Category: Scouts and Guides

Information about Baden Powell scouts and the guides movement in and and around Warminster.

Police Talk Openly With Explorer Scouts

Tuesday 2nd July 2024

From the Facebook page of Warminster Police:

On Monday 1st July PC FAIRLEY and PC PAGAN had the pleasure of attending the Explorer Scouts located in the Town Park.

We were able to talk openly with the group, who are aged 14-18, and spoke through the reality of policing. Topics of note included mental health, domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour.

We had some fantastic questions and enjoyed the event.

If you or your group would like us to attend an event please reach out to us at warminsterareanpt@wiltshire.police.uk

Warminster Scout Group Annual General Meeting, 2015

Minutes of Warminster Scout Group Annual General Meeting
Held on Tuesday 16th June 2015 at the Greenland Hut, Warminster.

Welcome
Chairman Pete Owen opened the meeting, thanking and welcoming all in attendance.

Apologies
Iain Blair, District Chairman John Cox, Graham Dopheide, Mr & Mrs Saunt.

Minutes of last AGM
Pete informed all in attendance of the savings made by switching gas and electric suppliers as well as getting a new insurance provider; the group now receives more cover for less money. In total the group has saved around £2,000 over two years.

William Owen proposes the minutes are approved, with Michelle Meadow seconding. All present agreed.

Financial Report
In Graham’s absence, Pete explained the report and offered attendees to view the more detailed reports if they wished. The group will retain savings at the cost of running the group for 1 year. Further ring fenced savings are going to be slowly built up to cover a predicted £50,000+ cost of either renovating or rebuilding the hut in the next few years. One third of the subscription funds go towards the scout levy which is about £31.50 per child per year and goes towards the running of the scouting organisation.

The accounts have been scrutinised and passed by a qualified person before being passed onto district.

The new account system is now in place and working well, the single group account rather than individual section accounts have a number of advantages including gaining better gift aid returns.

Pete asked if anyone needs a gift aid form, could they please see a leader as it will increase the revenue.

All present were reminded of the hardship fund for individuals who feel they are unable to meet the costs of an activity. If an individual feels they need to use this fund, could they please see their leader.

No questions were raised.

David Cox proposed we accept the accounts, Mark Milton seconded and all in attendance agreed to accept.

Report from sections
Pete invited the attendees to read the section reports, highlighting some of the activities that have happened over the last year. Amongst other activities included a trip to Bovington Tank Museum; Sponsored bike ride; Remembrance parade and St John’s Christmas service. The successful activities are down to the dedication and hard work of the leaders. They work beyond the hours of the club by undergoing training and paperwork. Pete highlighted the recent first response, first aid course over two Sunday’s that many of the leaders attended.

Group Scout Leader’s nomination for Chairman
In the absence of a Group Scout Leader, District Commissioner Sue Duncan nominated Pete Owen to be Chairman for another year. Pete agreed to continue in the role and thanked Sue for the nomination.

Election of Secretary; Treasurer and Committee:
Secretary – Pete suggested that Rebecca Mill-Wilson (Becky) remain secretary for the year. There were no further nominations. Denise Milton proposed with Graham Honey seconding. All present were in agreement.
Treasurer – Again, Pete suggest that Graham Dopheide remain as treasurer for the year. There were no further nominations. Mark Milton Proposed with Graham Honey seconding the nomination. All present were in agreement.
Committee – Mark Milton, Gavin Davis, Graham Dopheide, Nicola Parry, Rebecca Mill-Wilson and Alan Meadow will stay on the executive committee for the following year. There were no further requests and no objections.
Nominated – John Blair (Iain) who is our Quartermaster and Nik Viney as St John’s representative. All present agreed with the nominations.

Presentations
There was a round of applause for all the Beavers for their hard work during the last year.
Sue Duncan then presented the following awards:
Cubs – The silver award was presented to Daniel Meadow, Niamh Consalvey, Thomas Baker and Alex Chatwin.
Liam Jones was invested into Cubs.
Scouts – The gold award was presented to George Hiscock, Ryan Airey and Yaisa Louise Miller
Explorer – First response first aid certificate was presented to Alice Hiscock.
Leaders – First response first aid certificates were presented to Joan Davies, Nigel Hodges, Elizabeth Williams, Graham Hiscock, Rachael Hiscock and Russell Cane.
Graham Honey and his wife were presented a small gift in gratitude for giving up their family time to conduct the course.
Beaver scout skills instructor certificate was presented to Toni Miller.
Group Executive Member was presented to Gavin Davis.
Ruth Watt received her 10 years of Scouting certificate.

