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The “1st” part of the group and the start of scouting in West Bridgford was formed 8th September 1910.
The Scout Leader (formerly known as Scout Master) was warranted with the Skegness district scouts, as this was deemed to be the nearest and most appropriate district.
Unlike the majority of groups the 1st West Bridgford Scout Group was an open group (not affiliated to any church).
The groups kneckerchief was green with yellow edging (green/yellow stripes when correctly rolled).
The HQ was based on Eltham Road, and was basically a wooden shed. The building was called the “Trivett Cabin” named after L. O Trivett who played a major part in founding the 1st West Bridgford Group.
The oldest record of a Group Scout Leader names a Cyril Bishop and after him a Chris Thompson.
The “2nd” part of the group formed in February 1927, previously a Y.M.C.A and was sponsored by the St Giles Church.
The oldest record of a GSL is Mr. Milward (The printers).
The groups kneckerchief was completely gold.
In 1966 the “Advanced Party Report” came into force, and replaced the title of Scout Master with the title of Scout Leader, it also took Scouts out of shorts and into long trousers).
This report also enabled the “1st” and the “2nd” groups to merge as one. Although there was not a need to merge, the following describes the reasons for the merger which took place on 17th July 1968;
The “1st” had many leaders but no scouts and their hut was leased from the council. At the time of merging the Abbey Park housing estate was at the planning stage, and a road was to be built through the hut and the lease withdrawn. This proposal was later abandoned, and the land was leased to the Army Cadets (Houses have now been built, and the Army Cadets have been re-located to Wilford Lane). As for the road “Buckfast Way” was built off Abbey Road.
The “2nd” had exactly the opposite situation. They had no leaders and many scouts, plus a HQ which they owned and was built 12 years previously.
Therefore under the “Advanced Party Report” the 2 groups merged as one, being renamed 1st/2nd West Bridgford Scout Group.
As to show no favouritism it was decided that the group wear a plain red kneckerchief (although we have changed to include the old “1st” and old “2nd” colours in the borders)
Bob Collingwood who was GSL of the “1st” became GSL of the newly merged group.
Our present HQ was built in 1955, and has survived a fire and undergone major improvements to the grounds and the building itself.
Originally the building was one large hall, with a kitchen and toilets. Today the building hosts a large hall, 2 meeting rooms, kitchen, leaders room, regular users store, table store, male/female & disabled toilets, disabled access, large kit store & bus port.
The hall was named “Wightman Hall” after Mr Wightman who was chairperson of the “2nd” at the time of the building work. He raised much of the money needed, but unfortunately passed away soon after the hall was opened in April 1955.
Today (Nov 2008) the hall is rented out to a number of groups, which in turn helps with the up keep of the building.
In terms of Scouting the hall is home to 2 Beaver Colonies (48 children in total), 1 Cub Pack (34 Children) and 1 Scout Troop (40 Children) as well as 14 leaders and 8 committee members.
Many Thanks to Martin Crew for providing this information
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