The History of Scouting At Highbury
(Get a PDF copy here)
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How it began
Only Resting
The War Years and After
We're the
boys of good old Cheltenham
Old Gold becomes Sky
Blue
A
Brief History of the 3rd Cheltenham Scout Group
Venturing On
One Hundred Boys
The Eighties
And So to the
Present
Scouting
is a useful kind of life
King and Queen
Scouts
Jamboree
Representatives
The Early Leaders
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In
Cheltenham, like many other places Scouting began when two boys started to
follow 'Scouting for Boys' and the weekly journal edited by General Baden
Powell. Their names were Frank Brailsford and Harold Jackson. They
recruited other boys from the Grammar School and used the grounds of
Ronley Manor for camps and exercises. Later they asked a master from the
School to be Scoutmaster and the School Troop was formed. The Grammar
School Troop wore green but two other troops which formed about the same
time wore khaki.
By
November 1909 a number of Troops had been formed in the area. A meeting
was called by the Mayor to form a central committee responsible for the
control of these different bodies. The meeting was attended by Col. de
Burgh, deputy Chief Scout commissioner in London. The report in the
Gloucestershire Echo notes 'that the
first man to obtain a regular warrant as a first-class scoutmaster is Mr.
Joseland, who commands the 1st Troop of the Cheltenham Scouts'. Mr.
Joseland received his warrant on the 6th November 1909. The local
committee recorded that the 1st Troop was formed in March 1908. Their
Group Scarf was orange. The Scouts met in the Highbury British School in
Grosvenor Street. This was the original home of Highbury Congregational
Church and was still owned by them and used for a wide variety of
purposes. Mr. Joseland was a member of the Church and became a Deacon in
April 1914. A warrant as Assistant Scoutmaster to the Troop was issued to
W. B. Simpson in April 1911. In 1913 the Troop took part in the third Boy
Scout's Exhibition and Rally in Birmingham. They received a certificate of
commendation in the Patrol Cooking Competition. That year a new Minister
arrived at Highbury. The Rev. Stanley Shrubsole became Chaplain to the
Troop. In April 1914 he conducted a service for the Scouts of Cheltenham
at the Winchoombe Street Church. Attended by 160 Scouts and their leaders
it was the first time they had visited a Nonconformist Church.
In
1914 Mr.. Joseland and Mr. Simpson left to serve in the War. The Rev.
Shrubsole became acting Scoutmaster and Mr. Oscar Bloodworth, Assistant
Scoutmaster. There were 4 Patrols and 20 Scouts. Highbury Records show
that The Rev. Shrubsole was granted permission to use the hall on Wednesdays
for games and a Wolf Cub Pack in March 1917. In July 1917 the Troop won a
Challenge Trophy and later that year they went camping at Twyning Park
with the 4th Cheltenham Troop. In 1919 the Cubs and Scouts met
on Wednesdays. The Scouts used the Gymnasium on Thursdays and Fridays.
There was Band Practice on Fridays and once a month the Patrol Leaders
Association met on Thursdays. Several names are given as leading at this
time. Miss Freda Bloodworth was running the Wolf Cubs, Mr. Gamick and Mr.
Hider were leading the Scouts. At this time Mr. Shrubsole was in France
with the YMCA and Mr. Joseland was not back in Cheltenham. By October 1919
the Scouts had given a Concert and won the Challenge Cup for the 3rd year
in succession. The Rev. Shrubsole left Highbury in 1920. Oscar Bloodworth
became Scoutmaster assisted by Leslie Iles.
It
is not certain why the Cub Pack was disbanded on the 11th December 1923
and the Troop registration cancelled at the census on October 1st
1925. What is known is that Oscar Bloodworth died on March 7th 1924 aged
30. In 1932 the Church sold Winchoombe St. and Grosvenor St. The new
Church opened in October 1932.
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BE PREPARED
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The
1st is reborn
In
1933 the Troop was re-formed. Mr. Ray Bloodworth, elder brother of Oscar
was instrumental in this. He managed to persuade Headquarters to let them
retain the title of 1st Cheltenham (Highbury). The only changes were the
new meeting place and that the Group was now an open Group.