Comments
Sue Duncan thanked everyone for coming as well as the leaders and executive committee for their hard work. She then extended her thanks to the parents for supporting the group. She praised the hard work of the group and offered all present the opportunity to join in and take part. She asked for a straw poll and found that most present attended the Scouting and Guiding in their youth and found all who attended, enjoyed their time.

Pete Owen closed the meeting, thanking everyone who attended and to enjoy the BBQ.

The Scout Hut (That Was In The North West Part Of The Grounds Of Highbury House) At Woodcock, Warminster

Notes researched and written by Danny Howell in 1995:

When 1st Warminster Scouts Were Based At Woodcock (1923-1931):

The 1st Warminster Scouts, who had been meeting in a room in a building behind the Masons Arms public house, East Street, Warminster, moved to new headquarters at Woodcock in February 1923.

Their new base was a hut west of Chancery Lane, on land now forming part of the Robin Close residential estate. The site, part of the Highbury House grounds, was donated to the Scouts by Lady Scobell (who owned and lived at Highbury House). The hut was erected especially for the Scouts by Sidney Day, T. Cooper senior, T. Cooper junior, and W. Long.

Despite bad weather a good crowd was present at the official opening by General Sir Henry Wilson of Bishopstrow, on the evening of Monday 12 February 1923. Among the gathering were the Misses Bayfield Clark, Mrs. Bazley, Mrs. Burton, Miss Clowes, Miss Davis, Mr. Harold N. Dewey, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. W.A. Greenland (Scoutmaster), Mrs. Hogan, Major Houston of Codford, Mrs. Jacob, Mrs. Mortimer, Mr. J. Rutty, Lady Scobell, and Messrs. D. and D.H. Waddington. Apologies were received from Mrs. Erskine, Mr. W.H. Kitley (landlord of the Masons Arms), and Rev. J.S. Stuart (Chairman).

After the opening speeches, Patrol Leader Taylor and Troop Leader Elloway were the opposing sides in a boxing contest. Taylor was the victor. This was followed with the scouts giving gymnastic and ambulance displays. Refreshments were served by Miss Bamlett, Miss Greenland, Miss Hall, Mrs. Silcox and Mrs. Venelle, who had also made the curtains for the hut. Rover mate Mr. M. Levenson gave some large framed pictures, and Lady Pelly of St John’s Lodge offered to the scouts “anything they liked.”

It was announced that the hut would be open every night for the Scouts, a wireless would be installed, the billiard table would be repaired, and gymnastic equipment would be supplied. Gardens were planted around the hut, a grass area was provided for parades and a cinder track around the perimeter was available for running.

The Scouts were based at Woodcock until 1931 when they moved into their new HQ, the Greenland Hut, next to the Lake Pleasure Grounds at Weymouth Street, Warminster.

Codford And Warminster Brownies Holiday At Maiden Bradley

From the Wylye Valley Life magazine, issue No.21, Friday 8th March 1985:

Brownies Holiday
1st Codford Brownies (8 members), 6th Warminster Brownies (12 members), and 7th Warminster Brownies (3 members), spent a pack holiday with an international theme, together, from Saturday 16th February to Thursday 21st February [1985] at Maiden Bradley Village Hall.

They were led by Warminster District Commissioner Mrs. Jean Harrison, who is also the 6th Warminster Brownie Guider.

Each day had an international flavour, commencing with Dutch day on Sunday, when among the activities the children sat in the hall in a barge made out of benches and they ate a Dutch meal of peas, pork, rice and garlic, which was organised by Warminster Guider Mrs. Pauline Hunt.

Monday was American day and included totem pole teddy bears, and eating hot dogs, beans and burgers, while sitting in teepees, and was organised by Codford Brownie Guider Mrs. Glynis Addington.

On Tuesday everyone enjoyed a coach trip to the Commonwealth Institute in Kensington, London. On their return to the hall in the evening they discovered that the lighting and heating had gone off. However, the leaders’ ingenuity shone through as they prepared eggs and bacon for everybody on one ring. Lighting and heating was soon restored with the help of Mr. Laurence Rice and Mr. Melvin Addington.

