amwell Hill (A1170). During the winter months and in bad weather, they would meet at the Berry’s home nearby.
Cub Scouts and Scouts wore the traditional uniform for a land
Scouts,
with
a plain Scarlet neckerchief, chosen by Mr and Mrs Berry when the
group was re-opened.
Sometime during 1961 the group
moved to a new location on the southern outskirts
of Ware and met in a very small old timber hut. This hut was known
to
locals as the “Kenya Coffee
House”
with
this name displayed on the front for many years.
William Berry was born at 'Red House',
Ware Road
almost opposite the hut,
alongside the
A peppercorn rent was paid to the local landowner, the late Captain Richardson. The hut was very basic with only one electric light and a small gas fired heater for the winter period.
In 1963, William Berry re-instated the Scout Troop and became the Scout Master. His wife Olive was promoted to Cub Master. It is assumed that the ten original wolf Cubs were reaching the age limit and needed to move onto Scouts.
In 1964, the Cubs were presented with the "Perowne" Cup as overall winners of the Cub sports competition. The cup was named after Canon C Perowne, who was associated with Standon Church in the 1950's and who had also been an ADC in Barnet & Potters Bar.
William and Olive ran the two sections single-handed under extremely difficult conditions for nine years before passing over the rains to new leaders. William then completed an 8 year leader role at 2nd Ware Scouts. His last stint in the Scout movement was two years in the supportive Scout Fellowship.
In May 1963, records show that there were 12 Cubs and 6 Scouts regularly attending meetings. The number of Scouts was limited to 10 boys making up two patrols. (“Gannets” and “Bulldogs”). Bulldogs patrol was formed when the number of Scouts increased in 1969 and led by Anthony Dakin later to become an Assistant Scout Leader in the Troop.
William and Olive took eight
Scouts over to
In April 1967 there were discussion within the Scout troop, Group committee and District, as to the feasibility of returning Great Amwell Scouts to a Sea Scout group. The Scouts already had a small wooden sailing dingy and other suitable boats had been offered. At this time it is uncertain why this was later abandoned, but may have been due to our limited facilities and funding.
Throughout the early 60’s, funds had been very sparse and in 1968 a newly formed parents and friends committee was set up under the chairmanship of Mr Norman Bush. Mr Thomas Dakin a Scout parent and work colleague was approached to take over the roll of treasurer. Other members of the group included Mr & Mrs Portlock, Mr & Mrs Burton, Mr & Mrs Charles, Mrs Easter, Mrs Jan Bush and Mrs Dakin (see full list under the committee members section). The new enthusiastic committee organised many fund raising functions throughout the years, with the key object of expanding the group, providing more finances and procuring better facilities. Norman Bush led the committee for four years and without his personal intervention, forward planning and commitment would have surely led to the demise of our group.
Fund raising events such as
Summer Fetes at Ware Priory, annual New Year's Eve Dances, Hoe
Downs at Ware College, Fish and Chip Suppers, Jumble Sales and
Christmas Fairs at the Ware Drill Hall, Raffles and Car Cleaning
events, were all well attended and proved to be very successful. The
late Captain Richardson always took a keen interest in these
endeavours and often attended the social events with his wife.
As well as fundraising, the committee were
actively looking for a larger plot of land to accommodate one of the
numerous second hand buildings that they were being
freely
offered.
Anthony Dakin can remember as a Scout, taking part in one of many St Georges day parade to St. John's Church, Great Amwell. On one occasion, the leaders underestimated the time it would take to march the half mile along Madgeway’s and Catherley Lanes and arrived at the Church after the service had begun. As you can imagine the Vicar and parents were not too please and the Scouts were very embarrassed. Up until 2009 we had not repeated the exercise, but instead had participated in joint St Georges Day and Armistice Day services and parades in Ware.