Ray
became the Group Scout Master and ran the Cubs. Mr. Jim Jefferies was the
Scout Master assisted by Leslie Bayliss. The Assistant Cub Mistress was
Joyce Fletcher.
The
Troop camped regularly at Cranham Woods. They undertook pioneering
projects, swam, tracked, hiked, enjoyed campfires and Scout's Owns. They
often had outdoor meetings on the Hill. For the King's Jubilee in 1936
they built a beacon on top of Leckhampton Hill.
By
1936, Leslie Bayliss had moved to London on getting married; Joyce
Fletcher had married and gone to Canada and Jim Jeffries had moved from
Cheltenham with his work. In October 1936 Mr. F. S. M. Wright had become
Group Scoutmaster; Mr. A.W. Godfrey was Scoutmaster with Mr. A. Tosio as his
assistant. This marked the beginning of probably the most stable period in
the Troops history. In May 1936 three older members of the Troop formed a
Rover Crew with 'Dan' Godfrey as Rover Mate, Two of the three, Charlie
Coles and Bill Creed had gained their King's
Scout
Award in 1935 and 1936 respectively. The third was Tom Barnfield. Their
Log makes fascinating reading. They went on Camps and Hikes, learnt
splicing and knots, sang, and discussed questions from Scouting for Boys.
They attended Rover Council meetings and took part in a Scout Fair at
which they did a display, “A day in Camp”. They clearly had a den away
from Highbury provided by the G.S.M.
In
December 1936 Mr. Tosio informed the Church that he would like to restart
the Cub Pack, which suggests there had been a few months break in this.
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A SCOUT'S HONOUR IS TO BE TRUSTED
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Undaunted
by the war, though not unaffected the Troop continued with its varied
programme of activities. They continued Camping on a regular basis. Skills
were taught and programmes arranged to reinforce the teaching. These
included a Wide Game around the area with clues in Morse; stalking the
leaders, collecting five articles on the way. Basketball was a frequent
and popular game. The programme was usually put together by a Patrol
Leader or a Patrol but the S.M. Was always prepared. Singing and
entertainments were popular. In May 1939 the Troop won the Music Festival
Camp Fire Scene Competition.
In
January 1941 Baden-Powell 'went home'. The Troop paraded at Highbury at
9-30 in his honour, then cycled to the Grammar School. They left their
bikes and walked to St. Matthew's for the 10 o'clock service. Later that
year the Gloucestershire Echo noted that the Troop was meeting earlier on
Monday evenings to miss the blackout. Tea was served followed by
scoutcraft.
Older
boys who had been Patrol Leaders were promoted to Troop Leader. A custom
which continued into the 1950's. Sometimes the Troop Leader's and older
Patrol Leader's formed a Rover Crew. The Patrol names were Kingfishers,
Otters, Woodpeckers, Eagles, Squirrels and Bulldogs.
Boys
from the Grammar School used to work on Farm Camps out at Notgrove to help
with harvesting. Highbury Scout expertise was used to provide the catering
for these Camps with the Scouts traveling out by train or bike each day.
In
1942 S.M. Godfrey joined the R.A.F. By the end of that year the Troop Log
stops. A list of former members of the Troop who were serving in the
forces was posted on the wall. The Troop continued with various leaders.
They won the District Swimming Cup in 1943 and 1944. In 1945 the Water
Relay team won the District Relay Cup. Camps were held each Easter and
summer but under difficult conditions.
In
1946 'Dan' Godfrey returned from the Services and with G.S.M. Wright began
to put life back into the Troop.
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SCOUT IS LOYAL ... |
So
goes a line from a Campfire song popular with Highbury Scouts of the '40's
and '50's. It continues
We're the boys of good old Cheltenham, Sending a
cheer you can hear throughout the world!
Over
the next thirty years Highbury was to have a Scout as part of the County
World Jamboree contingent on many occasions. Together with camping in
Ireland, Jersey and various parts of England & Wales Highbury Scouts
have probably been heard throughout the world!
