History

In the beginning…

The Group was formed in 1933 – founded by James A. Gardner, and met in the Women’s Institute Hall which was situated near the crossroads in Effingham. Being very much a village group, numbers were very small and predominately Cubs numbering about 12. However, they managed to keep active until 1939 and the outbreak of the Second World War and then only survived by a few enthusiastic lay people who were determined to keep the Group alive. By 1943, the shortage of leaders was so bad that the Group registration was cancelled, but a few boys still met and continued unofficially.

1959
In 1959 Mr.Boxall and Mr.Johnson, two local builders presented a large wooden building to the village. This had been a workman’s site hut on a building site on the Isle of Dogs. They transported it to Effingham; erecting half of it in the King George V Playing Field for the Football Club and half went towards a cricket pavillion on the Cricket ground in Effingham Common Road. The Scouts were allowed to use the Football Club hut for meetings and during the winter, but it was extremely cold.

1960
In 1960 the Football Club moved to the new King George V Club House although they continued to use the hut at weekends. The Scout Group was re-registered with 8 Cubs and a waiting list. Mr.Anstey became Group Scout Leader and a Group Committee was formed. The funds stood at £1.7s.6d. Plans were discussed about starting Scouts and a Jumble Sale raised £80. Parents and friends set about making the hut more usable. The Committee was chaired by Mr.A.Cockle, Secretary, Mrs.Rice-Oxley, and Treasurer, Mrs.Adsett, and first met officially on 7th July 1960. Heating was installed and by November, the first boys applied to join the Scout Troop.

1961
March – A successful Parents Social was held and Scout meetings held and the Cubs entered the District Handicrafts Competition.
April – 16 boys attended the St.George’s Parade in Leatherhead.
June – A Group Summer Social was held in the garden of Mrs.Tabiassen and was voted a great success.
September – A Jumble Sale raised £108.
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1962
Mr.Elphick became Group Scout Leader with Mr.Stillwell as Scout Leader.
April – The Group held it’s first AGM, with a Cub Pack of 22 and a Troop of 11. Because of a shortage of Leaders, the Troop agreed to meet with the lst Horsley and attended a summer camp.
June – There was a waiting list of 20.
July – The Cubs visited Scout Headquarters at Buckingham Palace Road.
September – The Cubs entered the “District Junglee Competition” and came 7th. Jim Wakeford from the Bookham Scouts agreed to run the Troop temporarily. The Cub Pack now numbered 30 and visited a circus. A Jumble Sale raised £90.
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1963
January – Eric Scott, a Scouter from Sarawak helped the Cubs and they visited Worthing and Kensington.
May – The Troop camped at Boidier Hurst, Headley.
June – The Group assisted at the Village Fete.
July – “Operation Touchdown”. The Chief Scout, Sir Charles Maclean visited Surrey. All Surrey Cubs gathered on Epsom Downs and the Scouts at Lloyds Park, Croydon. The Chief arrived by helicopter and inspected and talked with Cubs and Scouts. It poured with rain all day and everyone was drenched including the Chief.
August – The Troop camped at Reigate Priory. The Cubs won 1st prize in the Village Carnival float.
November – Norman Beswick became Scout Leader.
December – The Group held a Christmas Party which was a great success.
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1964
January – Mrs.White became Cub Scout Leader.
March – Mrs. Rice-Oxley received the Thanks Badge for service to the Group.
April – The Cubs were the runners up in the District 5 a Side Football Competition.
May – Mr.Elwin became Cub Scout Leader as Mrs.White had to give up.
June – The Cubs won the Relay Race in the District Sports.
July – The Troop now numbered 26.
August – Troop Annual Camp near Hastings.
November – The Group ran an “At Home” when all sections put on visual and action displays.
December – A successful Jumble Sale was held.
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1965
April – The Supporters Club held their first meeting. The Cubs took part in the District Cub Junglee and won the Jungle Lair building event.
June – The Group entered the National Bob a Job Week both the Scout Association and the Group.
August – Troop Camp at Fordingbridge.
October – Another Jumble Sale success.
November – A successful Dance, a variety of Competitions, a money-raising event to help both the Scout Association and the Group.
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1966
March-The Troop held an Easter Camp. A Spring Fayre was a new venture.
May-The Cubs put on a Gang Show which was thoroughly enjoyed by all and profits went to help fund the new Guide HQ.