After over 35 years the group have once again returned to St John's Church for their Armistice Day Service and wreath laying ceremony (8 November 2009). Hopefully this will become an annual occurrence, being the village in which the troop began during 1941
The troop also enter the annual River Lea Raft Race between Hertford
lock and Ware bridge, started in the 1960’s and organised by
Hertford and District Scouts. Teams of Scouts
were
positioned at changeover point’s downstream ready for their turn at
the paddles. In September 1972 we entered two rafts and completed
the gruelling 3 mile course, taking 12th and 15th place (approx 40
teams entered). In 1973 the event lapsed when permission to use the
river was withheld.
In January 1969, Norman Bush (chairman) made
initial enquiries on behalf of the committee, to Captain Richardson
(our landlord) suggesting improvements to
the Scout hut. The group were happy to fund and undertake this work,
which would be beneficial to all. He also broached the subject of
extending its present size or alternatively rebuilding to
accommodate additional Scouts when funds became available. His
letter and suggestions were met with a positive and favourable
response.
In the autumn of 1969,
the Cubs were relocated to the
youth wing at
Scouts regularly attended
district competitions such as the 1971 Camping Competition at
Wadesmill gaining 5th and 6th position (3rd
and 4th if we exclude the Guides).
One patrol even gained maximum points for cooking, much to the
disbelief of their parents!
The group also entered numerous floats in Ware Week carnival procession using large lorries kindly borrowed from WareCrete. For many years our float was decorated with a Scouting theme, normally containing a tent, imitation camp fire, washing line, and our sailing dingy, with Scouts kitted out in their smart uniform. This became a regular event thanks to the generosity of WareCrete and its drivers
In 1972, Mr Vic Wichelow joined the team as Group Scout Leader and vigorously pursued the group’s original goals. Vic’s persistence, leadership and organisation skills were of great benefit, coming at a challenging time when team moral was beginning to waver.
During 1974 to 1976,
the late Captain Richardson generously donated in two phases, the
northern portion of his land adjacent to the old Scout Hut and
extending from the main road to Presdale Woods, for the sole use of
Great Amwell Scouts. This enabled the Committee with its improved
financial resources to erect a perimeter fence enclosing the land
once the transfer had been completed
In February 1974 John Hovel
became Scout leader having previously been an Assistant Scout Leader
at 3rd Ware. At the time the large troop was being looked
after by Vick Wichelow (GSL) and Anthony Dakin (ASL), due to its
permanent Scout leader (Norman Rand) being hospitalised after an
accident. Another ASL had also been hospitalising over the same time
period.
Scouts again relocated for a short time, during
the winter of 1974 to a bungalow in Walton road
(No 21) and
at the time owned by
In September 1974 the group
obtained a large timber framed building from
procured a contractor to lay a concrete base. In
their spare time they painstakingly reconstructed the wooden
building (1976 - 1978), so that it could be continuously used as our
new HQ for the following 30 year.
In 1976 our Cubs won their first District Swimming gala proudly adding our groups name to the Samways Shield. Not to be outdone, the Scouts two years later won their first District Swimming gala and added our name on the Wickham’s Shield. Since then we have become frequent winners of the shield, in some cases winning on consecutive occasions.
In 1978 Great Amwell Scouts joined Ware and District Scout to
welcome the Queen Mother to Ware, during the re-opening of
the
Blue Coat yard. Our Troop was well represented with two of our
Scouts lucky enough to have their photograph published in the local
paper. (Two Scouts in foreground)
The new headquarters was officially opened on Sunday 16th September
1979 by Jim Turner (District Councillor for Hertfordshire East). A
Service of Dedication was given by
the
Revd Edward C Walker, Vicar of Great Amwell. The Reverend had fond
memories of our group, having held the position of Group Scout
Leader between 1949 and 1959. Captain and Mrs. Richardson were among
a large number of guests responsible for successful completion of
this project. A
plaque was unveiled to
commemorate this momentous event and remained on display in the main
hall until recently. Plans are now in place to re-install the plaque
as a reminder of Captain Richardson's generosity and the work put in
by all to achieve this ambitious goal.