Proper
Campfires had not been allowed throughout the war so there was much
excitement when the 1st went to Camp at Monk's Ditch, Cranham
at Easter 1946. The Log declares that the Campfire was the highlight being
the first since the War. The site was decorated with lanterns. About 40 or
50 villagers attended and were treated to buns and cocoa. The Camp Warden
was so impressed with their camping he awarded them the first of only six
Camping Pennants he had to award in the year. This was also the first
Camping Pennant of the new Camping Ground.
Cranham
had been one of the camping places for the area for many years. In 1947
the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan came to open the new County Scout
Headquarters and Training Ground. The Highbury Troop Leaders and Scouts
responded to a call to prepare the site. They attended the opening Camp,
celebrations, dedication and march past.
In
1947 Benjamin Lee went to the 6th World Scout Jamboree in France. He
appears to have been the first from the Troop to go to a World Jamboree.
Who
was Bertha Brock? Bertha was probably once a Badger. Her skull is mounted
on a wooden plinth. Between 1950 and 1952 she was presented to a Patrol
for a particular skill well done.
Three
boys from the Troop were the first Queen's Scouts at Highbury. They traveled
to London in June 1952, stayed a night on RRS Discovery before
going to Mansion House. They were presented with their Queen's Scout Award
by the Chief Scout and the Lord Mayor of London.
In
1957 'Dan' Godfrey left Cheltenham having given 21 years service as
Scoutmaster. He was succeeded by John Leaver. John was assisted by Jim
Copeland who had been a Scout and PL with the Troop. During August members
of the Troop visited the World Jamboree held in Sutton Park, Birmingham
held to mark the Centenary of the birth of Baden-Powell and 50 years of
Scouting.
By
the mid-60's the Troop was struggling. Mr. Wright had retired as Group
Scoutmaster in 1962 after 25 years service. John Leaver left and went in
to the Anglican Ministry.
In
1966 Bill Donohoe moved to Cheltenham with three sons eager to join
Scouts. The Troop was down to seven boys. Eventually Bill became Group
Scout Leader with Ron Hill as Scout Leader. Cubs were under the leadership
of Elizabeth Forbes, assisted by Jane & Bob Wilkinson.
The
Cubs went on Pack Holiday in the autumn at Cranham, Longhope, Beckford
Priory or Hackney, London. They were the first Pack in the District to go
on regular Pack Holidays and Camp. Cub camping experience was first gained
with Stratford District Camps. Later they would have a weeks camp
following on from the Troop camp.
In
1969 Bill negotiated an amalgamation with the 3rd Cheltenham Air Scout
Group. This led to a revival in the Group's fortunes.
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SCOUT'S DUTY IS TO BE USEFUL AND TO HELP OTHERS |
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The
amalgamation agreement with the 3rd said the two Packs would continue, one
at Highbury and one at St. Luke's Hall. There were 20 boys in each Pack
with Liz
Forbes
as Akela at Highbury and Judy Rendle running St. Luke's. The Troops would
combine and meet at Highbury with boys able to chose whether to become Air
Scouts on entry. The name of the 1st was retained but to preserve the
memory of the 3rd the sky blue neckerchief of the 3rd
was adopted for the Group. Norman
Elkins
became the Group Scout Leader. Ron Hill ran the Troop. Mike Rainbow had
come with the Air Scouts. There were 32 boys in the new Troop.
In
1968 it had been decided to form a Supporters Association of parents and
local people with the main aim of raising funds. Jumble Sales, Whist
Drives, Raffles, 100/200 Club, Sponsored events, Garden Fetes, Webb Ivory
and Waste Paper collecting were all used. The piece de resistance was a
Gymkhana and Fair in Cox's Meadow held for two years in succession. Over
the years many of these supporters have been presented with Thanks Badges
in recognition of their work on behalf of the Group. The Association was
transformed in the late 1970's into a committee of the Executive under
national restructuring.
In
1970 the Group AGM installed Mr. F.S.M. Wright as the first Group
President. This was also the year of the famous Camp at Cwm Rhwyddfor.
Cader Idris may have been conquered by most of the Troop but when illness
swept through the Camp it was the parents who came to the rescue with a
mass evacuation.