Warminster Baden Powell Scout Group, 6th WarminsterGuides And Brownies And Warminster Ranger Guides ~ Gang Show, 1983

Warminster Baden Powell Scout Group,
6th Warminster Guides And Brownies
and
Warminster Ranger Guides
Gang Show
at
The Athenaeum, Warminster,
on
Thursday 7th April 1983 7.30pm,
Friday 8th April 1983 7.30pm,
and
Saturday 9th April 1983 7.30pm.

PROGRAMME
1 Opening Chorus     A Twinkle In Your Eye
2 Cheer Ups     A Noisy Start
3 Keep Fit Cookery     For The Fanatic
4 Rain Ex Members     Will Remember
5 Baking A Cake     With The Brownies
6 The Girls     A Gorgeous Crowd
7 Happiness On Top Of The World     With The Guides
8 The Sparrows     Occupational Hazards!
9 The Little White Cloud     Why Not Join In?
Interval
10 Dreamboat     The Full Company
11 Medical Attention     We’re Only Joking
12 Shanty Town     Join Us Again
13 Six Little Cherubs     Lessons To Be Learned
14 Mary Poppins     Our Version
15 Keen     With The Scouts
16 Final Chorus Going Nowhere

Music: Keith Pearce (Piano); Joyce Pearce (Organ);
              Neville Pearce (Drums); Jim Mitchell (Bass).
Stage Managers: Jim Simpson, Cynthia Johnson.
Scenery and Props: Vincent Johnson, Bob Wareham.
Wardrobe: Pauline Hodder.
Lighting: Simon Venn, Paul Sykes.
Sound: Brian McNeillie.
Publicity: Hazel Shepherd, Derek Atkinson.
Front of House: Peter Rhodes, Jean Lee.
Curtain: Barry Wyatt, Martin Bailey.
Treasurer: Pam Simpson.
Make-Up: Mary Bowers, Ann Rhodes.
Stage Staff:
Nick Bowers, Jean Harrison, David Hiscock,
Dawn Harrison,  Delphine Burgess, Nick Plankenhorn,
Tina Wareham, Susan Wyatt, and Michael Mann.

THE COMPANY

SCOUTS
Timothy Akers, Matthew Anderson, Neil Atkinson,
Gary Bowden, Sean Bowden, David Bowers,
James Bowers, Dean Carr, Craig Corbett,
Anthony Gordon, Shaun Haines, Julian Hodder,
Barrie Horton, Sean House, Robert Hughes,
Mark Jackson, Duncan Joynt, Philip Lewis,
Carl Ley, Simon Lort, Neil Marsh, Stephen Marsh,
Neil McGuckian, Stephen Mead, Adam Morton,
Jamie Munt, Alexander Rall, Simon Rhodes,
Jean-Paul Sant, Keith Smith, Paul Smith,
Peter Simpson, Robert Simpson, Richard Stuart,
Richard Thornton, Jonathan Witts.

WOLF CUBS
Richard Anderson, Paul Beauchamp, Anthony Bright,
Matthew Bright, Simon Burgess, Rupert Butcher,
William Cazzaniga, Timothy Curtis, Richard Dicks,
Steven Folker,  Richard Fuller, Seth George,
Peter Goodenough, Craig Hill, Steven Hill, Paul House,
Christopher Hutton, Michael Kelly, Jason Kent,
Graham Langley, Scott Lawson, Kevin Loud,
Christopher McNarry, Christopher Meaden, Peter Miles,
Kevin Morton, Andrew Pinnell, Nicholas Petty,     
Michael  Pollard, Mark Potter, Daniel Rose,
Daniel Sage, Richard Saunders, Tony Shepherd,
Gary Smith, Matthew Tazewell, Neal Todd,
Mark Wilkinson, Christopher Ward, Paul Whatley,
Daniel Whitmore, Martin Woodham.

RANGER GUIDES
Cherrie Bishop, Heidi Epps, Sharon Harrison,
Julie Hix, Catherine Lilly, Johanna May,
Jackie Satchell, Mary Thornton, Susan Witts.

GUIDES
Sarah Bailey, Melanie Blake, Clare Bowern, Andrea Burgess,
Leslie Carpenter, Lynda Carpenter, Debbie Cooper,
Sharon Corbett, Sally Darvill, Paula Faulker,
Jane Gazely, Kim Hodder, Emma Hopkinson,
Nicola Horton, Pippa Irwin, Andrea Jones,
Louise Jones, Anne Joynt, Heidi Kervill, Katie Kervill,
Alice Lilley, Rachel Lilley, Dawn McDonald,
Karen Miles, Louise Pearce, Katie Price, Kaye Price,
Melissa Randell, Amanda Rhodes, Alison Rice,
Lucinda Rich, Ann-Maria Rose, Alison Sandell,
Kelly Sant, Joanne Simpson, Susan Whatley.