1980 to 2000
During the 80s and 90s, the group continued to flourish under the continuing leadership of Vic Wichelow (GSL), John Hovell (Scouts) and Tony Home (Cubs). The group also had the valuable support from its assistant leaders, a well establishes and enthusiastic committee and parents.
In November 1980, a new monthly news letter was launched called the “Great Amwell Scout Group Leader”. Co-edited by Neil Martin and Vic Whichelow, this replaced previous 1970s newsletters called "Amwell Scout Troop Bulletin", produce by Norman Rand in September 1970, and the "Leader" which had run for 2 years. A new edition called the “Gt Amwell Group News” was launched in December 1987. Scouts also produced their own limited edition of the “Coffee House News” (1986) and “The Amwell Informer” (90/91). In February 2005 a quarterly News letter was launched by the Group Scout leader, to keep parents informed of forthcoming events. This ran for two year with the final edition being produced in October 2007, copies of which can be found on the this websites News page
The Scout Troop had an exciting yearly program containing basic skills, adventure, competitions, weekend treks to Wales and Derbyshire and traditional summer camps in Scotland, Wales and Devon. In 1981, John Hovell and his wife successfully led a Scout expedition to Finland (7 to 26 August), this being the first time that the group had ventured across the sea for many years. Among the places visited were the Arctic Circle, a copper / Zink mine, the Russian border and shooting rapids
The Cub pack continued to provide boys with basic Scouting skill,
challenges and adventure. One of their memorable
and
privileged tasks during 1982 was to form a Guard of Honour at the
wedding of Steve and Wendy Starbuck (both Assistant Cub Leaders).
In March 1983 and due to the increase in popularity, an additional Cub pack (Otters) was opened and run by Pam Albany, in an attempt to reduce expanding waiting lists. Our second pack (Tigers) ran for seven years, until a leader shortages forced it to close. The Otter pack again increased to full capacity, with lads on existing waiting list, being placed with other Groups within the District.
Scouts gained 9th place overall in the annual Green Beret Challenge in November 1987. As one of the top ten teams they automatically qualified for the Peak Assault in the following March 1988. In the group’s news letter for December 1987, a very proud Group Scout Leader made the following comment:
“To put it mildly I’m dead ‘Chuffed’ and so pleased for the Troop and Leaders”
The following year we achieved a similar placing in the Green Beret and once again qualified for the Peak Assault. (Photos of this occasion would be very much appreciated)
The Green Beret team comprised of Toby Mollett, Simon Sadler, ?? and ??
Also during this period, the troop successfully nominated and sponsored Scouts for two World Jamborees. Simon Sadler attended the 16th World Jamboree in 1988 and Darren Livermore the South Korea for the 17th World Jamboree (1991). A third Scout was recently sponsored for the 21st World Jamboree (2007) in the UK.
Our first Beaver Colony was set up in 1989 following the official introduction of Beavers into the U.K in 1982. During the early 80’s, the group like others were very sceptical of its justification or benefits, and therefore resisted its early introduction. Those concerns and worries soon passed after its introduction and now fully appreciate it contribution towards the group’s successes. The colony was initially led by Ellie Perkins and later supported by Teresa Penny and Enid Burton when the colony reached full capacity and waiting lists dramatically increased.
In 1990 the census returns show that the group had 24 Beavers, 25 Cubs, 23 Scouts, 9 Leaders and 6 Instructors. The group continued to be led by John Budworth (GSL), John Hovell (SL), Tony Horms (CL) and Ellie Perkins (BL). All boys were enjoying their Scouting and achieved good results in competitions and badge work.
In the 90’s a group of girls attended a number of Scout meetings following the Scout Associations policy change in the late 1980’s. Interest dwindled at the time and wasn’t re-established until recent years. Since 2004, a number of female Scouts have regularly attended meetings and some invested into the group. Rebecca Johnson was our first girl Scout to be invested into our group in 2005.
In 1992, Geoff Cushing took over as Scout leader having attended a number of Friday evenings as a helper.