In
1971 David Mills and John Allen joined to help with Scouts and it was
possible to start a second Troop on a Friday at St. Luke's. Mike Rainbow
led the Monday Troop until succeeded by Phil Paull. It was decided to look
around for a building which could be used as an Activity Centre. Over the
next few years several premises were rented by the Group.
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SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ALL ... |
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The
3rd Cheltenham Air Scout Troop was formed in 1941 sponsored by the
Cheltenham Aero Club. This was the year the Air Scout Branch was formed by
Imperial
Headquarters. It was Royal Air Force Recognised Unit No. 37. To be an Air
Scout Troop there must be qualified Air Instructors working with the Troop
alongside the usual Scouters. To retain Air Scout recognition the Troop
had to pass an annual inspection by the R.A.F. The Group met in the Civil
Defence Building at the bottom of Monson Avenue until 1963 when the
building was demolished for road widening. For a short while they met in
Bennington Hall opposite the Black and White Coach Station before moving
to St. John's Hall in Albion Street in 1965.
The
Group had known mixed times but its time at St. John's Hall was a period
of marked decline. Then in 1967 St. John's Church and Hall was acquired
and demolished again for road widening. The Group moved to the old St.
Luke's Hall in Bath Road, which was in its turn bought for demolition in
1967. There being no alternative accommodation the Group was almost at an
end.
Mike
Rainbow had joined the Troop in 1957 and attended with them the World
Jamboree at Sutton Park. They took part in the Air Scout Display. In 1967
Mike was approached by Ron Hill of Highbury Scouts who offered the Group
temporary accommodation at Highbury. Discussions followed between Norman
Elkins of the 3rd and Bill Donohoe of the 1st and agreement was reached to
amalgamate. At one time there were two Cub Packs with the 3rd
Group, one of which met in Hatherley. In 1958 the Cub Mistress, Patricia
White, decided to register the Hatherley Cubs as a separate Group. This
Group was called the 1st Hatherley Group and wore a black
neckerchief with a light blue border.
Note:
This was not the first 3rd Cheltenham Group. The original was the Grammar
School Troop led in 1909 by E.F.Chaney and F.C.Broad and in 1914 by Mr.
Leacey.
In
1913 they attended the Birmingham Rally and were commended for an
excellent display in an article in the Headquarters Gazette.
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SCOUT IS COURTEOUS |
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Having
given up as G.S.L. Bill Donohoe continued with the Group as an Instructor
for Sport. A team was set up which played in a Boys Brigade & Scout
League. Football kit was bought for the Cubs. Mr James assisted with this.
The
Friday Troop helped with Hackney Boys Adventure Club at Beckford and
Monday Troop took part in a cycling event involving Map Reading and came
1st and 2nd.
In
July 1972 'Gladys' joined the Group. 'Gladys' was a 29 seater OB Bed ford
bus. Most of her cost was covered by the sale of Marmalade. David
Goldsmith also joined as A.S.L. for the Monday Troop. Unlike Gladys
David's scouting career has been ongoing. He is now Field Commissioner for
Wales!
Norman
Elkins decided to finish as G.S.L. but to continue as S.L. with Monday
Troop. Plans were afoot to begin Air Scouting again with Friday Troop. Liz
Forbes and Tony Veits took a party of Cubs to Gilwell for the day.
It
was decided to build a Bunkhouse at Cranham for Cubs and Scouts. Each boy
was asked to contribute to the cost. The PL's suggested a Beat the Bounds
of Gloucestershire Bike Ride to raise the money.
A
garage used by the Troop having been demolished they rented from the
Council 12, St James's Street. However, it was decided to set up a
Building Fund to raise money for an Activity Centre in the distant future
as an additional facility to the church halls.
With
the Troop and Packs running well it was decided to start a Venture Unit.
Howard Bartlett became Venture Scout Leader in 1974. It was also agreed
that a B-P Guild should be set up for over 18's to enable them to continue
supporting the Group. This began in January 1975 and was the first Guild
in the District.
National
Scout 'Operation Lifeboat' was held on 5th/6th
October. The Troop organised a 24 hour sponsored row around Pittville Lake
and raised £300. They raised the largest sum in the District and were
asked to attend the presentation of the National Cheque to the RNLI.