BROWNIES
Justine Ambrose, Julia Beach, Nicola Blake, Sally Coward,
Maria Dew, Sarah Dias, Donna Reed, Joanna Harding,
Helen Harwood, Sarah Hill, Joanna Hook,
Laura King, Cheryl Knight, Samantha Ley,
Clare Mould, Clair Mulholland, Melanie Mulholland, 
Rececca Petty, Sharon   Randell, Nicola Simpson,
Cathryn Smith, Seraphina Storey,
Laura Tazewell, Mandy Welch.

Scouting In Warminster

SCOUTING IN WARMINSTER
Information from a Scouting Programme of 1953:

A troop was formed in Warminster when scouting was only in its infancy, to be precise in 1909, and the troop was the 1st Warminster. It is in the headquarters [the Greenland Hut at Weymouth Street] of this troop, which remained active until 1945 with the exception of a few short periods, that meetings are held. The Hut was erected in 1931, mainly due to the efforts of Mr. W. A. Greenland (sometime Scout Master and District Commissioner) and it was opened by the late Marquis of Bath.

A second group was formed in 1927 by the Rev. H. Wake. Known as the 1st Boreham (St. John’s) Troop, they were presented in 1931 with a grand headquarters [at Boreham Road] by Major and Mrs. O. Teichman in memory of their son Hugo. The St. John’s Troop carried on until the beginning of the Second World War, when, due to a lack of Scouters, disbandment was necessary. The Memorial Room was used for a short period by the Senior Scout section of the present Warminster Group in 1949/1950.

Yet another troop was formed in 1930, the 2nd Warminster (Minster) Troop. During the War this troop was kept going through help given by an American scouter, other adults including the Rev. Large, H. Brown Esq., and the efforts of the Scouts themselves, with Miss H. Marshman acting as Lady Scoutmaster, always ready in the background with helpful guidance.

The end of World War Two saw the return of ex-scouters to the district: Messrs. Houlton, Barber and Culverhouse of the 1st Warminster, and D. Wyer of the St. John’s. Mr. L. G. Turpin, an ex-sea scouter from Plymouth and L. Marchant were also in the town and ready to help. Building on the Minster Troop as the best surviving from the War years and a strong Cub Pack under the leadership of our present Akela, Miss J. W. Goodman, these scouters by an amalgamation of the three town troops formed the present group.

With the many “ups and downs” experienced since the War it will probably be of more interest to re-examine the history in greater detail than hitherto. In 1947 we started with seven Scouters, including one Lady Cubmaster. The group prospered and in 1948 the Summer Camp was held at Osmington Mills, near Weymouth, with six Scouters present. Because of the prohibitive costs of transport the Summer Camp of 1949 was held closer to hand at Hunstrete but with only three Scouters. Later in the year, however, we saw the arrival of the Rev. Norton, who formed a Rover Crew and was a great help to scouting in the town during his stay. With the Channel Islands as the venue, 1950 saw the first and only Rover Scout Camp. The Group Camp was held at Ladram Bay, near Sidmouth. The Seniors cycled and stayed an extra night before returning. The shortage of scouters persisted.

We now come to the darkest hour of scouting in Warminster since the War. The Summer Camp of 1951 was held at Eype, under the worst possible weather conditions, with only two Scouters helping. Later in the year the number of male Scouters was reduced to one! This was the year of the World Jamboree, which was attended by the Troop’s first post-War King’s Scout John Blagden. It was only due to the efforts of St. Boniface College Rover J. Presswell that the Troop survived.

Practically a new start was made in 1952, with Mr. A. Tracey as A.S.M., assisted by A.C.M. J. Blagden. The Summer Camp was held at Iford, in perfect weather, and was a great success. Senior Scouts were present, under S.M. R. Turpin, and also present was an ex-Scouter, J. Hunter, the local Youth Service Officer. Further highlights of 1952 were the combined Guide & Scout Fete held in the grounds of St. Boniface College in the summer, and a visit to London to see the Gang Show at the Golders Green Hippodrome. The P. L.’s saw the old year out with a night hike and the new year in with a “Bun Fight”, afterwards sleeping in the Scout Hut.