June-The Group assisted at the School of Stitchery and Lace Fete and also at the King George Fifth Playing Fields Fete.
October-Jumble Sale, usual success. The Troop held a weekend camp.
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1967
March – So many Cubs now, a second Pack had to be formed! Ken Collins became Cub Scout Leader. The Troop held an Easter Camp and the Group held an Open Evening for all parents.
April – To celebrate 60 years of Scouting, the Group held an exhibition in the Church Hall. The troop attended the St. George’s Day Church Parade in Leatherhead.
May – The Troop held a camp at Barrock Farm and the Cubs spent a day with them.
June – The Group helped at the School of Stitchery, Lace Fete, and the Village Day Fete, also held successful Jumble Sale. The Cubs visited Gilwell Park and there was another Summer Camp for the Troop.
September – Well attended Dance held.
December – Christmas Parties held by both Cubs and Scouts.
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1968
April – A new event – a Cheese and Wine evening, which was very successful.
June – The Group took part in the Leatherhead Carnival and had a float depicting Scouting.
August – The Troop held a weekend camp.
October – An Autumn Dance was held.
November – The Cubs won a certificate in the Leatherhead Drama Festival. During the year, the Troop held camps at Perry Wood, Walton Firs, and Fernhurst. They also went canoeing at Long Bridge and gliding at Lasham.
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1969
March – John Herring took over as Group Scout Leader.
June – A Cheese and Wine Party held.
July – A Sponsored Walk raised £150.
September – The Cubs held a camp.
November – A Group Dance. A big success. During the year, the HQ was redecorated and wooden shutters fitted to the windows.
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1970
The Group is now considerably larger with a number of Scouters under John Herring, with Mr.& Mrs.Elwyn running the Cubs and Horrie Tanner and Les Morgan running the Troop. Maisie and Gordon Nixon moved to Effingham from Croydon where they had been running a Group since 1939.
March – Maisie and Gordon Nixon presented with the Silver Acorn and attended the Windsor Castle Parade where they met the Chief Scout, Sir Charles Maclean.
May – A successful Sponsored Walk raised £127.
June – Patrol Camp held at Walton Firs.
August – Troop summer Camp at Bentley Copse.
September – Another Cheese and wine party held.
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1971
April – The Troop ran a Patrol Leader training weekend.
May – The Cubs won the Leatherhead District Golden Boot Football Competition. The Troop assisted at the School of Stitchery and Lace Fete.
June – James Foster became the first Effingham Scout to win Chief Scout’s Award. The Cubs visited London Zoo and attended Cub Day at Gilwell Park. Group Sponsored Walk raised £200. The Troop held a Cycle Rally.
July – First thoughts about building another HQ. The Group still using the wooden building once used by the Football Club, but it is in very poor condition and very cold in winter.
August – The Troop Camp at Chalden Farm, Godstone. The Cubs visited it and joined the Camp Fire together with parents and supporters.
September – Sir Barnes Wallis of Bouncing Bomb fame (an Effingham resident) accepted the invitation to become the Group President. A Barn Dance was a great success.
November – The Cubs entered the Leatherhead district Art and Handicraft Exhibition. The Scouters of the Group enjoyed a Dinner Party.
December – A New Year’s Eve Dance held. Peter and Jean Elwin retired as Scouters after 13 years with the Group.
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1972
February – A Venture Scout section was formed under Ken Richardson.
March – Another Barn Dance, a big success.
May – A Sponsored Walk raised £258 for Group funds.
June – The Troop attended Surrey Scoutout – a gathering of Scouts from the whole of Surrey, at Stoney Castle, Frimley. The Cubs won the District Handicrafts Competition and the Troop attended a gliding course.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Snowshill, Gloucestershire.
October – The Group was ‘entertained’ by Mr.John Wright to a talk on life i.e. living with Eskimos! We all enjoyed trying to eat raw meat – as Eskimo food!! The Group visited Ralph Reader’s Gang Show at Golders Green. A radio station was established at the HQ by the Ventures for the “Scout Jamboree of the World” and contact was made with Cornwall, South Africa, and Holland.
November – A Christmas Bazaar raised £214. A “Ploughman’s Hoe Down” held at the church hall was sold out and made £172.
December – The Scouters repeated their Christmas Dinner held at the Old Barn at Ewhurst.