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SCOUT IS A FRIEND TO ANIMALS |
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David
Mills became G.S.L. after Norman Elkins and John Allan S.L. of the Friday
Troop assisted by Alan Chainey. Bob Wilkinson who, with his wife had been
helping with Cubs became Monday S.L. Bill Richardson succeeded Liz
Foibes as Monday Cub leader.
Ann Haseler became Venture Scout Leader and during her time
in the
post it was run as a joint unit with the Rangers. Dave Sheen was appointed
Quartermaster, to follow Mr. Oakey in which job he was assisted by Mr.
Dibden. The B-P Guild closed in 1976 in a further restructuring.
As
Dave Mills took over the Group there were a hundred Cubs, Scouts and
Ventures. This all took tremendous organisation and needed much financial
support To publicise the Groups activities Mr. Beddow was appointed Public
Relations Officer and a Group Newsletter was started entitled 'Focus'.
There
were many Camps at Trigon, in Dorset and mid-Wales plus weekends at a log
cabin at Staunton in the Forest of Dean. A Cotswold Hike of 40 miles
overnight was undertaken.
One
strong memory of David Mills's time is the Hike he organised for Spring
Bank Holiday 1978. Seven Scouts hiked up the River Thames and along the
Severn Central Canal to Lechlade.
Scouts
and Ventures were having success in football, swimming and cooking
competitions. The Group also assisted at Blood Donor Sessions by helping
to make the tea. Some of the younger Scouts did a Good Turn by weeding at
the Strickland Homes.
The
latest version of 'Gladys' was used by the Group and by other
organisations. Maintaining the bus and coaxing it through its M.O.T. was
Dave Sheen's task.
In
1976 the Senior Air Scouts visited R.A.F. Lyneham. Where a tour of the
base was followed by a hearty lunch. In the afternoon they were given a
trip on a C- 130 Hercules transport aircraft, which proceeded to
demonstrate over-shoots, flying low, and then a steep climb. Pity about
lunch! In 1979 the Friday Troop lost its R.A.F. Recognition because there
was no qualified Air Instructor.
In
late 1978 Dave Mills relinquished the job of G.S.L. but continued as Scout
Leader. Eventually in 1985 he retired and was presented with the Medal Of
Merit by the County Commissioner, Bob Lyle.
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SCOUT OBEYS ORDERS ... WITHOUT QUESTION |
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In
1979 Ann Haseler became Scouter-in-Charge and then Group Scout Leader.
1980 was another busy year with a 'Round Cheltenham' Hike; Youth
Hostelling on bikes for the Ventures; Scouterama; buying chairs for
Cranham; painting the fence at Highbury Manse and being given a boat.
David
King took on the Monday Scouts and ran them for the next two or three
years. Alan Chainey started to help the Friday Troop and later took over
from John Allan. All Saints Scouts and Cubs joined with Highbury for a few
weeks whilst waiting for their new premises to be ready.
The
AGM agreed to drop plans for an activity centre. The money was to be used
for an equipment store. A trip to Brownsea Island with a party of
experienced Canoeists and Sailors was planned in 1982. A Group Picnic in
Stratford Park, Stroud was a success. A child-minding service for
Christmas shoppers was not so successful.
In
1983 the Group celebrated 50 years of continuous Scouting. There was a
dinner at St. Luke's and a service at Highbury. A commemorative woggle was
produced.
Later
that year Gary Stone died in an accident coming to Scouts on his bike.
Trees were planted in his memory in Sandford Park. Money given by his
parents enabled some Scouts to go to Gilwell.
A
trip to Holland in 1985 followed a family camp. For Bob-a-Job Week the
Cubs went to Fairford and cleaned a KC135 Tanker aircraft. It was the
largest thing ever washed for Job Week. The Venture Unit closed during
this year.
Over
the next few years there was a lot of change in personnel. Brian Cooke
became involved in the leadership. Using his blacksmithing skills he made
two water hotters and a barbecue. In 1980 Margaret Sheen took over Monday
Cubs from Carol Dibden continuing until she became G.S.L. in 1989. Simon
Mills ran Friday Cubs and Ray Herridge became Friday S.L. in 1985 until
they closed in 1988. The Monday Cubs won the Knockout Cricket in 1986.