The record of 1952 would not be complete without mentioning the visit of H.R.H. Princess Margaret to the combined Scout & Guide Rally at Bowood. Several members of the group were camping with the district contingent and the Troop Flag was carried by Senior P.L.R. Middlebrook. At this function the whole pack was present and they were represented in the Guard of Honour by Leaping Wolf B. Airey.

In October the A. G. M. of the Group was held. The main theme throughout the evening was the shortage of Scouters. This was mentioned by the Chairman, Mr. Goodman, in his opening remarks and was further commented on by A.C.M. J. Blagden, who gave the Group report. The new District Commissioner, Col. J. Reed, introduced himself and added an appeal for men to adopt shorts like himself in the cause of scouting. This appeal was answered by Mr. H. G. House later in the evening, an old Scouter of the St. John’s Group, and Mr. A. Shilling, an ex-Scouter from London. It was decided that they should take out Warrants as G.S.M. and S.M. respectively.

1953 has been a year full of special events. A social in January was held for Senior Scouts to which were invited: Scouters, ex-Scouts, people interested in scouting and the local Guides. Later in the week a party and social was held for the whole Group. Two very enjoyable occasions. Organised by the Warminster Senior Scouts and opened by Mr. F. V. Cowie, the I. H. Q. Commissioner for Senior Scouts, the Wiltshire Senioree was held at Rushpool over Easter. Parents’ Evening, Coronation Events and training camps are such recent events to need no further comment but will take place in history in due time.

The Greenland Hut Opened In 1931

7th March 1931

Contrary to what some people think, the Scouts didn’t acquire the land near the south west corner of the Lake Pleasure Grounds (Town Park), where the Greenland Hut was erected. The land belonged to Warminster Urban District Council who gave permission for the hut to be built there.

The hut was not second-hand. It was built by Messrs Holdoway of Westbury, who submitted a much lower tender than any other of the local tenders received for the work. The cost was £300.

The specifications included “An excellent floor will be laid so that dances in aid of Scout funds can be periodically held there, and also other entertainments staged.” The money was loaned upfront to pay the cost and the Scouts repaid it over a long period by holding dances, whist drives and other events.

Lord Bath officially opened the hut on Saturday 7th March 1931. That evening a whist drive was held in the hut to raise funds towards the building costs.

The hut was to measure 60ft by 24ft (some reports say 60ft by 20ft) and was to be able to seat 300 persons at events and to store the equipment and gym items of the Scouts. It was lit by electric and heated by gas.

The previous scout hut at Woodcock (where Robin Close was built much later) had been in use about seven years and had been the initiative of W. A Greenland, who had in turn been a scout, scoutmaster and district commissioner. The new hut at Weymouth Street was named the Greenland Hut after him, “whose energy was due not only to the maintenance of interest in scouting in Warminster but also to the formation of other troops in the neighbourhood. In recognition of all he has done in this direction, it is proposed to name the new hut The Greenland Hut.”

Mr Greenland had already left Warminster before the hut was built, and he was unable to attend the opening ceremony.

Scouts’ Camp At Boreham Equipped With Wireless

From The Wiltshire Times, Saturday 10th August 1912:

Warminster. Scouts’ Camp Equipped With Wireless.
Fifty Boy Scouts of Warminster and Westbury, in charge of Scoutmasters T.F. Fox and G.G. Hoare, are in camp in a field at Boreham. They had a rather damp experience, with heavy rain, for the first three days . . . . . . Their camp is equipped with wireless telegraphy, by which they have been able to communicate with a Scouts’ camp at Freshford.

General Baden-Powell Visits Boy Scouts In Wiltshire

From The Wiltshire Times, Saturday 12th March 1910:

Boy Scouts. General Baden-Powell Visits Wiltshire.
The Chief Scout, Lieut.-General Sir R.S. Baden Powell, the hero of Mafeking, attended a rally of the Mid-Wilts Boy Scouts at the Corn Exchange, Devizes, on Wednesday. Scouts had gathered from all parts of the county – including Seend, Warminster, Codford, Trowbridge, Bradford, Corsham, Chippenham, and Longleat. A bugle call by Scout Moore, of Trowbridge, was the signal for the troops to form up for inspection, after which came a series of demonstrations, including First Aid by the Trowbridge Scouts and hut-building by those from Seend.