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1973
January – Twelfth Night Ball held in aid of new H.Q. was a “sell-out”. Scouts Own held – collection to Nicaragua Relief.
February – The “Stroll On Players” put on a “Scene with the Wind” at the Methodist Church Hall, Leatherhead in aid of the H.O. Fund.
March – Another Jumble Sale and a Sponsored Walk raised £300. Plans for a new H.Q.
submitted to King George Fifth Playing Fields Committee of Management but costs of the new building had escalated to £4000/£5000 plus help from County and Borough bringing total to £12,000.
April – The Cubs held a 2p Fair to raise money for a new Pack Flag.
May – The Group held a Car Rally Driving Competition which was a unique competition for the Scout Group and raised a lot of interest. Another successful “Hoe-Down” was held.
June – The Leatherhead Carnival was supported by the Group with a Float and the Cubs attended the County Meeting of Surrey Cubs at “Cub Spree 73”.
August – Troop Summer Camp. The Troop came second in the District Camping Competition.
October – Another visit to the Ralph Reader “Gang Show” at the Gaumont Theatre, Kilburn. November – The Christmas Bazaar raised £180 for the new H.Q. The Cubs won the District Handicrafts Competition. December – A New Year’s Eve Dance held.
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1974
February – Plans for a new H.Q. were shelved indefinitely as the cost has risen to at least £15,000 – an impossible figure at that time.
April – The Group join in “District Score 74” – a District show of displays and events. A Spring Dance was held.
Mrs. Margorie Tanner – a past Treasurer and member of the Group Executive, received the Thanks Badge for services to the Scout Movement.
May – The Group put on their own “Gang Show” in the Church Hall for two nights. It was a “sell-out”. All sections took part. Ralph Reader songs and sketches were a great success. The second Car Rally and Driving Competition was held.
June – The Group’s first Queen’s Scout was gained by James Foster and was presented by the District Commissioner, Ken Parminter. The Cubs held a joint camp with 1st Leatherhead and a Sponsored Walk raised £250.
July – The Group helped with the British Legion at the Grange Fete. The Troop came second at the District Camping Competition.
August – Troop Summer Camp held.
September – The Troop took part in a fundraising effort run by Scout Headquarters to buy a new Lifeboat for the R.N.L.I.
October – A “Pet Show” was held with all sorts of animals in 9 classes and was judged by the R.S.P.C.A. The Group attended the “Ceremony of the Keys” at the Tower of London. Planting bulbs was undertaken by the Group as part of the Parish Council plan to brighten up the Village. A successful Barn Dance was held and a Jumble Sale raised £130.
November – The District Commissioner retired and Gordon Nixon was appointed District Commissioner by the County Commissioner, Gordon Bates.
December – A New Year’s Eve Dance was held.
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1975
May – Sponsored Walk went well.
July – The Cubs held a camp at Godstone. The Troop and the Ventures assisted in cleaning pathways in the Parish as part of European Heritage Year.
August – John Licence represented Leatherhead district at the “World Jamboree” in Norway. The Troop held a Summer Camp at Malvern and the Venture’s camped in Derbyshire.
September – The Troop held a Flower and Vegetable Show.
October-Another Barn Dance. Mrs.Jean Morgan, a past Secretary and member of the Group Executive received a “Thanks Badge” for services to Scouting. The Group ran a Pet Show.
November – The Christmas Bazaar was very successful.
December – New Year’s Eve Ball.
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1976
March – Jumble Sale raised £150, in spite of a day of pouring rain. Another Barn Dance.
May – The Group joined the District in the “Scoutscene 76” Exhibition. Mrs.Penfold received a “Thanks Badge” for services to Scouting.
June – The Group helped in Village Clean-Up Day. The Cubs camped at Godstone.
July – The Group supported the Blue Peter appeal for the Disabled Rider’s Fund and helped at the Grange Fete.
August – Troop Camp at Shackleford and Venture Camp on Arran.
September – The Troop attended “Scoutout 76” at Rushmoor Arena where scouts from all over Surrey held a variety of activities. The Troop represented the District at the Camping Competition for all Surrey. The Headquarters was officially christened “The Milestone”, a reference to the milestone on the Guildford Road outside the H.Q.
October – A Group Reunion was held and over 90 members and past members enjoyed a buffet dinner and dancing. The original members of the first Group Executive and Scouters were present. A Sponsored Walk raised £209.