Kevin Dibden and Michael Sheen who ran the Monday Troop had Baseball Caps
made.
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SCOUT SMILES AND WHISTLES UNDER ALL DIFFICULTIES |
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Margaret
Sheen became G.S.L., Steve Howse and his sister took over Monday Cubs.
The other Pack was now on a Wednesday at St. Luke's and run by Jane
Cameron but closed in 1990. Alan Cadwgan joined to run the Troop with the
help of Brian Cooke.
By
1991 Margaret had been made a District Cub Scout Leader, Teresa Middleton
was Cub Scout Leader and David Sheen had offered to help run the Troop for
awhile. Teresa was in need of help with the Pack Felicity Cleaves offered
to become A.C.S.L. To accommodate her the Pack moved to meet on
Wednesdays. Phil Paull offered to come back and help out with the Troop
again When Teresa left Tony Come came along to help with the Pack. Graham
Adams also became an A.C.S.L. Several students have given enthusiastic
help.
The
Cubs have been on weekend Camps every year. At first with the District
Cubs but latterly as a Pack camp. This has been mostly at Cranham but one
year the District Cub Camp was at Youlbury, Oxon. Several times they have
been on trips organised by Stroud & Tetbury District to Portsmouth,
Legoland and Dudley Zoo and the Black Country Museum.
Sport
has been popular with regular participation in the District Football
Tournament and Swimming Gala. A good effort has also been made in the
Chess and Rounders.
The
Group has had a presence regularly at the District Fete & Fun Day in
Montpellier Gardens. For three years in a row they won the Cubs 'It's a
Knockout' competition then the Troop thought it was there turn and won the
Scout competition. Whist Drives and Jumble Sales also still continue to
raise funds.
Amanda
Sargeant is currently A.C.S.L and Mark Addington has joined the Group as
Scout Leader. Felicity Cleaves has recently become G.S.L. whilst still
running the Pack. More recently Paul Barnard has joined as A.S.L. and the
group now has a web site.
Last
year Cranham celebrated 50 years as the County Campsite and H.Q. An
Inter-District Patrol competition was held at which four boys Highbury
Troop represented the District. Cheltenham District won the competition
and the boys were presented with their prize in front of Lord Rowallan's
son and former members of the Highbury Troop who didn't recognise them
because they had the wrong colour neckerchief.
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A SCOUT IS THRIFTY |
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Bill
Creed was a Scout and Rover with the Troop in the 1930's. In 1939 he
joined the Royal Air Force and became a Spitfire Pilot. He flew many times
over Italy and France. He was shot down three times.
Reflecting
on his experiences in enemy held territory he told Mr. Wright that the
skills he had learned as a Scout had been a great help to him. He recalled
wide games on Leckhampton Hill and all the woodcraft techniques he had
used as a Scout and he used them to good effect.
Andrew
Burton had always been interested in entertaining and magic. Whilst a
Scout he had many opportunities to practice his skills. He would perform
magic tricks and sing along to his guitar at campfire. With Tim Darvill,
another Scout he ran the Magic Potion Disco which was a popular choice for
entertainment. One year the District held a Cub & Scout Circus in the
Town Hall. Andrew had the job of Ringmaster. He now runs his own Theatre
Group.
David
Phipps joined Highbury because it had an Air Scout Troop. He had always
wanted to get into Aeronautics and saw this as a way to learn something
about the aeroplanes
he loved. David now works for British Airways in Filton.
Stuart
King became keen on boats during his time at Highbury Canoeing and sailing
courses at South Cerney were the catalyst for the whole family to take up
sailing as a regular pursuit. It was Stuart who developed his hobby into a
career.
When he left school he went to work in the Caribbean for a couple of
years. He then decided to return and study at college. He is now a Naval
Architect based at Falmouth.
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A SCOUT IS CLEAN IN THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED |
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Charles
Coles
Ernest
'Bill' Creed
A.
Lyon
D.
Hart
J.
Hart
R.
Dimery
Anthony
Crocker
J.