In February 1996, Alfie Smith won the District badge competition competition for his unique design to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of Cub Scouts. This badge was worn by all Cub Scouts in the District.
The Cub pack under the leadership of Andy French (Arkela), continued to perform well in the Oxley Shield, Swimming Gala, Go-Karts, (which they have managed to win for the sixth year running 1998 to 2004).
During 1999, Anthony Dakin designed and launched the group’s first
website
The Scout association announced the new uniforms for the UK’s half a million Scouts on the 22nd February 2001. This coincided with Founder’s day and the 144th anniversary of Baden-Powell’s birth. Beaver Scouts started to wear a new turquoise sweatshirt, Cub Scouts a dark green sweatshirt, Scouts a teal green smart shirt and navy blue activity trousers, Explorer Scouts a beige shirt and navy blue activity trousers. Adult Leaders change to a stone shirt and navy blue trousers, skirt or activity trousers. All sections wore the group's scarlet neckerchief.
In 2002, the Group Executive put the wheels in motion to obtain planning permission to improve and expand our headquarters. The proposals were to provide a modern and safe facility for the group and the wider local community that currently use the existing premises. Planning permission was eventually granted in January 2004.
During 2004/5 the Group submitted applications to the National Lottery in respect of funding for a new HQ. Unfortunately these were all turned down, although a number of smaller local grants were forthcoming enabling us to continue with our ultimate Goal.
In 2005, Cubs and Scouts from both St Margaret’s and Great Amwell
were call upon
to form a Guard of Honour at the wedding of Paul and
Gail Stretch (nee Burton). Paul is a GSL at St Margaret’s and Gail
an AGSL
at Great Amwell.
Over the last few years, Beavers, Cub and Scouts have done extremely well in District competitions, consistently beating their rival groups (2nd and 3rd Ware) into lower positions in some events. This is a tribute to all current leaders, led by Stuart Baker (Beavers), Andy French (Cubs) and Rob Johnson (Scouts).
In 2007, thanks to the very generous and substantial donation from Cllr Nigel Copping, with additional donations from parents, local charities and companies our funding requirements for the initial build were reached. Building work started in July, following the demolition of our old building. Over the summer and autumn period, rapid progress was made with the structure and services completed in late December.
Our new Headquarters was officially opened by Cllr Nigel Copping, on
Sunday 13th
January. Local dignitaries were in attendance together with County
and District Scout Leaders. The
building
was blessed by the Revd Anne Donaldson from St Andrews Church,
Stanstead Abbots. The 1st
Braughing Scout Band braved the cold to entertain arriving guests
with a mixture of lively music.
Our future looks rosy, with a new "Wolves" Beaver colony started in 18th February 2008 and a new "Leopards" Cub Pack opened on 7th May 2008. Perhaps one day we may have a second Scout Troop or even our own Explorer Scouts section. This of course will depend on our ability to attract additional leader resource to run these sections.
Researched and written by Anthony Dakin ©
All work is Copyrighted and may not be reproduced in full or part without the authors written permission.
Author note: There is still a lot of further research to complete, which will be added in the next instalment. If you have any new or additional information or photographs relating to the group’s history, I would be pleased to hear from you.
v.1017 - Feb 2010
Acknowledgements:
I am particularly indebted to Norman Vines, Michael Jennings, Alan Reynolds and Tony Burgess for sharing their Sea Scouting experiences, so as to provide a better understanding of the group’s early history. Also for spending their free time reviewing the various drafts and providing prompt feedback and support.
I would also like to thank Frank Brittain our County Archivist for firstly taking care of deposited documents and secondly for giving his time to assist me with my research project.
I also owe a huge thank you to John Hovel, Silvia Hovel, Andrew Wichelow, Jean Wichelow, Jan Bush, Hazel Dorrington, Rob Johnson, Marian Waller and my parents for their help. They have kindly provided important documents and photographs over the years, so as to build up a clear picture of our committee and group activities.
I also thank Patricia Styles from the Archives department at Gilwell Park for her help in reviewing the leader details and providing additional information relevant to our Group.