November – Christmas Bazaar raised £330. Renovation of the HQ undertaken with a kitchen, toilets, relining walls and ceiling and generally making the H.Q. very much better.
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1977
March – The Troop attended the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.
May – The Group helped at the Village celebration of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. The Cubs held a camp at Godstone.
June – The Troop came 2nd, 3rd, and 10th in the District Camping Competition. The Group helped at the Grange Fete. The Cubs attended a District Activities Day at Walton Firs.
August – Troop Summer Camp.
September – Another Sponsored Walk.
October – A Halloween Dance was successful.
November – The Troop held a Night Hike. The Group Christmas Bazaar was well attended.
December – New Year’s Eve Ball.
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1978
February – The Cubs came 1st in the District Handicraft Competition and a St.Valentine’s Day Dance was held.
April – Maisie and Gordon Nixon attended St.James Palace as representatives of the 1st Effingham for their help at the Grange Fetes over a number of years.
May – Timothy Gibb, a Scout suffering from leukemia was presented with the “Scout Certificate of Meritous Conduct” by the District Commissioner. Tim was a wonderful example to all – continuing his Scouting and helping to raise money for Charities in spite of his illness. Maisie Nixon, Cub Scout Leader, retired as District Cub Scout Leader. The cubs camped at Godstone. The Troop held a Father and Son Camp, a great success, and a Sponsored Walk was held.
August-Troop Summer Camp at Snowshill.
November – Timothy Gibb died after struggling with ill health. His example was recognised by Bookham Rotary Club who set up a fund and donated over £3000 to two charities, one being the lst Effingham Scout Group. Tim was always interested in swimming and canoeing, so the Group planned to purchase twelve canoes in memory of Tim and his parents, Colin and Rosemary donated a bookcase to the Group in his memory. A Christmas Bazaar was held. The Group helped the BBC appeal to assist old people to readjust their sets to the new radio wavelengths. It entailed going to their houses and labeling their radios so that they would know where the various radio stations were.
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1979
Sir Barnes Wallis retired as President and Col.Peter Tyrwitt Drake became President.
February – The Cubs visited the BBC for “Jim’ll Fix It”.
April – The Cubs won the Leatherhead District Five a Side Football Competition, (The Golden Boot).
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition. The Troop entered the District “Soap Box Derby” races and gained one 1st place. The “Soap Boxes” was built by the boys, engineless, with front-wheel steering and needed a lot of thought and care in building. The Races were on a long slope with obstacles to negotiate. The Troop held a Father and Sons Camp and Les Morgan, Assistant Scout Leader was presented with the Medal of Merit by the District Commissioner for Services to Scouting.
August – Venture Scout, Simon Blanchflower was chosen as one of the two Scouts from Leatherhead District to represent us at the World Jamboree in Canada. Troop Summer Camp at Snowshill in the Cotswolds.
September – The Cubs visited the Whitbread Brewery and stables and were taken for a tour around the City in a van pulled by the famous Whitbread Shire Horses. The Cubs visited Wood Street Police Station and experienced being shut in the cells and being fingerprinted.
November – Sir Barnes Wallis, our past President, died.
December – The Troop won the District Cycle Cross Competition and a Christmas Bazaar raised £497. The Troop and Guides held a joint Disco and the Cubs visited Howard Court Sheltered Homes, sang carols, and gave out presents to the residents. The Troop went carol singing to raise money for the “Talking Newspaper for the Blind”. Christmas Card sales netted £232 profit and the New Year’s Eve Dance was a sell-out.
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1980
March – The Troop spent a weekend on a Narrow Boat on the River Wey.
April – Gordon and Maisie Nixon were each awarded the Silver Wolf for Services to the Scout Movement.
May – The Cubs won the Leatherhead District “Golden Boot” Football Competition, the Cubs held a camp at Godstone and the Troop won the District Camping competition. A Sponsored Walk was held for Group Funds.
July – David Noyce gained the Chief Scout’s Award. The Cubs held a Special Pack Meeting at Drift Golf Club and were instructed by the professional, Chris Miller. Simon Withers was the winner. The Cubs visited the Pirbright Guards Depot. Jack Widdowson, Chairman of the Group Executive, received the “Thanks Badge” for services to the Movement, Les Morgan (Scout Leader) was awarded the Long Service Decoration. The Ventures went on a Caving Expedition to the Mendips.
