Scouting tradition at Holtwood

Story & photo: Brent Moya

Sheffield 205th Scout Group were first affiliated into the scout movement on 1st April 1943 during the dark days of World War II. Their Headquarters has been on Holtwood Road, off Abbeyfield Road, since 1959 and was officially opened by the District Commissioner in the summer of 1962.

The hut has recently undergone a major renovation and now comes with full wheelchair access to the side of the building as well as improved toilets and car park.

I was invited to the awards ceremony in which they swam Beavers up into Cubs and invested Cubs into Scouts while proud parents looked on. Rob Kirk of Ecclesfield Scouts was on hand to give out awards.

Pat Duggan, the group's Treasurer, has been involved since he was 8 years of age and has a staggering 64 years of scouting experience under his belt. He says many of their scouts have gone on to enjoy successful working lives, often becoming Doctors, policemen and teachers. "I've never lost my appetite for scouting and believe it is a huge benefit to the young generation who can learn life skills and discipline that will benefit them into their adult lives."

205th Scouts have a history of camping all over the country, having pitched up in Auchengillan, near Glasgow, and Deal, on the Kent Coast overlooking the English Channel. Group leader Alan Whiffin says they have continued this tradition. "We still do camping trips whenever we get chance and have done activity groups for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts," he explained.

Ann Murphy, who led the Beavers for over 25 years, recently called time on her scouting tenure and Pat voiced his concern at the lack of new volunteers, "We do need more volunteers to come forward, especially since Ann retired," he stressed. "It would be ideal if we had more people to offer their services but unfortunately that has not been the case of late."

Group meeting times are as follows:

Beavers (6 to 8 yrs): Mon 6-7pm

Cubs (8 to 10 yrs): Mon 7.15-8.30pm.

Scouts (10 to 14/15 yrs): Fridays 7.15 to 9.00 pm

Subscriptions are £1.50 each.

All meetings held at The Scout Hut, Holtwood Rd. Contact the Group Scout Leader, Mr A Whiffin 0114 246 3728