Williams
Sidney
Clench
David
Wills
Len
Didcote
John
Hammer
Graham
Lodge
David
Lee
David
Phipps
Andrew
Weaver
Tim
Fitz
Stuart
King
Roderick
Hiorns
Note:
This is based on received and recorded information but may not be
complete.
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IT IS SOMETHING TO BE GOOD, BUT IT IS FAR
BETTER TO DO GOOD |
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Moisson,
France 1947 - Benjamin Lee
Bad-lschl,
Austria 1951 - Sidney Clench
Niagara
Falls, Canada 1955- David Robson
In
1957 several of the Scouts visited the Sutton Park, U.K. Centenary
Jamboree.
Asagari
Heights, Japan 1971 - Bill Donohoe
Lillehammer,
Norway 1975- Graham Lodge
Maine,
U.S.A. 1979* - David Lee
Calgary,
Alberta, Canada 1983 - Stuart King
*
This was an International Camp, one of several held that year because the
planned World Jamboree in Iran could not be held.
Note:
This list is based on information collected but may not be complete.
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Arthur
Joseland lived in St. Mark's, Cheltenham. He was a member of Highbury
Congregational Church He acted as Secretary to the Juvenile Branch of the
London Missionary Society at the Church. In May 1911 he was elected to the
Diaconate. In 1914 he went off to the War. His name is on the Roll of
Honour in Highbury as one who served. It is not known when he returned to
Cheltenham. He moved to Weston-super-Mare and with his wife was received
into membership of Boulevard Congregational Church in April 1920. He was
elected Deacon there in 1922 and remained one until 1937. He was also
Sunday School Superintendent, Building Warden and served on the Missionary
Committee. He ran an Auctioneers and Estate Agents business in the town.
He continued Scouting and became a Commissioner attending a Jamboree. It
has not been possible to find out more about his Scouting achievements. He
died in 1955.
The
Bloodworth Family were closely associated with Highbury. Mr. A. Bloodworth
was organist for many years. Ray, Oscar and Freda were brothers and sister
who did much for Scouting at Highbury. Oscar was a keen athlete and member
of the Old Patesians Cricket and Rugby Clubs. When he died in March 1924
he had been connected with Highbury Troop for nine years and Scoutmaster
for four years. Freda Bloodworth is the first recorded Cub Mistress of the
Highbury Pack. Ray Bloodworth was instrumental in getting the Troop
restarted in 1933.
A.W.
Godfrey 'Dan' is known to have taken part in the Ralph Reader Gang Show in
1930. There seems to have been a lot of singing and entertainments by the
Scouts and Rovers in his time. The log includes concert programmes and the
particularly the record of their programme when they won the Music
Festival Campfire Trophy. During the 2nd World War he served in the R.A.F.
before returning to the Troop.
A.
Tosio, 'Bob' was a Swiss. He had come to England to work as a chef in
Brunners Café and Bakery in Clarence Street. He received his A.S.M's
Warrant at a local Association meeting in 1939. In 1940 he was planning a
trip home. He was assured by the Swiss Legation and his brother that it
was all right to travel. Whilst at home in, Poschiavo, Switzerland France
fell and there was no way back to England. 'Dan' Godfreys' note in the
Troop Log says he joined the Swiss Army for the defence of his country,
'we hope he'll return when the war's over.
F.S.M.
Wright, affectionately known as 'Bim' or 'Gerry' was Chemistry Master at
the Grammar School. He was from a Scouting family. His father Joseph
Francis Wright ran a Scout Troop in North London from 1908. The family
were members of Fox Lane Congregational Church, Palmer's Green. The family
house was opposite the Wood Green, Southgate and Friern Barnet Campsite
which had many international visitors. Joseph Wright was awarded the
Silver Wolf. This is in the unrestricted gift of the Chief scout and is
awarded for service of the most exceptional nature. 'Gerry' Wright was
keen on sketching and he also had a telescope to observe the stars and
planets. He was a member of Highbury Congregational Church where he served
on the Diaconate and acted as Deacons Minutes Secretary. He was awarded
the Medal of Merit and Bar on the 24th May 1950 for twenty years of
outstanding service to Scouting. In 1970 the Group made him their
President.
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