November – The Troop won the District 1st Aid Competition. The Group held a Fireworks Party, attended by the parents and it was very successful.
December – Carol singing by the Group, earned £18 for “The Lodge” Welfare Fund. Christmas card sales made a £253 profit.
New Year’s Eve Dance, successful, profit £219.
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1981
February – The Leatherhead District held an “Emergency” Competition when patrols had to go round a course in the Town coping with various “Emergencies”. The Troop won the Competition and represented the District in the County Competition. The Cubs made handicrafts and gave them to the Howard Court home and the Ventures put on a concert.
April – The Group started a weekly Football Competition paying out £5 each week and raised £150 for Group Funds.
May – The Group won the Colin Chater Trophy for the best kept H.Q.
June – The Cubs held a camp at Boidierhurst Camp Site and the Scouts won the District Camping Competition and came 7th in the County Competition.
July – The Scouters attended a service at Charterhouse School to mark the 75th year of Scouting. Mrs.jean Wallis, past Secretary was presented with the Thanks Badge for Services to Scouting. A Sponsored Walk raised £421.
August – James Forrest was one of two chosen to represent Leatherhead at the World Scout Jamboree in Canada. The Ventures hiked the South Downs Way and raised £40 for charity and the Troop went to Summer Camp at Winchester.
September – The Ventures entered the County Full Bore Rifle shoot at Bisley. The Group Scout Leader, John Herring, retired and a presentation was made to him and his wife, Heather. October – Owen White became Group Scout Leader. The Troop gained 4th place in the District Cyclo-Cross Competition. Another Jumble Sale.
November – The Christmas Bazaar made £404. The Sale of Christmas Cards raised £181.
December – New Year’s Eve Dance made £211.
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1982
February – Simon Blanchfiower received his Queen’s Scout Award from the County Commissioner.
March – A Barn Dance was held and a Jumble Sale raised £164.
June – Leatherhead District held an activity day “Scoutscope” and some 800 Scouts and Cubs joined in activities and 1st Effingham took part. The Troop won the District Camping Competition. Colin Gibb, our Group Chairman was awarded the Thanks Badge for his services to Scouting.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Shackleford. September – Another Sponsored Walk.
October – Old Time Music Hall was a great success.
December – The Cubs sang Carols for the old people of the Village and a New Year’s Eve Dance was held.
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1983
April – A Barn Dance was held.
May – The Cubs visited Guildford Cattle Market and four patrols of Scouts camped at Walton Firs.
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition. The Cubs also enjoyed a Camp. The Troop took part in the District Raft Race coming 3rd and also entered the District Soap Box Derby coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd in that event.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Priddy in the Mendips. Venture Scout Jaines Forrest departed to Canada for the World Jamboree representing Leatherhead District. The Ventures held a boating holiday on the Thames.
September – A Sponsored Walk.
October – The Venture Unit worked on a National Trust project at Blackheath. A “Hiss and Boo” evening was a great success.
December – New Year’s Eve Dance.
Also during the year, the Troop had taken up canoeing and sailing under the leadership of Mike Coney and Michael Usher.
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1984
February – The Troop held a Rifle Shooting evening.
May – The Cubs visited Esher Telephone Exchange and the Cub Camp had to be cut short due to very bad weather. The Troop attended an “Air Experience Day” at Biggin Hill.
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition gaining 1st and 2nd. The Cubs attended a District Sixers Camp. The Venture had a Shooting Day at Bisley. The Group held a “Riverboat Shuffle” on the river Wey and it was a tremendous success. The Ventures won the District Cycle Competition for the longest distance covered in 2 hours and made £25 for charity.
July – The Cubs took part in the Leatherhead Carnival and a Sponsored Walk raised £105.
August – Troop Summer Camp hosted 12 Scouts from abroad and was enjoyed by all.
November – The Troop held a Parents Evening which was very well attended and a Christmas Bazaar was held.
December – New Year’s Eve Dance.
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1985
February – Mike Coney became Scout Leader. The Troop won the Leatherhead 1st Aid Competition gaining 1st and 2nd places.
April – Members of the Troop passed canoeing and sailing tests and the Group attended the Leatherhead St. George’s Day Parade.
