Story: Patrick Duggan
It was 1st April 1943 when the 205th St Catherine’s Scout Group was formally affiliated into the Scout movement. 70 years later, Patrick Duggan continues with reminiscences of the group.
As related in February’s Messenger, the 1960s dawned and the group completed the building of its HQ at Holtwood Road. This was opened in 1962 by District Commissioner Reg Bruce and the Parish Priest, Father John Ward.
The building was in use four nights a week, with meetings of Cubs and Scouts troops. Patrol numbers rose from three to four. The troops went on Easter and Whit camps at Hesley Wood, Squirrel Wood or Silverwood. Midsummer Camps were further afield – the Lake District, Cheshire, Walesby Forest, Auchengillen in Scotland or Kingsdown on the Kent Coast.
The Scout Leader acquired a cine camera, projector and screen. As well as cinematic records of camps and hikes, epics were filmed on location at the HQ Holtwood Road.
During this period, the club leader Peter Smith and the Brownie Leader Anne Buckley married in St Catherine’s Church – the cine camera was again in action.
The following decades saw the group shrink in numbers but not in enthusiasm. In the 1970s, there were changes to the movement following the 1966 ‘Advance Party Report’. However the scout troop gained four advanced scout standards. When, in 1984, the scout movement in Sheffield celebrated 75 years of scouting, the cubs and scouts of the group, together with the leaders, all played their part in the ‘75 show’, held at The Octagon. A District Camp was also held as part of the celebrations at Taly Migned, Snowdonia, Wales. Mount Snowdon was climbed, a slate quarry visited and canoeing practised on a nearby lake. Once again the group played its part.
Since those days, the group has had a grant to refurbish the hut, its HQ and the toilet block, most of the work being done by the leaders, many of whom are either qualified tradesmen in the building industry or very good DIYers. The results of their efforts are very good and, despite being a small group, the Scouts and Cubs keep going. Four Scouts have joined the District Explorer Scout Unit and are enjoying scouting at another level, as well as with the group. In fact this year, the group celebrates its 70th birthday and various activities are being planned.
The group has had the privilege of having the following Scouts attending World Jamborees:- Robert Taylor (1956 Sutton Coldfield), Paul Gerrard (1976 Norjamb, Norway) and Brendan Hudson was chosen as first reserve for the 13th World Jamboree at Asagiri Heights, Nippon (Japan) in August 1971.
New recruits, both children and adults, are always welcome. Age ranges are: – Beavers 6-8 years, Cubs 8-11 years, Scouts 11-14 years. Adults 18 years plus may become leaders. Why not give it a try? If you are interested, please contact our Group Scout leader, Mr. A. Whiffin,
Telephone – 0114 246 3728.