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Memories of the 2nd Nobs
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| Thriving: Leaders Peter Morris and Dave Battern with several of the 2nd Norbiton scouts |
2nd Norbiton was formed in 1950 by Mrs Connie Bangs with the help of the late Mrs M Batson, the assistant district commissioner.
Initially, the group began with a wolf cub pack, which used to meet in St Stephen's Hall in Vincent Road, next to St Vincent's Church.
As they were in a new pack, the cubs were invited to join 1st Norbiton scout group meetings held at the Parish Rooms in Washington Road to get a good idea on how to go about expanding the group.
After 1st Norbiton later disbanded, and a fire ravaged St Vincent's Church and St Stephen's Hall, 2nd Norbiton moved in the 1970s to hold meetings of its own in the Parish Rooms and have met there ever since.
The group is now sponsored by St Peter's Church and consists of a beaver colony, a cub pack and a scout troop.
It also has its own website, called NobWeb, at 2ndnorbiton.org.uk
Memories of jamborees and summer camps
Colin Clark was a 2nd Norbiton cub, scout and venture scout in the 1960s and 70s.
He writes: "I have very pleasant memories of 2nd Nobs, which gave me the opportunity to try so many activities that I would never have had the chance of experiencing if it were not for the marvellous work of the leaders and helpers in those days.
"I used to go to camp as often as I could. I remember going to Seasalter with the cubs and listening out for Auntie Mabel's Ghost Train in our bunks at 12 o'clock!
"In the scout troop, I remember going to Polyapes, Walton Firs, and Bentley Copse among others and I loved every camp I could possibly get to.
"The pinnacle of my scout camping life though was going to Sweden in about 1970 or thereabouts, for the scout jamboree.
"Boy, what a camp that was! It was a three-week camp, split into two halves. The first half was spent under canvas with so many other troops from all over the world. The atmosphere was fantastic.
"Unfortunately, all I can remember about the camping part was admiring the Swedish scout uniform (which was a denim shirt and Levi jeans with group scarf), and falling in love for the first time with a Norwegian girl guide by the name of Gudy Fossum.
"I used to write to her nearly every month for about a year after the camp until she mentioned in her letter that I ought to write to her sister more as she knew me from the camp and she fancied me as well!
"The second half of the camp was spent with a family in Monsteras in Sweden, which I shared with Glyn Pilsbury (Pilchards') where I spent my time fishing, rifle-shooting, water-skiing and learning about farming and caring for animals.
"But getting back to the scouts, apart from the actual troop meetings, I remember being part of the football team and the Kingston and Malden District Group Scout Band which consisted of 3rd Molesey, 1st Hook and us.
"Geoff was a marvellous bugle and drum instructor and I progressed from bugle to cymbals to tenor drum and onwards to become lead drummer in the side drum section.
"We used to practise at Tiffin Boys' School and I remember winning the County Youth Marching Band Championships in the early 70s and what a great feeling of pride that was."
Geoff Mynott first became a cub in 1941, although for only nine months because of the air raids.
Evacuated in 1943, he rejoined as a scout with 18th Rochdale in Lancashire.
Returning to the Royal borough, Geoff became involved with Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band, as it is now known, from its inception in 1950 right through to his retirement, and held the position of bandmaster for some 35 years.
In 1953, as part of his national service, he was posted to Moascar in Egypt and there he ran the cub pack.
After national service, Geoff returned to England and took up the role of scout leader with 2nd Norbiton, running summer camps in places like Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland and Holland. He moved on to become group scout leader for a time, rising to become district commissioner for Kingston and Malden.
After his tenure as district commissioner, Geoff spent 12 years as scout leader with Bedlesford School Scout Troop, a troop for handicapped scouts.
During the latter years, Geoff reforged the links with 2nd Norbiton, holding several joint summer camps, until Bedlesford Troop closed.
Geoff then returned to 2nd Norbiton as scout leader, bringing many of the handicapped scouts with him.
He continued as scout leader with 2nd Norbiton until age forced him to stand down from the role, though he continued to attend troop meetings as a helper, run the accounts and attend summer and weekend camps.
Geoff was awarded the prestigious Silver Wolf in 1998 and died in June 2000.
Next week: 2nd Hook
4:38pm Wednesday 11th July 2007
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CommentPosted by: nathan, eehs on 1:19pm Thu 24 Jan 08
its a bad piture of me (one in the middel)
its a bad piture of me (one in the middel)
Posted by: Peter Pepperrell on 8:16pm Sat 16 Feb 08
I was a member of the 2nd Norbiton Cub Pack (c) 1950 - 52 and i remember parading to Kingston Parish Church, it must have been a St Georges Day Parade, I carried vthe 2nd Norbiton Flag
I was a member of the 2nd Norbiton Cub Pack (c) 1950 - 52 and i remember parading to Kingston Parish Church, it must have been a St Georges Day Parade, I carried vthe 2nd Norbiton Flag
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