May – The Troop gained 2nd place in the County First Aid Competition. In the County Cyclo-Cross Competition, the Troop gained one lst place. The Scouts entered the District Scout Car Races and gained 2nd place.
June – District Camping Competition gaining 1st and 2nd places.
July – A Night Hike was held by the Troop. Four Patrol Leaders gained the Chief Scout’s Challenge and claimed to be the first in Leatherhead, Guildford and Epsom to do so. The Cubs joined 1000 Cubs from Surrey at “Cub Alive 85” and camped at Bentley Copse.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Corfe Castle.
October – Peter Hewitt, a Scout Instructor, received the Chief Scout’s Commendation for services to the Movement.
November – The Ventures went potholing in the Mendips.
December – New Year’s Eve Dance. Sales of Christmas Cards made £309 profit and the Christmas Bazaar made £507. The Group visited the BBC, Lime Grove, and sang carols.
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1986
January – The Cubs visited London to see the stage play, “The Jungle Book”.
March – In memory of Tim Gibb – 10 canoes together with trailer and life jackets were purchased with the donation from the Bookham Rotary Club. Colin and Rosemary Gibb allowed the Group to store them in their barn behind the shop. Members of the Group are now taking the recognised Canoe Courses and gaining the British Canoe Union Certificate.
May – The Troop won a 1st in the District Scout Car Races. Colin Walford became the new Group Scout Leader.
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition. District Raft Race was won by the Hawk Patrol. Two Cubs, the Haley twins, appear in several television plays. Ventures continue conservation at White Downs.
August – The Venture Canal Expedition on a narrowboat. The Ventures started a “Rent a Muscle” scheme i.e. to take on any job with the money raised going towards their activities. Troop Summer Camp at Poole. Visited Brownsea Island and the Camp was visited by the Chief Scout who was walking in the area.
October – Troop Night Hike. The Group Sponsored Canoe event on Wisley Lake a great success. November – Group Bonfire Night.
December – New Year’s Eve Dance. Christmas card sales raised £337 in profit.
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1987
February – The Cubs won the District Silver Boot Football Competition.
April – Venture expedition to the Isle of Wight. Michael Usher gained his Queen’s Scout Award. Four Scouts received the Chief Scout’s Award from the County Commissioner. A new section in Scouting was launched, “Beavers”. This is for boys aged 6 to 8 years and the Group formed a “Colony” under Pat Steer assisted by John Blanchflower.
May – Cub Camp at Bentley Copse. The Troop came second in the County First Aid Competition. Scout Instructor, Martin Moir was presented with the Chief Scout’s Commendation for good services to Scouting by the County Commissioner.
June – The Cubs took part in the Leatherhead Cross country Run and gained two 1st places. Sixers of the Cub Pack attended a District Sixers Camp at Boidier Hurst. The Troop came 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the District Camping Competition.
July – The Troop took part in “Scoutabout 87”, a gathering of all Surrey Scouts.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Hope Ash Farm, Ross on Wye.
September – The Troop won the “Kontiki Trophy in the District Raft Race down the Mole River. The Troop gained 2nd place in the County First Aid Competition.
October – A Sponsored Canoe meeting held on Wisley Lake.
November – The Troop held a “Bonfire Night” in the King George Fifth Playing Field.
December – Christmas Card sales made £302 profit.
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1988
January – The Cubs visited the Pantomime at Guildford.
March – A Jumble Sale was held.
May – The Cubs raised £20 for the Great Ormond Street Hospital “Wesley Hall” Appeal.
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition. The Cubs camped at Bentley Copse.
July – The Group took part in the Village Celebration of the victory over the Armada in 1588. The Cubs had a float built like the original Ark Royal and the Troop built a pioneering project. An exhibition of 1st Effingham’s past history was held in the marquee.
August – The Troop camped at Ross on Wye.
September – Our President, Colonel Tyrwhitt Drake died. He was a past Mayor of Guildford and a tremendous supporter of the Scout Group. The Troop gained 6th and 9th places in the County Camping Competition.
November – Bonfire Night with Fireworks raised £40 for the Group Funds.
December – Christmas Bazaar and New Year’s Eve Party.
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1989
February – Mr. Norman West MBE accepted the position of President of the Group.
March – A Jumble Sale-held.
April – The Group held a Skittle Evening at the Wey Inn, Godalming. Terry Jull became Scout Leader.
