History

The first recorded Scout group in Radcliffe was registered on the 20th August 1924 and was run by Scout Master E K Bacon, with assistant ASC Whyte. In 1926 there was also a troop belonging to the lodge school where Mr Mawson was Scout master.

In 1927 the South East Notts District consisted of troops in Lady Bay, Netherfield, Colwick, Bingham, Whatton, 1st Bridgford, 1st and 2nd Radcliffe on Trent and Upper Broughton. When they came together for a church parade they cycled to the chosen venue.

The association sports day held in July 1927 produced 3 winners from Radcliffe. Wilson winning the high jump, Lygo the obstacle race and the Radcliffe troop the Tug 0' War. In the 1928 sports Radcliffe did well again with Fred Cutler winning the challenge cup for the 2nd Radcliffe Wolf Cub pack.

What must have been a memorable occasion and certainly a highlight for the Scouts was the opening of Gunthorpe bridge in 1927 by the Prince of Wales, as the Scouts formed the guard of honour. On the 19th of October of that year 133 boys paraded at the Weslian chapel in the village before their President Brigg. Gen. Sir E T Ie Marchant.

In the ensuing 5 years Scouting apparently continued to thrive in the village but something must have occurred to bring it all to a halt as records of a Radcliffe Troop ceased from 1932 -1943. Then in the midst of the 2nd World War Harold Bannister inaugurated the present troop on the 30th October. Cubs were formed the following December with Evelyn Pearson as Akela. Madge Payne took over as Akela on the 23rd November 1954 as Evelyn (by then Mrs Savage) was expecting her daughter and in 1966 Madge was succeeded by Freda Hefford who still holds the position in 1992.

In 1946 the present South East Notts district was formed covering the whole of Rushcliffe apart from West Bridgford and it now consists of 15 troops, with 22 packs plus venture Scouts and beavers. The only church big enough to hold them all for the Annual Saint George's Day parade is Southwell Minster to which they go by coach. Gone are the days of cycling to church parade.

The group continued to serve the youth of Radcliffe over the years, the Scouts meeting in the church hall and the cubs in the church rooms ( part of the old vicarage now demolished). The next re- organisation came about due to the establishment of the married quarters for the Royal Canadian Air Force in the village. The C 0 wanted the families to integrate with the local population and on the 8th February 1957 there was a special meeting with the DC and a DC for cubs.

The outcome was a decision to close Hoime Pierrepont cubs which by then had only 12 members, 2 from Basingfield and 10 from Radcliffe and Cotgrave. The assistant cub master Joan Epton to take on the running of a 2nd pack in Radcliffe to be known as 'B pack'. This started on 22nd February 1957, both packs had Canadian helpers. It was decided to change the Radcliffe necker to the red and grey of Holme Pierrepont at a cost of 3s 10d.

Continuing to meet in the church hall and church rooms was not very satisfactory due to the need to compete for bookings with other organisations and it was decided to look for a piece of land on which to build. The Home Brewery offered the area on which the boys brigade hall now stands but it was rejected as they would only offer a yearly lease. Then the building known as the Rosary in Walkers Yard came on the market for £1250 and although the group had less than £300 in the funds the committee under the chairmanship of Mr G Yandett and Group Scout Master, Mr Musgrave, went to inspect it in 1958. It was decided to offer £1000 for the premises which was eventually accepted and an appeals committee under a Mrs Kirkham and others was formed. They raised over £1000 by interest free loans and after various alterations had been carried out, the Scouts and Cubs moved in. What had been living accommodation was used as dens one for each section and the main hall was where the present activity and venture rooms are situated. The formal opening ceremony was performed by Major Bob Hewitt the field commissioner in June 1961.

The next big occasion was the refurbishment of the head quarters through the youth training scheme in 1979. Stan Lamb was the builder in charge and Alan Reid the architect. Peggy Gilks was the GSL and John Parry the Chairman. At this time the cost was £63000. About £36000 came from a grant and the balance was raised by the committee and by more interest free loans. The official re-opening ceremony was performed in 1982 by Sir Michael Nail the Chairman of Notts Scout Council and many of the people connected with the original acquisition of the building were present. Premises are now used by Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Ventures every evening of the week. Coffee morning is held each Saturday.

The main hall can be hired by other organisations on Saturdays. Scouting in Radcliffe has provided simple fun for many boys. They have had the opportunity to meet Scouts from many other countries by attending international camps and taking part in organised overseas visits. The cubs have camped at District camp every year since 1947.
Joan Epton

addendum :- Saturday morning Coffee mornings are regretably no more but now you can learn to dance (if you are young enough). Scout Post started by Sue Ward in 1982. Joan herself retired after many years of leadership and reached the age of 90 this April. Stuart Collins May 2008.

The mid to late 90’s were a time of change. In 1992 the Executive (parents) committee and group finances were under strain. Freda Heaford, Barbara Parkes and Julie Francis reluctantly retired. In the way of things the group still prospered.

Since then the group has expanded. In 1998 there were three cub packs for a short time and the scout group got so big that they could hardly fit into the hall. The formation of two troups, Vikings and Mariners resulted. "Old" scouts Simon Oliver and Paul (Jockey) Johnson gravitated towards leadership of the two troops. The two expansions of numbers were probably the same bulge working its way through. In 2002 GSL Peter Gilkes and District Commissioner (and Viking Scout leader) Phil Currier retired from the group after 30 years service.

In 2003 the group was caused to change the age ranges. The main effect was that at approaching age 14 the scouts joined an Explorers Unit, run by the District and not the Group. The Explorers has a more free-ranging approach and features visits, speakers and some social events. Some also help with the younger groups and can become assistant leaders as a natural progression. D of E can be done. The most radical change was the admittance of girls into scouts. This has been an unqualified success and took numbers to over 100, looked after by about 15 leaders / assistant leaders.

In 2004 the group celebrated its’ 60 years anniversary. If you re-read the first part of this you might note that it was more than 60 years, but 60 years of continuous existance. The “do” at the Grange didn’t need an excuse. It was superbly organised by stalwart Gwyn Farmer.

In 2007 Hillary Frost completed 20 years as Beaver Leader and got the Silver Acorn award. Neil McEwen retired after 15 years of dynamic leadership. Three former Radcliffe scouts have risen to "high office" in the County movement. Phil Currier is the Distict Chairman, Stuart Howells has just been District Commissioner and Steve Day Assistant District Commisioner (Activities). Peter Gilkes manages the Hollygate County campsite. In terms of scouting awards the Group has earned disproportional honours. Joan Epton and Phil Currier have been awarded the (highest) Silver Wolf and Pete Gilkes and mother Peggy have been awarded the Silver Acorn. To all these people scouting has been a large part of their life.

Scouting celebrated the passage of 100 years since Baden Powell took 20-odd boys on camp to Brownsea Island. They said it would never catch on!

That scouting in Radcliffe has retained its popularity is self evident. It is due to the dedication of Scout leaders and supporters of the group, through many good times, and a few difficult periods.

Stuart Collins

Further reading on scouting in general [Beginnings of scouting]