1st Shepperton: Scouting for Over 110 years
In June 1910 the first meeting of the 1st Shepperton Troop took place with 25 Scouts registered under Scoutmaster Blakeley - a captain in the Church Army, assisted by Assistant Scout Masters Poulton and Alexander.
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The 1st Shepperton Troop clearly flourished as their activities were reported in 'The Scout' newspaper in April 1911 including a demonstration of bridge building at Staines for the County Commissioner.
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Early meetings took place in the Church hall in Wood Road from where meetings transferred to the Rifle Range hut. Meetings continued through the First World War with Patrol Leaders taking over the role of adult leaders when they volunteered for active service.
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1926 saw the arrival in Shepperton of a leading figure in the Group's history, Dr Sydney Garret Vinter. Already 62 years old when he moved here from Cornwall he was to have a profound influence on many areas of the Group's activities as a leader for over 30 years.
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In 1936, thanks to Dr Vinter, the Group took over the old school house in the High Street as its headquarters. Naming it 'Russell Hall' after William Russell (the Rector who founded St Nicholas School) it would remain the Group's home until 1972.
On 9th June 1973 the Russell Vinter Hall was opened by Jim Elliot, County Commissioner, taking the 'Russell' from the name of previous headquarters and adding the name of the man who had guided the Group for more than half its history.
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The Group continued to thrive throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s and membership remained in the 100s with two Cub Scout Packs being run up until 1997 and an always well-subscribed Scout Troop.
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The 'lemon-squeezer' hats, Scout staves and shorts may have been replaced by cargo pants and sweatshirts. Semaphore and Morse code may have been superseded by computers and mobile phones but the Scout movement, and 1st Shepperton (St Nicholas) Scout Group, continue to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.
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2010 was a very exciting one for us as we celebrated our Centenary with Family Camps, a Special limited edition Badge and many other activities and events throughout the year.
Do you have memories, photos, press cuttings, old programmes, flyers?
Were you, or any of your relatives a member of the troop?
We would love to hear from you, just email us with any information & contact details and we will be in touch.