May – The Beavers joined the District for a “Fun Day”.
June – Mrs. Jenny Forrest was presented with a “Thanks Badge” for services to the Group. A Cub Camp at Bentley Copse which was visited by the Beavers.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Priddy, Somerset. The Ventures held a holiday on the Norfolk Broads. The Troop won the District Camp Competition and came 2nd in the County Competition.
September – The Cubs attended “Cub Cola” District Day at Boidier Hurst and the 50th Anniversary at Walton Firs. Troop visited Windsor Safari Park.
October – Jumble Sale. A Sponsored Canoe Day raised £370.
December – New Year’s Eve Party.
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1990
March – Jumble Sale.
April – The Group ran an “April Fools” Dance – Great Fun! May – Peter Chase became Group Scout Leader. First discussions about a new HQ. The Group assisted at the Church Fete.
June – The Troop took part in the National Scout Air Rifle Championship and the Beavers attended an “Action Day” at Boidier Hurst.
July – The Troop joined Scouts from all over Surrey at the “Scoutabout” at Ardingly. The Troop continues with their canoeing and sailing. The Troop won the District Camping Competition coming 1st, 2nd and 3rd. August – The Cubs held a camp at Bentley Copse. The Troop Summer Camp was held at Priddy, Somerset.
September – The Beavers joined the District for a “Fun Day”. The Troop took part in the District Cyclo-Cross event.
October – A Sponsored Canoe Day. A Jumble Sale was held and the Troop enjoyed a Skittle Evening.
November – Bonfire Night and a Halloween Party. The Christmas Bazaar raised £586.
December – Carol singing at Howard Court by the Cubs and Beavers. New Year’s Eve Dance.
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1991
March – Jumble Sale.
April – The Cubs took part in a T.V. program “Top Banana”.
May – Jean Wallis, a member of the Group Executive and Group Secretary was awarded the Medal of Merit for services to the Scout Movement. Horrie Tanner, Assistant Scout Leader, was awarded the Medal of Merit for service to the Scout Movement.
June – The Troop won the District Camping Competition and helped at the Village Day event in the King George Fifth Field. August – Troop Summer Camp at Ross on Wye.
September – The Hawk Patrol came 3rd in the County Camping Competition lead by Paul Chase who took over at a moment’s notice owing to the illness of the Patrol Leader.
October – The Cubs held a Halloween Party with Bookham Cubs. The Troop won the “5-a-side” Football Trophy against 1st Fetcham Troop. Jumble Sale was held.
November – Very successful Christmas Bazaar and the Group organised a Bonfire Night – great fun. The Group paraded with the Royal British Legion on Remembrance Day.
December – The Troop held a Christmas Show “Scout and the Beanstalk” which was enjoyed by the parents and the boys. Beavers and cubs went to the Pantomime at Redhill. New Year’s Eve Party. Christmas Cards earned the Group £300.
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1992
January – The Cubs took part in a Sponsored Swim in aid of the Rainbow Trust.
February – Four Cubs, Daren Marshall, John Rolf, Dominic Smith, and Nicky Jull are the first to win the Adventure Quest award, a new combined activity award. Jamie Forrest, a former member of the Group, who went right through the Group to Queen’s Scout was chosen by Raleigh International to undertake a trek in the highlands of Chile. The Group held a Sports Night at the Leatherhead Leisure Centre with all sections taking part. A jumble sale was the usual success.
March – The Troop entered the County Rifle Competition and gained two first places and a Barn Dance was held.
June- The Cubs held a camp at Bentley Copse. The Troop came 1st and 2nd in the District Camping Competition and came 4th in the County Competition. They also came 3rd in the District Raft Race and won the Kontiki Trophy for the best-constructed raft.
July – A Group Sponsored Walk raised £260.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Udimore, near Rye. A “Good as New” Sale did very well. October – The Troop held a Quiz Night which was a great success. A Jumble Sale raised £400 and a large amount of clothing leftover was given to the Romanian Charity and to the Princess Alice Hospice.
November – Christmas Bazaar raised £600. The Group helped at the Village Bonfire Night. Planning permission received for the New HQ.
December – Skittles evening enjoyed by all. New Year’s Eve Party, great fun.
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1993
February – Three Scouts – Richard Champneys, Stuart Jull, and Neil Rackett did a cycle ride to Brighton and earned £23 for the new HQ.
March – The Group held a Barn Dance and a Jumble Sale.
May – Demolition of the HQ began and the Cubs and the Beavers held their meetings in the Church Hall. The Troop held meetings in the King George Fifth Playing Field. The Cubs enjoyed a “Splash Night” at the City of London Freeman’s School baths. The Group held a Barn Dance. June – The foundations of the new HQ were laid. The Troop won the District Camping Competition. The Cubs entered the District Handicraft Competition.
July – The Troop took part in “Scoutabout” – an event for all Surrey Scouts. The Group helped at the Village Day event. A Sponsored Canoe day was a terrific success. Vandals destroyed one wall of the new HQ and damaged the site office.
August – The Troop camped at Corfe Castle.
September – The Group joined with Bookham Scouts in “It’s A Knock Out” and won the Tug of War Competition. The Troop represented the District in the County Camping Competition and came 2nd.
November – A very successful “Quiz Night” raised over £400. The Christmas Bazaar raised a further £600. The Group helped at the Village Bonfire night. The Group took part in the bulb planting project in the Village.
December – A New Year’s Eve Party.
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1994
January – All camp gear and Group equipment which had been stored in various garages and barns were moved into the new HQ which was nearing completion. Jumble Sale, another success. Burn’s Night Supper – a wonderful evening which raised nearly £900. All sections start meetings in the new HQ although it is not quite finished.
February – The Troop went go-karting and entered the County 5 a Side Football Competition and also the County Cyclo-Cross.
April – The Cubs took part in the District Cross Country Run.
May – The Troop helped at the Church Fete. The Beavers attended a “Fun Day” at Boidier Hurst.
July – Grand Opening of the new HQ by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Richard Thornton OBE. A large number of past members, supporters, and parents, and boys. Chris Boughey became Group Scout Leader.
August – Troop Summer Camp at Stoke on Trent.
September – The Troop represented District at the County Camping Competition and came 2nd. The Ventures came 4th in the District Night Hike. The Ventures held a joint camp with the Polesden Ventures and won 3 out of 4 competitions.
October – A very successful Quiz and a Jumble Sale were held.
November – Christmas Bazaar.
December – Scouters, wives, and members of the Executive Committee held a social Evening and Dinner.
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1995
January – A Burns Night Supper raised £821. Very good evening. The Ventures attending joint meetings with Bookham Ventures. They joined in a weekend camp and won 3 of the 4 competitions held.
February – Quiz night a terrific success. Troop camped on Raninore Common during a Night Hike.
March – Our President, Norman West MBE sadly died.
April – Gordon Nixon became President of the Group. The Beavers spent a night at the Leatherhead fire Station.
June – The Cubs camped with the 1st Bookham and won the Camp Trophy. Beryl Eisenegger was awarded the “Thanks Badge” for services to the Scout Movement.
July – The Group was awarded the Colin Chater Trophy for the best-kept HQ in the District. The Ventures assisted in a “dig” in St.Lawrence Church Yard to investigate what may have been an “ice chamber”. An underground building used centuries ago to store ice.
August – Troop Summer Camp in the Brecon Beacons.
September – The Troop represented District at the County Camping Competition and came 6th.
October – The Ventures working on Queen’s Scout Badge. They invited the Scouters, Executive Committee members, and wives to a Dinner which they cooked and served and it was a terrific success. The Jumble Sale raised a record of £600 and another Quiz Night was successful.
December – Group Bazaar. A Race Night was held. Scouters and Executive members held a dinner at the Plough Public House.
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1996
Owing to a shortage of Leaders the Beavers have had to be closed temporally. The Cubs likewise have no Leaders and are meeting jointly with the Bookham Cubs.

In spite of much searching and appeals to parents, the shortage of Leaders in the Beavers, Cubs, and Ventures is causing many difficulties in the Group. There seems to be offers of help, but no one to take the lead in these sections.

When one looks back at the Group’s activities, it’s successes and the way in which it has taken part in so many events – both local and District and the amount of work and enthusiasm put in by parents and supporters, it is heartbreaking to think that unless Leaders are forthcoming, the Group will wither away. There are many boys who would join – if we could find Leaders and the Village would benefit. With a Headquarters which is second to none surely, there must be parents or friends who feel they can give some time in the training of the youth of the Village.